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“Crystal structure study of manganese and titanium substituted BaLaFe2O6-δ”. Ben Hafsia A, Hendrickx M, Batuk M, Khitouni M, Hadermann J, Greneche J-M, Rammeh N, Journal of solid state chemistry 251, 186 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2017.04.019
Abstract: Barium lanthanum ferrite and four Mn/Ti substituted materials were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The crystal structure of the materials was studied by a combination of X-ray powder diffraction, electron diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy and 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry. BaLaFe2O6-δ has a cubic perovskite structure and Ba0.7La1.3FeMnO6-δ is distorted perovskite with the R-3c symmetry, both from electron diffraction and X-ray powder diffraction. However, according to transmission electron microscopy, the crystals of BaLaFeTiO6-δ, BaLaFeTi0.5Mn0.5O6-δ, and BaLaFe0.5Ti0.5MnO6-δ consist of nanodomains with different symmetries (Pm3m next to R-3c due to octahedral tilts), whereas the bulk X-ray powder diffraction patterns for these compounds correspond to the simple cubic structure. 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry confirms that all materials contain high spin state Fe3+ ions which are strongly influenced by the chemical disorder
resulting from various cationic environments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.299
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2017.04.019
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“3D porous nanostructured platinum prepared using atomic layer deposition”. Pulinthanathu Sree S, Dendooven J, Geerts L, Ramachandran RK, Javon E, Ceyssens F, Breynaert E, Kirschhock CEA, Puers R, Altantzis T, Van Tendeloo G, Bals S, Detavernier C, Martens JA, Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability 5, 19007 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7TA03257A
Abstract: A robust and easy to handle 3D porous platinum structure was created via replicating the 3D channel system
of an ordered mesoporous silica material using atomic layer deposition (ALD) over micrometer distances.
After ALD of Pt in the silica material, the host template was digested using hydrogen fluoride (HF). A fully
connected ordered Pt nanostructure was obtained with morphology and sizes corresponding to that of
the pores of the host matrix, as revealed with high-resolution scanning transmission electron
microscopy and electron tomography. The Pt nanostructure consisted of hexagonal Pt rods originating
from the straight mesopores (11 nm) of the host structure and linking features resulting from Pt
replication of the interconnecting mesopore segments (2–4 nm) present in the silica host structure.
Electron tomography of partial replicas, made by incomplete infilling of Zeotile-4 material with Pt,
provided insight in the connectivity and formation mechanism of the Pt nanostructure by ALD. The Pt
replica was evaluated for its potential use as electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction, one of
the half-reactions of water electrolysis, and as microelectrode for biomedical sensing. The Pt replica
showed high activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction and electrochemical characterization revealed
a large impedance improvement in comparison with reference Pt electrodes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.867
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1039/C7TA03257A
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“Bottom-Up Mechanical Nanometrology of Granular Ag Nanoparticles Thin Films”. Benetti G, Caddeo C, Melis C, Ferrini G, Giannetti C, Winckelmans N, Bals S, J Van Bael M, Cavaliere E, Gavioli L, Banfi F, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 121, 22434 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b05795
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 30
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b05795
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“p -CoO x / n -SnO 2 nanostructures: New highly selective materials for H 2 S detection”. Rumyantseva MN, Vladimirova SA, Vorobyeva NA, Giebelhaus I, Mathur S, Chizhov AS, Khmelevsky NO, Aksenenko AY, Kozlovsky VF, Karakulina OM, Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Gaskov AM, Sensors and actuators : B : chemical (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2017.08.096
Abstract: Nanostructures p-CoOx/n-SnO2 based on tin oxide nanowires have been prepared by two step CVD technique and characterized in detail by XRD, XRF, XPS, HAADF-STEM imaging and EDX-STEM mapping. Depending on the temperature of decomposition of cobalt complex during the second step of CVD synthesis of nanostructures cobalt oxide forms a coating and/or isolated nanoparticles on SnO2 nanowire surface. It was found that cobalt presents in +2 and +3 oxidation states. The measurements of gas sensor properties have been carried out during exposure to CO (14 ppm), NH3 (21 ppm), and H2S (2 ppm) in dry air. The opposite trends were observed in the effect of cobalt oxide on the SnO2 gas sensitivity when detecting CO or NH3 in comparison to H2S. The decrease of sensor signal toward CO and NH3 was attributed to high catalytic activity of Co3O4 in oxidation of these gases. Contrary, the significant increase of sensor signal in the presence of H2S was attributed to the formation of metallic cobalt sulfide and removal of the barrier between p-CoOx and n-SnO2. This effect provides an excellent selectivity of p-CoOx/n-SnO2 nanostructures in H2S detection.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.401
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2017.08.096
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“Disentangling the effect of seed size and crystal habit on gold nanoparticle seeded growth”. González-Rubio G, de Oliveira TM, Altantzis T, La Porta A, Guerrero-Martínez A, Bals S, Scarabelli L, Liz-Marzán LM, Chemical communications 53, 11360 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7CC06854A
