“Analysis of pattern formation in systems with competing range interactions”. Zhao HJ, Misko VR, Peeters FM, New journal of physics 14, 063032 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/14/6/063032
Abstract: We analyzed pattern formation and identified various morphologies in a system of particles interacting through a non-monotonic potential with a competing range interaction characterized by a repulsive core (r < r(c)) and an attractive tail (r > r(c)), using molecular-dynamics simulations. Depending on parameters, the interaction potential models the inter-particle interaction in various physical systems ranging from atoms, molecules and colloids to vortices in low kappa type-II superconductors and in recently discovered 'type-1.5' superconductors. We constructed a 'morphology diagram' in the plane 'critical radius r(c)-density n' and proposed a new approach to characterizing the different types of patterns. Namely, we elaborated a set of quantitative criteria in order to identify the different pattern types, using the radial distribution function (RDF), the local density function and the occupation factor.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 45
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/14/6/063032
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“Atomic-scale simulations of reactive oxygen plasma species interacting with bacterial cell walls”. Yusupov M, Neyts EC, Khalilov U, Snoeckx R, van Duin ACT, Bogaerts A, New journal of physics 14, 093043 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/14/9/093043
Abstract: In recent years there has been growing interest in the use of low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasmas for biomedical applications. Currently, however, there is very little fundamental knowledge regarding the relevant interaction mechanisms of plasma species with living cells. In this paper, we investigate the interaction of important plasma species, such as O3, O2 and O atoms, with bacterial peptidoglycan (or murein) by means of reactive molecular dynamics simulations. Specifically, we use the peptidoglycan structure to model the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus murein. Peptidoglycan is the outer protective barrier in bacteria and can therefore interact directly with plasma species. Our results demonstrate that among the species mentioned above, O3 molecules and especially O atoms can break important bonds of the peptidoglycan structure (i.e. CO, CN and CC bonds), which subsequently leads to the destruction of the bacterial cell wall. This study is important for gaining a fundamental insight into the chemical damaging mechanisms of the bacterial peptidoglycan structure on the atomic scale.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 47
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/14/9/093043
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“Behavior of electrons in a dual-magnetron sputter deposition system : a Monte Carlo model”. Yusupov M, Bultinck E, Depla D, Bogaerts A, New journal of physics 13, 033018 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/13/3/033018
Abstract: A Monte Carlo model has been developed for investigating the electron behavior in a dual-magnetron sputter deposition system. To describe the three-dimensional (3D) geometry, different reference frames, i.e. a local and a global coordinate system, were used. In this study, the influence of both closed and mirror magnetic field configurations on the plasma properties is investigated. In the case of a closed magnetic field configuration, the calculated electron trajectories show that if an electron is emitted in (or near) the center of the cathode, where the influence of the magnetic field is low, it is able to travel from one magnetron to the other. On the other hand, when an electron is created at the race track area, it is more or less trapped in the strong magnetic field and cannot easily escape to the second magnetron region. In the case of a mirror magnetic field configuration, irrespective of where the electron is emitted from the cathode, it cannot travel from one magnetron to the other because the magnetic field lines guide the electron to the substrate. Moreover, the electron density and electron impact ionization rate have been calculated and studied in detail for both configurations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/13/3/033018
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“Composite vortex ordering in superconducting films with arrays of blind holes”. Berdiyorov GR, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, New journal of physics 11, 013025 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/11/1/013025
Abstract: The pinning properties of a superconducting thin film with a square array of blind holes are studied using the nonlinear GinzburgLandau theory. Although blind holes provide a weaker pinning potential than holes (also called antidots), several novel vortex structures are predicted for different size and thickness of the blind holes. Orientational dimer and trimer vortex states as well as concentric vortex shells can nucleate in the blind holes. In addition, we predict the stabilization of giant vortices that may be located both in the pinning centers and/or at the interstitial sites, as well as the combination of giant vortices with sets of individual vortices. For large blind holes, local vortex shell structures inside the blind holes may transfer their symmetry to interstitial vortices as well. The subtle interplay of shell formation and traditional Abrikosov vortex lattices inside the blind holes is also studied for different numbers of trapped vortices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/11/1/013025
