toggle visibility
Search within Results:
Display Options:

Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print
  Records Links
Author Pfannmöller, M.; Heidari, H.; Nanson, L.; Lozman, O.R.; Chrapa, M.; Offermans, T.; Nisato, G.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Quantitative Tomography of Organic Photovoltaic Blends at the Nanoscale Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 15 Issue 15 Pages 6634-6642  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The success of semiconducting organic materials has enabled green technologies for electronics, lighting, and photovoltaics. However, when blended together, these materials have also raised novel fundamental questions with respect to electronic, optical, and thermodynamic properties. This is particularly important for organic photovoltaic cells based on the bulk heterojunction. Here, the distribution of nanoscale domains plays a crucial role depending on the specific device structure. Hence, correlation of the aforementioned properties requires 3D nanoscale imaging of materials domains, which are embedded in a multilayer device. Such visualization has so far been elusive due to lack of contrast, insufficient signal, or resolution limits. In this Letter, we introduce spectral scanning transmission electron tomography for reconstruction of entire volume plasmon spectra from rod-shaped specimens. We provide 3D structural correlations and compositional mapping at a resolution of approximately 7 nm within advanced organic photovoltaic tandem cells. Novel insights that are obtained from quantitative 3D analyses reveal that efficiency loss upon thermal annealing can be attributed to subtle, fundamental blend properties. These results are invaluable in guiding the design and optimization of future devices in plastic electronics applications and provide an empirical basis for modeling and simulation of organic solar cells.  
  Address EMAT-University of Antwerp , Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000363003100052 Publication Date 2015-09-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984;1530-6992; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 26 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the FP7 European collaborative project SUNFLOWER (FP7-ICT-2011-7-contract num. 287594). S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). M.P. gratefully acknowledges the SIM NanoForce program for their financial support. We acknowledge AGFA for providing the neutral PEDOT:PSS and GenesInk for the ZnO nanoparticles. We would like to thank Stijn Van den broeck for extensive support on FIB sample preparation. M.P. and H.H. thank Daniele Zanaga for the many fruitful discussions.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 12.712; 2015 IF: 13.592  
  Call Number c:irua:129423 c:irua:129423 Serial 3973  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Tendeloo, L.; Wangermez, W.; Kurttepeli, M.; de Blochouse, B.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Martens, J.A.; Maes, A.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Breynaert, E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Chabazite : stable cation-exchanger in hyper alkaline concrete pore water Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Environmental science and technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci Technol  
  Volume 49 Issue 49 Pages 2358-2365  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract To avoid impact on the environment, facilities for permanent disposal of hazardous waste adopt multibarrier design schemes. As the primary barrier very often consists of cement-based materials, two distinct aspects are essential for the selection of suitable complementary barriers: (1) selective sorption of the contaminants in the repository and (2) long-term chemical stability in hyperalkaline concrete-derived media. A multidisciplinary approach combining experimental strategies from environmental chemistry and materials science is therefore essential to provide a reliable assessment of potential candidate materials. Chabazite is typically synthesized in 1 M KOH solutions but also crystallizes in simulated young cement pore water, a pH 13 aqueous solution mainly containing K+ and Na+ cations. Its formation and stability in this medium was evaluated as a function of temperature (60 and 85 °C) over a timeframe of more than 2 years and was also asessed from a mechanistic point of view. Chabazite demonstrates excellent cation-exchange properties in simulated young cement pore water. Comparison of its Cs+ cation exchange properties at pH 8 and pH 13 unexpectedly demonstrated an increase of the KD with increasing pH. The combined results identify chabazite as a valid candidate for inclusion in engineered barriers for concrete-based waste disposal.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Easton, Pa Editor  
  Language Wos 000349806400047 Publication Date 2015-01-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0013-936X;1520-5851; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.198 Times cited 13 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by long-term structural funding by the Flemish Government (Methusalem) 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). G.V.T. and S.B. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant no. 24691-COUNTATOMS, ERC Starting Grant no. 335078-COLOURATOMS).; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 6.198; 2015 IF: 5.330  
  Call Number c:irua:127695 Serial 307  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Javon, E.; Gaceur, M.; Dachraoui, W.; Margeat, O.; Ackermann, J.; Ilenia Saba, M.; Delugas, P.; Mattoni, A.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Competing forces in the self-assembly of coupled ZnO nanopyramids Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano  
  Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 3685-3694  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Self-assembly (SA) of nanostructures has recently gained increasing interest. A clear understanding of the process is not straightforward since SA of nanoparticles is a complex multiscale phenomenon including different driving forces. Here, we study the SA between aluminum doped ZnO nanopyramids into couples by combining inorganic chemistry and advanced electron microscopy techniques with atomistic simulations. Our results show that the SA of the coupled nanopyramids is controlled first by morphology, as coupling only occurs in the case of pyramids with well-developed facets of the basal planes. The combination of electron microscopy and atomistic modeling reveals that the coupling is further driven by strong ligandligand interaction between the bases of the pyramids as dominant force, while screening effects due to Al doping or solvent as well as corecore interaction are only minor contributions. Our combined approach provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between the interactions at work in the coupled SA of ZnO nanopyramids.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000353867000030 Publication Date 2015-03-12  
  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 21 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Esmi; 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 13.942; 2015 IF: 12.881  
  Call Number c:irua:125978 Serial 434  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ennaert, T.; Geboers, J.; Gobechiya, E.; Courtin, C.M.; Kurttepeli, M.; Houthoofd, K.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Magusin, P.C.M.M.; Bals, S.; Jacobs, P.A.; Sels, B.F. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Conceptual frame rationalizing the self-stabilization of H-USY zeolites in hot liquid water Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication ACS catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal  
  Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 754-768  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The wide range of liquid-phase reactions required for the catalytic conversion of biomass compounds into new bioplatform molecules defines a new set of challenges for the development of active, selective, and stable catalysts. The potential of bifunctional Ru/H-USY catalysts for conversions in hot liquid water (HLW) is assessed in terms of physicochemical stability and long-term catalytic performance of acid sites and noble metal functionality, as probed by hydrolytic hydrogenation of cellulose. It is shown that zeolite desilication is the main zeolite degradation mechanism in HLW. USY zeolite stability depends on two main parameters, viz., framework and extra-framework aluminum content. The former protects the zeolite lattice by counteracting hydrolysis of framework bonds, and the latter, when located at the external crystal surface, prevents solubilization of the zeolite framework which is the result of its low water-solubility. Hence, the hot liquid water stability of commercial H-USY zeolites, in contrast to their steam stability, increased with decreasing Si/AI ratio. As a result, mildly steamed USY zeolites containing a high amount of both Al species exhibit the highest resistance to HLW. During an initial period of transformations, Al-rich zeolites form additional protective extra-framework Al species at the outer surface, self-stabilizing the framework. A critical bulk Si/AI ratio of 3 was determined whereby USY zeolites with a lower Si/AI ratio will self-stabilize over time. Besides, due to the initial transformation period, the accessibility of the catalytic active sites is extensively enhanced resulting in a material that is more stable and drastically more accessible to large substrates than the original zeolite. When these findings are applied in the hydrolytic hydrogenation of cellulose, unprecedented nearly quantitative hexitol yields were obtained with a stable catalytic system.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000349275300031 Publication Date 2014-12-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2155-5435;2155-5435; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 10.614 Times cited 65 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 10.614; 2015 IF: 9.312  
  Call Number c:irua:125288 Serial 474  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lin, F.; Meng; Kukueva, E.; Altantzis, T.; Mertens, M.; Bals, S.; Cool, P.; Van Doorslaer, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Direct-synthesis method towards copper-containing periodic mesoporous organosilicas : detailed investigation of the copper distribution in the material Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Journal of the Chemical Society : Dalton transactions Abbreviated Journal Dalton T  
  Volume 44 Issue 44 Pages 9970-9979  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)  
  Abstract Three-dimensional cubic Fm (3) over barm mesoporous copper-containing ethane-bridged PMO materials have been prepared through a direct-synthesis method at room temperature in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as surfactant. The obtained materials have been unambiguously characterized in detail by several sophisticated techniques, including XRD, UV-Vis-Dr, TEM, elemental mapping, continuous- wave and pulsed EPR spectroscopy. The results show that at lower copper loading, the Cu2+ species are well dispersed in the Cu-PMO materials, and mainly exist as mononuclear Cu2+ species. At higher copper loading amount, Cu2+ clusters are observed in the materials, but the distribution of the Cu2+ species is still much better in the Cu-PMO materials prepared through the direct-synthesis method than in a Cu-containing PMO material prepared through an impregnation method. Moreover, the evolution of the copper incorporation during the PMO synthesis has been followed by EPR. The results show that the immobilization of the Cu2+ ion/complex and the formation of the PMO materials are taking place simultaneously. The copper ions are found to be situated on the inner surface of the mesopores of the materials and are accessible, which will be beneficial for the catalytic applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication London Editor  
  Language Wos 000355000700028 Publication Date 2015-04-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1477-9226;1477-9234; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.029 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Goa-Bof; 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 4.029; 2015 IF: 4.197  
  Call Number c:irua:126422 Serial 725  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kerkhofs, S.; Willhammar, T.; Van Den Noortgate, H.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Breynaert, E.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.; Martens, J.A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Self-Assembly of Pluronic F127—Silica Spherical Core–Shell Nanoparticles in Cubic Close-Packed Structures Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 5161-5169  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A new ordered mesoporous silica material (COK-19) with cubic symmetry is synthesized by silicate polycondensation in a citric acid/citrate buffered micellar solution of Pluronic F127 triblock copolymer near neutral pH. SAXS, nitrogen adsorption, TEM, and electron tomography reveal the final material has a cubic close packed symmetry (Fm3̅m) with isolated spherical mesopores interconnected through micropores. Heating of the synthesis medium from room temperature to 70 °C results in a mesopore size increase from 7.0 to 11.2 nm. Stepwise addition of the silicate source allows isolation of a sequence of intermediates that upon characterization with small-angle X-ray scattering uncovers the formation process via formation and aggregation of individual silica-covered Pluronic micelles.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000359499100003 Publication Date 2015-07-24  
  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 39 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes J.A.M. acknowledges the Flemish government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem, METH/08/04). The Belgian government is acknowledged for financing the interuniversity poles of attraction (IAP-PAI, P7/05 FS2). G.V.T., S.B. and T.W. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant no. 335078-COLOURATOMS). E.B. acknowledges financial support the Flemish FWO for a postdoctoral fellowship (1265013N). The authors gratefully thank Kristof Houthoofd for performing the NMR experiments.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354  
  Call Number c:irua:127758 Serial 3977  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bladt, E.; Pelt, D.M.; Bals, S.; Batenburg, K.J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Electron tomography based on highly limited data using a neural network reconstruction technique Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 158 Issue 158 Pages 81-88  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract Gold nanoparticles are studied extensively due to their unique optical and catalytical properties. Their exact shape determines the properties and thereby the possible applications. Electron tomography is therefore often used to examine the three-dimensional (3D) shape of nanoparticles. However, since the acquisition of the experimental tilt series and the 3D reconstructions are very time consuming, it is difficult to obtain statistical results concerning the 3D shape of nanoparticles. Here, we propose a new approach for electron tomography that is based on artificial neural networks. The use of a new reconstruction approach enables us to reduce the number of projection images with a factor of 5 or more. The decrease in acquisition time of the tilt series and use of an efficient reconstruction algorithm allows us to examine a large amount of nanoparticles in order to retrieve statistical results concerning the 3D shape.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000361574800011 Publication Date 2015-07-10  
