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“Small-moment paramagnetism and extensive twinning in the topochemically reduced phase Sr2ReLiO5.5”. Hasanli N, Gauquelin N, Verbeeck J, Hadermann J, Hayward MA, Journal of the Chemical Society : Dalton transactions 47, 15783 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8DT03463J
Abstract: Reaction of the cation-ordered double perovskite Sr2ReLiO6 with dilute hydrogen at 475 degrees C leads to the topochemical deintercalation of oxide ions from the host lattice and the formation of a phase of composition Sr2ReLiO5.5, as confirmed by thermogravimetric and EELS data. A combination of neutron and electron diffraction data reveals the reduction process converts the -Sr2O2-ReLiO4-Sr2O2-ReLiO4- stacking sequence of the parent phase into a -Sr2O2-ReLiO3-Sr2O2-ReLiO4-, partially anion-vacant ordered sequence. Furthermore a combination of electron diffraction and imaging reveals Sr2ReLiO5.5 exhibits extensive twinning – a feature which can be attributed to the large, anisotropic volume expansion of the material on reduction. Magnetisation data reveal a strongly reduced moment of (eff) = 0.505(B) for the d(1) Re6+ centres in the phase, suggesting there remains a large orbital component to the magnetism of the rhenium centres, despite their location in low symmetry coordination environments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.029
DOI: 10.1039/C8DT03463J
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“Dislocation driven nanosample plasticity: new insights from quantitative in-situ TEM tensile testing”. Samaee V, Gatti R, Devincre B, Pardoen T, Schryvers D, Idrissi H, Scientific Reports 8, 12012 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-30639-8
Abstract: Intrinsic dislocation mechanisms in the vicinity of free surfaces of an almost FIB damage-free single crystal Ni sample have been quantitatively investigated owing to a novel sample preparation method combining twin-jet electro-polishing, in-situ TEM heating and FIB. The results reveal that the small-scale plasticity is mainly controlled by the conversion of few tangled dislocations, still present after heating, into stable single arm sources (SASs) as well as by the successive operation of these sources. Strain hardening resulting from the operation of an individual SAS is reported and attributed to the decrease of the length of the source. Moreover, the impact of the shortening of the dislocation source on the intermittent plastic flow, characteristic of SASs, is discussed. These findings provide essential information for the understanding of the regime of ‘dislocation source’ controlled plasticity and the related mechanical size effect.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30639-8
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“The role of MOFs in Thin-Film Nanocomposite (TFN) membranes”. Van Goethem C, Verbeke R, Pfanmoeller M, Koschine T, Dickmann M, Timpel-Lindner T, Egger W, Bals S, Vankelecom IFJ, Journal of membrane science 563, 938 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MEMSCI.2018.06.040
Abstract: Incorporation of MOFs in interfacially polymerized Thin-Film Nanocomposite (TFN) membranes has widely been shown to result in increased membrane performance. However, the exact functioning of these membranes is poorly understood as large variability in permeance increase, filler incorporation and rejection changes can be observed in literature. The synthesis and functioning of TFN membranes (herein exemplified by ZIF-8 filled polyamide (PA) membranes prepared via the EFP method) was investigated via targeted membrane synthesis and thorough characterization via STEM-EDX, XRD and PALS. It is hypothesized that the acid generated during the interfacial polymerization (IP) at least partially degrades the crystalline, acid-sensitive ZIF-8 and that this influences the membrane formation (through so-called secondary effects, i.e. not strictly linked to the pore morphology of the MOF). Nanoscale HAADF-STEM imaging and STEM-EDX Zn-mapping revealed no ZIF-8 particles but rather the presence of randomly shaped regions with elevated Zn-content. Also XRD failed to show the presence of crystalline areas in the composite PA films. As the addition of the acid-quenching TEA led to an increase in the diffraction signal observed in XRD, the role of the acid was confirmed. The separate addition of dissolved Zn2+ to the synthesis of regular TFC membranes showed an increase in permeance while losing some salt retention, similar to observations regularly made for TFN membranes. While the addition of a porous material to a TFC membrane is a straightforward concept, all obtained results indicate that the synthesis and performance of such composite membranes is often more complex than commonly accepted.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.035
Times cited: 84
DOI: 10.1016/J.MEMSCI.2018.06.040
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“Spontaneous self-assembly of Perovskite nanocrystals into electronically coupled supercrystals : toward filling the green gap”. Tong Y, Yao E-P, Manzi A, Bladt E, Wang K, Doeblinger M, Bals S, Mueller-Buschbaum P, Urban AS, Polavarapu L, Feldmann J, Advanced materials 30, 1801117 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMA.201801117