Abstract: Oxidative etching was used to produce gold seeds of different sizes and crystal habits. Following detailed characterization, the seeds were grown under different conditions. Our results bring new insights toward understanding the effect of size and crystallinity on the growth of anisotropic particles, whilst identifying guidelines for the optimisation of new synthetic protocols of predesigned seeds.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.319
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1039/C7CC06854A
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“A novel explanation for the increased conductivity in annealed Al-doped ZnO: an insight into migration of aluminum and displacement of zinc”. Momot A, Amini MN, Reekmans G, Lamoen D, Partoens B, Slocombe DR, Elen K, Adriaensens P, Hardy A, Van Bael MK, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 19, 27866 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7CP02936E
Abstract: A combined experimental and first-principles study is performed to study the origin of conductivity in
ZnO:Al nanoparticles synthesized under controlled conditions via a reflux route using benzylamine as a
solvent. The experimental characterization of the samples by Raman, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
and conductivity measurements indicates that upon annealing in nitrogen, the Al atoms at interstitial
positions migrate to the substitutional positions, creating at the same time Zn interstitials. We provide
evidence for the fact that the formed complex of AlZn and Zni corresponds to the origin of the Knight
shifted peak (KS) we observe in 27Al NMR. As far as we know, the role of this complex has not been
discussed in the literature to date. However, our first-principles calculations show that such a complex is
indeed energetically favoured over the isolated Al interstitial positions. In our calculations we also
address the charge state of the Al interstitials. Further, Zn interstitials can migrate from Al_Zn and possibly
also form Zn clusters, leading to the observed increased conductivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1039/C7CP02936E
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“Mechanistic Insight into the Photocatalytic Working of Fluorinated Anatase {001} Nanosheets”. Kus M, Altantzis T, Vercauteren S, Caretti I, Leenaerts O, Batenburg KJ, Mertens M, Meynen V, Partoens B, Van Doorslaer S, Bals S, Cool P, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 121, 26275 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b05586
Abstract: Anatase nanosheets with exposed {001} facets
have gained increasing interest for photocatalytic applications. To
fully understand the structure-to-activity relation, combined
experimental and computational methods have been exploited.
Anatase nanosheets were prepared under hydrothermal conditions
in the presence of fluorine ions. High resolution scanning
transmission electron microscopy was used to fully characterize
the synthesized material, confirming the TiO2 nanosheet
morphology. Moreover, the surface structure and composition
of a single nanosheet could be determined by annular bright-field
scanning transmission electron microscopy (ABF-STEM) and
STEM electron energy loss spectroscopy (STEM-EELS). The photocatalytic activity was tested for the decomposition of organic
dyes rhodamine 6G and methyl orange and compared to a reference TiO2 anatase sample. The anatase nanosheets with exposed
{001} facets revealed a significantly lower photocatalytic activity compared to the reference. In order to understand the
mechanism for the catalytic performance, and to investigate the role of the presence of F−, light-induced electron paramagnetic
resonance (EPR) experiments were performed. The EPR results are in agreement with TEM, proving the presence of Ti3+
species close to the surface of the sample and allowing the analysis of the photoinduced formation of paramagnetic species.
Further, ab initio calculations of the anisotropic effective mass of electrons and electron holes in anatase show a very high effective
mass of electrons in the [001] direction, having a negative impact on the mobility of electrons toward the {001} surface and thus
the photocatalysis. Finally, motivated by the experimental results that indicate the presence of fluorine atoms at the surface, we
performed ab initio calculations to determine the position of the band edges in anatase slabs with different terminations of the
{001} surface. The presence of fluorine atoms near the surface is shown to strongly shift down the band edges, which indicates
another reason why it can be expected that the prepared samples with a large amount of {001} surface, but with fluorine atoms
near the surface, show only a low photocatalytic activity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b05586
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“Luminescence Property Upgrading via the Structure and Cation Changing in AgxEu(2–x)/3WO4and AgxGd(2–x)/3–0.3Eu0.3WO4”. Morozov VA, Batuk D, Batuk M, Basovich OM, Khaikina EG, Deyneko DV, Lazoryak BI, Leonidov II, Abakumov AM, Hadermann J, Chemistry of materials 29, 8811 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.7b03155
