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“Introducing four new members of the editorial board of X-ray spectrometry”. Van Grieken R, X-ray spectrometry 44, 1 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/XRS.2577
Keywords: Editorial; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1002/XRS.2577
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Van Havenbergh K (2015) Influence of silicon nanoparticle coating on the electrolyte decomposition in Li-ion batteries. Antwerpen
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“Solidelectrolyte interphase evolution of carbon-coated silicon nanoparticles for lithium-ion batteries monitored by transmission electron microscopy and impedance spectroscopy”. Van Havenbergh K, Turner S, Driesen K, Bridel J-S, Van Tendeloo G, Energy technology 3, 699 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/ente.201500034
Abstract: The main drawbacks of silicon as the most promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (theoretical capacity=3572 mAh g−1) are lithiation-induced volume changes and the continuous formation of a solidelectrolyte interphase (SEI) upon cycling. A recent strategy is to focus on the influence of coatings and composite materials. To this end, the evolution of the SEI, as well as an applied carbon coating, on nanosilicon electrodes during the first electrochemical cycles is monitored. Two specific techniques are combined: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is used to study the surface evolution of the nanoparticles on a very local scale, whereas electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) provides information on the electrode level. A TEMEELS fingerprint signal of carbonate structures from the SEI is discovered, which can be used to differentiate between the SEI and a graphitic carbon matrix. Furthermore, the shielding effect of the carbon coating and the thickness evolution of the SEI are described.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.789
DOI: 10.1002/ente.201500034
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“Dynamic identifiability analysis-based model structure evaluation considering rating curve uncertainty”. Van Hoey S, Nopens I, van der Kwast J, Seuntjens P, Journal of hydrologic engineering 20, 04014072 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0000995
Abstract: When applying hydrological models, different sources of uncertainty are present, and evaluations of model performances should take these into account to assess model outcomes correctly. Furthermore, uncertainty in the discharge observations complicates the model identification, both in terms of model structure and parameterization. In this paper, the authors compare two different lumped model structures (PDM and NAM) considering uncertainty coming from the rating curve. Limits of acceptability for the model simulations were determined based on derived uncertainty bounds of the discharge observations. The authors applied the DYNamic Identifiability Approach (DYNIA) to identify structural failure of both models and to evaluate the configuration of their structures. In general, similar model performances are observed. However, the model structures tend to behave differently in the course of time, as revealed by the DYNIA approach. Based on the analyses performed, the probability based soil storage representation of the PDM model outperforms the NAM structure. The incorporation of the observation error did not prevent the DYNIA analysis to identify potential model structural deficiencies that are limiting the representation of the seasonal variation, primarily indicated by shifting regions of parameter identifiability. As such, the proposed approach is able to indicate where deficiencies are found and model improvement is needed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0000995
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“Improving the Conversion and Energy Efficiency of Carbon Dioxide Splitting in a Zirconia-Packed Dielectric Barrier Discharge Reactor”. van Laer K, Bogaerts A, Energy technology 3, 1038 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/ente.201500127
Abstract: The use of plasma technology for CO2 splitting is gaining increasing interest, but one of the major obstacles to date for industrial implementation is the considerable energy cost. We demonstrate that the introduction of a packing of dielectric zirconia (ZrO2) beads into a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma reactor can enhance the CO2 conversion and energy efficiency up to a factor 1.9 and 2.2, respectively, compared to that in a normal (unpacked) DBD reactor. We obtained a maximum conversion of 42 % and a maximum energy efficiency of 9.6 %. However, it is the ability of the packing to almost double both the conversion and the energy efficiency simultaneously at certain input parameters that makes it very promising. The improved conversion and energy efficiency can be explained by the higher values of the local electric field and electron energy near the contact points of the beads and the lower breakdown voltage, demonstrated by 2 D fluid modeling.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.789