Abstract: Self-assembly of nanoscale building blocks into ordered nanoarchitectures has emerged as a simple and powerful approach for tailoring the nanoscale properties and the opportunities of using these properties for the development of novel optoelectronic nanodevices. Here, the one-pot synthesis of CsPbBr3 perovskite supercrystals (SCs) in a colloidal dispersion by ultrasonication is reported. The growth of the SCs occurs through the spontaneous self-assembly of individual nanocrystals (NCs), which form in highly concentrated solutions of precursor powders. The SCs retain the high photoluminescence (PL) efficiency of their NC subunits, however also exhibit a redshifted emission wavelength compared to that of the individual nanocubes due to interparticle electronic coupling. This redshift makes the SCs pure green emitters with PL maxima at approximate to 530-535 nm, while the individual nanocubes emit a cyan-green color (approximate to 512 nm). The SCs can be used as an emissive layer in the fabrication of pure green light-emitting devices on rigid or flexible substrates. Moreover, the PL emission color is tunable across the visible range by employing a well-established halide ion exchange reaction on the obtained CsPbBr3 SCs. These results highlight the promise of perovskite SCs for light emitting applications, while providing insight into their collective optical properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 19.791
Times cited: 161
DOI: 10.1002/ADMA.201801117
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“On the control and effect of water content during the electrodeposition of Ni nanostructures from deep eutectic solvents”. Cherigui EAM, Şentosun K, Mamme MH, Lukaczynska M, Terryn H, Bals S, Ustarroz J, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 122, 23129 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b05344
Abstract: The electrodeposition of nickel nanostructures on glassy carbon was investigated in 1:2 choline chloride urea deep eutectic solvent (DES) containing different amounts of water. By combining electrochemical techniques, with ex situ field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, the effect of water content on the electrochemical processes occurring during nickel deposition was better understood. At highly negative potentials and depending on water content, Ni growth is halted due to water splitting and formation of a mixed layer of Ni/NiOx(OH)(2(1-x)(ads)). Moreover, under certain conditions, the DES components can also be (electro)chemically reduced at the electrode surface, blocking further three-dimensional growth of the Ni NPs. Hence, a two-dimensional crystalline Ni-containing network can be formed in the interparticle region.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b05344
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“Interfacial oxidation and photoluminescence of InP-Based core/shell quantum dots”. Tessier MD, Baquero EA, Dupont D, Grigel V, Bladt E, Bals S, Coppel Y, Hens Z, Nayral C, Delpech F, Chemistry of materials 30, 6877 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B03117
Abstract: Indium phosphide colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are emerging as an efficient cadmium-free alternative for optoelectronic applications. Recently, syntheses based on easy-to-implement aminophosphine precursors have been developed. We show by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy that this new approach allows oxide-free indium phosphide core or core/shell quantum dots to be made. Importantly, the oxide-free core/shell interface does not help in achieving higher luminescence efficiencies. We demonstrate that in the case of InP/ZnS and InP/ZnSe QDs, a more pronounced oxidation concurs with a higher photoluminescence efficiency. This study suggests that a II-VI shell on a III-V core generates an interface prone to defects. The most efficient InP/ZnS or InP/ZnSe QDs are therefore made with an oxide buffer layer between the core and the shell: it passivates these interface defects but also results in a somewhat broader emission line width.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 74
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.8B03117
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“Exciton Fine Structure and Lattice Dynamics in InP/ZnSe Core/Shell Quantum Dots”. Brodu A, Ballottin MV, Buhot J, van Harten EJ, Dupont D, La Porta A, Prins PT, Tessier MD, Versteegh MAM, Zwiller V, Bals S, Hens Z, Rabouw FT, Christianen PCM, de Donega CM, Vanmaekelbergh D, ACS Photonics 5, 3353 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSPHOTONICS.8B00615
Abstract: Nanocrystalline InP quantum dots (QDs) hold promise for heavy-metal-free optoelectronic applications due to their bright and size tunable emission in the visible range. Photochemical stability and high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield are obtained by a diversity of epitaxial shells around the InP core. To understand and optimize the emission line shapes, the exciton fine structure of InP core/shell QD systems needs be investigated. Here, we study the exciton fine structure of InP/ZnSe core/shell QDs with core diameters ranging from 2.9 to 3.6 nm (PL peak from 2.3 to 1.95 eV at 4 K). PL decay measurements as a function of temperature in the 10 mK to 300 K range show that the lowest exciton fine structure state is a dark state, from which radiative recombination is assisted by coupling to confined acoustic phonons with energies ranging from 4 to 7 meV, depending on the core diameter. Circularly polarized fluorescence line-narrowing (FLN) spectroscopy at 4 K under high magnetic fields (up to 30 T) demonstrates that radiative recombination from the dark F = +/- 2 state involves acoustic and optical phonons, from both the InP core and the ZnSe shell. Our data indicate that the highest intensity FLN peak is an acoustic phonon replica rather than a zero-phonon line, implying that the energy separation observed between the F = +/- 1 state and the highest intensity peak in the FLN spectra (6 to 16 meV, depending on the InP core size) is larger than the splitting between the dark and bright fine structure exciton states.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.756
Times cited: 40
DOI: 10.1021/ACSPHOTONICS.8B00615
