“Giant Pd clusters observed by high resolution electron microscopy”. Volkov VV, Van Tendeloo G, Vargaftik MN, Stolyarov IP, Moiseev II, Mendeleev communications , 187 (1993)
Abstract: The giant cationic palladium clusters, approximate formula Pd561L60(OAc)180 (L = Dipy, Phen), were characterized by electron diffraction and high resolution microscopy to contain an FCC metal core, most of the larger Pd particles (8 nm) exhibiting multiple twinning, evidence for a distorted icosahedral structure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.34
Times cited: 10
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“Giant Pd clusters observed by HREM”. Volkov VV, Van Tendeloo G, Vargaftik MN, Stolygarov IP, Moiseev II, Mendeleev communications , 187 (1993)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.34
Times cited: 10
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“Nanoscale ordering in oxygen deficient quintuple perovskite Sm2-\epsilonBa3+\epsilonFe5O15-\delta : implication for magnetism and oxygen stoichiometry”. Volkova NE, Lebedev OI, Gavrilova LY, Turner S, Gauquelin N, Seikh MM, Caignaert V, Cherepanov VA, Raveau B, Van Tendeloo G, Chemistry of materials 26, 6303 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm503276p
Abstract: The investigation of the system SmBaFe-O in air has allowed an oxygen deficient perovskite Sm2-epsilon Ba3+epsilon Fe5O15-delta (delta = 0.75, epsilon = 0.125) to be synthesized. In contrast to the XRPD pattern which gives a cubic symmetry (a(p) = 3.934 angstrom), the combined HREM/EELS study shows that this phase is nanoscale ordered with a quintuple tetragonal cell, a(p) X a(p) X 5(ap). The nanodomains exhibit a unique stacking sequence of the A-site cationic layers along the crystallographic c-axis, namely SmBaBa/SmBa/SmBaSm, and are chemically twinned in the three crystallographic directions. The nanoscale ordering of this perovskite explains its peculiar magnetic properties on the basis of antiferromagnetic interactions with spin blockade at the boundary between the nanodomains. The variation of electrical conductivity and oxygen content of this oxide versus temperature suggest potential SOFC applications. They may be related to the particular distribution of oxygen vacancies in the lattice and to the 3d(5)(L) under bar configuration of iron.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1021/cm503276p
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“Stress dependence of the suspended graphene work function : vacuum Kelvin probe force microscopy and density functional theory”. Volodin A, Van Haesendonck C, Leenaerts O, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Applied physics letters 110, 193101 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4982931
Abstract: We report on work function measurements on graphene, which is exfoliated over a predefined array of wells in silicon oxide, by Kelvin probe force microscopy operating in a vacuum. The obtained graphene sealed microchambers can support large pressure differences, providing controllable stretching of the nearly impermeable graphene membranes. These measurements allow detecting variations of the work function induced by the mechanical stresses in the suspended graphene where the work function varies linearly with the strain and changes by 62 +/- 2 meV for 1 percent of strain. Our related ab initio calculations result in a work function variation that is a factor of 1.4 larger than the experimental value. The limited discrepancy between the theory and the experiment can be accounted for by a charge transfer from the unstrained to the strained graphene regions. Published by AIP Publishing.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1063/1.4982931
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“Can surface reactivity of mixed crystals be predicted from their counterparts? A case study of (Bi1-xSbx)2Te3 topological insulators”. Volykhov AA, Sanchez-Barriga J, Batuk M, Callaert C, Hadermann J, Sirotina AP, Neudachina VS, Belova AI, Vladimirova NV, Tamm ME, Khmelevsky NO, Escudero C, Perez-Dieste V, Knop-Gericke A, Yashina LV, Journal of materials chemistry C : materials for optical and electronic devices 6, 8941 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8TC02235F
Abstract: The behavior of ternary mixed crystals or solid solutions and its correlation with the properties of their binary constituents is of fundamental interest. Due to their unique potential for application in future information technology, mixed crystals of topological insulators with the spin-locked, gapless states on their surfaces attract huge attention of physicists, chemists and material scientists. (Bi1-xSbx)(2)Te-3 solid solutions are among the best candidates for spintronic applications since the bulk carrier concentration can be tuned by varying x to obtain truly bulk-insulating samples, where the topological surface states largely contribute to the transport and the realization of the surface quantum Hall effect. As this ternary compound will be evidently used in the form of thin-film devices its chemical stability is an important practical issue. Based on the atomic resolution HAADF-TEM and EDX data together with the XPS results obtained both ex situ and in situ, we propose an atomistic picture of the mixed crystal reactivity compared to that of its binary constituents. We find that the surface reactivity is determined by the probability of oxygen attack on the Te-Sb bonds, which is directly proportional to the number of Te atoms bonded to at least one Sb atom. The oxidation mechanism includes formation of an amorphous antimony oxide at the very surface due to Sb diffusion from the first two quintuple layers, electron tunneling from the Fermi level of the crystal to oxygen, oxygen ion diffusion to the crystal, and finally, slow Te oxidation to the +4 oxidation state. The oxide layer thickness is limited by the electron transport, and the overall process resembles the Cabrera-Mott mechanism in metals. These observations are critical not only for current understanding of the chemical reactivity of complex crystals, but also to improve the performance of future spintronic devices based on topological materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.256
