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“Towards rapid nanoscale measurement of strain in III-nitride heterostructures”. Jones E, Cooper D, Rouvière J-L, Béché, A, Azize M, Palacios T, Gradecak S, Applied Physics Letters 103, 231904 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4838617
Abstract: We report the structural and compositional nanoscale characterization of InAlN/GaN nanoribbon-structured high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) through the use of geometric phase analysis (GPA) and nanobeam electron diffraction (NBED). The strain distribution in the HEMT layer is quantified and compared to the expected strain profile for the nominal structure predicted by finite element analysis (FEA). Using the experimental strain results, the actual structure is determined and used to modify the FEA model. The improved fit of the model demonstrates that GPA and NBED provide a powerful platform for routine and rapid characterization of strain in III-V semiconducting device systems leading to insights into device evolution during processing and future device optimization.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1063/1.4838617
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“Spectroscopy of snake states using a graphene Hall bar”. Milovanović, SP, Masir MR, Peeters FM, Applied physics letters 103, 233502 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4838557
Abstract: An approach to observe snake states in a graphene Hall bar containing a pn-junction is proposed. The magnetic field dependence of the bend resistance in a ballistic graphene Hall bar structure containing a tilted pn-junction oscillates as a function of applied magnetic field. We show that each oscillation is due to a specific snake state that moves along the pn-interface. Furthermore, depending on the value of the magnetic field and applied potential, we can control the lead in which the electrons will end up and hence control the response of the system.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1063/1.4838557
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“Modeling ultrashort laser-induced emission from a negatively biased metal”. Wendelen W, Mueller BY, Autrique D, Bogaerts A, Rethfeld B, Applied physics letters 103, 221603 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4830378
Abstract: A theoretical study of ultrashort laser-induced electron emission from a negatively biased metallic cathode has been performed. Classical as well as tunneling electron emission mechanisms are considered. It was found that electron emission is governed by an interplay of processes inside as well as above the cathode. A hybrid model is proposed, where the electron distribution within the target is retrieved from Boltzmann scattering integrals, while the charge distribution above it is studied by a Particle-In-Cell simulation. The results indicate that non-equilibrium effects determine the initial emission process, whereas the space charge above the target suppresses the effectively emitted charge.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1063/1.4830378
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“Improved strain precision with high spatial resolution using nanobeam precession electron diffraction”. Rouvière J-L, Béché, A, Martin Y, Denneulin T, Cooper D, Applied physics letters 103, 241913 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4829154
Abstract: NanoBeam Electron Diffraction is a simple and efficient technique to measure strain in nanostructures. Here, we show that improved results can be obtained by precessing the electron beam while maintaining a few nanometer probe size, i.e., by doing Nanobeam Precession Electron Diffraction (N-PED). The precession of the beam makes the diffraction spots more uniform and numerous, making N-PED more robust and precise. In N-PED, smaller probe size and better precision are achieved by having diffraction disks instead of diffraction dots. Precision in the strain measurement better than 2 × 10−4 is obtained with a probe size approaching 1 nm in diameter.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 53
DOI: 10.1063/1.4829154
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“Revisiting the interplay between ablation, collisional, and radiative processes during ns-laser ablation”. Autrique D, Gornushkin I, Alexiades V, Chen Z, Bogaerts A, Rethfeld B, Applied physics letters 103, 174102 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4826505
Abstract: A study of ns-laser ablation is presented, which focuses on the transient behavior of the physical processes that act in and above a copper sample. A dimensionless multiphase collisional radiative model describes the interplay between the ablation, collisional, and radiative mechanisms. Calculations are done for a 6 ns-Nd:YAG laser pulse operating at 532 nm and fluences up to 15 J/cm2. Temporal intensity profiles as well as transmissivities are in good agreement with experimental results. It is found that volumetric ablation mechanisms and photo-processes both play an essential role in the onset of ns-laser induced breakdown.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1063/1.4826505
