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Author Molina, L.; Tan, H.; Biermans, E.; Batenburg, K.J.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Barrier efficiency of sponge-like La2Zr2O7 buffer layers for YBCO-coated conductors Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication Superconductor science and technology Abbreviated Journal (down) Supercond Sci Tech  
  Volume 24 Issue 6 Pages 065019-065019,8  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract Solution derived La2Zr2O7 films have drawn much attention for potential applications as thermal barriers or low-cost buffer layers for coated conductor technology. Annealing and coating parameters strongly affect the microstructure of La2Zr2O7, but different film processing methods can yield similar microstructural features such as nanovoids and nanometer-sized La2Zr2O7 grains. Nanoporosity is a typical feature found in such films and the implications for the functionality of the films are investigated by a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and quantitative electron tomography. Chemical solution based La2Zr2O7 films deposited on flexible Ni5 at.%W substrates with a {100}lang001rang biaxial texture were prepared for an in-depth characterization. A sponge-like structure composed of nanometer-sized voids is revealed by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy in combination with electron tomography. A three-dimensional quantification of nanovoids in the La2Zr2O7 film is obtained on a local scale. Mostly non-interconnected highly faceted nanovoids compromise more than one-fifth of the investigated sample volume. The diffusion barrier efficiency of a 170 nm thick La2Zr2O7 film is investigated by STEM-EELS, yielding a 1.8 ± 0.2 nm oxide layer beyond which no significant nickel diffusion can be detected and intermixing is observed. This is of particular significance for the functionality of YBa2Cu3O7 − δ coated conductor architectures based on solution derived La2Zr2O7 films as diffusion barriers.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Bristol Editor  
  Language Wos 000290472900021 Publication Date 2011-04-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0953-2048;1361-6668; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.878 Times cited 31 Open Access  
  Notes Esteem 026019; Fwo Approved Most recent IF: 2.878; 2011 IF: 2.662  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:88639UA @ admin @ c:irua:88639 Serial 221  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wang, H.; Picot, T.; Houben, K.; Moorkens, T.; Grigg, J.; Van Haesendonck, C.; Biermans, E.; Bals, S.; Brown, S.A.; Vantomme, A.; Temst, K.; Van Bael, M.J.; pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title The superconducting proximity effect in epitaxial Al/Pb nanocomposites Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Superconductor science and technology Abbreviated Journal (down) Supercond Sci Tech  
  Volume 27 Issue 1 Pages 015008-8  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract We have investigated the superconducting properties of Pb nanoparticles with a diameter ranging from 8 to 20 nm, synthesized by Pb+ ion implantation in a crystalline Al matrix. A detailed structural characterization of the nanocomposites reveals the highly epitaxial relation between the Al crystalline matrix and the Pb nanoparticles. The Al/Pb nanocomposites display a single superconducting transition, with the critical temperature T-c increasing with the Pb content. The dependence of T-c on the Pb/Al volume ratio was compared with theoretical models of the superconducting proximity effect based on the bulk properties of Al and Pb. A very good correspondence with the strong-coupling proximity effect model was found, with an electron-phonon coupling constant in the Pb nanoparticles slightly reduced compared to bulk Pb. Our result differs from other studies on Pb nanoparticle based proximity systems where weak-coupling models were found to better describe the T-c dependence. We infer that the high interface quality resulting from the ion implantation synthesis method is a determining factor for the superconducting properties. Critical field and critical current measurements support the high quality of the nanocomposite superconducting films.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Bristol Editor  
  Language Wos 000328275000010 Publication Date 2013-11-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0953-2048;1361-6668; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.878 Times cited 2 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ; This work was supported by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO), the KU Leuven BOF Concerted Research Action programs (GOA/09/006, the KU Leuven BOF CREA/12/015 project, and GOA/14/007) and the EU FP7 program SPIRIT (227012). TP and KH are postdoctoral research fellow and doctoral fellow of the FWO. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.878; 2014 IF: 2.325  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:112833 Serial 3599  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bals, S.; Kabius, B.; Haider, M.; Radmilovic, V.; Kisielowski, C. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Annular dark field imaging in a TEM Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2004 Publication Solid state communications Abbreviated Journal (down) Solid State Commun  
  Volume 130 Issue 10 Pages 675-680  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Annular objective apertures are fabricated for a CM300 transmission electron microscope using a focused ion beam system. A central beam stop in the back focal plane of the objective lens of the microscope blocks all electrons scattered up to a semi-angle of approximately 20 mrad. In this manner, contributions to the image from Bragg scattering are largely reduced and the image contrast is sensitive to the atomic number Z. Experimentally, we find that single atom scattering cross sections measured with this technique are close to Rutherford scattering values. A comparison between this new method and STEM-HAADF shows that both techniques result in qualitatively similar images although the resolution of ADF-TEM is limited by contrast delocalization caused by the spherical aberration of the objective lens. This problem can be overcome by using an aberration corrected microscope.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor  
  Language Wos 000221489300007 Publication Date 2004-04-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0038-1098; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.554 Times cited 43 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.554; 2004 IF: 1.523  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:87584 Serial 132  
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Author D'Olieslaeger, L.; Pfannmöller, M.; Fron, E.; Cardinaletti, I.; Van der Auweraer, M.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.; Maes, W.; Vanderzande, D.; Manca, J.; Ethirajan, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Tuning of PCDTBT : PC71BM blend nanoparticles for eco-friendly processing of polymer solar cells Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Solar energy materials and solar cells Abbreviated Journal (down) Sol Energ Mat Sol C  