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“Electronic structure and band gap of zinc spinel oxides beyond LDA : ZnAl2O4, ZnGa2O4 and ZnIn2O4”. Dixit H, Tandon N, Cottenier S, Saniz R, Lamoen D, Partoens B, van Speybroeck V, Waroquier M, New journal of physics 13, 063002 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/13/6/063002
Abstract: We examine the electronic structure of the family of ternary zinc spinel oxides ZnX2O4 (X=Al, Ga and In). The band gap of ZnAl2O4 calculated using density functional theory (DFT) is 4.25 eV and is overestimated compared with the experimental value of 3.83.9 eV. The DFT band gap of ZnGa2O4 is 2.82 eV and is underestimated compared with the experimental value of 4.45.0 eV. Since DFT typically underestimates the band gap in the oxide system, the experimental measurements for ZnAl2O4 probably require a correction. We use two first-principles techniques capable of describing accurately the excited states of semiconductors, namely the GW approximation and the modified BeckeJohnson (MBJ) potential approximation, to calculate the band gap of ZnX2O4. The GW and MBJ band gaps are in good agreement with each other. In the case of ZnAl2O4, the predicted band gap values are >6 eV, i.e. ~2 eV larger than the only reported experimental value. We expect future experimental work to confirm our results. Our calculations of the electron effective masses and the second band gap indicate that these compounds are very good candidates to act as transparent conducting host materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 98
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/13/6/063002
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“Influence of artificial pinning on vortex lattice instability in superconducting films”. Silhanek AV, Leo A, Grimaldi G, Berdiyorov GR, Milošević, MV, Nigro A, Pace S, Verellen N, Gillijns W, Metlushko V, Ilić, B, Zhu X, Moshchalkov VV;, New journal of physics 14, 053006 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/14/5/053006
Abstract: In superconducting films under an applied dc current, we analyze experimentally and theoretically the influence of engineered pinning on the vortex velocity at which the flux-flow dissipation undergoes an abrupt transition from low to high resistance. We argue, based on a nonuniform distribution of vortex velocity in the sample, that in strongly disordered systems the mean critical vortex velocity for flux-flow instability (i) has a nonmonotonic dependence on magnetic field and (ii) decreases as the pinning strength is increased. These findings challenge the generally accepted microscopic model of Larkin and Ovchinnikov (1979 J. Low. Temp. Phys. 34 409) and all subsequent refinements of this model which ignore the presence of pinning centers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 40
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/14/5/053006
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“Magnetic Kronig-Penney model for Dirac electrons in single-layer graphene”. Masir MR, Vasilopoulos P, Peeters FM, New journal of physics 11, 095009 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/11/9/095009
Abstract: he properties of Dirac electrons in a magnetic superlattice (SL) on graphene consisting of very high and thin (δ-function) barriers are investigated. We obtain the energy spectrum analytically and study the transmission through a finite number of barriers. The results are contrasted with those for electrons described by the Schrödinger equation. In addition, a collimation of an incident beam of electrons is obtained along the direction perpendicular to that of the SL. We also highlight an analogy with optical media in which the refractive index varies in space.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 89
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/11/9/095009
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“A non-Maxwellian kinetic approach for charging of dust particles in discharge plasmas”. Alexandrov AL, Schweigert IV, Peeters FM, New journal of physics 10, 093025 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/10/9/093025