Abstract: The creation and ordering of A-cation vacancies and the effect of cation substitutions in the scheelite-type framework are investigated as a factor for controlling the scheelite-type structure and luminescence properties. AgxEu3+(2−x)/3□(1−2x)/3WO4 and AgxGd(2−x)/3−0.3Eu3+0.3□(1−2x)/3WO4 (x = 0.5−0) scheelite-type phases were synthesized by a solid state method, and their structures were investigated using a combination of transmission electron microscopy techniques and powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Transmission electron microscopy also revealed the (3 + 1)D incommensurately modulated character of AgxEu3+(2−x)/3□(1−2x)/3WO4 (x = 0.286, 0.2) phases. The crystal structures of the scheelite-based AgxEu3+(2−x)/3□(1−2x)/3WO4 (x = 0.5, 0.286, 0.2) red phosphors have been refined from high resolution synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data. The luminescence properties of all phases under near-ultraviolet (n-UV) light have been investigated. The excitation spectra of AgxEu3+(2−x)/3□(1−2x)/3WO4 (x = 0.5, 0.286,0.2) phosphors show the strongest absorption at 395 nm, which matches well with the commercially available n-UV-emitting GaN-based LED chip. The excitation spectra of the Eu2/3□1/3WO4 and Gd0.367Eu0.30□1/3WO4 phases exhibit the highest contribution of the charge transfer band at 250 nm and thus the most efficient energy transfer mechanism between the host and the luminescent ion as compared to direct excitation. The emission spectra of all samples indicate an intense red emission due to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+. Concentration dependence of the 5D0 → 7F2 emission for AgxEu(2−x)/3□(1−2x)/3WO4 samples differs from the same dependence for the earlier studied NaxEu3+(2−x)/3□(1−2x)/3MoO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) phases. The intensity of the 5D0 → 7F2 emission is reduced almost 7 times with decreasing x from 0.5 to 0, but it practically does not change in the range from x = 0.286 to x = 0.200. The emission spectra of Gd-containing samples show a completely different trend as compared to only Eu-containing samples. The Eu3+ emission under excitation of Eu3+(5L6) level (λex = 395 nm) increases more than 2.5 times with the increasing Gd3+ concentration from 0.2 (x = 0.5) to 0.3 (x = 0.2) in the AgxGd(2−x)/3−0.3Eu3+0.3□(1−2x)/3WO4, after which it remains almost constant for higher Gd3+ concentrations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.7b03155
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“The Li3RuyNb1-yO4 (0 ≤y&le, 1) System: Structural Diversity and Li Insertion and Extraction Capabilities”. Jacquet Q, Perez A, Batuk D, Van Tendeloo G, Rousse G, Tarascon J-M, Chemistry of materials 29, 5331 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.7b01511
Abstract: Searching for novel high-capacity electrode materials combining cationic and anionic redox processes is an ever-growing activity within the field of Li-ion batteries. In this respect, we report on the exploration of the Li3RuyNb1-yO4 (O <= y <= 1) system with an O/M ratio of 4 to maximize the number of oxygen lone pairs, responsible for the anionic redox. We show that this system presents a very rich crystal chemistry with the existence of four structural types, which derive from the rocksalt structure but differ in their cationic arrangement, creating either zigzag, helical, jagged chains or clusters. From an electrochemical standpoint, these compounds are active on reduction via a classical cationic insertion process. The oxidation process is more complex, because of the instability of the delithiated phase. Our results promote the use of the rich Li3MO4 family as a viable platform for a better understanding of the relationships between structure and anionic redox activity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.7b01511
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“Room Temperature Magnetically Ordered Polar Corundum GaFeO3 Displaying Magnetoelectric Coupling”. Niu H, Pitcher MJ, Corkett AJ, Ling S, Mandal P, Zanella M, Dawson K, Stamenov P, Batuk D, Abakumov AM, Bull CL, Smith RI, Murray CA, Day SJ, Slater B, Cora F, Claridge JB, Rosseinsky MJ, Journal of the American Chemical Society 139, 1520 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.6b11128
Abstract: The polar corundum structure type offers a route to new room temperature multiferroic materials, as the partial LiNbO3-type cation ordering that breaks inversion symmetry may be combined with long-range magnetic ordering of high spin d(5) cations above room temperature in the AFeO(3) system. We report the synthesis of a polar corundum GaFeO3 by a high-pressure, high-temperature route and demonstrate that its polarity arises from partial LiNbO3 -type cation ordering by complementary use of neutron, X-ray, and electron diffraction methods. In situ neutron diffraction shows that the polar corundum forms directly from AlFeO3-type GaFeO3 under the synthesis conditions. The A(3+)/Fe3+ cations are shown to be more ordered in polar corundum GaFeO3 than in isostructural ScFeO3. This is explained by DFT calculations which indicate that the extent of ordering is dependent on the configurational entropy available to each system at the very different synthesis temperatures required to form their corundum structures. Polar corundum GaFeO3 exhibits weak ferromagnetism at room temperature that arises from its Fe2O3-like magnetic ordering, which persists to a temperature of 408 K. We demonstrate that the polarity and magnetization are coupled in this system with a measured linear magnetoelectric coupling coefficient of 0.057 ps/m. Such coupling is a prerequisite for potential applications of polar corundum materials in multiferroic/magnetoelectric devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b11128
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“Multimode Electron Tomography as a Tool to Characterize the Internal Structure and Morphology of Gold Nanoparticles”. Winckelmans N, Altantzis T, Grzelczak M, Sánchez-Iglesias A, Liz-Marzán LM, Bals S, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 122, 13522 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b12379
Abstract: Three dimensional (3D) characterization of structural defects in nanoparticles by transmission electron microscopy is far from straightforward. We propose the use of a dose-efficient approach, so-called multimode tomography, during which tilt series of low and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy projection images are acquired simultaneously. In this manner, not only reliable information can be obtained concerning the shape of the nanoparticles, but also the twin planes can be clearly visualized in 3D. As an example, we demonstrate the application of this approach to identify the position of the seeds with respect to the twinning planes in anisotropic gold nanoparticles synthesized using a seed mediated growth approach.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b12379