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1039/C8TC02235F
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“Numerical study on the impact of traffic lane adjustments and low boundary walls on pedestrian exposure to NO2 in street canyons”. Voordeckers D, Lauriks T, Baetens D, Ysebaert T, Denys S, Billen P, Tytgat T, Van Acker M, Landscape and urban planning 243, 104974 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.LANDURBPLAN.2023.104974
Abstract: Mitigating the adverse effects of air pollution, especially on human health, is one of the greater contemporary challenges for cities. Street canyons have herein been identified as bottleneck areas in urbanized environments. Focusing on the necessity of fast-response interventions, strategies to control source-receptor pathways (e.g. implementing low boundary walls (LBWs)) are gaining interest. A potential strategy which is greatly overlooked is the adjustment (reduction or displacement) of traffic lanes in order to increase the distance between source (traffic) and recipient (pedestrians). Within our study, computation fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to simulate the impact of alternations to traffic lanes (whether or not combined with LBWs) on the pedestrian exposure to NO2 for a specific case-study (Belgie center dot lei, Antwerp) under two prevailing wind directions. The average differences in NO2 concentrations for the entire pedestrian area ranged between +1.0 % to-3.6 %. On specific locations, reduction up to-8.0 % were reached. In case of perpendicular winds, a lateral displacement of all traffic lanes towards the windward facade including LBWs was found most beneficial to reduce pedestrian exposure. LBWs also showed to be efficient in reducing potential adverse effects of lane displacement under less frequent wind directions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Law; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Research Group for Urban Development; Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS); Research Group for Urban Development; Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Impact Factor: 9.1
DOI: 10.1016/J.LANDURBPLAN.2023.104974
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“Guidelines for passive control of traffic-related air pollution in street canyons : an overview for urban planning”. Voordeckers D, Lauriks T, Denys S, Billen P, Tytgat T, Van Acker M, Landscape And Urban Planning 207, 103980 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.LANDURBPLAN.2020.103980
Abstract: Recent studies indicate the necessity of addressing traffic-related air pollution in urban environments, as street canyons are known for their lack of natural ventilation and increased pollution levels. To address this issue, numerous studies have been conducted on different aspects (e.g. aspect ratio, orientation and height variation) and their impact on ventilation and pollution dispersion/dilution performance in street canyons. Despite the numerous studies, the information remains fragmented and the results and applications are fairly unknown in urban planning. Broad review studies on numerous street canyon aspects are also quite scarce. In this study, over 200 studies were collected and reviewed across various parameters and on different configuration levels (street canyon configuration / building configuration / in-canyon configuration). Hereby, the study aims to give a comprehensive overview and to formulate spatial guidelines to improve the application of the reviewed studies for the purpose of urban planning. In total, 19 general guidelines were formulated, and an implementation strategy for the purpose of urban planning was developed. Despite the usability of these guidelines for urban planning, a high number of limitations and variabilities were detected. The broad literature review also revealed knowledge gaps, indicating the potentials for further research.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Law; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB); Research Group for Urban Development; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Impact Factor: 4.563
DOI: 10.1016/J.LANDURBPLAN.2020.103980
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“The impact of street canyon morphology and traffic volume on NO₂, values in the street canyons of Antwerp”. Voordeckers D, Meysman FJR, Billen P, Tytgat T, Van Acker M, Building And Environment 197, 107825 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BUILDENV.2021.107825
Abstract: Air pollution remains a major environmental and health concern in urban environments, especially in street canyons that show increased pollution levels due to a lack of natural ventilation. Previous studies have investigated the relationship between street canyon morphology and in-canyon pollution levels. However, these studies are typically limited to the scale of a single street canyon and city-wide assessments on this matter are scarce. In 2018, NO2 concentrations were measured in 321 street canyons in the city of Antwerp (Belgium) as part of the large-scale citizen-science project “CurieuzeNeuzen”. In our research, this data was used to study the correlation between morphological indices (e.g. aspect ratio (AR), lateral aspect ratio (LAR), presence of trees) and the traffic volumes on a city-wide scale. The maximum hourly traffic volume (TVmax) and AR correlated significantly with the measured NO2 values, making them useful indicators for air quality in street canyons. For street canyons with AR > 0.65, a TVmax of 300 vehicles/hour was found as a threshold value to guarantee acceptable air quality. No significant correlations were found for the other parameters. Finally, a number of typical street canyon types were defined, which can be of fundamental interest for further research and spatial policy making.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Research Group for Urban Development; Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Impact Factor: 4.053