Abstract: Nanoparticle charging in a capacitively coupled radio frequency discharge in argon is studied using a particle in cell Monte Carlo collisions method. The plasma parameters and dust potential were calculated self-consistently for different unmovable dust profiles. A new method for definition of the dust floating potential is proposed, based on the information about electron and ion energy distribution functions, obtained during the kinetic simulations. This approach provides an accurate balance of the electron and ion currents on the dust particle surface and allows us to precisely calculate the dust floating potential. A comparison of the obtained floating potentials with the results of the traditional orbital motion limit (OML) theory shows that in the presence of the ion resonant charge exchange collisions, even when the OML approximation is valid, its results are correct only in the region of a weak electric field, where the ion drift velocity is much smaller than the thermal one. With increasing ion drift velocity, the absolute value of the calculated dust potential becomes significantly smaller than the theory predicts. This is explained by a non-Maxwellian shape of the ion energy distribution function for the case of fast ion drift.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/10/9/093025
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“Sorting the modes contributing to guidance in strain-induced graphene waveguides”. Villegas CEP, Tavares MRS, Hai G-Q, Peeters FM, New journal of physics 15, 023015 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/15/2/023015
Abstract: We propose a simple way of probing the number of modes contributing to the channeling in graphene waveguides which are formed by a gauge potential produced by mechanical strain. The energy mode structure for both homogeneous and non-homogeneous strain regimes is carefully studied using the continuum description of the Dirac equation. We found that high strain values privilege negative (instead of positive) group velocities throughout the guidance, sorting the types of modes flowing through it. We also show how the effect of a substrate-induced gap competes against the strain.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/15/2/023015
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“Atomic-scale insight into the interactions between hydroxyl radicals and DNA in solution using the ReaxFF reactive force field”. Verlackt CCW, Neyts EC, Jacob T, Fantauzzi D, Golkaram M, Shin Y-K, van Duin ACT, Bogaerts A, New journal of physics 17, 103005 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/17/10/103005
Abstract: Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas have proven to provide an alternative treatment of cancer by targeting tumorous cells while leaving their healthy counterparts unharmed. However, the underlying mechanisms of the plasma–cell interactions are not yet fully understood. Reactive oxygen species, and in particular hydroxyl radicals (OH), are known to play a crucial role in plasma driven apoptosis of
malignant cells. In this paper we investigate the interaction of OH radicals, as well as H2O2 molecules and HO2 radicals, with DNA by means of reactive molecular dynamics simulations using the ReaxFF force field. Our results provide atomic-scale insight into the dynamics of oxidative stress on DNA caused by the OH radicals, while H2O2 molecules appear not reactive within the considered timescale. Among the observed processes are the formation of 8-OH-adduct radicals, forming the first stages towards the formation of 8-oxoGua and 8-oxoAde, H-abstraction reactions of the amines, and the partial opening of loose DNA ends in aqueous solution.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/17/10/103005
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“Sputter deposition of MgxAlyOz thin films in a dual-magnetron device : a multi-species Monte Carlo model”. Yusupov M, Saraiva M, Depla D, Bogaerts A, New journal of physics 14, 073043 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/14/7/073043
Abstract: A multi-species Monte Carlo (MC) model, combined with an analytical surface model, has been developed in order to investigate the general plasma processes occurring during the sputter deposition of complex oxide films in a dual-magnetron sputter deposition system. The important plasma species, such as electrons, Ar+ ions, fast Ar atoms and sputtered metal atoms (i.e. Mg and Al atoms) are described with the so-called multi-species MC model, whereas the deposition of MgxAlyOz films is treated by an analytical surface model. Targetsubstrate distances for both magnetrons in the dual-magnetron setup are varied for the purpose of growing stoichiometric complex oxide thin films. The metal atoms are sputtered from pure metallic targets, whereas the oxygen flux is only directed toward the substrate and is high enough to obtain fully oxidized thin films but low enough to avoid target poisoning. The calculations correspond to typical experimental conditions applied to grow these complex oxide films. In this paper, some calculation results are shown, such as the densities of various plasma species, their fluxes toward the targets and substrate, the deposition rates, as well as the film stoichiometry. Moreover, some results of the combined model are compared with experimental observations. Note that this is the first complete model, which can be applied for large and complicated magnetron reactor geometries, such as dual-magnetron configurations. With this model, we are able to describe all important plasma species as well as the deposition process. It can also be used to predict film stoichiometries of complex oxide films on the substrate.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/14/7/073043
