toggle visibility
Search within Results:
Display Options:

Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print
  Records Links
Author (down) Calizzi, M.; Venturi, F.; Ponthieu, M.; Cuevas, F.; Morandi, V.; Perkisas, T.; Bals, S.; Pasquini, L. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Gas-phase synthesis of Mg-Ti nanoparticles for solid-state hydrogen storage Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys  
  Volume 18 Issue 18 Pages 141-148  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Mg-Ti nanostructured samples with different Ti contents were prepared via compaction of nanoparticles grown by inert gas condensation with independent Mg and Ti vapour sources. The growth set-up offered the option to perform in situ hydrogen absorption before compaction. Structural and morphological characterisation was carried out by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The formation of an extended metastable solid solution of Ti in hcp Mg was detected up to 15 at% Ti in the as-grown nanoparticles, while after in situ hydrogen absorption, phase separation between MgH2 and TiH2 was observed. At a Ti content of 22 at%, a metastable Mg-Ti-H fcc phase was observed after in situ hydrogen absorption. The co-evaporation of Mg and Ti inhibited nanoparticle coalescence and crystallite growth in comparison with the evaporation of Mg only. In situ hydrogen absorption was beneficial to subsequent hydrogen behaviour, studied by high pressure differential scanning calorimetry and isothermal kinetics. A transformed fraction of 90% was reached within 100 s at 300 degrees C during both hydrogen absorption and desorption. The enthalpy of hydride formation was not observed to differ from bulk MgH2.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000368755500014 Publication Date 2015-11-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 31 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ; Part of this work was supported by the COST Action MP1103 “Nanostructured materials for solid-state hydrogen storage”. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.123  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:131589 Serial 4184  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Busatto, S.; Ruiter, M. de; Jastrzebski, J.T.B.H.; Albrecht, W.; Pinchetti, V.; Brovelli, S.; Bals, S.; Moret, M.-E.; de Mello Donega, C. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Luminescent Colloidal InSb Quantum Dots from In Situ Generated Single-Source Precursor Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Acs Nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano  
  Volume 14 Issue 10 Pages 13146-13160  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Despite recent advances, the synthesis of colloidal InSb quantum dots (QDs) remains underdeveloped, mostly due to the lack of suitable precursors. In this work, we use Lewis acid–base interactions between Sb(III) and In(III) species formed at room temperature in situ from commercially available compounds (viz., InCl3, Sb[NMe2]3 and a primary alkylamine) to obtain InSb adduct complexes. These complexes are successfully used as precursors for the synthesis of colloidal InSb QDs ranging from 2.8 to 18.2 nm in diameter by fast coreduction at sufficiently high temperatures (≥230 °C). Our findings allow us to propose a formation mechanism for the QDs synthesized in our work, which is based on a nonclassical nucleation event, followed by aggregative growth. This yields ensembles with multimodal size distributions, which can be fractionated in subensembles with relatively narrow polydispersity by postsynthetic size fractionation. InSb QDs with diameters below 7.0 nm have the zinc blende crystal structure, while ensembles of larger QDs (≥10 nm) consist of a mixture of wurtzite and zinc blende QDs. The QDs exhibit photoluminescence with small Stokes shifts and short radiative lifetimes, implying that the emission is due to band-edge recombination and that the direct nature of the bandgap of bulk InSb is preserved in InSb QDs. Finally, we constructed a sizing curve correlating the peak position of the lowest energy absorption transition with the QD diameters, which shows that the band gap of colloidal InSb QDs increases with size reduction following a 1/d dependence.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000586793400068 Publication Date 2020-10-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited 21 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes S.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. TOP.715.016.001. W.A. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship from the Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions (MSCA) under the EU?s Horizon 2020 program (Grant No. 797153, SOPMEN). This project has received funding from the European Commission Grant (EUSMI E180900184) and European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant No. 815128 REALNANO).; sygma Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2020 IF: 13.942  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:173862 Serial 6438  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Bueken, B.; Van Velthoven, N.; Willhammar, T.; Stassin, T.; Stassen, I.; Keen, D.A.; Baron, G.V.; Denayer, J.F.M.; Ameloot, R.; Bals, S.; De Vos, D.; Bennett, T.D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Gel-based morphological design of zirconium metal-organic frameworks Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Chemical science Abbreviated Journal Chem Sci  
  Volume 8 Issue 8 Pages 3939-3948  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The ability of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to gelate under specific synthetic conditions opens up new opportunities in the preparation and shaping of hierarchically porous MOF monoliths, which could be directly implemented for catalytic and adsorptive applications. In this work, we present the first examples of xero-or aerogel monoliths consisting solely of nanoparticles of several prototypical Zr4+-based MOFs: UiO-66-X (X – H, NH2, NO2, (OH)(2)), UiO-67, MOF-801, MOF-808 and NU-1000. High reactant and water concentrations during synthesis were observed to induce the formation of gels, which were converted to monolithic materials by drying in air or supercritical CO2. Electron microscopy, combined with N-2 physisorption experiments, was used to show that irregular nanoparticle packing leads to pure MOF monoliths with hierarchical pore systems, featuring both intraparticle micropores and interparticle mesopores. Finally, UiO-66 gels were shaped into monolithic spheres of 600 mm diameter using an oil-drop method, creating promising candidates for packed-bed catalytic or adsorptive applications, where hierarchical pore systems can greatly mitigate mass transfer limitations.