  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 25 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 COLOURATOM; FWO; COST Action MP1207; 312483 ESTEEM2; esteem2jra4; ECASSara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2015 IF: 2.436  
  Call Number c:irua:126675 c:irua:126675 Serial 988  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sanz-Ortiz, M.N.; Sentosun, K.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzan, L.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Templated Growth of Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering -Active Branched Au Nanoparticles within Radial Mesoporous Silica Shells Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano  
  Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 10489-10497  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Noble metal nanoparticles are widely used as probes or substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), due to their characteristic plasmon resonances in the visible and NIR spectral ranges. Aiming at obtaining a versatile system with high SERS performance we developed the synthesis of quasi-monodisperse, non-aggregated gold nanoparticles protected by radial mesoporous silica shells. The radial channels of such shells were used as templates for the growth of gold tips branching from the cores, thereby improving the plasmonic performance of the particles while favoring the localization of analyte molecules at high electric field regions: close to the tips, inside the pores. The method, which allows control over tip length, was successfully applied to various gold nanoparticle shapes, leading to materials with highly efficient SERS performance. The obtained nanoparticles are stable in ethanol and water upon thermal consolidation and can be safely stored as a powder.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000363915300105 Publication Date 2015-09-15  
  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 110 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work has been funded by the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant 267867 Plasmaquo and Starting Grant Colouratom). The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013 under grant agreement no. 312184, SACS). Help from Mert Kurttepeli is acknowledged. Pentatwinned nanorods and nanotriangles were synthesized by L. Scarabelli.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 13.942; 2015 IF: 12.881  
  Call Number c:irua:129194 Serial 3947  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wang, Y.; Sentosun, K.; Li, A.; Coronado-Puchau, M.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Li, S.; Su, X.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Engineering Structural Diversity in Gold Nanocrystals by Ligand-Mediated Interface Control Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 8032-8040  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Surface and interface control is fundamentally important for crystal growth engineering, catalysis, surface enhanced spectroscopies, and self-assembly, among other processes and applications. Understanding the role of ligands in regulating surface properties of plasmonic metal nanocrystals during growth has received considerable attention. However, the underlying mechanisms and the diverse functionalities of ligands are yet to be fully addressed. In this contribution,

we report a systematic study of ligand-mediated interface control in seeded growth of gold nanocrystals, leading to diverse and exotic nanostructures with an improved surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity. Three dimensional transmission electron microscopy (3D TEM) revealed an intriguing gold shell growth process mediated by the bifunctional ligand 1,4-benzenedithiol (BDT), which leads to a unique crystal growth mechanism as compared to other ligands, and subsequently to the concept of interfacial energy control mechanism. Volmer-Weber growth mode was proposed to be responsible for BDT-mediated seeded growth, favoring the strongest interfacial energy and generating an asymmetric island growth pathway with internal crevices/gaps. This additionally favors incorporation of BDT at the plasmonic nanogaps, thereby generating strong SERS activity with a maximum efficiency for a core-semishell configuration obtained along seeded growth. Numerical modeling was used to explain this observation. Interestingly, the same strategy can be used to engineer the structural diversity of this system, by using gold nanoparticle seeds with various sizes and shapes, and varying the [Au3+]/[Au0] ratio. This rendered a series of diverse and exotic plasmonic nanohybrids such as semishell-coated gold nanorods, with embedded Raman-active tags and Janus surface with distinct surface functionalities.

These would greatly enrich the plasmonic nanostructure toolbox for various studies and applications such as anisotropic nanocrystal engineering, SERS, and high-resolution Raman bioimaging or nanoantenna devices.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000366223200023 Publication Date 2015-10-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 18 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors thank Bart Goris for his help with electron tomography. This work was funded by the European Commission (Grant #310445-2, SAVVY). The authors acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant # 267867- PLASMAQUO, ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors also appreciate financial support from the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative N. 262348 European Soft Matter Infrastructure, ESMI). Wang Y. and Su X. would like to acknowledge the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, for the financial support under the Grant JCO 14302FG096. M. C.-P. acknowledges an FPU scholarship from the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354  
  Call Number c:irua:129598 c:irua:129598 Serial 3972  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author La Porta, A.; Sanchez-Iglesias, A.; Altantzis, T.; Bals, S.; Grzelczak, M.; Liz-Marzan, L.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Multifunctional self-assembled composite colloids and their application to SERS detection Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 7 Issue 7 Pages 10377-10381  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract We present a simple method for the co-encapsulation of gold nanostars and iron-oxide nanoparticles into hybrid colloidal composites that are highly responsive to both light and external magnetic fields. Self-assembly was driven by hydrophobic interactions between polystyrene capped gold nanostars and iron oxide nanocrystals stabilized with oleic acid, upon addition of water. A block copolymer was then used to encapsulate the resulting spherical colloidal particle clusters, which thereby became hydrophilic. Electron microscopy analysis unequivocally shows that each composite particle comprises a single Au nanostar surrounded by a few hundreds of iron oxide nanocrystals. We demonstrate that this hybrid colloidal system can be used as an efficient substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering, using common dyes as model molecular probes. The co-encapsulation of iron oxide nanoparticles renders the system magnetically responsive, so that application of an external magnetic field leads to particle accumulation and limits of detection are in the nM range.  