DOI: 10.1016/J.BUILDENV.2021.107825
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“Supramolecular thermoplastics and thermoplastic elastomer materials with self-healing ability based on oligomeric charged triblock copolymers”. Voorhaar L, Diaz MM, Leroux F, Rogers S, Abakumov AM, Van Tendeloo G, Van Assche G, Van Mele B, Hoogenboom R, NPG Asia materials 9, e385 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/AM.2017.63
Abstract: Supramolecular polymeric materials constitute a unique class of materials held together by non-covalent interactions. These dynamic supramolecular interactions can provide unique properties such as a strong decrease in viscosity upon relatively mild heating, as well as self-healing ability. In this study we demonstrate the unique mechanical properties of phase-separated electrostatic supramolecular materials based on mixing of low molar mass, oligomeric, ABA-triblock copolyacrylates with oppositely charged outer blocks. In case of well-chosen mixtures and block lengths, the charged blocks are phase separated from the uncharged matrix in a hexagonally packed nanomorphology as observed by transmission electron microscopy. Thermal and mechanical analysis of the material shows that the charged sections have a T-g closely beyond room temperature, whereas the material shows an elastic response at temperatures far above this T-g ascribed to the electrostatic supramolecular interactions. A broad set of materials having systematic variations in triblock copolymer structures was used to provide insights in the mechanical properties and and self-healing ability in correlation with the nanomorphology of the materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.157
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1038/AM.2017.63
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“Nanocrystalline ZnO(Ga) : paramagnetic centers, surface acidity and gas sensor properties”. Vorobyeva N, Rumyantseva M, Filatova D, Konstantinova E, Grishina D, Abakumov A, Turner S, Gaskov A, Sensors and actuators : B : chemical 182, 555 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2013.03.068
Abstract: Nanocrystalline ZnO and ZnO(Ga) samples with different gallium content were prepared by wet-chemical method. Introduction of gallium leads to the increase of amount of weak acid sites such as surface hydroxyl groups. Gas sensing properties toward 0.22 ppm H2S and NO2 were studied at 100450 °C by DC conductance measurements. The optimal temperature for gas sensing experiments was determined. Sensor signal toward H2S decreases with increase of Ga concentration. The dependence of ZnO(Ga) sensor signal to NO2 on the gallium content has non-monotonous character, which correlates with the change of conductivity of the samples in air and concentration of paramagnetic donor states.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.401
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2013.03.068
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“Space-time information analysis for resource-conscious urban planning and design : a stakeholder based identification of urban metabolism data gaps”. Voskamp IM, Spiller M, Stremke S, Bregt AK, Vreugdenhil C, Rijnaarts HHM, Resources, conservation and recycling 128, 516 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2016.08.026
Abstract: The research presented here examined at which spatial and temporal resolution urban metabolism should be analysed to generate results that are useful for implementation of urban planning and design interventions aiming at optimization of resource flows. Moreover, it was researched whether a lack of data currently hampers analysing resource flows at this desired level of detail. To facilitate a stakeholder based research approach, the SIRUP tool Space-time Information analysis for Resource-conscious Urban Planning was developed. The tool was applied in a case study of Amsterdam, focused on the investigation of energy and water flows. Results show that most urban planning and design interventions envisioned in Amsterdam require information on a higher spatiotemporal resolution than the resolution of current urban metabolism analyses, i.e., more detailed than the city level and at time steps smaller than a year. Energy-related interventions generally require information on a higher resolution than water-related interventions. Moreover, for the majority of interventions information is needed on a higher resolution than currently available. For energy, the temporal resolution of existing data proved inadequate, for water, data with both a higher spatial and temporal resolution is required. Modelling and monitoring techniques are advancing for both water and energy and these advancements are likely to contribute to closing these data gaps in the future. These advancements can also prove useful in developing new sorts of urban metabolism analyses that can provide a systemic understanding of urban resource flows and that are tailored to urban planning and design.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2016.08.026
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“Strong attachment of circadian pacemaker neurons on modified ultrananocrystalline diamond surfaces”. Voss A, Wei HY, Zhang Y, Turner S, Ceccone G, Reithmaier JP, Stengl M, Popov C, Materials science and engineering: part C: biomimetic materials 64, 278 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2016.03.092