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Royal Society of Chemistry Place of Publication Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000400553000077 Publication Date 2017-03-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2041-6520 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.668 Times cited 168 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; B. B., T. S. and I. S. acknowledge the FWO Flanders (doctoral and post-doctoral grants). T. W. acknowledges a post-doctoral grant from the Swedish Research Council. T. D. B. acknowledges the Royal Society (University Research Fellowship) and Trinity Hall (University of Cambridge) for funding. S. B. and D. D. V. are grateful for funding by Belspo (IAP 7/05 P6/27) and by the FWO Flanders. D. D. V. further acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (project H-CCAT). S. B. acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors acknowledge Arnau Carne and Shuhei Furukawa for assistance with supercritical CO<INF>2</INF> extraction, and Charles Ghesquiere for assistance in synthesis. ; Ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 8.668  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:152643UA @ admin @ c:irua:152643 Serial 5143  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Brodu, A.; Ballottin, M.V.; Buhot, J.; van Harten, E.J.; Dupont, D.; La Porta, A.; Prins, P.T.; Tessier, M.D.; Versteegh, M.A.M.; Zwiller, V.; Bals, S.; Hens, Z.; Rabouw, F.T.; Christianen, P.C.M.; de Donega, C.M.; Vanmaekelbergh, D. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Exciton Fine Structure and Lattice Dynamics in InP/ZnSe Core/Shell Quantum Dots Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication ACS Photonics Abbreviated Journal Acs Photonics  
  Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 3353-3362  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Nanocrystalline InP quantum dots (QDs) hold promise for heavy-metal-free optoelectronic applications due to their bright and size tunable emission in the visible range. Photochemical stability and high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield are obtained by a diversity of epitaxial shells around the InP core. To understand and optimize the emission line shapes, the exciton fine structure of InP core/shell QD systems needs be investigated. Here, we study the exciton fine structure of InP/ZnSe core/shell QDs with core diameters ranging from 2.9 to 3.6 nm (PL peak from 2.3 to 1.95 eV at 4 K). PL decay measurements as a function of temperature in the 10 mK to 300 K range show that the lowest exciton fine structure state is a dark state, from which radiative recombination is assisted by coupling to confined acoustic phonons with energies ranging from 4 to 7 meV, depending on the core diameter. Circularly polarized fluorescence line-narrowing (FLN) spectroscopy at 4 K under high magnetic fields (up to 30 T) demonstrates that radiative recombination from the dark F = +/- 2 state involves acoustic and optical phonons, from both the InP core and the ZnSe shell. Our data indicate that the highest intensity FLN peak is an acoustic phonon replica rather than a zero-phonon line, implying that the energy separation observed between the F = +/- 1 state and the highest intensity peak in the FLN spectra (6 to 16 meV, depending on the InP core size) is larger than the splitting between the dark and bright fine structure exciton states.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000442185900049 Publication Date 2018-07-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2330-4022 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.756 Times cited 40 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; We acknowledge the support of the HFML-RU/FOM, member of the European Magnetic Field Laboratory (EMFL). D.V. and Z.H. acknowledge support by the European Commission via the Marie-Sklodowska Curie action Phonsi (H2020-MSCA-ITN-642656) and the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action Compass (H2020 MSCA-RISE-691185). Z.H. acknowledges the Research Foundation Flanders (project 17006602) and Ghent University (GOA no. 01G01513). Z.H. and S.B. acknowledge SIM vzw (SBO-QDOCCO). F.T.R. acknowledges financial support from The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research NWO (Gravitation program Multiscale Catalytic Energy Conversion and VENI grant number 722.017.002). This work was also supported by the Dutch NWO-Physics Program DDC13, ERC Advanced Grant 692691 “First step”, and ERC Starting Grant 335078 “COLOURATOM”. ; ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 6.756  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:153753UA @ admin @ c:irua:153753 Serial 5100  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Boschker, H.T.S.; Cook, P.L.M.; Polerecky, L.; Eachambadi, R.T.; Lozano, H.; Hidalgo-Martinez, S.; Khalenkow, D.; Spampinato, V.; Claes, N.; Kundu, P.; Wang, D.; Bals, S.; Sand, K.K.; Cavezza, F.; Hauffman, T.; Bjerg, J.T.; Skirtach, A.G.; Kochan, K.; McKee, M.; Wood, B.; Bedolla, D.; Gianoncelli, A.; Geerlings, N.M.J.; Van Gerven, N.; Remaut, H.; Geelhoed, J.S.; Millan-Solsona, R.; Fumagalli, L.; Nielsen, L.P.; Franquet, A.; Manca, J.V.; Gomila, G.; Meysman, F.J.R. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Efficient long-range conduction in cable bacteria through nickel protein wires Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Nature Communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun  
  Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 3996  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Filamentous cable bacteria display long-range electron transport, generating electrical currents over centimeter distances through a highly ordered network of fibers embedded in their cell envelope. The conductivity of these periplasmic wires is exceptionally high for a biological material, but their chemical structure and underlying electron transport mechanism remain unresolved. Here, we combine high-resolution microscopy, spectroscopy, and chemical imaging on individual cable bacterium filaments to demonstrate that the periplasmic wires consist of a conductive protein core surrounded by an insulating protein shell layer. The core proteins contain a sulfur-ligated nickel cofactor, and conductivity decreases when nickel is oxidized or selectively removed. The involvement of nickel as the active metal in biological conduction is remarkable, and suggests a hitherto unknown form of electron transport that enables efficient conduction in centimeter-long protein structures.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000669944900006 Publication Date 2021-06-28  
  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 23 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors thank Marlies Neiemeisland for assistance with Raman microscopy, Michiel Kienhuis for assistance with NanoSIMS analysis, Peter Hildebrandt and Diego Millo for helping with the interpretation of the Raman spectra, IONTOF for the Orbitrap Hybrid- SIMS analysis, and Rene Fabregas for helping with finite-element numerical modeling for SDM. H.T.S.B. and F.J.R.M. were financially supported by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (VICI grant 016.VICI.170.072). Research Foundation Flanders supported F.J.R.M., J.V.M., and R.T.E. through FWO grant G031416N, and F.J.R.M. and J.S.G. through FWO grant G038819N. N.M.J.G. is the recipient of a Ph.D. scholarship for teachers from NWO in the Netherlands (grant 023.005.049). The NanoSIMS facility at Utrecht University was financed through a large infrastructure grant by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO, grant no. 175.010.2009.011) and through a Research Infrastructure Fund by the Utrecht University Board. A.G.S. is supported by the Special Research Fund (BOF) of Ghent University (BOF14/IOP/003, BAS094-18, 01IO3618) and FWO (G043219). The ToF-SIMS was funded by FWO Hercules grant (ZW/13/07) to J.V.M. and A.F. H.L., R.M.S., and G.G. were funded by the European Union H2020 Framework Programme (MSCA-ITN-2016) under grant agreement n 721874.EU, the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación and EU FEDER under grant agreements TEC2016-79156-P and TEC2015-72751-EXP, the Generalitat de Catalunya through 2017-SGR1079 grant and CERCA Program. G.G. was recipient of an ICREA Academia Award, and H.L. of a FPI fellowship (BES-2015-074799) from the Agencia Estatal de Investigación/Fondo Social Europeo. L.F. received funding from the European Research Council (grant agreement No. 819417) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Approved Most recent IF: 12.124  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:179813 Serial 6803  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Boschker, H.; Verbeeck, J.; Egoavil, R.