Times cited: 59
DOI: 10.1002/ente.201500127
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“Ion current rectification, limiting and overlimiting conductances in nanopores”. van Oeffelen L, Van Roy W, Idrissi H, Charlier D, Lagae L, Borghs G, PLoS ONE 10, e0124171 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0124171
Abstract: Previous reports on Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) simulations of solid-state nanopores have focused on steady state behaviour under simplified boundary conditions. These are Neumann boundary conditions for the voltage at the pore walls, and in some cases also Donnan equilibrium boundary conditions for concentrations and voltages at both entrances of the nanopore. In this paper, we report time-dependent and steady state PNP simulations under less restrictive boundary conditions, including Neumann boundary conditions applied throughout the membrane relatively far away from the nanopore. We simulated ion currents through cylindrical and conical nanopores with several surface charge configurations, studying the spatial and temporal dependence of the currents contributed by each ion species. This revealed that, due to slow co-diffusion of oppositely charged ions, steady state is generally not reached in simulations or in practice. Furthermore, it is shown that ion concentration polarization is responsible for the observed limiting conductances and ion current rectification in nanopores with asymmetric surface charges or shapes. Hence, after more than a decade of collective research attempting to understand the nature of ion current rectification in solid-state nanopores, a relatively intuitive model is retrieved. Moreover, we measured and simulated current-voltage characteristics of rectifying silicon nitride nanopores presenting overlimiting conductances. The similarity between measurement and simulation shows that overlimiting conductances can result from the increased conductance of the electric double-layer at the membrane surface at the depletion side due to voltage-induced polarization charges.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.806
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124171
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“Chabazite : stable cation-exchanger in hyper alkaline concrete pore water”. Van Tendeloo L, Wangermez W, Kurttepeli M, de Blochouse B, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Martens JA, Maes A, Kirschhock CEA, Breynaert E, Environmental science and technology 49, 2358 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/es505346j
Abstract: To avoid impact on the environment, facilities for permanent disposal of hazardous waste adopt multibarrier design schemes. As the primary barrier very often consists of cement-based materials, two distinct aspects are essential for the selection of suitable complementary barriers: (1) selective sorption of the contaminants in the repository and (2) long-term chemical stability in hyperalkaline concrete-derived media. A multidisciplinary approach combining experimental strategies from environmental chemistry and materials science is therefore essential to provide a reliable assessment of potential candidate materials. Chabazite is typically synthesized in 1 M KOH solutions but also crystallizes in simulated young cement pore water, a pH 13 aqueous solution mainly containing K+ and Na+ cations. Its formation and stability in this medium was evaluated as a function of temperature (60 and 85 °C) over a timeframe of more than 2 years and was also asessed from a mechanistic point of view. Chabazite demonstrates excellent cation-exchange properties in simulated young cement pore water. Comparison of its Cs+ cation exchange properties at pH 8 and pH 13 unexpectedly demonstrated an increase of the KD with increasing pH. The combined results identify chabazite as a valid candidate for inclusion in engineered barriers for concrete-based waste disposal.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.198
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1021/es505346j
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“Plasmacatalysis : a sustainable and efficient indoor air treatment”. Van Wesenbeeck K, Hauchecorne B, Lenaerts S, (2015)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Modeling and experimental study of trichloroethylene abatement with a negative direct current corona discharge”. Vandenbroucke AM, Aerts R, Van Gaens W, De Geyter N, Leys C, Morent R, Bogaerts A, Plasma chemistry and plasma processing 35, 217 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1007/s11090-014-9584-7
Abstract: In this work, we study the abatement of dilute trichloroethylene (TCE) in air with a negative direct current corona discharge. A numerical model is used to theoretically investigate the underlying plasma chemistry for the removal of TCE, and a reaction pathway for the abatement of TCE is proposed. The Cl atom, mainly produced by dissociation of COCl, is one of the controlling species in the TCE destruction chemistry and contributes to the production of chlorine containing by-products. The effect of humidity on the removal efficiency is studied and a good agreement is found between experiments and the model for both dry (5 % relative humidity (RH)) and humid air (50 % RH). An increase of the relative humidity from 5 % to 50 % has a negative effect on the removal efficiency, decreasing by ±15 % in humid air. The main loss reactions for TCE are with ClO·, O· and CHCl2. Finally, the by-products and energy cost of TCE abatement are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.355
