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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 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 (down) Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:183289 Serial 6820  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Skorikov, A.; Heyvaert, W.; Albrecht, W.; Pelt, D.M.; Bals, S. doi  openurl
  Title EMAT Simulated 3D Nanoparticle Structures Dataset Type Dataset
  Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Dataset; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract This dataset contains 1000 simulated nanoparticle-like 3D structures and noisy EDX-like elemental maps based on them. These data are intended to be used for quantitative analysis of data processing methods in (EDX) tomography of nanoparticles and training the data-driven approaches for these tasks. The dataset is structured as follows: voxel_data/clean 3D voxel grid representation of the simulated nanoparticles. Voxel intensities are adjusted so that the total intensity equals 103. All 3D structures have unique identifiers in 0..999 range. The data derived from a 3D structure preserves this unique identifier. sinograms/clean Tilt series of projection images obtained from the corresponding 3D structures over an angular range of -75..75 degrees with a tilt step of 10 degrees to simulate a typical tilt series used in EDX tomography. Total intensity in each projection image equals 103. sinograms/noisy Tilt series of projection images corrupted with Poisson noise and an additional spatially uniform background noise. projections/clean Projection images extracted from the clean tilt series at 0 degrees tilt angle. projections/noisy Projection images extracted from the noisy tilt series at 0 degrees tilt angle. images/clean Visualizations of the clean projections as PNG images with the intensity range adjusted to 0..255 images/noisy Visualizations of the noisy projections as PNG images with the intensity range adjusted to 0..255  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180615 Serial 6838  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Abakumov, A.M.; Li, C.; Boev, A.; Aksyonov, D.A.; Savina, A.A.; Abakumova, T.A.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Grain boundaries as a diffusion-limiting factor in lithium-rich NMC cathodes for high-energy lithium-ion batteries Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 4 Issue 7 Pages 6777-6786  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract High-energy lithium-rich layered transition metal oxides are capable of delivering record electrochemical capacity and energy density as positive electrodes for Li-ion batteries. Their electrochemical behavior is extremely complex due to sophisticated interplay between crystal structure, electronic structure, and defect structure. Here we unravel an extra level of this complexity by revealing that the most typical representative Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 material, prepared by a conventional coprecipitation technique with Na2CO3 as a precipitating agent, contains abundant coherent (001) grain boundaries with a Na-enriched P2-structured block due to segregation of the residual sodium traces. The trigonal prismatic oxygen coordination of Na triggers multiple nanoscale twinning, giving rise to incoherent (104) boundaries. The cationic layers at the (001) grain boundaries are filled with transition metal cations being Mn-depleted and Co-enriched; this makes them virtually not permeable for the Li+ cations, and therefore they negatively influence the Li diffusion in and out of the spherical agglomerates. These results demonstrate that besides the mechanisms intrinsic to the crystal and electronic structure of Li-rich cathodes, their rate capability might also be depreciated by peculiar microstructural aspects. Dedicated engineering of grain boundaries opens a way for improving inherently sluggish kinetics of these materials.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000678382900042 Publication Date 2021-07-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes We thank Dr. M. V. Berekchiian (MSU) for assisting in ICPMS measurements. We acknowledge Russian Science Foundation (Grant 20-43-01012) and Research Foundation Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen, Project No. G0F1320N) for financial support. Approved (down) Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180556 Serial 6841  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zheng, Y.-R.; Vernieres, J.; Wang, Z.; Zhang, K.; Hochfilzer, D.; Krempl, K.; Liao, T.-W.; Presel, F.; Altantzis, T.; Fatermans, J.; Scott, S.B.; Secher, N.M.; Moon, C.; Liu, P.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S.; Cao, A.; Anand, M.; Nørskov, J.K.; Kibsgaard, J.; Chorkendorff, I. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Monitoring oxygen production on mass-selected iridium–tantalum oxide electrocatalysts Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Nature Energy Abbreviated Journal Nat Energy  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract Development of low-cost and high-performance oxygen evolution reaction catalysts is key to implementing polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzers for hydrogen production. Iridium-based oxides are the state-of-the-art acidic oxygen evolution reactio catalysts but still suffer from inadequate activity and stability, and iridium's scarcity motivates the discovery of catalysts with lower iridium loadings. Here we report a mass-selected iridium-tantalum oxide catalyst prepared by a magnetron-based cluster source with considerably reduced noble-metal loadings beyond a commercial IrO2 catalyst. A sensitive electrochemistry/mass-spectrometry instrument coupled with isotope labelling was employed to investigate the oxygen production rate under dynamic operating conditions to account for the occurrence of side reactions and quantify the number of surface active sites. Iridium-tantalum oxide nanoparticles smaller than 2 nm exhibit a mass activity of 1.2 ± 0.5 kA “g” _“Ir” ^“-1” and a turnover frequency of 2.3 ± 0.9 s-1 at 320 mV overpotential, which are two and four times higher than those of mass-selected IrO2, respectively. Density functional theory calculations reveal that special iridium coordinations and the lowered aqueous decomposition free energy might be responsible for the enhanced performance.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000728458000001 Publication Date 2021-12-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2058-7546 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 95 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Y.-R.Z. and Z.W acknowledge funding from the Toyota Research Institute. This project has received funding from VILLUM FONDEN (grant no. 9455) and the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grants no. 741860-CLUNATRA, no. 815128−REALNANO and no. 770887−PICOMETRICS). S.B. and S.V.A. acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, G026718N and G050218N). T.A. acknowledges the University of Antwerp Research Fund (BOF). STEM measurements were supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research Infrastructure-Integrating Activities for Advanced Communities under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3.; sygmaSB Approved (down) Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:184794 Serial 6903  
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Author Heyvaert, W.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Kadu, A.; Claes, N.; González-Rubio, G.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Albrecht, W.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Quantification of the Helical Morphology of Chiral Gold Nanorods Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication ACS materials letters Abbreviated Journal ACS Materials Lett.  