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“Doping effect on the adsorption of NH3 molecule onto graphene quantum dot : from the physisorption to the chemisorption”. Seyed-Talebi SM, Beheshtian J, Neek-Amal M, Journal of applied physics 114, 124307 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4822165
Abstract: The adsorption of ammonia molecule onto a graphene hexagonal flake, aluminum (Al) and boron (B) doped graphene flakes (graphene quantum dots, GQDs) are investigated using density functional theory. We found that NH3 molecule is absorbed to the hollow site through the physisorption mechanism without altering the electronic properties of GQD. However, the adsorption energy of NH3 molecule onto the Al- and B-doped GQDs increases with respect GQD resulting chemisorption. The adsorption of NH3 onto the Al-doped and B-doped GQDs makes graphene locally buckled, i.e., B-doped and Al-doped GQDs are not planar. The adsorption mechanism onto a GQD is different than that of graphene. This study reveals important features of the edge passivation and doping effects of the adsorption mechanism of external molecules onto the graphene quantum dots. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1063/1.4822165
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“Bilayer graphene Hall bar with a pn-junction”. Milovanovic SP, Masir MR, Peeters FM, Journal of applied physics 114, 113706 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4821264
Abstract: We investigate the magnetic field dependence of the Hall and the bend resistances for a ballistic Hall bar structure containing a pn-junction sculptured from a bilayer of graphene. The electric response is obtained using the billiard model, and we investigate the cases of bilayer graphene with and without a band gap. Two different conduction regimes are possible: (i) both sides of the junction have the same carrier type and (ii) one side of the junction is n-type while the other one is p-type. The first case shows Hall plateau-like features in the Hall resistance that fade away as the band gap opens. The second case exhibits a bend resistance that is asymmetric in magnetic field as a consequence of snake states along the pn-interface, where the maximum is shifted away from zero magnetic field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1063/1.4821264
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“The size and structure of Ag particles responsible for surface plasmon effects and luminescence in Ag homogeneously doped bulk glass”. Shestakov MV, Meledina M, Turner S, Tikhomirov VK, Verellen N, Rodríguez VD, Velázquez JJ, Van Tendeloo G, Moshchalkov VV, Journal of applied physics 114, 073102 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4818830
Abstract: As-prepared and heat-treated oxyfluoride glasses, co-doped with Ag nanoclusters/nanoparticles, are prepared at 0.15 at. % Ag concentration. The as-prepared glass shows an absorption band in the UV/violet attributed to the presence of amorphous Ag nanoclusters with an average size of 1.1 nm. The luminescence spectra of the untreated glass can also be ascribed to these Ag nanoclusters. Upon heat-treatment, the clusters coalesce into Ag nanoparticles with an average size of 2.3 nm, and the glasses show an extra surface plasmon absorption band in the visible. These particles, however, cease to emit due to ascribing plasmonic properties of bulk silver.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1063/1.4818830
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“Anisotropic magnetism and spin-dependent transport in Co nanoparticle embedded ZnO thin films”. Li DY, Zeng YJ, Pereira LMC, Batuk D, Hadermann J, Zhang YZ, Ye ZZ, Temst K, Vantomme A, Van Bael MJ, Van Haesendonck C;, Journal of applied physics 114, 033909 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4815877
Abstract: Oriented Co nanoparticles were obtained by Co ion implantation in crystalline ZnO thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of elliptically shaped Co precipitates with nanometer size, which are embedded in the ZnO thin films, resulting in anisotropic magnetic behavior. The low-temperature resistance of the Co-implanted ZnO thin films follows the Efros-Shklovskii type variable-range-hopping. Large negative magnetoresistance (MR) exceeding 10% is observed in a magnetic field of 1 T at 2.5K and the negative MR survives up to 250K (0.3%). The negative MR reveals hysteresis as well as anisotropy that correlate well with the magnetic properties, clearly demonstrating the presence of spin-dependent transport. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1063/1.4815877
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“Local bond length variations in boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond measured by spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy”. Lu Y-G, Turner S, Verbeeck J, Janssens SD, Haenen K, Van Tendeloo G, Applied physics letters 103, 032105 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4813842
