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Author (up) Bals, S.; Kilaas, R.; Kisielowski, C.
Title Nonlinear imaging using annular dark field TEM Type A1 Journal article
Year 2005 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 104 Issue 3/4 Pages 281-289
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Annular dark field TEM images exhibit a dominant mass-thickness contrast that can be quantified to extract single atom scattering cross sections. On top of this incoherent background, additional lattice fringes appear with a nonlinear information limit of 1.2 angstrom at 150 kV. The formation of these fringes is described by coherent nonlinear imaging theory and good agreement is found between experimental and simulated images. Calculations furthermore predict that the use of aberration corrected microscopes will improve the image quality dramatically. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000231297100012 Publication Date 2005-06-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 15 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2005 IF: 2.490
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:64685 Serial 2352
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Kisielowski, C.; Croitoru, M.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title Tomography using annular dark field imaging in TEM Type A3 Journal article
Year 2005 Publication Microscopy and microanalysis Abbreviated Journal
Volume 11 Issue S Pages 2118-2119
Keywords A3 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 0000-00-00
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:54880 Serial 3672
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Radmilovic, V.; Kisielowski, C.
Title TEM annular objective apertures fabricated by FIB Type A1 Journal article
Year 2004 Publication Microscopy and microanalysis Abbreviated Journal Microsc Microanal
Volume 10 Issue S:2 Pages 1148-1149
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge, Mass. Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2008-01-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1431-9276;1435-8115; ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 1.891 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.891; 2004 IF: 2.389
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:87603 Serial 3475
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Rijnders, G.; Blank, D.H.A.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title TEM of ultra-thin DyBa2Cu3O7-x films deposited on TiO2 terminated SrTiO3 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2001 Publication Physica: C : superconductivity Abbreviated Journal Physica C
Volume 355 Issue 3/4 Pages 225-230
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Using pulsed laser deposition ultra-thin DyBa2Cu3O7-x films were deposited on a single terminated (0 0 1) SrTiOr(3) substrate. The initial growth was studied by high-resolution electron microscopy. Two different types of interface arrangements occur and were determined as: bulk-SrO-TiO2-BaO-CuO-BaO-CuO2-Dy-CuO2-BaO bulk and bulk-SrO-TiO2-BaO-CuO2-Dy-CuO2-BaO-CuO-BaO-bulk This variable growth sequence causes structural shifts, resulting in antiphase boundaries with displacement vector R = [0 0 1/3]. as well as local chemical variations. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000169479500006 Publication Date 2002-07-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-4534; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.404 Times cited 26 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.404; 2001 IF: 0.806
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:54793 Serial 3484
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Stes, A.; Celis, V.
Title Klassieke toetsing in de praktijk Type H2 Book chapter
Year 2009 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 211-225
Keywords H2 Book chapter; Educational sciences; EduBROn; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher LannooCampus Place of Publication Leuven Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 0000-00-00
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978 90 209 8819 2 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:79658 Serial 1762
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Tirry, W.; Geurts, R.; Yang, Z.; Schryvers, D.
Title High-quality sample preparation by low kV FIB thinning for analytical TEM measurements Type A1 Journal article
Year 2007 Publication Microscopy and microanalysis Abbreviated Journal Microsc Microanal
Volume 13 Issue 2 Pages 80-86
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Focused ion beam specimen preparation has been used for NiTi samples and SrTiO(3)/SrRuO(3) multilayers with prevention of surface amorphization and Ga implantation by a 2-kV cleaning procedure. Transmission electron microscopy techniques show that the samples are of high quality with a controlled thickness over large scales. Furthermore, preferential thinning effects in multicompounds are avoided, which is important when analytical transmission electron microscopy measurements need to be interpreted in a quantitative manner. The results are compared to similar measurements acquired for samples obtained using conventional preparation techniques such as electropolishing for alloys and ion milling for oxides.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge, Mass. Editor
Language Wos 000245662200002 Publication Date 2007-03-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1431-9276;1435-8115; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.891 Times cited 82 Open Access
Notes Fwo; Goa Approved Most recent IF: 1.891; 2007 IF: 1.941
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:65850 Serial 1441
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Van Aert, S.; Romero, C.P.; Lauwaet, K.; Van Bael, M.J.; Schoeters, B.; Partoens, B.; Yuecelen, E.; Lievens, P.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title Atomic scale dynamics of ultrasmall germanium clusters Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun
Volume 3 Issue 897 Pages 897
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Starting from the gas phase, small clusters can be produced and deposited with huge flexibility with regard to composition, materials choice and cluster size. Despite many advances in experimental characterization, a detailed morphology of such clusters is still lacking. Here we present an atomic scale observation as well as the dynamical behaviour of ultrasmall germanium clusters. Using quantitative scanning transmission electron microscopy in combination with ab initio calculations, we are able to characterize the transition between different equilibrium geometries of a germanium cluster consisting of less than 25 atoms. Seven-membered rings, trigonal prisms and some smaller subunits are identified as possible building blocks that stabilize the structure.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000306099900024 Publication Date 2012-06-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2041-1723; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 90 Open Access
Notes Fwo; Iap; Iwt Approved Most recent IF: 12.124; 2012 IF: 10.015
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:100340 Serial 183
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Van Aert, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title High resolution electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Current opinion in solid state and materials science Abbreviated Journal Curr Opin Solid St M