  Volume 4 Issue Pages 642-649  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Chirality in inorganic nanoparticles and nanostructures has gained increasing scientific interest, because of the possibility to tune their ability to interact differently with left- and right-handed circularly polarized light. In some cases, the optical activity is hypothesized to originate from a chiral morphology of the nanomaterial. However, quantifying the degree of chirality in objects with sizes of tens of nanometers is far from straightforward. Electron tomography offers the possibility to faithfully retrieve the three-dimensional morphology of nanomaterials, but only a qualitative interpretation of the morphology of chiral nanoparticles has been possible so far. We introduce herein a methodology that enables us to quantify the helicity of complex chiral nanomaterials, based on the geometrical properties of a helix. We demonstrate that an analysis at the single particle level can provide significant insights into the origin of chiroptical properties.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000784490000013 Publication Date 2022-03-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2639-4979 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes S.B. and A.P.-T. gratefully acknowledge funding by the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant #815128-REALNANO) the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement #823717ESTEEM3. L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from MCIN/ AEI /10.13039/501100011033, grant # PID2020- 117779RB-I00 and the Maria de Maeztu Units of Excellence Program from the Spanish State Research Agency (Grant No. MDM-2017-0720). G.G.-R. thanks the Spanish Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación for an FPI (BES-2014- 068972) fellowship.; SygmaSB; esteem3reported; esteem3jra Approved (down) Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:186959 Serial 6956  
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Author Ding, Y.; Maitra, S.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bals, S.; Vrielinck, H.; Barakat, T.; Roy, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Liu, J.; Li, Y.; Vlad, A.; Su, B.-L. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Photochemical production of hydrogen peroxide by digging pro-superoxide radical carbon vacancies in carbon nitride Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Cell reports physical science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 3 Issue 5 Pages 100874-17  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Artificial photosynthesis of H2O2, an environmentally friendly oxidant and a clean fuel, holds great promise. However, improving its efficiency and stability for industrial implementation remains highly challenging. Here, we report the visible-light H2O2 artificial photosynthesis by digging pro-superoxide radical carbon vacancies in three-dimensional hierarchical porous g-C3N4 through a simple hydrolysis-freeze-drying-thermal treatment. A significant electronic structure change is revealed upon the implantation of carbon vacancies, broadening visible-light absorption and facilitating the photogenerated charge separation. The strong electron affinity of the carbon vacancies promotes superoxide radical (O-center dot(2)-) formation, significantly boosting the H2O2 photocatalytic production. The developed photocatalyst shows an H2O2 evolution rate of 6287.5 mM g(-1) h(-1) under visible-light irradiation with a long cycling stability being the best-performing photocatalyst among all reported g-C3N4-based systems. Our work provides fundamental insight into highly active and stable photocatalysts with great potential for safe industrial H2O2 production.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000805830100006 Publication Date 2022-04-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 12 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Y.D. thanks the China Scholarship Council (201808310127) for financial support. This work is financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U1663225) , Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University (IRT_15R52) of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities-Plan 111 (grant no. B20002) from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education of China, and the National Key R&D Program of China (2016YFA0202602) . This research was also supported by the European Commission Interreg V France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen project “DepollutAir”. Approved (down) Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189706 Serial 7090  
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Author Vlasov, E.; Skorikov, A.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Secondary electron induced current in scanning transmission electron microscopy: an alternative way to visualize the morphology of nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS materials letters Abbreviated Journal ACS Materials Lett.  
  Volume Issue Pages 1916-1921  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Electron tomography (ET) is a powerful tool to determine the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanomaterials in a transmission electron microscope. However, the acquisition of a conventional tilt series for ET is a time-consuming process and can therefore not provide 3D structural information in a time-efficient manner. Here, we propose surface-sensitive secondary electron (SE) imaging as an alternative to ET for the investigation of the morphology of nanomaterials. We use the SE electron beam induced current (SEEBIC) technique that maps the electrical current arising from holes generated by the emission of SEs from the sample. SEEBIC imaging can provide valuable information on the sample morphology with high spatial resolution and significantly shorter throughput times compared with ET. In addition, we discuss the contrast formation mechanisms that aid in the interpretation of SEEBIC data.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001006191600001 Publication Date 2023-06-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2639-4979 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The funding for this project was provided by European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant 815128, REALNANO). J.V. acknowledges the eBEAM project, which is supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101017720 (FET-Proactive EBEAM). L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (grant # PID2020-117779RB-I00). Approved (down) Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:197004 Serial 8795  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Beckwee, E.J.; Watson, G.; Houlleberghs, M.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bals, S.; Van Der Voort, P.; Breynaert, E.; Martens, J.; Baron, G.V.; Denayer, J.F.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Enabling hydrate-based methane storage under mild operating conditions by periodic mesoporous organosilica nanotubes Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Heliyon Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 9 Issue 7 Pages e17662-14  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Biomethane is a renewable natural gas substitute produced from biogas. Storage of this sustainable energy vector in confined clathrate hydrates, encapsulated in the pores of a host material, is a highly promising avenue to improve storage capacity and energy efficiency. Herein, a new type of periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) nanotubes, referred to as hollow ring PMO (HR-PMO), capable of promoting methane clathrate hydrate formation under mild working conditions (273 K, 3.5 MPa) and at high water loading (5.1 g water/g HR-PMO) is reported. Gravimetric uptake measurements reveal a steep single-stepped isotherm and a noticeably high methane storage capacity (0.55 g methane/g HR-PMO; 0.11 g methane/g water at 3.5 MPa). The large working capacity throughout consecutive pressure-induced clathrate hydrate formationdissociation cycles demonstrates the material's excellent recyclability (97% preservation of capacity). Supported by ex situ cryo-electron tomography and x-ray diffraction, HR-PMO nanotubes are hypothesized to promote clathrate hydrate nucleation and growth by distribution and confinement of water in the mesopores of their outer wall, along the central channels of the nanotubes and on the external nanotube surface. These findings showcase the potential for application of organosilica materials with hierarchical and interconnected pore systems for pressure-based storage of biomethane in confined clathrate hydrates.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001056264100001 Publication Date 2023-06-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2405-8440 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes E.J.B., G.W. and M.H. contributed equally to this work. M.H. acknowledges FWO for an FWO-SB fellowship. All authors acknowledge VLAIO for Moonshot funding (ARCLATH, n ? HBC.2019.0110, ARCLATH2, n ? HBC.2021.0254) . J.A.M. acknowledges the Flemish Government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem) and department EWI for infrastructure investment via the Hermes Fund (AH.2016.134) . NMRCoRe acknowledges the Flemish government, department EWI for financial support as International Research Infrastructure (I001321N: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Platform for Molecular Water Research) . J.A.M. acknowledges the European Research Council (ERC) for an Advanced Research Grant under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 834134 (WATUSO) . S.B acknowledges financial support by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO grant G.0381.16N) . This project also received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 731019 (EUSMI) and No 815128 (REALNANO) . Approved (down) Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199249 Serial 8862  
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Author Bhatia, H.; Keshavarz, M.; Martin, C.; Van Gaal, L.; Zhang, Y.; de Coen, B.; Schrenker, N.J.; Valli, D.; Ottesen, M.; Bremholm, M.; Van de Vondel, J.; Bals, S.; Hofkens, J.; Debroye, E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Achieving High Moisture Tolerance in Pseudohalide Perovskite Nanocrystals for Light-Emitting Diode Application Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS Applied Optical Materials Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Opt. Mater.  
  Volume 1 Issue 6 Pages 1184-1191  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract The addition of potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) to the FAPbBr3 structure and subsequent post-treatment of nanocrystals (NCs) lead to high quantum confinement, resulting in a photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) approaching unity and microsecond decay times. This synergistic approach demonstrated exceptional stability under humid conditions, retaining 70% of the PLQY for over a month, while the untreated NCs degrade within 24 h. Additionally, the devices incorporating the post-treated NCs displayed 1.5% external quantum efficiency (EQE), a 5-fold improvement over untreated devices. These results provide promising opportunities for the use of perovskites in moisture-stable optoelectronics.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2023-06-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2771-9855 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Hercules Foundation, HER/11/14 ; European Commission; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci?n, PID2021-128761OA-C22 ; European Regional Development Fund; Vlaamse regering, CASAS2 Meth/15/04 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1238622N 1514220N 1S45223N G.0B39.15 G.0B49.15 G098319N S002019N ZW15_09-GOH6316 ; Onderzoeksraad, KU Leuven, C14/19/079 db/21/006/bm iBOF-21-085 STG/21/010 ; Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, SBPLY/21/180501/000127 ; H2020 European Research Council, 642196 815128 ; Approved (down) Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:201011 Serial 8975  
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Author Hugenschmidt, M.; Jannis, D.; Kadu, A.A.; Grünewald, L.; De Marchi, S.; Perez-Juste, J.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Low-dose 4D-STEM tomography for beam-sensitive nanocomposites Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS materials letters Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 6 Issue 1 Pages 165-173  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Electron tomography is essential for investigating the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanomaterials. However, many of these materials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), are extremely sensitive to electron radiation, making it difficult to acquire a series of projection images for electron tomography without inducing electron-beam damage. Another significant challenge is the high contrast in high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy that can be expected for nanocomposites composed of a metal nanoparticle and an MOF. This strong contrast leads to so-called metal artifacts in the 3D reconstruction. To overcome these limitations, we here present low-dose electron tomography based on four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) data sets, collected using an ultrafast and highly sensitive direct electron detector. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the applicability of the method for an Au nanostar embedded in a ZIF-8 MOF, which is of great interest for applications in various fields, including drug delivery.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001141178500001 Publication Date 2023-12-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2639-4979 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 815128 REALNANO to S.B., Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S.V.A.). J.P.-J. and S.M. acknowledge financial support from the MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grants No. PID2019-108954RB-I00) and EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 883390 (SERSing). J.V., S.B., S.V.A., and L.G. acknowledge funding from the Flemish government (iBOF-21-085 PERsist). Approved (down) Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202771 Serial 9053  
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Author Johnson, G.; Yang, M.Y.; Liu, C.; Zhou, H.; Zuo, X.; Dickie, D.A.; Wang, S.; Gao, W.; Anaclet, B.; Perras, F.A.; Ma, F.; Zeng, C.; Wang, D.; Bals, S.; Dai, S.; Xu, Z.; Liu, G.; Goddard III, W.A.; Zhang, S. doi  openurl
  Title Nanocluster superstructures assembled via surface ligand switching at high temperature Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Nature synthesis Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 2 Issue 9 Pages 828-837  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Superstructures with nanoscale building blocks, when coupled with precise control of the constituent units, open opportunities in rationally designing and manufacturing desired functional materials. Yet, synthetic strategies for the large-scale production of superstructures are scarce. We report a scalable and generalized approach to synthesizing superstructures assembled from atomically precise Ce24O28(OH)8 and other rare-earth metal-oxide nanoclusters alongside a detailed description of the self-assembly mechanism. Combining operando small-angle X-ray scattering, ex situ molecular and structural characterizations, and molecular dynamics simulations indicates that a high-temperature ligand-switching mechanism, from oleate to benzoate, governs the formation of the nanocluster assembly. The chemical tuning of surface ligands controls superstructure disassembly and reassembly, and furthermore, enables the synthesis of multicomponent superstructures. This synthetic approach, and the accurate mechanistic understanding, are promising for the preparation of superstructures for use in electronics, plasmonics, magnetics and catalysis. Synthesizing superstructures with precisely controlled nanoscale building blocks is challenging. Here the assembly of superstructures is reported from atomically precise Ce24O28(OH)8 and other rare-earth metal-oxide nanoclusters and their multicomponent combinations. A high-temperature ligand-switching mechanism controls the self-assembly.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001124824000001 Publication Date 2023-05-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 2 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202180 Serial 9060  
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Author Grünewald, L.; Chezganov, D.; De Meyer, R.; Orekhov, A.; Van Aert, S.; Bogaerts, A.; Bals, S.; Verbeeck, J. doi  openurl
  Title Supplementary Information for “In-situ Plasma Studies using a Direct Current Microplasma in a Scanning Electron Microscope” Type Dataset
  Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Dataset; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Supplementary information for the article “In-situ Plasma Studies using a Direct Current Microplasma in a Scanning Electron Microscope” containing the videos of in-situ SEM imaging (mp4 files), raw data/images, and Jupyter notebooks (ipynb files) for data treatment and plots. Link to the preprint: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2308.15123 Explanation of the data files can be found in the Information.pdf file. The Videos folder contains the in-situ SEM image series mentioned in the paper. If there are any questions/bugs, feel free to contact me at lukas.grunewaldatuantwerpen.be  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203389 Serial 9100  
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Author Windels, S.; Diefenhardt, T.; Jain, N.; Marquez, C.; Bals, S.; Schlummer, M.; De Vos, D.E. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Catalytic upcycling of PVC waste-derived phthalate esters into safe, hydrogenated plasticizers Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Green chemistry : cutting-edge research for a greener sustainable future Abbreviated Journal Green Chem  
  Volume 24 Issue 2 Pages 754-766  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Recycling of end-of-life polyvinyl chloride (PVC) calls for solutions to deal with the vast amounts of harmful phthalate plasticizers that have historically been incorporated in PVC. Here, we report on the upcycling of such waste-extracted phthalate esters into analogues of the much safer diisononyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate plasticizer (DINCH), via a catalytic one-pot (trans)esterification-hydrogenation process. For most of the virgin phthalates, Ru/Al2O3 is a highly effective hydrogenation catalyst, yielding >99% ring-hydrogenated products under mild reaction conditions (0.1 mol% Ru, 80 degrees C, 50 bar H-2). However, applying this reaction to PVC-extracted phthalates proved problematic, (1) as benzyl phthalates are hydrogenolyzed to benzoic acids that inhibit the Ru-catalyst, and (2) because impurities in the plasticizer extract (PVC, sulfur) further retard the hydrogenation. These complications were solved by coupling the hydrogenation to an in situ (trans)esterification with a higher alcohol, and by pretreating the extract with an activated carbon adsorbent. In this way, a real phthalate extract obtained from post-consumer PVC waste was eventually completely (>99%) hydrogenated to phthalate-free, cycloaliphatic plasticizers.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000726865200001 Publication Date 2021-11-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1463-9262; 1463-9270 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited 8 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement no. 821366 (programma acronym: Circular Flooring). D. E. D. V. thanks FWO for project funding (SBO project S001819N Triple Cycle); N. J. and S. B. acknowledge the financial support from FWO and FNRS (EOS 30489208). Finally, the authors also thank S. Smolders for assistance with the TGA-MS experiments and D. Paredaens for his experimental contribution Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.8  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184746 Serial 6958  
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Author Kumar, J.; Eraña, H.; López-Martínez, E.; Claes, N.; Martín, V.F.; Solís, D.M.; Bals, S.; Cortajarena, A.L.; Castilla, J.; Liz-Marzán, L.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Detection of amyloid fibrils in Parkinson’s disease using plasmonic chirality Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Abbreviated Journal P Natl Acad Sci Usa  
  Volume 115 Issue 115 Pages 3225-3230  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Amyloid fibrils, which are closely associated with various neurodegenerative

diseases, are the final products in many protein aggregation pathways. The identification of fibrils at low concentration is, therefore, pivotal in disease diagnosis and development of therapeutic strategies. We report a methodology for the specific identification of amyloid fibrils using chiroptical effects in plasmonic nanoparticles. The formation of amyloid fibrils based on α-synuclein was probed using gold nanorods, which showed no

apparent interaction with monomeric proteins but effective adsorption onto fibril structures via noncovalent interactions. The amyloid structure drives a helical nanorod arrangement, resulting in intense optical activity at the surface plasmon resonance wavelengths. This sensing technique was successfully applied to human brain homogenates of patients affected by Parkinson’s disease,

wherein protein fibrils related to the disease were identified through chiral signals from Au nanorods in the visible and near IR, whereas healthy brain samples did not exhibit any meaningful optical activity. The technique was additionally extended to the specific detection of infectious amyloids formed by prion proteins, thereby confirming the wide potential of the technique. The intense chiral response driven by strong dipolar coupling in helical Au nanorod arrangements allowed us to detect amyloid fibrils down to nanomolar concentrations.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000428382400032 Publication Date 2018-03-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0027-8424 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.661 Times cited 187 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes We thank Prof. Dr. J.-P. Timmermans and the Antwerp Centre of Advanced Microscopy for providing access to the Tecnai G2 Spirit BioTWIN TEM. We also thank the Basque Biobank (Basque Foundation for Health Innovation and Research, BIOEF) for providing us with Parkinson’s disease-affected brain samples. J.K. acknowledges financial support from the European Commission under Marie Sklodowska-Curie Program H2020- MSCA-IF-2015708321. S.B. and A.L.C. acknowledge European Research Council Grants 335078 COLOURATOM and 648071 ProNANO. S.B. and L.M.L.-M. acknowledge funding from European Commission Grant EUSMI 731019. A.L.C., J.C., and L.M.L.-M. acknowledge funding from Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) Grants MAT2013-46101- R, AGL2015-65046-C2-1-R, and BIO2016-77367-C2-1-R. (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:restricted); saraecas; ECASSara; Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.661  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:150355UA @ admin @ c:irua:150355 Serial 4918  
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Author Van den Hoek, J.; Daems, N.; Arnouts, S.; Hoekx, S.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Improving stability of CO₂ electroreduction by incorporating Ag NPs in N-doped ordered mesoporous carbon structures Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 16 Issue 6 Pages 6931-6947  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract The electroreduction of carbon dioxide (eCO2RR) to CO using Ag nanoparticles as an electrocatalyst is promising as an industrial carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technique to mitigate CO2 emissions. Nevertheless, the long-term stability of these Ag nanoparticles has been insufficient despite initial high Faradaic efficiencies and/or partial current densities. To improve the stability, we evaluated an up-scalable and easily tunable synthesis route to deposit low-weight percentages of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on and into the framework of a nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (NOMC) structure. By exploiting this so-called nanoparticle confinement strategy, the nanoparticle mobility under operation is strongly reduced. As a result, particle detachment and agglomeration, two of the most pronounced electrocatalytic degradation mechanisms, are (partially) blocked and catalyst durability is improved. Several synthesis parameters, such as the anchoring agent, the weight percentage of Ag NPs, and the type of carbonaceous support material, were modified in a controlled manner to evaluate their respective impact on the overall electrochemical performance, with a strong emphasis on operational stability. The resulting powders were evaluated through electrochemical and physicochemical characterization methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2-physisorption, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), STEM-EDS, electron tomography, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The optimized Ag/soft-NOMC catalysts showed both a promising selectivity (∼80%) and stability compared with commercial Ag NPs while decreasing the loading of the transition metal by more than 50%. The stability of both the 5 and 10 wt % Ag/soft-NOMC catalysts showed considerable improvements by anchoring the Ag NPs on and into a NOMC framework, resulting in a 267% improvement in CO selectivity after 72 h (despite initial losses) compared to commercial Ag NPs. These results demonstrate the promising strategy of anchoring Ag NPs to improve the CO selectivity during prolonged experiments due to the reduced mobility of the Ag NPs and thus enhanced stability.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001158812100001 Publication Date 2023-12-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 21.06.2024  
  Notes Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.5; 2024 IF: 7.504  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202309 Serial 9045  
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Author Guerrero, R.M.; Lemir, I.D.; Carrasco, S.; Fernández-Ruiz, C.; Kavak, S.; Pizarro, P.; Serrano, D.P.; Bals, S.; Horcajada, P.; Pérez, Y. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Scaling-Up Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Highly Defective Pd@UiO-66-NH2Catalysts for Selective Olefin Hydrogenation under Ambient Conditions Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract The need to develop green and cost-effective industrial catalytic processes has led to growing interest in preparing more robust, efficient, and selective heterogeneous catalysts at a large scale. In this regard, microwave-assisted synthesis is a fast method for fabricating heterogeneous catalysts (including metal oxides, zeolites, metal–organic frameworks, and supported metal nanoparticles) with enhanced catalytic properties, enabling synthesis scale-up. Herein, the synthesis of nanosized UiO-66-NH2 was optimized via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to obtain defective matrices essential for the stabilization of metal nanoparticles, promoting catalytically active sites for hydrogenation reactions (760 kg·m–3·day–1 space time yield, STY). Then, this protocol was scaled up in a multimodal microwave reactor, reaching 86% yield (ca. 1 g, 1450 kg·m–3·day–1 STY) in only 30 min. Afterward, Pd nanoparticles were formed in situ decorating the nanoMOF by an effective and fast microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, resulting in the formation of Pd@UiO-66-NH2 composites. Both the localization and oxidation states of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) in the MOF were achieved using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The optimal composite, loaded with 1.7 wt % Pd, exhibited an extraordinary catalytic activity (>95% yield, 100% selectivity) under mild conditions (1 bar H2, 25 °C, 1 h reaction time), not only in the selective hydrogenation of a variety of single alkenes (1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-tridecene, cyclohexene, and tetraphenyl ethylene) but also in the conversion of a complex mixture of alkenes (i.e., 1-hexene, 1-tridecene, and anethole). The results showed a powerful interaction and synergy between the active phase (Pd NPs) and the catalytic porous scaffold (UiO-66-NH2), which are essential for the selectivity and recyclability.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2024-04-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links  
  Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from “Comunidad de Madrid” and European Regional Development Fund-FEDER through the project HUB MADRID+CIRCULAR; the State Research Agency (MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033) through the grant with reference number CEX2019-000931-M received in the 2019 call for “Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence” and “María de Maeztu Units of Excellence” of the State Programme for Knowledge Generation and Scientific and Technological Strengthening of the R&D&I System; and MICIU through the project “NAPOLION” (PID2022-139956OB-I00). S.K. acknowledges the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen) through a PhD research grant (1181124N). Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.5; 2024 IF: 7.504  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 9126  
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Author Bhatia, H.; Martin, C.; Keshavarz, M.; Dovgaliuk, I.; Schrenker, N.J.; Ottesen, M.; Qiu, W.; Fron, E.; Bremholm, M.; Van de Vondel, J.; Bals, S.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.; Hofkens, J.; Debroye, E. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Deciphering the role of water in promoting the optoelectronic performance of surface-engineered lead halide perovskite nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 15 Issue 5 Pages 7294-7307  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Lead halide perovskites are promising candidates for applicability is limited by their structural instability toward moisture. Although a deliberate addition of water to the precursor solution has recently been shown to improve the crystallinity and optical properties of perovskites, the corresponding thin films still do not exhibit a near-unity quantum yield. Herein, we report that the direct addition of a minute amount of water to post-treated substantially enhances the stability while achieving a 95% photoluminescence quantum yield in a NC thin film. We unveil the mechanism of how moisture assists in the formation of an additional NH4Br component. Alongside, we demonstrate the crucial role of moisture in assisting localized etching of the perovskite crystal, facilitating the partial incorporation of NH4+, which is key for improved performance under ambient conditions. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, the application of post-treated and watertreated perovskites is tested in LEDs, with the latter exhibiting a superior performance, offering opportunities toward commercial application in moisture-stable optoelectronics.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000931729400001 Publication Date 2023-01-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited 3 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes H.B. would like to express her sincere gratitude to Dr. Peter Erk (formerly BASF SE, Germany) for very insightful discussions. The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO grant numbers S002019N, 1514220N, G.0B39.15, G.0B49.15, G098319N, and ZW15_09-GOH6316) , the KU Leuven Research Fund (C14/19/079, iBOF-21-085 PERSIST, and STG/21/010) , the Flemish government through long-term structural funding Methusalem (CASAS2, Meth/15/04) , the Hercules Founda-tion (HER/11/14) , and the ERC through the Marie Curie ITN iSwitch Ph.D. fellowship to H.B. (grant number 642196) . C.M. acknowledges the financial support from grants PID2021-128761OA-C22 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 by the ?European Union? and SBPLY/21/180501/000127 funded by JCCM and by the EU through Fondo Europeo de Desarollo Regional? (FEDER) . Martin Bremholm and Martin Ottesen acknowledge funding from the Danish Council for Independent Research, Natural Sciences, under the Sapere Aude program (grant no. 7027-00077B) and VILLUM FONDEN through the Centre of Excellence for Dirac Materials (grant no. 11744) . Affiliation with the Center for Integrated Materials Research (iMAT) at Aarhus University is gratefully acknowledged.-N.J.S. acknowledges financial support from the research foundation Flanders (FWO) through a postdoctoral fellowship (FWO grant no. 1238622N) . S.B. acknowledges financial support from the European Commission by the ERC Consolidator grant REALNANO (no. 815128) . Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.5; 2023 IF: 7.504  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195375 Serial 7293  
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Author Mulder, J.T.; Meijer, M.S.; van Blaaderen, J.J.; du Fosse, I.; Jenkinson, K.; Bals, S.; Manna, L.; Houtepen, A.J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Understanding and preventing photoluminescence quenching to achieve unity photoluminescence quantum yield in Yb:YLF nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 15 Issue 2 Pages 3274-3286  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Ytterbium-doped LiYF4 (Yb:YLF) is a commonly used material for laser applications, as a photon upconversion medium, and for optical refrigeration. As nanocrystals (NCs), the material is also of interest for biological and physical applications. Unfortunately, as with most phosphors, with the reduction in size comes a large reduction of the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), which is typically associated with an increase in surface-related PL quenching. Here, we report the synthesis of bipyramidal Yb:YLF NCs with a short axis of similar to 60 nm. We systematically study and remove all sources of PL quenching in these NCs. By chemically removing all traces of water from the reaction mixture, we obtain NCs that exhibit a near-unity PLQY for an Yb3+ concentration below 20%. At higher Yb3+ concentrations, efficient concentration quenching occurs. The surface PL quenching is mitigated by growing an undoped YLF shell around the NC core, resulting in near-unity PLQY values even for fully Yb3+-based LiYbF4 cores. This unambiguously shows that the only remaining quenching sites in core-only Yb:YLF NCs reside on the surface and that concentration quenching is due to energy transfer to the surface. Monte Carlo simulations can reproduce the concentration dependence of the PLQY. Surprisingly, Fo''rster resonance energy transfer does not give satisfactory agreement with the experimental data, whereas nearest-neighbor energy transfer does. This work demonstrates that Yb3+-based nanophosphors can be synthesized with a quality close to that of bulk single crystals. The high Yb3+ concentration in the LiYbF4/LiYF4 core/shell nanocrystals increases the weak Yb3+ absorption, making these materials highly promising for fundamental studies and increasing their effectiveness in bioapplications and optical refrigeration.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000912997300001 Publication Date 2023-01-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 766900 (Testing the Large-Scale Limit of Quantum Mechanics). A.J.H. and I.d.F. further acknowledge the European Research Council Horizon 2020 ERC Grant Agreement No. 678004 (Doping on Demand) for financial support. The authors thank Freddy Rabouw and Andries Meijerink (Utrecht University) for very fruitful discussions and extremely useful advice. The author s thank Jos Thieme for his help with the laser setups used . The authors furthermore thank Niranjan Saikumar for proofreading the manuscript. Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.5; 2023 IF: 7.504  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:194317 Serial 7348  
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Author Ben Dkhil, S.; Perkhun, P.; Luo, C.; Mueller, D.; Alkarsifi, R.; Barulina, E.; Quiroz, Y.A.A.; Margeat, O.; Dubas, S.T.; Koganezawa, T.; Kuzuhara, D.; Yoshimoto, N.; Caddeo, C.; Mattoni, A.; Zimmermann, B.; Wuerfel, U.; Pfannmöller, M.; Bals, S.; Ackermann, J.; Videlot-Ackermann, C. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Direct correlation of nanoscale morphology and device performance to study photocurrent generation in donor-enriched phases of polymer solar cells Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Acs Applied Materials & Interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter  
  Volume 12 Issue 25 Pages 28404-28415  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The nanoscale morphology of polymer blends is a key parameter to reach high efficiency in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Thereby, research typically focusing on optimal blend morphologies while studying nonoptimized blends may give insight into blend designs that can prove more robust against morphology defects. Here, we focus on the direct correlation of morphology and device performance of thieno[3,4-b]-thiophene-alt-benzodithiophene (PTB7):[6,6]phenyl C-71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) bulk heterojunction (BHJ) blends processed without additives in different donor/acceptor weight ratios. We show that while blends of a 1:1.5 ratio are composed of large donor-enriched and fullerene domains beyond the exciton diffusion length, reducing the ratio below 1:0.5 leads to blends composed purely of polymer-enriched domains. Importantly, the photocurrent density in such blends can reach values between 45 and 60% of those reached for fully optimized blends using additives. We provide here direct visual evidence that fullerenes in the donor-enriched domains are not distributed homogeneously but fluctuate locally. To this end, we performed compositional nanoscale morphology analysis of the blend using spectroscopic imaging of low-energy-loss electrons using a transmission electron microscope. Charge transport measurement in combination with molecular dynamics simulations shows that the fullerene substructures inside the polymer phase generate efficient electron transport in the polymer-enriched phase. Furthermore, we show that the formation of densely packed regions of fullerene inside the polymer phase is driven by the PTB7:PC71BM enthalpy of mixing. The occurrence of such a nanoscale network of fullerene clusters leads to a reduction of electron trap states and thus efficient extraction of photocurrent inside the polymer domain. Suitable tuning of the polymer-acceptor interaction can thus introduce acceptor subnetworks in polymer-enriched phases, improving the tolerance for high-efficiency BHJ toward morphological defects such as donor-enriched domains exceeding the exciton diffusion length.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000543780900058 Publication Date 2020-06-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; J.A., O.M., and C.V.-A. acknowledge financial support by the French Fond Unique Interministeriel (FUI) under the project “SFUMATO” (Grant Number: F1110019V/ 201308815) as well as by the European Commission under the Project “SUNFLOWER” (FP7-ICT-2011-7, Grant Number: 287594). J.A., C.V.-A., and E.B. acknowledge the Association Nationale de la Recherche et de la Technologie (ANRT) and the Ministere de l'Enseignement Superieur, de la Recherche et de l'Innovation, awarded through the company Dracula Technologies (Valence, France), for framework of a CIFRE Ph.D. grant 2017/0529. J.A. and P.P. received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant agreement no. 713750. They further acknowledge support of the Regional Council of Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, A*MIDEX (no. ANR-11-IDEX-0001-02), and the Investissements d'Avenir project funded by the French Government, managed by the French National Research Agency (ANR). J.A. and Y.A.A.Q. acknowledge the French Research Agency for funding through the project NFA-15 (ANR-17-CE05-0020-01). N.Y. acknowledges that the synchrotron radiation experiments were performed at BL19B2 in SPring-8 with the approval of Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI) (proposal nos. 2017B1629 and 2018B1791). S.B. acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant 815128-REALNANO) and from FWO (G.0381.16N). M.P. gratefully acknowledges funding by the Ministerium fur Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Wurttemberg through the HEiKA materials research centre FunTECH-3D (MWK, 33-753-30-20/3/3) and the Large-Scale-Data-Facility (LSDF) sds@hd through grant INST 35/1314-1 FUGG. A.M. acknowledges Italian MIUR for funding through the project PON04a2 00490 M2M Netergit, PRACE, for awarding access to Marconi KNL at CINECA, Italy, through projects DECONVOLVES (2018184466) and PROVING-IL (2019204911). C.C. acknowledges the CINECA award under the ISCRA initiative for the availability of high-performance computing resources and support (project MITOMASC). ; sygma Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.5; 2020 IF: 7.504  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:170703 Serial 6484  
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Author Kertik, A.; Wee, L.H.; Şentosun, K.; Navarro, J.A.R.; Bals, S.; Martens, J.A.; Vankelecom, I.F.J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title High-performance CO2-selective hybrid membranes by exploiting MOF-breathing effects Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Acs Applied Materials & Interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter  
  Volume 12 Issue 2 Pages 2952-2961  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Conventional CO2 separation in the petrochemical industry via cryogenic distillation or amine-based absorber-stripper units is energy-intensive and environmentally unfriendly. Membrane-based gas separation technology, in contrast, has contributed significantly to the development of energy-efficient systems for processes such as natural gas purification. The implementation of commercial polymeric membranes in gas separation processes is restricted by their permeability-selectivity trade-off and by their insufficient thermal and chemical stability. Herein, we present the fabrication of a Matrimid-based membrane loaded with a breathing metal-organic framework (MOF) (NH2-MIL-53(Al)) which is capable of separating binary CO2/CH4 gas mixtures with high selectivities without sacrificing much of its CO2 permeabilities. NH2-MIL-53(Al) crystals were embedded in a polyimide (PI) matrix, and the mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) were treated at elevated temperatures (up to 350 degrees C) in air to trigger PI cross-linking and to create PI-MOF bonds at the interface to effectively seal the grain boundary. Most importantly, the MOF transitions from its narrow-pore form to its large-pore form during this treatment, which allows the PI chains to partly penetrate the pores and cross-link with the amino functions at the pore mouth of the NH2-MIL-53(Al) and stabilizes the open-pore form of NH2-MIL-53(Al). This cross-linked MMM, with MOF pore entrances was made more selective by the anchored PI-chains and achieves outstanding CO2/CH4 selectivities. This approach provides significant advancement toward the design of selective MMMs with enhanced thermal and chemical stabilities which could also be applicable for other potential applications, such as separation of hydrocarbons (olefin/paraffin or isomers), pervaporation, and solvent-resistant nanofiltration.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000508464500108 Publication Date 2019-12-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited 26 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; A.K. is grateful to the Erasmus Mundus Doctorate in Membrane Engineering (EUDIME) programme. L.H.W. thanks the FWO-Vlaanderen for a postdoctoral research fellowships under contract number 12M1418N. We thank Methusalem and IAP-PAI for research funding. S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC) (ERC Starting Grant No. 335078-COLOURATOM). We are also grateful to Frank Mathijs (KU Leuven) for the mechanical tests, Bart Goderis and Olivier Verkinderen for the DSC measurements, and Huntsman (Switzerland) for providing the Matrimid polymer. ; Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.5; 2020 IF: 7.504  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:166576 Serial 6534  
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Author Kerkhofs, S.; Willhammar, T.; Van Den Noortgate, H.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Breynaert, E.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.; Martens, J.A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Self-Assembly of Pluronic F127—Silica Spherical Core–Shell Nanoparticles in Cubic Close-Packed Structures Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 5161-5169  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A new ordered mesoporous silica material (COK-19) with cubic symmetry is synthesized by silicate polycondensation in a citric acid/citrate buffered micellar solution of Pluronic F127 triblock copolymer near neutral pH. SAXS, nitrogen adsorption, TEM, and electron tomography reveal the final material has a cubic close packed symmetry (Fm3̅m) with isolated spherical mesopores interconnected through micropores. Heating of the synthesis medium from room temperature to 70 °C results in a mesopore size increase from 7.0 to 11.2 nm. Stepwise addition of the silicate source allows isolation of a sequence of intermediates that upon characterization with small-angle X-ray scattering uncovers the formation process via formation and aggregation of individual silica-covered Pluronic micelles.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000359499100003 Publication Date 2015-07-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 39 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes J.A.M. acknowledges the Flemish government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem, METH/08/04). The Belgian government is acknowledged for financing the interuniversity poles of attraction (IAP-PAI, P7/05 FS2). G.V.T., S.B. and T.W. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant no. 335078-COLOURATOMS). E.B. acknowledges financial support the Flemish FWO for a postdoctoral fellowship (1265013N). The authors gratefully thank Kristof Houthoofd for performing the NMR experiments.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354  
  Call Number c:irua:127758 Serial 3977  
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Author Wang, Y.; Sentosun, K.; Li, A.; Coronado-Puchau, M.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Li, S.; Su, X.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Engineering Structural Diversity in Gold Nanocrystals by Ligand-Mediated Interface Control Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 8032-8040  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Surface and interface control is fundamentally important for crystal growth engineering, catalysis, surface enhanced spectroscopies, and self-assembly, among other processes and applications. Understanding the role of ligands in regulating surface properties of plasmonic metal nanocrystals during growth has received considerable attention. However, the underlying mechanisms and the diverse functionalities of ligands are yet to be fully addressed. In this contribution,

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

These would greatly enrich the plasmonic nanostructure toolbox for various studies and applications such as anisotropic nanocrystal engineering, SERS, and high-resolution Raman bioimaging or nanoantenna devices.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000366223200023 Publication Date 2015-10-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 18 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors thank Bart Goris for his help with electron tomography. This work was funded by the European Commission (Grant #310445-2, SAVVY). The authors acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant # 267867- PLASMAQUO, ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors also appreciate financial support from the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative N. 262348 European Soft Matter Infrastructure, ESMI). Wang Y. and Su X. would like to acknowledge the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, for the financial support under the Grant JCO 14302FG096. M. C.-P. acknowledges an FPU scholarship from the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354  
  Call Number c:irua:129598 c:irua:129598 Serial 3972  
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Author van der Stam, W.; Berends, A.C.; Rabouw, F.T.; Willhammar, T.; Ke, X.; Meeldijk, J.D.; Bals, S.; de Donega, C.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Luminescent CuInS2 quantum dots by partial cation exchange in Cu2-xS nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 621-628  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Here, we show successful partial cation exchange reactions in Cu2-xS nanocrystals (NCs) yielding luminescent CuInS2 (CIS) NCs. Our approach of mild reaction conditions ensures slow Cu extraction rates, which results in a balance with the slow In incorporation rate. With this method, we obtain CIS NCs with photoluminescence (PL) far in the near-infrared (NIR), which cannot be directly synthesized by currently available synthesis protocols. We discuss the factors that favor partial, self-limited cation exchange from Cu2-xS to CIS NCs, rather than complete cation exchange to In2S3. The product CIS NCs have the wurtzite crystal structure, which is understood in terms of conservation of the hexagonal close packing of the anionic sublattice of the parent NCs into the product NCs. These results are an important step toward the design of CIS NCs with sizes and shapes that are not attainable by direct synthesis protocols and may thus impact a number of potential applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000348618400028 Publication Date 2014-12-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 119 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; 262348 Esmi; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354  
  Call Number c:irua:125291 Serial 1858  
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Author van der Stam, W.; Akkerman, Q.A.; Ke, X.; van Huis, M.A.; Bals, S.; de Donega, C.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Solution-processable ultrathin size- and shape-controlled colloidal Cu2-xS nanosheets Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 283-291  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets (NSs) possess extraordinary properties that are attractive for both fundamental studies and technological devices. Solution-based bottom-up methods are emerging as promising routes to produce free-standing NSs, but the synthesis of colloidal NSs with well-defined size and shape has remained a major challenge. In this work, we report a novel method that yields 2 nm thick colloidal Cu2-xS NSs with well-defined shape (triangular or hexagonal) and size (100 nm to 3 mu m). The key feature of our approach is the use of a synergistic interaction between halides (Br or Cl) and copper-thiolate metal-organic frameworks to create a template that imposes 2D constraints on the Cu-catalyzed C-S thermolysis, resulting in nucleation and growth of colloidal 2D Cu2-xS NSs. Moreover, the NS composition can be postsynthetically tailored by exploiting topotactic cation exchange reactions. This is illustrated by converting the Cu2-xS NSs into ZnS and CdS NSs while preserving their size and shape. The method presented here thus holds great promise as a route to solution-processable compositionally diverse ultrathin colloidal NSs with well-defined shape and size.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000348085300036 Publication Date 2014-12-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 68 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; 246791 Countatoms; 312483 Esteem2; esteem2ta; ECASSara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354  
  Call Number c:irua:123865 c:irua:123865 Serial 3052  
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Author Wolf, D.; Rodriguez, L.A.; Béché, A.; Javon, E.; Serrano, L.; Magen, C.; Gatel, C.; Lubk, A.; Lichte, H.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Fernández-Pacheco, A.; De Teresa, J.M.; Snoeck, E. url  doi
openurl 
  Title 3D Magnetic Induction Maps of Nanoscale Materials Revealed by Electron Holographic Tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 6771-6778  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The investigation of three-dimensional (3D) ferromagnetic nanoscale materials constitutes one of the key research areas of the current magnetism roadmap, and carries great potential to impact areas such as data storage, sensing and biomagnetism. The properties of such nanostructures are closely connected with their 3D magnetic nanostructure, making their determination highly valuable. Up to now, quantitative 3D maps providing both the internal magnetic and electric configuration of the same specimen with high spatial resolution are missing. Here, we demonstrate the quantitative 3D reconstruction of the dominant axial component of the magnetic induction and electrostatic potential within a cobalt nanowire (NW) of 100 nm in diameter with spatial resolution below 10 nanometers by applying electron holographic tomography. The tomogram was obtained using a dedicated TEM sample holder for acquisition, in combination with advanced alignment and tomographic reconstruction routines. The powerful approach presented here is widely applicable to a broad range of 3D magnetic nanostructures and may trigger the progress of novel spintronic non-planar nanodevices.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000362920700037 Publication Date 2015-09-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 50 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program under a contract for an Inte-grated Infrastructure Initiative Reference 312483-ESTEEM2. S.B. and A.B. gratefully acknowledge funding by ERC Starting grants number 335078 COLOURATOMS and number 278510 VORTEX. AF-P acknowledges an EPSRC Early Career fellowship and support from the Winton Foundation. E.S., C.G. and L.A. R. acknowledge the French ANR program for support though the project EMMA.; esteem2jra4; ECASJO;; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354  
  Call Number c:irua:129180 c:irua:129180 c:irua:129180 Serial 3950  
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Author Ustarroz, J.; Altantzis, T.; Hammons, J.A.; Hubin, A.; Bals, S.; Terryn, H. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title The role of nanocluster aggregation, coalescence, and recrystallization in the electrochemical deposition of platinum nanostructures Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 26 Issue 7 Pages 2396-2406  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract By using an optimized characterization approach that combines aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, electron tomography, and in situ ultrasmall angle X-ray scattering (USAXS), we show that the early stages of Pt electrochemical growth on carbon substrates may be affected by the aggregation, self-alignment, and partial coalescence of nanoclusters of d ≈ 2 nm. The morphology of the resulting nanostructures depends on the degree of coalescence and recrystallization of nanocluster aggregates, which in turn depends on the electrodeposition potential. At low overpotentials, a self-limiting growth mechanism may block the epitaxial growth of primary nanoclusters and results in loose dendritic aggregates. At more negative potentials, the extent of nanocluster coalescence and recrystallization is larger and further growth by atomic incorporation may be allowed. On one hand, this suggests a revision of the VolmerWeber island growth mechanism. Whereas this theory has traditionally assumed direct attachment as the only growth mechanism, it is suggested that nanocluster self-limiting growth, aggregation, and coalescence should also be taken into account during the early stages of nanoscale electrodeposition. On the other hand, depending on the deposition potential, ultrahigh porosities can be achieved, turning electrodeposition in an ideal process for highly active electrocatalyst production without the need of using high surface area carbon supports.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor  
  Language Wos 000334572300026 Publication Date 2014-03-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 55 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes FWO; contract no. FWOAL527 Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.466; 2014 IF: 8.354  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:116956 Serial 2916  
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Author Pietra, F.; van Dijk-Moes, R.J.A.; Ke, X.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; de Mello Donega, C.; Vanmaekelbergh, D. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Synthesis of highly luminescent silica-coated CdSe/CdS nanorods Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 25 Issue 17 Pages 3427-3434  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract CdSe(core)/CdS(shell) nanorods (NRs) have been extensively investigated for their unique optical properties, such as high photoluminescence (PL) quantum efficiency (QE) and polarized light emission. The incorporation of these NRs in silica (SiO2) is of high interest, since this renders them processable in polar solvents while increasing their photochemical stability, which would be beneficial for their application in LEDs and as biolabels. We report the synthesis of highly luminescent silica-coated CdSe/CdS NRs, by using the reverse micelle method. The mechanism for the encapsulation of the NRs in silica is unravelled and shown to be strongly influenced by the NR shape and its asymmetry. This is attributed to both the different morphology and the different crystallographic nature of the facets terminating the opposite tips of the NRs. These results lead to the formation of a novel class of NR architectures, whose symmetry can be controlled by tuning the degree of coverage of the silica shell. Interestingly, the encapsulation of the NRs in silica leads to a remarkable increase in their photostability, while preserving their optical properties.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor  
  Language Wos 000330097900004 Publication Date 2013-08-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 46 Open Access  
  Notes 262348 ESMI; 246791 COUNTATOMS; Hercules Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.466; 2013 IF: 8.535  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:110037 Serial 3456  
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Author Casavola, M.; van Huis, M.A.; Bals, S.; Lambert, K.; Hens, Z.; Vanmaekelbergh, D. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Anisotropic cation exchange in PbSe/CdSe core/shell nanocrystals of different geometry Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2012 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 24 Issue 2 Pages 294-302  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract We present a study of Cd2+-for-Pb2+ exchange in PbSe nanocrystals (NCs) with cube, star, and rod shapes. Prolonged temperature-activated cation exchange results in PbSe/CdSe heterostructured nanocrystals (HNCs) that preserve their specific overall shape, whereas the PbSe core is strongly faceted with dominance of {111} facets. Hence, cation exchange proceeds while the Se anion lattice is preserved, and well-defined {111}/{111} PbSe/CdSe interfaces develop. Interestingly, by quenching the reaction at different stages of the cation exchange new structures have been isolated, such as coreshell nanorods, CdSe rods that contain one or two separated PbSe dots and fully zinc blende CdSe nanorods. The crystallographically anisotropic cation exchange has been characterized by a combined HRTEM/HAADF-STEM study of heterointerface evolution over reaction time and temperature. Strikingly, Pb and Cd are only intermixed at the PbSe/CdSe interface. We propose a plausible model for the cation exchange based on a layer-by-layer replacement of Pb2+ by Cd2+ enabled by a vacancy-assisted cation migration mechanism.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor  
  Language Wos 000299367500008 Publication Date 2011-11-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 136 Open Access  
  Notes Esteem 026019 Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.466; 2012 IF: 8.238  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:94211 Serial 124  
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Author Angelomé, P.C.; Heidari Mezerji, H.; Goris, B.; Pastoriza-Santos, I.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Seedless synthesis of single crystalline Au nanoparticles with unusual shapes and tunable LSPR in the near-IR Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2012 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 24 Issue 7 Pages 1393-1399  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The plasmonic properties of metal nanoparticles have acquired great importance because of their potential applications in very diverse fields. Metal nanoparticles with localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) in the near-infrared (NIR, 7501300 nm) are of particular interest because tissues, blood, and water display low absorption in this spectral range, thus facilitating biomedical applications. Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) was used to induce the seedless formation of highly anisotropic, twisted single crystalline Au nanoparticles in a single step. The LSPR of the obtained particles can be tuned from 600 nm up to 1400 nm by simply changing the reaction temperature or the reagents concentrations. The tunability of the LSPR is closely associated with significant changes in the final particle morphology, which was studied by advanced electron microscopy techniques (3D Tomography and HAADF-STEM). Kinetic experiments were carried out to establish the growth mechanism, suggesting that slow kinetics together with the complexation of the gold salt precursor to CTAC are key factors favoring the formation of these anisotropic particles.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor  
  Language Wos 000302487500020 Publication Date 2012-03-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 42 Open Access  
  Notes Fwo Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.466; 2012 IF: 8.238  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:97388 Serial 2959  
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Author Dendooven, J.; Goris, B.; Devloo-Casier, K.; Levrau, E.; Biermans, E.; Baklanov, M.R.; Ludwig, K.F.; van der Voort, P.; Bals, S.; Detavernier, C. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Tuning the pore size of ink-bottle mesopores by atomic layer deposition Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2012 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 24 Issue 11 Pages 1992-1994  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor  
  Language Wos 000305092600002 Publication Date 2012-05-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 52 Open Access  
  Notes Fwo Approved (down) Most recent IF: 9.466; 2012 IF: 8.238  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:99078 Serial 3760  
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