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“Structural and dynamical aspects of small three-dimensional spherical Coulomb clusters”. Apolinario SWS, Partoens B, Peeters FM, New journal of physics 9, 283 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/9/8/283
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 44
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/9/8/283
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“Structural, dynamical and melting properties of two-dimensional clusters of complex plasmas”. Kong M, Partoens B, Peeters FM, New journal of physics 5, 23 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/5/1/323
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 67
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/5/1/323
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“Vortex matter in oblate mesoscopic superconductors with a hole: broken symmetry vortex states and multi-vortex entry”. Xu B, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, New journal of physics 11, 013020 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/11/1/013020
Abstract: Using three-dimensional (3D) numerical discretization of the GinzburgLandau (GL) equations, we investigate the superconducting state of a sphere with a piercing hole in the presence of a magnetic field. In the case of samples with central perforation, in axially applied homogeneous magnetic field, we realized unconventional vortex states of broken symmetry due to complex, 3D competing interactions, which depend on the GL parameter ê. For certain sizes of the sample, non-hysteretic multi-vortex entry and exit is predicted with the non-existence of some vorticities as stable states. In a tilted magnetic field, we studied the gradual transformation of 3D flux patterns into 1D vortex chains, where vortices align along the perforation, and the evolvement of the multi-vortex entry as well. We analyze the flux-guiding ability of the hole in a tilted field, which leads to fractional flux response in magnetization M(H) curves.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/11/1/013020
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“Diversified vortex phase diagram for a rotating trapped two-band Fermi gas in the BCS-BEC crossover”. Klimin SN, Tempere J, Milošević, MV, New journal of physics 20, 025010 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/AAACEB
Abstract: We report the equilibrium vortex phase diagram of a rotating two-band Fermi gas confined to a cylindrically symmetric parabolic trapping potential, using the recently developed finite-temperature effective field theory (Klimin et al 2016 Phys. Rev. A 94 023620). A non-monotonic resonant dependence of the free energy as a function of the temperature and the rotation frequency is revealed for a two-band superfluid. We particularly focus on novel features that appear as a result of interband interactions and can be experimentally resolved. The resonant dependence of the free energy is directly manifested in vortex phase diagrams, where areas of stability for both integer and fractional vortex states are found. The study embraces the BCS-BEC crossover regime and the entire temperature range below the critical temperature T-c. Significantly different behavior of vortex matter as a function of the interband coupling is revealed in the BCS and BEC regimes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Theory of quantum systems and complex systems; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/AAACEB
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“Open circuit voltage generated by dragging superconducting vortices with a dynamic pinning potential”. Xue C, He A, Milošević, MV, Silhanek A V, Zhou Y-H, New journal of physics 21, 113044 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/AB54AE
Abstract: We theoretically investigate, through Ginzburg?Landau simulations, the possibility to induce an open circuit voltage in absence of applied current, by dragging superconducting vortices with a dynamic pinning array as for instance that created by a nearby sliding vortex lattice or moving laser spots. Different dynamic regimes, such as synchronous vortex motion or dynamic vortex chains consisting of laggard vortices, can be observed by varying the velocity of the sliding pinning potential and the applied magnetic field. Additionally, due to the edge barrier, significantly different induced voltage is found depending on whether the vortices are dragged along the superconducting strip or perpendicular to the lateral edges. The output voltage in the proposed mesoscopic superconducting dynamo can be tuned by varying size, density and directions of the sliding pinning potential.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/AB54AE
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“Two distinctive regimes in the charge transport of a magnetic topological ultra thin film”. Sabzalipour A, Mir M, Zarenia M, Partoens B, New Journal Of Physics 22, 123004 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/ABC989
