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“Diluted oxide interfaces with tunable ground states”. Gan Y, Christensen DV, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Krishnan D, Zhong Z, Niu W, Carrad DJ, Norrman K, von Soosten M, Jespersen TS, Shen B, Gauquelin N, Verbeeck J, Sun J, Pryds N, Chen Y, Advanced materials 31, 1805970 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMA.201805970
Abstract: The metallic interface between two oxide insulators, such as LaAlO3/SrTiO3 (LAO/STO), provides new opportunities for electronics and spintronics. However, due to the presence of multiple orbital populations, tailoring the interfacial properties such as the ground state and metal-insulator transitions remains challenging. Here, an unforeseen tunability of the phase diagram of LAO/STO is reported by alloying LAO with a ferromagnetic LaMnO3 insulator without forming lattice disorder and at the same time without changing the polarity of the system. By increasing the Mn-doping level, x, of LaAl1-xMnxO3/STO (0 <= x <= 1), the interface undergoes a Lifshitz transition at x = 0.225 across a critical carrier density of n(c) = 2.8 x 10(13) cm(-2), where a peak T-SC approximate to 255 mK of superconducting transition temperature is observed. Moreover, the LaAl1-xMnxO3 turns ferromagnetic at x >= 0.25. Remarkably, at x = 0.3, where the metallic interface is populated by only d(xy) electrons and just before it becomes insulating, a same device with both signatures of superconductivity and clear anomalous Hall effect (7.6 x 10(12) cm(-2) < n(s) <= 1.1 x 10(13) cm(-2)) is achieved reproducibly. This provides a unique and effective way to tailor oxide interfaces for designing on-demand electronic and spintronic devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 19.791
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1002/ADMA.201805970
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“Strain-engineered metal-to-insulator transition and orbital polarization in nickelate superlattices integrated on silicon”. Chen B, Gauquelin N, Jannis D, Cunha DM, Halisdemir U, Piamonteze C, Lee JH, Belhadi J, Eltes F, Abel S, Jovanovic Z, Spreitzer M, Fompeyrine J, Verbeeck J, Bibes M, Huijben M, Rijnders G, Koster G, Advanced Materials , 2004995 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMA.202004995
Abstract: Epitaxial growth of SrTiO3 (STO) on silicon greatly accelerates the monolithic integration of multifunctional oxides into the mainstream semiconductor electronics. However, oxide superlattices (SLs), the birthplace of many exciting discoveries, remain largely unexplored on silicon. In this work, LaNiO3/LaFeO3 SLs are synthesized on STO-buffered silicon (Si/STO) and STO single-crystal substrates, and their electronic properties are compared using dc transport and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Both sets of SLs show a similar thickness-driven metal-to-insulator transition, albeit with resistivity and transition temperature modified by the different amounts of strain. In particular, the large tensile strain promotes a pronounced Ni 3dx2-y2 orbital polarization for the SL grown on Si/STO, comparable to that reported for LaNiO3 SL epitaxially strained to DyScO3 substrate. Those results illustrate the ability to integrate oxide SLs on silicon with structure and property approaching their counterparts grown on STO single crystal, and also open up new prospects of strain engineering in functional oxides based on the Si platform.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 29.4
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1002/ADMA.202004995
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“Towards Exotic Layered Materials: 2D Cuprous Iodide”. Mustonen K, Hofer C, Kotrusz P, Markevich A, Hulman M, Mangler C, Susi T, Pennycook TJ, Hricovini K, Richter CM, Meyer JC, Kotakoski J, Skákalová, V, Advanced materials , 2106922 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202106922
Abstract: Heterostructures composed of two-dimensional (2D) materials are already opening many new possibilities in such fields of technology as electronics and magnonics, but far more could be achieved if the number and diversity of 2D materials is increased. So far, only a few dozen 2D crystals have been extracted from materials that exhibit a layered phase in ambient conditions, omitting entirely the large number of layered materials that may exist in other temperatures and pressures. Here, we demonstrate how these structures can be stabilized in 2D van der Waals stacks under room temperature via growing them directly in graphene encapsulation by using graphene oxide as the template material. Specifically, we produce an ambient stable 2D structure of copper and iodine, a material that normally only occurs in layered form at elevated temperatures between 645 and 675 K. Our results establish a simple route to the production of more exotic phases of materials that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to stabilize for experiments in ambient.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 19.791
DOI: 10.1002/adma.202106922
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“Multimode electron tomography sheds light on synthesis, structure, and properties of complex metal-based nanoparticles”. Jenkinson K, Liz-Marzan LM, Bals S, Advanced materials 34, 2110394 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMA.202110394
Abstract: Electron tomography has become a cornerstone technique for the visualization of nanoparticle morphology in three dimensions. However, to obtain in-depth information about a nanoparticle beyond surface faceting and morphology, different electron microscopy signals must be combined. The most notable examples of these combined signals include annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF-STEM) with different collection angles and the combination of ADF-STEM with energy-dispersive X-ray or electron energy loss spectroscopies. Here, the experimental and computational development of various multimode tomography techniques in connection to the fundamental materials science challenges that multimode tomography has been instrumental to overcoming are summarized. Although the techniques can be applied to a wide variety of compositions, the study is restricted to metal and metal oxide nanoparticles for the sake of simplicity. Current challenges and future directions of multimode tomography are additionally discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 29.4