Abstract: Diamond is a promising material for a number of bio-applications, including the fabrication of platforms for attachment and investigation of neurons and of neuroprostheses, such as retinal implants. In the current work ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films were deposited by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition, modified by UV/O-3 treatment or NH3 plasma, and comprehensively characterized with respect to their bulk and surface properties, such as crystallinity, topography, composition and chemical bonding nature. The interactions of insect circadian pacemaker neurons with UNCD surfaces with H-, O- and NH2-terminations were investigated with respect to cell density and viability. The fast and strong attachment achieved without application of adhesion proteins allowed for advantageous modification of dispersion protocols for the preparation of primary cell cultures. Centrifugation steps, which are employed for pelletizing dispersed cells to separate them from dispersing enzymes, easily damage neurons. Now centrifugation can be avoided since dispersed neurons quickly and strongly attach to the UNCD surfaces. Enzyme solutions can be easily washed off without losing many of the dispersed cells. No adverse effects on the cell viability and physiological responses were observed as revealed by calcium imaging. Furthermore, the enhanced attachment of the neurons, especially on the modified UNCD surfaces, was especially advantageous for the immunocytochemical procedures with the cell cultures. The cell losses during washing steps were significantly reduced by one order of magnitude in comparison to controls. In addition, the integration of a titanium grid structure under the UNCD films allowed for individual assignment of physiologically characterized neurons to immunocytochemically stained cells. Thus, employing UNCD surfaces free of foreign proteins improves cell culture protocols and immunocytochemistry with cultured cells. The fast and strong attachment of neurons was attributed to a favorable combination of topography, surface chemistry and wettability. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.164
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.03.092
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“Multianalytical study of patina formed on archaeological metal objects from Bliesbruck-Reinheim”. Wadsak M, Constantinides I, Vittiglio G, Adriaens A, Janssens K, Schreiner M, Adams FC, Brunella P, Wuttmann M, Microchimica acta 133, 159 (2000). http://doi.org/10.1007/S006040070086
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.58
DOI: 10.1007/S006040070086
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“A new sulfolane based solvent for CO₂, capture”. Wagaarachchige J, Idris Z, Kummamuru NB, Sætre KA, Halstensen M, Jens K-J, SSRN electronic journal (2021). http://doi.org/10.2139/SSRN.3817192
Abstract: This study presents novel sulfolane based non-aqueous CO2 capture solvents, as an alternative solution for capturing CO2 from industrial processes. In order to select the most promising amine system, five different amines were tested by monitoring CO2 absorption and desorption processes using the time-base Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. During absorption experiments, we observed the formation of Monomethyl Carbonate (MMC) in diisopropylamine (DIPA) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) systems, while carbamate was observed as the main product for the other three amine systems tested. In regeneration experiments, the MMC could be desorbed relatively easily from the amine solution at a mild temperature.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.2139/SSRN.3817192
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“Low-viscosity nonaqueous sulfolane–amine–methanol solvent blend for reversible CO2 capture”. Wagaarachchige JD, Idris Z, Arstad B, Kummamuru NB, Sætre KAS, Halstensen M, Jens K-J, Industrial and engineering chemistry research 61, 5942 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.IECR.1C04946
Abstract: In this work, the absorption–desorption performance of CO2 in six new solvent blends of amine (diisopropylamine (DPA), 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diethanolamine (DEA), diisopropanolamine (DIPA), and ethanolamine (MEA)), sulfolane, and methanol has been monitored using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, NMR-based species confirmation and solvent viscosity analysis were done for DPA solvent samples. The identified CO2 capture products are monomethyl carbonate (MMC), carbamate, carbonate, and bicarbonate anions in different ratios. The DPA solvent formed MMC entirely with 0.88 molCO2/molamine capture capacity, 0.48 molCO2/molamine cyclic capacity, and 3.28 mPa·s CO2-loaded solvent viscosity. MEA, DEA, DIPA, and MDEA were shown to produce a low or a negligible amount of MMC while AMP occupied an intermediate position.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.IECR.1C04946
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“Proton transport through nanoscale corrugations in two-dimensional crystals”. Wahab OJ, Daviddi E, Xin B, Sun PZ, Griffin E, Colburn AW, Barry D, Yagmurcukardes M, Peeters FM, Geim AK, Lozada-Hidalgo M, Unwin PR, Nature 620, 1 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41586-023-06247-6