Volume 17 Issue 3 Pages 107-114
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Reaching atomic resolution in 3D has been the ultimate goal in the field of electron tomography for many years. Significant progress, both on the theoretical as well as the experimental side has recently resulted in several exciting examples demonstrating the ability to visualise atoms in 3D. In this paper, we will review the different steps that have pushed the resolution in 3D to the atomic level. A broad range of methodologies and practical examples together with their impact on materials science will be discussed. Finally, we will provide an outlook and will describe future challenges in the field of high resolution electron tomography.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication London Editor
Language Wos 000323869800003 Publication Date 2013-03-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1359-0286; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.938 Times cited 24 Open Access
Notes Fwo; 312483 Esteem; Countatoms; Approved Most recent IF: 6.938; 2013 IF: 7.167
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:109454 Serial 1457
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Van Aert, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Avila-Brande, D.
Title Statistical estimation of atomic positions from exit wave reconstruction with a precision in the picometer range Type A1 Journal article
Year 2006 Publication Physical review letters Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev Lett
Volume 96 Issue 9 Pages 096106,1-4
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The local structure of Bi4W2/3Mn1/3O8Cl is determined using quantitative transmission electron microscopy. The electron exit wave, which is closely related to the projected crystal potential, is reconstructed and used as a starting point for statistical parameter estimation. This method allows us to refine all atomic positions on a local scale, including those of the light atoms, with a precision in the picometer range. Using this method one is no longer restricted to the information limit of the electron microscope. Our results are in good agreement with x-ray powder diffraction data demonstrating the reliability of the method. Moreover, it will be shown that local effects can be interpreted using this approach.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000235905700042 Publication Date 2006-03-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0031-9007;1079-7114; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.462 Times cited 69 Open Access
Notes Fwo; Iap V Approved Most recent IF: 8.462; 2006 IF: 7.072
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:56977 Serial 3154
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Van Aert, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; van Dyck, D.; Avila-Brande, D.
Title Statistical estimation of oxygen atomic positions eith sub Ångstrom precision from exit wave reconstruction Type A3 Journal article
Year 2005 Publication Microscopy and microanalysis Abbreviated Journal
Volume 11 Issue S Pages 556-557
Keywords A3 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 0000-00-00
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:54881 Serial 3155
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Van Aert, S.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title Structural, chemical and electronic characterization of ceramic materials using quantitative (scanning) transmission electron microscopy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2007 Publication Microscopy and microanalysis Abbreviated Journal Microsc Microanal
Volume 13 Issue S:3 Pages 332-333
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge, Mass. Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2008-02-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1431-9276;1435-8115; ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 1.891 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.891; 2007 IF: 1.941
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:96553 Serial 3224
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Kisielowski, C.
Title A new approach for electron tomography: annular dark-field transmission electron microscopy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2006 Publication Advanced materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Mater
Volume 18 Issue 7 Pages 892-895
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Annular dark-field transmission electron microscopy uses an annular objective aperture that blocks the central beam and all electrons scattered up to a certain serniangle. A contrast suitable for electron tomography is generated and 3D reconstructions of CdTe tetrapods and C nanotubes (see figure) are successfully obtained. With short exposure times and high contrast, the technique could be useful not only for materials science, but also for biological applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor
Language Wos 000236950500013 Publication Date 2006-03-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0935-9648;1521-4095; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 19.791 Times cited 53 Open Access
Notes Fwo Approved Most recent IF: 19.791; 2006 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:58258 Serial 2306
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Rijnders, G.; Blank, D.H.A.; Leca, V.; Salluzzo, M.
Title Optimisation of superconducting thin films by TEM Type A1 Journal article
Year 2002 Publication Physica: C : superconductivity Abbreviated Journal Physica C
Volume 372/376 Issue part 2 Pages 711-714
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract High-resolution electron microscopy is used to study the initial growth of different REBa2CU3O7-5 thin films. In DyBa2CU3O7-5 ultra-thin films, deposited on TiO2 terminated SrTiO3, two different types of interface arrangements occur: bulk-SrO-TiO2-BaO-CuO-BaO-CuO2-Dy-CuO2-BaO-bulk and bulk-SrO-TiO2-BaO-CuO2-Dy-CuO2-BaO-CuO-BaO-bulk. This variable growth sequence is the origin of the presence of antiphase boundaries. In Nd1+xBa2-xCu3O7-5 thin films, antiphase boundaries tend to annihilate by the insertion of extra Nd-layers. This annihilation is correlated with the flat morphology of the film and the absence of growth spirals at the surface of the Nd-rich films. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000178018800033 Publication Date 2002-08-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-4534; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.404 Times cited 6 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.404; 2002 IF: 0.912
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:54796 Serial 2485
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Rijnders, G.; Huijben, M.; Leca, V.; Blank, D.H.A.
Title Transmission electron microscopy on interface engineered superconducting thin films Type A1 Journal article
Year 2003 Publication IEEE transactions on applied superconductivity Abbreviated Journal Ieee T Appl Supercon
Volume 13 Issue 2:3 Pages 2834-2837