Abstract: Variations in local bond length and coordination in boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films have been studied through changes in the fine structure of boron and carbon K-edges in electron energy-loss spectra, acquired in a scanning transmission electron microscope. The presence of high concentrations of B in pristine diamond regions and enrichment of B at defects in single NCD grains is demonstrated. Local bond length variations are evidenced through an energy shift of the carbon 1s → σ* edge at B-rich defective regions within single diamond grains, indicating an expansion of the diamond bond length at sites with local high B content.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1063/1.4813842
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“Tunable double Dirac cone spectrum in bilayer \alpha-graphyne”. Leenaerts O, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Applied physics letters 103, 013105 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4812977
Abstract: Monolayer alpha-graphyne was recently proposed as a new all-carbon material having an electronic spectrum consisting of Dirac cones. Based on a first-principles investigation of bilayer alpha-graphyne, we show that the electronic band structure is qualitatively different from its monolayer form and depends crucially on the stacking mode of the two layers. Two stable stacking modes are found: a configuration with a gapless parabolic band structure, similar to AB stacked bilayer graphene, and another one which exhibits a doubled Dirac-cone spectrum. The latter can be tuned by an electric field with a gap opening rate of 0.3 eA. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 58
DOI: 10.1063/1.4812977
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“The role of mass removal mechanisms in the onset of ns-laser induced plasma formation”. Autrique D, Clair G, L'Hermite D, Alexiades V, Bogaerts A, Rethfeld B, Journal of applied physics 114, 023301 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4812577
Abstract: The present study focuses on the role of mass removal mechanisms in ns-laser ablation. A copper sample is placed in argon, initially set at standard pressure and temperature. Calculations are performed for a 6 ns laser pulse with a wavelength of 532 nm and laser fluences up to 10 J/cm2. The transient behavior in and above the copper target is described by a hydrodynamic model. Transmission profiles and ablation depths are compared with experimental results and similar trends are found. Our calculations reveal an interesting self-inhibiting mechanism: volumetric mass removal in the supercritical region triggers plasma shielding and therefore stops proceeding. This self-limiting process indicates that volumetric mass removal does not necessarily result in large ablation depths.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1063/1.4812577
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“Laser-induced periodic annular surface structures on fused silica surface”. Liu Y, Brelet Y, He Z, Yu L, Forestier B, Deng Y, Jiang H, Houard A, Applied physics letters 102, 251103 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4812354
Abstract: We report on the formation of laser-induced periodic annular surface structures on fused silica irradiated with multiple femtosecond laser pulses. This surface morphology emerges after the disappearance of the conventional laser induced periodic surface structures, under successive laser pulse irradiation. It is independent of the laser polarization and universally observed for different focusing geometries. We interpret its formation in terms of the interference between the reflected laser field on the surface of the damage crater and the incident laser pulse. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1063/1.4812354
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“Effect of high temperature deposition on CoSi2 phase formation”. Comrie CM, Ahmed A, Smeets D, Demeulemeester J, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Detavernier C, Vantomme A, Journal of applied physics 113, 234902 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4811352
Abstract: This paper discusses the nucleation behaviour of the CoSi to CoSi2 transformation from cobalt silicide thin films grown by deposition at elevated substrate temperatures ranging from 375 °C to 600 °C. A combination of channelling, real-time Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, real-time x-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the effect of the deposition temperature on the subsequent formation temperature of CoSi2, its growth behaviour, and the epitaxial quality of the CoSi2 thus formed. The temperature at which deposition took place was observed to exert a significant and systematic influence on both the formation temperature of CoSi2 and its growth mechanism. CoSi films grown at the lowest temperatures were found to increase the CoSi2 nucleation