Abstract: The effect of the magnetic impurities on the charge transport in a magnetic topological ultra-thin film (MTF) is analytically investigated by applying the semi-classical Boltzmann framework through a modified relaxation-time approximation. Our results for the relaxation time of electrons as well as the charge conductivity of the system exhibit two distinct regimes of transport. We show that the generated charge current in a MTF is always dissipative and anisotropic when both conduction bands are involved in the charge transport. The magnetic impurities induce a chirality selection rule for the transitions of electrons which can be altered by changing the orientation of the magnetic impurities. On the other hand, when a single conduction band participates in the charge transport, the resistivity is isotropic and can be entirely suppressed due to the corresponding chirality selection rule. Our findings propose a method to determine an onset thickness at which a crossover from a three-dimensional magnetic topological insulator to a (two-dimensional) MTF occurs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/ABC989
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“Two-dimensional oxygen functionalized honeycomb and zigzag dumbbell silicene with robust Dirac cones”. Chen X, Li L, Peeters FM, Sanyal B, New Journal Of Physics 23, 023007 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/ABDB6E
Abstract: Dumbbell-like structures are recently found to be energetically favored in group IV two-dimensional (2D) materials, exhibiting rich physics and many interesting properties. In this paper, using first-principles calculations, we have investigated the oxidized form of the hexagonal honeycomb (ODB-h) and zigzag dumbbell silicene (ODB-z). We confirm that both oxidization processes are energetically favorable, and their phonon spectra further demonstrate the dynamic stability. Contrary to the pristine dumbbell silicene structures (PDB-h and PDB-z silicene), these oxidized products ODB-h and ODB-z silicene are both semimetals with Dirac cones at the Fermi level. The Dirac cones of ODB-h and ODB-z silicene are at the K point and between Y and Gamma points respectively, possessing high Fermi velocities of 3.1 x 10(5) m s(-1) (ODB-h) and 2.9-3.4 x 10(5) m s(-1) (ODB-z). The origin of the Dirac cones is further explained by tight-binding models. The semimetallic properties of ODB-h and ODB-z are sensitive to compression due to the self-absorption effect, but quite robust against the tensile strain. These outstanding properties make oxidized dumbbell silicene a promising material for quantum computing and high-speed electronic devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/ABDB6E
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“Topological phase transitions and Majorana zero modes in DNA double helix coupled to s-wave superconductors”. Chen Q, Guo A-M, Liu J, Peeters FM, Sun Q-F, New Journal Of Physics 23, 093047 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/AC2711
Abstract: Topological properties of a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) proximity-coupled by an s-wave superconductor are investigated, in which the energy spectra and the differential conductance are calculated within the framework of tight-binding approximation. Our results indicate that this dsDNA-superconductor system hosts Majorana zero modes (MZMs) when the Zeeman field is perpendicular to the helix axis, whereas no MZM could be observed when the Zeeman field is parallel to the helix axis, in sharp contrast to previous studies on nanowires including single-stranded DNA. In particular, two topological phase transitions could take place in the dsDNA-superconductor system by changing the Zeeman field, one from a topological trivial phase to a topological nontrivial phase with one pair of MZMs in small Zeeman field regime, and the other from a phase with one pair of MZMs to a phase with two pairs of MZMs by further increasing the Zeeman field. In the presence of a gate field normal to the helix axis, the topological nontrivial phase with two pairs of MZMs can transform into the phase with one pair of MZMs. The topological phase with one pair of MZMs is more stable and robust against Anderson disorder.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/AC2711
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“Novel phenyl-substituted pyrazinoporphyrazine complexes of rare-earth elements : optimized synthetic protocols and physicochemical properties”. Kosov AD, Dubrinina TV, Borisova NE, Ivanov AV, Drozdov KA, Trashin SA, De Wael K, Kotova MS, Tomilova LG, New journal of chemistry 43, 3153 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8NJ05939J
Abstract: Novel synthetic protocols based on both template and multi-step methods were developed for phenyl-substituted pyrazinoporphyrazine complexes of rare-earth elements (Y, Eu, Gd, Dy, Er and Lu). p-Hydroquinone was employed as a reaction medium and as a reducing agent in the process of porphyrazine macrocycle formation. Both thermal and microwave irradiation techniques were successfully applied for activation of the template macrocyclization process. An alternative multi-step approach involving the initial stage of free-base ligand formation was realized for the lutetium compound. The target complexes were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Electrochemical behavior in solution and UV-vis absorbance in solutions and films were studied as well. Shifts in the position of the Q band and oxidationreduction potentials in comparison with corresponding phthalocyanine analogues were noticed. Using the IR absorption spectra recorded in the temperature range of 170300 K, the position of the Fermi level of −4.7 ± 0.1 eV and a characteristic energy diagram were obtained for the erbium complex.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.269