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Huijben, M.; Houwman, E.P.; Koster, G.; Blank, D.H.A.; Rijnders, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Preventing the reconstruction of the polar discontinuity at oxide heterointerfaces Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2012 Publication Advanced functional materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Mater  
  Volume 22 Issue 11 Pages 2235-2240  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Perovskite oxide heteroepitaxy receives much attention because of the possibility to combine the diverse functionalities of perovskite oxide building blocks. A general boundary condition for the epitaxy is the presence of polar discontinuities at heterointerfaces. These polar discontinuities result in reconstructions, often creating new functionalities at the interface. However, for a significant number of materials these reconstructions are unwanted as they alter the intrinsic materials properties at the interface. Therefore, a strategy to eliminate this reconstruction of the polar discontinuity at the interfaces is required. We show that the use of compositional interface engineering can prevent the reconstruction at the La0.67Sr0.33MnO3/SrTiO3 (LSMO/STO) interface. The polar discontinuity at this interface can be removed by the insertion of a single La0.33Sr0.67O layer, resulting in improved interface magnetization and electrical conductivity.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor  
  Language Wos 000304749600002 Publication Date 2012-03-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1616-301X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 72 Open Access  
  Notes We wish to acknowledge the financial support of the Dutch Science Foundation (NWO) and the Dutch Nanotechnology program NanoNed. S. B. acknowledges the financial support from the European Union under the Framework 6 program under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative. Reference 026019 ESTEEM. J. V. and G. V. T. acknowledge funding from the European Research Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7), ERC grant N246791 – COUNTATOMS. R. E. acknowledges funding by the European Union Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7) grant NNMP3-LA-2010-246102 IFOX. We thank Sandra Van Aert for stimulating discussions. Approved Most recent IF: 12.124; 2012 IF: 9.765  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:98907UA @ admin @ c:irua:98907 Serial 2712  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Boschker, H.; Huijben, M.; Vailinois, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Aert, S.; Luysberg, M.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Houwman, E.P.; Koster, G.; Blank, D.H.A.; Rijnders, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Optimized fabrication of high-quality La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 thin films considering all essential characteristics Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication Journal of physics: D: applied physics Abbreviated Journal J Phys D Appl Phys  
  Volume 44 Issue 20 Pages 205001-205001,9  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In this paper, an overview of the fabrication and properties of high-quality La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) thin films is given. A high-quality LSMO film combines a smooth surface morphology with a large magnetization and a small residual resistivity, while avoiding precipitates and surface segregation. In the literature, typically only a few of these issues are adressed. We therefore present a thorough characterization of our films, which were grown by pulsed laser deposition. The films were characterized with reflection high energy electron diffraction, atomic force microscopy, x-ray diffraction, magnetization and transport measurements, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The films have a saturation magnetization of 4.0 µB/Mn, a Curie temperature of 350 K and a residual resistivity of 60 µΩ cm. These results indicate that high-quality films, combining both large magnetization and small residual resistivity, were realized. A comparison between different samples presented in the literature shows that focussing on a single property is insufficient for the optimization of the deposition process. For high-quality films, all properties have to be adressed. For LSMO devices, the thin-film quality is crucial for the device performance. Therefore, this research is important for the application of LSMO in devices.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication London Editor  
  Language Wos 000290150900001 Publication Date 2011-04-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-3727;1361-6463; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.588 Times cited 99 Open Access  
  Notes This research was financially supported by the Dutch Science Foundation, by NanoNed, a nanotechnology program of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, and by the NanOxide program of the European Science Foundation. This work is supported in part by the Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering, under contract DE-AC02-76SF00515. Approved Most recent IF: 2.588; 2011 IF: 2.544  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:89557UA @ admin @ c:irua:89557 Serial 2491  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Borah, R.; Smets, J.; Ninakanti, R.; Tietze, M.L.; Ameloot, R.; Chigrin, D.N.