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“Dopant-induced electron localization drives CO2 reduction to C2 hydrocarbons”. Zhou Y, Che F, Liu M, Zou C, Liang Z, De Luna P, Yuan H, Li J, Wang Z, Xie H, Li H, Chen P, Bladt E, Quintero-Bermudez R, Sham T-K, Bals S, Hofkens J, Sinton D, Chen G, Sargent EH, Nature chemistry 10, 974 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41557-018-0092-X
Abstract: The electrochemical reduction of CO2 to multi-carbon products has attracted much attention because it provides an avenue to the synthesis of value-added carbon-based fuels and feedstocks using renewable electricity. Unfortunately, the efficiency of CO2 conversion to C-2 products remains below that necessary for its implementation at scale. Modifying the local electronic structure of copper with positive valence sites has been predicted to boost conversion to C-2 products. Here, we use boron to tune the ratio of Cu delta+ to Cu-0 active sites and improve both stability and C-2-product generation. Simulations show that the ability to tune the average oxidation state of copper enables control over CO adsorption and dimerization, and makes it possible to implement a preference for the electrosynthesis of C-2 products. We report experimentally a C-2 Faradaic efficiency of 79 +/- 2% on boron-doped copper catalysts and further show that boron doping leads to catalysts that are stable for in excess of similar to 40 hours while electrochemically reducing CO2 to multi-carbon hydrocarbons.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 25.87
Times cited: 700
DOI: 10.1038/S41557-018-0092-X
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“Cuboidal supraparticles self-assembled from cubic CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals”. van der Burgt JS, Geuchies JJ, van der Meer B, Vanrompay H, Zanaga D, Zhang Y, Albrecht W, Petukhov AV, Filion L, Bals S, Swart I, Vanmaekelbergh D, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 122, 15706 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCC.8B02699
Abstract: Colloidal CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) have emerged as promising candidates for various opto-electronic applications, such as light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, and solar cells. Here, we report on the self-assembly of cubic NCs from an organic suspension into ordered cuboidal supraparticles (SPs) and their structural and optical properties. Upon increasing the NC concentration or by addition of a nonsolvent, the formation of the SPs occurs homogeneously in the suspension, as monitored by in situ X-ray scattering measurements. The three-dimensional structure of the SPs was resolved through high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography. The NCs are atomically aligned but not connected. We characterize NC vacancies on superlattice positions both in the bulk and on the surface of the SPs. The occurrence of localized atomic-type NC vacancies-instead of delocalized ones-indicates that NC-NC attractions are important in the assembly, as we verify with Monte Carlo simulations. Even when assembled in SPs, the NCs show bright emission, with a red shift of about 30 meV compared to NCs in suspension.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 60
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCC.8B02699
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“Effect of hydriding induced defects on the small-scale plasticity mechanisms in nanocrystalline palladium thin films”. Lumbeeck G, Idrissi H, Amin-Ahmadi B, Favache A, Delmelle R, Samaee V, Proost J, Pardoen T, Schryvers D, Journal Of Applied Physics 124, 225105 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.5055274
Abstract: Nanoindentation tests performed on nanocrystalline palladium films subjected to hydriding/dehydriding cycles demonstrate a significant softening when compared to the as-received material. The origin of this softening is unraveled by combining in situ TEM nanomechanical testing with automated crystal orientation mapping in TEM and high resolution TEM. The softening is attributed to the presence of a high density of stacking faults and of Shockley partial dislocations after hydrogen loading. The hydrogen induced defects affect the elementary plasticity mechanisms and the mechanical response by acting as preferential sites for twinning/detwinning during deformation. These results are analyzed and compared to previous experimental and simulation works in the literature. This study provides new insights into the effect of hydrogen on the atomistic deformation and cracking mechanisms as well as on the mechanical properties of nanocrystalline thin films and membranes.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1063/1.5055274
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“The atomic lensing model: new opportunities for atom-by-atom metrology of heterogeneous nanomaterials”. van den Bos KHW, Janssens L, De Backer A, Nellist PD, Van Aert S, Ultramicroscopy 203, 155 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2018.12.004
Abstract: The atomic lensing model has been proposed as a promising method facilitating atom-counting in heterogeneous nanocrystals [1]. Here, image simulations will validate the model, which describes dynamical diffraction as a superposition of individual atoms focussing the incident electrons. It will be demonstrated that the model is reliable in the annular dark field regime for crystals having columns containing dozens of atoms. By using the principles of statistical detection theory, it will be shown that this model gives new opportunities for detecting compositional differences.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2018.12.004
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“Chemistry of Shape-Controlled Iron Oxide Nanocrystal Formation”. Feld A, Weimer A, Kornowski A, Winckelmans N, Merkl J-P, Kloust H, Zierold R, Schmidtke C, Schotten T, Riedner M, Bals S, Weller PD Horst, ACS nano 13, 152 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.8b05032
