Abstract: We present a theoretical study of macrotwins arising in cubic to tetragonal martensitic transformations. The results help to explain some features of such macrotwins observed in Ni65Al35.

Abstract: Triple-modal imaging magnetic nanocapsules, encapsulating hydrophobic superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, are formulated and used to magnetically target solid tumours after intravenous administration in tumour-bearing mice. The engineered magnetic polymeric nanocapsules m-NCs are ~200 nm in size with negative Zeta potential and shown to be spherical in shape. The loading efficiency of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the m-NC was ~100%. Up to ~3- and ~2.2-fold increase in tumour uptake at 1 and 24 h was achieved, when a static magnetic field was applied to the tumour for 1 hour. m-NCs, with multiple imaging probes (e.g. indocyanine green, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and indium-111), were capable of triple-modal imaging (fluorescence/magnetic resonance/nuclear imaging) in vivo. Using triple-modal imaging is to overcome the intrinsic limitations of single modality imaging and provides complementary information on the spatial distribution of the nanocarrier within the tumour. The significant findings of this study could open up new research perspectives in using novel magnetically-responsive nanomaterials in magnetic-drug targeting combined with multi-modal imaging.

Abstract: The crystallization of nanomaterials is a primary source of solid-state, photonic structures. Thus, a detailed understanding of this process is of paramount importance for the successful application of photonic nanomaterials in emerging optoelectronic technologies. While colloidal crystallization has been thoroughly studied, for example, with advanced in situ electron microscopy methods, the noncolloidal crystallization (freezing) of nanoparticles (NPs) remains so far unexplored. To fill this gap, in this work, we present proof-of principle experiments decoding a crystallization of reconfigurable assemblies of NPs at a solid state. The chosen material corresponds to an excellent testing bed, as it enables both in situ and ex situ investigation using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and optical spectroscopy in visible and ultraviolet range (UV−vis) techniques. In particular, ensemble measurements with small-angle XRD highlighted the dependence of the correlation length in the NPs assemblies on the number of heating/cooling cycles and the rate of cooling. Ex situ TEM imaging further supported these results by revealing a dependence of domain size and structure on the sample preparation route and by showing we can control the domain size over 2 orders of magnitude. The application of HAADF-STEM tomography, combined with in situ thermal control, provided three-dimensional single-particle level information on the positional order evolution within assemblies. This combination of real and reciprocal space provides insightful information on the anisotropic, reversibly reconfigurable assemblies of NPs. TEM measurements also highlighted the importance of interfaces in the polydomain structure of nanoparticle solids, allowing us to understand experimentally observed differences in UV−vis extinction spectra of the differently prepared crystallites. Overall, the obtained results show that the combination of in situ heating HAADF-STEM tomography with XRD and ex situ TEM techniques is a powerful approach to study nanoparticle freezing processes and to reveal the crucial impact of disorder in the solid-state aggregates of NPs on their plasmonic properties.

Abstract: Understanding the molecular-level mechanisms of phase transformation in solids is of fundamental interest for functional materials such as zeolites. Two-dimensional (2D) zeolites, when used as shape-selective catalysts, can offer improved access to the catalytically active sites and a shortened diffusion length in comparison with their 3D analogues. However, few materials are known to maintain both their intralayer microporosity and structure during calcination for organic structure-directing agent (SDA) removal. Herein we report that PST-9, a new 2D zeolite which has been synthesized via the multiple inorganic cation approach and fulfills the requirements for true layered zeolites, can be transformed into the small-pore zeolite EU-12 under its crystallization conditions through the single-layer folding process, but not through the traditional dissolution/recrystallization route. We also show that zeolite crystal growth pathway can differ according to the type of organic SDAs employed.