Abstract: Defect-free graphene is impermeable to all atoms(1-5) and ions(6,7) under ambient conditions. Experiments that can resolve gas flows of a few atoms per hour through micrometre-sized membranes found that monocrystalline graphene is completely impermeable to helium, the smallest atom(2,5). Such membranes were also shown to be impermeable to all ions, including the smallest one, lithium(6,7). By contrast, graphene was reported to be highly permeable to protons, nuclei of hydrogen atoms(8,9). There is no consensus, however, either on the mechanism behind the unexpectedly high proton permeability(10-14) or even on whether it requires defects in graphene's crystal lattice(6,8,15-17). Here, using high-resolution scanning electrochemical cell microscopy, we show that, although proton permeation through mechanically exfoliated monolayers of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride cannot be attributed to any structural defects, nanoscale non-flatness of two-dimensional membranes greatly facilitates proton transport. The spatial distribution of proton currents visualized by scanning electrochemical cell microscopy reveals marked inhomogeneities that are strongly correlated with nanoscale wrinkles and other features where strain is accumulated. Our results highlight nanoscale morphology as an important parameter enabling proton transport through two-dimensional crystals, mostly considered and modelled as flat, and indicate that strain and curvature can be used as additional degrees of freedom to control the proton permeability of two-dimensional materials. A study using high-resolution scanning electrochemical cell microscopy attributes proton permeation through defect-free graphene and hexagonal boron nitride to transport across areas of the structure that are under strain.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 64.8
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1038/S41586-023-06247-6
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“Columnar defects and irreversibility lines in Ti-based superconductors”. Wahl A, Hervieu M, Van Tendeloo G, Hardy V, Provost J, Groult D, Simon C, Raveau B, Radiation effects and defects in solids 133, 293 (1995)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.513
Times cited: 11
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“Aerobes and phototrophs as microbial organic fertilizers : exploring mineralization, fertilization and plant protection features”. Wambacq E, Alloul A, Grunert O, Carrette J, Vermeir P, Spanoghe J, Sakarika M, Vlaeminck SE, Haesaert G, PLoS ONE 17, e0262497 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0262497
Abstract: Organic fertilizers and especially microbial biomass, also known as microbial fertilizer, can enable a paradigm shift to the conventional fertilizer-to-food chain, particularly when produced on secondary resources. Microbial fertilizers are already common practice (e.g. Bloom® and Synagro); yet microbial fertilizer blends to align the nutrient release profile to the plant’s needs are, thus far, unexplored. Moreover, most research only focuses on direct fertilization effects without considering added value properties, such as disease prevention. This study has explored three promising types of microbial fertilizers, namely dried biomass from a consortium of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, a microalga (Arthrospira platensis) and a purple non-sulfur bacterium (Rhodobacter sphaeroides). Mineralization and nitrification experiments showed that the nitrogen mineralization profile can be tuned to the plant’s needs by blending microbial fertilizers, without having toxic ammonium peaks. In a pot trial with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), the performance of microbial fertilizers was similar to the reference organic fertilizer, with cumulative dry matter yields of 5.6–6.7 g per pot. This was confirmed in a pot trial with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), showing an average total plant length of 90–99 cm after a growing period of 62 days for the reference organic fertilizer and the microbial fertilizers. Moreover, tomato plants artificially infected with powdery mildew (Oidium neolycopersici), a devastating disease for the horticultural industry, showed reduced disease symptoms when A. platensis was present in the growing medium. These findings strengthen the application potential of this novel class of organic fertilizers in the bioeconomy, with a promising match between nutrient mineralization and plant requirements as well as added value in crop protection.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0262497
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“Advanced TEM investigation of the plasticity mechanisms in nanocrystalline freestanding palladium films with nanoscale twins”. Wang B, Idrissi H, Galceran M, Colla MS, Turner S, Hui S, Raskin JP, Pardoen T, Godet S, Schryvers D, International journal of plasticity 37, 140 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijplas.2012.04.003
Abstract: Nanocrystalline palladium thin films deposited by electron-beam evaporation and deformed by on-chip tensile testing reveal a surprisingly large strain hardening capacity when considering the small similar to 25 nm grain size. The as-grown films contain several coherent single and multifold twin boundaries. The coherency of the twin boundaries considerably decreases with deformation due to dislocation/twin boundary interactions. These reactions are described based on a detailed analysis of the number and the type of dislocations located at the twin boundaries using high-resolution TEM, including aberration corrected microscopy. Sessile Frank dislocations were observed at the twin/matrix interfaces, explaining the loss of the TB coherency due to the Burgers vector pointing out of the twinning plane. Grain boundary mediated processes were excluded as a mechanism dominating the plastic deformation based on the investigation of the grain size distribution as well as the crystallographic texture using Automated Crystallographic Orientation Indexation TEM. Other factors influencing the plastic deformation such as impurities and the presence of a native passivation oxide layer at the surface of the films were investigated using analytical TEM. The twin boundaries observed in the present work partly explain the high strain hardening capacity by providing both increasing resistance to dislocation motion with deformation and a source for dislocation multiplication. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.702