  Volume 159 Issue 159 Pages 179-188  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract We report the controlled preparation of water processable nanoparticles (NPs) employing the push-pull polymer PCDTBT and the fullerene acceptor PC71BM in order to enable solar cell processing using eco-friendly solvent (i.e. water). The presented method provides the possibility to separate the formation of the active layer blend and the deposition of the active layer into two different processes. For the first time, the benefits of aqueous processability for the high-potential class of push-pull polymers, generally requiring high boiling solvents, are made accessible. With our method we demonstrate excellent control over the blend stoichiometry and efficient mixing. Furthermore, we provide visualization of the nano morphology of the different NPs to obtain structural information down to similar to 2 nm resolution using advanced analytical electron microscopy. The imaging directly reveals very small compositional demixing in the PCDTBT:PC71BM blend NPs, in the size range of about <5 nm, indicating fine mixing at the molecular level. The suitability of the proposed methodology and materials towards the aspects of eco-friendly processing of organic solar cells is demonstrated through a processing of lab scale NPs solar cell prototypes reaching a power conversion efficiency of 1.9%. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000388053600021 Publication Date 2016-09-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 32 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; This work was supported by BOF funding of Hasselt University, the Interreg project Organext, and the IAP 7/05 project FS2 (Functional Supramolecular Systems), granted by the Science Policy Office of the Belgian Federal Government (BELSPO). A.E. is a post-doctoral fellow of the Flanders Research Foundation (FWO). M.P. gratefully acknowledges the SIM NanoForce program for financial support. S.B. further acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors are thankful for technical support by J. Smits, T. Vangerven, and J. Baccus. ; ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 4.784  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:139157UA @ admin @ c:irua:139157 Serial 4450  
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Author Liu, Y.; Claes, N.; Trepka, B.; Bals, S.; Lang, P.R. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title A combined 3D and 2D light scattering study on aqueous colloidal model systems with tunable interactions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Soft matter Abbreviated Journal (down) Soft Matter  
  Volume 12 Issue 12 Pages 8485-8494  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In this article we report on the synthesis and characterization of a system of colloidal spheres suspended in an aqueous solvent which can be refractive index-matched, thus allowing for investigations of the particle near-wall dynamics by evanescent wave dynamic light scattering at concentrations up to the isotropic to ordered transition and beyond. The particles are synthesized by copolymerization of a fluorinated acrylic ester monomer with a polyethylene-glycol (PEG) oligomer by surfactant free emulsion polymerization. Static and dynamic light scattering experiments in combination with cryo transmission electron microscopy reveal that the particles have a core shell structure with a significant enrichment of the PEG chains on the particles surface. In index-matching DMSO/water suspensions the particles arrange in an ordered phase at volume fraction above 7%, if no additional electrolyte is present. The near-wall dynamics at low volume fraction are quantitatively described by the combination of electrostatic repulsion and hydrodynamic interaction between the particles and the wall. At volume fractions close to the isotropic to ordered transition, the near-wall dynamics are more complex and qualitatively reminiscent of the behaviour which was observed in hard sphere suspensions at high concentrations.  
  Address Forschugszentrum Julich, Institute of Complex Systems ICS-3, Julich, Germany. p.lang@fz-juelich.de and Heinrich-Heine Universitat, Dusseldorf, Germany  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000386247100004 Publication Date 2016-08-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1744-683X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.889 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors thank Prof. J. K. G. Dhont and the ICS-3 group for useful discussions and support. YL would like to thank the Marie Sklodowska Curie Initial Training Network SOMATAI under the EU Grant Agreement No. 316866 for financial support. BT contributed to this work during an internship at Forschungszentrum Ju¨lich supported by the International Helmholtz Research School of Biophysics and Soft Matter (IHRS BioSoft), which is gratefully acknowledged. SB and NC acknowledge financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant No. 335078-COLOURATOMS).; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 3.889  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:136166 Serial 4292  
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Author Arslan Irmak, E.; Liu, P.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title 3D Atomic Structure of Supported Metallic Nanoparticles Estimated from 2D ADF STEM Images: A Combination of Atom – Counting and a Local Minima Search Algorithm Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Small methods Abbreviated Journal (down) Small Methods  
  Volume Issue Pages 2101150  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Determining the three-dimensional (3D) atomic structure of nanoparticles (NPs) is critical to understand their structure-dependent properties. It is hereby important to perform such analyses under conditions relevant for the envisioned application. Here, we investigate the 3D structure of supported Au NPs at high temperature, which is of importance to understand their behavior during catalytic reactions. To overcome limitations related to conventional high-resolution electron tomography at high temperature, 3D characterization of NPs with atomic resolution has been performed by applying atom-counting using atomic resolution annular darkfield scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) images followed by structural relaxation. However, at high temperatures, thermal displacements, which affect the ADF STEM intensities, should be taken into account. Moreover, it is very likely that the structure of a NP investigated at elevated temperature deviates from a ground state configuration, which is difficult to determine using purely computational energy minimization approaches. In this paper, we therefore propose an optimized approach using an iterative local minima search algorithm followed by molecular dynamics (MD) structural relaxation of candidate structures associated with each local minimum. In this manner, it becomes possible to investigate the 3D atomic structure of supported NPs, which may deviate from their ground state configuration.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000716511600001 Publication Date 2021-11-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2366-9608 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 12 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 815128 REALNANO to SB, Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to SVA, Grant 823717 ESTEEM3). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project funding (G.0267.18N, G.0502.18N, G.0346.21N).; sygmaSB; esteem3jra; esteem3reported Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:183289 Serial 6820  
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Author De Backer, A.; Zhang, Z.; van den Bos, K.H.W.; Bladt, E.; Sánchez‐Iglesias, A.; Liz‐Marzán, L.M.; Nellist, P.D.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Element Specific Atom Counting at the Atomic Scale by Combining High Angle Annular Dark Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Small methods Abbreviated Journal (down) Small Methods  
  Volume Issue Pages 2200875  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A new methodology is presented to count the number of atoms in multimetallic nanocrystals by combining energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF STEM). For this purpose, the existence of a linear relationship between the incoherent HAADF STEM and EDX images is exploited. Next to the number of atoms for each element in the atomic columns, the method also allows quantification of the error in the obtained number of atoms, which is of importance given the noisy nature of the acquired EDX signals. Using experimental images of an Au@Ag core–shell nanorod, it is demonstrated that 3D structural information can be extracted at the atomic scale. Furthermore, simulated data of an Au@Pt core–shell nanorod show the prospect to characterize heterogeneous nanostructures with adjacent atomic numbers.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000862072700001 Publication Date 2022-09-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2366-9608 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.4 Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S.V.A., Grant 815128 REALNANO to S.B., and Grant 823717 ESTEEM3). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0267.18N, G.0502.18N, G.0346.21N) and a postdoctoral grant to A.D.B.; esteem3reported; esteem3JRA Approved Most recent IF: 12.4  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:191570 Serial 7109  
