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Author Mayer, J.A.; Offermans, T.; Chrapa, M.; Pfannmöller, M.; Bals, S.; Ferrini, R.; Nisato, G. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (up) Optical enhancement of a printed organic tandem solar cell using diffractive nanostructures Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Optics express Abbreviated Journal Opt Express  
  Volume 26 Issue 26 Pages A240  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Solution processable organic tandem solar cells offer a promising approach to achieve cost-effective, lightweight and flexible photovoltaics. In order to further enhance the efficiency of optimized organic tandem cells, diffractive light-management nanostructures were designed for an optimal redistribution of the light as function of both wavelength and propagation angles in both sub-cells. As the fabrication of these optical structures is compatible with roll-to-roll production techniques such as hot-embossing or UV NIL imprinting, they present an optimal cost-effective solution for printed photovoltaics. Tandem cells with power conversion efficiencies of 8-10% were fabricated in the ambient atmosphere by doctor blade coating, selected to approximate the conditions during roll-to-roll manufacturing. Application of the light management structure onto an 8.7% efficient encapsulated tandem cell boosted the conversion efficiency of the cell to 9.5%. (C) 2018 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000427900400003 Publication Date 2018-02-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1094-4087 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.307 Times cited 9 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; FP7 European collaborative project SUNFLOWER (FP7-ICT-2011-7, grant number 287594); German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (03xEK3504, project TAURUS); FP7 European project ESTEEM2 (grant number 312483); HEiKA centre FunTECH-3D. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.307  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:150839UA @ admin @ c:irua:150839 Serial 4975  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Rijnders, G.; Blank, D.H.A.; Leca, V.; Salluzzo, M. doi  openurl
  Title (up) Optimisation of superconducting thin films by TEM Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2002 Publication Physica: C : superconductivity Abbreviated Journal Physica C  
  Volume 372/376 Issue part 2 Pages 711-714  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract High-resolution electron microscopy is used to study the initial growth of different REBa2CU3O7-5 thin films. In DyBa2CU3O7-5 ultra-thin films, deposited on TiO2 terminated SrTiO3, two different types of interface arrangements occur: bulk-SrO-TiO2-BaO-CuO-BaO-CuO2-Dy-CuO2-BaO-bulk and bulk-SrO-TiO2-BaO-CuO2-Dy-CuO2-BaO-CuO-BaO-bulk. This variable growth sequence is the origin of the presence of antiphase boundaries. In Nd1+xBa2-xCu3O7-5 thin films, antiphase boundaries tend to annihilate by the insertion of extra Nd-layers. This annihilation is correlated with the flat morphology of the film and the absence of growth spirals at the surface of the Nd-rich films. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000178018800033 Publication Date 2002-08-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0921-4534; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.404 Times cited 6 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.404; 2002 IF: 0.912  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:54796 Serial 2485  
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Author Altantzis, T.; Wang, D.; Kadu, A.; van Blaaderen, A.; Bals, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (up) Optimized 3D Reconstruction of Large, Compact Assemblies of Metallic Nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C  
  Volume 125 Issue 47 Pages 26240-26246  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract 3D characterization of assemblies of nanoparticles is of great importance to determine their structure-property connection. Such investigations become increasingly more challenging when the assemblies become larger and more compact. In this paper, we propose an optimized approach for electron tomography to minimize artefacts related to beam broadening in High Angle Annular Dark-Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy mode. These artefacts are typically present at one side of the reconstructed 3D data set for thick nanoparticle assemblies. To overcome this problem, we propose a procedure in which two tomographic tilt series of the same sample are acquired. After acquiring the first series, the sample is flipped over 180o, and a second tilt series is acquired. By merging the two reconstructions, blurring in the reconstructed volume is minimized. Next, this approach is combined with an advanced three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm yielding quantitative structural information. Here, the approach is applied to a thick and compact assembly of spherical Au nanoparticles, but the methodology can we used to investigate a broad range of samples.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000752810100031 Publication Date 2021-12-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (grant No. 815128−REALNANO to S.B.). T.A. acknowledges the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). D.W. and A.v.B. acknowledge partial financial support from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Seventh Framework Program (FP-2007-2013)/ERC Advanced Grant Agreement 291667 HierarSACol. D.W. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020 program (grant 894254 SuprAtom).; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 4.536  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:185224 Serial 6904  
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Author Boschker, H.; Huijben, M.; Vailinois, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Aert, S.; Luysberg, M.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Houwman, E.P.; Koster, G.; Blank, D.H.A.; Rijnders, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title (up) Optimized fabrication of high-quality La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 thin films considering all essential characteristics Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication Journal of physics: D: applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Phys D Appl Phys  
  Volume 44 Issue 20 Pages 205001-205001,9  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In this paper, an overview of the fabrication and properties of high-quality La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) thin films is given. A high-quality LSMO film combines a smooth surface morphology with a large magnetization and a small residual resistivity, while avoiding precipitates and surface segregation. In the literature, typically only a few of these issues are adressed. We therefore present a thorough characterization of our films, which were grown by pulsed laser deposition. The films were characterized with reflection high energy electron diffraction, atomic force microscopy, x-ray diffraction, magnetization and transport measurements, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The films have a saturation magnetization of 4.0 µB/Mn, a Curie temperature of 350 K and a residual resistivity of 60 µΩ cm. These results indicate that high-quality films, combining both large magnetization and small residual resistivity, were realized. A comparison between different samples presented in the literature shows that focussing on a single property is insufficient for the optimization of the deposition process. For high-quality films, all properties have to be adressed. For LSMO devices, the thin-film quality is crucial for the device performance. Therefore, this research is important for the application of LSMO in devices.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication London Editor  
  Language Wos 000290150900001 Publication Date 2011-04-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-3727;1361-6463; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.588 Times cited 99 Open Access  
  Notes This research was financially supported by the Dutch Science Foundation, by NanoNed, a nanotechnology program of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, and by the NanOxide program of the European Science Foundation. This work is supported in part by the Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering, under contract DE-AC02-76SF00515. Approved Most recent IF: 2.588; 2011 IF: 2.544  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:89557UA @ admin @ c:irua:89557 Serial 2491  
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Author Cremers, V.; Rampelberg, G.; Barhoum, A.; Walters, P.; Claes, N.; Oliveira, T.M. de; Assche, G.V.; Bals, S.; Dendooven, J.; Detavernier, C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Oxidation barrier of Cu and Fe powder by Atomic Layer Deposition Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Surface and coatings technology Abbreviated Journal Surf Coat Tech  