temperature above that of CoSi2 grown by conventional solid phase reaction, whereas the higher deposition temperatures reduced the nucleation temperature significantly. In addition, a systematic change in growth mechanism of the subsequent CoSi2 growth occurs as a function of deposition temperature. First, the CoSi2 growth rate from films grown at the lower reactive deposition temperatures is substantially lower than that grown at higher reactive deposition temperatures, even though the onset of growth occurs at a higher temperature, Second, for deposition temperatures below 450 °C, the growth appears columnar, indicating nucleation controlled growth. Elevated deposition temperatures, on the other hand, render the CoSi2 formation process layer-by-layer which indicates enhanced nucleation of the CoSi2 and diffusion controlled growth. Our results further indicate that this observed trend is most likely related to stress and changes in microstructure introduced during reactive deposition of the CoSi film. The deposition temperature therefore provides a handle to tune the CoSi2 growth mechanism.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1063/1.4811352
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“Cerenkov emission of terahertz acoustic-phonons from graphene”. Zhao CX, Xu W, Peeters FM, Applied physics letters 102, 222101 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4808392
Abstract: We present a theoretical study of the electrical generation of acoustic-phonon emission from graphene at room temperature. The drift velocity (v(x)) and temperature of electrons driven by dc electric field (F-x) are determined by solving self-consistently the momentum-and energy-balance equations derived from the Boltzmann equation. We find that in the presence of impurity, acoustic-and optic-phonon scattering, v(x) can be much larger than the longitudinal (v(l)) and transverse (v(t)) sound velocities in graphene even within the linear response regime. As a result, although the acoustic Cerenkov effect cannot be obviously seen in the analytical formulas, the enhanced acoustic-phonon emission can be observed with increasing F-x when v(x) > v(l) and v > v(t). The frequency of acoustic-phonon emission from graphene can be above 10 THz, which is much higher than that generated from conventional semiconductor systems. This study is pertinent to the application of graphene as hypersonic devices such as terahertz sound sources. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1063/1.4808392
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“Microstructure of bilayer manganite PrCa2Mn2O7 showing charge/orbital ordering”. He Z, Tian H, Deng G, Xu Q, Van Tendeloo G, Applied physics letters 102, 212902 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4807758
Abstract: The microstructure of the charge/orbital ordering Ruddleden-Popper phase PrCa2Mn2O7 was studied by transmission electron microscopy along both the [001] and the [110] orientation. Three coexisting charge/orbital ordering phases CO1, CO2, and CO3 were observed along the [001] orientation at room temperature. Different from the one-dimensional modulation in the CO1 and CO2 phase, the CO3 phase is characterized by two sets of mutually perpendicular structural modulations. From [110] high angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy, we found that the Pr atoms locate in-between the bilayer MnO6 octahedra, which is different from the previous reports.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1063/1.4807758
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“Graphene hall bar with an asymmetric pn-junction”. Milovanovic SP, Masir MR, Peeters FM, Journal of applied physics 113, 193701 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4805350
Abstract: We investigated the magnetic field dependence of the Hall and the bend resistances in the ballistic regime for a single layer graphene Hall bar structure containing a pn-junction. When both regions are n-type the Hall resistance dominates and Hall type of plateaus are formed. These plateaus occur as a consequence of the restriction on the angle imposed by Snell's law allowing only electrons with a certain initial angles to transmit though the potential step. The size of the plateau and its position is determined by the position of the potential interface as well as the value of the applied potential. When the second region is p-type, the bend resistance dominates, which is asymmetric in field due to the presence of snake states. Changing the position of the pn-interface in the Hall bar strongly affects these states and therefore the bend resistance is also changed. Changing the applied potential, we observe that the bend resistance exhibits a peak around the charge-neutrality point (CNP), which is independent of the position of the pn-interface, while the Hall resistance shows a sign reversal when the CNP is crossed, which is in very good agreement with a recent experiment [J. R. Williams and C. M. Marcus, Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 046602 (2011)].