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1039/C8NJ05939J
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“Modulating the electro-optical properties of doped C₃N monolayers and graphene bilayersviamechanical strain and pressure”. Bafekry A, Nguyen C, Obeid MM, Ghergherehchi M, New Journal Of Chemistry 44, 15785 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0NJ03340E
Abstract: In this work, we investigated systematically the electronic and optical properties of B doped C3N monolayers as well as B and N doped graphene bilayers (BN-Gr@2L). We found that the doping of B atoms leads to an enlarged band gap of the C3N monolayer and when the dopant concentration reaches 12.5%, an indirect-to-direct band gap switching occurs. In addition, with co-doping of B and N atoms on the graphene monolayer in the hexagonal configuration, an electronic transition from semi-metal to semiconductor occurs. Our optical results for B-C3N show a broad absorption spectrum in a wide visible range starting from 400 nm to 1000 nm with strong absorption intensity, making it a suitable candidate for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic applications. Interestingly, a transition from semi-metal to semiconductor emerges in the graphene monolayer with doping of B and N atoms. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the in-plane strain and out-of-plane strain (pressure) can modulate the band gap of the BN-Gr@2L. The controllable electronic properties and optical features of the doped graphene bilayer by strain engineering may facilitate their practical performance for various applications in future.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1039/D0NJ03340E
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“A van der Waals heterostructure of MoS₂/MoSi₂N₄, : a first-principles study”. Bafekry A, Faraji M, Ziabari AA, Fadlallah MM, Nguyen C V, Ghergherehchi M, Feghhi SAH, New Journal Of Chemistry 45, 8291 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D1NJ00344E
Abstract: Motivated by the successful preparation of MoSi2N4 monolayers in the last year [Y.-L. Hong et al., Science, 2020, 369, 670-674], we investigate the structural, electronic and optical properties of the MoS2/MoSi2N4 heterostructure (HTS). The phonon dispersion and the binding energy calculations refer to the stability of the HTS. The heterostructure has an indirect bandgap of 1.26 (1.84) eV using PBE (HSE06) which is smaller than the corresponding value of MoSi2N4 and MoS2 monolayers. We find that the work function of the MoS2/MoSi2N4 HTS is smaller than the corresponding value of its individual monolayers. The heterostructure structure can enhance the absorption of light spectra not only in the ultraviolet region but also in the visible region as compared to MoSi2N4 and MoS2 monolayers. The refractive index behaviour of the HTS can be described as the cumulative effect which is well described in terms of a combination of the individual effects (the refractive index of MoSi2N4 and MoS2 monolayers).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.269
DOI: 10.1039/D1NJ00344E
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“Novel two-dimensional ZnO₂, CdO₂, and HgO₂, monolayers: a first-principles-based prediction”. Faraji M, Bafekry A, Gogova D, Hoat DM, Ghergherehchi M, Chuong NV, Feghhi SAH, New Journal Of Chemistry 45, 9368 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D1NJ01610E
Abstract: In this paper, the existence of monolayers with the chemical formula XO2, where X = Zn, Cd, and Hg with hexagonal and tetragonal lattice structures is theoretically predicted by means of first principles calculations. Through cohesive energy calculation and phonon dispersion simulation, it has been proven that the two-dimensional XO2 monolayers proposed are energetically and dynamically stable suggesting their potential experimental realization. Our detailed study demonstrates that these novel newly predicted materials are half-metals and dilute magnetic semiconductors, and they exhibit magnetism in the ground state. The half-metallic character could find many applications in electronic and spintronic devices. Research into the magnetic properties revealed here can enrich theoretical knowledge in this area and provide more potential candidates for XO2 2D-based materials and van der Waals heterostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.269
DOI: 10.1039/D1NJ01610E
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“Non-quantized penetration of magnetic field in the vortex state of superconductors”. Geim AK, Dubonos SV, Grigorieva IV, Novoselov KS, Peeters FM, Schweigert VA, Nature 407, 55 (2000). http://doi.org/10.1038/35024025
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 40.137
Times cited: 155
DOI: 10.1038/35024025