  Volume 349 Issue 349 Pages 1032-1041  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a vapor based technique which allows to deposit uniform, conformal films with a thickness control at the atomic scale. In this research, Al 2 O 3 coatings were deposited on micrometer-sized Fe and Cu powder (particles) using the thermal trimethylaluminum (TMA)/ water (H 2 O) process in a rotary pump-type ALD reactor. Rotation of the powder during deposition was required to obtain a pinhole-free ALD coating. The protective nature of the coating was evaluated by quantifying its effectiveness in protecting the metal particles during oxidative annealing treatments. The Al 2 O 3 coated powders were annealed in ambient air while in-situ thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and in-situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) data were acquired. The thermal stability of a series of Cu and Fe powder with different Al 2 O 3 thicknesses were determined with TGA. In both samples a clear shift in oxidation temperature is visible. For Cu and Fe powder coated with 25 nm Al 2 O 3 , we observed an increase of the oxidation temperature with 300-400°C. For the Cu powder a thin film of only 8 nm is required to obtain an initial increase in oxidation temperature of 200°C. In contrast, for Fe powder a thicker coating of 25 nm is required. In both cases, the oxidation temperature increases with increasing thickness of the Al 2 O 3 coating. These results illustrate that the Al 2 O 3 thin film, deposited by the thermal ALD process (TMA/H 2 O) can be an efficient and pinhole-free barrier layer for micrometer-sized powder particles, provided that the powder is properly agitated during the process to ensure sufficient vapour-solid interaction.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000441492600108 Publication Date 2018-06-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0257-8972 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.589 Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the Strategic Initiative Materials in Flanders (SIM, SBO-FUNC project) and the Special Research Fund BOF of Ghent University (GOA 01G01513). J. D. acknowledges the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen) for a postdoctoral fellowship. N.C. and S.B. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant 335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors acknowledge S. Goeteyn for the assistance in preliminary depositions. (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 2.589  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:152174UA @ admin @ c:irua:152174 Serial 4994  
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Author Ramesha, B.M.; Pawlak, B.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Reekmans, G.; Bals, S.; Marchal, W.; Carleer, R.; Adriaensens, P.; Meynen, V. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Partial hydrolysis of diphosphonate ester during the formation of hybrid Tio₂ nanoparticles : role of acid concentration Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ChemPhysChem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages e202300437-13  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)  
  Abstract In the present work, a method was utilized to control the in‐situ partial hydrolysis of a diphosphonate ester in presence of a titania precursor and in function of acid content and its impact on the hybrid nanoparticles was assessed. The hydrolysis degree of organodiphosphonate ester linkers during the formation of hybrid organic‐inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles, are relatively underexplored . Quantitative solution NMR spectroscopy revealed that during the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles, an increase in acid concentration introduces a higher degree of partial hydrolysis of the TEPD linker into diverse acid/ester derivatives of TEPD. Increasing the HCl/Ti ratio from 1 to 3, resulted in an increase in degree of partial hydrolysis of the TEPD linker in solution from 4% to 18.8% under the here applied conditions. As a result of the difference in partial hydrolysis, the linker‐TiO2 bonding was altered. Upon subsequent drying of the colloidal TiO2 solution, different textures, at nanoscale and macroscopic scale, were obtained dependent on the HCl/Ti ratio and thus the degree of hydrolysis of TEPD. Understanding such linker‐TiO2 nanoparticle surface dynamics is crucial for making hybrid organic‐inorganic materials (i.e. (porous) metal phosphonates) employed in applications such as electronic/photonic devices, separation technology and heterogeneous catalysts.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001071673900001 Publication Date 2023-09-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1439-4235; 1439-7641 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 2.9 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 05.03.2024  
  Notes This work was supported by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen) Project G.0121.17 N. The work was further supported by Hasselt University and the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen) via the Hercules project AUHL/15/2 – GOH3816 N. V. M. acknowledges the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for project K801621 N. B. M. R. acknowledges, Prof. Dr. Christophe Detavernier and Dr. Davy Deduystche (COCOON, Ghent University) for PXRD and VT-XRD measurements, Prof. Dr. Christophe Van De Velde (iPRACS, University of Antwerp) and Dr. Radu Ciocarlan (LADCA, University of Antwerp) for helpful discussions on PXRD measurements and Dr. Nick Gys (University of Antwerp and VITO) for ICP-OES measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 2.9; 2023 IF: 3.075  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198934 Serial 8911  
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Author De Schouwer, F.; Claes, L.; Claes, N.; Bals, S.; Degrève, J.; De Vos, D.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Pd-catalyzed decarboxylation of glutamic acid and pyroglutamic acid to bio-based 2-pyrrolidone Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Green chemistry : cutting-edge research for a greener sustainable future Abbreviated Journal Green Chem  
  Volume 17 Issue 17 Pages 2263-2270  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In order to recycle nitrogen from nitrogen-rich waste streams, particularly protein waste, we studied the decarboxylation of pyroglutamic acid and glutamic acid in a one-pot reaction to bio-based 2-pyrrolidone. After the screening of a wide range of supported Pd and Pt catalysts, 5 wt% Pd/Al2O3 displayed the highest yield (70%) and selectivity (81%) for the decarboxylation of pyroglutamic acid in water at 250 °C and under an inert atmosphere. Side products originate from consecutive reactions of 2-pyrrolidone; different reaction pathways are proposed to explain the presence of degradation products like propionic acid, γ-hydroxybutyric acid, γ-butyrolactone and methylamine. An extensive study of the reaction parameters was performed to check their influence on selectivity and conversion. This heterogeneous catalytic system was successfully extended to the conversion of glutamic acid.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication London Editor  
  Language Wos 000352724200027 Publication Date 2015-02-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1463-9262;1463-9270; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.125 Times cited 47 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.125; 2015 IF: 8.020  
  Call Number c:irua:125378 Serial 2564  
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Author Verduyckt, J.; Van Hoof, M.; De Schouwer, F.; Wolberg, M.; Kurttepeli, M.; Eloy, P.; Gaigneaux, E.M.; Bals, S.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; De Vos, D.E. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (up) PdPb-catalyzed decarboxylation of proline to pyrrolidine : highly selective formation of a biobased amine in water Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication ACS catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal  
  Volume 6 Issue 6 Pages 7303-7310  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Amino acids have huge potential as platform chemicals in the biobased industry. Pd-catalyzed decarboxylation is a very promising route for the valorization of these natural compounds derived from protein waste or fermentation. We report that the highly abundant and nonessential amino acid L-proline is very reactive in the Pd-catalyzed decarboxylation. Full conversions are obtained with Pd/C and different Pd/MeOx catalysts; this allowed the identification of the different side reactions and the mapping of the reaction network. Due to the high reactivity of pyrrolidine, the selectivity for pyrrolidine was initially low. By carefully modifying Pd/ZrO2 with Pb in a controlled manner-via two incipient wetness impregnation steps-the selectivity increased remarkably. Finally, a thorough investigation of the reaction parameters resulted in an increased activity of this modified catalyst and an even further enhanced selectivity under a low H-2 pressure of 4 bar at 235 degrees C in water. This results in a very selective and sustainable production route for the highly interesting pyrrolidine.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000387306100005 Publication Date 2016-09-16  