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1063/1.4805350
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“Phonon-assisted Zener tunneling in a cylindrical nanowire transistor”. Carrillo-Nuñez H, Magnus W, Vandenberghe WG, Sorée B, Peeters FM, Journal of applied physics 113, 184507 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4803715
Abstract: The tunneling current has been computed for a cylindrical nanowire tunneling field-effect transistor (TFET) with an all-round gate that covers the source region. Being the underlying mechanism, band-to-band tunneling, mediated by electron-phonon interaction, is pronouncedly affected by carrier confinement in the radial direction and, therefore, involves the self-consistent solution of the Schrodinger and Poisson equations. The latter has been accomplished by exploiting a non-linear variational principle within the framework of the modified local density approximation taking into account the nonparabolicity of both the valence band and conduction band in relatively thick wires. Moreover, while the effective-mass approximation might still provide a reasonable description of the conduction band in relatively thick wires, we have found that the nonparabolicity of the valence band needs to be included. As a major conclusion, it is observed that confinement effects in nanowire tunneling field-effect transistors have a stronger impact on the onset voltage of the tunneling current in comparison with planar TFETs. On the other hand, the value of the onset voltage is found to be overestimated when the valence band nonparabolicity is ignored. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1063/1.4803715
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“High resolution transmission electron microscopy characterization of fcc ->, 9R transformation in nanocrystalline palladium films due to hydriding”. Amin-Ahmadi B, Idrissi H, Delmelle R, Pardoen T, Proost J, Schryvers D, Applied physics letters 102, 071911 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4793512
Abstract: Sputtered nanocrystalline palladium thin films with nanoscale growth twins have been subjected to hydriding cycles. The evolution of the twin boundaries has been investigated using high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Surprisingly, the Sigma 3{112} incoherent twin boundaries dissociate after hydriding into two phase boundaries bounding a 9R phase. This phase which corresponds to single stacking faults located every three {111} planes in the fcc Pd structure was not expected because of the high stacking fault energy of Pd. This observation is connected to the influence of the Hydrogen on the stacking fault energy of palladium and the high compressive stresses building up during hydriding. (C) 2013 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4793512]
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1063/1.4793512
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“Magnetic and magnetodielectric properties of erbium iron garnet ceramic”. Maignan A, Singh K, Simon C, Lebedev OI, Martin C, Tan H, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of applied physics 113, 033905 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4776716
Abstract: An Er3Fe5O12 ceramic has been sintered in oxygen atmosphere at 1400 °C for dielectric measurements. Its structural quality at room temperature has been checked by combining transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the cubic space group Ia3d with a = 12.3488(1). The dielectric permittivity ([variantgreekepsilon]′) and losses (tan δ) measurements as a function of temperature reveal the existence of two anomalies, a broad one between 110 K and 80 K, attributed to the Er3+ spin reorientation, and a second sharper feature at about 45 K associated to the appearance of irreversibility on the magnetic susceptibility curves. In contrast to the lack of magnetic field impact on [variantgreekepsilon]′ for the former anomaly, a complex magnetic field effect has been evidenced below 45 K. The isothermal [variantgreekepsilon]′(H) curves show the existence of positive magnetodielectric effect, reaching a maximum of 0.14% at 3 T and 10 K. Its magnitude decreases as H is further increased. Interestingly, for the lowest H values, a linear regime in the [variantgreekepsilon]′(H) curve is observed. From this experimental study, it is concluded that the [variantgreekepsilon]′ anomaly, starting above the compensation temperature Tc (75 K) and driven by the internal magnetic field, is not sensitive to an applied external magnetic field. Thus, below 45 K, it is the magnetic structure which is responsible for the coupling between spin and charge in this iron garnet.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1063/1.4776716
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“Figure of merit for and identification of sub-60 mV/decade devices”. Vandenberghe WG, Verhulst AS, Sorée B, Magnus W, Groeseneken G, Smets Q, Heyns M, Fischetti MV, Applied physics letters 102, 013510 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4773521