  Address A1 Article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT);  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000355987300010 Publication Date 2015-04-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 51 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 267867 Plasmaquo; 335078 Colouratom; 262348 Esmi; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2015 IF: 7.394  
  Call Number c:irua:127003 Serial 3940  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mourdikoudis, S.; Chirea, M.; Zanaga, D.; Altantzis, T.; Mitrakas, M.; Bals, S.; Marzán, L.M.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Pastoriza-Santos, I. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Governing the morphology of PtAu heteronanocrystals with improved electrocatalytic performance Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 7 Issue 7 Pages 8739-8747  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Platinumgold heteronanostructures comprising either dimer (PtAu) or coresatellite (Pt@Au) configurations were synthesized by means of a seeded growth procedure using platinum nanodendrites as seeds. Careful control of the reduction kinetics of the gold precursor can be used to direct the nucleation and growth of gold nanoparticles on either one or multiple surface sites simultaneously, leading to the formation of either dimers or coresatellite nanoparticles, respectively, in high yields. Characterization by electron tomography and high resolution electron microscopy provided a better understanding of the actual three-dimensional particle morphology, as well as the AuPt interface, revealing quasi-epitaxial growth of Au on Pt. The prepared PtAu bimetallic nanostructures are highly efficient catalysts for ethanol oxidation in alkaline solution, showing accurate selectivity, high sensitivity, and improved efficiency by generating higher current densities than their monometallic counterparts.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000354204400011 Publication Date 2015-03-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364;2040-3372; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 41 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; 262348 Esmi; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 7.367; 2015 IF: 7.394  
  Call Number c:irua:126354 Serial 1360  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Yalcin, A.O.; Goris, B.; van Dijk-Moes, R.J.A.; Fan, Z.; Erdamar, A.K.; Tichelaar, F.D.; Vlugt, T.J.H.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.; Vanmaekelbergh, D.; Zandbergen, H.W.; van Huis, M.A.; url  doi
openurl 
  Title Heat-induced transformation of CdSe-CdS-ZnS coremultishell quantum dots by Zn diffusion into inner layers Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Chemical communications Abbreviated Journal Chem Commun  
  Volume 51 Issue 51 Pages 3320-3323  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In this work, we investigate the thermal evolution of CdSeCdSZnS coremultishell quantum dots (QDs) in situ using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Starting at a temperature of approximately 250 °C, Zn diffusion into inner layers takes place together with simultaneous evaporation of particularly Cd and S. As a result of this transformation, CdxZn1−xSeCdyZn1−yS coreshell QDs are obtained.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication London Editor  
  Language Wos 000349325000004 Publication Date 2014-11-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1359-7345;1364-548X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.319 Times cited 21 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 262348 Esmi; Fwo; 246791 Countatoms; 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 6.319; 2015 IF: 6.834  
  Call Number c:irua:132582 Serial 1412  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sentosun, K.; Sanz Ortiz, M.N.; Batenburg, K.J.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Combination of HAADF-STEM and ADF-STEM Tomography for Core-Shell Hybrid Materials Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Particle and particle systems characterization Abbreviated Journal Part Part Syst Char  
  Volume 32 Issue 32 Pages 1063-1067  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract Characterization of core-shell type nanoparticles in 3D by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can be very challenging. Especially when both heavy and light elements co-exist within the same nanostructure, artefacts in the 3D reconstruction are often present. A representative example would be a particle comprising an anisotropic metallic (Au) nanoparticle coated with a (mesoporous) silica shell. To obtain a reliable 3D characterization of such an object, we propose a dose-efficient strategy to simultaneously acquire high angle annular dark field scanning TEM and annular dark field tilt series for tomography. The 3D reconstruction is further improved by applying an advanced masking and interpolation approach to the acquired data. This new methodology enables us to obtain high quality reconstructions from which also quantitative information can be extracted. This approach is broadly applicable to investigate hybrid core-shell materials.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000368446800003 Publication Date 2015-10-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0934-0866; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.474 Times cited 13 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC) (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOM). L.M. acknowledges funding from the EU, Grant# 310651-2 Self-Assembly in Confined Space (SACS). K.J.B acknowledges financial support from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), project number 639.072.005 and NWO CW 700.57.026. Networking support was provided by COST Action MP1207. The authors acknowledge the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative, Reference No. 312483-ESTEEM2 for financial support.; esteem2jra4; ECASSara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 4.474; 2015 IF: 3.081  
  Call Number c:irua:129590 c:irua:129590 Serial 3967  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author van der Stam, W.; Berends, A.C.; Rabouw, F.T.; Willhammar, T.; Ke, X.; Meeldijk, J.D.; Bals, S.; de Donega, C.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Luminescent CuInS2 quantum dots by partial cation exchange in Cu2-xS nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 621-628  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Here, we show successful partial cation exchange reactions in Cu2-xS nanocrystals (NCs) yielding luminescent CuInS2 (CIS) NCs. Our approach of mild reaction conditions ensures slow Cu extraction rates, which results in a balance with the slow In incorporation rate. With this method, we obtain CIS NCs with photoluminescence (PL) far in the near-infrared (NIR), which cannot be directly synthesized by currently available synthesis protocols. We discuss the factors that favor partial, self-limited cation exchange from Cu2-xS to CIS NCs, rather than complete cation exchange to In2S3. The product CIS NCs have the wurtzite crystal structure, which is understood in terms of conservation of the hexagonal close packing of the anionic sublattice of the parent NCs into the product NCs. These results are an important step toward the design of CIS NCs with sizes and shapes that are not attainable by direct synthesis protocols and may thus impact a number of potential applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000348618400028 Publication Date 2014-12-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 119 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; 262348 Esmi; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354  