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Self-assembled ligand-capped plasmonic Au nanoparticle films in the Kretschmann configuration for sensing of volatile organic compounds Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication ACS applied nano materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 5 Issue 8 Pages acsanm.2c02524-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Films of close-packed Au nanoparticles are coupled electrodynamically through their collective plasmon resonances. This collective optical response results in enhanced light–matter interactions, which can be exploited in various applications. Here, we demonstrate their application in sensing volatile organic compounds, using methanol as a test case. Ordered films over several cm2 were obtained by interfacial self-assembly of colloidal Au nanoparticles (∼10 nm diameter) through controlled evaporation of the solvent. Even though isolated nanoparticles of this size are inherently nonscattering, when arranged in a close-packed film the plasmonic coupling results in a strong reflectance and absorbance. The in situ tracking of vapor phase methanol concentration through UV–vis transmission measurements of the nanoparticle film is first demonstrated. Next, in situ ellipsometry of the self-assembled films in the Kretschmann (also known as ATR) configuration is shown to yield enhanced sensitivity, especially with phase difference measurements, Δ. Our study shows the excellent agreement between theoretical models of the spectral response of self-assembled films with experimental in situ sensing experiments. At the same time, the theoretical framework provides the basis for the interpretation of the various observed experimental trends. Combining periodic nanoparticle films with ellipsometry in the Kretschmann configuration is a promising strategy toward highly sensitive and selective plasmonic thin-film devices based on colloidal fabrication methods for volatile organic compound (VOC) sensing applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000834348300001 Publication Date 2022-07-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2574-0970 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.9 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes R.B. acknowledges financial support from the University of Antwerp Special Research Fund (BOF) for a DOCPRO4 doctoral scholarship. J.S. acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) by a Ph.D. fellowship (11H8121N) . M.L.T. acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) by a senior postdoctoral fellowship (12ZK720N) . Approved Most recent IF: 5.9  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189295 Serial 7095  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Borah, R.; Ninakanti, R.; Nuyts, G.; Peeters, H.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Nuti, S.; Vande Velde, C.; De Wael, K.; Lenaerts, S.; Bals, S.; Verbruggen, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Selectivity in ligand functionalization of photocatalytic metal oxide nanoparticles for phase transfer and self‐assembly applications Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemistry-A European Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem-Eur J  
  Volume Issue Pages chem.202100029-15  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)  
  Abstract Functionalization of photocatalytic metal oxide nanoparticles of TiO 2 , ZnO, WO 3 and CuO with amine‐terminated (oleylamine) and thiol‐terminated (1‐dodecanethiol) alkyl chained ligands was studied under ambient conditions. A high selectivity was observed in the binding specificity of a ligand towards nanoparticles of these different oxides. It was observed that oleylamine binds stably to only TiO 2 and WO 3 , while 1‐dodecanethiol binds stably only to ZnO and CuO. Similarly, polar to non‐polar solvent phase transfer of TiO 2 and WO 3 nanoparticles could be achieved by using oleylamine, but not by 1‐dodecanethiol, while the contrary holds for ZnO and CuO. The surface chemistry of ligand functionalized nanoparticles was probed by ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy, that enabled to elucidate the occupation of the ligands at the active sites. The photo‐stability of the ligands on the nanoparticle surface was determined by the photocatalytic self‐cleaning properties of the material. While TiO 2 and WO 3 degrade the ligands within 24 hours under both UV and visible light, ligands on ZnO and CuO remain unaffected. The gathered insights are also highly relevant from an application point of view. As an example, since the ligand functionalized nanoparticles are hydrophobic in nature, they can thus be self‐assembled at the air‐water interface, for obtaining nanoparticle films with demonstrated photocatalytic as well as anti‐fogging properties.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000652651400001 Publication Date 2021-04-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0947-6539 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.317 Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes R.B. and S.W.V. acknowledge financial support from the University of Antwerp Special Research Fund (BOF) for a DOCPRO4 doctoral scholarship. S.B. and A.P.-T. acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Program by means of the grant agreement no. 731019 EUSMI and the ERC Consolidator grant no. 815128 REALNANO.; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 5.317  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177495 Serial 6787  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Borah, R.; Ninakanti, R.; Bals, S.; Verbruggen, S.W. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Plasmon resonance of gold and silver nanoparticle arrays in the Kretschmann (attenuated total reflectance) vs. direct incidence configuration Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Scientific reports Abbreviated Journal Sci Rep-Uk  
  Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 15738-19  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract While the behaviour of plasmonic solid thin films in the Kretschmann (also known as Attenuated Total Reflection, ATR) configuration is well-understood, the use of discrete nanoparticle arrays in this optical configuration is not thoroughly explored. It is important to do so, since close packed plasmonic nanoparticle arrays exhibit exceptionally strong light-matter interactions by plasmonic coupling. The present work elucidates the optical properties of plasmonic Au and Ag nanoparticle arrays in both the direct normal incidence and Kretschmann configuration by numerical models, that are validated experimentally. First, hexagonal close packed Au and Ag nanoparticle films/arrays are obtained by air–liquid interfacial assembly. The numerical models for the rigorous solution of the Maxwell’s equations are validated using experimental optical spectra of these films before systematically investigating various parameters. The individual far-field/near-field optical properties, as well as the plasmon relaxation mechanism of the nanoparticles, vary strongly as the packing density of the array increases. In the Kretschmann configuration, the evanescent fields arising from p – and s -polarized (or TM and TE polarized) incidence have different directional components. The local evanescent field intensity and direction depends on the polarization, angle of incidence and the wavelength of incidence. These factors in the Kretschmann configuration give rise to interesting far-field as well as near-field optical properties. Overall, it is shown that plasmonic nanoparticle arrays in the Kretschmann configuration facilitate strong broadband absorptance without transmission losses, and strong near-field enhancement. The results reported herein elucidate the optical properties of self-assembled nanoparticle films, pinpointing the ideal conditions under which the normal and the Kretschmann configuration can be exploited in multiple light-driven applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000858344700048 Publication Date 2022-09-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2045-2322 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.6 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes R.B. acknowledges financial support from the University of Antwerp Special Research Fund (BOF) for a DOCPRO4 doctoral scholarship (Grant FN541100001). Approved Most recent IF: 4.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190864 Serial 7194  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Blommaerts, N.; Vanrompay, H.; Nuti, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Bals, S.; Verbruggen, S.W. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Unraveling Structural Information of Turkevich Synthesized Plasmonic Gold-Silver Bimetallic Nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal Small  