Abstract: A figure of merit I60 is proposed for sub-60 mV/decade devices as the highest current where the input characteristics exhibit a transition from sub- to super-60 mV/decade behavior. For sub-60 mV/decade devices to be competitive with metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect devices, I60 has to be in the 1-10 μA/μm range. The best experimental tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs) in the literature only have an I60 of 6×10-3 μA/μm but using theoretical simulations, we show that an I60 of up to 10 μA/μm should be attainable. It is proven that the Schottky barrier FET (SBFET) has a 60 mV/decade subthreshold swing limit while combining a SBFET and a TFET does improve performance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 64
DOI: 10.1063/1.4773521
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“Characterization and analysis of the adsorption immobilization mechanism of \beta-galactosidase on metal oxide powders”. Satyawali Y, Van Roy S, Roevens A, Meynen V, Mullens S, Jochems P, Doyen W, Cauwenberghs L, Dejonghe W, RSC advances 3, 24054 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/C3RA45107K
Abstract: Immobilization of the enzymes plays a vital role in enhancing their applicability in a wide range of applications, thus ensuring the use of sustainable enzymatic processes over the conventional chemical processes on an industrial scale. This study provides the background information for the selection and screening of inorganic metal oxide (MO) powders for their use as fillers in mixed matrix membranes for enzyme immobilization as the future aim. A total of 13 MOs, ranging in size from 0.01 μm to <5 μm, were tested for their performance as a support for enzyme (β-galactosidase) immobilization via adsorption. Alumina appeared to be the best performing MO with the amount and activity of the immobilized enzyme being 64 mg g−1 and up to 288 U g−1, respectively. The amount of immobilized enzyme on alumina (α-Al2O3 C and γ-Al2O3) was >3 times higher than ZrO2 (used as a reference MO in this study). Upon heat treatment at 900 °C, up to 15%, 52% and 42% decline was observed in the amount of immobilized enzyme in case of alumina metal oxides (MOs), ZrO2 and TiO2, respectively. The results suggested that both isoelectric point and surface area of the MO influence the immobilization. The most important observation in this study was that the bonding of the enzyme to the MO surface seems to be mediated by the bonding/interaction of the buffer to the enzyme.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1039/C3RA45107K
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“Fluorine doped Fe2O3 nanostructures by a one-pot plasma-assisted strategy”. Carraro G, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Bontempi E, Lebedev OI, Turner S, Sada C, Depero LE, Van Tendeloo G, Barreca D, RSC advances 3, 23762 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3ra43775b
Abstract: The present work reports on the synthesis of fluorine doped Fe2O3 nanomaterials by a single-step plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) strategy. In particular, Fe(hfa)2TMEDA (hfa = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionate; TMEDA = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) was used as molecular source for both Fe and F in Ar/O2 plasmas. The structure, morphology and chemical composition of the synthesized nanosystems were thoroughly analyzed by two-dimensional X-ray diffraction (XRD2), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A suitable choice of processing parameters enabled the selective formation of α-Fe2O3 nanomaterials, characterized by an homogeneous F doping, even at 100 °C. Interestingly, a simultaneous control of the system nanoscale organization and fluorine content could be achieved by varying the sole growth temperature. The tailored properties of the resulting materials can be favourably exploited for several technological applications, ranging from photocatalysis, to photoelectrochemical cells and gas sensing.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.108
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1039/c3ra43775b
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“Polyhedral iron oxide coreshell nanoparticles in a biodegradable polymeric matrix : preparation, characterization and application in magnetic particle hyperthermia and drug delivery”. Filippousi M, Altantzis T, Stefanou G, Betsiou M, Bikiaris DN, Angelakeris M, Pavlidou E, Zamboulis D, Van Tendeloo G, RSC advances 3, 24367 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3ra43747g