Abstract: A comprehensive electron energy-loss spectroscopy study of niobium (Nb) and stable Nb-oxide phases (NbO, NbO2, Nb2O5) was carried out. In this work (Part I), the plasmons and energy-loss near-edge structures (ELNES) of all relevant Nb edges (Nb-N2,3, Nb-M4,5, Nb-M2,3, Nb-M1, and Nb-L2,3) up to energy losses of about 2600 eV and the O-K edge are analyzed with respect to achieving characteristic fingerprints of Nb in different formal oxidation states (0 for metallic Nb, +2 for NbO, +4 for NbO2, and +5 for Nb2O5). Chemical shifts of the Nb-N2,3, Nb-M4,5, Nb-M2,3, and Nb-L2,3 edges are extracted from the spectra that amount to about 4 eV as the oxidation state increases from 0 for Nb to +5 for Nb2O5. Four different microscopes, including a 200 keV ZEISS Libra with monochromator, were used. The corresponding wide range of experimental parameters with respect to the primary electron energy, convergence, and collection semi-angles as well as energy resolution allows an assessment of the influence of the experimental setup on the ELNES of the different edges. Finally, the intensity of the Nb-L2,3 white-line edges is correlated with niobium 4d-state occupancy in the different reference materials.

Abstract: The synthesis and structural characterisation of a new phase with nominal composition Bi4Mn1/3W2/3O8Cl is presented. Conventional and analytical transmission electron microscopy are used to determine the composition, unit-cell symmetry and space group of the compound, whereas a structural model is deducted by exit-wave reconstruction in the transmission electron microscope. This technique allows the microscope information limit of 1.1 angstrom to be reached and the (light) oxygen atoms in the presence of heavier atoms (Bi, W, Mn) to be imaged. The average structure is refined from Xray powder diffraction data using the Rietveld method yielding an orthorhombic unit cell with lattice parameters a 5.467(4) angstrom, b = 5.466(7) angstrom and c = 14.159(3) angstrom and space group Cm2m, which could be described as a Sillen-Aurivillius intergrowth. ((c) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)

Abstract: The development of new electrode materials, which are composed of Earth-abundant elements and that can be made via eco-efficient processes, is becoming absolutely necessary for reasons of sustainable production. The 3.9 V triplite-phase of LiFeSO4F, compared to the 3.6 V tavorite-phase, could satisfy this requirement provided the currently complex synthetic pathway can be simplified. Here, we present our work aiming at better understanding the reaction mechanism that govern its formation as a way to optimize its preparation. We first demonstrate, using complementary X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies, that triplite-LiFeSO4F can nucleate from tavorite-LiFeSO4F via a reconstructive process whose kinetics are significantly influenced by moisture and particle morphology. Perhaps the most spectacular finding is that it is possible to prepare electrochemically active triplite-LiFeSO4F from anhydrous precursors using either reactive spark plasma sintering (SPS) synthesis in a mere 20 min at 320 degrees C or room temperature ball milling for 3 h. These new pathways appear to be strongly driven by the easy formation of a disordered phase with higher entropy, as both techniques trigger disorder via rapid annealing steps or defect creation. Although a huge number of phases adopts the tavorite structure-type, this new finding offers both a potential way to prepare new compositions in the triplite structure and a wealth of opportunities for the synthesis of new materials which could benefit many domains beyond energy storage.

Abstract: The major mechanism responsible for plasmonic enhancement of titanium dioxide photocatalysis using gold nanoparticles is still under contention. This work introduces an experimental strategy to disentangle the significance of the charge transfer and near-field mechanisms in plasmonic photocatalysis. By controlling the thickness and conductive nature of a nanoparticle shell that acts as a spacer layer separating the plasmonic metal core from the TiO2 surface, field enhancement or charge transfer effects can be selectively repressed or evoked. Layer-by-layer and in situ polymerization methods are used to synthesize gold core–polymer shell nanoparticles with shell thickness control up to the sub-nanometer level. Detailed optical and electrical characterization supported by near-field simulation models corroborate the trends in photocatalytic activity of the different systems. This approach mainly points at an important contribution of the enhanced near field.

Abstract: Short-wave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence could become the new gold standard in optical imaging for biomedical applications due to important advantages such as lack of autofluorescence, weak photon absorption by blood and tissues, and reduced photon scattering coefficient. Therefore, contrary to the visible and NIR regions, tissues become translucent in the SWIR region. Nevertheless, the lack of bright and biocompatible probes is a key challenge that must be overcome to unlock the full potential of SWIR fluorescence. Although rare-earth-based core-shell nanocrystals appeared as promising SWIR probes, they suffer from limited photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). The lack of control over the atomic scale organization of such complex materials is one of the main barriers limiting their optical performance. Here, the growth of either homogeneous (α-NaYF₄) or heterogeneous (CaF₂) shell domains on optically-active α-NaYF₄:Yb:Er (with and without Ce³⁺co-doping) core nanocrystals is reported. The atomic scale organization can be controlled by preventing cation intermixing only in heterogeneous core-shell nanocrystals with a dramatic impact on the PLQY. The latter reached 50% at 60 mW/cm²; one of the highest reported PLQY values for sub-15 nm nanocrystals. The most efficient nanocrystals were utilized for in vivo imaging above 1450 nm.

Abstract: Nanomaterials are materials that have at least one dimension in the nanometer length scale, which corresponds to a billionth of a meter. When three dimensions are confined to the nanometer scale, these materials are referred to as nanoparticles. These materials are of great interest since they exhibit unique physical and chemical properties that cannot be observed for bulk systems. Due to their unique and often superior properties, nanomaterials have become central in the field of electronics, catalysis, and medicine. Moreover, they are expected to be one of the most promising systems to tackle many challenges that our society is facing, such as reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and finding effective treatments for cancer. The unique properties of nanomaterials are linked to their size, shape, structure, and composition. If one is able to measure the positions of the atoms, their chemical nature, and the bonding between them, it becomes possible to predict the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials. In this manner, the development of novel nanostructures can be triggered. However, the morphology and structure of nanomaterials are highly sensitive to the conditions for relevant applications, such as elevated temperatures or intense light illumination. Furthermore, any small change in the local structure at higher temperatures or pressures may significantly modify their performance. Hence, three-dimensional (3D) characterization of nanomaterials under application-relevant conditions is important in designing them with desired functional properties for specific applications. Among different structural characterization approaches, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is one of the most efficient and versatile tools to investigate the structure and composition of nanomaterials since it can provide atomically resolved images, which are sensitive to the local 3D structure of the investigated sample. However, TEM only provides two-dimensional (2D) images of the 3D nanoparticle, which may lead to an incomplete understanding of their structure-property relationship. The most known and powerful technique for the 3D characterization of nanomaterials is electron tomography, where the images of a nanostructured material taken from different directions are mathematically combined to retrieve its 3D structure. Although these experiments are already state-of-the-art, 3D characterization by TEM is typically performed under ultra-high vacuum conditions and at room temperature. Such conditions are unfortunately not sufficient to understand transformations during synthesis or applications of nanomaterials. This limitation can be overcome by in situ TEM where external stimuli, such as heat, gas, and liquids, can be controllably introduced inside the TEM using specialized holders. However, there are some technical limitations to successful perform 3D in situ electron tomography experiments. For example, the long acquisition time required to collect a tilt series limits this technique when one wants to observe 3D dynamic changes with atomic resolution. A solution for this problem is the estimation of the 3D structure of nanomaterials from 2D projection images acquired along a single viewing direction. For this purpose, annular dark field scanning TEM (ADF STEM) imaging mode provides a valuable tool for quantitative structural investigation of nanomaterials from single 2D images due to its thickness and mass sensitivity. For quantitative analysis, an ADF STEM image is considered as a 2D array of pixels where relative variation of pixel intensity values is proportional to the total number of atoms and the atomic number of the elements in the sample. By applying advanced statistical approaches to these images, structural information, such as the number or types of atoms, can be retrieved with high accuracy and precision. The outcome can then be used to build a 3D starting model for energy minimization by atomistic simulations, for example, molecular dynamics simulations or the Monte Carlo method. However, this methodology needs to be further evaluated for in situ experiments. This thesis is devoted to presenting robust approaches to accurately define the 3D atomic structure of nanoparticles under application-relevant conditions and understand the mechanism behind the atomic-scale dynamics in nanoparticles in response to environmental stimuli.

Abstract: The present work is devoted to the preparation of Ag/TiO2 nanosystems by an original synthetic strategy, based on the radio-frequency (RF) sputtering of silver particles on titania-based xerogels prepared by the sol-gel (SG) route. This approach takes advantage of the synergy between the microporous xerogel structure and the infiltration power characterizing RF-sputtering, whose combination enables the obtainment of a tailored dispersion of Ag-containing particles into the titania matrix. In addition, the systems chemico-physical features can be tuned further through proper ex situ thermal treatments in air at 400 and 600 °C. The synthesized composites are extensively characterized by the joint use of complementary techniques, that is, X-ray photoelectron and X-ray excited Auger electron spectroscopies (XPS, XE-AES), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), glancing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction (ED), high-angle annular dark field scanning TEM (HAADF-STEM), energy-filtered TEM (EF-TEM) and optical absorption spectroscopy. Finally, the photocatalytic performances of selected samples in the decomposition of the azo-dye Plasmocorinth B are preliminarily investigated. The obtained results highlight the possibility of tailoring the system characteristics over a broad range, directly influencing their eventual functional properties.

Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('By depositing ceria on the surface of yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ) nanocrystals and further activation under high-temperature reducing conditions, a 13% mol. CeO2/YSZ catalyst structured as subnanometer thick, pyrochlore-type, ceria-zirconia islands has been prepared. This nanostructured catalyst depicts not only high oxygen storage capacity (OSC) values but, more importantly, an outstandingly stable redox response upon oxidation and reduction treatments at very high temperatures, above 1000 degrees C. This behavior largely improves that observed on conventional ceria-zirconia solid solutions, not only of the same composition but also of those with much higher molar cerium contents. Advanced scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM-XEDS) studies have revealed as key not only to detect the actual state of the lanthanide in this novel nanocatalyst but also to rationalize its unusual resistance to redox deactivation at very high temperatures. In particular, high-resolution X-ray dispersive energy studies have revealed the presence of unique bilayer ceria islands on top of the surface of YSZ nanocrystals, which remain at surface positions upon oxidation and reduction treatments up to 1000 degrees C. Diffusion of ceria into the bulk of these crystallites upon oxidation at 1100 degrees C irreversibly deteriorates both the reducibility and OSC of this nanostructured catalyst.'));

Abstract: The increasing use of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is significantly advancing the field of electrocatalysis. In particular, Cu/Ag bimetallic interfaces are widely used to enhance the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO(2)RR) toward CO and, more recently, C-2 products. However, drastic changes in the product distribution and performance when Cu@Ag core-shell configurations are used can often be observed under electrochemical reaction conditions, especially during the first few minutes of the reaction. Possible structural changes that generate these observations remain underexplored; therefore, the structure-property relationship is hardly understood. In this study, we use electron tomography to investigate the structural transformation mechanism of Cu@Ag core-shells NPs during the critical first minutes of the eCO(2)RR. In this manner, we found that the crystallinity of the Cu seed determines whether the formation of a complete and homogeneous Ag shell is possible. Moreover, by tracking the particles' transformations, we conclude that modifications of the Cu-Ag interface and Cu2O enrichment at the surface of the NPs are key factors contributing to the product generation changes. These insights provide a better understanding of how bimetallic core-shell NPs transform under electrochemical conditions.

Abstract: The incommensurately modulated scheelite-like KSm( MoO4)(2) structure has been refined in the monoclinic superspace group I2/b(alpha beta 0)00 by the Rietveld method on the basis of synchrotron radiation powder diffraction data. The systematic broadening of satellite reflections has been accounted for by applying anisotropic microstrain line-broadening. The microstructure has been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The partial disorder of the K and Sm cations in the A position is best approximated by a combination of harmonic and complex crenel functions with (0.952Sm + 0.048K) and (0.952K + 0.048Sm) atomic domains. This combination yields a compositional wave distribution from {KMoO4} to {SmMoO4} observed in the ab structure projection along q. The specific features of KSm(MoO4)(2) and degree of the A-cation ordering are discussed in comparison with the previously reported structure of KNd(MoO4)(2).

Abstract: The variation of structures and superconducting properties by changing extra oxygen or fluorine atoms concentration in Hg-based Cu mixed oxides and YBa2Cu3O6+delta was studied. The data obtained by NPD study of Hg-1201 can be considered as an evidence of the conventional oxygen doping mechanism with 2 delta holes per (CuO2) layer. The extra oxygen atom was found to be located in the middle of the Hg mesh only. Different formal charges of oxygen and fluorine inserted into reduced 123 structure results in its distinct variations. The fluorine incorporation into strongly reduced YBa2Cu3O6+delta causes a significant structural rearrangement and the formation of a new compound with a composition close to YBa2Cu3O6F2 (tetragonal alpha = 3.87 Angstrom and c approximate to 13 Angstrom), which structure was deduced from the combined results of X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction and high resolution electron microscopy. Fluorination treatment by XeF2 of nonsuperconducting 123 samples causes an appearance of bulk superconductivity with T-c up to 94K.