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1002/ADMA.202110394
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“Chiral Seeded Growth of Gold Nanorods Into 4‐Fold Twisted Nanoparticles with Plasmonic Optical Activity”. Ni B, Mychinko M, Gómez‐Graña S, Morales‐Vidal J, Obelleiro‐Liz M, Heyvaert W, Vila‐Liarte D, Zhuo X, Albrecht W, Zheng G, González‐Rubio G, Taboada JM, Obelleiro F, López N, Pérez‐Juste J, Pastoriza‐Santos I, Cölfen H, Bals S, Liz‐Marzán LM, Advanced materials , 2208299 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202208299
Abstract: A robust and reproducible methodology to prepare stable inorganic nanoparticles with chiral morphology might hold the key to the practical utilization of these materials. We describe herein an optimized chiral growth method to prepare 4-fold twisted gold nanorods, where the amino acid cysteine is used as a dissymmetry inducer. Four tilted ridges were found to develop on the surface of single-crystal nanorods upon repeated reduction of HAuCl4, in the presence of cysteine as the chiral inducer and ascorbic acid as a reducing agent. From detailed electron microscopy analysis of the crystallographic structures, we propose that dissymmetry results from the development of chiral facets in the form of protrusions (tilted ridges) on the initial nanorods, eventually leading to a twisted shape. The role of cysteine is attributed to assisting enantioselective facet evolution, which is supported by density functional theory simulations of the surface energies, modified upon adsorption of the chiral molecule. The development of R-type and S-type chiral structures (small facets, terraces, or kinks) would thus be non-equal, removing the mirror symmetry of the Au NR and in turn resulting in a markedly chiral morphology with high plasmonic optical activity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 29.4
Times cited: 35
DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208299
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“Orbital-hybridization-driven charge density wave transition in CsV₃Sb₅, kagome superconductor”. Han S, Tang CS, Li L, Liu Y, Liu H, Gou J, Wu J, Zhou D, Yang P, Diao C, Ji J, Bao J, Zhang L, Zhao M, Milošević, MV, Guo Y, Tian L, Breese MBH, Cao G, Cai C, Wee ATS, Yin X, Advanced materials , 1 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMA.202209010
Abstract: Owing to its inherent non-trivial geometry, the unique structural motif of the recently discovered kagome topological superconductor AV(3)Sb(5) (A = K, Rb, Cs) is an ideal host of diverse topologically non-trivial phenomena, including giant anomalous Hall conductivity, topological charge order, charge density wave (CDW), and unconventional superconductivity. Despite possessing a normal-state CDW order in the form of topological chiral charge order and diverse superconducting gaps structures, it remains unclear how fundamental atomic-level properties and many-body effects including Fermi surface nesting, electron-phonon coupling, and orbital hybridization contribute to these symmetry-breaking phenomena. Here, the direct participation of the V3d-Sb5p orbital hybridization in mediating the CDW phase transition in CsV3Sb5 is reported. The combination of temperature-dependent X-ray absorption and first-principles studies clearly indicates the inverse Star-of-David structure as the preferred reconstruction in the low-temperature CDW phase. The results highlight the critical role that Sb orbitals play and establish orbital hybridization as the direct mediator of the CDW states and structural transition dynamics in kagome unconventional superconductors. This is a significant step toward the fundamental understanding and control of the emerging correlated phases from the kagome lattice through the orbital interactions and provides promising approaches to novel regimes in unconventional orders and topology.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 29.4
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1002/ADMA.202209010
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“Enhanced local magnetization by interface engineering in perovskite-type correlated oxide heterostructures”. Huijben M, Liu Y, Boschker H, Lauter V, Egoavil R, Verbeeck J, te Velthuis SGE, Rijnders G, Koster G, Advanced Materials Interfaces 2, 1400416 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201400416
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.279
Times cited: 30
DOI: 10.1002/admi.201400416
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“Fe2O3-TiO2Nano-heterostructure Photoanodes for Highly Efficient Solar Water Oxidation”. Barreca D, Carraro G, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Warwick MEA, Kaunisto K, Sada C, Turner S, Gönüllü, Y, Ruoko T-P, Borgese L, Bontempi E, Van Tendeloo G, Lemmetyinen H, Mathur S, Advanced Materials Interfaces 2, 1500313 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201500313
Abstract: Harnessing solar energy for the production of clean hydrogen by photoelectrochemical water splitting represents a very attractive, but challenging approach for sustainable energy generation. In this regard, the fabrication of Fe2O3–TiO2 photoanodes is reported, showing attractive performances [≈2.0 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode in 1 M NaOH] under simulated one-sun illumination. This goal, corresponding to a tenfold photoactivity enhancement with respect to bare Fe2O3, is achieved by atomic layer deposition of TiO2 over hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanostructures fabricated by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition and final annealing at 650 °C. The adopted approach enables an intimate Fe2O3–TiO2 coupling, resulting in an electronic interplay at the Fe2O3/TiO2 interface. The reasons for the photocurrent enhancement determined by TiO2 overlayers with increasing thickness are unraveled by a detailed chemico-physical investigation, as well as by the study of photogenerated charge carrier dynamics. Transient absorption spectroscopy shows that the increased photoelectrochemical response of heterostructured photoanodes compared to bare hematite is due to an enhanced separation of photogenerated charge carriers and more favorable hole dynamics for water oxidation. The stable responses obtained even in simulated seawater provides a feasible route in view of the eventual large-scale generation of renewable energy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.279