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1007/s11090-014-9584-7
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“Determining groundwater-surface water exchange from temperature-time series : combining a local polynomial method with a maximum likelihood estimator”. Vandersteen G, Schneidewind U, Anibas C, Schmidt C, Seuntjens P, Batelaan O, Water resources research 51, 922 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/2014WR015994
Abstract: The use of temperature-time series measured in streambed sediments as input to coupled water flow and heat transport models has become standard when quantifying vertical groundwater-surface water exchange fluxes. We develop a novel methodology, called LPML, to estimate the parameters for 1-D water flow and heat transport by combining a local polynomial (LP) signal processing technique with a maximum likelihood (ML) estimator. The LP method is used to estimate the frequency response functions (FRFs) and their uncertainties between the streambed top and several locations within the streambed from measured temperature-time series data. Additionally, we obtain the analytical expression of the FRFs assuming a pure sinusoidal input. The estimated and analytical FRFs are used in an ML estimator to deduce vertical groundwater-surface water exchange flux and its uncertainty as well as information regarding model quality. The LPML method is tested and verified with the heat transport models STRIVE and VFLUX. We demonstrate that the LPML method can correctly reproduce a priori known fluxes and thermal conductivities and also show that the LPML method can estimate averaged and time-variable fluxes from periodic and nonperiodic temperature records. The LPML method allows for a fast computation of exchange fluxes as well as model and parameter uncertainties from many temperature sensors. Moreover, it can utilize a broad frequency spectrum beyond the diel signal commonly used for flux calculations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1002/2014WR015994
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“Plumbonacrite identified by X-ray powder diffraction tomography as a missing link during degradation of red lead in a Van Gogh painting”. Vanmeert F, van der Snickt G, Janssens K, Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English 54, 3607 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/ANIE.201411691
Abstract: Red lead, a semiconductor pigment used by artists since antiquity, is known to undergo several discoloration phenomena. These transformations are either described as darkening of the pigment caused by the formation of either plattnerite (β-PbO2) or galena (PbS) or as whitening by which red lead is converted into anglesite (PbSO4) or (hydro)cerussite (2 PbCO3⋅Pb(OH)2; PbCO3). X-ray powder diffraction tomography, a powerful analytical method that allows visualization of the internal distribution of different crystalline compounds in complex samples, was used to investigate a microscopic paint sample from a Van Gogh painting. A very rare lead mineral, plumbonacrite (3 PbCO3⋅ Pb(OH)2⋅PbO), was revealed to be present. This is the first reported occurrence of this compound in a painting dating from before the mid 20th century. It constitutes the missing link between on the one hand the photoinduced reduction of red lead and on the other hand (hydro)cerussite, and thus sheds new light on the whitening of red lead.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 11.994
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1002/ANIE.201411691
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“Nonlinear transport of the Wigner crystal in symmetric and asymmetric FET-like structures : nonlinear transport of the Wigner crystal on superfluid He-4 in quasi-one-dimensional channels with symmetric and asymmetric constrictions”. Vasylenko AA, Misko VR, European physical journal : B : condensed matter and complex systems 88, 105 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2015-60217-0
Abstract: When floating on a two-dimensional surface of superfluid He-4, electrons arrange themselves in two-dimensional crystalline structure known as Wigner crystal. In channels, the boundaries interfere the crystalline order and in case of very narrow channels one observes a quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) Wigner crystal formed by just a few rows of electrons and, ultimately, one row in the “quantum wire” regime. Recently, the “quantum wire” regime was accessed experimentally [D.G. Rees, H. Totsuji, K. Kono, Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 176801 (2012)] resulting in unusual transport phenomena such as, e.g., oscillations in the electron conductance. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we study the nonlinear transport of electrons in channels with various types of constrictions: single and multiple symmetric and asymmetric geometrical constrictions with varying width and length, and saddle-point-type potentials with varying gate voltage. In particular, we analyze the average particle velocity of the particles and the corresponding electron current versus the driving force or the gate voltage. We have revealed a significant difference in the dynamics for long and short constrictions: The oscillations of the average velocity of the particles for the systems with short constrictions exhibit a clear correlation with the transitions between the states with different numbers of rows of particles; on the other hand, for the systems with longer constrictions these oscillations are suppressed. The obtained results qualitatively agree with the experimental observations. Next, we propose a FET-like structure that consists of a channel with asymmetric constrictions. We show that applying a transverse bias results either in increase of the average particle velocity or in its suppression thus allowing a flexible control tool over the electron transport. The advantage of the asymmetric FET is that it does not have a gate and it allows an easy control of relatively large electron flow. Furthermore, the asymmetric device can be used for rectification of an ac-driven electron flow. Our results bring important insights into the dynamics of electrons floating on the surface of superfluid He-4 in channels with constrictions and allow the effective control over the electron transport.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.461
DOI: 10.1140/epjb/e2015-60217-0
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“Self-assembly of gas-phase synthesized magnesium nanoparticles on room temperature substrates”. Venturi F, Calizzi M, Bals S, Perkisas T, Pasquini L, Materials research express 2, 015007 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/2/1/015007
Abstract: Magnesium nanoparticles (NPs) with initial size in the 10-50 nmrange were synthesized by inert gas condensation under helium flow and deposited on room temperature substrates. The morphology and crystal structure of the NPs ensemble were investigated as a function of the deposition time by complementary electron microscopy techniques, including high resolution imaging and chemical mapping. With increasing amount of material, strong coarsening phenomena were observed at room temperature: small NPs disappeared while large faceted NPs developed, leading to a 5-fold increase of the average NPs size within a few minutes. The extent of coarsening and the final morphology depended also on the nature of the substrate. Furthermore, large single-crystal NPs were seen to arise from the self-organization of primary NPs units, providing a mechanism for crystal growth. The dynamics of the self-assembly process involves the basic steps of NPs sticking, diffusion on substrate, coordinated rotation and attachment/coalescence. Key features are the surface energy anisotropy, reflected by the faceted shape of the NPs, and the low melting point of the material. The observed phenomena have strong implications in relation to the synthesis and stability of nanostructures based on Mg or other elements with similar features.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.068
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1088/2053-1591/2/1/015007
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“TiO2 photocatalysis for the degradation of pollutants in gas phase : from morphological design to plasmonic enhancement”. Verbruggen SW, Journal of photochemistry and photobiology: C: photochemistry reviews 24, 64 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JPHOTOCHEMREV.2015.07.001
Abstract: TiO2-based photocatalysis has become a viable technology in various application fields such as (waste)water purification, photovoltaics/artificial photosynthesis, environmentally friendly organic synthesis and remediation of air pollution. Because of the increasing impact of bad air quality worldwide, this review focuses on the use and optimization of TiO2-based photocatalysts for gas phase applications. Over the past years various specific aspects of TiO2 photocatalysis have been reviewed individually. The intent of this review is to offer a broad tutorial on (recent) trends in TiO2 photocatalyst modification for the intensification of photocatalytic air treatment. After briefly introducing the fundamentals of photocatalysis, TiO2 photocatalyst modification is discussed both on a morphological and an electronic level from the perspective of gas phase applications. The main focus is laid on recent developments, but also possible opportunities to the field. This review is intended as a solid introduction for researchers new to the field, as well as a summarizing update for established investigators. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 12.317
Times cited: 121
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPHOTOCHEMREV.2015.07.001
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“Analytic versus CFD approach for kinetic modeling of gas phase photocatalysis”. Verbruggen SW, Lenaerts S, Denys S, Chemical engineering journal 262, 1 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2014.09.041