  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 10.614 Times cited 27 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; J.V. and F.D.S. thank Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO) and Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology (IWT) for doctoral fellowships. D.D.V. acknowledges IWT and FWO for research project funding. D.D.V. and C.E.A.K. acknowledge the Flemish government for long-term structural funding through Methusalem. D.D.V. and S.B. acknowledge Belspo (IAP-PAI 7/05) for financial support. S.B. is grateful for funding by the European Research Council (ERC starting grant no. 335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors also thank the Department of Chemistry, University of Cologne, Germany for use of their XRD equipment. Finally, the assistance of Karel Duerinckx, Werner Wouters, Walter Vermandel, Ivo Stassen, Dries Jonckheere, Sabina Accardo and Bart Bueken with 11-1 NMR, pressure reactors, CO chemisorption, N<INF>2</INF> physisorption, SEM, gas phase FTIR and high-throughput XRD, respectively, is very much appreciated. ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 10.614  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:139171 Serial 4445  
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Author De Schutter, B.; Van Stiphout, K.; Santos, N.M.; Bladt, E.; Jordan-Sweet, J.; Bals, S.; Lavoie, C.; Comrie, C.M.; Vantomme, A.; Detavernier, C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Phase formation and texture of thin nickel germanides on Ge(001) and Ge(111) Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Journal of applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Appl Phys  
  Volume 119 Issue 119 Pages 135305  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract We studied the solid-phase reaction between a thin Nifilm and a single crystal Ge(001) or Ge(111) substrate during a ramp anneal. The phase formation sequence was determined using in situX-ray diffraction and in situRutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), while the nature and the texture of the phases were studied using X-ray pole figures and transmission electron microscopy. The phase sequence is characterized by the formation of a single transient phase before NiGe forms as the final and stable phase. X-ray pole figures were used to unambiguously identify the transient phase as the ϵ-phase, a non-stoichiometric Ni-rich germanide with a hexagonal crystal structure that can exist for Ge concentrations between 34% and 48% and which forms with a different epitaxial texture on both substrate orientations. The complementary information gained from both RBS and X-ray pole figure measurements revealed a simultaneous growth of both the ϵ-phase and NiGe over a small temperature window on both substrate orientations.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000374150200035 Publication Date 2016-04-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0021-8979 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.068 Times cited 14 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors thank the FWO-vlaanderen, BOF-UGent (under Contract No. “GOA 01G01513”) and the Hercules Foundation (under Project No. “AUGE/09/014”) for financial support. S. Bals acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant No. “#335078-COLOURATOMS”). A. Vantomme thanks the BOF-KULeuven (under Contract No. “GOA/14/007”) and the Joint Science and Technology Collaboration between the FWO (G.0031.14) and NRF (UID88013). The National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS), Brookhaven National Laboratory, was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences (Contract No. DE-AC02-98CH10886).; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:restricted); Approved Most recent IF: 2.068  
  Call Number c:irua:132897 Serial 4066  
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Author De Schutter, B.; Devulder, W.; Schrauwen, A.; van Stiphout, K.; Perkisas, T.; Bals, S.; Vantomme, A.; Detavernier, C. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title (up) Phase formation in intermixed NiGe thin films : influence of Ge content and low-temperature nucleation of hexagonal nickel germanides Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Microelectronic engineering Abbreviated Journal Microelectron Eng  
  Volume 120 Issue Pages 168-173  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In this study, we focus on phase formation in intermixed NiGe thin films as they represent a simplified model of the small intermixed interface layer that is believed to form upon deposition of Ni on Ge and where initial phase formation happens. A combinatorial sputter deposition technique was used to co-deposit a range of intermixed NiGe thin films with Ge concentrations varying between 0 and 50 at.%Ge in a single deposition on both Ge (100) and inert SiO2 substrates. In situ X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy where used to study phase formation. In almost the entire composition range under investigation, crystalline phases where found to be present in the as-deposited films. Between 36 and 48 at.%Ge, high-temperature hexagonal nickel germanides were found to occur metastabily below 300 °C, both on SiO2 and Ge (100) substrates. For Ge concentrations in the range between 36 and 42 at.%, this hexagonal germanide phase was even found to be present at room temperature in the as-deposited films. The results obtained in this work could provide more insight in the phase sequence of a pure Ni film on Ge.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000336697300028 Publication Date 2013-09-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0167-9317; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.806 Times cited 9 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes FWO project Nr. G076112N Approved Most recent IF: 1.806; 2014 IF: 1.197  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:116958 Serial 2584  
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Author Bae, J.; Cichocka, M.O.; Zhang, Y.; Bacsik, Z.; Bals, S.; Zou, X.; Willhammar, T.; Hong, S.B. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Phase transformation behavior of a two-dimensional zeolite Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 58 Issue 30 Pages 10230-10235  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Understanding the molecular-level mechanisms of phase transformation in solids is of fundamental interest for functional materials such as zeolites. Two-dimensional (2D) zeolites, when used as shape-selective catalysts, can offer improved access to the catalytically active sites and a shortened diffusion length in comparison with their 3D analogues. However, few materials are known to maintain both their intralayer microporosity and structure during calcination for organic structure-directing agent (SDA) removal. Herein we report that PST-9, a new 2D zeolite which has been synthesized via the multiple inorganic cation approach and fulfills the requirements for true layered zeolites, can be transformed into the small-pore zeolite EU-12 under its crystallization conditions through the single-layer folding process, but not through the traditional dissolution/recrystallization route. We also show that zeolite crystal growth pathway can differ according to the type of organic SDAs employed.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000476452700030 Publication Date 2019-05-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1433-7851; 0570-0833 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes We acknowledge financial support from National Creative Research Initiative Program (2012R1A3A-2048833) through the National Research Foundation of Korea, the National Research Council of Science & Technology (CRC-14-1-KRICT) grant by the Korea government (MSIP), the Swedish Research Council (2017-04321), and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW) through the project grant 3DEM-NATUR (2012.0112). T.W. acknowledges an international postdoc grant from the Swedish Research Council (2014-06948). Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181233 Serial 6878  
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Author Crippa, F.; Rodriguez-Lorenzo, L.; Hua, X.; Goris, B.; Bals, S.; Garitaonandia, J.S.; Balog, S.; Burnand, D.; Hirt, A.M.; Haeni, L.; Lattuada, M.; Rothen-Rutishauser, B.; Petri-Fink, A. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title (up) Phase transformation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles via thermal annealing : implications for hyperthermia applications Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication ACS applied nano materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 2 Issue 2 Pages 4462-4470  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Magnetic hyperthermia has the potential to play an important role in cancer therapy and its efficacy relies on the nanomaterials selected. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are excellent candidates due to the ability of producing enough heat to kill tumor cells by thermal ablation. However, their heating properties depend strongly on crystalline structure and size, which may not be controlled and tuned during the synthetic process; therefore, a postprocessing is needed. We show how thermal annealing can be simultaneously coupled with ligand exchange to stabilize the SPIONs in polar solvents and to modify their crystal structure, which improves hyperthermia behavior. Using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and lock-in thermography, we systematically investigate the impact of size and ligand exchange procedure on crystallinity, their magnetism, and heating ability. We describe a valid and simple approach to optimize SPIONs for hyperthermia by carefully controlling the size, colloidal stability, and crystallinity.  