  Call Number c:irua:125291 Serial 1858  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Goris, B.; de Beenhouwer, J.; de Backer, A.; Zanaga, D.; Batenburg, K.J.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S.; Sijbers, J.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Measuring lattice strain in three dimensions through electron microscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 15 Issue 15 Pages 6996-7001  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract The three-dimensional (3D) atomic structure of nanomaterials, including strain, is crucial to understand their properties. Here, we investigate lattice strain in Au nanodecahedra using electron tomography. Although different electron tomography techniques enabled 3D characterizations of nanostructures at the atomic level, a reliable determination of lattice strain is not straightforward. We therefore propose a novel model-based approach from which atomic coordinates are measured. Our findings demonstrate the importance of investigating lattice strain in 3D.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington Editor  
  Language Wos 000363003100108 Publication Date 2015-09-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984;1530-6992; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 87 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fwo; 335078 Colouratom; 267867 Plasmaquo; 312483 Esteem2; 262348 Esmi; esteem2jra4; ECASSara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 12.712; 2015 IF: 13.592  
  Call Number c:irua:127639 c:irua:127639 Serial 1965  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sheng, X.; Daems, N.; Geboes, B.; Kurttepeli, M.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T.; Hubin, A.; Vankelecom, I.F.J.; Pescarmona, P.P. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title N-doped ordered mesoporous carbons prepared by a two-step nanocasting strategy as highly active and selective electrocatalysts for the reduction of O2 to H2O2 Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ  
  Volume 176-177 Issue 176-177 Pages 212-224  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract A new, two-step nanocasting method was developed to prepare N-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (NOMC) electrocatalysts for the reduction of O2 to H2O2. Our strategy involves the sequential pyrolysis of two inexpensive and readily available N and C precursors, i.e. aniline and dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN), inside the pores of a SBA-15 hard silica template to obtain N-doped graphitic carbon materials with well-ordered pores and high surface areas (764 and 877 m2g−1). By tuning the ratio of carbon sources to silica template, it was possible to achieve an optimal filling of the pores of the SBA-15 silica and to minimise carbon species outside the pores. These NOMC materials displayed outstanding electrocatalytic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction, achieving a remarkably enhanced kinetic current density compared to state-of-the-art N-doped carbon materials (−16.7 mA cm−2 at −0.35 V vs. Ag/AgCl in a 0.1 M KOH solution as electrolyte). The NOMC electrocatalysts showed high selectivity toward the two-electron reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide and excellent long-term stability.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000356549200022 Publication Date 2015-04-05  
  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 111 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.446; 2015 IF: 7.435  
  Call Number c:irua:125370 Serial 2246  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Guerrero, A.; Pfannmöller, M.; Kovalenko, A.; Ripolles, T.S.; Heidari, H.; Bals, S.; Kaufmann, L.-D.; Bisquert, J.; Garcia-Belmonte, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Nanoscale mapping by electron energy-loss spectroscopy reveals evolution of organic solar cell contact selectivity Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Organic electronics: physics, materials, applications Abbreviated Journal Org Electron  
  Volume 16 Issue 16 Pages 227-233  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices are on the verge of commercialization being long-term stability a key challenge. Morphology evolution during lifetime has been suggested to be one of the main pathways accounting for performance degradation. There is however a lack of certainty on how specifically the morphology evolution relates to individual electrical parameters on operating devices. In this work a case study is created based on a thermodynamically unstable organic active layer which is monitored over a period of one year under non-accelerated degradation conditions. The morphology evolution is revealed by compositional analysis of ultrathin cross-sections using nanoscale imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). Additionally, devices are electrically monitored in real-time using the non-destructive electrical techniques capacitance-voltage (C-V) and Impedance Spectroscopy (IS). By comparison of imaging and electrical techniques the relationship between nanoscale morphology and individual electrical parameters of device operation can be conclusively discerned. It is ultimately observed how the change in the cathode contact properties occurring after the migration of fullerene molecules explains the improvement in the overall device performance. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication London Editor  
  Language Wos 000345649500029 Publication Date 2014-11-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1566-1199; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.399 Times cited 24 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 287594 Sunflower; 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 3.399; 2015 IF: 3.827  
  Call Number c:irua:122169 Serial 2267  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lin, F.; Meng; Kukueva, E.; Mertens, M.; Van Doorslaer, S.; Bals, S.; Cool, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title New insights into the mesophase transformation of ethane-bridged PMOs by the influence of different counterions under basic conditions Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication RSC advances Abbreviated Journal Rsc Adv  
  Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 5553-5562  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)  
