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“Secondary electron induced current in scanning transmission electron microscopy: an alternative way to visualize the morphology of nanoparticles”. Vlasov E, Skorikov A, Sánchez-Iglesias A, Liz-Marzán LM, Verbeeck J, Bals S, ACS materials letters , 1916 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsmaterialslett.3c00323
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialslett.3c00323
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“Sunlight-powered reverse water gas shift reaction catalysed by plasmonic Au/TiO₂, nanocatalysts : effects of Au particle size on the activity and selectivity”. Volders J, Elen K, Raes A, Ninakanti R, Kelchtermans A-S, Sastre F, Hardy A, Cool P, Verbruggen SW, Buskens P, Van Bael MK, Nanomaterials 12, 4153 (2022). http://doi.org/10.3390/NANO12234153
Abstract: This study reports the low temperature and low pressure conversion (up to 160 °C, p = 3.5 bar) of CO2 and H2 to CO using plasmonic Au/TiO2 nanocatalysts and mildly concentrated artificial sunlight as the sole energy source (up to 13.9 kW·m-2 = 13.9 suns). To distinguish between photothermal and non-thermal contributors, we investigated the impact of the Au nanoparticle size and light intensity on the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. A comparative study between P25 TiO2-supported Au nanocatalysts of a size of 6 nm and 16 nm displayed a 15 times higher activity for the smaller particles, which can only partially be attributed to the higher Au surface area. Other factors that may play a role are e.g., the electronic contact between Au and TiO2 and the ratio between plasmonic absorption and scattering. Both catalysts displayed ≥84% selectivity for CO (side product is CH4). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the catalytic activity of Au/TiO2 increases exponentially with increasing light intensity, which indicated the presence of a photothermal contributor. In dark, however, both Au/TiO2 catalysts solely produced CH4 at the same catalyst bed temperature (160 °C). We propose that the difference in selectivity is caused by the promotion of CO desorption through charge transfer of plasmon generated charges (as a non-thermal contributor).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.3
DOI: 10.3390/NANO12234153
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“Injectable Plasma‐Treated Alginate Hydrogel for Oxidative Stress Delivery to Induce Immunogenic Cell Death in Osteosarcoma”. Živanić, M, Espona‐Noguera A, Verswyvel H, Smits E, Bogaerts A, Lin A, Canal C, Advanced functional materials (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202312005
Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a source of cell‐damaging oxidant molecules that may be used as low‐cost cancer treatment with minimal side effects. Liquids treated with cold plasma and enriched with oxidants are a modality for non‐invasive treatment of internal tumors with cold plasma via injection. However, liquids are easily diluted with body fluids which impedes high and localized delivery of oxidants to the target. As an alternative, plasma‐treated hydrogels (PTH) emerge as vehicles for the precise delivery of oxidants. This study reports an optimal protocol for the preparation of injectable alginate PTH that ensures the preservation of plasma‐generated oxidants. The generation, storage, and release of oxidants from the PTH are assessed. The efficacy of the alginate PTH in cancer treatment is demonstrated in the context of cancer cell cytotoxicity and immunogenicity–release of danger signals and phagocytosis by immature dendritic cells, up to now unexplored for PTH. These are shown in osteosarcoma, a hard‐to‐treat cancer. The study aims to consolidate PTH as a novel cold plasma treatment modality for non‐invasive or postoperative tumor treatment. The results offer a rationale for further exploration of alginate‐based PTHs as a versatile platform in biomedical engineering.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Impact Factor: 19
DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202312005
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