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Transmission electron microscopy is used to evaluate different deposition techniques, which optimize the microstructure and physical properties of superconducting thin films. High-resolution electron microscopy proves that the use of an YBa2Cu2Ox buffer layer can avoid a variable interface configuration in YBa2Cu3O7-delta thin films grown on SrTiO3. The growth can also be controlled at an atomic level by, using sub-unit cell layer epitaxy, which results in films with high quality and few structural defects. Epitaxial strain in Sr0.85La0.15CuO2 infinite layer thin films influences the critical temperature of these films, as well as the microstructure. Compressive stress is released by a modulated or a twinned microstructure, which eliminates superconductivity. On the other hand, also tensile strain seems to lower the critical temperature of the infinite layer.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000184242400101 Publication Date 2003-07-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1051-8223; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 13 Open Access
Notes Iuap V-1; Fwo Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:103292 Serial 3712
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Salluzzo, M.; Maggio-Aprile, I.
Title Why are sputter deposited Nd1+xBa2-xCu3O7-\delta thin films flatter than NdBa2Cu3O7-\delta films? Type A1 Journal article
Year 2001 Publication Applied physics letters Abbreviated Journal Appl Phys Lett
Volume 79 Issue 22 Pages 3660-3662
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract High-resolution electron microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy have been used to compare the microstructure of NdBa2Cu3O7-delta and Nd1+xBa2-xCu3O7-delta thin films. Both films contain comparable amounts of Nd2CuO4 inclusions. Antiphase boundaries are induced by unit cell high steps at the substrate or by a different interface stacking. In Nd1+xBa2-xCu3O7-delta the antiphase boundaries tend to annihilate by the insertion of extra Nd layers. Stacking faults, which can be characterized as local Nd2Ba2Cu4O9 inclusions, also absorb the excess Nd. A correlation is made between the excess Nd and the absence of growth spirals at the surface of the Nd-rich films. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher American Institute of Physics Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language Wos 000172204400034 Publication Date 2002-07-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-6951; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.411 Times cited 13 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.411; 2001 IF: 3.849
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:54801 Serial 3916
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Author (up) Bals, S.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Liu, Y.-L.; Grivel, J.-C.
Title Quantitative electron microscopy of (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+\delta/Ag multifilament tapes during initial stages of annealing Type A1 Journal article
Year 2005 Publication Journal of the American Ceramic Society Abbreviated Journal J Am Ceram Soc
Volume 88 Issue 2 Pages 431-436
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The microstructural and compositional evolution during initial annealing of a superconducting (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+delta/Ag tape is studied using quantitative transmission electron microscopy. Special attention is devoted to the occurrence of Pb-rich liquids, which are crucial for the Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta to (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+delta transformation. Ca and/or Pb-rich (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2CaCu2O8+delta grains dissolve into a liquid, which reacts with Ca-rich phases to increase the liquid's Ca-content. This leads to (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+delta formation. Apparently, a Ca/Sr ratio of around I is sufficient to keep (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+delta nucleation going. It is confirmed that Ag particles are transported from the Ag-sheath into the oxide core by the liquid and not by mechanical treatment of the tape.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Columbus, Ohio Editor
Language Wos 000227510200030 Publication Date 2005-02-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0002-7820;1551-2916; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.841 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.841; 2005 IF: 1.586
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:54876UA @ admin @ c:irua:54876 Serial 2754
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Author (up) Barhoum, A.; Van Assche, G.; Rahier, H.; Fleisch, M.; Bals, S.; Delplancked, M.-P.; Leroux, F.; Bahnemann, D.
Title Sol-gel hot injection synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles into a porous silica matrix and reaction mechanism Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Materials & design Abbreviated Journal Mater Design
Volume 119 Issue 119 Pages 270-276
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Despite the enormous interest in the properties and applications of porous silica matrix, only a few attempts have been reported to deposit metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) inside the porous silica matrix. We report a simple approach (i.e. sol-gel hot injection) for insitu synthesis of ZnO NPs inside a porous silica matrix. Control of the Zn:Si molar ratio, reaction temperature, pH value, and annealing temperature permits formation of ZnO NPs (<= 10 nm) inside a porous silica particles, without additives or organic solvents. Results revealed that a solid state reaction inside the ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites occurs with increasing the annealing temperature. The reaction of ZnO NPs with SiO2 matrix was insignificant up to approximately 500 degrees C. However, ZnO NPs react strongly with the silica matrix when the nanocomposites are annealed at temperatures above 700 degrees C. Extensive annealing of the ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposite at 900 degrees C yields 3D structures made of 500 nm rod-like, 5-7 pm tube-like and 35 pm needle-like Zn2SiO4 crystals. A possible mechanism for forming ZnO NPs inside porous silica matrix and phase transformation of the ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites into 3D architectures of Zn2SiO4 are carefully discussed. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000397360000030 Publication Date 2017-01-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0264-1275 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.364 Times cited 43 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes ; A.B. would like to thank FWO – Research Foundation Flanders (grant no. V450315N) and the Strategic Initiative Materials in Flanders (SBO-project no. 130529 – INSITU) for financial support. TEM and TEM-EDX analyses were performed by Dr. F. Leroux (EMAT, Universiteit Antwerpen). XRD and DSC measurements were performed by T. Segato (4MAT, Universite Libre de Bruxelles). Notes: the authors declare no competing for financial interest. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.364
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:142394UA @ admin @ c:irua:142394 Serial 4689
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Author (up) Barreca, D.; Carraro, G.; Gasparotto, A.; Maccato, C.; Altantzis, T.; Sada, C.; Kaunisto, K.; Ruoko, T.-P.; Bals, S.
Title Vapor Phase Fabrication of Nanoheterostructures Based on ZnO for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Advanced Materials Interfaces Abbreviated Journal Adv Mater Interfaces
Volume 4 Issue 4 Pages 1700161
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Nanoheterostructures based on metal oxide semiconductors have emerged