Abstract: Herein we demonstrate that meticulous and in-depth analysis of the reaction mechanisms of nanoparticle formation is rewarded by full control of size, shape and crystal structure of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystals during synthesis. Starting from two iron sources – iron(II)- and iron(III) carbonate -a strict separation of oleate formation from the generation of reactive pyrolysis products and concomitant nucleation of iron oxide nanoparticles was achieved. This protocol enabled us to analyze each step of nanoparticle formation independently in depth. Progress of the entire reaction was monitored via matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and gas chromatography (GC) gaining insight into the formation of various iron oleate species prior to nucleation. Interestingly, due to the intrinsic strongly reductive pyrolysis conditions of the oleate intermediates and redox process in early stages of the synthesis, pristine iron oxide nuclei were composed exclusively from wustite, irrespective of the oxidation state of the iron source. Controlling the reaction conditions provided a very broad range of size- and shape defined monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles. Curiously, after nucleation star shaped nanocrystals were obtained, which underwent metamorphism towards cubic shaped particles. EELS tomography revealed ex post oxidation of the primary wustite nanocrystal providing a full 3D image of Fe2+ and Fe3+ distribution within. Overall, we developed a highly flexible synthesis, yielding multigram amounts of well-defined iron oxide nanocrystals of different sizes and morphologies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.942
Times cited: 54
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b05032
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“Fe2+Deficiencies, FeO Subdomains, and Structural Defects Favor Magnetic Hyperthermia Performance of Iron Oxide Nanocubes into Intracellular Environment”. Lak A, Cassani M, Mai BT, Winckelmans N, Cabrera D, Sadrollahi E, Marras S, Remmer H, Fiorito S, Cremades-Jimeno L, Litterst FJ, Ludwig F, Manna L, Teran FJ, Bals S, Pellegrino T, Nano letters 18, 6856 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b02722
Abstract: Herein, by studying a stepwise phase transformation of 23 nm FeO-Fe3O4 core-shell nanocubes into Fe3O4, we identify a composition at which the magnetic heating performance of the nanocubes is not affected by the medium viscosity and aggregation. Structural and magnetic characterizations reveal the transformation of the FeO-Fe3O4 nanocubes from having stoichiometric phase compositions into Fe2+ deficient Fe3O4 phases. The resultant nanocubes contain tiny compressed and randomly distributed FeO sub-domains as well as structural defects. This phase transformation causes a tenfold increase in the magnetic losses of the nanocubes, which remains exceptionally insensitive to the medium viscosity as well as aggregation unlike similarly sized single-phase magnetite nanocubes. We observe that the dominant relaxation mechanism switches from Néel in fresh core-shell nanocubes to Brownian in partially oxidized nanocubes and once again to Néel in completely treated nanocubes. The Fe2+ deficiencies and structural defects appear to reduce the magnetic energy barrier and anisotropy field, thereby driving the overall relaxation into Néel process. The magnetic losses of the particles remain unchanged through a progressive internalization/association to ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the particles induce a significant cell death after being exposed to hyperthermia treatment. Here, we present the largest heating performance that has been reported to date for 23 nm iron oxide nanoparticles under cellular and intracellular conditions. Our findings clearly demonstrate the positive impacts of the Fe2+ deficiencies and structural defects in the Fe3O4 structure on the heating performance under cellular and intracellular conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 51
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b02722
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“3D characterization of heat-induced morphological changes of Au nanostars by fast in situ electron tomography”. Vanrompay H, Bladt E, Albrecht W, Béché, A, Zakhozheva M, Sánchez-Iglesias A, Liz-Marzán LM, Bals S, Nanoscale 10, 22792 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR08376B
Abstract: A thorough understanding of the thermal stability and potential reshaping of anisotropic gold nanostars is required for various potential applications. Combination of a tomographic heating holder with fast tilt series acquisition has been used to monitor temperature-induced morphological changes of Au nanostars. The outcome of our 3D investigations can be used as an input for boundary element method simulations, enabling us to investigate the influence of reshaping on the nanostars’ plasmonic properties. Our work leads to a better understanding of the mechanism behind thermal reshaping. In addition, the approach presented here is generic and can hence be applied to a wide variety of nanoparticles made of different materials and with arbitrary morphology.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 55
DOI: 10.1039/C8NR08376B
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“Recent Advances in Transmission Electron Microscopy for Materials Science at the EMAT Lab of the University of Antwerp”. Guzzinati G, Altantzis T, Batuk M, De Backer A, Lumbeeck G, Samaee V, Batuk D, Idrissi H, Hadermann J, Van Aert S, Schryvers D, Verbeeck J, Bals S, Materials 11, 1304 (2018). http://doi.org/10.3390/ma11081304