Times cited: 56
DOI: 10.1002/admi.201500313
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“Defect-modulated transistors and gas-enhanced photodetectors on ReS2 nanosheets”. Yang S, Kang J, Yue Q, Coey JMD, Jiang C, Advanced Materials Interfaces 3, 1500707 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201500707
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.279
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1002/admi.201500707
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“Iron-titanium oxide nanocomposites functionalized with gold particles : from design to solar hydrogen production”. Barreca D, Carraro G, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Warwick MEA, Toniato E, Gombac V, Sada C, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Fornasiero P;, Advanced Materials Interfaces 3, 1600348 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMI.201600348
Abstract: Hematite-titania nanocomposites, eventually functionalized with gold nanoparticles (NPs), are designed and developed by a plasma-assisted strategy, consisting in: (i) the plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition of -Fe2O3 on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates; the radio frequency-sputtering of (ii) TiO2, and (iii) Au in controlled amounts. A detailed chemicophysical characterization, carried out through a multitechnique approach, reveals that the target materials are composed by interwoven -Fe2O3 dendritic structures, possessing a high porosity and active area. TiO2 introduction results in the formation of an ultrathin titania layer uniformly covering Fe2O3, whereas Au sputtering yields a homogeneous dispersion of low-sized gold NPs. Due to the intimate and tailored interaction between the single constituents and their optical properties, the resulting composite materials are successfully exploited for solar-driven applications. In particular, promising photocatalytic performances in H-2 production by reforming of water-ethanol solutions under simulated solar illumination are obtained. The related insights, presented and discussed in this work, can yield useful guidelines to boost the performances of nanostructured photocatalysts for energy-related applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.279
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1002/ADMI.201600348
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“Energy Level Alignment and Cation Charge States at the LaFeO3/LaMnO3(001) Heterointerface”. Smolin SY, Choquette AK, Wilks RG, Gauquelin N, Félix R, Gerlach D, Ueda S, Krick AL, Verbeeck J, Bär M, Baxter JB, May SJ, Advanced Materials Interfaces 4, 1700183 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201700183
Abstract: The electronic properties of LaFeO 3 /LaMnO 3 epitaxial heterojunctions are investigated to determine the valence and conduction band offsets and the nominal Mn and Fe valence states at the interface. Studying a systematic series of (LaFeO 3 ) n /(LaMnO 3 ) m bilayers (m ≈ 50) epitaxially grown in the (001) orientation using molecular beam epitaxy, layer-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy reveals a lack of significant interfacial charge transfer, with a nominal 3+ valence state observed for both Mn and Fe across the interface. Through a combination of variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, type I energy level alignments are obtained at the LaFeO 3 /LaMnO 3 interface with positive valence and conduction band offsets of (1.20 ± 0.07) eV and (0.5–0.7 ± 0.3) eV, respectively, with minimal band bending. Variable temperature resistivity measurements reveal that the bilayers remain insulating and that the presence of the heterojunction does not result in a conducting interface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.279
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1002/admi.201700183
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“Enhancing the hydrogen evolution properties of kesterite absorber by Si-doping in the surface of CZTS thin film”. Vishwakarma M, Kumar M, Hendrickx M, Hadermann J, Singh AP, Batra Y, Mehta BR, Advanced Materials Interfaces , 2002124 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMI.202002124
Abstract: In this work, the effects of Si-doping in Cu2ZnSnS4 are examined computationally and experimentally. The density functional theory calculations show that an increasing concentration of Si (from x = 0 to x = 1) yields a band gap rise due to shifting of the conduction band minimum towards higher energy states in the Cu2Zn(Sn1-xSix)S-4. CZTSiS thin film prepared by co-sputtering process shows Cu2Zn(Sn1-xSix)S-4 (Si-rich) and Cu2ZnSnS4 (S-rich) kesterite phases on the surface and in the bulk of the sample, respectively. A significant change in surface electronic properties is observed in CZTSiS thin film. Si-doping in CZTS inverts the band bending at grain-boundaries from downward to upward and the Fermi level of CZTSiS shifts upward. Further, the coating of the CdS and ZnO layer improves the photocurrent to approximate to 5.57 mA cm(-2) at -0.41 V-RHE in the CZTSiS/CdS/ZnO sample, which is 2.39 times higher than that of pure CZTS. The flat band potential increases from CZTS approximate to 0.43 V-RHE to CZTSiS/CdS/ZnO approximate to 1.31 V-RHE indicating the faster carrier separation process at the electrode-electrolyte interface in the latter sample. CdS/ZnO layers over CZTSiS significantly reduce the charge transfer resistance at the semiconductor-electrolyte interface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.279
DOI: 10.1002/ADMI.202002124