Times cited: 44
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijplas.2012.04.003
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“Texture-dependent twin formation in nanocrystalline thin Pd films”. Wang B, Idrissi H, Shi H, Colla MS, Michotte S, Raskin JP, Pardoen T, Schryvers D, Scripta materialia 66, 866 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2012.01.038
Abstract: Nanocrystalline Pd films were produced by electron-beam evaporation and sputter deposition. The electron-beam-evaporated films reveal randomly oriented nanograins with a relatively high density of growth twins, unexpected in view of the high stacking fault energy of Pd. In contrast, sputter-deposited films show a clear 〈1 1 1〉 crystallographic textured nanostructure without twins. These results provide insightful information to guide the generation of microstructures with enhanced strength/ductility balance in high stacking fault energy nanocrystalline metallic thin films.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.747
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2012.01.038
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“Scalable synthesis of one-dimensional Na2Li2Ti6O14 nanofibers as ultrahigh rate capability anodes for lithium-ion batteries”. Wang C, Xin X, Shu M, Huang S, Zhang Y, Li X, Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers 6, 646 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8QI00973B
Abstract: Carbon anode materials for Li-ion batteries have been operated close to their theoretical rate and cycle limits. Therefore, titanium-based materials have attracted great attention due to their high stability. Here, Na2Li2Ti6O14 nanofibers as anode materials were prepared through a controlled electrospinning method. The Na2Li2Ti6O14 nanofibers presented superior electrochemical performance with high rate capability and long cycle life and can be regarded as a competitive anode candidate for advanced Li-ion batteries. One-dimensional (1D) Na2Li2Ti6O14 nanofibers are able to deliver a capacity of 128.5 mA h g(-1) at 0.5C, and demonstrate superior high-rate charge-discharge capability and cycling stability (the reversible charge capacity is 77.8 mA h g(-1) with a capacity retention of 99.45% at the rate of 10C after 800 cycles). The 1D structure is considered to contribute remarkably to increased rate capability and stability. This simple and scalable method indicates that the Na2Li2Ti6O14 nanofibers have a practical application potential for high performance lithium-ion batteries.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.036
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1039/C8QI00973B
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“Binary icosahedral clusters of hard spheres in spherical confinement”. Wang D, Dasgupta T, van der Wee EB, Zanaga D, Altantzis T, Wu Y, Coli GM, Murray CB, Bals S, Dijkstra M, van Blaaderen A, Nature Physics , 1 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41567-020-1003-9
Abstract: The influence of geometry on the local and global packing of particles is important to many fundamental and applied research themes, such as the structure and stability of liquids, crystals and glasses. Here we show by experiments and simulations that a binary mixture of hard-sphere-like nanoparticles crystallizing into a MgZn(2)Laves phase in bulk spontaneously forms icosahedral clusters in slowly drying droplets. Using advanced electron tomography, we are able to obtain the real-space coordinates of all the spheres in the icosahedral clusters of up to about 10,000 particles. The local structure of 70-80% of the particles became similar to that of the MgCu(2)Laves phase. These observations are important for photonic applications. In addition, we observed in simulations that the icosahedral clusters nucleated away from the spherical boundary, which is distinctly different from that of the single species clusters. Our findings open the way for particle-level studies of nucleation and growth of icosahedral clusters, and of binary crystallization. The authors investigate out-of-equilibrium crystallization of a binary mixture of sphere-like nanoparticles in small droplets. They observe the spontaneous formation of an icosahedral structure with stable MgCu(2)phases, which are promising for photonic applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 19.6
Times cited: 38
DOI: 10.1038/S41567-020-1003-9
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“Structural diversity in three-dimensional self-assembly of nanoplatelets by spherical confinement”. Wang D, Hermes M, Najmr S, Tasios N, Grau-Carbonell A, Liu Y, Bals S, Dijkstra M, Murray CB, van Blaaderen A, Nature communications 13, 6001 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41467-022-33616-Y
Abstract: Nanoplatelets offer many possibilities to construct advanced materials due to new properties associated with their (semi)two-dimensional shapes. However, precise control of both positional and orientational order of the nanoplatelets in three dimensions, which is required to achieve emerging and collective properties, is challenging to realize. Here, we combine experiments, advanced electron tomography and computer simulations to explore the structure of supraparticles self-assembled from nanoplatelets in slowly drying emulsion droplets. We demonstrate that the rich phase behaviour of nanoplatelets, and its sensitivity to subtle changes in shape and interaction potential can be used to guide the self-assembly into a wide range of different structures, offering precise control over both orientation and position order of the nanoplatelets. Our research is expected to shed light on the design of hierarchically structured metamaterials with distinct shape- and orientation- dependent properties. Nanoplatelets can be used as anisotropic building blocks for constructing novel optoelectronic materials. Here, Wang et al. show a route of assembling nanoplatelets with controllable positional and orientational order in three dimensions facilitated by the surface tension of drying emulsion droplets.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 16.6