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Author Rehor, I.; Slegerova, J.; Kucka, J.; Proks, V.; Petrakova, V.; Adam, M.P.; Treussart, F.; Turner, S.; Bals, S.; Sacha, P.; Ledvina, M.; Wen, A.M.; Steinmetz, N.F.; Cigler, P.; pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Fluorescent nanodiamonds embedded in biocompatible translucent shells Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal (down) Small  
  Volume 10 Issue 6 Pages 1106-1115  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract High pressure high temperature (HPHT) nanodiamonds (NDs) represent extremely promising materials for construction of fluorescent nanoprobes and nanosensors. However, some properties of bare NDs limit their direct use in these applications: they precipitate in biological solutions, only a limited set of bio-orthogonal conjugation techniques is available and the accessible material is greatly polydisperse in shape. In this work, we encapsulate bright 30-nm fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) in 1020-nm thick translucent (i.e., not altering FND fluorescence) silica shells, yielding monodisperse near-spherical particles of mean diameter 66 nm. High yield modification of the shells with PEG chains stabilizes the particles in ionic solutions, making them applicable in biological environments. We further modify the opposite ends of PEG chains with fluorescent dyes or vectoring peptide using click chemistry. High conversion of this bio-orthogonal coupling yielded circa 2000 dye or peptide molecules on a single FND. We demonstrate the superior properties of these particles by in vitro interaction with human prostate cancer cells: while bare nanodiamonds strongly aggregate in the buffer and adsorb onto the cell membrane, the shell encapsulated NDs do not adsorb nonspecifically and they penetrate inside the cells.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor  
  Language Wos 000333538000012 Publication Date 2014-02-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1613-6810; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.643 Times cited 79 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes 262348 ESMI; Hercules; FWO Approved Most recent IF: 8.643; 2014 IF: 8.368  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:115566 Serial 1234  
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Author Wang, Y.; Belén Serrano, A.; Sentosun, K.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Stabilization and encapsulation of gold nanostars mediated by dithiols Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal (down) Small  
  Volume 11 Issue 11 Pages 4314-4320  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Surface chemistry plays a pivotal role in regulating the morphology of nanoparticles, maintaining colloidal stability, and mediating the interaction with target analytes toward practical applications such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based sensing and imaging. The use of a binary ligand mixture composed of 1,4-benzenedithiol (BDT) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) to provide gold nanostars with long-term stability is reported. This is despite BDT being a bifunctional ligand, which usually leads to bridging and loss of colloidal stability. It is found however that neither BDT nor CTAC alone are able to provide sufficient colloidal and chemical stability. BDT-coated Au nanostars are additionally used as seeds to direct the encapsulation with a gold outer shell, leading to the formation of unusual nanostructures including semishell-coated gold nanostars, which are characterized by high-resolution electron microscopy and electron tomography. Finally, BDT is exploited as a probe to reveal the enhanced local electric fields in the different nanostructures, showing that the semishell configuration provides significantly high SERS signals as compared to other coreshell configurations obtained during seeded growth, including full shells.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor  
  Language Wos 000360852900009 Publication Date 2015-06-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1613-6810; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.643 Times cited 36 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 267867 Plasmaquo; 335078 Colouratom; 262348 Esmi; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 8.643; 2015 IF: 8.368  
  Call Number c:irua:127571 Serial 3136  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Goris, B.; van Huis, M.A.; Bals, S.; Zandbergen, H.W.; Manna, L.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Thermally induced structural and morphological changes of CdSe/CdS octapods Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2012 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal (down) Small  
  Volume 8 Issue 6 Pages 937-942  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Branched nanostructures are of great interest because of their promising optical and electronic properties. For successful and reliable integration in applications such as photovoltaic devices, the thermal stability of the nanostructures is of major importance. Here the different domains (CdSe cores, CdS pods) of the heterogeneous octapods are shown to have different thermal stabilities, and heating is shown to induce specific shape changes. The octapods are heated from room temperature to 700 °C, and investigated using (analytical and tomographic) transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At low annealing temperatures, pure Cd segregates in droplets at the outside of the octapods, indicating non-stochiometric composition of the octapods. Furthermore, the tips of the pods lose their faceting and become rounded. Further heating to temperatures just below the sublimation temperature induces growth of the zinc blende core at the expense of the wurtzite pods. At higher temperatures, (500700 °C), sublimation of the octapods is observed in real time in the TEM. Three-dimensional tomographic reconstructions reveal that the four pods pointing into the vacuum have a lower thermal stability than the four pods that are in contact with the support.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor  
  Language Wos 000301718800021 Publication Date 2012-01-31  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1613-6810; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.643 Times cited 20 Open Access  
  Notes Fwo; Esteem 026019 Approved Most recent IF: 8.643; 2012 IF: 7.823  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:95040 Serial 3633  
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Author Li, Y.; Tan, H.; Yang, X.-Y.; Goris, B.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S.; Colson, P.; Cloots, R.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Su, B.-L. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Well shaped Mn3O4 nano-octahedra with anomalous magnetic behavior and enhanced photodecomposition properties Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal (down) Small  
  Volume 7 Issue 4 Pages 475-483  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Very uniform and well shaped Mn3O4 nano-octahedra are synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method under the help of polyethylene glycol (PEG200) as a reductant and shape-directing agent. The nano-octahedra formation mechanism is monitored. The shape and crystal orientation of the nanoparticles is reconstructed by scanning electron microscopy and electron tomography, which reveals that the nano-octahedra only selectively expose {101} facets at the external surfaces. The magnetic testing demonstrates that the Mn3O4 nano-octahedra exhibit anomalous magnetic properties: the Mn3O4 nano-octahedra around 150 nm show a similar Curie temperature and blocking temperature to Mn3O4 nanoparticles with 10 nm size because of the vertical axis of [001] plane and the exposed {101} facets. With these Mn3O4 nano-octahedra as a catalyst, the photodecomposition of rhodamine B is evaluated and it is found that the photodecomposition activity of Mn3O4 nano-octahedra is much superior to that of commercial Mn3O4 powders. The anomalous magnetic properties and high superior photodecomposition activity of well shaped Mn3O4 nano-octahedra should be related to the special shape of the nanoparticles and the abundantly exposed {101} facets at the external surfaces. Therefore, the shape preference can largely broaden the application of the Mn3O4 nano-octahedra.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor  
  Language Wos 000288080400008 Publication Date 2011-01-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1613-6810; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.643 Times cited 131 Open Access  
  Notes This work was realized in the frame of an Interuniversity Attraction Poles Program (Inanomat-P6/17)-Belgian State-Belgian Science Policy and the project “Redugaz”, financially supported by the European community and the Wallon government in the frame of Interreg IV (France-Wallonie). B. L. S. acknowledges the Chinese Central Government for an “Expert of the State” position in the program of “Thousand talents” and the Chinese Ministry of Education for a Changjiang Scholar position at the Wuhan University of Technology. H. T. acknowledges the financial support from FWO-Vlaanderen (Project nr. G.0147.06). J.V. thanks the financial support from the European Union under Framework 6 program for Integrated Infrastructure Initiative, Reference 026019 ESTEEM. Approved Most recent IF: 8.643; 2011 IF: 8.349  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:87908 Serial 3914  
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Author Zheng, G.; de Marchi, S.; Lopez-Puente, V.; Sentosun, K.; Polavarapu, L.; Perez-Juste, I.; Hill, E.H.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzan, L.M.; Pastoriza-Santos, I.; Perez-Juste, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Encapsulation of Single Plasmonic Nanoparticles within ZIF-8 and SERS Analysis of the MOF Flexibility Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal (down) Small  
  Volume 12 Issue 12 Pages 3935-3943  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Hybrid nanostructures composed of metal nanoparticles and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently received increasing attention toward various applications due to the combination of optical and catalytic properties of nanometals with the large internal surface area, tunable crystal porosity and unique chemical properties of MOFs. Encapsulation of metal nanoparticles of well-defined shapes into porous MOFs in a core-shell type configuration can thus lead to enhanced stability and selectivity in applications such as sensing or catalysis. In this study, the encapsulation of single noble metal nanoparticles with arbitrary shapes within zeolitic imidazolate-based metal organic frameworks (ZIF-8) is demonstrated. The synthetic strategy is based on the enhanced interaction between ZIF-8 nanocrystals and metal nanoparticle surfaces covered by quaternary ammonium surfactants. High resolution electron microscopy and tomography confirm a complete core-shell morphology. Such a well-defined morphology allowed us to study the transport of guest molecules through the ZIF-8 porous shell by means of surface-enhanced Raman scattering by the metal cores. The results demonstrate that even molecules larger than the ZIF-8 aperture and pore size may be able to diffuse through the framework and reach the metal core.  
  Address Departamento de Quiimica Fisica, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000383375500006 Publication Date 2016-06-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1613-6810 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.643 Times cited 140 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MAT2013-45168-R) and the Xunta de Galicia/FEDER (Grant No. GPC2013-006; INBIOMED-FEDER “Unha maneira de facer Europa”). L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013 under grant agreement No. 312184, SACS). S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC) (ERC Starting Grant No. 335078-COLOURATOM). The authors thank Prof. Paolo Fornasiero for the nitrogen adsorption measurements. E.H.H. acknowledges the Spanish MINECO for a Juan de la Cierva fellowship. S.D.M. acknowledges the support from CsF/CNPq-Brazil fellowship.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 8.643  
  Call Number c:irua:133953 Serial 4083  
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Author Blommaerts, N.; Vanrompay, H.; Nuti, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Bals, S.; Verbruggen, S.W. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Unraveling Structural Information of Turkevich Synthesized Plasmonic Gold-Silver Bimetallic Nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal (down) Small  
  Volume 15 Issue 15 Pages 1902791  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract For the synthesis of gold-silver bimetallic nanoparticles, the Turkevich method has been the state-of-the-art method for several decades. It has been presumed that this procedure results in a homogeneous alloy, although this has been debatable for many years. In this work, it is shown that neither a full alloy, nor a perfect core-shell particle is formed but rather a core-shell-like particle with altering metal composition along the radial direction. In-depth wet-chemical experiments are performed in combination with advanced transmission electron microscopy, including EDX tomography, and Finite Element Method modeling to support the observations. From the electron tomography results, the core-shell structure could be clearly visualized and the spatial distribution of gold and silver atoms could be quantified. Theoretical simulations are performed to demonstrate that even though UV-Vis spectra show only one plasmon band, this still originates from core-shell type structures. The simulations also indicate that the core-shell morphology does not so much affect the location of the plasmon band, but mainly results in significant band broadening. Wet-chemistry experiments provide the evidence that the synthesis pathway starts with gold enriched alloy cores, and later on in the synthesis mainly silver is incorporated to end up with a silver enriched alloy shell.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000482637100001 Publication Date 2019-08-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1613-6810 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.643 Times cited 26 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Universiteit Antwerpen; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1S32617N G.0369.15N G.0381.16N ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.643  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:161636 Serial 5290  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mychinko, M.; Skorikov, A.; Albrecht, W.; Sánchez‐Iglesias, A.; Zhuo, X.; Kumar, V.; Liz‐Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The Influence of Size, Shape, and Twin Boundaries on Heat‐Induced Alloying in Individual Au@Ag Core–Shell Nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal (down) Small  
  Volume Issue Pages 2102348  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Environmental conditions during real-world application of bimetallic core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) often include the use of elevated temperatures, which are known to cause elemental redistribution, in turn significantly altering the properties of these nanomaterials. Therefore, a thorough understanding of such processes is of great importance. The recently developed combination of fast electron tomography with in situ heating holders is a powerful approach to investigate heat-induced processes at the single NP level, with high spatial resolution in 3D. In combination with 3D finite-difference diffusion simulations, this method can be used to disclose the influence of various NP parameters on the diffusion dynamics in Au@Ag core–shell systems. A detailed study of the influence of heating on atomic diffusion and alloying for Au@Ag NPs with varying core morphology and crystallographic details is carried out. Whereas the core shape and aspect ratio of the NPs play a minor role, twin boundaries are found to have a strong influence on the elemental diffusion.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000673326600001 Publication Date 2021-07-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1613-6810 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.643 Times cited 8 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The funding for this project was provided by European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant 815128, REALNANO) and European Commission (grant 731019, EUSMI and grant 26019, ESTEEM). This work was performed under the Maria de Maeztu Units of Excellence Programme-Grant No. MDM-2017-0720, Ministry of Science and Innovation.; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 8.643  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:179856 Serial 6804  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hudry, D.; De Backer, A.; Popescu, R.; Busko, D.; Howard, I.A.; Bals, S.; Zhang, Y.; Pedrazo‐Tardajos, A.; Van Aert, S.; Gerthsen, D.; Altantzis, T.; Richards, B.S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Interface Pattern Engineering in Core‐Shell Upconverting Nanocrystals: Shedding Light on Critical Parameters and Consequences for the Photoluminescence Properties Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal (down) Small  
  Volume Issue Pages 2104441  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract Advances in controlling energy migration pathways in core-shell lanthanide (Ln)-based hetero-nanocrystals (HNCs) have relied heavily on assumptions about how optically active centers are distributed within individual HNCs. In this article, it is demonstrated that different types of interface patterns can be formed depending on shell growth conditions. Such interface patterns are not only identified but also characterized with spatial resolution ranging from the nanometer- to the atomic-scale. In the most favorable cases, atomic-scale resolved maps of individual particles are obtained. It is also demonstrated that, for the same type of core-shell architecture, the interface pattern can be engineered with thicknesses of just 1 nm up to several tens of nanometers. Total alloying between the core and shell domains is also possible when using ultra-small particles as seeds. Finally, with different types of interface patterns (same architecture and chemical composition of the core and shell domains) it is possible to modify the output color (yellow, red, and green-yellow) or change (improvement or degradation) the absolute upconversion quantum yield. The results presented in this article introduce an important paradigm shift and pave the way toward the emergence of a new generation of core-shell Ln-based HNCs with better control over their atomic-scale organization.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000710758000001 Publication Date 2021-10-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1613-6810 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.643 Times cited 17 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by the Helmholtz Recruitment Initiative Fellowship (B.S.R.) and the Helmholtz Association's Research Field Energy (Materials and Technologies for the Energy Transition program, Topic 1 Photovoltaics and Wind Energy). The authors would like to thank the Karlsruhe Nano Micro Facility (KNMF) for STEM access. This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme (Grant agreement no. 770887 PICOMETRICS to S.V.A. and Grant agreement no. 815128 REALNANO to S.B.). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through Projects no. G.0502.18N, G.0267.18N, and a postdoctoral grant to A.D.B. T.A. acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). This project had received funding (EUSMI proposal #E181100205) from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant agreement no 731019 (EUSMI). D.H. would like to thank “CGFigures” for helpful tutorials on 3D graphics with Blender.; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 8.643  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:183285 Serial 6817  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Marchetti, A.; Gori, A.; Ferretti, A.M.; Esteban, D.A.; Bals, S.; Pigliacelli, C.; Metrangolo, P. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Templated Out‐of‐Equilibrium Self‐Assembly of Branched Au Nanoshells (Small 12/2023) Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal (down) Small  
  Volume 19 Issue 12 Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract Out-of-equilibrium self-assembly of metal nanoparticles (NPs) has been devised using different

types of strategies and fuels, but the achievement of finite 3D structures with a controlled

morphology through this assembly mode is still rare. Here we used a spherical peptide-gold

superstructure (PAuSS) as a template to control the out-of-equilibrium self-assembly of Au NPs,

obtaining a transient 3D branched Au-nanoshell (BAuNS) stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulphate

(SDS). The BAuNS dismantled upon concentration gradient equilibration over time in the solution,

leading to NPs disassembly. Notably, BAuNS assembly and disassembly favoured temporary

interparticle plasmonic coupling, leading to a remarkable oscillation of their optical properties.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2023-03-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1613-6810 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor 13.3 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes P.M. is grateful to the European Research Council (ERC) for the Starting Grant ERC-2012- StG_20111012 FOLDHALO (Grant Agreement no. 307108) and the Proof-of-Concept Grant ERC-2017-PoC MINIRES (Grant Agreement no.789815). A. M. and P. M. are thankful to the project Hydrogex funded by Cariplo Foundation (grant no. 2018-1720). D.A.E. and S.B. acknowledges financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO and Grant Agreement No. 731019 (EUSMI). Approved Most recent IF: 13.3; 2023 IF: 8.643  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:200859 Serial 8960  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Boneschanscher, M.P.; Evers, W.H.; Geuchies, J.J.; Altantzis, T.; Goris, B.; Rabouw, F.T.; van Rossum, S.A.P.; van der Zant, H.S.J.; Siebbeles, L.D.A.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Swart, I.; Hilhorst, J.; Petukhov, A.V.; Bals, S.; Vanmaekelbergh, D.; pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Long-range orientation and atomic attachment of nanocrystals in 2D honeycomb superlattices Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Science Abbreviated Journal (down) Science  
  Volume 344 Issue 6190 Pages 1377-1380  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Oriented attachment of synthetic semiconductor nanocrystals is emerging as a route for obtaining new semiconductors that can have Dirac-type electronic bands like graphene, but also strong spin-orbit coupling. The two-dimensional assembly geometry will require both atomic coherence and long-range periodicity of the superlattices. We show how the interfacial self-assembly and oriented attachment of nanocrystals results in two-dimensional (2D) metal chalcogenide semiconductors with a honeycomb superlattice. We present an extensive atomic and nanoscale characterization of these systems using direct imaging and wave scattering methods. The honeycomb superlattices are atomically coherent, and have an octahedral symmetry that is buckled; the nanocrystals occupy two parallel planes. Considerable necking and large-scale atomic motion occurred during the attachment process.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor  
  Language Wos 000337531700035 Publication Date 2014-05-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0036-8075;1095-9203; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 37.205 Times cited 304 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fwo; 262348 Esmi; 246791 Countatoms; 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 37.205; 2014 IF: 33.611  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:117095 Serial 1840  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Udayabhaskararao, T.; Altantzis, T.; Houben, L.; Coronado-Puchau, M.; Langer, J.; Popovitz-Biro, R.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Vuković, L.; Král, P.; Bals, S.; Klajn, R. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Tunable porous nanoallotropes prepared by post-assembly etching of binary nanoparticle superlattices Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Science Abbreviated Journal (down) Science  
  Volume 358 Issue 358 Pages 514-518  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Self-assembly of inorganic nanoparticles has been used to prepare hundreds of different colloidal crystals, but almost invariably with the restriction that the particles must be densely packed. Here,we show that non–close-packed nanoparticle arrays can be fabricated through the selective removal of one of two components comprising binary nanoparticle superlattices. First, a variety of binary nanoparticle superlattices were prepared at the liquid-air interface, including several arrangements that were previously unknown. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed the particular role of the liquid in templating the formation of superlattices not achievable through self-assembly in bulk solution. Second, upon stabilization, all of these binary superlattices could be transformed into distinct “nanoallotropes”—nanoporous materials having the same chemical composition but differing in their nanoscale architectures.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000413757500043 Publication Date 2017-10-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0036-8075 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 37.205 Times cited 113 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (grants 336080 CONFINEDCHEM to R.K. and 335078 COLOURATOM to S.B.), the Rothschild Caesarea Foundation (R.K.), the NSF (Division of Materials Research, grant 1506886) (P.K.), the European Commission (grant EUSMI 731019 to L.M.L.-M. and S.B.), and the startup funding from the University of Texas at El Paso (L.V.). L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (grant MAT2013- 46101-R). T.A. acknowledges funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through a postdoctoral grant. The computer support was provided by the Texas Advanced Computing Center. All data are reported in the main text and supplementary materials. ECAS_Sara (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 37.205  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:147242UA @ admin @ c:irua:147242 Serial 4770  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author González-Rubio, G.; Mosquera, J.; Kumar, V.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Llombart, P.; Solís, D.M.; Lobato, I.; Noya, E.G.; Guerrero-Martínez, A.; Taboada, J.M.; Obelleiro, F.; MacDowell, L.G.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Micelle-directed chiral seeded growth on anisotropic gold nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Science Abbreviated Journal (down) Science  
  Volume 368 Issue 368 Pages 1472-1477  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Surfactant-assisted seeded growth of metal nanoparticles (NPs) can be engineered to produce anisotropic gold nanocrystals with high chiroptical activity through the templating effect of chiral micelles formed in the presence of dissymmetric cosurfactants. Mixed micelles adsorb on gold nanorods, forming quasihelical patterns that direct seeded growth into NPs with pronounced morphological and optical handedness. Sharp chiral wrinkles lead to chiral plasmon modes with high dissymmetry factors (~0.20). Through variation of the dimensions of chiral wrinkles, the chiroptical properties can be tuned within the visible and near-infrared electromagnetic spectrum. The micelle-directed mechanism allows extension to other systems, such as the seeded growth of chiral platinum shells on gold nanorods. This approach provides a reproducible, simple, and scalable method toward the fabrication of NPs with high chiral optical activity.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000545264600040 Publication Date 2020-06-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0036-8075 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 56.9 Times cited 187 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (ERC AdG No. 787510). G.G.-R. and J.M. thanks the Spanish MICIU for FPI (BES-2014-068972) and Juan de la Cierva-fellowships (FJCI-2015-25080). S.B., L.M.L.-M., V.K, and A.P.- T. acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme by means of the grant agreement No. 731019 (EUSMI) and the ERC Consolidator Grant No. 815128 (REALNANO). J.M.T and F.O acknowledge financial support from the Spanish MICIU (Grants TEC2017-85376-C2-1-R, TEC2017-85376-C2-2-R), as well as from the ERDF and the Galician Regional Government as part of the agreement for funding the Atlantic Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (AtlantTIC). AG-M acknowledges financial support from the Spanish MICIU (Grant RTI2018-095844-BI00), EGN and LGM acknowledge funds from the Spanish MICIU (Grant No. FIS2017- 89361-C3-2-P), as well as the use of the Mare-Nostrum supercomputer and the technical support provided by Barcelona Supercomputing Center from the Spanish Network of Supercomputing (Grants QCM-2018-3-0039 and QCM-2019-1-0038). This work was performed under the Maria de Maeztu Units of Excellence Program from the Spanish State 13 Research Agency – Grant No. MDM-2017-0720.; sygma Approved Most recent IF: 56.9; 2020 IF: 37.205  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:170137 Serial 6391  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Reclusa, P.; Verstraelen, P.; Taverna, S.; Gunasekaran, M.; Pucci, M.; Pintelon, I.; Claes, N.; de Miguel-Pérez, D.; Alessandro, R.; Bals, S.; Kaushal, S.; Rolfo, C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Improving extracellular vesicles visualization: From static to motion Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Scientific Reports Abbreviated Journal (down) Sci Rep-Uk  
  Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 6494  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In the last decade extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become a hot topic. The findings on EVs content and effects have made them a major field of interest in cancer research. EVs, are able to be internalized through integrins expressed in parental cells, in a tissue specific manner, as a key step of cancer progression and pre-metastatic niche formation. However, this specificity might lead to new opportunities in cancer treatment by using EVs as devices for drug delivery. For future applications of EVs in cancer, improved protocols and methods for EVs isolation and visualization are required. Our group has put efforts on developing a protocol, able to track the EVs for in vivo internalization analysis. We showed, for the first time, the videos of labeled EVs uptake by living lung cancer cells.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000562145000002 Publication Date 2020-04-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2045-2322 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.6 Times cited 25 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Marzia Pucci is supported by a “AIRC” (Associazione Italiana Ricerca sul Cancro) fellowship. “The Leica SP 8 (Hercules grant AUHA.15.12) microscope was funded by the Hercules Foundation of the Flemish Government.” DdM-P is funded by the University of Granada PhD grant and University of Granada international mobility grant 2018/19. Approved Most recent IF: 4.6; 2020 IF: 4.259  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:169234 Serial 6362  
Permanent link to this record
 

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

 
Author Deng, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.; He, Z.; Cott, D.J.; Vereecken, P.M.; Martens, J.A.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Detavernier, C. doi  openurl
  Title Atomic layer deposition-based synthesis of photoactive TiO2 nanoparticle chains by using carbon nanotubes as sacrificial templates Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication RSC advances Abbreviated Journal (down) Rsc Adv  
  Volume 4 Issue 23 Pages 11648-11653  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Highly ordered and self supported anatase TiO2 nanoparticle chains were fabricated by calcining conformally TiO2 coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). During annealing, the thin tubular TiO2 coating that was deposited onto the MWCNTs by atomic layer deposition (ALD) was transformed into chains of TiO2 nanoparticles ([similar]12 nm diameter) with an ultrahigh surface area (137 cm2 per cm2 of substrate), while at the same time the carbon from the MWCNTs was removed. Photocatalytic tests on the degradation of acetaldehyde proved that these forests of TiO2 nanoparticle chains are highly photoactive under UV light because of their well crystallized anatase phase.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000332470000017 Publication Date 2014-02-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2046-2069; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.108 Times cited 45 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ; The authors wish to thank the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and UGENT-GOA-01G01513 for financial support. The authors acknowledge the European Research Council for funding under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013)/ERC grant agreement no. 239865-COCOON and no. 246791-COUNTATOMS. JAM acknowledges the Flemish government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem). ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.108; 2014 IF: 3.840  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:117298 Serial 168  
Permanent link to this record
 

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

 
Author Kerkhofs, S.; Leroux, F.; Allouche, L.; Mellaerts, R.; Jammaer, J.; Aerts, A.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Magusin, P.C.M.M.; Taulelle, F.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Martens, J.A.; url  doi
openurl 
  Title Single-step alcohol-free synthesis of coreshell nanoparticles of \gamma-casein micelles and silica Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication RSC advances Abbreviated Journal (down) Rsc Adv  
  Volume 4 Issue 49 Pages 25650-25657  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A new, single-step protocol for wrapping individual nanosized β-casein micelles with silica is presented. This biomolecule-friendly synthesis proceeds at low protein concentration at almost neutral pH, and makes use of sodium silicate instead of the common silicon alkoxides. This way, formation of potentially protein-denaturizing alcohols can be avoided. The pH of the citrate-buffered synthesis medium is close to the isoelectric point of β-casein, which favours micelle formation. A limited amount of sodium silicate is added to the protein micelle suspension, to form a thin silica coating around the β-casein micelles. The size distribution of the resulting proteinsilica structures was characterized using DLS and SAXS, as well as 1H NMR DOSY with a dedicated pulsed-field gradient cryo-probehead to cope with the low protein concentration. The degree of silica-condensation was investigated by 29Si MAS NMR, and the nanostructure was revealed by advanced electron microscopy techniques such as ESEM and HAADF-STEM. As indicated by the combined characterization results, a silica shell of 2 nm is formed around individual β-casein micelles giving rise to separate protein coresilica shell nanoparticles of 17 nm diameter. This alcohol-free method at mild temperature and pH is potentially suited for packing protein molecules into bio-compatible silica nanocapsules for a variety of applications in biosensing, therapeutic protein delivery and biocatalysis.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000338434500025 Publication Date 2014-05-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2046-2069; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.108 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fwo; 262348 Esmi; 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:can); Approved Most recent IF: 3.108; 2014 IF: 3.840  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:125382 Serial 3027  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Garzia Trulli, M.; Claes, N.; Pype, J.; Bals, S.; Baert, K.; Terryn, H.; Sardella, E.; Favia, P.; Vanhulsel, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Deposition of aminosilane coatings on porous Al2O3microspheres by means of dielectric barrier discharges Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Plasma processes and polymers Abbreviated Journal (down) Plasma Process Polym  
  Volume 14 Issue 14 Pages 1600211  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)  
  Abstract Advances in the synthesis of porous microspheres and in their functionalization are increasing the interest in applications of alumina. This paper deals with coatings plasma deposited from 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane by means of dielectric barrier discharges on alumina porous microspheres, shaped by a vibrational droplet coagulation technique. Aims of the work are the functionalization of the particles with active amino groups, as well as the evaluation of their surface coverage and of the penetration of the coatings into their pores. A multi-diagnostic approach was used for the chemical/morphological characterization of the particles. It was found that 5 min exposure to plasma discharges promotes the deposition of homogeneous coatings onto the microspheres and within their pores, down to 1 μm.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000410773200003 Publication Date 2017-01-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1612-8850 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.846 Times cited 8 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The technical assistance of the VITO staff (Materials Dpt.) is gratefully acknowledged, especially D. Havermans, E. Van Hoof, R. Kemps (SEM-EDX), and A. De Wilde (Hg Porosimetry). Drs. S. Mullens and G. Scheltjens are kindly acknowledged for constructive discussions. Strategic Initiative Materials in Flanders (SIM) is gratefully acknowledged for its financial support. This research was carried out in the framework of the SIM-TRAP program (Tools for rational processing of nano-particles: controlling and tailoring nanoparticle based or nanomodified particle based materials). N. Claes and S. Bals acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOM). (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); saraecas; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 2.846  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:139511UA @ admin @ c:irua:139511 Serial 4342  
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Author Van Hoorebeke, L.; Leroux, O.; Leroux, F.; Mastroberti, A.A.; Santos-Silva, F.; Van Loo, D.; Bagniewska-Zadworna, A.; Bals, S.; Popper, Z.A.; de Araujo Mariath, J.E. doi  openurl
  Title Heterogeneity of silica and glycan-epitope distribution in epidermal idioblast cell walls in Adiantum raddianum laminae Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Planta Abbreviated Journal (down) Planta  
  Volume 237 Issue 6 Pages 1453-1464  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Laminae of Adiantum raddianum Presl., a fern belonging to the family Pteridaceae, are characterised by the presence of epidermal fibre-like cells under the vascular bundles. These cells were thought to contain silica bodies, but their thickened walls leave no space for intracellular silica suggesting it may actually be deposited within their walls. Using advanced electron microscopy in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis we showed the presence of silica in the cell walls of the fibre-like idioblasts. However, it was specifically localised to the outer layers of the periclinal wall facing the leaf surface, with the thick secondary wall being devoid of silica. Immunocytochemical experiments were performed to ascertain the respective localisation of silica deposition and glycan polymers. Epitopes characteristic for pectic homogalacturonan and the hemicelluloses xyloglucan and mannan were detected in most epidermal walls, including the silica-rich cell wall layers. The monoclonal antibody, LM6, raised against pectic arabinan, labelled the silica-rich primary wall of the epidermal fibre-like cells and the guard cell walls, which were also shown to contain silica. We hypothesise that the silicified outer wall layers of the epidermal fibre-like cells support the lamina during cell expansion prior to secondary wall formation. This implies that silicification does not impede cell elongation. Although our results suggest that pectic arabinan may be implicated in silica deposition, further detailed analyses are needed to confirm this. The combinatorial approach presented here, which allows correlative screening and in situ localisation of silicon and cell wall polysaccharide distribution, shows great potential for future studies.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000319474200004 Publication Date 2013-02-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0032-0935;1432-2048; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.361 Times cited 16 Open Access  
  Notes We are grateful to the Laboratorio de Anatomia Vegetal of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and the Centro de Microscopia Eletronica (CME) of UFRGS. Thanks to Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq) for the undergraduate degree grant provided (PIBIC) for the fourth author and research grant and support for the last one. The third author is grateful to Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES) for providing financial support (PRODOC). We acknowledge Christiane de Queiroz Lopes and Moema Queiroz (CME) for the technical assistance. We are indebted to Paul Knox (Centre for Plant Sciences, University of Leeds, UK) for kindly providing the monoclonal antibodies used in this study. The Fund for Scientific Research-Flanders (FWO) is acknowledged for the doctoral grant to D. Van Loo (G.0100.08). Approved Most recent IF: 3.361; 2013 IF: 3.376  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:109641 Serial 1419  
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Author Musolino, N.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Clayton, N.; Walker, E.; Flukiger, R. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Investigation of (Bi,Pb)2212 crystals : observation of modulation-free phase Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2004 Publication Physica: C : superconductivity Abbreviated Journal (down) Physica C  
  Volume 401 Issue 1-4 Pages 270-272  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract We report the complete disappearance of the structural modulation in heavily lead-doped Bi2-xPbxSr2CaCu2O8+delta crystals observed by transmission electron microscopy. Crystals with a nominal lead content of x = 0.8, corresponding to an effective lead content of x = 0.39, yield the non-modulated phase. The superconducting properties of this modulation-free phase (beta phase) have been studied and compared to those of undoped crystals displaying the modulated phase (alpha phase). Magnetisation measurements reveal that the irreversibility field H-irr(T) and relaxation rates are strongly improved within the beta phase. Measurements of the lower critical field, H-cl, show that the anisotropy factor, E, is considerably reduced in the modulation-free crystals. This is the signature of stronger coupling between CuO2 layers which in turn deeply influences the effectiveness of the pinning. These measurements explain the enhanced pinning properties in moderately Pb-doped crystals in which the a phase and P phase coexist. The enhanced pinning is not only due to the alpha/beta interfaces, which act as effective pinning centers: the emergence of modulation-free domains, characterized by a strongly reduced anisotropy, also significantly contribute to this effect. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000187852100050 Publication Date 2003-10-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0921-4534; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.404 Times cited 9 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.404; 2004 IF: 1.072  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:94809 Serial 1730  
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Author Musolino, N.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Clayton, N.; Walker, E.; Flükiger, R. doi  openurl
  Title Modulation-free phase in heavily Pb-doped (Bi,Pb)2212 crystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2003 Publication Physica: C : superconductivity Abbreviated Journal (down) Physica C  
  Volume 399 Issue 1/2 Pages 1-7  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract We report the complete disappearance of the structural modulation in heavily lead-doped Bi2-xPbxSr2CaCu2O8+delta crystals observed by transmission electron microscopy. Crystals with a nominal lead content of x = 0.8, corresponding to an effective lead content of x = 0.39, yield the non-modulated phase. The superconducting properties of this modulation-free phase (beta phase) have been studied and compared to those of undoped crystals displaying the modulated phase (alpha phase). Magnetisation measurements reveal that the irreversibility field H-irr(T) and relaxation rates are strongly improved within the beta phase. Measurements of the lower critical field, H-c1, show that the anisotropy factor, epsilon, is considerably reduced in the modulation-free crystals. This is the signature of stronger coupling between CuO2 layers which in turn deeply influences the effectiveness of the pinning. These measurements explain the enhanced pinning properties in moderately Pb-doped crystals in which the alpha phase and beta phase coexist. The enhanced pinning is not only due to the alpha/beta interfaces, which act as effective pinning centers: the emergence of modulation-free domains, characterized by a strongly reduced anisotropy, also significantly contribute to this effect. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000186526200001 Publication Date 2003-09-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0921-4534; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.404 Times cited 31 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.404; 2003 IF: 1.192  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:54797 Serial 2167  
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Author Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Rijnders, G.; Blank, D.H.A.; Leca, V.; Salluzzo, M. doi  openurl
  Title Optimisation of superconducting thin films by TEM Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2002 Publication Physica: C : superconductivity Abbreviated Journal (down) Physica C  
  Volume 372/376 Issue part 2 Pages 711-714  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract High-resolution electron microscopy is used to study the initial growth of different REBa2CU3O7-5 thin films. In DyBa2CU3O7-5 ultra-thin films, deposited on TiO2 terminated SrTiO3, two different types of interface arrangements occur: bulk-SrO-TiO2-BaO-CuO-BaO-CuO2-Dy-CuO2-BaO-bulk and bulk-SrO-TiO2-BaO-CuO2-Dy-CuO2-BaO-CuO-BaO-bulk. This variable growth sequence is the origin of the presence of antiphase boundaries. In Nd1+xBa2-xCu3O7-5 thin films, antiphase boundaries tend to annihilate by the insertion of extra Nd-layers. This annihilation is correlated with the flat morphology of the film and the absence of growth spirals at the surface of the Nd-rich films. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000178018800033 Publication Date 2002-08-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0921-4534; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.404 Times cited 6 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.404; 2002 IF: 0.912  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:54796 Serial 2485  
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Author Salluzzo, M.; Aruta, C.; Ausanio, G.; Bals, S.; d' Agostino, A.; Maglione, M.G. doi  openurl
  Title Role of Nd/Ba substitution on the growth mode and on the structural properties of Nd-rich Re1(NdxBa2-x)Cu3O7-\delta (Re=Nd, Y) thin films Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2002 Publication Physica: C : superconductivity Abbreviated Journal (down) Physica C  
  Volume 372-376 Issue 2 Pages 675-678  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Thin films of the superconducting Nd1+xBa2−xCu3O7−δ (NBCO) and Y1(NdxBa2−x)Cu3O7−δ (YNBCO) compounds have been deposited by dc magnetron sputtering and diode high pressure oxygen sputtering. Different techniques, including scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been used to study the film microstructures and the surface morphology. It is shown that the Nd/Ba exchange promotes a 2D heteroepitaxial growth in the case of the NBCO films deposited on (1 0 0) SrTiO3 substrates, with a suppression of the characteristic 3D spirals structures. On the contrary in YNBCO the Nd/Ba exchange does not provide a driving force for the suppression of screw-dislocations, since spirals or towers originated by screw and half loop dislocations are observed on the surface. TEM reveals that anti-phase boundaries are eliminated during the growth of NBCO films thanks to the Nd/Ba exchange while this mechanism is not operating in the case of YNBCO films.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000178018800024 Publication Date 2002-08-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0921-4534; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.404 Times cited 5 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.404; 2002 IF: 0.912  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:87909 Serial 2917  
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