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“Charge transfer doping modulated raman scattering and enhanced stability of black phosphorus quantum dots on a ZnO nanorod”. Hu L, Amini MN, Wu Y, Jin Z, Yuan J, Lin R, Wu J, Dai Y, He H, Lu Y, Lu J, Ye Z, Han S-T, Ye J, Partoens B, Zeng Y-J, Ruan S, Advanced Optical Materials 6, 1800440 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADOM.201800440
Abstract: Black phosphorus (BP) has recently triggered an unprecedented interest in the 2D community. However, many of its unique properties are not exploited and the well-known environmental vulnerability is not conquered. Herein, a type-I mixed-dimensional (0D-1D) van der Waals heterojunction is developed, where three-atomic-layer BP quantum dots (QDs) are assembled on a single ZnO nanorod (NR). By adjusting the indium (In) content in ZnO NRs, the degree and even the direction of surface charge transfer doping within the heterojunction can be tuned, which result in selective Raman scattering enhancements between ZnO and BP. The maximal enhancement factor is determined as 4340 for BP QDs with sub-ppm level. Furthermore, an unexpected long-term ambient stability (more than six months) of BP QDs is revealed, which is ascribed to the electron doping from ZnO:In NRs. The first demonstration of selective Raman enhancements between two inorganic semiconductors as well as the improved stability of BP shed light on this emerging 2D material.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.875
Times cited: 37
DOI: 10.1002/ADOM.201800440
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“Controlled Alloying of Au@Ag Core–Shell Nanorods Induced by Femtosecond Laser Irradiation”. González‐Rubio G, Díaz‐Núñez P, Albrecht W, Manzaneda‐González V, Bañares L, Rivera A, Liz‐Marzán LM, Peña‐Rodríguez O, Bals S, Guerrero‐Martínez A, Advanced Optical Materials , 2002134 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1002/adom.202002134
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.875
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1002/adom.202002134
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“Plasma nanoscience : from nano-solids in plasmas to nano-plasmas in solids”. Ostrikov K, Neyts EC, Meyyappan M, Advances in physics 62, 113 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1080/00018732.2013.808047
Abstract: The unique plasma-specific features and physical phenomena in the organization of nanoscale soild-state systems in a broad range of elemental composition, structure, and dimensionality are critically reviewed. These effects lead to the possibility to localize and control energy and matter at nanoscales and to produce self-organized nano-solids with highly unusual and superior properties. A unifying conceptual framework based on the control of production, transport, and self-organization of precursor species is introduced and a variety of plasma-specific non-equilibrium and kinetics-driven phenomena across the many temporal and spatial scales is explained. When the plasma is localized to micrometer and nanometer dimensions, new emergent phenomena arise. The examples range from semiconducting quantum dots and nanowires, chirality control of single-walled carbon nanotubes, ultra-fine manipulation of graphenes, nano-diamond, and organic matter to nano-plasma effects and nano-plasmas of different states of matter.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 21.818
Times cited: 380
DOI: 10.1080/00018732.2013.808047
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“Evolution of the phase stability of NiAl under low energy ball milling”. Zelaya E, Esquivel MR, Schryvers D, Advanced powder technology 24, 1063 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apt.2013.03.008
Abstract: Low energy mechanical alloying of Ni35 at.%Al and Ni40 at.%Al material was performed and the resulting structures were investigated by XRD and TEM. The final intermetallics observed consist of two phases, NiAl(B2) and Ni3Al while 7R and 3R martensite was observed in post-annealed samples. Different integrated milling times were associated to the intermetallic consolidation and initial blend dissociation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.659
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1016/j.apt.2013.03.008
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“Mechanical synthesis of high purity Cu-In-Se alloy nanopowder as precursor for printed CISe thin film solar cells”. Zaghi AE, Buffière M, Brammertz G, Batuk M, Lenaers N, Kniknie B, Hadermann J, Meuris M, Poortmans J, Vleugels J, Advanced powder technology 25, 1254 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apt.2014.03.003
Abstract: Mechanical alloying and ball milling are low cost, up-scalable techniques for the preparation of high purity chalcogenide nanopowders to be used as precursor material for printing thin film solar cells. In this study, high purity copper indium selenium (Cu-In-Se) alloy nanopowders with 20-200 nm particle size were synthesized from macroscopic elemental Cu, In and Se powders via mechanical alloying and planetary ball milling. The particle size distribution, morphology, composition, and purity level of the synthesized Cu-In-Se alloy nanopowders were investigated. Thin Cu-In-Se alloy nanopowder ink coatings, deposited on Mo-coated glass substrates by doctor blading, were converted into a CuInSe2 semiconductor film by selenization heat treatment in Se vapor. The CuInSe2 film showed semiconducting band gap around 1 eV measured by photoluminescence spectroscopy. CuInSe2 absorber layer based thin film solar cell devices were fabricated to assess their performance. The solar cell device showed a total efficiency of 4.8%, as measured on 0.25 cm(2) area cell. (c) 2014 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.659
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1016/j.apt.2014.03.003
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“Hierarchical design in nanoporous metals”. Ying J, Lenaerts S, Symes MD, Yang X-Y, Advanced Science 9, 2106117 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADVS.202106117