as promising materials for the conversion of sunlight into chemical energy.

In the present study, ZnO-based nanocomposites have been developed by

a hybrid vapor phase route, consisting in the chemical vapor deposition

of ZnO systems on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates, followed by the

functionalization with Fe2O3 or WO3 via radio frequency-sputtering. The

target systems are subjected to thermal treatment in air both prior and after

sputtering, and their properties, including structure, chemical composition,

morphology, and optical absorption, are investigated by a variety of characterization

methods. The obtained results evidence the formation of highly

porous ZnO nanocrystal arrays, conformally covered by an ultrathin Fe2O3

or WO3 overlayer. Photocurrent density measurements for solar-triggered

water splitting reveal in both cases a performance improvement with respect

to bare zinc oxide, that is mainly traced back to an enhanced separation of

photogenerated charge carriers thanks to the intimate contact between the

two oxides. This achievement can be regarded as a valuable result in view of

future optimization of similar nanoheterostructured photoanodes.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000411525700007 Publication Date 2017-05-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2196-7350 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.279 Times cited 30 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors kindly acknowledge the financial support under Padova University ex-60% 2013–2016, P-DiSC #SENSATIONAL BIRD2016- UNIPD projects and the post-doc fellowship ACTION. S.B. acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (Starting Grant No. COLOURATOM 335078) and T.A. acknowledges funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through a postdoctoral grant. Many thanks are also due to Dr. Rosa Calabrese (Department of Chemistry, Padova University, Italy) for experimental assistance. (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); saraecas; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 4.279
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:146104UA @ admin @ c:irua:146104 Serial 4731
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Author (up) Batenburg, K.J.; Bals, S.; Sijbers, J.; Kübel, C.; Midgley, P.A.; Hernandez, J.C.; Kaiser, U.; Encina, E.R.; Coronado, E.A.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title 3D imaging of nanomaterials by discrete tomography Type A1 Journal article
Year 2009 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 109 Issue 6 Pages 730-740
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Abstract The field of discrete tomography focuses on the reconstruction of samples that consist of only a few different materials. Ideally, a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of such a sample should contain only one grey level for each of the compositions in the sample. By exploiting this property in the reconstruction algorithm, either the quality of the reconstruction can be improved significantly, or the number of required projection images can be reduced. The discrete reconstruction typically contains fewer artifacts and does not have to be segmented, as it already contains one grey level for each composition. Recently, a new algorithm, called discrete algebraic reconstruction technique (DART), has been proposed that can be used effectively on experimental electron tomography datasets. In this paper, we propose discrete tomography as a general reconstruction method for electron tomography in materials science. We describe the basic principles of DART and show that it can be applied successfully to three different types of samples, consisting of embedded ErSi2 nanocrystals, a carbon nanotube grown from a catalyst particle and a single gold nanoparticle, respectively.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000265816400005 Publication Date 2009-02-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 220 Open Access
Notes Fwo; Esteem 026019 Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2009 IF: 2.067
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:74665 c:irua:74665 Serial 12
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Author (up) Batenburg, K.J.; Bals, S.; Sijbers, J.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title DART explained: how to carry out a discrete tomography reconstruction Type P1 Proceeding
Year 2008 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 295-296
Keywords P1 Proceeding; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Springer Place of Publication Berlin Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 0000-00-00
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 978-3-540-85154-7 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:77914 Serial 606
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Author (up) Batenburg, K.J.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S.; Roelandts, T.; Sijbers, J.
Title Ultra-high resolution electron tomography for materials science : a roadmap Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication Microscopy and microanalysis Abbreviated Journal Microsc Microanal
Volume 17 Issue S:2 Pages 934-935
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge, Mass. Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2011-10-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1431-9276;1435-8115; ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 1.891 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.891; 2011 IF: 3.007
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:96554 Serial 3792
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Author (up) Beckwee, E.J.; Watson, G.; Houlleberghs, M.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bals, S.; Van Der Voort, P.; Breynaert, E.; Martens, J.; Baron, G.V.; Denayer, J.F.M.
Title Enabling hydrate-based methane storage under mild operating conditions by periodic mesoporous organosilica nanotubes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Heliyon Abbreviated Journal
Volume 9 Issue 7 Pages e17662-14