  Abstract The counterions are of crucial importance in determining the mesostructure and morphology of ethanebridged PMO materials synthesized under basic conditions. By using CTABr as the surfactant, the final PMO materials show a 2-D hexagonal (p6mm) mesophase, while PMO materials with cubic (Pm (3) over barn ) mesostructure are obtained when CTACl or CTA(SO4)(1)/(2) are used. With gradually replacing CTABr by CTACl or CTA(SO4) (1)/(2) while keeping the total surfactant concentration constant, a clear p6mm to Pm (3) over barn 3n mesophase evolution process is observed. For a given gel composition, the mesophase of ethanebridged PMO materials can also be adjusted by the addition of different sodium salts. In short, the effect of the counterions on the mesophase can be attributed to the binding strength of the ions on the surfactant micelles, which follows the Hofmeister series (SO42- < Cl- < Br-< NO3- < SCN-). Furthermore, it is found that the hydrolysis and condensation rate of the organosilica precursor also plays an important role in the formation of the final mesostructure  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000347304900010 Publication Date 2014-12-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2046-2069; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.108 Times cited 6 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ; The Erasmus Mundus CONNEC program is acknowledged for PhD funding of F. L. Furthermore, the authors acknowledge support by the GOA-BOF project 'Optimization of the structureactivity relation in nanoporous materials', funded by the University of Antwerp. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.108; 2015 IF: 3.840  
  Call Number c:irua:123768 Serial 2317  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lin, F.; Meng, X.; Kukueva, E.; Kus, M.; Mertens, M.; Bals, S.; Van Doorslaer, S.; Cool, P. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Novel method to synthesize highly ordered ethane-bridged PMOs under mild acidic conditions : taking advantages of phosphoric acid Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials Abbreviated Journal Micropor Mesopor Mat  
  Volume 207 Issue 207 Pages 61-70  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)  
  Abstract Highly ordered SBA-15-type ethane-bridged PMOs have been obtained by employing H3PO4 as acid to tune the pH in the presence of copolymer surfactant P123. The effects of the acidity and the addition of inorganic salt on the formation of the mesostructure are investigated. It is found that, compared with HCl, the polyprotic weak acid H3PO4 is preferable for the synthesis of highly ordered SBA-15-type ethane-bridged PMOs with larger pore size and surface areas under mild acidic conditions. Moreover, taking the advantages of the mild acidic condition, vanadium-containing SBA-15-type ethane-bridged PMOs were successfully prepared through a direct synthesis approach. The XRD, N2-sorption, UVVis and CW-EPR studies of the V-PMO show that part of the vanadium species are present in polymeric (VOV)n clusters, while part of the vanadium centers are well-dispersed and immobilized on the inner surface of the mesopores.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000350518600009 Publication Date 2015-01-14  
  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 5 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; The Erasmus Mundus CONNEC program is acknowledged for PhD funding of F.Lin. Furthermore, the authors acknowledge support by the GOA-BOF project 'Optimization of the structure-activity relation in nanoporous materials', funded by the University of Antwerp. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.615; 2015 IF: 3.453  
  Call Number c:irua:123910 Serial 2379  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Schouwer, F.; Claes, L.; Claes, N.; Bals, S.; Degrève, J.; De Vos, D.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Pd-catalyzed decarboxylation of glutamic acid and pyroglutamic acid to bio-based 2-pyrrolidone Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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  
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 Plasmonic nanodiamonds : targeted coreshell type nanoparticles for cancer cell thermoablation Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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 Van Eyndhoven, G.; Kurttepeli, M.; van Oers, C.J.; Cool, P.; Bals, S.; Batenburg, K.J.; Sijbers, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Pore REconstruction and Segmentation (PORES) method for improved porosity quantification of nanoporous materials Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Deng, S.; Kurttepeli, M.; Cott, D.J.; Bals, S.; Detavernier, C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Porous nanostructured metal oxides synthesized through atomic layer deposition on a carbonaceous template followed by calcination Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Guerrero, A.; Heidari, H.; Ripolles, T.S.; Kovalenko, A.; Pfannmöller, M.; Bals, S.; Kauffmann, L.-D.; Bisquert, J.; Garcia-Belmonte, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Shelf life degradation of bulk heterojunction solar cells : intrinsic evolution of charge transfer complex Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Laser physics review Abbreviated Journal Adv Energy Mater  
  Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 1401997  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Achievement of long-term stability of organic photovoltaics is currently one of the major topics for this technology to reach maturity. Most of the techniques used to reveal degradation pathways are destructive and/or do not allow for real-time measurements in operating devices. Here, three different, nondestructive techniques able to provide real-time information, namely, film absorbance, capacitance-voltage (C-V), and impedance spectroscopy (IS), are combined over a period of 1 year using non-accelerated intrinsic degradation conditions. It is discerned between chemical modifications in the active layer, physical processes taking place in the bulk of the blend from those at the active layer/contact interfaces. In particular, it is observed that during the ageing experiment, the main source for device performance degradation is the formation of donor-acceptor charge-transfer complex (P3HT(center dot+)-PCBM center dot-) that acts as an exciton quencher. Generation of these radical species diminishes photocurrent and reduces open-circuit voltage by the creation of electronic defect states. Conclusions extracted from absorption, C-V, and IS measurements will be further supported by a range of other techniques such as atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and dark-field imaging of scanning transmission electron microscopy on ultrathin cross-sections.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication S.l. Editor  
  Language Wos 000352708600013 Publication Date 2014-12-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1614-6832; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 16.721 Times cited 30 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 287594 Sunflower; 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 16.721; 2015 IF: 16.146  