Abstract: Hierarchically porous metals possess intriguing high accessibility of matter molecules and unique continuous metallic frameworks, as well as a high level of exposed active atoms. High rates of diffusion and fast energy transfer have been important and challenging goals of hierarchical design and porosity control with nanostructured metals. This review aims to summarize recent important progress toward the development of hierarchically porous metals, with special emphasis on synthetic strategies, hierarchical design in structure-function and corresponding applications. The current challenges and future prospects in this field are also discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 15.1
DOI: 10.1002/ADVS.202106117
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“Current State of Cold Atmospheric Plasma and Cancer‐Immunity Cycle: Therapeutic Relevance and Overcoming Clinical Limitations Using Hydrogels”. Živanić, M, Espona‐Noguera A, Lin A, Canal C, Advanced Science , 2205803 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202205803
Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a partially ionized gas that gains attention
as a well-tolerated cancer treatment that can enhance anti-tumor immune
responses, which are important for durable therapeutic effects. This review
offers a comprehensive and critical summary on the current understanding of
mechanisms in which CAP can assist anti-tumor immunity: induction of
immunogenic cell death, oxidative post-translational modifications of the
tumor and its microenvironment, epigenetic regulation of aberrant gene
expression, and enhancement of immune cell functions. This should provide
a rationale for the effective and meaningful clinical implementation of CAP. As
discussed here, despite its potential, CAP faces different clinical limitations
associated with the current CAP treatment modalities: direct exposure of
cancerous cells to plasma, and indirect treatment through injection of
plasma-treated liquids in the tumor. To this end, a novel modality is proposed:
plasma-treated hydrogels (PTHs) that can not only help overcome some of the
clinical limitations but also offer a convenient platform for combining CAP
with existing drugs to improve therapeutic responses and contribute to the
clinical translation of CAP. Finally, by integrating expertise in biomaterials and
plasma medicine, practical considerations and prospective for the
development of PTHs are offered.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 15.1
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205803
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“A Chemical Approach to Raise Cell Voltage and Suppress Phase Transition in O3 Sodium Layered Oxide Electrodes”. Sathiya M, Jacquet Q, Doublet ML, Karakulina OM, Hadermann J, Tarascon J-M, Advanced energy materials (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.201702599
Abstract: Sodium ion batteries (NIBs) are one of the versatile technologies for lowcost rechargeable batteries. O3-type layered sodium transition metal oxides (NaMO2, M = transition metal ions) are one of the most promising positive electrode materials considering their capacity. However, the use of O3 phases is limited due to their low redox voltage and associated multiple phase transitions which are detrimental for long cycling. Herein, a simple strategy is proposed to successfully combat these issues. It consists of the introduction of a larger, nontransition metal ion Sn4+ in NaMO2 to prepare a series of NaNi0.5Mn0.5−y SnyO2 (y = 0–0.5) compositions with attractive electrochemical performances, namely for y = 0.5, which shows a single-phase transition from O3 ⇔ P3 at the very end of the oxidation process. Na-ion NaNi0.5Sn0.5O2/C coin cells are shown to deliver an average cell voltage of 3.1 V with an excellent capacity retention as compared to an average stepwise voltage of ≈2.8 V and limited capacity retention for the pure NaNi0.5Mn0.5O2 phase. This study potentially shows the way to manipulate the O3 NaMO2 for facilitating their practical use in NIBs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 21.875
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201702599
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“High-TCInterfacial Ferromagnetism in SrMnO3/LaMnO3Superlattices”. Keunecke M, Lyzwa F, Schwarzbach D, Roddatis V, Gauquelin N, Müller-Caspary K, Verbeeck J, Callori SJ, Klose F, Jungbauer M, Moshnyaga V, Advanced functional materials , 1808270 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201808270
Abstract: Heterostructures of strongly correlated oxides demonstrate various intriguing and potentially useful interfacial phenomena. LaMnO3/SrMnO3 superlattices are presented showcasing a new high‐temperature ferromagnetic phase with Curie temperature, TC ≈360 K, caused by electron transfer from the surface of the LaMnO3 donor layer into the neighboring SrMnO3 acceptor layer. As a result, the SrMnO3 (top)/LaMnO3 (bottom) interface shows an enhancement of the magnetization as depth‐profiled by polarized neutron reflectometry. The length scale of charge transfer, λTF ≈2 unit cells, is obtained from in situ growth monitoring by optical ellipsometry, supported by optical simulations, and further confirmed by high resolution electron microscopy and spectroscopy. A model of the inhomogeneous distribution of electron density in LaMnO3/SrMnO3 layers along the growth direction is concluded to account for a complex interplay between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic layers in superlattices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 15.621
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201808270
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“Big is efficient : evidence from agricultural cooperatives in Ethiopia”. Gezahegn TW, Van Passel S, Berhanu T, D'Haese M, Maertens M, Agricultural Economics 50, 555 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1111/AGEC.12509