Abstract: In this work two methods for determining the LangmuirHinshelwood kinetic parameters for a slit-shaped flat bed photocatalytic reactor are compared: an analytic mass transfer based model adapted from literature and a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach that was used in conjunction with a simplex optimization routine. Despite the differences between both approaches, similar values for the kinetic parameters and similar trends in terms of their UV intensity dependence were found. Using an effectiveness-NTU (number of transfer units) approach, the analytic mass transfer based method could quantify the relative contributions of the rate limiting steps through a reaction effectiveness parameter. The numeric CFD approach on the other hand could yield the two kinetic parameters that determine the photocatalytic reaction rate simultaneously. Furthermore, it proved to be more accurate as it accounts for the spatial variation of flow rate, reaction rate and concentrations at the surface of the photocatalyst. We elaborate this dual kinetic analysis with regard to the photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde in air over a silicon wafer coated with a layer of TiO2 P25 (Evonik) and study the usefulness and limitations of both strategies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 30
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2014.09.041
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“Atomic-scale insight into the interactions between hydroxyl radicals and DNA in solution using the ReaxFF reactive force field”. Verlackt CCW, Neyts EC, Jacob T, Fantauzzi D, Golkaram M, Shin Y-K, van Duin ACT, Bogaerts A, New journal of physics 17, 103005 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/17/10/103005
Abstract: Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas have proven to provide an alternative treatment of cancer by targeting tumorous cells while leaving their healthy counterparts unharmed. However, the underlying mechanisms of the plasma–cell interactions are not yet fully understood. Reactive oxygen species, and in particular hydroxyl radicals (OH), are known to play a crucial role in plasma driven apoptosis of
malignant cells. In this paper we investigate the interaction of OH radicals, as well as H2O2 molecules and HO2 radicals, with DNA by means of reactive molecular dynamics simulations using the ReaxFF force field. Our results provide atomic-scale insight into the dynamics of oxidative stress on DNA caused by the OH radicals, while H2O2 molecules appear not reactive within the considered timescale. Among the observed processes are the formation of 8-OH-adduct radicals, forming the first stages towards the formation of 8-oxoGua and 8-oxoAde, H-abstraction reactions of the amines, and the partial opening of loose DNA ends in aqueous solution.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/17/10/103005
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“Identification of artificial orpiment in the interior decorations of the Japanese tower in Laeken, Brussels, Belgium”. Vermeulen M, Sanyova J, Janssens K, Heritage science 3, Unsp 9 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1186/S40494-015-0040-7
Abstract: In this paper, we used a multi-technique approach in order to identify the arsenic sulfide pigment used in the decorative panels of the Japanese tower in Laeken, Belgium. Our attention was drawn to this particular pigment because of its relatively good conservation state, despite its known tendency to fade over time when exposed to light. The pigment was used with different painting techniques, bound with oil and urushi in the lacquers and with an aqueous binder in the mat relief panels. In the latter case it is always applied as an underlayer mixed with ultramarine blue. This quite unusual pigment mixture also shows a good state of preservation. In this study, the orpiment used for the Japanese tower has been identified as an amorphous arsenic sulfide glass (AsxSx) with the aid of light microscopy, PLM, SEM-EDX and Raman microscopy. The pigment features different degrees of As4S4 monomer units in its structure, also known as realgar-like nano-phases. This most likely indicates different synthesis processes as the formation of these As4S4 monomers is dependent of the quenching temperature (Tq) to which the artificial pigment is exposed during the preparation phase.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1186/S40494-015-0040-7
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“15-band spectral envelope function formalism applied to broken gap tunnel field-effect transistors”. Verreck D, Van de Put ML, Verhulst AS, Sorée B, Magnus W, Dabral A, Thean A, Groeseneken G, 18th International Workshop On Computational Electronics (iwce 2015) (2015). http://doi.org/10.1109/IWCE.2015.7301988