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“Phase transitions in individual sub-micrometre superconductors”. Geim AK, Grigorieva IV, Dubonos SV, Lok JGS, Maan JC, Filippov AE, Peeters FM, Nature 390, 259 (1997). http://doi.org/10.1038/36797
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 40.137
Times cited: 370
DOI: 10.1038/36797
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“Three-dimensional atomic imaging of crystalline nanoparticles”. Van Aert S, Batenburg KJ, Rossell MD, Erni R, Van Tendeloo G, Nature 470, 374 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1038/nature09741
Abstract: Determining the three-dimensional (3D) arrangement of atoms in crystalline nanoparticles is important for nanometre-scale device engineering and also for applications involving nanoparticles, such as optoelectronics or catalysis. A nanoparticles physical and chemical properties are controlled by its exact 3D morphology, structure and composition1. Electron tomography enables the recovery of the shape of a nanoparticle from a series of projection images2, 3, 4. Although atomic-resolution electron microscopy has been feasible for nearly four decades, neither electron tomography nor any other experimental technique has yet demonstrated atomic resolution in three dimensions. Here we report the 3D reconstruction of a complex crystalline nanoparticle at atomic resolution. To achieve this, we combined aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy5, 6, 7, statistical parameter estimation theory8, 9 and discrete tomography10, 11. Unlike conventional electron tomography, only two images of the targeta silver nanoparticle embedded in an aluminium matrixare sufficient for the reconstruction when combined with available knowledge about the particles crystallographic structure. Additional projections confirm the reliability of the result. The results we present help close the gap between the atomic resolution achievable in two-dimensional electron micrographs and the coarser resolution that has hitherto been obtained by conventional electron tomography.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 40.137
Times cited: 341
DOI: 10.1038/nature09741
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“Electrically controlled water permeation through graphene oxide membranes”. Zhou K-G, Vasu KS, Cherian CT, Neek-Amal M, Zhang JC, Ghorbanfekr-Kalashami H, Huang K, Marshall OP, Kravets VG, Abraham J, Su Y, Grigorenko AN, Pratt A, Geim AK, Peeters FM, Novoselov KS, Nair RR, Nature 559, 236 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41586-018-0292-Y
Abstract: Controlled transport of water molecules through membranes and capillaries is important in areas as diverse as water purification and healthcare technologies(1-7). Previous attempts to control water permeation through membranes (mainly polymeric ones) have concentrated on modulating the structure of the membrane and the physicochemical properties of its surface by varying the pH, temperature or ionic strength(3,8). Electrical control over water transport is an attractive alternative; however, theory and simulations(9-14) have often yielded conflicting results, from freezing of water molecules to melting of ice(14-16) under an applied electric field. Here we report electrically controlled water permeation through micrometre-thick graphene oxide membranes(17-21). Such membranes have previously been shown to exhibit ultrafast permeation of water(17,22) and molecular sieving properties(18,21), with the potential for industrial-scale production. To achieve electrical control over water permeation, we create conductive filaments in the graphene oxide membranes via controllable electrical breakdown. The electric field that concentrates around these current-carrying filaments ionizes water molecules inside graphene capillaries within the graphene oxide membranes, which impedes water transport. We thus demonstrate precise control of water permeation, from ultrafast permeation to complete blocking. Our work opens up an avenue for developing smart membrane technologies for artificial biological systems, tissue engineering and filtration.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 40.137
Times cited: 216
DOI: 10.1038/S41586-018-0292-Y
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“Evidence of flat bands and correlated states in buckled graphene superlattices”. Mao J, Milovanović, SP, Andelkovic M, Lai X, Cao Y, Watanabe K, Taniguchi T, Covaci L, Peeters FM, Geim AK, Jiang Y, Andrei EY, Nature 584, 215 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41586-020-2567-3