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-022-33616-Y
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“Quantitative 3D real-space analysis of Laves phase supraparticles”. Wang D, van der Wee EB, Zanaga D, Altantzis T, Wu Y, Dasgupta T, Dijkstra M, Murray CB, Bals S, van Blaaderen A, Nature Communications 12, 3980 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41467-021-24227-0
Abstract: 3D real-space analysis of thick nanoparticle crystals is non-trivial. Here, the authors demonstrate the structural analysis of a bulk-like Laves phase by imaging an off-stoichiometric binary mixture of hard-sphere-like nanoparticles in spherical confinement by electron tomography, enabling defect analysis on the single-particle level. Assembling binary mixtures of nanoparticles into crystals, gives rise to collective properties depending on the crystal structure and the individual properties of both species. However, quantitative 3D real-space analysis of binary colloidal crystals with a thickness of more than 10 layers of particles has rarely been performed. Here we demonstrate that an excess of one species in the binary nanoparticle mixture suppresses the formation of icosahedral order in the self-assembly in droplets, allowing the study of bulk-like binary crystal structures with a spherical morphology also called supraparticles. As example of the approach, we show single-particle level analysis of over 50 layers of Laves phase binary crystals of hard-sphere-like nanoparticles using electron tomography. We observe a crystalline lattice composed of a random mixture of the Laves phases. The number ratio of the binary species in the crystal lattice matches that of a perfect Laves crystal. Our methodology can be applied to study the structure of a broad range of binary crystals, giving insights into the structure formation mechanisms and structure-property relations of nanomaterials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-021-24227-0
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“Tuning of the size and the lattice parameter of ion-beam synthesized Pb nanoparticles embedded in Si”. Wang H, Cuppens J, Biermans E, Bals S, Fernandez-Ballester L, Kvashnina KO, Bras W, van Bael MJ, Temst K, Vantomme A, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 45, 035301 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1088/0022-3727/45/3/035301
Abstract: The size and lattice constant evolution of Pb nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by high fluence implantation in crystalline Si have been studied with a variety of experimental techniques. Results obtained from small-angle x-ray scattering showed that the Pb NPs grow with increasing implantation fluence and annealing duration. The theory of NP growth kinetics can be applied to qualitatively explain the size evolution of the Pb NPs during the implantation and annealing processes. Moreover, the lattice constant of the Pb NPs was evaluated by conventional x-ray diffraction. The lattice dilatation was observed to decrease with increasing size of the Pb NPs. Such lattice constant tuning can be attributed to the pseudomorphism caused by the lattice mismatch between the Pb NPs and the Si matrix.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/45/3/035301
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“Blue energy conversion from holey-graphene-like membranes with a high density of subnanometer pores”. Wang H, Su L, Yagmurcukardes M, Chen J, Jiang Y, Li Z, Quan A, Peeters FM, Wang C, Geim AK, Hu S, Nano Letters 20, 8634 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.0C03342
Abstract: Blue energy converts the chemical potential difference from salinity gradients into electricity via reverse electrodialysis and provides a renewable source of clean energy. To achieve high energy conversion efficiency and power density, nanoporous membrane materials with both high ionic conductivity and ion selectivity are required. Here, we report ion transport through a network of holey-graphene-like sheets made by bottom-up polymerization. The resulting ultrathin membranes provide controlled pores of <10 angstrom in diameter with an estimated density of about 10(12) cm(-2). The pores' interior contains NH2 groups that become electrically charged with varying pH and allow tunable ion selectivity. Using the holey-graphene-like membranes, we demonstrate power outputs reaching hundreds of watts per square meter. The work shows a viable route toward creating membranes with high-density angstrom-scale pores, which can be used for energy generation, ion separation, and related technologies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 10.8
Times cited: 43
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.0C03342
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“Molecular collapse in graphene: Sublattice symmetry effect”. Wang J, Andelkovic M, Wang G, Peeters FM, Physical Review B 102, 064108 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.102.064108