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  Language Wos 000477917700048 Publication Date 2019-06-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
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  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 18 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ; This work was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation through the National Center of Competence in Research Bio-Inspired Materials, the Adolphe Merkle Foundation, the University of Fribourg, and the European Society for Molecular Imaging (Grant E141200643). ; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:161927 Serial 5393  
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Author Verbruggen, S.W.; Deng, S.; Kurttepeli, M.; Cott, D.J.; Vereecken, P.M.; Bals, S.; Martens, J.A.; Detavernier, C.; Lenaerts, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Photocatalytic acetaldehyde oxidation in air using spacious TiO2 films prepared by atomic layer deposition on supported carbonaceous sacrificial templates Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ  
  Volume 160 Issue Pages 204-210  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Supported carbon nanosheets and carbon nanotubes served as sacrificial templates for preparing spacious TiO2 photocatalytic thin films. Amorphous TiO2 was deposited conformally on the carbonaceous template material by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Upon calcination at 550 °C, the carbon template was oxidatively removed and the as-deposited continuous amorphous TiO2 layers transformed into interlinked anatase nanoparticles with an overall morphology commensurate to the original template structure. The effect of type of template, number of ALD cycles and gas residence time of pollutant on the photocatalytic activity, as well as the stability of the photocatalytic performance of these thin films was investigated. The TiO2 films exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity toward photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde in air as a model reaction for photocatalytic indoor air pollution abatement. Optimized films outperformed a reference film of commercial PC500.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000340687900024 Publication Date 2014-05-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0926-3373; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.446 Times cited 37 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; Iap-Pai P7/05; Fwo; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.446; 2014 IF: 7.435  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:117094 Serial 2608  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ding, Y.; Maitra, S.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bals, S.; Vrielinck, H.; Barakat, T.; Roy, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Liu, J.; Li, Y.; Vlad, A.; Su, B.-L. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (up) Photochemical production of hydrogen peroxide by digging pro-superoxide radical carbon vacancies in carbon nitride Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Cell reports physical science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 3 Issue 5 Pages 100874-17  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Artificial photosynthesis of H2O2, an environmentally friendly oxidant and a clean fuel, holds great promise. However, improving its efficiency and stability for industrial implementation remains highly challenging. Here, we report the visible-light H2O2 artificial photosynthesis by digging pro-superoxide radical carbon vacancies in three-dimensional hierarchical porous g-C3N4 through a simple hydrolysis-freeze-drying-thermal treatment. A significant electronic structure change is revealed upon the implantation of carbon vacancies, broadening visible-light absorption and facilitating the photogenerated charge separation. The strong electron affinity of the carbon vacancies promotes superoxide radical (O-center dot(2)-) formation, significantly boosting the H2O2 photocatalytic production. The developed photocatalyst shows an H2O2 evolution rate of 6287.5 mM g(-1) h(-1) under visible-light irradiation with a long cycling stability being the best-performing photocatalyst among all reported g-C3N4-based systems. Our work provides fundamental insight into highly active and stable photocatalysts with great potential for safe industrial H2O2 production.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000805830100006 Publication Date 2022-04-28  
  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 12 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Y.D. thanks the China Scholarship Council (201808310127) for financial support. This work is financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U1663225) , Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University (IRT_15R52) of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities-Plan 111 (grant no. B20002) from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education of China, and the National Key R&D Program of China (2016YFA0202602) . This research was also supported by the European Commission Interreg V France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen project “DepollutAir”. Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189706 Serial 7090  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Spaeth, P.; Adhikari, S.; Heyvaert, W.; Zhuo, X.; Garcia, I.; Liz-Marzan, L.M.; Bals, S.; Orrit, M.; Albrecht, W. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (up) Photothermal circular dichroism measurements of single chiral gold nanoparticles correlated with electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication ACS Photonics Abbreviated Journal Acs Photonics  
  Volume 9 Issue 12 Pages 3995-4004  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Chemically synthesized metal nanoparticles with morphological chiral features are known to exhibit strong circular dichroism. However, we still lack understanding of the correlation between morphological and chiroptical features of plasmonic nanoparticles. To shed light on that question, single nanoparticle experiments are required. We performed photothermal circular dichroism measurements of single chiral and achiral gold nanoparticles and correlated the chiroptical response to the 3D morphology of the same nanoparticles retrieved by electron tomography. In contrast to an ensemble measurement, we show that individual particles within the ensemble display a broad distribution of strength and handedness of circular dichroism signals. Whereas obvious structural chiral features, such as helical wrinkles, translate into chiroptical ones, nanoparticles with less obvious chiral morphological features can also display strong circular dichroism signals. Interestingly, we find that even seemingly achiral nanoparticles can display large g-factors. The origin of this circular dichroism signal is discussed in terms of plasmonics and other potentially relevant factors.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000884432100001 Publication Date 2022-11-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2330-4022 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7 Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) as part of the Open Technology Program (OTP, Project No. 16008) and by a Spinoza prize (M.O.) . W.A. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020 Program (Grant No. 797153, SOPMEN) . L.M.L.M. acknowledges funding from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grants PID2020-117779RB-I00 and MDM-2017-0720) . We thank Dr. Wolfgang L?fer for providing optical equipment. We also acknowledge the European Soft Matter Infrastructure (EUSMI: E201200468) . Approved Most recent IF: 7  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192098 Serial 7331  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ndayirinde, C.; Gorbanev, Y.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; De Meyer, R.; Smets, A.; Vlasov, E.; Bals, S.; Cool, P.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Plasma-catalytic ammonia synthesis : packed catalysts act as plasma modifiers Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Catalysis today Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 419 Issue Pages 114156-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract We studied the plasma-catalytic production of NH3 from H2 and N2 in a dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor using five different Co-based catalysts supported on Al2O3, namely Co/Al2O3, CoCe/Al2O3, CoLa/Al2O3, CoCeLa/Al2O3 and CoCeMg/Al2O3. The catalysts were characterized via several techniques, including SEM-EDX, and their performance was compared. The best performing catalyst was found to be CoLa/Al2O3, but the dif-ferences in NH3 concentration, energy consumption and production rate between the different catalysts were limited under the same conditions (i.e. feed gas, flow rate and ratio, and applied power). At the same time, the plasma properties, such as the plasma power and current profile, varied significantly depending on the catalyst. Taken together, these findings suggest that in the production of NH3 by plasma catalysis, our catalysts act as plasma modifiers, i.e., they change the discharge properties and hence the gas phase plasma chemistry. Importantly, this effect dominates over the direct catalytic effect (as e.g. in thermal catalysis) defined by the chemistry on the catalyst surface.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000987221300001 Publication Date 2023-04-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0920-5861 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.3 Times cited 3 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes This research was supported by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 810182 – SCOPE ERC Synergy project) and the Methusalem project of the University of Antwerp. We also gratefully acknowledge the NH3-TPD analysis performed by Sander Bossier. Approved Most recent IF: 5.3; 2023 IF: 4.636  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197268 Serial 8917  