Abstract: Two-dimensional atomic crystals can radically change their properties in response to external influences, such as substrate orientation or strain, forming materials with novel electronic structure(1-5). An example is the creation of weakly dispersive, 'flat' bands in bilayer graphene for certain 'magic' angles of twist between the orientations of the two layers(6). The quenched kinetic energy in these flat bands promotes electron-electron interactions and facilitates the emergence of strongly correlated phases, such as superconductivity and correlated insulators. However, the very accurate fine-tuning required to obtain the magic angle in twisted-bilayer graphene poses challenges to fabrication and scalability. Here we present an alternative route to creating flat bands that does not involve fine-tuning. Using scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy, together with numerical simulations, we demonstrate that graphene monolayers placed on an atomically flat substrate can be forced to undergo a buckling transition(7-9), resulting in a periodically modulated pseudo-magnetic field(10-14), which in turn creates a 'post-graphene' material with flat electronic bands. When we introduce the Fermi level into these flat bands using electrostatic doping, we observe a pseudogap-like depletion in the density of states, which signals the emergence of a correlated state(15-17). This buckling of two-dimensional crystals offers a strategy for creating other superlattice systems and, in particular, for exploring interaction phenomena characteristic of flat bands. Buckled monolayer graphene superlattices are found to provide an alternative to twisted bilayer graphene for the study of flat bands and correlated states in a carbon-based material.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 64.8
Times cited: 109
DOI: 10.1038/S41586-020-2567-3
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“Control of proton transport and hydrogenation in double-gated graphene”. Tong J, Fu Y, Domaretskiy D, Della Pia F, Dagar P, Powell L, Bahamon D, Huang S, Xin B, Costa Filho RN, Vega LF, Grigorieva IV, Peeters FM, Michaelides A, Lozada-Hidalgo M, Nature 630, 619 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07435-8
Abstract: The basal plane of graphene can function as a selective barrier that is permeable to protons but impermeable to all ions and gases, stimulating its use in applications such as membranes, catalysis and isotope separation. Protons can chemically adsorb on graphene and hydrogenate it, inducing a conductor–insulator transition that has been explored intensively in graphene electronic devices. However, both processes face energy barriersand various strategies have been proposed to accelerate proton transport, for example by introducing vacancies, incorporating catalytic metalsor chemically functionalizing the lattice. But these techniques can compromise other properties, such as ion selectivity or mechanical stability. Here we show that independent control of the electric field,<italic>E</italic>, at around 1 V nm<sup>−1</sup>, and charge-carrier density,<italic>n</italic>, at around 1 × 10<sup>14</sup> cm<sup>−2</sup>, in double-gated graphene allows the decoupling of proton transport from lattice hydrogenation and can thereby accelerate proton transport such that it approaches the limiting electrolyte current for our devices. Proton transport and hydrogenation can be driven selectively with precision and robustness, enabling proton-based logic and memory graphene devices that have on–off ratios spanning orders of magnitude. Our results show that field effects can accelerate and decouple electrochemical processes in double-gated 2D crystals and demonstrate the possibility of mapping such processes as a function of<italic>E</italic>and<italic>n</italic>, which is a new technique for the study of 2D electrode–electrolyte interfaces.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) ;
Impact Factor: 64.8
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07435-8
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“Unprecedented and highly stable lithium storage capacity of (001) faceted nanosheet-constructed hierarchically porous TiO₂/rGO hybrid architecture for high-performance Li-ion batteries”. Yu W-B, Hu Z-Y, Jin J, Yi M, Yan M, Li Y, Wang H-E, Gao H-X, Mai L-Q, Hasan T, Xu B-X, Peng D-L, Van Tendeloo G, Su B-L, National Science Review 7, 1046 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1093/NSR/NWAA028
Abstract: Active crystal facets can generate special properties for various applications. Herein, we report a (001) faceted nanosheet-constructed hierarchically porous TiO2/rGO hybrid architecture with unprecedented and highly stable lithium storage performance. Density functional theory calculations show that the (001) faceted TiO2 nanosheets enable enhanced reaction kinetics by reinforcing their contact with the electrolyte and shortening the path length of Li+ diffusion and insertion-extraction. The reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets in this TiO2/rGO hybrid largely improve charge transport, while the porous hierarchy at different length scales favors continuous electrolyte permeation and accommodates volume change. This hierarchically porous TiO2/rGO hybrid anode material demonstrates an excellent reversible capacity of 250 mAh g(-1) at 1 C (1 C = 335 mA g(-1)) at a voltage window of 1.0-3.0 V. Even after 1000 cycles at 5 C and 500 cycles at 10 C, the anode retains exceptional and stable capacities of 176 and 160 mAh g(-1), respectively. Moreover, the formed Li2Ti2O4 nanodots facilitate reversed Li+ insertion-extraction during the cycling process. The above results indicate the best performance of TiO2-based materials as anodes for lithium-ion batteries reported in the literature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 20.6
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1093/NSR/NWAA028
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