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“Do Binary Supracrystals Enhance the Crystal Stability?”.Yang Z, Altantzis T, Bals S, Tendeloo GV, Pileni M-P, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 122, 13515 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b12373
Abstract: We study the oxygen thermal stability of two binary
systems. The larger particles are magnetic amorphous Co (7.2 nm) or
Fe3O4 (7.5 nm) nanocrystals, whereas the smaller ones (3.7 nm) are
Au nanocrystals. The nanocrystal ordering as well as the choice of the
magnetic nanoparticles very much influence the stability of the binary
system. A perfect crystalline structure is obtained with the Fe3O4/Au
binary supracrystals. For the Co/Au binary system, oxidation of Co
results in the chemical transformation from Co to CoO, where the size
of the amorphous Co nanoparticles increases from 7.2 to 9.8 nm in
diameter. During the volume expansion of the Co nanoparticles, Au
nanoparticles within the binary assemblies coalesce and are at the
origin of the instability of the binary nanoparticle supracrystals. On the
other hand, for the Fe3O4/Au binary system, the oxidation of Fe3O4 to
γ-Fe2O3 does not lead to a size change of the nanoparticles, which
maintains the stability of the binary nanoparticle supracrystals. A similar behavior is observed for an AlB2-type Co−Ag binary
system: The crystalline structure is maintained, whereas in disordered assemblies, coalescence of Ag nanocrystals is observed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b12373
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“Reversible Clustering of Gold Nanoparticles under Confinement”. Sánchez-Iglesias A, Claes N, Solís DM, Taboada JM, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, Grzelczak M, Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English 57, 3183 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201800736
Abstract: A limiting factor of solvent-induced nanoparticle self-assembly is the need for constant sample dilution in assembly/disassembly cycles. Changes in the nanoparticle concentration alter the kinetics of the subsequent assembly process, limiting optical signal recovery. Herein, we show that upon confining hydrophobic nanoparticles in permeable silica nanocapsules, the number of nanoparticles participating in cyclic aggregation remains constant despite bulk changes in solution, leading to highly reproducible plasmon band shifts at different solvent compositions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 11.994
Times cited: 53
DOI: 10.1002/anie.201800736
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“Near-Infrared-Emitting CuInS2/ZnS Dot-in-Rod Colloidal Heteronanorods by Seeded Growth”. Xia C, Winckelmans N, Prins PT, Bals S, Gerritsen HC, de Mello Donegá, C, Journal of the American Chemical Society 140, 5755 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.8b01412
Abstract: Synthesis protocols for anisotropic CuInX2 (X = S, Se, Te)-based heteronanocrystals (HNCs) are scarce due to the difficulty in balancing the reactivities of multiple precursors and the high solid-state diffusion rates of the cations involved in the CuInX2 lattice. In this work, we report a multistep seeded growth synthesis protocol that yields colloidal wurtzite CuInS2/ZnS dot core/rod shell HNCs with photoluminescence in the NIR (∼800 nm). The wurtzite CuInS2 NCs used as seeds are obtained by topotactic partial Cu+ for In3+ cation exchange in template Cu2–xS NCs. The seed NCs are injected in a hot solution of zinc oleate and hexadecylamine in octadecene, 20 s after the injection of sulfur in octadecene. This results in heteroepitaxial growth of wurtzite ZnS primarily on the Sulfur-terminated polar facet of the CuInS2 seed NCs, the other facets being overcoated only by a thin (∼1 monolayer) shell. The fast (∼21 nm/min) asymmetric axial growth of the nanorod proceeds by addition of [ZnS] monomer units, so that the polarity of the terminal (002) facet is preserved throughout the growth. The delayed injection of the CuInS2 seed NCs is crucial to allow the concentration of [ZnS] monomers to build up, thereby maximizing the anisotropic heteroepitaxial growth rates while minimizing the rates of competing processes (etching, cation exchange, alloying). Nevertheless, a mild etching still occurred, likely prior to the onset of heteroepitaxial overgrowth, shrinking the core size from 5.5 to ∼4 nm. The insights provided by this work open up new possibilities in designing multifunctional Cu-chalcogenide based colloidal heteronanocrystals.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 43
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b01412
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“β-Na1.7IrO3: A Tridimensional Na-Ion Insertion Material with a Redox Active Oxygen Network”. Pearce PE, Rousse G, Karakulina OM, Hadermann J, Van Tendeloo G, Foix D, Fauth F, Abakumov AM, Tarascon J-M, Chemistry of materials 30, 3285 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b00320
Abstract: The revival of the Na-ion battery concept has prompted an intense search for new high capacity Na-based positive electrodes. Recently, emphasis has been placed on manipulating Na-based layered compounds to trigger the participation of the anionic network. We further explored this direction and show the feasibility of achieving anionic-redox activity in three-dimensional Na-based compounds. A new 3D β-Na1.7IrO3 phase was synthesized in a two-step process, which involves first the electrochemical removal of Li from β-Li2IrO3 to produce β-IrO3, which is subsequently reduced by electrochemical Na insertion. We show that β-Na1.7IrO3 can reversibly uptake nearly 1.3 Na+ per formula unit through an uneven voltage profile characterized by the presence of four plateaus related to structural transitions. Surprisingly, the β-Na1.7IrO3 phase was found to be stable up to 600 °C, while it could not be directly synthesized via conventional synthetic methods. Although these Na-based iridate phases are of limited practical interest, they help to understand how introducing highly polarizable guest ions (Na+) into host rocksalt-derived oxide structures affects the anionic redox mechanism.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b00320
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“Mono- and Multilayer Silicene-Type Honeycomb Lattices by Oriented Attachment of PbSe Nanocrystals: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Analysis of the Disorder”. Peters JL, Altantzis T, Lobato I, Jazi MA, van Overbeek C, Bals S, Vanmaekelbergh D, Sinai SB, Chemistry of materials 30, 4831 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b02178
Abstract: Nanocrystal (NC) solids are commonly prepared from nonpolar organic NC suspensions. In many cases, the capping on the NC surface is preserved and forms a barrier between the NCs. More recently, superstructures with crystalline connections between the NCs, implying the removal of the capping, have been reported, too. Here, we present large-scale uniform superstructures of attached PbSe NCs with a silicene-type honeycomb geometry, resulting from solvent evaporation under nearly reversible conditions. We also prepared multilayered silicene honeycomb structures by using larger amounts of PbSe NCs. We show that the two-dimensional silicene superstructures can be seen as a crystallographic slice from a 3-D simple cubic structure. We describe the disorder in the silicene lattices in terms of the nanocrystals position and their atomic alignment. The silicene honeycomb sheets are large enough to be used in transistors and optoelectronic devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b02178
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“Enhanced electrochemical performance of Li-rich cathode materials through microstructural control”. Serrano-Sevillano J, Reynaud M, Saracibar A, Altantzis T, Bals S, van Tendeloo G, Casas-Cabanas M, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 20, 23112 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8CP04181D
Abstract: The microstructural complexity of Li-rich cathode materials has so far hampered understanding the critical link between size, morphology and structural defects with both capacity and voltage fadings that this family of materials exhibits. Li2MnO3 is used here as a model material to extract reliable structure–property
relationships that can be further exploited for the development of high-performing and long-lasting Li-rich oxides. A series of samples with microstructural variability have been prepared and thoroughly characterized using the FAULTS software, which allows quantification of planar defects and extraction of
average crystallite sizes. Together with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and density functional theory (DFT) results, the successful application of FAULTS analysis to Li2MnO3 has allowed rationalizing the synthesis conditions and identifying the individual impact of concurrent microstructural features on
both voltage and capacity fadings, a necessary step for the development of high-capacity Li-ion cathode materials with enhanced cycle life.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1039/C8CP04181D
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“Small-moment paramagnetism and extensive twinning in the topochemically reduced phase Sr2ReLiO5.5”. Hasanli N, Gauquelin N, Verbeeck J, Hadermann J, Hayward MA, Journal of the Chemical Society : Dalton transactions 47, 15783 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8DT03463J
Abstract: Reaction of the cation-ordered double perovskite Sr2ReLiO6 with dilute hydrogen at 475 degrees C leads to the topochemical deintercalation of oxide ions from the host lattice and the formation of a phase of composition Sr2ReLiO5.5, as confirmed by thermogravimetric and EELS data. A combination of neutron and electron diffraction data reveals the reduction process converts the -Sr2O2-ReLiO4-Sr2O2-ReLiO4- stacking sequence of the parent phase into a -Sr2O2-ReLiO3-Sr2O2-ReLiO4-, partially anion-vacant ordered sequence. Furthermore a combination of electron diffraction and imaging reveals Sr2ReLiO5.5 exhibits extensive twinning – a feature which can be attributed to the large, anisotropic volume expansion of the material on reduction. Magnetisation data reveal a strongly reduced moment of (eff) = 0.505(B) for the d(1) Re6+ centres in the phase, suggesting there remains a large orbital component to the magnetism of the rhenium centres, despite their location in low symmetry coordination environments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.029
DOI: 10.1039/C8DT03463J
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“Insights into the Plasma-Assisted Fabrication and Nanoscopic Investigation of Tailored MnO2Nanomaterials”. Barreca D, Gri F, Gasparotto A, Altantzis T, Gombac V, Fornasiero P, Maccato C, Inorganic Chemistry 57, 14564 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.8b02108
Abstract: Among transition metal oxides, MnO2 is of considerable importance for various technological end-uses,from heterogeneous catalysis to gas sensing, owing to its
structural flexibility and unique properties at the nanoscale. In this work, we demonstrate the successful fabrication of supported MnO2 nanomaterials by a catalyst-free, plasmaassisted process starting from a fluorinated manganese(II)
molecular source in Ar/O2 plasmas. A thorough multitechnique characterization aimed at the systematic investigation of material structure, chemical composition, and
morphology revealed the formation of F-doped, oxygendeficient, MnO2-based nanomaterials, with a fluorine content tunable as a function of growth temperature (TG). Whereas phase-pure β-MnO2 was obtained for 100 °C ≤ TG ≤ 300 °C, the formation of mixed phase MnO2 + Mn2O3 nanosystems took place at 400 °C. In addition, the system nano-organization could be finely tailored, resulting in a controllable evolution from wheat-ear columnar arrays to high aspect ratio pointed-tip nanorod assemblies. Concomitantly, magnetic force microscopy analyses suggested the formation of spin domains with features dependent on material morphology. Preliminary tests in Vislight activated photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B aqueous solutions pave the way to possible applications of the target materials in wastewater purification.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 4.857
DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.8b02108
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“Accelerated Discovery of Efficient Solar Cell Materials Using Quantum and Machine-Learning Methods”. Choudhary K, Bercx M, Jiang J, Pachter R, Lamoen D, Tavazza F, Chemistry of materials 31, 5900 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b02166
Abstract: Solar energy plays an important role in solving serious environmental
problems and meeting the high energy demand. However, the lack of suitable
materials hinders further progress of this technology. Here, we present the largest
inorganic solar cell material search till date using density functional theory (DFT) and
machine-learning approaches. We calculated the spectroscopic limited maximum
efficiency (SLME) using the Tran−Blaha-modified Becke−Johnson potential for 5097
nonmetallic materials and identified 1997 candidates with an SLME higher than 10%,
including 934 candidates with a suitable convex-hull stability and an effective carrier
mass. Screening for two-dimensional-layered cases, we found 58 potential materials
and performed G0W0 calculations on a subset to estimate the prediction uncertainty. As the above DFT methods are still computationally expensive, we developed a high accuracy machine-learning model to prescreen efficient materials and applied it to over a million materials. Our results provide a general framework and universal strategy for the design of high-efficiency solar
cell materials. The data and tools are publicly distributed at: https://www.ctcms.nist.gov/~knc6/JVASP.html, https://www.
ctcms.nist.gov/jarvisml/, https://jarvis.nist.gov/, and https://github.com/usnistgov/jarvis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b02166
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“Chemical and Structural Configuration of Pt Doped Metal Oxide Thin Films Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition”. Ramachandran RK, Filez M, Solano E, Poelman H, Minjauw MM, Van Daele M, Feng J-Y, La Porta A, Altantzis T, Fonda E, Coati A, Garreau Y, Bals S, Marin GB, Detavernier C, Dendooven J, Chemistry of materials 31, 9673 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b03066
Abstract: Pt doped semiconducting metal oxides and Pt metal clusters embedded in an oxide matrix are of interest for applications such as catalysis and gas sensing, energy storage and memory devices. Accurate tuning of the dopant level is crucial for adjusting the properties of these materials. Here, a novel atomic layer deposition (ALD) based method for doping Pt into In2O3 in specific, and metals in metal oxides in general, is demonstrated. This approach combines alternating exposures of Pt and In2O3 ALD processes in a single ‘supercycle’, followed by supercycle repetition leading to multilayered nanocomposites. The atomic level control of ALD and its conformal nature make the method suitable for accurate dopant control even on high surface area supports. Oxidation state, local structural environment and crystalline phase of the embedded Pt dopants were obtained by means of X-ray characterization methods and high angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). In addition, this approach allows characterization of the nucleation stages of metal ALD processes, by stacking those states multiple times in an oxide matrix. Regardless of experimental conditions, a few Pt ALD cycles leads to the formation of oxidized Pt species due to their highly dispersed nature, as proven by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) and highresolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (HR-STEM/EDXS) show that Pt is evenly distributed in the In2O3 metal oxide matrix without the formation of clusters. For a larger number of Pt ALD
cycles, typ. > 10, the oxidation state gradually evolves towards fully metallic, and metallic Pt clusters are obtained within the In2O3 metal oxide matrix. This work reveals how tuning of the ALD supercycle approach for Pt doping allows controlled engineering of the Pt compositional and structural configuration within a metal oxide matrix.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b03066
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“Exsolution of SrO during the Topochemical Conversion of LaSr3CoRuO8to the Oxyhydride LaSr3CoRuO4H4”. Jin L, Batuk M, Kirschner FKK, Lang F, Blundell SJ, Hadermann J, Hayward MA, Inorganic chemistry 58, 14863 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b02552
Abstract: Reaction of the n = 1 Ruddlesden-Popper oxide LaSr3CoRuO8 with CaH2 yields the oxyhydride phase LaSr3CoRuO4H4 via topochemical anion-exchange. Close inspection of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data in combination with HAADF-STEM images reveals that nanoparticles of SrO are exsolved from the system during the reaction, with the change in cation stoichiometry accommodated by the inclusion of n > 1 (Co/Ru)nOn+1H2n ‘perovskite’ layers into the Ruddlesden-Popper stacking sequence. This novel pseudo-topochemical process offers a new route for the formation of n > 1 Ruddlesden-Popper structured materials. Magnetization data are consistent with a LaSr3Co1+Ru2+O4H4 (Co1+, d8, S = 1; Ru2+, d6, S = 0) oxidation/spin state combination. Neutron diffraction and μ+SR data show no evidence for long-range magnetic order down to 2 K, suggesting the diamagnetic Ru2+ centers impede the Co-Co magnetic exchange interactions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b02552