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Author Goris, B.; Guzzinati, G.; Fernández-López, C.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Trügler, A.; Hohenester, U.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Plasmon mapping in Au@Ag nanocube assemblies Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C  
  Volume 118 Issue 28 Pages 15356-15362  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Surface plasmon modes in metallic nanostructures largely determine their optoelectronic properties. Such plasmon modes can be manipulated by changing the morphology of the nanoparticles or by bringing plasmonic nanoparticle building blocks close to each other within organized assemblies. We report the EELS mapping of such plasmon modes in pure Ag nanocubes, Au@Ag coreshell nanocubes, and arrays of Au@Ag nanocubes. We show that these arrays enable the creation of interesting plasmonic structures starting from elementary building blocks. Special attention will be dedicated to the plasmon modes in a triangular array formed by three nanocubes. Because of hybridization, a combination of such nanotriangles is shown to provide an antenna effect, resulting in strong electrical field enhancement at the narrow gap between the nanotriangles.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor  
  Language Wos 000339368700031 Publication Date 2014-06-27  
  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 4.536 Times cited 41 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fwo; 246791 Countatoms; 278510 Vortex; 335078 Colouratom; 262348 Esmi ECASJO;; ECASSara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 4.536; 2014 IF: 4.772  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:118099UA @ admin @ c:irua:118099 Serial 2644  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Borah, R.; Ninakanti, R.; Bals, S.; Verbruggen, S.W. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (up) Plasmon resonance of gold and silver nanoparticle arrays in the Kretschmann (attenuated total reflectance) vs. direct incidence configuration Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Scientific reports Abbreviated Journal Sci Rep-Uk  
  Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 15738-19  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract While the behaviour of plasmonic solid thin films in the Kretschmann (also known as Attenuated Total Reflection, ATR) configuration is well-understood, the use of discrete nanoparticle arrays in this optical configuration is not thoroughly explored. It is important to do so, since close packed plasmonic nanoparticle arrays exhibit exceptionally strong light-matter interactions by plasmonic coupling. The present work elucidates the optical properties of plasmonic Au and Ag nanoparticle arrays in both the direct normal incidence and Kretschmann configuration by numerical models, that are validated experimentally. First, hexagonal close packed Au and Ag nanoparticle films/arrays are obtained by air–liquid interfacial assembly. The numerical models for the rigorous solution of the Maxwell’s equations are validated using experimental optical spectra of these films before systematically investigating various parameters. The individual far-field/near-field optical properties, as well as the plasmon relaxation mechanism of the nanoparticles, vary strongly as the packing density of the array increases. In the Kretschmann configuration, the evanescent fields arising from p – and s -polarized (or TM and TE polarized) incidence have different directional components. The local evanescent field intensity and direction depends on the polarization, angle of incidence and the wavelength of incidence. These factors in the Kretschmann configuration give rise to interesting far-field as well as near-field optical properties. Overall, it is shown that plasmonic nanoparticle arrays in the Kretschmann configuration facilitate strong broadband absorptance without transmission losses, and strong near-field enhancement. The results reported herein elucidate the optical properties of self-assembled nanoparticle films, pinpointing the ideal conditions under which the normal and the Kretschmann configuration can be exploited in multiple light-driven applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000858344700048 Publication Date 2022-09-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2045-2322 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.6 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes R.B. acknowledges financial support from the University of Antwerp Special Research Fund (BOF) for a DOCPRO4 doctoral scholarship (Grant FN541100001). Approved Most recent IF: 4.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190864 Serial 7194  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rodal-Cedeira, S.; Montes-García, V.; Polavarapu, L.; Solís, D.M.; Heidari, H.; La Porta, A.; Angiola, M.; Martucci, A.; Taboada, J.M.; Obelleiro, F.; Bals, S.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Pastoriza-Santos, I. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Plasmonic Au@Pd Nanorods with Boosted Refractive Index Susceptibility and SERS Efficiency: A Multifunctional Platform for Hydrogen Sensing and Monitoring of Catalytic Reactions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 28 Issue 28 Pages 9169-9180  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Palladium nanoparticles (NPs) have received tremendous attention over the years due to their high catalytic activity for various chemical reactions. However, unlike other noble metal nanoparticles such as Au and Ag NPs, they exhibit poor plasmonic properties with broad extinction spectra and less scattering efficiency, and thus limiting their applications in the field of plasmonics. Therefore, it has been challenging to integrate tunable and strong plasmonic properties into catalytic Pd nanoparticles. Here we show that plasmonic Au@Pd nanorods (NRs) with relatively narrow and remarkably tunable optical responses in the NIR region can be obtained by directional growth of Pd on penta-twinned Au NR seeds. We found the presence of bromide ions facilitates the stabilization of facets for the directional growth of Pd shell to obtain Au@Pd nanorods (NR) with controlled length scales. Interestingly, it turns out the Au NR supported Pd NRs exhibit much narrow extinction compared to pure Pd NRs, which makes them suitable for plasmonic sensing applications. Moreover, these nanostructures display, to the best of our knowledge, one of the highest ensemble refractive index sensitivity values reported to date (1067 nm per refractive index unit, RIU). Additionally, we showed the application of such plasmonic Au@Pd NRs for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-based sensing of hydrogen both in solution as well as on substrate. Finally, we demonstrate the integration of excellent plasmonic properties in catalytic palladium enables the in situ monitoring of a reaction progress by surface-enhanced Raman scattering. We postulate the proposed approach to boost the plasmonic properties of Pd nanoparticles will ignite the design of complex shaped plasmonic Pd NPs to be used in various plasmonic applications such as sensing and in situ monitoring of various chemical reactions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000391080900036 Publication Date 2016-12-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 80 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Funding from Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Grants MAT2013-45168-R and MAT2016-77809-R) is gratefully acknowledge. A.L.P. and S.B. acknowledge support by the European Research Council through an ERC Starting Grant (#335078-COLOURATOMS). L. P. acknowledges the financial support from by the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung. V. M.-G. acknowledges the financial support from FPU scholarship from the Spanish MINECO. (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); ECAS_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 9.466  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:139513 Serial 4344  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Peeters, H.; Keulemans, M.; Nuyts, G.; Vanmeert, F.; Li, C.; Minjauw, M.; Detavernier, C.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (up) Plasmonic gold-embedded TiO2 thin films as photocatalytic self-cleaning coatings Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Applied Catalysis B-Environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ  