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Biomethane is a renewable natural gas substitute produced from biogas. Storage of this sustainable energy vector in confined clathrate hydrates, encapsulated in the pores of a host material, is a highly promising avenue to improve storage capacity and energy efficiency. Herein, a new type of periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) nanotubes, referred to as hollow ring PMO (HR-PMO), capable of promoting methane clathrate hydrate formation under mild working conditions (273 K, 3.5 MPa) and at high water loading (5.1 g water/g HR-PMO) is reported. Gravimetric uptake measurements reveal a steep single-stepped isotherm and a noticeably high methane storage capacity (0.55 g methane/g HR-PMO; 0.11 g methane/g water at 3.5 MPa). The large working capacity throughout consecutive pressure-induced clathrate hydrate formationdissociation cycles demonstrates the material's excellent recyclability (97% preservation of capacity). Supported by ex situ cryo-electron tomography and x-ray diffraction, HR-PMO nanotubes are hypothesized to promote clathrate hydrate nucleation and growth by distribution and confinement of water in the mesopores of their outer wall, along the central channels of the nanotubes and on the external nanotube surface. These findings showcase the potential for application of organosilica materials with hierarchical and interconnected pore systems for pressure-based storage of biomethane in confined clathrate hydrates.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001056264100001 Publication Date 2023-06-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2405-8440 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes E.J.B., G.W. and M.H. contributed equally to this work. M.H. acknowledges FWO for an FWO-SB fellowship. All authors acknowledge VLAIO for Moonshot funding (ARCLATH, n ? HBC.2019.0110, ARCLATH2, n ? HBC.2021.0254) . J.A.M. acknowledges the Flemish Government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem) and department EWI for infrastructure investment via the Hermes Fund (AH.2016.134) . NMRCoRe acknowledges the Flemish government, department EWI for financial support as International Research Infrastructure (I001321N: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Platform for Molecular Water Research) . J.A.M. acknowledges the European Research Council (ERC) for an Advanced Research Grant under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 834134 (WATUSO) . S.B acknowledges financial support by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO grant G.0381.16N) . This project also received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 731019 (EUSMI) and No 815128 (REALNANO) . Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199249 Serial 8862
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Author (up) Ben Dkhil, S.; Perkhun, P.; Luo, C.; Mueller, D.; Alkarsifi, R.; Barulina, E.; Quiroz, Y.A.A.; Margeat, O.; Dubas, S.T.; Koganezawa, T.; Kuzuhara, D.; Yoshimoto, N.; Caddeo, C.; Mattoni, A.; Zimmermann, B.; Wuerfel, U.; Pfannmöller, M.; Bals, S.; Ackermann, J.; Videlot-Ackermann, C.
Title Direct correlation of nanoscale morphology and device performance to study photocurrent generation in donor-enriched phases of polymer solar cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Acs Applied Materials & Interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter
Volume 12 Issue 25 Pages 28404-28415
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The nanoscale morphology of polymer blends is a key parameter to reach high efficiency in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Thereby, research typically focusing on optimal blend morphologies while studying nonoptimized blends may give insight into blend designs that can prove more robust against morphology defects. Here, we focus on the direct correlation of morphology and device performance of thieno[3,4-b]-thiophene-alt-benzodithiophene (PTB7):[6,6]phenyl C-71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) bulk heterojunction (BHJ) blends processed without additives in different donor/acceptor weight ratios. We show that while blends of a 1:1.5 ratio are composed of large donor-enriched and fullerene domains beyond the exciton diffusion length, reducing the ratio below 1:0.5 leads to blends composed purely of polymer-enriched domains. Importantly, the photocurrent density in such blends can reach values between 45 and 60% of those reached for fully optimized blends using additives. We provide here direct visual evidence that fullerenes in the donor-enriched domains are not distributed homogeneously but fluctuate locally. To this end, we performed compositional nanoscale morphology analysis of the blend using spectroscopic imaging of low-energy-loss electrons using a transmission electron microscope. Charge transport measurement in combination with molecular dynamics simulations shows that the fullerene substructures inside the polymer phase generate efficient electron transport in the polymer-enriched phase. Furthermore, we show that the formation of densely packed regions of fullerene inside the polymer phase is driven by the PTB7:PC71BM enthalpy of mixing. The occurrence of such a nanoscale network of fullerene clusters leads to a reduction of electron trap states and thus efficient extraction of photocurrent inside the polymer domain. Suitable tuning of the polymer-acceptor interaction can thus introduce acceptor subnetworks in polymer-enriched phases, improving the tolerance for high-efficiency BHJ toward morphological defects such as donor-enriched domains exceeding the exciton diffusion length.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000543780900058 Publication Date 2020-06-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; J.A., O.M., and C.V.-A. acknowledge financial support by the French Fond Unique Interministeriel (FUI) under the project “SFUMATO” (Grant Number: F1110019V/ 201308815) as well as by the European Commission under the Project “SUNFLOWER” (FP7-ICT-2011-7, Grant Number: 287594). J.A., C.V.-A., and E.B. acknowledge the Association Nationale de la Recherche et de la Technologie (ANRT) and the Ministere de l'Enseignement Superieur, de la Recherche et de l'Innovation, awarded through the company Dracula Technologies (Valence, France), for framework of a CIFRE Ph.D. grant 2017/0529. J.A. and P.P. received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant agreement no. 713750. They further acknowledge support of the Regional Council of Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, A*MIDEX (no. ANR-11-IDEX-0001-02), and the Investissements d'Avenir project funded by the French Government, managed by the French National Research Agency (ANR). J.A. and Y.A.A.Q. acknowledge the French Research Agency for funding through the project NFA-15 (ANR-17-CE05-0020-01). N.Y. acknowledges that the synchrotron radiation experiments were performed at BL19B2 in SPring-8 with the approval of Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI) (proposal nos. 2017B1629 and 2018B1791). S.B. acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant 815128-REALNANO) and from FWO (G.0381.16N). M.P. gratefully acknowledges funding by the Ministerium fur Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Wurttemberg through the HEiKA materials research centre FunTECH-3D (MWK, 33-753-30-20/3/3) and the Large-Scale-Data-Facility (LSDF) sds@hd through grant INST 35/1314-1 FUGG. A.M. acknowledges Italian MIUR for funding through the project PON04a2 00490 M2M Netergit, PRACE, for awarding access to Marconi KNL at CINECA, Italy, through projects DECONVOLVES (2018184466) and PROVING-IL (2019204911). C.C. acknowledges the CINECA award under the ISCRA initiative for the availability of high-performance computing resources and support (project MITOMASC). ; sygma Approved Most recent IF: 9.5; 2020 IF: 7.504
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:170703 Serial 6484