Abstract: A carefully chosen heterostructure can significantly boost the performance of tunnel field-effect transistors (TFET). Modelling of these hetero-TFETs requires a quantum mechanical (QM) approach with an accurate band structure to allow for a correct description of band-to-band-tunneling. We have therefore developed a fully QM 2D solver, combining for the first time a full zone 15-band envelope function formalism with a spectral approach, including a heterostructure basis set transformation. Simulations of GaSb/InAs broken gap TFETs illustrate the wide body capabilities and transparant transmission analysis of the formalism.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
DOI: 10.1109/IWCE.2015.7301988
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“Full-zone spectral envelope function formalism for the optimization of line and point tunnel field-effect transistors”. Verreck D, Verhulst AS, Van de Put M, Sorée B, Magnus W, Mocuta A, Collaert N, Thean A, Groeseneken G, Journal of applied physics 118, 134502 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4931890
Abstract: Efficient quantum mechanical simulation of tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs) is indispensable to allow for an optimal configuration identification. We therefore present a full-zone 15-band quantum mechanical solver based on the envelope function formalism and employing a spectral method to reduce computational complexity and handle spurious solutions. We demonstrate the versatility of the solver by simulating a 40 nm wide In0.53Ga0.47As lineTFET and comparing it to p-n-i-n configurations with various pocket and body thicknesses. We find that the lineTFET performance is not degraded compared to semi-classical simulations. Furthermore, we show that a suitably optimized p-n-i-n TFET can obtain similar performance to the lineTFET. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1063/1.4931890
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“Heterometal nanoparticles from Ru-based molecular clusters covalently anchored onto functionalized carbon nanotubes and nanofibers”. Vidick D, Ke X, Devillers M, Poleunis C, Delcorte A, Moggi P, Van Tendeloo G, Hermans S, Beilstein journal of nanotechnology 6, 1287 (2015). http://doi.org/10.3762/bjnano.6.133
Abstract: Heterometal clusters containing Ru and Au, Co and/or Pt are anchored onto carbon nanotubes and nanofibers functionalized with chelating phosphine groups. The cluster anchoring yield is related to the amount of phosphine groups available on the nanocarbon surface. The ligands of the anchored molecular species are then removed by gentle thermal treatment in order to form nanoparticles. In the case of Au-containing clusters, removal of gold atoms from the clusters and agglomeration leads to a bimodal distribution of nanoparticles at the nanocarbon surface. In the case of Ru-Pt species, anchoring occurs without reorganization through a ligand exchange mechanism. After thermal treatment, ultrasmall (1-3 nm) bimetal Ru-Pt nanoparticles are formed on the surface of the nanocarbons. Characterization by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) confirms their bimetal nature on the nanoscale. The obtained bimetal nanoparticles supported on nanocarbon were tested as catalysts in ammonia synthesis and are shown to be active at low temperature and atmospheric pressure with very low Ru loading.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.127
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.6.133
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“Some like it hot : perspectives for thermophilic nitrogen removal”. Vlaeminck SE, Courtens ENP, Vandekerckhove TGL, Boon N, , 4 p.
T2 (2015)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Effect of nanoprecipitates on the transformation behavior and functional properties of a Ti50.8 at.% Ni alloy with micron-sized grains”. Wang X, Kustov S, Li K, Schryvers D, Verlinden B, Van Humbeeck J, Acta materialia 82, 224 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2014.09.018
Abstract: In order to take advantage of both grain refinement and precipitation hardening effects, nanoscaled Ni4Ti3 precipitates are introduced in a Ti50.8 at.% Ni alloy with micron-sized grains (average grain size of 1.7 μm). Calorimetry, electrical resistance studies and thermomechanical tests were employed to study the transformation behavior and functional properties in relation to the obtained microstructure. A significant suppression of martensite transformation by the obtained microstructure is observed. The thermomechanical tests show that the advantageous properties of both grain refinement and precipitation hardening are combined in the developed materials, resulting in superior shape memory characteristics and stability of pseudoelasticity. It is concluded that introducing nanoscaled Ni4Ti3 precipitates into small grains is a new approach to improve the functional properties of NiTi shape memory alloys.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
Times cited: 51
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2014.09.018
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“Stabilization and encapsulation of gold nanostars mediated by dithiols”. Wang Y, Belén Serrano A, Sentosun K, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, Small 11, 4314 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/smll.201500703