Abstract: In Ethiopia, there is a renewed interest in agricultural cooperatives as an institutional tool to improve the welfare of smallholder farmers. One of the pathways through which cooperatives benefit their members is scale economies. However, the establishment of cooperatives in Ethiopia seems to pay little attention to the size of the organizations. This article aims at investigating the effect of size on cost efficiency of agricultural cooperatives. More specifically, the purpose is to examine whether a single cooperative can serve a given number of farmers at a lower cost than two or more smaller cooperatives could. We employ the concept of cost subadditivity to compare the cost efficiency of large versus small cooperatives, and by extension unilateral actions. We estimate a flexible production technology using cross-sectional cooperative-level data. Findings show that costs would drop by 78% to 181% if farmers join hands in relatively large rather than small cooperatives.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 1.758
DOI: 10.1111/AGEC.12509
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“Potential of life cycle assessment to support environmental decision making at commercial dairy farms”. Meul M, Van Middelaar CE, de Boer IJM, Van Passel S, Fremaut D, Haesaert G, Agricultural Systems 131, 105 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.AGSY.2014.08.006
Abstract: In this paper, we evaluate the potential of life cycle assessment (LCA) to support environmental decision making at commercial dairy farms. To achieve this, we follow a four-step method that allows converting environmental assessment results using LCA into case-specific advice for farmers. This is illustrated in a case-study involving 20 specialized Flemish dairy farms. Calculated LCA indicators are normalized into scores between 0 and 100, whereby a score of 100 is assumed optimal, to allow for a mutual comparison of indicators for different environmental impact categories. Next, major farm and management characteristics affecting environmental performance are identified using multiple regression and correlation analyses. Finally, comparing specific farm and management characteristics with those of best performing farms identifies farm-specific optimization strategies. We conclude that this approach complies with most of the identified critical success factors for the successful implementation of LCA as a decision support system for farmers. Key aspects herein are (i) the flexibility and accessibility of the model, (ii) the use of readily available farm data, (iii) farm advisors being intended model users, (iv) the identification of key farm and management characteristics affecting environmental performance and (v) the organization of discussion sessions involving farmers and farm advisors. However, attention should be paid (i) to provide sufficient training and guidance for farm advisors on the use of the applied LCA model and the interpretation of results, (ii) to evaluate the correctness of the used data and (iii) to keep the model up-to-date according to new scientific insights and knowledge concerning LCA methodology. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 2.571
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1016/J.AGSY.2014.08.006
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“Integrated assessment of agro-ecological systems : the case study of the “Alta Murgia&rdquo, National park in Italy”. Moretti M, De Boni A, Roma R, Fracchiolla M, Van Passel S, Agricultural Systems 144, 144 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.AGSY.2016.02.007
Abstract: Several indicators and methods are already applied for sustainability assessment in agriculture. The links between sustainability indicators, agricultural management and policies are not well explained. The aim of this study is to combine biophysical and monetary sustainability assessment tools to support agriculture policy decision-making. Three methodological steps are considered: i) the environmental impacts of farms are assessed using terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, soil and freshwater ecotoxicity as well as natural land transformation; ii) the most relevant indicators of agriculture damages on ecosystems quality are aggregated into an index; iii) the farms' index scores are integrated with farm assets, land and labor, into the Sustainable Value approach (SVA), as indicator of natural resources used by farms. As a case study, the methodology was applied to arable farms with and without animal husbandry of the “Alta Murgia” National Park. The crop farms, in our sample, have a higher sustainable value using their economic and environmental resources. Mixed farms need to improve their resources use efficiency. Although crop farms have lower land-use efficiency compared to mixed farms, our results suggest supporting, by means of policy options, the specialized crop farms that, on average, perform better in terms of ecosystems quality preservation. Finally, we find that Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to soundly measure the environmental impacts clearly enriches the SVA. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 2.571
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/J.AGSY.2016.02.007
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“Cognitive mapping : a method to elucidate and present farmers' risk perception”. van Winsen F, de Mey Y, Lauwers L, Van Passel S, Vancauteren M, Wauters E, Agricultural Systems 122, 42 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.AGSY.2013.08.003
Abstract: Assumptions on the perceptions of risks, made in agricultural economics literature, are recognized to be over-simplistic. For example most studies assume that risks are independent and static, while in reality most risks are interlinked and dynamic. We propose an alternative method to identify and present risk perception, closer to the actual comprehension of risk by farmers. Grounded theory is used to investigate the perceptions of risk by farmers while avoiding prior assumptions. Main findings are: (i) farmers have difficulty to rank or score probability and impact of risks in a (semi)quantitative manner; (ii) farmers attach different meanings to risk, when the focus shifts between, uncertain event, probability or value at stake and; (iii) farmers perceive risks as being interrelated. Based on these findings, we propose that farmers' risk perception can be best understood as a network of interrelated notions of uncertain events, their effects and uncertain outcomes. Furthermore, cognitive mapping is suggested to elucidate and present these networks. We test cognitive mapping, exploring dairy farmers' risk perception, and demonstrate the appropriateness of this methodology for capturing the complexity and context of perceived risk. Advantages are: (i) the qualitative approach, (ii) the focus on interrelations and context, (iii) the applicability at farm level, (iv) the farmer-driven rather than researcher-driven perspective, and (v) the elucidation of the polyvalent use of the risk concept. Cognitive maps can be used as a communication tool, a risk management tool, and a tool to stimulate bi-directional learning amongst farmers, policy makers, researchers and extension agents. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article