  Call Number c:irua:126000 Serial 2994  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author van der Stam, W.; Akkerman, Q.A.; Ke, X.; van Huis, M.A.; Bals, S.; de Donega, C.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Solution-processable ultrathin size- and shape-controlled colloidal Cu2-xS nanosheets Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 283-291  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets (NSs) possess extraordinary properties that are attractive for both fundamental studies and technological devices. Solution-based bottom-up methods are emerging as promising routes to produce free-standing NSs, but the synthesis of colloidal NSs with well-defined size and shape has remained a major challenge. In this work, we report a novel method that yields 2 nm thick colloidal Cu2-xS NSs with well-defined shape (triangular or hexagonal) and size (100 nm to 3 mu m). The key feature of our approach is the use of a synergistic interaction between halides (Br or Cl) and copper-thiolate metal-organic frameworks to create a template that imposes 2D constraints on the Cu-catalyzed C-S thermolysis, resulting in nucleation and growth of colloidal 2D Cu2-xS NSs. Moreover, the NS composition can be postsynthetically tailored by exploiting topotactic cation exchange reactions. This is illustrated by converting the Cu2-xS NSs into ZnS and CdS NSs while preserving their size and shape. The method presented here thus holds great promise as a route to solution-processable compositionally diverse ultrathin colloidal NSs with well-defined shape and size.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000348085300036 Publication Date 2014-12-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 68 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; 246791 Countatoms; 312483 Esteem2; esteem2ta; ECASSara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354  
  Call Number c:irua:123865 c:irua:123865 Serial 3052  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wang, Y.; Belén Serrano, A.; Sentosun, K.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Stabilization and encapsulation of gold nanostars mediated by dithiols Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal Small  
  Volume 11 Issue 11 Pages 4314-4320  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Surface chemistry plays a pivotal role in regulating the morphology of nanoparticles, maintaining colloidal stability, and mediating the interaction with target analytes toward practical applications such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based sensing and imaging. The use of a binary ligand mixture composed of 1,4-benzenedithiol (BDT) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) to provide gold nanostars with long-term stability is reported. This is despite BDT being a bifunctional ligand, which usually leads to bridging and loss of colloidal stability. It is found however that neither BDT nor CTAC alone are able to provide sufficient colloidal and chemical stability. BDT-coated Au nanostars are additionally used as seeds to direct the encapsulation with a gold outer shell, leading to the formation of unusual nanostructures including semishell-coated gold nanostars, which are characterized by high-resolution electron microscopy and electron tomography. Finally, BDT is exploited as a probe to reveal the enhanced local electric fields in the different nanostructures, showing that the semishell configuration provides significantly high SERS signals as compared to other coreshell configurations obtained during seeded growth, including full shells.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor  
  Language Wos 000360852900009 Publication Date 2015-06-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1613-6810; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.643 Times cited 36 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 267867 Plasmaquo; 335078 Colouratom; 262348 Esmi; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 8.643; 2015 IF: 8.368  
  Call Number c:irua:127571 Serial 3136  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wolf, D.; Rodriguez, L.A.; Béché, A.; Javon, E.; Serrano, L.; Magen, C.; Gatel, C.; Lubk, A.; Lichte, H.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Fernández-Pacheco, A.; De Teresa, J.M.; Snoeck, E. url  doi
openurl 
  Title 3D Magnetic Induction Maps of Nanoscale Materials Revealed by Electron Holographic Tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 6771-6778  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The investigation of three-dimensional (3D) ferromagnetic nanoscale materials constitutes one of the key research areas of the current magnetism roadmap, and carries great potential to impact areas such as data storage, sensing and biomagnetism. The properties of such nanostructures are closely connected with their 3D magnetic nanostructure, making their determination highly valuable. Up to now, quantitative 3D maps providing both the internal magnetic and electric configuration of the same specimen with high spatial resolution are missing. Here, we demonstrate the quantitative 3D reconstruction of the dominant axial component of the magnetic induction and electrostatic potential within a cobalt nanowire (NW) of 100 nm in diameter with spatial resolution below 10 nanometers by applying electron holographic tomography. The tomogram was obtained using a dedicated TEM sample holder for acquisition, in combination with advanced alignment and tomographic reconstruction routines. The powerful approach presented here is widely applicable to a broad range of 3D magnetic nanostructures and may trigger the progress of novel spintronic non-planar nanodevices.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000362920700037 Publication Date 2015-09-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 50 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program under a contract for an Inte-grated Infrastructure Initiative Reference 312483-ESTEEM2. S.B. and A.B. gratefully acknowledge funding by ERC Starting grants number 335078 COLOURATOMS and number 278510 VORTEX. AF-P acknowledges an EPSRC Early Career fellowship and support from the Winton Foundation. E.S., C.G. and L.A. R. acknowledge the French ANR program for support though the project EMMA.; esteem2jra4; ECASJO;; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354  
  Call Number c:irua:129180 c:irua:129180 c:irua:129180 Serial 3950  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author van der Stam, W.; Bladt, E.; Rabouw, F.T.; Bals, S.; de Mello Donega, C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Near-Infrared Emitting CuInSe/CuInS Dot Core/Rod Shell Heteronanorods by Sequential Cation Exchange Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano  
  Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 11430-11438  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The direct synthesis of heteronanocrystals (HNCs) combining different ternary semiconductors is challenging and has not yet been successful. Here, we report a sequential topotactic cation exchange (CE) pathway that yields CuInSe2/CuInS2 dot core/rod shell nanorods with near-infrared luminescence. In our approach, the Cu+ extraction rate is coupled to the In3+ incorporation rate by the use of a stoichiometric trioctylphosphine-InCl3 complex, which fulfills the roles of both In-source and Cu-extracting agent. In this way, Cu+ ions can be extracted by trioctylphosphine ligands only when the In-P bond is broken. This results in readily available In3+ ions at the same surface site from which the Cu+ is extracted, making the process a direct place exchange reaction and shifting the overall energy balance in favor of the CE. Consequently, controlled cation exchange can occur even in large and anisotropic heterostructured nanocrystals with preservation of the size, shape, and heterostructuring of the template NCs into the product NCs. The cation exchange is self-limited, stopping when the ternary core/shell CuInSe2/CuInS2 composition is reached. The method is very versatile, successfully yielding a variety of luminescent CuInX2 (X = S, Se, and Te) quantum dots, nanorods, and HNCs, by using Cd-chalcogenide NCs and HNCs as templates. The approach reported here thus opens up routes toward materials with unprecedented properties, which would otherwise remain inaccessible.  