Abstract: Polyhedral magnetic iron oxide nanocrystals with multiple facets have been embedded in biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric matrices in order to study their structural, magnetic features and alternating-current (AC) magnetic heating efficiency. The encapsulation of iron oxide nanoparticles into a polymer matrix was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and further corroborated by high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). HAADF-STEM tomography proved that the iron oxide nanocrystals consist of well-defined polyhedral structures with multiple facets. The magnetic features were found to be in good agreement with the structural and morphological features and are maintained even after encapsulation. Furthermore, the magnetic nanoparticles inside these matrices may be considered as good candidates for biomedical applications in hyperthermia treatments because of their high heating capacity exhibited under an alternating magnetic field. The anticancer Taxol drug was encapsulated in these nanoparticles and its physical state and release rate at 37 and 42 °C was studied.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.108
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1039/c3ra43747g
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“Thermal decomposition synthesis of Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles : an in-depth study”. Damm H, Kelchtermans A, Bertha A, Van den Broeck F, Elen K, Martins JC, Carleer R, D'Haen J, De Dobbelaere C, Hadermann J, Hardy A, Van Bael MK;, RSC advances 3, 23745 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3ra43328e
Abstract: Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized by means of a heating up solution based thermal decomposition method. The synthesis involves a reaction of zinc acetylacetonate hydrate, aluminium acetylacetonate and 1,2-hexadecanediol in the presence of oleic acid and oleyl amine. A proposed reaction mechanism from reagents to monomers is corroborated by analysis of the evolving gases using headspace GC-MS analysis. The Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized are dynamically stabilized by adsorbed oleate ions, after deprotonation of oleic acid by oleyl amine, as was found by NOESY proton NMR and complementary FTIR spectroscopy. Precession electron diffraction shows a simultaneous increase in lattice parameters with Al concentration. This, together with HAADF-STEM and EDX maps, indicates the incorporation of Al into the ZnO nanoparticles. By the combination of complementary characterization methods during all stages of the synthesis, it is concluded that Al is incorporated into the ZnO wurtzite lattice as a dopant.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.108
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1039/c3ra43328e
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“Atomistic modelling of CVD synthesis of carbon nanotubes and graphene”. Elliott JA, Shibuta Y, Amara H, Bichara C, Neyts EC, Nanoscale 5, 6662 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3nr01925j
Abstract: We discuss the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene by catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CCVD) and plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD), summarising the state-of-the-art understanding of mechanisms controlling their growth rate, chiral angle, number of layers (walls), diameter, length and quality (defects), before presenting a new model for 2D nucleation of a graphene sheet from amorphous carbon on a nickel surface. Although many groups have modelled this process using a variety of techniques, we ask whether there are any complementary ideas emerging from the different proposed growth mechanisms, and whether different modelling techniques can give the same answers for a given mechanism. Subsequently, by comparing the results of tight-binding, semi-empirical molecular orbital theory and reactive bond order force field calculations, we demonstrate that graphene on crystalline Ni(111) is thermodynamically stable with respect to the corresponding amorphous metal and carbon structures. Finally, we show in principle how a complementary heterogeneous nucleation step may play a key role in the transformation from amorphous carbon to graphene on the metal surface. We conclude that achieving the conditions under which this complementary crystallisation process can occur may be a promising method to gain better control over the growth processes of both graphene from flat metal surfaces and CNTs from catalyst nanoparticles.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 52
DOI: 10.1039/c3nr01925j
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“Synthesis of uniformly dispersed anatase nanoparticles inside mesoporous silica thin films via controlled breakup and crystallization of amorphous TiO2 deposited using atomic layer deposition”. Sree SP, Dendooven J, Masschaele K, Hamed HM, Deng S, Bals S, Detavernier C, Martens JA, Nanoscale 5, 5001 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3nr00594a
Abstract: Amorphous titanium dioxide was introduced into the pores of mesoporous silica thin films with 75% porosity and 12 nm average pore diameter via Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) using alternating pulses of tetrakis(dimethylamino)titanium and water. Calcination provoked fragmentation of the deposited amorphous TiO2 phase and its crystallization into anatase nanoparticles inside the nanoporous film. The narrow particle size distribution of 4 ± 2 nm and the uniform dispersion of the particles over the mesoporous silica support were uniquely revealed using electron tomography. These anatase nanoparticle bearing films showed photocatalytic activity in methylene blue degradation. This new synthesis procedure of the anatase nanophase in mesoporous silica films using ALD is a convenient fabrication method of photocatalytic coatings amenable to application on very small as well as very large surfaces
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00594a
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“Formation of single layer graphene on nickel under far-from-equilibrium high flux conditions”. Neyts EC, van Duin ACT, Bogaerts A, Nanoscale 5, 7250 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3nr00153a
Abstract: We investigate the theoretical possibility of single layer graphene formation on a nickel surface at different substrate temperatures under far-from-equilibrium high precursor flux conditions, employing state-of-the-art hybrid reactive molecular dynamics/uniform acceptance force bias Monte Carlo simulations. It is predicted that under these conditions, the formation of a single layer graphene-like film may proceed through a combined depositionsegregation mechanism on a nickel substrate, rather than by pure surface segregation as is typically observed for metals with high carbon solubility. At 900 K and above, nearly continuous graphene layers are obtained. These simulations suggest that single layer graphene deposition is theoretically possible on Ni under high flux conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00153a
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“Chemical insight into electroforming of resistive switching manganite heterostructures”. Borgatti F, Park C, Herpers A, Offi F, Egoavil R, Yamashita Y, Yang A, Kobata M, Kobayashi K, Verbeeck J, Panaccione G, Dittmann R;, Nanoscale 5, 3954 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3nr00106g
Abstract: We have investigated the role of the electroforming process in the establishment of resistive switching behaviour for Pt/Ti/Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3/SrRuO3 layered heterostructures (Pt/Ti/PCMO/SRO) acting as non-volatile Resistance Random Access Memories (RRAMs). Electron spectroscopy measurements demonstrate that the higher resistance state resulting from electroforming of as-prepared devices is strictly correlated with the oxidation of the top electrode Ti layer through field-induced electromigration of oxygen ions. Conversely, PCMO exhibits oxygen depletion and downward change of the chemical potential for both resistive states. Impedance spectroscopy analysis, supported by the detailed knowledge of these effects, provides an accurate model description of the device resistive behaviour. The main contributions to the change of resistance from the as-prepared (low resistance) to the electroformed (high resistance) states are respectively due to reduced PCMO at the boundary with the Ti electrode and to the formation of an anisotropic np junction between the Ti and the PCMO layers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 40
DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00106g
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“The effect of the sampling cone position and diameter on the gas flow dynamics in an ICP”. Aghaei M, Lindner H, Bogaerts A, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 28, 1485 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3ja50107h
Abstract: An inductively coupled plasma, connected to a sampling cone of a mass spectrometer, is computationally investigated. The effects of the sampler orifice diameter (ranging from 1 to 2 mm) and distance of the sampler cone from the load coil (ranging from 7 to 17 mm) are studied. An increase in sampler orifice diameter leads to a higher central plasma temperature at the place of the sampler, as well as more efficient gas transfer through the sampler, by reducing the interaction of the plasma gas with the sampling cone. However, the flow velocity at the sampler position is found to be independent of the sampler orifice diameter. Moreover, by changing the sampler orifice diameter, we can control whether only the central gas or also the auxiliary gas can exit through the sampler. Finally, with the increasing distance of the sampler from the load coil, the plasma temperature at the place of the sampler decreases slightly, which might also have consequences for the ion generation and transport through the sampling cone.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1039/c3ja50107h
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