Impact Factor: 2.571
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1016/J.AGSY.2013.08.003
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“Direct and indirect effect of irrigation water availability on crop revenue in northwest Ethiopia : a structural equation model”. Chekol Zewdie M, Van Passel S, Cools J, Tenessa DB, Ayele ZA, Tsegaye EA, Minale AS, Nyssen J, Agricultural Water Management 220, 27 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.AGWAT.2019.04.013
Abstract: Development of a clear understanding of the relationship between the availability of dam-driven irrigation water and crop revenue is important in poverty reduction and food security process. As a result, large research efforts are devoted to understanding the relationship between the availability of irrigation water and crop revenue. However, earlier studies do have several limitations. For example, without considering its indirect effect, prior studies focused solely on the direct effect of availability of irrigation water on crop revue. In this study, using a structural equation model analysis, the direct and indirect effect of availability of dam-driven irrigation water on crop revenue is decomposed and quantified specifically for the Koga irrigation scheme, located in the Mecha district of Amhara region in Ethiopia. A primary data set was collected from a randomly selected sample of 450 households in the Koga irrigation scheme. More than half of the households (254) are supported by the Koga Dam irrigation water during the dry season, and the other 196 households depended only on rainfall. The results of the study showed that, in addition to its direct effect, the availability of irrigation water indirectly affected crop revenue through receptivity of the farmers to use modern farm inputs. Around 27 percent of the total effect of dam-driven irrigation water on crop revenue was mediated by farmers’ receptivity to use yield-enhancing modern farm inputs. The results of this study suggested that the availability of irrigation water is essential to improve both crop revenue and receptivity of the farmers to use modern farm inputs. This finding also drives a strategic framework that the receptivity of the farmers to use modern farm inputs is crucial for utilizing the positive effects of irrigation water availability on crop revenue.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 2.848
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/J.AGWAT.2019.04.013
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“Pathways how irrigation water affects crop revenue of smallholder farmers in northwest Ethiopia: A mixed approach”. Zewdie MC, Van Passel S, Moretti M, Annys S, Tenessa DB, Ayele ZA, Tsegaye EA, Cools J, Minale AS, Nyssen J, Agricultural Water Management 233, 106101 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106101
Abstract: The relationship between irrigation water availability and crop revenue is multifaceted. However, most of the previous studies focused only on the direct effect of irrigation water on crop revenue or considered that the indirect effect passes only through the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. Nevertheless, unlike previous studies, this study argues that a one-sided argument that irrigation water directly causes high crop revenue or indirectly affects crop revenue only via the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage is incomplete, as irrigation water not only directly contributes to crop revenue but also indirectly conduces to crop revenue via both the type of crops produced and the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. Considering the previous studies’ limitations, this study investigates pathways how small-scale irrigation water affects crop revenue and identifies challenges of small-scale irrigation farming in Fogera district, Ethiopia. Results endorsed that irrigation water has both direct and indirect effects on crop revenue. The indirect effect is 67 percent of the total effect and it is mediated by both the type of crops produced and farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. The result also indicated that irrigation user farmers have a higher income, more livestock assets and resources and better food, housing, and cloths than the non-users. Moreover, challenges related to agricultural output and input market were identified as the most severe problem followed by crop disease. The findings of our study suggest that to utilize the benefits of irrigation water properly, it is crucial to encourage farmers to use more improved farm inputs and to shift from staple to cash crop production. Moreover, farmers are frequently exposed to cheating by illegal brokers in the output market, therefore it is also important to increase farmers’ accessibility to output and input markets, the quality of improved farm inputs, and the bargaining power of farmers with market information.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.7
DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106101
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“Do bottom-up and independent agricultural cooperatives really perform better? Insights from a technical efficiency analysis in Ethiopia”. Gezahegn TW, Van Passel S, Berhanu T, D'haese M, Maertens M, Agrekon (2020). http://doi.org/10.1080/03031853.2019.1663223