Abstract: The rapid progress in materials science that enables the design of materials down to the nanoscale also demands characterization techniques able to analyze the materials down to the same scale, such as transmission electron microscopy. As Belgium’s foremost electron microscopy group, among the largest in the world, EMAT is continuously contributing to the development of TEM techniques, such as high-resolution imaging, diffraction, electron tomography, and spectroscopies, with an emphasis on quantification and reproducibility, as well as employing TEM methodology at the highest level to solve real-world materials science problems. The lab’s recent contributions are presented here together with specific case studies in order to highlight the usefulness of TEM to the advancement of materials science.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.654
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.3390/ma11081304
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“In Situ Electron Diffraction Tomography Using a Liquid-Electrochemical Transmission Electron Microscopy Cell for Crystal Structure Determination of Cathode Materials for Li-Ion batteries”. Karakulina OM, Demortière A, Dachraoui W, Abakumov AM, Hadermann J, Nano letters 18, 6286 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b02436
Abstract: We demonstrate that changes in the unit cell structure of lithium battery cathode materials during electrochemical cycling in liquid electrolyte can be determined for particles of just a few hundred nanometers in size using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The atomic coordinates, site occupancies (including lithium occupancy), and cell parameters of the materials can all be reliably quantified. This was achieved using electron diffraction tomography (EDT) in a sealed electrochemical cell with conventional liquid electrolyte (LP30) and LiFePO4 crystals, which have a well-documented charged structure to use as reference. In situ EDT in a liquid environment cell provides a viable alternative to in situ X-ray and neutron diffraction experiments due to the more local character of TEM, allowing for single crystal diffraction data to be obtained from multiphased powder samples and from submicrometer- to nanometer-sized particles. EDT is the first in situ TEM technique to provide information at the unit cell level in the liquid environment of a commercial TEM electrochemical cell. Its application to a wide range of electrochemical experiments in liquid environment cells and diverse types of crystalline materials can be envisaged.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b02436
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“Revealing pH-Dependent Activities and Surface Instabilities for Ni-Based Electrocatalysts during the Oxygen Evolution Reaction”. Yang C, Batuk M, Jacquet Q, Rousse G, Yin W, Zhang L, Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Cibin G, Chadwick A, Tarascon J-M, Grimaud A, ACS energy letters , 2884 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.8b01818
Abstract: Multiple electrochemical processes are involved at the catalyst/ electrolyte interface during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). With the purpose of elucidating the complexity of surface dynamics upon OER, we systematically studied two Ni-based crystalline oxides (LaNiO3−δ and La2Li0.5Ni0.5O4) and compared them with the state-of-the-art Ni−Fe (oxy)- hydroxide amorphous catalyst. Electrochemical measurements such as rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) and electrochemical quartz microbalance microscopy (EQCM) coupled with a series of physical characterizations including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) were conducted to unravel the exact pH effect on both the OER activity and the catalyst stability. We demonstrate that for Ni-based crystalline catalysts the rate for surface degradation depends on the pH and is greater than the rate for surface reconstruction. This behavior is unlike that for the amorphous Ni oxyhydroxide catalyst, which is found to be more stable and pH-independent.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.8b01818
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“Enhanced electrochemical performance of Li-rich cathode materials through microstructural control”. Serrano-Sevillano J, Reynaud M, Saracibar A, Altantzis T, Bals S, van Tendeloo G, Casas-Cabanas M, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 20, 23112 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8CP04181D
Abstract: The microstructural complexity of Li-rich cathode materials has so far hampered understanding the critical link between size, morphology and structural defects with both capacity and voltage fadings that this family of materials exhibits. Li2MnO3 is used here as a model material to extract reliable structure–property
relationships that can be further exploited for the development of high-performing and long-lasting Li-rich oxides. A series of samples with microstructural variability have been prepared and thoroughly characterized using the FAULTS software, which allows quantification of planar defects and extraction of
average crystallite sizes. Together with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and density functional theory (DFT) results, the successful application of FAULTS analysis to Li2MnO3 has allowed rationalizing the synthesis conditions and identifying the individual impact of concurrent microstructural features on
both voltage and capacity fadings, a necessary step for the development of high-capacity Li-ion cathode materials with enhanced cycle life.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1039/C8CP04181D
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“Enhancement of toughness of Al-to-steel Friction Melt Bonded welds via metallic interlayers”. Jimenez-Mena N, Jacques PJ, Ding L, Gauquelin N, Schryvers D, Idrissi H, Delannay F, Simar A, Materials science and engineering: part A: structural materials: properties, microstructure and processing 740-741, 274 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2018.10.101
Abstract: The toughness of Al-to-steel welds decreases with increasing thickness of the intermetallic (IM) layer formed at the interface. Co plating has been added as interlayer in Al-to-steel Friction Melt Bonded (FMB) welds to control the nature and thickness of the IM layer. In comparison to a weld without interlayer, Co plating brings about a reduction of the thickness of the IM layer by 70%. The critical energy release rate of the crack propagating in the weld is used as an indicator of toughness. It is evaluated via an adapted crack propagation test using an energy conservation criterion. For a weld without interlayer, critical energy release rate is found to increase when the thickness of the intermetallic layer decreases. When the intermetallic layer is thick, the crack propagates in a brittle manner through the intermetallic whereas, at low layer thickness, the crack deviates and partially propagates through the Al plate, which causes an increase of toughness. The use of a Co interlayer brings about an increase of toughness by causing full deviation of the crack towards the Al plate.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.094
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2018.10.101
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“Characterization of (Ti,Mo,Cr)C nanoprecipitates in an austenitic stainless steel on the atomic scale”. Cautaerts N, Delville R, Stergar E, Schryvers D, Verwerft M, Acta materialia 164, 90 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2018.10.018
Abstract: Nanometer sized (Ti,Mo,Cr)C (MX-type) precipitates that grew in a 24% cold worked Ti-stabilized austenitic stainless steel (grade DIN 1.4970, member of the 15-15Ti austenitic stainless steels) after heat treatment were fully characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), probe corrected high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-HAADF STEM), and atom probe tomography (APT). The precipitates shared the cube-on-cube orientation with the matrix and were facetted on {111} planes, yielding octahedral and elongated octahedral shapes. The misfit dislocations were believed to have Burgers vectors a/6<112> which was verified by geometrical phase analysis (GPA) strain mapping of a matrix-precipitate interface. The dislocations were spaced five to seven atomic
planes apart, on average slightly wider than expected for the lattice parameters of steel and TiC. Quantitative atom probe tomography analysis of the precipitates showed that precipitates were significantly enriched in Mo, Cr and V, and that they were hypostoichiometric with respect to C. These findings were consistent with a reduced lattice parameter. The precipitates were found primarily on Shockley
partial dislocations originating from the original perfect dislocation network. These novel findings could contribute to the understanding of how TiC nanoprecipitates interact with point defects and matrix dislocations. This is essential for the application of these Ti-stabilized steels in high temperature environments or fast spectrum nuclear fission reactors.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2018.10.018
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“Metal–insulator-transition engineering by modulation tilt-control in perovskite nickelates for room temperature optical switching”. Liao Z, Gauquelin N, Green RJ, Müller-Caspary K, Lobato I, Li L, Van Aert S, Verbeeck J, Huijben M, Grisolia MN, Rouco V, El Hage R, Villegas JE, Mercy A, Bibes M, Ghosez P, Sawatzky GA, Rijnders G, Koster G, America 115, 9515 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1807457115
Abstract: In transition metal perovskites ABO3 the physical properties are largely driven by the rotations of the BO6 octahedra, which can be tuned in thin films through strain and dimensionality control. However, both approaches have fundamental and practical limitations due to discrete and indirect variations in bond angles, bond lengths and film symmetry by using commercially available substrates. Here, we introduce modulation tilt control as a new approach to tune the ground state of perovskite oxide thin films by acting explicitly on the oxygen octahedra rotation modes, i.e. directly on the bond angles. By intercalating the prototype SmNiO3 target material with a tilt-control layer, we cause the system to change the natural amplitude of a given rotation mode without affecting the interactions. In contrast to strain and dimensionality engineering, our method enables a continuous fine-tuning of the materials properties. This is achieved through two independent adjustable parameters: the nature of the tilt-control material (through its symmetry, elastic constants and oxygen rotation angles) and the relative thicknesses of the target and tilt-control materials. As a result, a magnetic and electronic phase diagram can be obtained, normally only accessible by A-site element substitution, within the single SmNiO3 compound. With this unique approach, we successfully adjusted the metal-insulator transition (MIT) to room temperature to fulfill the desired conditions for optical switching applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.661
Times cited: 50
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1807457115
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“Spectral field mapping in plasmonic nanostructures with nanometer resolution”. Krehl J, Guzzinati G, Schultz J, Potapov P, Pohl D, Martin J, Verbeeck J, Fery A, Büchner B, Lubk A, Nature communications 9, 4207 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-06572-9