  Address Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University , P.O. Box 80000, 3508 TA Utrecht, The Netherlands  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000365464800094 Publication Date 2015-10-09  
  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 88 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors thank Gang Wang for XRD measurements and Eline Hutter for providing CdSe/CdS NRs. W.v.d.S. and C.d.M.D. acknowledge financial support from the division of Chemical Sciences (CW) of The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) under grant number ECHO.712.012.001. This work was supported by the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078 Colouratom). E.B. gratefully acknowledges financial support by the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen).; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 13.942; 2015 IF: 12.881  
  Call Number c:irua:129184 Serial 3948  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Adam, N.; Leroux, F.; Knapen, D.; Bals, S.; Blust, R. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The uptake and elimination of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles in Daphnia magna under chronic exposure scenarios Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Water research Abbreviated Journal Water Res  
  Volume 68 Issue 68 Pages 249-261  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Veterinary physiology and biochemistry  
  Abstract In this study, the uptake and elimination of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles in Daphnia magna was tested. Daphnids were exposed during 10 days to sublethal concentrations of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles and corresponding metal salts (ZnCl2 and CuCl2.2H2O), after which they were transferred to unexposed medium for another 10 days. At different times during the exposure and none-exposure, the total and internal zinc or copper concentration of the daphnids was determined and the nanoparticles were localized in the organism using electron microscopy. The exposure concentrations were characterized by measuring the dissolved, nanoparticle and aggregated fraction in the medium. The results showed that the ZnO nanoparticles quickly dissolved after addition to the medium. Contrarily, only a small fraction (corresponding to the dissolved metal salt) of the CuO nanoparticles dissolved, while most of these nanoparticles formed large aggregates. Despite an initial increase in zinc and copper concentration during the first 48 hour to 5 day exposure, the body concentration reached a plateau level that was comparable for the ZnO nanoparticles and ZnCl2, but much higher for the CuO nanoparticles (with visible aggregates accumulating in the gut) than CuCl2.2H2O. During the remaining exposure and subsequent none-exposure phase, the zinc and copper concentration decreased fast to concentrations comparable with the unexposed daphnids. The results indicate that D. magna can regulate its internal zinc and copper concentration after exposure to ZnO and CuO nanoparticles, similar as after exposure to metal salts. The combined dissolution, accumulation and toxicity results confirm that the toxicity of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles is caused by the dissolved fraction. Keywords nano; zinc; copper; dissolution; aggregation; electron microscopy  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor  
  Language Wos 000347756900022 Publication Date 2014-10-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0043-1354; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.942 Times cited 51 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; The authors would like to thank Valentine Mubiana and Steven Joosen (Sphere, UA) for performing the ICP-MS and ICP-OES measurements and Prof. Dr. Gustaaf Van Tendeloo for making the collaboration between the EMAT and Sphere group possible. This study is part of the ENNSATOX-project, which was funded by the EU (NMP4-SL-2009-229244). The authors report no conflicts of interest. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.942; 2015 IF: 5.528  
  Call Number c:irua:119366 c:irua:119366 Serial 3822  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author van Aarle, W.; Palenstijn, W.J.; De Beenhouwer, J.; Altantzis, T.; Bals, S.; Batenburg, K.J.; Sijbers, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The ASTRA Toolbox: A platform for advanced algorithm development in electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2015 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 157 Issue 157 Pages 35-47  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract We present the ASTRA Toolbox as an open platform for 3D image reconstruction in tomography. Most of the software tools that are currently used in electron tomography offer limited flexibility with respect to the geometrical parameters of the acquisition model and the algorithms used for reconstruction. The ASTRA Toolbox provides an extensive set of fast and flexible building blocks that can be used to develop advanced reconstruction algorithms, effectively removing these limitations. We demonstrate this flexibility, the resulting reconstruction quality, and the computational efficiency of this toolbox by a series of experiments, based on experimental dual-axis tilt series.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000361002400005 Publication Date 2015-05-06  
  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 562 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the iMinds ICONMetroCT project,the IWT SBO Tom Food project and from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO),Project no. 639.072.005. Networking support was provided by the EXTREMA COST Action MP 1207. Sara Bals acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078 COLOURATOMS).; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2015 IF: 2.436  
  Call Number c:irua:127834 Serial 3974  
Permanent link to this record
Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print

Save Citations:
Export Records: