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“Laser synthesis of hard carbon for anodes in Na-ion battery”. Zhang B, Deschamps M, Ammar M-R, Raymundo-Pinero E, Hennet L, Batuk D, Tarascon J-M, Advanced Materials Technologies 2, 1600227 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMT.201600227
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1002/ADMT.201600227
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“Tailoring microstructure and superconducting properties in thick BaHfO3 and Ba2YNb/Ta)O-6 doped YBCO films on technical templates”. Sieger M, Pahlke P, Lao M, Eisterer M, Meledin A, Van Tendeloo G, Ottolinger R, Haenisch J, Holzapfel B, Usoskin A, Kursumovic A, MacManus-Driscoll JL, Stafford BH, Bauer M, Nielsch K, Schultz L, Huehne R, IEEE transactions on applied superconductivity 27, 6601407 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1109/TASC.2016.2644858
Abstract: The current transport capability of YBa2Cu3O7-x(YBCO) based coated conductors (CCs) is mainly limited by two features: the grain boundaries of the used textured template, which are transferred into the superconducting film through the buffer layers, and the ability to pin magnetic flux lines by incorporation of defined defects in the crystal lattice. By adjusting the deposition conditions, it is possible to tailor the pinning landscape in doped YBCO in order to meet specific working conditions (T, B) for CC applications. To study these effects, we deposited YBCO layers with a thickness of about 1-2 mu m using pulsed laser deposition on buffered rolling-assisted biaxially textured Ni-W substrates as well as on metal tapes having either an ion-beam-texturedYSZbuffer or an MgO layer textured by inclined substrate deposition. BaHfO3 and the mixed double-perovskite Ba2Y(Nb/Ta)O-6 were incorporated as artificial pinning centers in these YBCO layers. X-ray diffraction confirmed the epitaxial growth of the superconductor on these templates as well as the biaxially oriented incorporation of the secondary phase additions in the YBCO matrix. A critical current density J(c) of more than 2 MA/cm(2) was achieved at 77 K in self-field for 1-2 mu m thick films. Detailed TEM (transmission electron microscopy) studies revealed that the structure of the secondary phase can be tuned, forming c-axis aligned nanocolumns, ab-oriented platelets, or a combination of both. Transport measurements show that the J(c) anisotropy in magnetic fields is reduced by doping and the peak in the J(c) (theta) curves can be correlated to the microstructural features.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1109/TASC.2016.2644858
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“Quantitative annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy for nanoparticle atom-counting : what are the limits?”.de Backer A, De wael A, Gonnissen J, Martinez GT, Béché, A, MacArthur KE, Jones L, Nellist PD, Van Aert S, Journal of physics : conference series 644, 012034 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/644/012034
Abstract: Quantitative atomic resolution annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) has become a powerful technique for nanoparticle atom-counting. However, a lot of nanoparticles provide a severe characterisation challenge because of their limited size and beam sensitivity. Therefore, quantitative ADF STEM may greatly benefit from statistical detection theory in order to optimise the instrumental microscope settings such that the incoming electron dose can be kept as low as possible whilst still retaining single-atom precision. The principles of detection theory are used to quantify the probability of error for atom-counting. This enables us to decide between different image performance measures and to optimise the experimental detector settings for atom-counting in ADF STEM in an objective manner. To demonstrate this, ADF STEM imaging of an industrial catalyst has been conducted using the near-optimal detector settings. For this experiment, we discussed the limits for atomcounting diagnosed by combining a thorough statistical method and detailed image simulations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/644/012034
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“Artifact Reduction Based on Sinogram Interpolation for the 3D Reconstruction of Nanoparticles Using Electron Tomography”. Sentosun K, Lobato I, Bladt E, Zhang Y, Palenstijn WJ, Batenburg KJ, Van Dyck D, Bals S, Particle and particle systems characterization 34, 1700287 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppsc.201700287
Abstract: Electron tomography is a well-known technique providing a 3D characterization of the morphology and chemical composition of nanoparticles. However, several reasons hamper the acquisition of tilt series with a large number of projection images, which deteriorate the quality of the 3D reconstruction. Here, an inpainting method that is based on sinogram interpolation is proposed, which enables one to reduce artifacts in the reconstruction related to a limited tilt series of projection images. The advantages of the approach will be demonstrated for the 3D characterization of nanoparticles using phantoms and several case studies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1002/ppsc.201700287
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“Ein Whirlpool aus Elektronen: Transmissions-Elektronenmikroskopie mit Elektronenwirbeln”. Schattschneider P, Schachinger T, Verbeeck J, Physik in unserer Zeit 49, 22 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/piuz.201801495
Abstract: Elektronen bewegen sich im feldfreien Raum immer gleichförmig geradlinig, so steht es in den Lehrbüchern. Falsch, sagen wir. Elektronen lassen sich zu Tornados formen, die theoretisch Nanopartikel zerreißen können. In der Elektronenmikroskopie eingesetzt, versprechen sie neue Erkenntnisse in der Festkörperphysik.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1002/piuz.201801495
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“Formation of a conducting LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface studied by low-energy electron reflection during growth”. van der Torren AJH, Liao Z, Xu C, Gauquelin N, Yin C, Aarts J, van der Molen SJ, Physical Review Materials 1, 075001 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.1.075001
Abstract: The two-dimensional electron gas occurring between the band insulators SrTiO 3 and LaAlO 3 continues to attract considerable interest, due to the possibility of dynamic control over the carrier density, and the ensuing phenomena such as magnetism and superconductivity. The formation of this conducting interface is sensitive to the growth conditions, but despite numerous investigations, there are still questions about the details of the physics involved. In particular, not much is known about the electronic structure of the growing LaAlO 3 layer at the growth temperature (around 800 ◦ C) in oxygen (pressure around 5 × 10 −5 mbar), since analysis techniques at these conditions are not readily available. We developed a pulsed laser deposition system inside a low-energy electron microscope in order to study this issue. The setup allows for layer-by-layer growth control and in-situ measurements of the angle-dependent electron reflection intensity, which can be used as a fingerprint of the electronic structure of the surface layers during growth. By using different substrate terminations and growth conditions we observe two families of reflectivity maps, which we can connect either to samples with an AlO 2 -rich surface and a conducting interface; or to samples with a LaO-rich surface and an insulating interface. Our observations emphasize that substrate termination and stoichiometry determine the electronic structure of the growing layer, and thereby the conductance of the interface.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.1.075001
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“Plasma Technology: An Emerging Technology for Energy Storage”. Bogaerts A, Neyts EC, ACS energy letters 3, 1013 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.8b00184
Abstract: Plasma technology is gaining increasing interest for gas conversion applications, such as CO2 conversion into value-added chemicals or renewable fuels, and N2 fixation from the air, to be used for the production of small building blocks for, e.g., mineral fertilizers. Plasma is generated by electric power and can easily be switched on/off, making it, in principle, suitable for using intermittent renewable electricity. In this Perspective article, we explain why plasma might be promising for this application. We briefly present the most common types of plasma reactors with their characteristic features, illustrating why some plasma types exhibit better energy efficiency than others. We also highlight current research in the fields of CO2 conversion (including the combined conversion of CO2 with CH4, H2O, or H2) as well as N2 fixation (for NH3 or NOx synthesis). Finally, we discuss the major limitations and steps to be taken for further improvement.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 56
DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.8b00184
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“A Chemical Approach to Raise Cell Voltage and Suppress Phase Transition in O3 Sodium Layered Oxide Electrodes”. Sathiya M, Jacquet Q, Doublet ML, Karakulina OM, Hadermann J, Tarascon J-M, Advanced energy materials (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.201702599
Abstract: Sodium ion batteries (NIBs) are one of the versatile technologies for lowcost rechargeable batteries. O3-type layered sodium transition metal oxides (NaMO2, M = transition metal ions) are one of the most promising positive electrode materials considering their capacity. However, the use of O3 phases is limited due to their low redox voltage and associated multiple phase transitions which are detrimental for long cycling. Herein, a simple strategy is proposed to successfully combat these issues. It consists of the introduction of a larger, nontransition metal ion Sn4+ in NaMO2 to prepare a series of NaNi0.5Mn0.5−y SnyO2 (y = 0–0.5) compositions with attractive electrochemical performances, namely for y = 0.5, which shows a single-phase transition from O3 ⇔ P3 at the very end of the oxidation process. Na-ion NaNi0.5Sn0.5O2/C coin cells are shown to deliver an average cell voltage of 3.1 V with an excellent capacity retention as compared to an average stepwise voltage of ≈2.8 V and limited capacity retention for the pure NaNi0.5Mn0.5O2 phase. This study potentially shows the way to manipulate the O3 NaMO2 for facilitating their practical use in NIBs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 21.875
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201702599
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“Resistivity scaling model for metals with conduction band anisotropy”. De Clercq M, Moors K, Sankaran K, Pourtois G, Dutta S, Adelmann C, Magnus W, Sorée B, Physical review materials 2, 033801 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.2.033801
Abstract: It is generally understood that the resistivity of metal thin films scales with film thickness mainly due to grain boundary and boundary surface scattering. Recently, several experiments and ab initio simulations have demonstrated the impact of crystal orientation on resistivity scaling. The crystal orientation cannot be captured by the commonly used resistivity scaling models and a qualitative understanding of its impact is currently lacking. In this work, we derive a resistivity scaling model that captures grain boundary and boundary surface scattering as well as the anisotropy of the band structure. The model is applied to Cu and Ru thin films, whose conduction bands are (quasi-) isotropic and anisotropic, respectively. After calibrating the anisotropy with ab initio simulations, the resistivity scaling models are compared to experimental resistivity data and a renormalization of the fitted grain boundary reflection coefficient can be identified for textured Ru.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.2.033801
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“Approaching the limits of cationic and anionic electrochemical activity with the Li-rich layered rocksalt Li3IrO4”. Perez AJ, Jacquet Q, Batuk D, Iadecola A, Saubanere M, Rousse G, Larcher D, Vezin H, Doublet M-L, Tarascon J-M, Nature energy 2, 954 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41560-017-0042-7
Abstract: The Li-rich rocksalt oxides Li2MO3 (M = 3d/4d/5d transition metal) are promising positive-electrode materials for Li-ion batteries, displaying capacities exceeding 300 mAh g(-1) thanks to the participation of the oxygen non-bonding O(2p) orbitals in the redox process. Understanding the oxygen redox limitations and the role of the O/M ratio is therefore crucial for the rational design of materials with improved electrochemical performances. Here we push oxygen redox to its limits with the discovery of a Li3IrO4 compound (O/M = 4) that can reversibly take up and release 3.5 electrons per Ir and possesses the highest capacity ever reported for any positive insertion electrode. By quantitatively monitoring the oxidation process, we demonstrate the material's instability against O-2 release on removal of all Li. Our results show that the O/M parameter delineates the boundary between the material's maximum capacity and its stability, hence providing valuable insights for further development of high-capacity materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 55
DOI: 10.1038/S41560-017-0042-7
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“DC conductivity of twisted bilayer graphene: Angle-dependent transport properties and effects of disorder”. Andelkovic M, Covaci L, Peeters FM, Physical review materials 2, 034004 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.2.034004
Abstract: The in-plane dc conductivity of twisted bilayer graphene is calculated using an expansion of the real-space Kubo-Bastin conductivity in terms of Chebyshev polynomials. We investigate within a tight-binding approach the transport properties as a function of rotation angle, applied perpendicular electric field, and vacancy disorder. We find that for high-angle twists, the two layers are effectively decoupled, and the minimum conductivity at the Dirac point corresponds to double the value observed in monolayer graphene. This remains valid even in the presence of vacancies, hinting that chiral symmetry is still preserved. On the contrary, for low twist angles, the conductivity at the Dirac point depends on the twist angle and is not protected in the presence of disorder. Furthermore, for low angles and in the presence of an applied electric field, we find that the chiral boundary states emerging between AB and BA regions contribute to the dc conductivity, despite the appearance of localized states in the AA regions. The results agree qualitatively with recent transport experiments in low-angle twisted bilayer graphene.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.2.034004
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“Inkjet printing multideposited YBCO on CGO/LMO/MgO/Y2O3/Al2O3/Hastelloy tape for 2G-coated conductors”. Roxana Vlad V, Bartolome E, Vilardell M, Calleja A, Meledin A, Obradors X, Puig T, Ricart S, Van Tendeloo G, Usoskin A, Lee S, Petrykin V, Molodyk A, IEEE transactions on applied superconductivity 28, 6601805 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1109/TASC.2018.2808403
Abstract: We present the preparation of a new architecture of coated conductor by Inkjet printing of low fluorine YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) on top of SuperOx tape: CGO/LMO/IBAD-MgO/Y2O3/Al-2 O-3/Hastelloy. A five-layered multideposited, 475-nm-thick YBCO film was structurally and magnetically characterized. A good texture was achieved using this combination of buffer layers, requiring only a 30-nm-thin ion-beam-assisted deposition (IBAD)-MgO layer. The LF-YBCO CC reaches self-field critical current density values of J(c)(GB) similar to NJ 15.9 MA/cm(2) (5 K), similar to 1.23 MA/cm(2) (77 K) corresponding to an I-c (77 K) = 58.4 A/cm-width. Inkjet printing offers a flexible and cost effective method for YBCO deposition, allowing patterning of structures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.288
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1109/TASC.2018.2808403
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“Synthesis of high-oxidation Y-Ba-Cu-O phases in superoxygenated thin films”. Zhang H, Gauquelin N, McMahon C, Hawthorn DG, Botton GA, Wei JYT, Physical review materials 2, 033803 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.2.033803
Abstract: It is known that solid-state reaction in high-pressure oxygen can stabilize high-oxidation phases of Y-Ba-Cu-O superconductors in powder form. We extend this superoxygenation concept of synthesis to thin films which, due to their large surface-to-volume ratio, are more reactive thermodynamically. Epitaxial thin films of YBa2Cu3O7-delta grown by pulsed laser deposition are annealed at up to 700 atm O-2 and 900 degrees C, in conjunction with Cu enrichment by solid-state diffusion. The films show the clear formation of Y2Ba4Cu7O15-delta and Y2Ba4Cu8O16 as well as regions of YBa2Cu5O9-delta and YBa2Cu6O10-delta phases, according to scanning transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Similarly annealed YBa2Cu3O7-delta powders show no phase conversion. Our results demonstrate a route of synthesis towards discovering more complex phases of cuprates and other superconducting oxides.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.2.033803
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“Thick secondary phase pinning-enhanced YBCO films on technical templates”. Sieger M, Pahlke P, Lao M, Meledin A, Eisterer M, Van Tendeloo G, Schultz L, Nielsch K, Huehne R, IEEE transactions on applied superconductivity 28, 8000505 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1109/TASC.2018.2799419
Abstract: The critical current I-c(B) of YBa2Cu3O7-delta (YBCO) coated conductors can be increased by growing thicker superconductor layers as well as improving the critical current density J(c)(B) by the incorporation of artificial pinning centers. We studied the properties of pulsed laser deposited BaHfO3 (BHO)-doped YBCO films with thicknesses of up to 5 mu m on buffered rolling-assisted biaxially textured Ni-5 at % W tape and alternating beam assisted deposition textured Yttrium-stabilized ZrO2 layers on stainless steel. X-Ray diffraction confirms the epitaxial growth of the superconductor on the buffered metallic template. BHO additions reduce the film porosity and lower the probability to grow misoriented grains, hence preventing the J(c) decrease observed in undoped YBCO films with thicknesses > 2 mu m. Thereby, a continuous increase in I-c at 77 K is achieved. A mixed structure of secondary phase nanorods and platelets with different orientations increases J(c)(B) in the full angular range and simultaneously lowers the J(c) anisotropy compared to pristine YBCO.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.288
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1109/TASC.2018.2799419
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“Possible Mechanism of Glucose Uptake Enhanced by Cold Atmospheric Plasma: Atomic Scale Simulations”. Razzokov J, Yusupov M, Bogaerts A, Plasma 1 (2018). http://doi.org/10.3390/plasma1010011
Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has shown its potential in biomedical applications, such as wound healing, cancer treatment and bacterial disinfection. Recent experiments have provided evidence that CAP can also enhance the intracellular uptake of glucose molecules which is important in diabetes therapy. In this respect, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of intracellular glucose uptake induced by CAP, which is still unclear. Hence, in this study we try to elucidate the possible mechanism of glucose uptake by cells by performing computer simulations. Specifically, we study the transport of glucose molecules through native and oxidized membranes. Our simulation results show that the free energy barrier for the permeation of glucose molecules across the membrane decreases upon increasing the degree of oxidized lipids in the membrane. This indicates that the glucose permeation rate into cells increases when the CAP oxidation level in the cell membrane is increased.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
DOI: 10.3390/plasma1010011
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“Recent breakthroughs in scanning transmission electron microscopy of small species”. van den Bos KHW, Altantzis T, De Backer A, Van Aert S, Bals S, Advances in Physics: X 3, 1480420 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1080/23746149.2018.1480420
Abstract: Over the last decade, scanning transmission electron microscopy has become one of the most powerful tools to characterise nanomaterials at the atomic scale. Often, the ultimate goal is to retrieve the three-dimensional structure, which is very challenging since small species are typically sensitive to electron irradiation. Nevertheless, measuring individual atomic positions is crucial to understand the relation between the structure and physicochemical properties of these (nano)materials. In this review, we highlight the latest approaches that are available to reveal the 3D atomic structure of small species. Finally, we will provide an outlook and will describe future challenges where the limits of electron microscopy will be pushed even further.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1080/23746149.2018.1480420
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“Electron pairing: from metastable electron pair to bipolaron”. Hai G-Q, Candido L, Brito BGA, Peeters FM, Journal of physics communications 2, Unsp 035017 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1088/2399-6528/AAAEE0
Abstract: Starting from the shell structure in atoms and the significant correlation within electron pairs, we distinguish the exchange-correlation effects between two electrons of opposite spins occupying the same orbital from the average correlation among many electrons in a crystal. In the periodic potential of the crystal with lattice constant larger than the effective Bohr radius of the valence electrons, these correlated electron pairs can form a metastable energy band above the corresponding single-electron band separated by an energy gap. In order to determine if these metastable electron pairs can be stabilized, we calculate the many-electron exchange-correlation renormalization and the polaron correction to the two-band system with single electrons and electron pairs. We find that the electron-phonon interaction is essential to counterbalance the Coulomb repulsion and to stabilize the electron pairs. The interplay of the electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions, manifested in the exchange-correlation energies, polaron effects, and screening, is responsible for the formation of electron pairs (bipolarons) that are located on the Fermi surface of the single-electron band.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1088/2399-6528/AAAEE0
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“Slippage dynamics of confined water in graphene oxide capillaries”. Kalashami HG, Neek-Amal M, Peeters FM, Physical review materials 2, 074004 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.2.074004
Abstract: The permeation of water between neighboring graphene oxide (GO) flakes, i.e., 2D nanochannels, are investigated using a simple model for the GO membrane. We simulate the hydrophilic behavior of nanocapillaries and study the effect of surface charge on the dynamical properties of water flow and the influence of Na+ and Cl- ions on water permeation. Our approach is based on extensive equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations to obtain a better understanding of water permeation through charged nanochannels in the presence of ions. We found significant change in the slippage dynamics of confined water such as a profound increase in viscosity/slip length with increasing charges over the surface. The slip length decreases one order of magnitude (i.e., 1/30) with increasing density of surface charge, while it increases by a factor of 2 with ion concentration. We found that commensurability induced by nanoconfinement plays an important role on the intrinsic dynamical properties of water.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVMATERIALS.2.074004
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“The plasma treatment unit : an attempt to standardize cold plasma treatment for defined biological effects”. Fridman A, Lin A, Miller V, Bekeschus S, Wende K, Weltmann K-D, Plasma medicine 8, 195 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1615/PLASMAMED.2018026881
Abstract: Plasma bioscience and medicine are both rapidly growing fields. Their aim is to utilize cold physical plasmas for desired biological outcomes in medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, and general hygienic purposes. Great success has been achieved in many applications with individually designed plasma sources and plasma parameters. Although lab and application-specific tuning of plasmas is a great advantage of this technology, standardized units to define plasma treatments are required to facilitate comparison of the effects found by different researchers who do not use the same plasma sources. By drawing conclusions from over a century of plasma biomedical research, we propose that all researchers adopt the use of a standardized value, the plasma treatment unit (PTU), to describe the biological effects of different cold plasma sources and treatment regimens. It quantifies a key plasma effector in biological systems as an indicator and may provide the foundation for an analogous and clinically relevant unit in the future.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
DOI: 10.1615/PLASMAMED.2018026881
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“Non-thermal plasma induces immunogenic cell death in vivo in murine CT26 colorectal tumors”. Lin AG, Xiang B, Merlino DJ, Baybutt TR, Sahu J, Fridman A, Snook AE, Miller V, Oncoimmunology 7, e1484978 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1080/2162402X.2018.1484978
Abstract: Immunogenic cell death is characterized by the emission of danger signals that facilitate activation of an adaptive immune response against dead-cell antigens. In the case of cancer therapy, tumor cells undergoing immunogenic death promote cancer-specific immunity. Identification, characterization, and optimization of stimuli that induce immunogenic cancer cell death has tremendous potential to improve the outcomes of cancer therapy. In this study, we show that non-thermal, atmospheric pressure plasma can be operated to induce immunogenic cell death in an animal model of colorectal cancer. In vitro, plasma treatment of CT26 colorectal cancer cells induced the release of classic danger signals. Treated cells were used to create a whole-cell vaccine which elicited protective immunity in the CT26 tumor mouse model. Moreover, plasma treatment of subcutaneous tumors elicited emission of danger signals and recruitment of antigen presenting cells into tumors. An increase in T cell responses targeting the colorectal cancer-specific antigen guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C) were also observed. This study provides the first evidence that non-thermal plasma is a bone fide inducer of immunogenic cell death and highlights its potential for clinical translation for cancer immunotherapy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1080/2162402X.2018.1484978
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“Reduction of Human Glioblastoma Spheroids Using Cold Atmospheric Plasma: The Combined Effect of Short- and Long-Lived Reactive Species”. Privat-Maldonado A, Gorbanev Y, Dewilde S, Smits E, Bogaerts A, Cancers 10, 394 (2018). http://doi.org/10.3390/cancers10110394
Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a promising technology against multiple types of cancer. However, the current findings on the effect of CAP on two-dimensional glioblastoma cultures do not consider the role of the tumour microenvironment. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of CAP to reduce and control glioblastoma spheroid tumours in vitro . Three-dimensional glioblastoma spheroid tumours (U87-Red, U251-Red) were consecutively treated directly and indirectly with a CAP using dry He, He + 5% H 2 O or He + 20% H 2 O. The cytotoxicity and spheroid shrinkage were monitored using live imaging. The reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were measured by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and colourimetry. Cell migration was also assessed. Our results demonstrate that consecutive CAP treatments (He + 20% H 2 O) substantially shrank U87-Red spheroids and to a lesser degree, U251-Red spheroids. The cytotoxic effect was due to the short- and long-lived species delivered by CAP: they inhibited spheroid growth, reduced cell migration and decreased proliferation in CAP-treated spheroids. Direct treatments were more effective than indirect treatments, suggesting the importance of CAP-generated, short-lived species for the growth inhibition and cell cytotoxicity of solid glioblastoma tumours. We concluded that CAP treatment can effectively reduce glioblastoma tumour size and restrict cell migration, thus demonstrating the potential of CAP therapies for glioblastoma.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
DOI: 10.3390/cancers10110394
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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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“Ammonia Synthesis by Radio Frequency Plasma Catalysis: Revealing the Underlying Mechanisms”. Shah J, Wang W, Bogaerts A, Carreon ML, ACS applied energy materials 1, 4824 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsaem.8b00898
Abstract: Nonthermal plasma is a promising alternative for ammonia synthesis at gentle conditions. Metal meshes of Fe, Cu, Pd, Ag, and Au were employed as catalysts in radio frequency plasma for ammonia synthesis. The energy yield for all these transition metal catalysts ranged between 0.12 and 0.19 g-NH3/kWh at 300 W and, thus, needs further improvement. In addition, a semimetal, pure gallium, was used for the first time as catalyst for ammonia synthesis, with energy yield of 0.22 g-NH3/kWh and with a maximum yield of ∼10% at 150 W. The emission spectra, as well as computer simulations, revealed hydrogen recombination as a primary governing parameter, which depends on the concentration or flux of H atoms in the plasma and on the catalyst surface. The simulations helped to elucidate the underlying mechanism, implicating the dominance of surface reactions and surface adsorbed species. The rate limiting step appears to be NH2 formation on the surface of the reactor wall and on the catalyst surface, which is different from classical catalysis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.8b00898
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“Nanoscale insight into silk-like protein self-assembly: effect of design and number of repeat units”. Razzokov J, Naderi S, van der Schoot P, Physical biology 15, 066010 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1088/1478-3975/aadb5e
Abstract: By means of replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations we investigate how the length of a silk-like, alternating diblock oligopeptide influences its secondary and quaternary structure. We carry out simulations for two protein sizes consisting of three and five blocks, and study the stability of a single protein, a dimer, a trimer and a tetramer. Initial configurations of our simulations are β-roll and β-sheet structures. We find that for the triblock the secondary and quaternary structures upto and including the tetramer are unstable: the proteins melt into random coil structures and the aggregates disassemble either completely or partially. We attribute this to the competition between conformational entropy of the proteins and the formation of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions between proteins. This is confirmed by our simulations on the pentablock proteins, where we find that, as the number of monomers in the aggregate increases, individual monomers form more hydrogen bonds whereas their solvent accessible surface area decreases. For the pentablock β-sheet protein, the monomer and the dimer melt as well, although for the β-roll protein only the monomer melts. For both trimers and tetramers remain stable. Apparently, for these the entropy loss of forming β-rolls and β-sheets is compensated for in the free-energy gain due to the hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic interactions. We also find that the middle monomers in the trimers and tetramers are conformationally much more stable than the ones on the top and the bottom. Interestingly, the latter are more stable on the tetramer than on the trimer, suggesting that as the number of monomers increases protein-protein interactions cooperatively stabilize the assembly.
According to our simulations, the β-roll and β-sheet aggregates must be approximately equally
stable.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/aadb5e
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“Transmission electron microscopy study of complex oxide scales on DIN 1.4970 steel exposed to liquid Pb-Bi eutectic”. Charalampopoulou E, Delville R, Verwerft M, Lambrinou K, Schryvers D, Corrosion science 147, 22 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.corsci.2018.10.018
Abstract: The deployment of Gen-IV lead-cooled fast reactors requires a good compatibility between the selected structural/cladding steels and the inherently corrosive heavy liquid metal coolant. An effective liquid metal corrosion mitigation strategy involves the in-situ steel passivation in contact with the oxygen-containing Pb-alloy coolant. Transmission electron microscopy was used in this work to study the multi-layered oxide scales forming on an austenitic stainless steel fuel cladding exposed to oxygen-containing (CO ≈ 10−6 mass%) static liquid leadbismuth eutectic (LBE) for 1000 h between 400 and 500 °C. The oxide scale constituents were analyzed, including the intertwined phases comprising the innermost biphasic layer.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2018.10.018
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“Molecular evidence for feedstock-dependent nucleation mechanisms of CNTs”. Khalilov U, Vets C, Neyts EC, Nanoscale Horizons 4, 674 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8NH00323H
Abstract: Atomic scale simulations have been shown to be a powerful tool for elucidating the growth mechanisms of carbon nanotubes. The growth picture is however not entirely clear yet due to the gap between current simulations and real experiments. We here simulate for the first time the nucleation and subsequent growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) from oxygen-containing hydrocarbon feedstocks using the hybrid Molecular Dynamics/Monte Carlo technique. The underlying nucleation mechanisms of Ni-catalysed SWNT growth are discussed in detail. Specifically, we find that as a function of the feedstock, different carbon fractions may emerge as the main growth species, due to a competition between the feedstock decomposition, its rehydroxylation and its contribution to etching of the growing SWNT. This study provides a further understanding of the feedstock effects in SWNT growth in comparison with available experimental evidence as well as with<italic>ab initio</italic>and other simulation data, thereby reducing the simulation–experiment gap.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1039/C8NH00323H
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“In-Situ TEM Stress Induced Martensitic Transformation in Ni50.8Ti49.2 Microwires”. Pourbabak S, Orekhov A, Samaee V, Verlinden B, Van Humbeeck J, Schryvers D, Shape memory and superelasticity 5, 154 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1007/s40830-019-00217-6
Abstract: In-situ transmission electron microscopy tensile straining is used to study the stress induced martensitic transformation in Ni50.8Ti49.2. Two microwire samples with different heat treatment are investigated from which one single crystal and three polycrystalline TEM specimens, the latter with micro- and nano-size grains, have been produced. The measured Young’s modulus for all TEM specimens is around 70 GPa, considerably higher than the averaged 55 GPa of the original microwire sample. The height of the superelastic stress plateau shows an inverse relationship with the specimen thickness for the polycrystalline specimens. Martensite starts nucleating within the elastic region of the stress–strain curve and on the edges of the specimens while also grain boundaries act as nucleation sites in the polycrystalline specimens. When a martensite plate reaches a grain boundary in the polycrystalline specimen, it initiates the transformation in the neighboring grain at the other side of the grain boundary. In later stages martensite plates coalesce at higher loads in the stress plateau. In highly strained specimens, residual martensite remains after release.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1007/s40830-019-00217-6
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“First-Principles Investigation of the Stability of the Oxygen Framework of Li-Rich Battery Cathodes”. Bercx M, Slap L, Partoens B, Lamoen D, MRS advances 4, 813 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1557/adv.2019.135
Abstract: Lithium-rich layered oxides such as Li<sub>2</sub>MnO<sub>3</sub>have shown great potential as cathodes in Li-ion batteries, mainly because of their large capacities. However, these materials still suffer from structural degradation as the battery is cycled, reducing the average voltage and capacity of the cell. The voltage fade is believed to be related to the migration of transition metals into the lithium layer, linked to the formation of O-O dimers with a short bond length, which in turn is driven by the presence of oxygen holes due to the participation of oxygen in the redox process. We investigate the formation of O-O dimers for partially charged O1-Li<sub>2</sub>MnO<sub>3</sub>using a first-principles density functional theory approach by calculating the reaction energy and kinetic barriers for dimer formation. Next, we perform similar calculations for partially charged O1-Li<sub>2</sub>IrO<sub>3</sub>, a Li-rich material for which the voltage fade was not observed during cycling. When we compare the stability of the oxygen framework, we conclude that the formation of O-O dimers is both thermodynamically and kinetically viable for O1-Li<sub>0.5</sub>MnO<sub>3</sub>. For O1-Li<sub>0.5</sub>IrO<sub>3</sub>, we observe that the oxygen lattice is much more stable, either returning to its original state when perturbed, or resulting in a structure with an O-O dimer that is much higher in energy. This can be explained by the mixed redox process for Li<sub>2</sub>IrO<sub>3</sub>, which is also shown from the calculated magnetic moments. The lack of O-O dimer formation in O1-Li<sub>0.5</sub>IrO<sub>3</sub>provides valuable insight as to why Li<sub>2</sub>IrO<sub>3</sub>does not demonstrate a voltage fade as the battery is cycled, which can be used to design Li-rich battery cathodes with an improved cycling performance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1557/adv.2019.135
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“Electron Transfer and Near-Field Mechanisms in Plasmonic Gold-Nanoparticle-Modified TiO2Photocatalytic Systems”. Asapu R, Claes N, Ciocarlan R-G, Minjauw M, Detavernier C, Cool P, Bals S, Verbruggen SW, ACS applied nano materials 2, 4067 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.9b00485
Abstract: The major mechanism responsible for plasmonic enhancement of titanium dioxide photocatalysis using gold nanoparticles is still under contention. This work introduces an experimental strategy to disentangle the significance of the charge transfer and near-field mechanisms in plasmonic photocatalysis. By controlling the thickness and conductive nature of a nanoparticle shell that acts as a spacer layer separating the plasmonic metal core from the TiO2 surface, field enhancement or charge transfer effects can be selectively repressed or evoked. Layer-by-layer and in situ polymerization methods are used to synthesize gold core–polymer shell nanoparticles with shell thickness control up to the sub-nanometer level. Detailed optical and electrical characterization supported by near-field simulation models corroborate the trends in photocatalytic activity of the different systems. This approach mainly points at an important contribution of the enhanced near field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.9b00485
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“Controlled Surface Modification of ZnO Nanostructures with Amorphous TiO2for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting”. Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Sada C, Carraro G, Kondarides DI, Bebelis S, Petala A, La Porta A, Altantzis T, Barreca D, Advanced Sustainable Systems , 1900046 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/adsu.201900046
Abstract: The utilization of solar radiation to trigger photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has gained interest for sustainable energy production. In this study, attention is focused on the development of ZnO–TiO2 nanocomposite photoanodes. The target systems are obtained by growing porous arrays of highly crystalline, elongated ZnO nanostructures on indium tin oxide (ITO) by chemical vapor deposition. Subsequently, the obtained nanodeposits are functionalized with TiO2 via radio frequency-sputtering for different process durations, and subjected to final annealing in air. Characterization results demonstrate the successful formation of high purity composite systems in which the surface of ZnO nanostructures is decorated by ultra-small amounts of amorphous titania, whose content can be conveniently tailored as a function of deposition time. Photocurrent density measurements in sunlight triggered water splitting highlight a remarkable performance enhancement with respect to single-phase zinc and titanium oxides, with up to a threefold photocurrent increase compared to bare ZnO. These results, mainly traced back to the formation of ZnO/TiO2 heterojunctions yielding an improved photocarrier separation, show that the target nanocomposites are attractive photoanodes for efficient PEC water splitting.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
DOI: 10.1002/adsu.201900046
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