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“Computationally Driven Discovery of a Family of Layered LiNiB Polymorphs”. Gvozdetskyi V, Bhaskar G, Batuk M, Zhao X, Wang R, Carnahan SL, Hanrahan MP, Ribeiro RA, Canfield PC, Rossini AJ, Wang C-Z, Ho K-M, Hadermann J, Zaikina JV, Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English 58, 15855 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201907499
Abstract: Two novel lithium nickel boride polymorphs RT-LiNiB and HT-LiNiB with layered crystal structures are reported. This family of compounds was theoretically predicted by using the adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) and subsequently synthesized via a hydride route with LiH precursor as a lithium source. Being unique among the known ternary transition metal borides, the LiNiB structures feature Li layers alternating with nearly planar [NiB] layers, composed of Ni hexagonal rings centered by B-B pairs. A comprehensive study using a combination of single crystal/synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data, solid-state 7Li and 11B NMR, scanning transmission electron microscopy, quantum chemistry calculations, and magnetism has shed light on the intrinsic features of these polymorphic compounds. The unique layered structures of LiNiB compounds make them ultimate precursors to further study their exfoliation, paving a way toward two-dimensional transition metal borides, MBenes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 11.994
DOI: 10.1002/anie.201907499
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“Locating and controlling the Zn content in In(Zn)P quantum dots”. Kirkwood N, De Backer A, Altantzis T, Winckelmans N, Longo A, Antolinez FV, Rabouw FT, De Trizio L, Geuchies JJ, Mulder JT, Renaud N, Bals S, Manna L, Houtepen AJ, Chemistry of materials 32, 557 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b04407
Abstract: Zinc is routinely employed in the synthesis of InP quantum dots (QDs) to improve the photoluminescence efficiency and carrier mobility of the resulting In(Zn)P alloy nanostructures. The exact location of Zn in the final structures and the mechanism by which it enhances the optoelectronic properties of the QDs is debated. We use synchrotron X-ray absorbance spectroscopy to show that the majority of Zn in In(Zn)P QDs is located at their surface as Zn-carboxylates. However, a small amount of Zn is present inside the bulk of the QDs with the consequent contraction of their lattice, as confirmed by combining high resolution high-angle annular dark-field imaging scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) with statistical parameter estimation theory. We further demonstrate that the Zn content and its incorporation into the QDs can be tuned by the ligation of commonly employed Zn carboxylate precursors: the use of highly reactive Zn-acetate leads to the formation of undesired Zn3P2 and the final nanostructures being characterized by broad optical features, whereas Zn-carboxylates with longer carbon chains lead to InP crystals with much lower zinc content and narrow optical features. These results can explain the differences between structural and optical properties of In(Zn)P samples reported across the literature, and provide a rational method to tune the amount of Zn in InP nanocrystals and to drive the incorporation of Zn either as surface Zn-carboxylate, as a substitutional dopant inside the InP crystal lattice, or even predominantly as Zn3P2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 39
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b04407
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“Magnetic properties of La3Ni2Sb Ta Nb1––O9, from relaxor to spin glass”. Chin C–M, Battle PD, Hunter EC, Avdeev M, Hendrickx M, Hadermann J, Journal of solid state chemistry (Print) 273, 175 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2019.02.044
Abstract: Neutron diffraction experiments conducted at 5 K in a magnetic field 0 < H/kOe < 50 have shown that the monoclinic perovskite La3Ni2TaO9 behaves as a relaxor ferromagnet. Compositions in the series La3Ni2SbxTayNb1–x–yO9 have been synthesized in polycrystalline form. Electron microscopy, X–ray diffraction and neutron diffraction have shown that the solid solutions are largely homogeneous and monophasic. Magnetometry and neutron diffraction have shown that the relaxor magnetisation persists in low fields when x + y = 1 but is rapidly diminished by the introduction of niobium. This change in magnetic behaviour is ascribed to the differences in the d–orbital energies of Sb5+, Nb5+ and Ta5+.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2019.02.044
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“Sub-ppm H2S sensing by tubular ZnO-Co3O4 nanofibers”. Rumyantseva MN, Vladimirova SA, Platonov VB, Chizhov AS, Batuk M, Hadermann J, Khmelevsky NO, Gaskov AM, Sensors And Actuators B-Chemical 307, 127624 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2019.127624
Abstract: Tubular ZnO – Co3O4 nanofibers were co-electrospun from polymer solution containing zinc and cobalt acetates. Phase composition, cobalt electronic state and element distribution in the fibers were investigated by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, HAADF-STEM with EDX mapping, and XPS. Bare ZnO has high selective sensitivity to NO and NO2, while ZnO-Co3O4 composites demonstrate selective sensitivity to H2S in dry and humid air. This effect is discussed in terms of transformation of cobalt oxides into cobalt sulfides and change in the acidity of ZnO oxide surface upon cobalt doping. Reduction in response and recovery time is attributed to the formation of a tubular structure facilitating gas transport through the sensitive layer.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.401
DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2019.127624
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“Formation of Hollow Gold Nanocrystals by Nanosecond Laser Irradiation”. González-Rubio G, Milagres de Oliveira T, Albrecht W, Díaz-Núñez P, Castro-Palacio JC, Prada A, González RI, Scarabelli L, Bañares L, Rivera A, Liz-Marzán LM, Peña-Rodríguez O, Bals S, Guerrero-Martínez A, Journal Of Physical Chemistry Letters 11, 670 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b03574
Abstract: The irradiation of spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with nanosecond laser pulses induces shape transformations yielding nanocrystals with an inner cavity. The concentration of the stabilizing surfactant, the use of moderate pulse fluences, and the size of the irradiated AuNPs determine the efficiency of the process and the nature of the void. Hollow nanocrystals are obtained when molecules from the surrounding medium (e.g., water and organic matter derived from the surfactant) are trapped during laser pulse irradiation. These experimental observations suggest the existence of a subtle balance between the heating and cooling processes experienced by the nanocrystals, which induce their expansion and subsequent recrystallization keeping exogenous matter inside. The described approach provides valuable insight into the mechanism of interaction of pulsed nanosecond laser with AuNPs, along with interesting prospects for the development of hollow plasmonic nanoparticles with potential applications related to gas and liquid storage at the nanoscale.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.7
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b03574
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“Defect‐Directed Growth of Symmetrically Branched Metal Nanocrystals”. Smith JD, Bladt E, Burkhart JAC, Winckelmans N, Koczkur KM, Ashberry HM, Bals S, Skrabalak SE, Angewandte Chemie (International ed. Print) 132, 953 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1002/ange.201913301
Abstract: Branched plasmonic nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted much attention due to electric field enhancements at their tips. Seeded growth provides routes to NCs with defined branching patterns and, in turn, near‐field distributions with defined symmetries. Here, a systematic analysis was undertaken in which seeds containing different distributions of planar defects were used to grow branched NCs in order to understand how their distributions direct the branching. Characterization of the products by multimode electron tomography and analysis of the NC morphologies at different overgrowth stages indicate that the branching patterns are directed by the seed defects, with the emergence of branches from the seed faces consistent with minimizing volumetric strain energy at the expense of surface energy. These results contrast with growth of branched NCs from single‐crystalline seeds and provide a new platform for the synthesis of symmetrically branched plasmonic NCs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1002/ange.201913301
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“CaLa2FeCoSbO9 and ALa2FeNiSbO9 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba): cation-ordered, inhomogeneous, ferrimagnetic perovskites”. Hendrickx M, Tang Y, Hunter EC, Battle PD, Cadogan Jm, Hadermann J, Journal Of Solid State Chemistry 285, 121226 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2020.121226
Abstract: Polycrystalline samples of CaLa2FeCoSbO9 and ALa2FeNiSbO9 (A=Ca, Sr, Ba) have been prepared in solid-state reactions and studied by a combination of transmission electron microscopy, magnetometry, X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Diffraction and TEM showed that each shows 1:1 B-site ordering in which Co2+/Ni2+ and Sb5+ tend to occupy two distinct crystallographic sites while Fe3+ is distributed over both sites. While X-ray and neutron diffraction agreed that all four compositions are monophasic with space group P21/n, TEM revealed different levels of compositional inhomogeneity at the subcrystal scale, which, in the case of BaLa2FeNiSbO9, leads to the occurrence of both a P21/n and an I2/m phase. Magnetometry and neutron diffraction show that these perovskites are ferrimagnets with a G-type magnetic structure. Their relatively low magnetisation can be attributed to their inhomogeneity. This work demonstrates the importance of studying the microstructure of complex compositions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.3
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2020.121226
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“Overcoming Crystallinity Limitations of Aluminium Metal-Organic Frameworks by Oxalic Acid Modulated Synthesis”. Canossa S, Gonzalez-Nelson A, Shupletsov L, Carmen Martin M, Van der Veen MA, Chemistry-A European Journal 26, 3564 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201904798
Abstract: A modulated synthesis approach based on the chelating properties of oxalic acid (H2C2O4) is presented as a robust and versatile method to achieve highly crystalline Al‐based metal‐organic frameworks. A comparative study on this method and the already established modulation by hydrofluoric acid was conducted using MIL‐53 as test system. The superior performance of oxalic acid modulation in terms of crystallinity and absence of undesired impurities is explained by assessing the coordination modes of the two modulators and the structural features of the product. The validity of our approach was confirmed for a diverse set of Al‐MOFs, namely X‐MIL‐53 (X=OH, CH3O, Br, NO2), CAU‐10, MIL‐69, and Al(OH)ndc (ndc=1,4‐naphtalenedicarboxylate), highlighting the potential benefits of extending the use of this modulator to other coordination materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.3
DOI: 10.1002/chem.201904798
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