  Volume 15 Issue 15 Pages 1902791  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract For the synthesis of gold-silver bimetallic nanoparticles, the Turkevich method has been the state-of-the-art method for several decades. It has been presumed that this procedure results in a homogeneous alloy, although this has been debatable for many years. In this work, it is shown that neither a full alloy, nor a perfect core-shell particle is formed but rather a core-shell-like particle with altering metal composition along the radial direction. In-depth wet-chemical experiments are performed in combination with advanced transmission electron microscopy, including EDX tomography, and Finite Element Method modeling to support the observations. From the electron tomography results, the core-shell structure could be clearly visualized and the spatial distribution of gold and silver atoms could be quantified. Theoretical simulations are performed to demonstrate that even though UV-Vis spectra show only one plasmon band, this still originates from core-shell type structures. The simulations also indicate that the core-shell morphology does not so much affect the location of the plasmon band, but mainly results in significant band broadening. Wet-chemistry experiments provide the evidence that the synthesis pathway starts with gold enriched alloy cores, and later on in the synthesis mainly silver is incorporated to end up with a silver enriched alloy shell.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000482637100001 Publication Date 2019-08-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1613-6810 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.643 Times cited 26 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Universiteit Antwerpen; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1S32617N G.0369.15N G.0381.16N ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.643  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:161636 Serial 5290  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Blommaerts, N.; Hoeven, N.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Campos, R.; Mertens, M.; Borah, R.; Glisenti, A.; De Wael, K.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Cool, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Tuning the turnover frequency and selectivity of photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO and methane using platinum and palladium nanoparticles on Ti-Beta zeolites Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemical Engineering Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 410 Issue Pages 128234  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract A Ti-Beta zeolite was used in gas phase photocatalytic CO2 reduction to reduce the charge recombination rate and increase the surface area compared to P25 as commercial benchmark, reaching 607 m2 g-1. By adding Pt nanoparticles, the selectivity can be tuned toward CO, reaching a value of 92% and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 96 µmol.gcat-1.h-1, nearly an order of magnitude higher in comparison with P25. By adding Pd nanoparticles the selectivity can be shifted from CO (70% for a bare Ti-Beta zeolite), toward CH4 as the prevalent species (60%). In this way, the selectivity toward CO or CH4 can be tuned by either using Pt or Pd. The TOF values obtained in this work outperform reported state-of-the-art values in similar research. The improved activity by adding the nanoparticles was attributed to an improved charge separation efficiency, together with a plasmonic contribution of the metal nanoparticles under the applied experimental conditions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000623394200004 Publication Date 2021-01-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes N.B., S.L., S.W.V. and P.C. wish to thank the Flemish government and Catalisti for financial support and coordination in terms of a sprint SBO in the context of the moonshot project D2M. N.H. thanks the Flanders Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) for the financial support. The Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE) group, R. Blust, University of Antwerp is acknowledged for the ICP-MS measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:174591 Serial 6662  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Blommaerts, N.; Asapu, R.; Claes, N.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Gas phase photocatalytic spiral reactor for fast and efficient pollutant degradation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J  
  Volume 316 Issue 316 Pages 850-856  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Photocatalytic reactors for the degradation of gaseous organic pollutants often suffer from major limitations such as small reaction area, sub-optimal irradiation conditions and thus limited reaction rate. In this work, an alternative solution is presented that involves a glass tube coated on the inside with (silvermodified) TiO2 and spiraled around a UVA lamp. First, the spiral reactor is coated from the inside with TiO2 using an experimentally verified procedure that is optimized toward UV light transmission. This procedure is kept as simple as possible and involves a single casting step of a 1 wt% suspension of TiO2 in ethanol through the spiral. This results in a coated tube that absorbs nearly all incident UV light under the experimental conditions used. The optimized coated spiral reactor is then benchmarked to a conventional annular photoreactor of the same outer dimensions and total catalyst loading over a broad range of experimental conditions. Although residence time distribution experiments indicate slightly longer dwelling of molecules in the spiral reactor, no significant difference in by-passing of gas between the spiral reactor and the annular reactor can be claimed. Acetaldehyde degradation efficiency of 100% is obtained with the spiral reactor for a residence time as low as 60 s, whereas the annular reactor could not achieve full degradation even at 1000 s residence time. In a final case study, addition of long-term stable silver nanoparticles, protected by an ultra-thin polymer shell applied via the layer-by-layer (LbL) method, to the spiral reactor coating is shown to double the degradation efficiency and provides an interesting strategy to cope with higher pollutant concentrations without changing the overall dimensions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000398985200089 Publication Date 2017-02-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 30 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes N.B. wishes to thank the University of Antwerp – Belgium for financial support. N.C. and S.B. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078- COLOURATOM). S.W.V. acknowledges the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) for a postdoctoral fellowship. (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 6.216  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:140925UA @ admin @ c:irua:140925 Serial 4481  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Bladt, E.; van Dijk-Moes, R.J.A.; Peters, J.; Montanarella, F.; de Mello Donega, C.; Vanmaekelbergh, D.; Bals, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Atomic Structure of Wurtzite CdSe (Core)/CdS (Giant Shell) Nanobullets Related to Epitaxy and Growth Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Journal of the American Chemical Society Abbreviated Journal J Am Chem Soc  