Abstract: Plasmonic nanostructures and -devices are rapidly transforming light manipulation technology by allowing to modify and enhance optical fields on sub-wavelength scales. Advances in this field rely heavily on the development of new characterization methods for the fundamental nanoscale interactions. However, the direct and quantitative mapping of transient electric and magnetic fields characterizing the plasmonic coupling has been proven elusive to date. Here we demonstrate how to directly measure the inelastic momentum transfer of surface plasmon modes via the energy-loss filtered deflection of a focused electron beam in a transmission electron microscope. By scanning the beam over the sample we obtain a spatially and spectrally resolved deflection map and we further show how this deflection is related quantitatively to the spectral component of the induced electric and magnetic fields pertaining to the mode. In some regards this technique is an extension to the established differential phase contrast into the dynamic regime.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06572-9
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“Nanoscale investigation by TEM and STEM-EELS of the laser induced yellowing”. Godet M, Vergès-Belmin V, Gauquelin N, Saheb M, Monnier J, Leroy E, Bourgon J, Verbeeck J, Andraud C, Micron 115, 25 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micron.2018.08.006
Abstract: Nd-YAG QS laser cleaning of soiled stone at 1064 nm can sometimes result in a more yellow appearance compared to other cleaning techniques. Especially in France, this yellowing effect is still considered as a major aesthetic issue by the architects and conservators. One explanation states that the yellowing is linked to the formation of iron-rich nanophase(s) through the laser beam interaction with black crusts that would re-deposit on the cleaned substrate after irradiation. To characterize these nanophases, a model crust containing hematite was elaborated and laser irradiated using a Nd-YAG QS laser. The color of the sample shifted instantaneously from red to a bright yellow and numerous particles were ablated in a visible smoke. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to examine the morphology and the crystallinity of the neo-formed compounds, both on the surface of the samples and in the ablated materials. In addition, an investigation of the chemical and structural properties of the nanophases was conducted by X-ray dispersive energy (EDX) and electron energy loss (EELS) spectroscopies. It was found that both the surface of the sample and the ablated materials are covered by crystallized nano-spheres and nano-residues, all containing iron and oxygen, sometimes along with calcium and sulfur. In particular an interfacial area containing the four elements was evidenced between some nanostructures and the substrate. Magnetite Fe3O4 was also identified at the nanoscale. This study demonstrates that the laser yellowing of a model crust is linked to the presence of iron-rich nanophases including CaxFeySzOδ nanostructures and magnetite Fe3O4 at the surface after irradiation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.98
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2018.08.006
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“Electron microscopy study of twinning in the Ni5Al3 bainitic phase”. Schryvers D, Ma Y, Toth L, Tanner L, TMS (1994)
Abstract: This contribution describes conventional and high resolution electron microscopy results on the different twinning arrangements in NisAl3 precipitates grown inside the B2 austenite phase. Short annealings introduce self-accommodating three-pointed star shaped precipitates consisting of twin related parts of different variants of the NisAl3 structure. Longer annealings result in plates growing separately from these wings and developing microtwinning in order to accommodate stress built-up at the interfaces with the surrounding matrix.
Keywords: A3 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
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“Electron microscopy study of twin sequences and branching in NissAl34 3R martensite”. Schryvers D, Van Landuyt J, ICOMAT (1992)
Abstract: Microtwin sequences in Ni66Al34 martensite plates of different size were investigated by electron microscopy. Although mostly irregular sequences were observed an average twin width w can be determined which increases with twin length L following the expected relation w ~ sqrt(L). High resolution electron microscopy was used to study the twin branching close to the plate boundaries and an atomic model for the branching of a microtwin and the changes in twin thickness is suggested
Keywords: A3 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
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“Firsto order phase transformation in the Ni-Al system”. Tanner LE, Shapiro SM, Krumhansl JA, Schryvers D, Noda Y, Yamada Y, Barsch GR, Gooding R, Moss SC, Metallurgy and Ceramics (1992)
Abstract: First-order displacive phase transformations in alloys and compounds are of high technological importance. We have studied this class of phase transformation in the high-temperature-stable Ni-Al f32(B2) phase as a function of composition, temperature, and stress using transmission electron microscopy and neutron scattering. The results show in detail the direct relationship between the unusually low energies of the transformation-related phonon modes and the development of pre-transformation microstructures (strain-embryos, etc.) via anharmonic coupling processes that ultimately lead to the nucleation and growth of the low-temperature martensitic phases. With these results, it is now possible to develop effective models for nonclassical heterogeneous nucleation of martensite transformations in bulk materials. This tills a critical gap and sets the stage for us to proceed in developing a more global understanding of condensed matter transformations including the coupling of displacive with replacive mechanisms.
Keywords: A3 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
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“On the phase-like nature of the 7M structure in Ni-Al”. Schryvers D, Tanner LE, Ecomaterials , 849 (1994). http://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4832-8381-4.50198-0
Abstract: The existence of the (52) stacking of the 7M martensite structure in Ni-Al is discussed in view of different experimental observations relating this structure to the premartensitic anomalies. It is concluded that the extreme fineness of the twinning is inherited from the wavelength of the premartensitic anomalies, while, given this dimension, the actual stacking tries to comply with stress free habit plane conditions by choosing the specific (52) stacking.
Keywords: A3 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
DOI: 10.1016/B978-1-4832-8381-4.50198-0
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“The maximum a posteriori probability rule for atom column detection from HAADF STEM images”. Fatermans J, Van Aert S, den Dekker AJ, Ultramicroscopy 201, 81 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2019.02.003
Abstract: Recently, the maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability rule has been proposed as an objective and quantitative method to detect atom columns and even single atoms from high-resolution high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images. The method combines statistical parameter estimation and model-order selection using a Bayesian framework and has been shown to be especially useful for the analysis of the structure of beam-sensitive nanomaterials. In order to avoid beam damage, images of such materials are usually acquired using a limited incoming electron dose resulting in a low contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) which makes visual inspection unreliable. This creates a need for an objective and quantitative approach. The present paper describes the methodology of the MAP probability rule, gives its step-by-step derivation and discusses its algorithmic implementation for atom column detection. In addition, simulation results are presented showing that the performance of the MAP probability rule to detect the correct number of atomic columns from HAADF STEM images is superior to that of other model-order selection criteria, including the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). Moreover, the MAP probability rule is used as a tool to evaluate the relation between STEM image quality measures and atom detectability resulting in the introduction of the so-called integrated CNR (ICNR) as a new image quality measure that better correlates with atom detectability than conventional measures such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and CNR.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2019.02.003
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“Quantitative modeling of secondary electron emission from slow-ion bombardment on semiconductors”. Bercx M, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Physical review B 99, 085413 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.99.085413
Abstract: When slow ions incident on a surface are neutralized, the excess potential energy is passed on to an electron inside the surface, leading to emission of secondary electrons. The microscopic description of this process, as
well as the calculation of the secondary electron yield, is a challenging problem due to its complexity as well
as its sensitivity to surface properties. One of the first quantitative descriptions was articulated in the 1950s by
Hagstrum, who based his calculation on a parametrization of the density of states of the material. In this paper, we
present a model for calculating the secondary electron yield, derived from Hagstrum’s initial approach. We use
first-principles density functional theory calculations to acquire the necessary input and introduce the concept of
electron cascades to Hagstrum’s model in order to improve the calculated spectra, as well as remove its reliance
on fitting parameters. We apply our model to He+ and Ne+ ions incident on Ge(111) and Si(111) and obtain
yield spectra that match closely to the experimental results of Hagstrum.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.99.085413
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“Control of Knock-On Damage for 3D Atomic Scale Quantification of Nanostructures: Making Every Electron Count in Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy”. Van Aert S, De Backer A, Jones L, Martinez GT, Béché, A, Nellist PD, Physical review letters 122, 066101 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.066101
Abstract: Understanding nanostructures down to the atomic level is the key to optimizing the design of advancedmaterials with revolutionary novel properties. This requires characterization methods capable of quantifying the three-dimensional (3D) atomic structure with the highest possible precision. A successful approach to reach this goal is to count the number of atoms in each atomic column from 2D annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images. To count atoms with single atom sensitivity, a minimum electron dose has been shown to be necessary, while on the other hand beam damage, induced by the high energy electrons, puts a limit on the tolerable dose. An important challenge is therefore to develop experimental strategies to optimize the electron dose by balancing atom-counting fidelity vs the risk of knock-on damage. To achieve this goal, a statistical framework combined with physics-based modeling of the dose-dependent processes is here proposed and experimentally verified. This model enables an investigator to theoretically predict, in advance of an experimental measurement, the optimal electron dose resulting in an unambiguous quantification of nanostructures in their native state with the highest attainable precision.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.066101
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