  Volume 267 Issue 267 Pages 118654  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Transparent photocatalytic TiO2 thin films hold great potential in the development of self-cleaning glass sur-

faces, but suffer from a poor visible light response that hinders the application under actual sunlight. To alleviate this problem, the photocatalytic film can be modified with plasmonic nanoparticles that interact very effectively with visible light. Since the plasmonic effect is strongly concentrated in the near surroundings of the nano- particle surface, an approach is presented to embed the plasmonic nanostructures in the TiO2 matrix itself, rather than deposit them loosely on the surface. This way the interaction interface is maximised and the plasmonic effect can be fully exploited. In this study, pre-fabricated gold nanoparticles are made compatible with the organic medium of a TiO2 sol-gel coating suspension, resulting in a one-pot coating suspension. After spin coating, homogeneous, smooth, highly transparent and photoactive gold-embedded anatase thin films are ob- tained.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000518865300002 Publication Date 2020-01-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 22.1 Times cited 57 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes H.P. is grateful to the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for an aspirant PhD scholarship. Approved Most recent IF: 22.1; 2020 IF: 9.446  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:165616 Serial 5446  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rehor, I.; Lee, K.L.; Chen, K.; Hajek, M.; Havlik, J.; Lokajova, J.; Masat, M.; Slegerova, J.; Shukla, S.; Heidari, H.; Bals, S.; Steinmetz, N.F.; Cigler, P. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Plasmonic nanodiamonds : targeted coreshell type nanoparticles for cancer cell thermoablation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Advanced healthcare materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Healthc Mater  
  Volume 4 Issue 4 Pages 460-468  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Targeted biocompatible nanostructures with controlled plasmonic and morphological parameters are promising materials for cancer treatment based on selective thermal ablation of cells. Here, coreshell plasmonic nanodiamonds consisting of a silica-encapsulated diamond nanocrystal coated in a gold shell are designed and synthesized. The architecture of particles is analyzed and confirmed in detail using electron tomography. The particles are biocompatibilized using a PEG polymer terminated with bioorthogonally reactive alkyne groups. Azide-modified transferrin is attached to these particles, and their high colloidal stability and successful targeting to cancer cells overexpressing the transferrin receptor are demonstrated. The particles are nontoxic to the cells and they are readily internalized upon binding to the transferrin receptor. The high plasmonic cross section of the particles in the near-infrared region is utilized to quantitatively ablate the cancer cells with a short, one-minute irradiation by a pulse 750-nm laser.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000349961600014 Publication Date 2015-02-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2192-2640; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.11 Times cited 30 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 5.11; 2015 IF: 5.797  
  Call Number c:irua:125375 Serial 2647  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Asapu, R.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Claes, N.; Blommaerts, N.; Minjauw, M.; Ahmad, T.; Dendooven, J.; Cool, P.; Bals, S.; Denys, S.; Detavernier, C.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Plasmonic Near-Field Localization of Silver Core–Shell Nanoparticle Assemblies via Wet Chemistry Nanogap Engineering Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter  
  Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 41577-41585  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Silver nanoparticles are widely used in the field of plasmonics because of their unique optical properties. The wavelength-dependent surface plasmon resonance gives rise to a strongly enhanced electromagnetic field, especially at so-called hot spots located in the nanogap in-between metal nanoparticle assemblies. Therefore, the interparticle distance is a decisive factor in plasmonic applications, such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). In this study, the aim is to engineer this interparticle distance for silver nanospheres using a convenient wet-chemical approach and to predict and quantify the corresponding enhancement factor using both theoretical and experimental tools. This was done by building a tunable ultrathin polymer shell around the nanoparticles using the layer-by-layer method, in which the polymer shell acts as the separating interparticle spacer layer. Comparison of different theoretical approaches and corroborating the results with SERS analytical experiments using silver and silver−polymer core−shell nanoparticle clusters as SERS substrates was also done. Herewith, an approach is provided to estimate the extent of plasmonic near-field enhancement both theoretically as well as experimentally.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000417005900057 Publication Date 2017-11-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.504 Times cited 29 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes financial support through a research fellowship. C.D. wishes to thank the Hercules foundation for the financial support (SPINAL). P.C. and R.-G.C. acknowledge financial support by FWO Vlaanderen (project no. G038215N). N.C. and S.B. acknowledge the financial support from the European Research Council (ERC starting grant #335078-COLOURATOM). (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); saraecas; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 7.504  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:147243 Serial 4804  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Verbruggen, S.W.; Keulemans, M.; Goris, B.; Blommaerts, N.; Bals, S.; Martens, J.A.; Lenaerts, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Plasmonic ‘rainbow’ photocatalyst with broadband solar light response for environmental applications Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ  
  Volume 188 Issue 188 Pages 147-153  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract We propose the concept of a ‘rainbow’ photocatalyst that consists of TiO2 modified with gold-silver alloy nanoparticles of various sizes and compositions, resulting in a broad plasmon absorption band that covers the entire UV–vis range of the solar spectrum. It is demonstrated that this plasmonic ‘rainbow’ photocatalyst is 16% more effective than TiO2 P25 under both simulated and real solar light for pollutant degradation at the solid-gas interface. With this we provide a promising strategy to maximize the spectral response for solar to chemical energy conversion.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000372677500016 Publication Date 2016-02-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.446 Times cited 47 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes S.W.V. and B.G. acknowledge the Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO) for a postdoctoral fellowship. M.K. acknowledges IWT for the doctoral scholarship. S.B. acknowledges the European Research Council (ERC) for financial support through the ERC grant agreement no. 335078-COLOURATOM. J.A.M. acknowledges the Flemish government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem).; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.446  
  Call Number c:irua:130995 Serial 4061  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author El-Gogary, R.I.; Rubio, N.; Wang, J.T.W.; Al-Jamal, W.T.; Bourgognon, M.; Kafa, H.; Naeem, M.; Klippstein, R.; Abbate, V.; Leroux, F.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Kamel, A.O.; Awad, G.A.S.; Mortada, N.D.; Al-Jamal, K.T.; doi  openurl
