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Author Irtem, E.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Duarte, M.; Choukroun, D.; Lee, S.; Ibáñez, M.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Ligand-Mode Directed Selectivity in Cu–Ag Core–Shell Based Gas Diffusion Electrodes for CO2Electroreduction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication (up) Acs Catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal  
  Volume Issue Pages 13468-13478  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract Bimetallic nanoparticles with tailored size and specific composition have shown promise as stable and selective catalysts for electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2R) in batch systems. Yet, limited effort was devoted to understand the effect of ligand coverage and postsynthesis treatments on CO2 reduction, especially under industrially applicable conditions, such as at high currents (>100 mA/cm2) using gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) and flow reactors. In this work, Cu–Ag core–shell nanoparticles (11 ± 2 nm) were prepared with three different surface modes: (i) capped with oleylamine, (ii) capped with monoisopropylamine, and (iii) surfactant free with a reducing borohydride agent; Cu–Ag (OAm), Cu–Ag (MIPA), and Cu–Ag (NaBH4), respectively. The ligand exchange and removal was evidenced by infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis, whereas high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) showed their effect on the interparticle distance and nanoparticle rearrangement. Later on, we developed a process-on-substrate method to track these effects on CO2R. Cu–Ag (OAm) gave a lower on-set potential for hydrocarbon production, whereas Cu–Ag (MIPA) and Cu–Ag (NaBH4) promoted syngas production. The electrochemical impedance and surface area analysis on the well-controlled electrodes showed gradual increases in the electrical conductivity and active surface area after each surface treatment. We found that the increasing amount of the triple phase boundaries (the meeting point for the electron–electrolyte–CO2 reactant) affect the required electrode potential and eventually the C+2e̅/C2e̅ product ratio. This study highlights the importance of the electron transfer to those active sites affected by the capping agents—particularly on larger substrates that are crucial for their industrial application.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000592978900031 Publication Date 2020-11-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2155-5435 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.9 Times cited 23 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors also acknowledge financial support from the University Research Fund (BOF-GOA-PS ID No. 33928). S.L. has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie SkłodowskaCurie Grant Agreement No. 665385. Approved Most recent IF: 12.9; 2020 IF: 10.614  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:173803 Serial 6432  
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Author Choukroun, D.; Pacquets, L.; Li, C.; Hoekx, S.; Arnouts, S.; Baert, K.; Hauffman, T.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Mapping composition–selectivity relationships of supported sub-10 nm Cu–Ag nanocrystals for high-rate CO₂ electroreduction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication (up) Acs Nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano  
  Volume 15 Issue 9 Pages 14858-14872  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract Colloidal Cu–Ag nanocrystals measuring less than 10 nm across are promising candidates for integration in hybrid CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) interfaces, especially in the context of tandem catalysis and selective multicarbon (C2–C3) product formation. In this work, we vary the synthetic-ligand/copper molar ratio from 0.1 to 1.0 and the silver/copper atomic ratio from 0 to 0.7 and study the variations in the nanocrystals’ size distribution, morphology and reactivity at rates of ≥100 mA cm–2 in a gas-fed recycle electrolyzer operating under neutral to mildly basic conditions (0.1–1.0 M KHCO3). High-resolution electron microscopy and spectroscopy are used in order to characterize the morphology of sub-10 nm Cu–Ag nanodimers and core–shells and to elucidate trends in Ag coverage and surface composition. It is shown that Cu–Ag nanocrystals can be densely dispersed onto a carbon black support without the need for immediate ligand removal or binder addition, which considerably facilitates their application. Although CO2RR product distribution remains an intricate function of time, (kinetic) overpotential and processing conditions, we nevertheless conclude that the ratio of oxygenates to hydrocarbons (which depends primarily on the initial dispersion of the nanocrystals and their composition) rises 3-fold at moderate Ag atom % relative to Cu NCs-based electrodes. Finally, the merits of this particular Cu–Ag/C system and the recycling reactor employed are utilized to obtain maximum C2–C3 partial current densities of 92–140 mA cm–2 at −1.15 VRHE and liquid product concentrations in excess of 0.05 wt % in 1 M KHCO3 after short electrolysis periods.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000703553600082 Publication Date 2021-08-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 13.942 Times cited 25 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes D.C. acknowledges Thomas Kenis for configuring the analytical instrumentation (HPLC/GC-FID/ICP-MS), Hannelore Andries for assistance with ICP-MS measurements, and Dr. Saeid Pourbabak and Dr. Tine Derez for assistance with Cu sputtering. L.P. was supported by Research Foundation of Flanders (FWO 1S56920N). S.B. acknowledges financial support from ERC Consolidator grant number 815128 REALNANO. S.B. and T.B. acknowledge financial support from the university research fund (BOF-GOA-PS ID no. 33928).; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 13.942  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180305 Serial 6844  
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Author Daele, K.V.; Arenas‐Esteban, D.; Choukroun, D.; Hoekx, S.; Rossen, A.; Daems, N.; Pant, D.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Enhanced Pomegranate‐Structured SnO2Electrocatalysts for the Electrochemical CO2Reduction to Formate Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication (up) ChemElectroChem Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract Although most state-of-the-art Sn-based electrocatalysts yield promising results in terms of selectivity and catalyst activity, their stability remains insufficient to date. Here, we demonstrate the successful application of the recently developed pomegranate-structured SnO2 (Pom. SnO2) and SnO2@C (Pom. SnO2@C) nanocomposite electrocatalysts for the efficient electrochemical conversion of CO2 to formate. With an initial selectivity of 83 and 86% towards formate and an operating potential of -0.72 V and -0.64 V vs. RHE, respectively, these pomegranate SnO2 electrocatalysts are able to compete with most of the current state-of-the-art Sn-based electrocatalysts in terms of activity and selectivity. Given the importance of electrocatalyst stability, long-term experiments (24 h) were performed and a temporary loss in selectivity for the Pom. SnO2@C electrocatalyst was largely restored to its initial selectivity upon drying and exposure to air. Of all the used (24 h) electrocatalysts, the pomegranate SnO2@C had the highest selectivity over a time period of one hour, reaching an average recovered FE of 85%, while the commercial SnO2 and bare pomegranate SnO2 electrocatalysts reached an average of 79 and 80% FE towards formate, respectively. Furthermore, the pomegranate structure of Pom. SnO2@C was largely preserved due to the presence of the heterogeneous carbon shell, which acts as a protective layer, physically inhibiting particle segregation/pulverisation and agglomeration.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000936694800001 Publication Date 2023-02-15  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2196-0216 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes European Regional Development Fund, E2C 2S03-019 ; Approved Most recent IF: 4; 2023 IF: 4.136  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:195228 Serial 7249  
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Author Pauwels, D.; Geboes, B.; Hereijgers, J.; Choukroun, D.; De Wael, K.; Breugelmans, T. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The application of an electrochemical microflow reactor for the electrosynthetic aldol reaction of acetone to diacetone alcohol Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication (up) Chemical engineering research and design Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng Res Des  
  Volume 128 Issue Pages 205-213  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract The design and application of an electrochemical micro-flow reactor for the aldol reaction of acetone to diacetone alcohol (DAA) is reported. The modular reactor could be readily disassembled and reassembled to change the electrodes, incorporate a membrane and remove possible obstructions. The productivity and efficiency was quantified. Using a platinum deposit as electrocatalyst or an inert glassy carbon electrode as working electrode, the maximum obtainable equilibrium concentration of ±15 m% was reached after a single pass up to a flow rate of 8 ml min−1, yielding 0.57 g min−1 DAA (3.46 mmol cm−3 min−1) at an efficiency of 0.33 g C−1 on platinum and 0.50 g min−1 (3.04 mmol cm−3 min−1) at 1.20 g C−1 on glassy carbon. Note that no optimisation studies have been made in the present paper.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000424736500018 Publication Date 2017-10-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0263-8762 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.538 Times cited 2 Open Access  
  Notes ; The authors would like to thank Bert De Mot for assisting with the measurements. Jonas Hereijgers greatly acknowledges the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) for support through a Post-Doctoral grant (12Q8817N). ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.538  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:146943 Serial 5871  
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Author Arenas Esteban, D.; Pacquets, L.; Choukroun, D.; Hoekx, S.; Kadu, A.A.; Schalck, J.; Daems, N.; Breugelmans, T.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title 3D characterization of the structural transformation undergone by Cu@Ag core-shell nanoparticles following CO₂ reduction reaction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication (up) Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 35 Issue 17 Pages 6682-6691  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract The increasing use of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is significantly advancing the field of electrocatalysis. In particular, Cu/Ag bimetallic interfaces are widely used to enhance the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO(2)RR) toward CO and, more recently, C-2 products. However, drastic changes in the product distribution and performance when Cu@Ag core-shell configurations are used can often be observed under electrochemical reaction conditions, especially during the first few minutes of the reaction. Possible structural changes that generate these observations remain underexplored; therefore, the structure-property relationship is hardly understood. In this study, we use electron tomography to investigate the structural transformation mechanism of Cu@Ag core-shells NPs during the critical first minutes of the eCO(2)RR. In this manner, we found that the crystallinity of the Cu seed determines whether the formation of a complete and homogeneous Ag shell is possible. Moreover, by tracking the particles' transformations, we conclude that modifications of the Cu-Ag interface and Cu2O enrichment at the surface of the NPs are key factors contributing to the product generation changes. These insights provide a better understanding of how bimetallic core-shell NPs transform under electrochemical conditions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001061530700001 Publication Date 2023-08-31  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756; 1520-5002 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 29.02.2024  
  Notes L.P. was supported through a PhD fellowship for strategicbasic research (1S56920N) of the Research Foundation – Flanders(FWO). S.H. was supported through a PhD fellowship for strategic basicresearch (1S42623N) of the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO).S.B., D.A.E., and A.A.K. acknowledge financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO. This research was financed by the researchcouncil of the University of Antwerp (BOF-GOA 33928). Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2023 IF: 9.466  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199187 Serial 8825  
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Author Choukroun, D.; Daems, N.; Kenis, T.; Van Everbroeck, T.; Hereijgers, J.; Altantzis, T.; Bals, S.; Cool, P.; Breugelmans, T. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Bifunctional nickel-nitrogen-doped-carbon-supported copper electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication (up) Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C  
  Volume 124 Issue 124 Pages 1369-1381  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract Bifunctionality is a key feature of many industrial catalysts, supported metal clusters and particles in particular, and the development of such catalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to hydrocarbons and alcohols is gaining traction in light of recent advancements in the field. Carbon-supported Cu nanoparticles are suitable candidates for integration in the state-of-the-art reaction interfaces, and here, we propose, synthesize, and evaluate a bifunctional Ni–N-doped-C-supported Cu electrocatalyst, in which the support possesses active sites for selective CO2 conversion to CO and Cu nanoparticles catalyze either the direct CO2 or CO reduction to hydrocarbons. In this work, we introduce the scientific rationale behind the concept, its applicability, and the challenges with regard to the catalyst. From the practical aspect, the deposition of Cu nanoparticles onto carbon black and Ni–N–C supports via an ammonia-driven deposition precipitation method is reported and explored in more detail using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) give further evidence of the presence of Cu-containing nanoparticles on the Ni–N–C supports while revealing an additional relationship between the nanoparticle’s composition and the electrode’s electrocatalytic performance. Compared to the benchmark carbon black-supported Cu catalysts, Ni–N–C-supported Cu delivers up to a 2-fold increase in the partial C2H4 current density at −1.05 VRHE (C1/C2 = 0.67) and a concomitant 10-fold increase of the CO partial current density. The enhanced ethylene production metrics, obtained by virtue of the higher intrinsic activity of the Ni–N–C support, point out toward a synergistic action between the two catalytic functionalities.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000508467700015 Publication Date 2020-01-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1932-7447; 1932-7455 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited 24 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; N.D. acknowledges sponsoring from the research foundation of Flanders (FWO) in the frame of a postdoctoral grant (12Y3919N N.D.). J.H. greatly acknowledges the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for support through a postdoctoral fellowship (28761). T.V.E. and P.C. acknowledge financial support from the EU-Partial-PGMs project (H2020NMP-686086). The authors also acknowledge financial support from the university research fund (BOF-GOA PS ID No. 33928). ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2020 IF: 4.536  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165326 Serial 6286  
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Author Daems, N.; De Mot, B.; Choukroun, D.; Van Daele, K.; Li, C.; Hubin, A.; Bals, S.; Hereijgers, J.; Breugelmans, T. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Nickel-containing N-doped carbon as effective electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to CO in a continuous-flow electrolyzer Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication (up) Sustainable energy & fuels Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 4 Issue 4 Pages 1296-1311  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract Nickel-containing N-doped carbons were synthesized for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO, which is a promising approach to reduce the atmospheric CO2 levels and its negative impact on the environment. Unfortunately, poor performance (activity, selectivity and/or stability) is still a major hurdle for the economical implementation of this type of materials. The electrocatalysts were prepared through an easily up-scalable and easily tunable method based on the pyrolysis of Ni-containing N-doped carbons. Ni–N–AC–B1 synthesized with a high relative amount of nitrogen and nickel with respect to carbon, was identified as the most promising candidate for this reaction based on its partial CO current density (4.2 mA cm−2), its overpotential (0.57 V) and its faradaic efficiency to CO (>99%). This results in unprecedented values for the current density per g active sites (690 A g−1 active sites). Combined with its decent stability and its high performance in an actual electrolyzer setup, this makes it a promising candidate for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO on a larger scale. Finally, the evaluation of this kind of material in a flow-cell setup has been limited and to the best of our knowledge never included an evaluation of several crucial parameters (e.g. electrolyte type, anode composition and membrane type) and is an essential investigation in the move towards up-scaling and ultimately industrial application of this technique. This study resulted in an optimal cell configuration, consisting of Pt as an anode, Fumatech® as the membrane and 1 M KHCO3 and 2 M KOH as catholyte and anolyte, respectively. In conclusion, this research offers a unique combination of electrocatalyst development and reactor optimization.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000518690900030 Publication Date 2019-12-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 14 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; The authors acknowledge sponsoring from the research foundation of Flanders (FWO) in the frame of a post-doctoral grant (12Y3919N – ND). J. Hereijgers was supported through a postdoctoral fellowship (28761) of the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). This project was co-funded by the Interreg 2 Seas-Program 2014-2020, co-.nanced by the European Fund for Regional Development in the frame of subsidiary contract nr 2S03-019. This work was further performed in the framework of the Catalisti cluster SBO project CO2PERATE (“All renewable CCU based on formic acid integrated in an industrial microgrid”), with the.nancial support of VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship). This project.nally received funding from the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant 815128, REALNANO). We thank Karen Leyssens for helping with the N<INF>2</INF> physisorption measurements and Kitty Baert (VUB) for analyzing the samples with XPS and Raman. ; sygma Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165482 Serial 6311  
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Author Li, C.; Tardajos, A.P.; Wang, D.; Choukroun, D.; Van Daele, K.; Breugelmans, T.; Bals, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title A simple method to clean ligand contamination on TEM grids Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication (up) Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 221 Issue Pages 113195  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract Colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) including nanowires and nanosheets made by chemical methods involve many organic ligands. When the structure of NPs is investigated via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the organic ligands act as a source for e-beam induced deposition and this causes substantial build-up of carbon layers in the investigated areas, which is typically referred to as “contamination” in the eld of electron mi- croscopy. This contamination is often more severe for scanning TEM, a technique that is based on a focused electron beam and hence higher electron dose rate. In this paper, we report a simple and effective method to clean drop-cast TEM grids that contain NPs with ligands. Using a combination of activated carbon and ethanol, this method effectively reduces the amount of ligands on TEM grids, and therefore greatly improves the quality of electron microscopy images and subsequent analytical measurements. This ef cient and facile method can be helpful during electron microscopy investigation of different kinds of nanomaterials that suffer from ligand- induced contamination.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language Wos 000612539600002 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This research was funded by the University Antwerp GOA project (ID 33928). DW acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020 program (grant 894254 SuprAtom). Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:174947 Serial 6666  
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