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Author (up) Ben Dkhil, S.; Pfannmöller, M.; Ata, I.; Duche, D.; Gaceur, M.; Koganezawa, T.; Yoshimoto, N.; Simon, J.-J.; Escoubas, L.; Videlot-Ackermann, C.; Margeat, O.; Bals, S.; Bauerle, P.; Ackermann, J.
Title Time evolution studies of dithieno[3,2-b:2 ',3 '-d] pyrrole-based A-D-A oligothiophene bulk heterojunctions during solvent vapor annealing towards optimization of photocurrent generation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A
Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 1005-1013
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Solvent vapor annealing (SVA) is one of the main techniques to improve the morphology of bulk heterojunction solar cells using oligomeric donors. In this report, we study time evolution of nanoscale morphological changes in bulk heterojunctions based on a well-studied dithienopyrrole-based A-D-A oligothiophene (dithieno[3,2-b: 2',3'-d] pyrrole named here 1) blended with [6,6]-phenyl-C-71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) to increase photocurrent density by combining scanning transmission electron microscopy and low-energy-loss spectroscopy. Our results show that SVA transforms the morphology of 1 : PC71BM blends by a three-stage mechanism: highly intermixed phases evolve into nanostructured bilayers that correspond to an optimal blend morphology. Additional SVA leads to completely phaseseparated micrometer-sized domains. Optical spacers were used to increase light absorption inside optimized 1 : PC71BM blends leading to solar cells of 7.74% efficiency but a moderate photocurrent density of 12.3 mA cm (-2). Quantum efficiency analyses reveal that photocurrent density is mainly limited by losses inside the donor phase. Indeed, optimized 1 : PC71BM blends consist of large donor-enriched domains not optimal for exciton to photocurrent conversion. Shorter SVA times lead to smaller domains; however they are embedded in large mixed phases suggesting that introduction of stronger molecular packing may help us to better balance phase separation and domain size enabling more efficient bulk heterojunction solar cells.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000394430800018 Publication Date 2016-11-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 19 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes ; We acknowledge financial support by the French Fond Unique Interministeriel (FUI) under the project “SFUMATO” (Grant number: F1110019V/201308815) as well as by the European Commission under the Project “SUNFLOWER” (FP7-ICT-2011-7, Grant number: 287594). The synchrotron radiation experiments were performed at BL19B2 in SPring-8 with the approval of Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI) (Proposal No. 2016A1568). We further acknowledge financial support via ERC Starting Grant Colouratoms (335078). ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.867
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:142602UA @ admin @ c:irua:142602 Serial 4695
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Author (up) Ben Dkhil, S.; Pfannmöller, M.; Bals, S.; Koganezawa, T.; Yoshimoto, N.; Hannani, D.; Gaceur, M.; Videlot-Ackermann, C.; Margeat, O.; Ackermann, J.
Title Square-centimeter-sized high-efficiency polymer solar cells : how the processing atmosphere and film quality influence performance at large scale Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Laser physics review Abbreviated Journal Adv Energy Mater
Volume 6 Issue 6 Pages 1600290
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Organic solar cells based on two benzodithiophene-based polymers (PTB7 and PTB7-Th) processed at square centimeter-size under inert atmosphere and ambient air, respectively, are investigated. It is demonstrated that the performance of solar cells processed under inert atmosphere is not limited by the upscaling of photoactive layer and the interfacial layers. Thorough morphological and electrical characterizations of optimized layers and corresponding devices reveal that performance losses due to area enlargement are only caused by the sheet resistance of the transparent electrode reducing the effi ciency from 9.3% of 7.8% for PTB7-Th in the condition that both photoactive layer and the interfacial layers are of high layer quality. Air processing of photoactive layer and the interfacial layers into centimeter-sized solar cells lead to additional, but only slight, losses (< 10%) in all photovoltaic parameters, which can be addressed to changes in the electronic properties of both active layer and ZnO layers rather than changes in layer morphology. The demonstrated compatibility of polymer solar cells using solution-processed photoactive layer and interfacial layers with large area indicates that the introduction of a standard active area of 1 cm(2) for measuring effi ciency of organic record solar cells is feasible. However electric standards for indium tin oxides (ITO) or alternative transparent electrodes need to be developed so that performance of new photovoltaic materials can be compared at square centimeter-size.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Place of publication unknown Editor
Language Wos 000379314700010 Publication Date 2016-05-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1614-6832 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 16.721 Times cited 6 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes ; The authors acknowledge financial support by the French Fond Unique Intermisteriel (FUI) under the project “SFUMATO” (Grant number: F1110019V/ 201308815) as well as by the European Commission under the Project “SUNFLOWER” (FP7-ICT-2011-7-contract no. 287594). Generalitat Valenciana (ISIC/2012/008 Institute of Nanotechnologies for Clean Energies) is also acknowledged for providing financial support. The synchrotron radiation experiments were performed at BL46XU and BL19B2 in SPring-8 with the approval of Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI) (Proposal Nos. 2014B1916 and 2015A1984). The authors further acknowledge financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). ; Approved Most recent IF: 16.721
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:134951 Serial 4249
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Author (up) Ben Dkhil, S.; Pfannmöller, M.; Saba, M.I.; Gaceur, M.; Heidari, H.; Videlot-Ackermann, C.; Margeat, O.; Guerrero, A.; Bisquert, J.; Garcia-Belmonte, G.; Mattoni, A.; Bals, S.; Ackermann, J.
Title Toward high-temperature stability of PTB7-based bulk heterojunction solar cells : impact of fullerene size and solvent additive Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Laser physics review Abbreviated Journal Adv Energy Mater
Volume 7 Issue 7 Pages 1601486
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The use of fullerene as acceptor limits the thermal stability of organic solar cells at high temperatures as their diffusion inside the donor leads to phase separation via Ostwald ripening. Here it is reported that fullerene diffusion is fully suppressed at temperatures up to 140 degrees C in bulk heterojunctions based on the benzodithiophene-based polymer (the poly[[4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b: 4,5-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl][3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl) carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl]], (PTB7) in combination with the fullerene derivative [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM). The blend stability is found independently of the presence of diiodooctane (DIO) used to optimize nanostructuration and in contrast to PTB7 blends using the smaller fullerene derivative PC70BM. The unprecedented thermal stability of PTB7: PC70BM layers is addressed to local minima in the mixing enthalpy of the blend forming stable phases that inhibit fullerene diffusion. Importantly, although the nanoscale morphology of DIO processed blends is thermally stable, corresponding devices show strong performance losses under thermal stress. Only by the use of a high temperature annealing step removing residual DIO from the device, remarkably stable high efficiency solar cells with performance losses less than 10% after a continuous annealing at 140 degrees C over 3 days are obtained. These results pave the way toward high temperature stable polymer solar cells using fullerene acceptors.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Place of publication unknown Editor
Language Wos 000396328500009 Publication Date 2016-11-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1614-6832; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 16.721 Times cited 27 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes ; The authors acknowledge financial support by the French Fond Unique Interministeriel (FUI) under the project “SFUMATO” (grant number: F1110019V/ 201308815) as well as by the European Commission under the Project “SUNFLOWER” (FP7-ICT-2011-7, grant number: 287594). Generalitat Valenciana (ISIC/2012/008 Institute of Nanotechnologies for Clean Energies) is also acknowledged for providing financial support. The authors further acknowledge financial support via ERC Starting Grant Colouratoms (335078). ; Approved Most recent IF: 16.721
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:141991UA @ admin @ c:irua:141991 Serial 4697
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Author (up) Ben Dkhil, S.; Pfannmöller, M.; Schroeder, R.R.; Alkarsifi, R.; Gaceur, M.; Koentges, W.; Heidari, H.; Bals, S.; Margeat, O.; Ackermann, J.; Videlot-Ackermann, C.
Title Interplay of interfacial layers and blend composition to reduce thermal degradation of polymer solar cells at high temperature Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter
Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 3874-3884
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The thermal stability of printed polymer solar cells at elevated temperatures needs to be improved to achieve high-throughput fabrication including annealing steps as well as long-term stability. During device processing, thermal annealing impacts both the organic photoactive layer, and the two interfacial layers make detailed studies of degradation mechanism delicate. A recently identified thermally stable poly[[4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b'-dithiopherie-2,6-diyl] [3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl) carbonyl] thieno [3,4-b]thiophenediyl]] : [6,6]-phenyl- C-71-butyric acid methyl ester (PTB7:PC70BM) blend as photoactive layer in combination with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate as hole extraction layer is used here to focus on the impact of electron extraction layer (EEL) on the thermal stability of solar cells. Solar cells processed with densely packed ZnO nanoparticle layers still show 92% of the initial efficiency after constant annealing during 1 day at 140 degrees C, whereas partially covering ZnO layers as well as an evaporated calcium layer leads to performance losses of up to 30%. This demonstrates that the nature and morphology of EELs highly influence the thermal stability of the device. We extend our study to thermally unstable PTB7:[6,6]-phenyl-C-61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC60BM) blends to highlight the impact of ZnO on the device degradation during annealing. Importantly, only 12% loss in photocurrent density is observed after annealing at 140 degrees C during 1 day when using closely packed ZnO. This is in stark contrast to literature and addressed here to the use of a stable double-sided confinement during thermal annealing. The underlying mechanism of the inhibition of photocurrent losses is revealed by electron microscopy imaging and spatially resolved spectroscopy. We found that the double-sided confinement suppresses extensive fullerene diffusion during the annealing step, but with still an increase in size and distance of the enriched donor and acceptor domains inside the photoactive layer by an average factor of 5. The later result in combination with comparably small photocurrent density losses indicates the existence of an efficient transport of minority charge carriers inside the donor and acceptor enriched phases in PTB7:PC60BM blends.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000424728800082 Publication Date 2018-01-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.504 Times cited 9 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; We acknowledge the financial support by the French Fond Unique Interministeriel (FUI) under the project “SFUMATO” (grant number: F1110019V/201308815) as well as by the European Commission under the Project “SUNFLOWER” (FP7-ICT-2011-7-contract number: 287594). M.P. and R.R.S. acknowledge support by the HeiKA (Heidelberg Karlsruhe Research Partnership) FunTech-3D materials science program. ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.504
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:149309UA @ admin @ c:irua:149309 Serial 4939
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Author (up) Benetti, G.; Caddeo, C.; Melis, C.; Ferrini, G.; Giannetti, C.; Winckelmans, N.; Bals, S.; J Van Bael, M.; Cavaliere, E.; Gavioli, L.; Banfi, F.
Title Bottom-Up Mechanical Nanometrology of Granular Ag Nanoparticles Thin Films Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 121 Issue 121 Pages 22434-22441
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Ultrathin metal nanoparticles coatings, synthesized by gas-phase deposition, are emerging as go-to materials in a variety of fields ranging from pathogens control, sensing to energy storage. Predicting their morphology and mechanical properties beyond a trial-and-error approach is a crucial issue limiting their exploitation in real-life applications. The morphology and mechanical properties of Ag nanoparticles ultrathin films, synthesized by supersonic cluster beam deposition, are here assessed adopting a bottom-up, multi-technique approach. A virtual film model is proposed merging high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, supersonic cluster beam dynamics and molecular dynamics simulations. The model is validated against mechanical nanometrology measurements and is readily extendable to metals other than Ag. The virtual film is shown to be a flexible and reliable predictive tool to access morphology-dependent properties such as mesoscale gas-dynamics and elasticity of ultrathin films synthesized by gas-phase deposition.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000413131700072 Publication Date 2017-09-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 30 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; All authors thank Prof. Dr. Luciano Colombo for enlightening discussions. C.C. and F.B. acknowledge financial support from the MIUR Futuro in ricerca 2013 Grant in the frame of the ULTRANANO Project (Project No. RBFR13NEA4). F.B., G.F., and C.G. acknowledge support from Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore through D.2.2 and D.3.1 grants. F.B. acknowledges financial support from Fondazione E.U.L.O. The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Union through the seventh Framework Program (FP7) under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative (Reference No. 312483 ESTEEM2). ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:145828UA @ admin @ c:irua:145828 Serial 4706
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Author (up) Benetti, G.; Cavaliere, E.; Canteri, A.; Landini, G.; Rossolini, G.M.; Pallecchi, L.; Chiodi, M.; Van Bael, M.J.; Winckelmans, N.; Bals, S.; Gavioli, L.
Title Direct synthesis of antimicrobial coatings based on tailored bi-elemental nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication APL materials Abbreviated Journal Apl Mater
Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 036105
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Ultrathin coatings based on bi-elemental nanoparticles (NPs) are very promising to limit the surface-related spread of bacterial pathogens, particularly in nosocomial environments. However, tailoring the synthesis, composition, adhesion to substrate, and antimicrobial spectrum of the coating is an open challenge. Herein, we report on a radically new nanostructured coating, obtained by a one-step gas-phase deposition technique, and composed of bi-elemental Janus type Ag/Ti NPs. The NPs are characterized by a cluster-in-cluster mixing phase with metallic Ag nano-crystals embedded in amorphous TiO2 and present a promising antimicrobial activity including also multidrug resistant strains. We demonstrate the flexibility of the method to tune the embedded Ag nano-crystals dimension, the total relative composition of the coating, and the substrate type, opening the possibility of tailoring the dimension, composition, antimicrobial spectrum, and other physical/chemical properties of such multi-elemental systems. This work is expected to significantly spread the range of applications of NPs coatings, not only as an effective tool in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections but also in other technologically relevant fields like sensors or nano-/micro joining.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000398951000014 Publication Date 2017-03-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2166-532X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.335 Times cited 21 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We thank Urs Gfeller for the XRF measurements, Francesco Banfi for valuable discussions on the manuscript and Giulio Viano for his valuable support in the microbiological analysis. The authors acknowledge the financial support of Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore through D.2.2 and D.3.1 grants and from the European Union through the 7th Framework Program (FP7) under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative (Reference No. 312483 ESTEEM2). REFERENCES Approved Most recent IF: 4.335
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:141723UA @ admin @ c:irua:141723 Serial 4479
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Author (up) Berends, A.C.; van der Stam, W.; Hofmann, J.P.; Bladt, E.; Meeldijk, J.D.; Bals, S.; de Donega, C.M.
Title Interplay between surface chemistry, precursor reactivity, and temperature determines outcome of ZnS shelling reactions on CuInS2 nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 30 Issue 30 Pages 2400-2413
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract ZnS shelling of I-III-VI(2 )nanocrystals (NCs) invariably leads to blue-shifts in both the absorption and photoluminescence spectra. These observations imply that the outcome of ZnS shelling reactions on I-III-VI2 colloidal NCs results from a complex interplay between several processes taking place in solution, at the surface of, and within the seed NC. However, a fundamental understanding of the factors determining the balance between these different processes is still lacking. In this work, we address this need by investigating the impact of precursor reactivity, reaction temperature, and surface chemistry (due to the washing procedure) on the outcome of ZnS shelling reactions on CuInS2 NCs using a seeded growth approach. We demonstrate that low reaction temperatures (150 degrees C) favor etching, cation exchange, and alloying regardless of the precursors used. Heteroepitaxial shell overgrowth becomes the dominant process only if reactive S- and Zn-precursors (S-ODE/OLAM and ZnI2 ) and high reaction temperatures (210 degrees C) are used, although a certain degree of heterointerfacial alloying still occurs. Remarkably, the presence of residual acetate at the surface of CIS seed NCs washed with ethanol is shown to facilitate heteroepitaxial shell overgrowth, yielding for the first time CIS/ZnS core/shell NCs displaying red-shifted absorption spectra, in agreement with the spectral shifts expected for a type-I band alignment. The insights provided by this work pave the way toward the design of improved synthesis strategies to CIS/ZnS core/shell and alloy NCs with tailored elemental distribution profiles, allowing precise tuning of the optoelectronic properties of the resulting materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher American Chemical Society Place of Publication Washington, D.C Editor
Language Wos 000430023700027 Publication Date 2018-03-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 85 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; Annelies van der Bok is gratefully acknowledged for performing the ICP measurements. A.C.B. and C.d.M.D. acknowledge financial support from the division of Chemical Sciences (CW) of The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) under Grant No. ECHO.712.014.001. S.B. and E.B. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant No. 335078-COLOURATOMS). ; Ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 9.466
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:150772UA @ admin @ c:irua:150772 Serial 4972
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