Abstract: Surface chemistry plays a pivotal role in regulating the morphology of nanoparticles, maintaining colloidal stability, and mediating the interaction with target analytes toward practical applications such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based sensing and imaging. The use of a binary ligand mixture composed of 1,4-benzenedithiol (BDT) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) to provide gold nanostars with long-term stability is reported. This is despite BDT being a bifunctional ligand, which usually leads to bridging and loss of colloidal stability. It is found however that neither BDT nor CTAC alone are able to provide sufficient colloidal and chemical stability. BDT-coated Au nanostars are additionally used as seeds to direct the encapsulation with a gold outer shell, leading to the formation of unusual nanostructures including semishell-coated gold nanostars, which are characterized by high-resolution electron microscopy and electron tomography. Finally, BDT is exploited as a probe to reveal the enhanced local electric fields in the different nanostructures, showing that the semishell configuration provides significantly high SERS signals as compared to other coreshell configurations obtained during seeded growth, including full shells.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.643
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1002/smll.201500703
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“Engineering Structural Diversity in Gold Nanocrystals by Ligand-Mediated Interface Control”. Wang Y, Sentosun K, Li A, Coronado-Puchau M, Sánchez-Iglesias A, Li S, Su X, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, Chemistry of materials 27, 8032 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b03600
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b03600
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“Hematite iron oxide nanorod patterning inside COK-12 mesochannels as an efficient visible light photocatalyst”. Wee LH, Meledina M, Turner S, Custers K, Kerkhofs S, Van Tendeloo G, Martens JA, Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability 3, 19884 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/C5TA05075H
Abstract: The uniform dispersion of functional oxide nanoparticles on the walls of ordered mesoporous silica to tailor optical, electronic, and magnetic properties for biomedical and environmental applications is a scientific challenge. Here, we demonstrate homogeneous confined growth of 5 nanometer-sized hematite iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) inside mesochannels of ordered mesoporous COK-12 nanoplates. The three-dimensional inclusion of the α-Fe2O3 nanorods in COK-12 particles is studied using high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and electron tomography. High resolution imaging and EDX spectroscopy provide information about the particle size, shape and crystal phase of the loaded α-Fe2O3 material, while electron tomography provides detailed information on the spreading of the nanorods throughout the COK-12 host. This nanocomposite material, having a semiconductor band gap energy of 2.40 eV according to diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, demonstrates an improved visible light photocatalytic degradation activity with rhodamine 6G and 1-adamantanol model compounds.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.867
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1039/C5TA05075H
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“3D Magnetic Induction Maps of Nanoscale Materials Revealed by Electron Holographic Tomography”. Wolf D, Rodriguez LA, Béché, A, Javon E, Serrano L, Magen C, Gatel C, Lubk A, Lichte H, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Fernández-Pacheco A, De Teresa JM, Snoeck E, Chemistry of materials 27, 6771 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b02723
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 50
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b02723
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“Interplay of strain and indium incorporation in InGaN/GaN dot-in-a-wire nanostructures by scanning transmission electron microscopy”. Woo SY, Gauquelin N, Nguyen HPT, Mi Z, Botton GA, Nanotechnology 26, 344002 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/26/34/344002
Abstract: The interplay between strain and composition is at the basis of heterostructure design to engineer new properties. The influence of the strain distribution on the incorporation of indium during the formation of multiple InGaN/GaN quantum dots (QDs) in nanowire (NW) heterostructures has been investigated, using the combined techniques of geometric phase analysis of atomic-resolution images and quantitative elemental mapping from core-loss electron energy-loss spectroscopy within scanning transmission electron microscopy. The variation in In-content between successive QDs within individual NWs shows a dependence on the magnitude of compressive strain along the growth direction within the underlying GaN barrier layer, which affects the incorporation of In-atoms to minimize the local effective strain energy. Observations suggest that the interfacial misfit between InGaN/GaN within the embedded QDs is mitigated by strain partitioning into both materials, and results in normal stresses inflicted by the presence of the surrounding GaN shell. These experimental measurements are linked to the local piezoelectric polarization fields for individual QDs, and are discussed in terms of the photoluminescence from an ensemble of NWs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/26/34/344002