  Title (up) Polyethylene glycol conjugated polymeric nanocapsules for targeted delivery of quercetin to folate-expressing cancer cells in vitro and in vivo Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano  
  Volume 8 Issue 2 Pages 1384-1401  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In this work we describe the formulation and characterization of chemically modified polymeric nanocapsules incorporating the anticancer drug, quercetin, for the passive and active targeting to tumors. Folic acid was conjugated to poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymer to facilitate active targeting to cancer cells. Two different methods for the conjugation of PLGA to folic acid were employed utilizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a spacer. Characterization of the conjugates was performed using FTIR and H-1 NMR studies. The PEG and folk acid content was independent of the conjugation methodology employed. PEGylation has shown to reduce the size of the nanocapsule; moreover, zeta-potential was shown to be polymer-type dependent. Comparative studies on the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the different formulations by He La cells, in the presence and absence of excess folic acid, were carried out using MTT assay and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, respectively. Both results confirmed the selective uptake and cytotoxicity of the folic acid targeted nanocapsules to the folate enriched cancer cells in a folate-dependent manner. Finally, the passive tumor accumulation and the active targeting of the nanocapsules to folate-expressing cells were confirmed upon intravenous administration in He La or IGROV-1 tumor-bearing mice. The developed nanocapsules provide a system for targeted delivery of a range of hydrophobic anticancer drugs in vivo.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000332059200032 Publication Date 2014-01-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1936-0851;1936-086X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 13.942 Times cited 144 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes 290023 Raddel; 262348 Esmi; Iap-Pai Approved Most recent IF: 13.942; 2014 IF: 12.881  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:115862 Serial 2670  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Eyndhoven, G.; Kurttepeli, M.; van Oers, C.J.; Cool, P.; Bals, S.; Batenburg, K.J.; Sijbers, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Pore REconstruction and Segmentation (PORES) method for improved porosity quantification of nanoporous materials Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 148 Issue 148 Pages 10-19  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)  
  Abstract Electron tomography is currently a versatile tool to investigate the connection between the structure and properties of nanomaterials. However, a quantitative interpretation of electron tomography results is still far from straightforward. Especially accurate quantification of pore-space is hampered by artifacts introduced in all steps of the processing chain, i.e., acquisition, reconstruction, segmentation and quantification. Furthermore, most common approaches require subjective manual user input. In this paper, the PORES algorithm POre REconstruction and Segmentation is introduced; it is a tailor-made, integral approach, for the reconstruction, segmentation, and quantification of porous nanomaterials. The PORES processing chain starts by calculating a reconstruction with a nanoporous-specific reconstruction algorithm: the Simultaneous Update of Pore Pixels by iterative REconstruction and Simple Segmentation algorithm (SUPPRESS). It classifies the interior region to the pores during reconstruction, while reconstructing the remaining region by reducing the error with respect to the acquired electron microscopy data. The SUPPRESS reconstruction can be directly plugged into the remaining processing chain of the PORES algorithm, resulting in accurate individual pore quantification and full sample pore statistics. The proposed approach was extensively validated on both simulated and experimental data, indicating its ability to generate accurate statistics of nanoporous materials.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000345973000002 Publication Date 2014-08-23  
  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 7 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2015 IF: 2.436  
  Call Number c:irua:119083 Serial 2672  
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Author Deng, S.; Kurttepeli, M.; Cott, D.J.; Bals, S.; Detavernier, C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Porous nanostructured metal oxides synthesized through atomic layer deposition on a carbonaceous template followed by calcination Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A  
  Volume 3 Issue 3 Pages 2642-2649  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Porous metal oxides with nano-sized features attracted intensive interest in recent decades due to their high surface area which is essential for many applications, e.g. Li ion batteries, photocatalysts, fuel cells and dye-sensitized solar cells. Various approaches have so far been investigated to synthesize porous nanostructured metal oxides, including self-assembly and template-assisted synthesis. For the latter approach, forests of carbon nanotubes are considered as particularly promising templates, with respect to their one-dimensional nature and the resulting high surface area. In this work, we systematically investigate the formation of porous metal oxides (Al2O3, TiO2, V2O5 and ZnO) with different morphologies using atomic layer deposition on multi-walled carbon nanotubes followed by post-deposition calcination. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy accompanied by X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used for the investigation of morphological and structural transitions at the micro- and nano-scale during the calcination process. The crystallization temperature and the surface coverage of the metal oxides and the oxidation temperature of the carbon nanotubes were found to produce significant influence on the final morphology.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000348990500019 Publication Date 2014-12-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7488;2050-7496; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 23 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fwo; 239865 Cocoon; 335078 Colouratoms; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 8.867; 2015 IF: 7.443  
  Call Number c:irua:125298 Serial 2673  
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Author Huybrechts, W.; Mali, G.; Kuśtrowski, P.; Willhammar, T.; Mertens, M.; Bals, S.; Van Der Voort, P.; Cool, P. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Post-synthesis bromination of benzene bridged PMO as a way to create a high potential hybrid material Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials Abbreviated Journal Micropor Mesopor Mat  
  Volume 236 Issue 236 Pages 244-249  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)  
  Abstract Periodic mesoporous organosilicas provide the best of two worlds: the strength and porosity of an inorganic framework combined with the infinite possibilities created by the organic bridging unit. In this work we focus on post-synthetical modification of benzene bridged PMO, in order to create bromobenzene PMO. In the past, this proved to be very challenging due to unwanted structural deterioration. However, now we have found a way to brominate this material whilst keeping the structure intact. In-depth structural analysis by solid state NMR and XPS shows both vast progress over previous attempts as well as potential for improvement.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000385899600028 Publication Date 2016-09-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1387-1811 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.615 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; The authors would like to thank financial support from the FWO-Flanders (project no G.0068.13). The authors further acknowledge financial support of the University of Antwerp through BOF GOA funding. S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOM). ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 3.615  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:135274 Serial 4228  