  Volume 138 Issue 138 Pages 14288-14293  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Hetero-nanocrystals consisting of a CdSe core and a giant CdS shell have shown remarkable optical properties which are promising for applications in opto-electrical devices. Since these properties sensitively depend on the size and shape, a morphological characterization is of high interest. Here, we present a High Angle Annular Dark Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (HAADF-STEM) study of CdSe (core) / CdS (giant shell) hetero-nanocrystals. Electron tomography reveals that the nanocrystals have a bullet shape, either ending in a tip or a small dip, and that the CdSe core is positioned closer to the tip (or dip) than to the hexagonal base. Based on a high resolution HAADF-STEM study, we were able to determine all the surface facets. We present a heuristic model for the different growth stages of the CdS crystal around the CdSe core.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000387095000026 Publication Date 2016-11-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0002-7863 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 13.858 Times cited 28 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). D.V. wishes to acknowledge the Dutch Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM) in the programme ‘Designing Dirac Carriers in Semiconductor Superstructures’. E.B. gratefully acknowledges financial support by the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen).; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 13.858  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:138251 Serial 4325  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Bladt, E.; Pelt, D.M.; Bals, S.; Batenburg, K.J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Electron tomography based on highly limited data using a neural network reconstruction technique Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 158 Issue 158 Pages 81-88  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract Gold nanoparticles are studied extensively due to their unique optical and catalytical properties. Their exact shape determines the properties and thereby the possible applications. Electron tomography is therefore often used to examine the three-dimensional (3D) shape of nanoparticles. However, since the acquisition of the experimental tilt series and the 3D reconstructions are very time consuming, it is difficult to obtain statistical results concerning the 3D shape of nanoparticles. Here, we propose a new approach for electron tomography that is based on artificial neural networks. The use of a new reconstruction approach enables us to reduce the number of projection images with a factor of 5 or more. The decrease in acquisition time of the tilt series and use of an efficient reconstruction algorithm allows us to examine a large amount of nanoparticles in order to retrieve statistical results concerning the 3D shape.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000361574800011 Publication Date 2015-07-10  
  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 25 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 COLOURATOM; FWO; COST Action MP1207; 312483 ESTEEM2; esteem2jra4; ECASSara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2015 IF: 2.436  
  Call Number c:irua:126675 c:irua:126675 Serial 988  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Biermans, E.; Molina, L.; Batenburg, K.J.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Measuring porosity at the nanoscale by quantitative electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2010 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 10 Issue 12 Pages 5014-5019  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract Quantitative electron tomography is proposed to characterize porous materials at a nanoscale. To achieve reliable three-dimensional (3D) quantitative information, the influence of missing wedge artifacts and segmentation methods is investigated. We are presenting the Discrete Algebraic Reconstruction Algorithm as the most adequate tomography method to measure porosity at the nanoscale. It provides accurate 3D quantitative information, regardless the presence of a missing wedge. As an example, we applied our approach to nanovoids in La2Zr2O7 thin films.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington Editor  
  Language Wos 000284990900040 Publication Date 2010-11-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984;1530-6992; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 79 Open Access  
  Notes Esteem 026019 Approved Most recent IF: 12.712; 2010 IF: 12.219  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:87658 Serial 1967  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Bhatia, H.; Martin, C.; Keshavarz, M.; Dovgaliuk, I.; Schrenker, N.J.; Ottesen, M.; Qiu, W.; Fron, E.; Bremholm, M.; Van de Vondel, J.; Bals, S.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.; Hofkens, J.; Debroye, E. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Deciphering the role of water in promoting the optoelectronic performance of surface-engineered lead halide perovskite nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 15 Issue 5 Pages 7294-7307  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Lead halide perovskites are promising candidates for applicability is limited by their structural instability toward moisture. Although a deliberate addition of water to the precursor solution has recently been shown to improve the crystallinity and optical properties of perovskites, the corresponding thin films still do not exhibit a near-unity quantum yield. Herein, we report that the direct addition of a minute amount of water to post-treated substantially enhances the stability while achieving a 95% photoluminescence quantum yield in a NC thin film. We unveil the mechanism of how moisture assists in the formation of an additional NH4Br component. Alongside, we demonstrate the crucial role of moisture in assisting localized etching of the perovskite crystal, facilitating the partial incorporation of NH4+, which is key for improved performance under ambient conditions. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, the application of post-treated and watertreated perovskites is tested in LEDs, with the latter exhibiting a superior performance, offering opportunities toward commercial application in moisture-stable optoelectronics.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000931729400001 Publication Date 2023-01-27  