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“Efficient amorphous platinum catalyst cluster growth on porous carbon : a combined molecular dynamics and experimental study”. Xie L, Brault P, Coutanceau C, Bauchire J-M, Caillard A, Baranton S, Berndt J, Neyts EC, Applied catalysis : B : environmental 162, 21 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2014.06.032
Abstract: Amorphous platinum clusters supported on porous carbon have been envisaged for high-performance fuel cell electrodes. For this application, it is crucial to control the morphology of the Pt layer and the Ptsubstrate interaction to maximize activity and stability. We thus investigate the morphology evolution during Pt cluster growth on a porous carbon substrate employing atomic scale molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations are based on the Pt-C interaction potential using parameters derived from density functional theory and are found to yield a Pt cluster morphology similar to that observed in low loaded fuel cell electrodes prepared by plasma sputtering. Moreover, the simulations show amorphous Pt cluster growth in agreement with X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy experiments on high performance low Pt content (10 μgPt cm−2) loaded fuel cell electrodes and provide a fundamental insight in the cluster growth mechanism.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 9.446
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2014.06.032
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“Pentagonal monolayer crystals of carbon, boron nitride, and silver azide”. Yagmurcukardes M, Sahin H, Kang J, Torun E, Peeters FM, Senger RT, Journal of applied physics 118, 104303 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4930086
Abstract: In this study, we present a theoretical investigation of structural, electronic, and mechanical properties of pentagonal monolayers of carbon (p-graphene), boron nitride (p-B2N4 and p-B4N2), and silver azide (p-AgN3) by performing state-of-the-art first principles calculations. Our total energy calculations suggest feasible formation of monolayer crystal structures composed entirely of pentagons. In addition, electronic band dispersion calculations indicate that while p-graphene and p-AgN3 are semiconductors with indirect bandgaps, p-BN structures display metallic behavior. We also investigate the mechanical properties (in-plane stiffness and the Poisson's ratio) of four different pentagonal structures under uniaxial strain. p-graphene is found to have the highest stiffness value and the corresponding Poisson's ratio is found to be negative. Similarly, p-B2N4 and p-B4N2 have negative Poisson's ratio values. On the other hand, the p-AgN3 has a large and positive Poisson's ratio. In dynamical stability tests based on calculated phonon spectra of these pentagonal monolayers, we find that only p-graphene and p-B2N4 are stable, but p-AgN3 and p-B4N2 are vulnerable against vibrational excitations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 79
DOI: 10.1063/1.4930086
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“A quantitative method to characterize the Al4C3-formed interfacial reaction: the case study of MWCNT/Al composites”. Yan L, Tan Z, Ji G, Li Z, Fan G, Schryvers D, Shan A, Zhang D, Materials characterization 112, 213 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchar.2015.12.031
Abstract: The Al4C3-formed interfacial reaction plays an important role in tuning the mechanical and thermal properties of carbon/aluminum (C/Al) composites reinforced with carbonaceous materials such as multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and graphene nanosheet. In terms of the hydrolysis nature of Al4C3, an electrochemical dissolution method was developed to quantitatively characterize the extent of C/Al interfacial reaction, which involves dissolving the composite samples in alkaline solution first, then collecting and measuring the CH4 gas released by Al4C3 hydrolysis with a gas chromatograph. Through a case study with powder metallurgy fabricated 2.0 wt.% MWCNT/Al composites, the detectability limit of the proposed method is 0.4 wt.% Al4C3, corresponding to 5 % extent of interfacial reaction with a measurement error of ±3 %. And then, with the already known MWCNT/Al reaction extent vs different sintering temperature and time, the reaction kinetics with an activation energy of 281 kJ mol-1 was successfully derived. Therefore, this rapid, sensitive, accurate method supplies an useful tool to optimize the processing and properties of all kinds of C/Al composites via interface design/control.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.714
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1016/j.matchar.2015.12.031
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