Abstract: The cooperative landscape in Ethiopia is very heterogeneous with a mixture of remains of the pre-1991 government-controlled system and new post-1991 bottom-up collective action initiatives. This heterogeneity, coupled with a large growth in the number of cooperatives in the country, offers an interesting perspective to study the determinants of the (in)efficiency of cooperatives. In this paper, we analyse the performance of Ethiopian agricultural cooperatives, focusing on the degree of technical (in)efficiency and its determinants. We use the stochastic frontier approach in which we account for heteroskedasticity and the monotonicity of production functions, presenting a methodological improvement with respect to previous technical efficiency studies. The results show that NGO- and government-initiated cooperatives are less efficient than community-initiated ones, implying that governments and NGOs should not interfere too strongly in cooperative formation. Cooperatives with a high degree of heterogeneity in members' participation are found to be about 98% less efficient, while cooperatives that have paid employees are 33% more efficient. Besides, results show that cooperatives in Ethiopia function more efficiently if they incentivize committee members through monetary compensation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 1.3
DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2019.1663223
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“MOTIFS : a monitoring tool for integrated farm sustainability”. Meul M, Van Passel S, Nevens F, Dessein J, Rogge E, Mulier A, Van Hauwermeiren A, Agronomy For Sustainable Development 28, 321 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1051/AGRO:2008001
Abstract: Indicator-based monitoring tools are frequently applied for sustainability assessments, also in agriculture. However, many indicators focus on a rather restricted number of sustainability aspects such as economy or ecology. Moreover the choice of the indicator is rarely explained. The aim of our study was to develop an indicator-based monitoring tool for integrated farm sustainability – i.e. taking into account economic and ecological and social aspects – based on a supported vision of sustainable agriculture and using a set of relevant indicators. Hereby, specific attention was paid to aspects of communication and user-friendliness. Four methodological steps were considered: (i) translating the major principles of a supported vision of sustainable Flemish agriculture into concrete and relevant themes; (ii) designing indicators to monitor progress towards sustainability for each of those themes; (iii) aggregating the indicators into an integrated farm sustainability monitoring tool and (iv) applying the monitoring tool on a practical farm, as a first attempt at end-use validation. Stakeholder participation and expert consulting played an important part in each of these methodological steps. As a case study, the methodology was applied to Flemish dairy farms. As a result, we developed MOTIFS, a user-friendly and strongly communicative indicator-based monitoring tool that allows the measurement of progress towards integrated sustainable dairy farming systems and fits within a well-founded methodological framework. MOTIFS is based on the equality of the economic, ecological and social sustainability dimensions, and this equality is inherently built into the system. Through the applied methodology, we founded the selected themes and indicators and we avoided using indicators that are not relevant to the problem at hand.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics
Impact Factor: 4.101
Times cited: 97
DOI: 10.1051/AGRO:2008001
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“Higher sustainability performance of intensive grazing versus zero-grazing dairy systems”. Meul M, Van Passel S, Fremaut D, Haesaert G, Agronomy For Sustainable Development 32, 629 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1007/S13593-011-0074-5
Abstract: Although grazing of dairy cows is an integral part of dairy farming in many European countries, farmers today more often choose for zero-grazing systems, where cows are housed throughout the year. Some studies already compared grazing and zero-grazing systems for specific issues such as labor efficiency, environmental impact, or animal welfare. In our study, we perform a more integrated evaluation, considering relevant ecological, economic, and social aspects. This allows for a balanced and more complete comparison of the sustainability performance of the two production methods. We evaluated ten intensive grazing and ten zero-grazing specialized Flemish dairy farms on the use of nutrients and energy, productivity and profitability, labor input, and animal welfare. In addition, we put special effort in formulating useful management advice for farmers. Therefore, we combined a detailed analysis of the sustainability indicators with an intensive interaction and discussion with farmers and farm advisors. Results show that, on average, the zero-grazing farms performed significantly worse from an ecological and economic point of view. This fact is explained mainly due to a less efficient use of concentrates and byproducts. Social sustainability performance did not differ significantly between the two groups. As a result, the integrated sustainability performance was significantly lower for the zero-grazing group. This finding shows that a further shift from intensive grazing to zero-grazing can move dairy farming in Flanders further away from sustainability. An important advice to improve the ecological and economic performance of zero-grazing farms is to optimize cows' rations to include more forages and optimize forage production and use. More detailed site- and case-specific management advice for farmers of both groups was provided during a discussion meeting. We consider this an essential additional step to any sustainability evaluation, since progress can only be made when monitoring results are translated into practical measures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.101
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1007/S13593-011-0074-5
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