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Author Van Tendeloo, L.; Wangermez, W.; Vandekerkhove, A.; Willhammar, T.; Bals, S.; Maes, A.; Martens, J.A.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Breynaert, E. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (up) Postsynthetic high-alumina zeolite crystal engineering in organic free hyper-alkaline media Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 29 Issue 29 Pages 629-638  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Postsynthetic modification of high -alumina zeolites in hyper alkaline media can be tailored toward alteration of framework topology, crystal size and morphology, or desired Si/A1 ratio. FAU, EMT, MAZ, KFI, HEU, and LTA starting materials were treated with 1.2 M MOH (M = Na, K, RE, or Cs), leading to systematic ordered porosity or fully transformed frameworks with new topology and adjustable Si/Al ratio. In addition to the versatility of this tool for zeolite crystal engineering, these alterations improve understanding of the crystal chemistry. Such knowledge can guide further development in zeolite crystal engineering. Postsynthetic alteration also provides insight on the long-term stability of aluminosilicate zeolites that are used as a sorption sink in concrete -based waste disposal facilities in harsh alkaline conditions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher American Chemical Society Place of Publication Washington, D.C Editor  
  Language Wos 000392891700021 Publication Date 2016-12-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 16 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; This work was supported by long-term structural funding by the Flemish Government (Methusalem grant of Prof. J. Martens) and by ONDRAF/NIRAS, the Belgian Agency for Radioactive Waste and Fissile Materials, as part of the program on surface disposal of Belgian Category A waste. The Belgian government is acknowledged for financing the interuniversity poles of attraction (IAP-PAI). S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant No. 24691-COUNTATOMS, ERC Starting Grant No. 335078-COLOURATOMS). ; Ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 9.466  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:152674UA @ admin @ c:irua:152674 Serial 5145  
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Author Tang, Z.; Liu, P.; Cao, H.; Bals, S.; Heeres, H.J.; Pescarmona, P.P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (up) Pr/ZrO2 prepared by atomic trapping : an efficient catalyst for the conversion of glycerol to lactic acid with concomitant transfer hydrogenation of cyclohexene Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication ACS catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal  
  Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 9953-9963  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A series of heterogeneous catalysts consisting of highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles supported on nanosized ZrO2 (20 to 60 nm) was synthesized and investigated for the one-pot transfer hydrogenation between glycerol and cyclohexene to produce lactic acid and cyclohexane, without any additional H-2. Different preparation methods were screened, by varying the calcination and reduction procedures with the purpose of optimizing the dispersion of Pt species (i.e., as single-atom sites or extra-fine Pt nanoparticles) on the ZrO2 support. The Pt/ZrO2 catalysts were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy techniques (HAADF-STEM, TEM), elemental analysis (ICP-OES, EDX mapping), N-2-physisorption, H-2 temperature-programmed-reduction (H-2-TPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Based on this combination of techniques it was possible to correlate the temperature of the calcination and reduction treatments with the nature of the Pt species. The best catalyst consisted of subnanometer Pt clusters (<1 nm) and atomically dispersed Pt (as Pt2+ and Pt4+) on the ZrO2 support, which were converted into extra-fine Pt nanoparticles (average size = 1.4 nm) upon reduction. These nanoparticles acted as catalytic species for the transfer hydrogenation of glycerol with cyclohexene, which gave an unsurpassed 95% yield of lactic acid salt at 96% glycerol conversion (aqueous glycerol solution, NaOH as promoter, 160 degrees C, 4.5 h, at 20 bar N-2). This is the highest yield and selectivity of lactic acid (salt) reported in the literature so far. Reusability experiments showed a partial and gradual loss of activity of the Pt/ZrO2 catalyst, which was attributed to the experimentally observed aggregation of Pt nanoparticles.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000494549700025 Publication Date 2019-09-16  
  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 10.614 Times cited 46 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Zhenchen Tang acknowledges the financial support from the China Scholarship Council for his Ph.D. grant. All the authors are grateful for the technical support from Erwin Wilbers, Anne Appeldoorn, and Marcel de Vries, the TEM support from Dr. Marc Stuart, and the ICP-OES support from Johannes van der Velde. Pei Liu and Sara Bals acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme by means of grant agreement No. 731019 EUSMI. Approved Most recent IF: 10.614  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:164643 Serial 6326  
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Author Kalesaki, E.; Boneschanscher, M.P.; Geuchies, J.J.; Delerue, C.; Morais Smith, C.; Evers, W.H.; Allan, G.; Altantzis, T.; Bals, S.; Vanmaekelbergh, D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (up) Preparation and study of 2-D semiconductors with Dirac type bands due to the honeycomb nanogeometry Type P1 Proceeding
  Year 2014 Publication Proceedings of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers T2 – Proceedings of SPIE Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 8981 Issue Pages 898107-898107  
  Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The interest in 2-dimensional systems with a honeycomb lattice and related Dirac-­type electronic bands has exceeded the prototype graphene1. Currently, 2-­dimensional atomic2,3 and nanoscale4-­8 systems are extensively investigated in the search for materials with novel electronic properties that can be tailored by geometry. The immediate question that arises is how to fabricate 2-­D semiconductors that have a honeycomb nanogeometry, and as a consequence of that, display a Dirac-­type band structure? Here, we show that atomically coherent honeycomb superlattices of rocksalt (PbSe, PbTe) and zincblende (CdSe, CdTe) semiconductors can be obtained by nanocrystal self-­assembly and facet-­to-­facet atomic bonding, and subsequent cation exchange. We present a extended structural analysis of atomically coherent 2-­D honeycomb structures that were recently obtained with self-assembly and facet-­to-­facet bonding9. We show that this process may in principle lead to three different types of honeycomb structures, one with a graphene type-­, and two others with a silicene-­type structure. Using TEM, electron diffraction, STM and GISAXS it is convincingly shown that the structures are from the silicene-­type. In the second part of this work, we describe the electronic structure of graphene-­type and silicene type honeycomb semiconductors. We present the results of advanced electronic structure calculations using the sp3d5s* atomistic tight-­binding method10. For simplicity, we focus on semiconductors with a simple and single conduction band for the native bulk semiconductor. When the 3-­D geometry is changed into 2-­D honeycomb, a conduction band structure transformation to two types of Dirac cones, one for S-­ and one for P-­orbitals, is observed. The width of the bands depends on the honeycomb period and the coupling between the nanocrystals. Furthermore, there is a dispersionless P-­orbital band, which also forms a landmark of the honeycomb structure. The effects of considerable intrinsic spin-­orbit coupling are briefly considered. For heavy-­element compounds such as CdTe, strong intrinsic spin-­‐orbit coupling opens a non-­trivial gap at the P-­orbital Dirac point, leading to a quantum Spin Hall effect10-­12. Our work shows that well known semiconductor crystals, known for centuries, can lead to systems with entirely new electronic properties, by the simple action of nanogeometry. It can be foreseen that such structures will play a key role in future opto-­electronic applications, provided that they can be fabricated in a straightforward way.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000336040600004 Publication Date 2014-03-07  
  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 2 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work has been supported by funding of the French National Research Agency [ANR, (ANR-­‐09-­‐BLAN-­‐0421-­‐01)], NWO and the Dutch organization FOM [Programs “Control over Functional Nanoparticle Solids” (FNPS) and “Designing Dirac Carriers in Semiconductors” Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number c:irua:131912 Serial 4039  
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