Abstract: Atomic collapse can be observed in graphene because of its large “effective” fine structure constant, which enables this phenomenon to occur for an impurity charge as low as Z(c) similar to 1-2. Here we investigate the effect of the sublattice symmetry on molecular collapse in two spatially separated charge tunable vacancies, which are located on the same (A-A type) or different (A-B type) sublattices. We find that the broken sublattice symmetry: (1) does not affect the location of the main bonding and antibonding molecular collapse peaks, (2) but shifts the position of the satellite peaks, because they are a consequence of the breaking of the local sublattice symmetry, and (3) there are vacancy characteristic collapse peaks that only occur for A-B type vacancies, which can be employed to distinguish them experimentally from the A-A type. As the charge, energy, and separation distance increase, the additional collapse features merge with the main molecular collapse peaks. We show that the spatial distribution around the vacancy site of the collapse states allows us to differentiate the molecular from the frustrated collapse.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.102.064108
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“Metal-insulator transition of SrVO 3 ultrathin films embedded in SrVO 3 / SrTiO 3 superlattices”. Wang J, Gauquelin N, Huijben M, Verbeeck J, Rijnders G, Koster G, Applied Physics Letters 117, 133105 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0020615
Abstract: The metal-insulator transition (MIT) in strongly correlated oxides is a topic of great interest for its potential applications, such as Mott field effect transistors and sensors. We report that the MIT in high quality epitaxial SrVO3 (SVO) thin films is present as the film thickness is reduced, lowering the dimensionality of the system, and electron-electron correlations start to become the dominant interactions. The critical thickness of 3 u.c is achieved by avoiding effects due to off-stoichiometry using optimal growth conditions and excluding any surface effects by a STO capping layer. Compared to the single SVO thin films, conductivity enhancement in SVO/STO superlattices is observed. This can be explained by the interlayer coupling effect between SVO sublayers in the superlattices. Magnetoresistance and Hall measurements indicate that the dominant driving force of MIT is the electron–electron interaction.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1063/5.0020615
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“On the importance of the work function and electron carrier density of oxide electrodes for the functional properties of ferroelectric capacitors”. Wang J, Nguyen MD, Gauquelin N, Verbeeck J, Do MT, Koster G, Rijnders G, Houwman E, Physica Status Solidi-Rapid Research Letters 14, 1900520 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1002/PSSR.201900520
Abstract: It is important to understand the effect of the interfaces between the oxide electrode layers and the ferroelectric layer on the polarization response for optimizing the device performance of all-oxide ferroelectric devices. Herein, the effects of the oxide La0.07Ba0.93SnO3 (LBSO) as an electrode material in an PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT) ferroelectric capacitor are compared with those of the more commonly used SrRuO3 (SRO) electrode. SRO (top)/PZT/SRO (bottom), SRO/PZT/LBSO, and SRO/PZT/2 nm SRO/LBSO devices are fabricated. Only marginal differences in crystalline properties, determined by X-ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy, are found. High-quality polarization loops are obtained, but with a much larger coercive field for the SRO/PZT/LBSO device. In contrast to the SRO/PZT/SRO device, the polarization decreases strongly with increasing field cycling. This fatigue problem can be remedied by inserting a 2 nm SRO layer between PZT and LBSO. It is argued that strongly increased charge injection into the PZT occurs at the bottom interface, because of the low PZT/LBSO interfacial barrier and the much lower carrier density in LBSO, as compared with that in SRO, causing a low dielectric constant, depleted layer in LBSO. The charge injection creates a trapped space charge in the PZT, causing the difference in fatigue behavior.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.8
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1002/PSSR.201900520
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“Physical properties of epitaxial SrMnO2.5−δFγoxyfluoride films”. Wang J, Shin Y, Gauquelin N, Yang Y, Lee C, Jannis D, Verbeeck J, Rondinelli JM, May SJ, Journal of physics : condensed matter 31, 365602 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-648X/ab2414
Abstract: Recently, topotactic fluorination has become an alternative way of doping epitaxial perovskite oxides through anion substitution to engineer their electronic properties instead of the more commonly used cation substitution. In this work, epitaxial oxyfluoride SrMnO2.5−δ F γ films were synthesized via topotactic fluorination of SrMnO2.5 films using polytetrafluoroethylene as the fluorine source. Oxidized SrMnO3 films were also prepared for comparison with the fluorinated samples. The F content, probed by x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, was systematically controlled by adjusting fluorination conditions. Electronic transport measurements reveal that increased F content (up to γ = 0.14) systematically increases the electrical resistivity, despite the nominal electron-doping induced by F substitution for O in these films. In contrast, oxidized SrMnO3 exhibits a decreased resistivity and conduction activation energy. A blue-shift of optical absorption features occurs with increasing F content. Density functional theory calculations indicate that F acts as a scattering center for electronic transport, controls the observed weak ferromagnetic behavior of the films, and reduces the inter-band optical transitions in the manganite films. These results stand in contrast to bulk electron-doped La1−x Ce x MnO3, illustrating how aliovalent anionic substitutions can yield physical behavior distinct from A-site substituted perovskites with the same nominal B-site oxidation states.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1088/1361-648X/ab2414
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