  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 3 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes H.B. would like to express her sincere gratitude to Dr. Peter Erk (formerly BASF SE, Germany) for very insightful discussions. The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO grant numbers S002019N, 1514220N, G.0B39.15, G.0B49.15, G098319N, and ZW15_09-GOH6316) , the KU Leuven Research Fund (C14/19/079, iBOF-21-085 PERSIST, and STG/21/010) , the Flemish government through long-term structural funding Methusalem (CASAS2, Meth/15/04) , the Hercules Founda-tion (HER/11/14) , and the ERC through the Marie Curie ITN iSwitch Ph.D. fellowship to H.B. (grant number 642196) . C.M. acknowledges the financial support from grants PID2021-128761OA-C22 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 by the ?European Union? and SBPLY/21/180501/000127 funded by JCCM and by the EU through Fondo Europeo de Desarollo Regional? (FEDER) . Martin Bremholm and Martin Ottesen acknowledge funding from the Danish Council for Independent Research, Natural Sciences, under the Sapere Aude program (grant no. 7027-00077B) and VILLUM FONDEN through the Centre of Excellence for Dirac Materials (grant no. 11744) . Affiliation with the Center for Integrated Materials Research (iMAT) at Aarhus University is gratefully acknowledged.-N.J.S. acknowledges financial support from the research foundation Flanders (FWO) through a postdoctoral fellowship (FWO grant no. 1238622N) . S.B. acknowledges financial support from the European Commission by the ERC Consolidator grant REALNANO (no. 815128) . Approved Most recent IF: 9.5; 2023 IF: 7.504  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195375 Serial 7293  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Bhatia, H.; Keshavarz, M.; Martin, C.; Van Gaal, L.; Zhang, Y.; de Coen, B.; Schrenker, N.J.; Valli, D.; Ottesen, M.; Bremholm, M.; Van de Vondel, J.; Bals, S.; Hofkens, J.; Debroye, E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Achieving High Moisture Tolerance in Pseudohalide Perovskite Nanocrystals for Light-Emitting Diode Application Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS Applied Optical Materials Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Opt. Mater.  
  Volume 1 Issue 6 Pages 1184-1191  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract The addition of potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) to the FAPbBr3 structure and subsequent post-treatment of nanocrystals (NCs) lead to high quantum confinement, resulting in a photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) approaching unity and microsecond decay times. This synergistic approach demonstrated exceptional stability under humid conditions, retaining 70% of the PLQY for over a month, while the untreated NCs degrade within 24 h. Additionally, the devices incorporating the post-treated NCs displayed 1.5% external quantum efficiency (EQE), a 5-fold improvement over untreated devices. These results provide promising opportunities for the use of perovskites in moisture-stable optoelectronics.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2023-06-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2771-9855 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Hercules Foundation, HER/11/14 ; European Commission; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci?n, PID2021-128761OA-C22 ; European Regional Development Fund; Vlaamse regering, CASAS2 Meth/15/04 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1238622N 1514220N 1S45223N G.0B39.15 G.0B49.15 G098319N S002019N ZW15_09-GOH6316 ; Onderzoeksraad, KU Leuven, C14/19/079 db/21/006/bm iBOF-21-085 STG/21/010 ; Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, SBPLY/21/180501/000127 ; H2020 European Research Council, 642196 815128 ; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:201011 Serial 8975  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Beyers, E.; Biermans, E.; Ribbens, S.; de Witte, K.; Mertens, M.; Meynen, V.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Vansant, E.F.; Cool, P. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Combined TiO2/SiO2 mesoporous photocatalysts with location and phase controllable TiO2 nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2009 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ  
  Volume 88 Issue 3/4 Pages 515-524  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)  
  Abstract Combined TiO2/SiO2 mesoporous materials were prepared by deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles synthesised via the acid-catalysed solgel method. In the first synthesis step a titania solution is prepared, by dissolving titaniumtetraisopropoxide in nitric acid. The influences of the initial titaniumtetraisopropoxide concentration and the temperature of dissolving on the final structural properties were investigated. In the second step of the synthesis, the titania nanoparticles were deposited on a silica support. Here, the influence of the temperature during deposition was studied. The depositions were carried out on two different mesoporous silica supports, SBA-15 and MCF, leading to substantial differences in the catalytic and structural properties. The samples were analysed with N2-sorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to obtain structural information, determining the amount of titania, the crystal phase and the location of the titania particles on the mesoporous material (inside or outside the mesoporous channels). The structural differences of the support strongly determine the location of the nanoparticles and the subsequent photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of rhodamine 6G in aqueous solution under UV irradiation.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000266513400032 Publication Date 2008-10-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0926-3373; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.446 Times cited 69 Open Access  
  Notes Goa-Bof; Fwo Approved Most recent IF: 9.446; 2009 IF: 5.252  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:77150 Serial 403  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Bertoni, G.; Grillo, V.; Brescia, R.; Ke, X.; Bals, S.; Catellani, A.; Li, H.; Manna, L. doi  openurl
  Title Direct determination of polarity, faceting, and core location in colloidal core/shell wurtzite semiconductor nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2012 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano  
  Volume 6 Issue 7 Pages 6453-6461  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The ability to determine the atomic arrangement and termination of various facets of surfactant-coated nanocrystals is of great importance for understanding their growth mechanism and their surface properties and represents a critical piece of information that can be coupled to other experimental techniques and to calculations. This is especially appealing in the study of nanocrystals that can be grown in strongly anisotropic shapes, for which the relative growth rates of various facets can be influenced under varying reaction conditions. Here we show that in two representative cases of rod-shaped nanocrystals in the wurtzite phase (CdSe(core)/CdS(shell) and ZnSe(core)/ZnS(shell) nanorods) the terminations of the polar facets can be resolved unambiguously by combining advanced electron microscopy techniques, such as aberration-corrected HRTEM with exit wave reconstruction or aberration-corrected HAADF-STEM. The [0001] and [000-1] polar directions of these rods, which grow preferentially along their c-axis, are revealed clearly, with one side consisting of the Cd (or Zn)-terminated (0001) facet and the other side with a pronounced faceting due to Cd (or Zn)-terminated {10-1-1} facets. The lateral faceting of the rods is instead dominated by three nonpolar {10-10} facets. The core buried in the nanostructure can be localized in both the exit wave phase and HAADF-STEM images.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000306673800079 Publication Date 2012-06-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1936-0851;1936-086X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 13.942 Times cited 63 Open Access  
  Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from the European Research Council under grant number 240111 (NANO-ARCH) and the financial support from the Flemish Hercules 3 Programme for large infrastructures. G.B. and V.G. thank E. Rotunno for his help with STEM_CELL and IWFR. Approved Most recent IF: 13.942; 2012 IF: 12.062  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:101138 Serial 710  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Berthold, T.; Castro, C.R.; Winter, M.; Hoerpel, G.; Kurttepeli, M.; Bals, S.; Antonietti, M.; Fechler, N. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Tunable nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles from tannic acid and urea and their potential for sustainable soots Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication ChemNanoMat : chemistry of nanomaterials for energy, biology and more Abbreviated Journal Chemnanomat  
  Volume 3 Issue 3 Pages 311-318  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Nano-sized nitrogen-doped carbon spheres are synthesized from two cheap, readily available and sustainable precursors: tannic acid and urea. In combination with a polymer structuring agent, nitrogen content, sphere size and the surface (up to 400 m(2)g(-1)) can be conveniently tuned by the precursor ratio, temperature and structuring agent content. Because the chosen precursors allow simple oven synthesis and avoid harsh conditions, this carbon nanosphere platform offers a more sustainable alternative to classical soots, for example, as printing pigments or conduction soots. The carbon spheres are demonstrated to be a promising as conductive carbon additive in anode materials for lithium ion batteries.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000403299200006 Publication Date 2017-03-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2199-692x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.937 Times cited 14 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; S.B. is grateful for funding by the European Research Council (ERC starting grant # 335078-COLOURATOMS). ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 2.937  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:144287UA @ admin @ c:irua:144287 Serial 4699  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Bertels, E.; Bruyninckx, K.; Kurttepeli; Smet, M.; Bals, S.; Goderis, B. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Highly Efficient Hyperbranched CNT Surfactants: Influence of Molar Mass and Functionalization Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Langmuir: the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids Abbreviated Journal Langmuir  
  Volume 30 Issue 41 Pages 12200-12209  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract End-group-functionalized hyperbranched polymers were synthesized to act as a carbon nanotube (CNT) surfactant in aqueous solutions. Variation of the percentage of triphenylmethyl (trityl) functionalization and of the molar mass of the hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG) core resulted in the highest measured surfactant efficiency for a 5000 g/mol PG with 5.6% of the available hydroxyl end-groups replaced by trityl functions, as shown by UV-vis measurements. Semiempirical model calculations suggest an even higher efficiency for PG5000 with 2.5% functionalization and maximal molecule specific efficiency in general at low degrees of functionalization. Addition of trityl groups increases the surfactant-nanotube interactions in comparison to unfunctionalized PG because of pi-pi stacking interactions. However, at higher functionalization degrees mutual interactions between trityl groups come into play, decreasing the surfactant efficiency, while lack of water solubility becomes an issue at very high functionalization degrees. Low molar mass surfactants are less efficient compared to higher molar mass species most likely because the higher bulkiness of the latter allows for a better CNT separation and stabilization. The most efficient surfactant studied allowed dispersing 2.85 mg of CNT in 20 mL with as little as 1 mg of surfactant. These dispersions, remaining stable for at least 2 months, were mainly composed of individual CNTs as revealed by electron microscopy.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor  
  Language Wos 000343638800013 Publication Date 2014-09-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0743-7463;1520-5827; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.833 Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge the SIM NanoForce programme for their financial support and thank the group of Prof. Thierry Verbiest, especially Maarten Bloemen, for the use of their UV−vis equipment. Bart Goderis and Mario Smet thank KU Leuven for financial support through a GOA project. Mert Kurttepeli and Sara Bals acknowledge funding from the European Research Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7), ERC Starting Grant No. 335078 COLOURATOMS.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 3.833; 2014 IF: 4.457  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:121140 Serial 1471  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Berends, A.C.; van der Stam, W.; Hofmann, J.P.; Bladt, E.; Meeldijk, J.D.; Bals, S.; de Donega, C.M. url  doi
openurl 
  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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) 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. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Benetti, G.; Caddeo, C.; Melis, C.; Ferrini, G.; Giannetti, C.; Winckelmans, N.; Bals, S.; J Van Bael, M.; Cavaliere, E.; Gavioli, L.; Banfi, F. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) 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. url  doi
openurl 
  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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) 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. pdf  doi
openurl 
  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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) Ben Dkhil, S.; Pfannmöller, M.; Bals, S.; Koganezawa, T.; Yoshimoto, N.; Hannani, D.; Gaceur, M.; Videlot-Ackermann, C.; Margeat, O.; Ackermann, J. pdf  doi
openurl 
  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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) 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. doi  openurl
  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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (down) 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. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  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  
Permanent link to this record
Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print

Save Citations:
Export Records: