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“Work-function modification of Au and Ag surfaces upon deposition of self-assembled monolayers : influence of the choice of the theoretical approach and the thiol decomposition scheme”. Cornil D, Li H, Wood C, Pourtois G, Bredas J-L, Cornil J, ChemPhysChem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry 14, 2939 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1002/cphc.201300450
Abstract: We have characterized theoretically the work-function modifications of the (111) surfaces of gold and silver upon deposition of self-assembled monolayers based on methanethiol and trifluoromethanethiol. A comparative analysis is made between the experimental results and those obtained from two widely used approaches based on density functional theory. The contributions to the total work-function modifications are estimated on the basis of two decomposition schemes of the thiol molecules that have been proposed in the literature. The contributions are found to differ significantly between the two approaches, as do the corresponding adsorption energies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.075
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201300450
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“Role of PdOx and RuOy clusters in oxygen exchange between nanocrystalline tin dioxide and the gas phase”. Marikutsa AV, Rumyantseva MN, Frolov DD, Morozov IV, Boltalin AI, Fedorova AA, Petukhov IA, Yashina LV, Konstantinova EA, Sadovskaya EM, Abakumov AM, Zubavichus YV, Gaskov AM;, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 117, 23858 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp408646k
Abstract: The effect of palladium- and ruthenium-based clusters on nanocrystalline tin dioxide interaction with oxygen was studied by temperature-programmed oxygen isotopic exchange with mass-spectrometry detection. The modification of aqueous sol-gel prepared SnO2 by palladium and, to a larger extent, by ruthenium, increases surface oxygen concentration on the materials. The revealed effects on oxygen exchange-lowering the threshold temperature, separation of surface oxygen contribution to the process, increase of heteroexchange rate and oxygen diffusion coefficient, decrease of activation energies of exchange and diffusion-were more intensive for Ru-modified SnO2 than in the case of SnO2/Pd. The superior promoting activity of ruthenium on tin dioxide interaction with oxygen was interpreted by favoring the dissociative O-2 adsorption and increasing the oxygen mobility, taking into account the structure and chemical composition of the modifier clusters.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1021/jp408646k
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“Ultrasonication induces oxygenated species and defects onto exfoliated graphene”. Skaltsas T, Ke X, Bittencourt C, Tagmatarchis N, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 117, 23272 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp4057048
Abstract: The effect of ultrasonication parameters, such as time and power applied, to exfoliate graphite in o-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB) and N-methyl-1,2-pyrrolidone (NMP) was examined. It was found that the concentration of graphene was higher in o-DCB, while its dispersibility was increased when sonication was applied for a longer period and/or at higher power. However, spectroscopic examination by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that ultrasonication causes defects and induces oxygen functional groups in the form of carboxylic acids and ethers/epoxides onto the graphene lattice. Additional proof for the latter arose from Raman, IR, and thermogravimetry studies. The carboxylic acids and ethers/epoxides onto exfoliated graphene were derived from air during ultrasonication and found independent of the solvent used for the exfoliation and the power and/or time ultrasonication applied. Quantitative evaluation of the amount of oxygenated species present on exfoliated graphene as performed by high-resolution XPS revealed that the relative oxygen percentage was higher when exfoliation was performed in NMP. Finally, the sonication time and/or power affected the oxygen content on exfoliated graphene, since extended ultrasonication resulted in a decrease in the oxygen content on exfoliated graphene, with a simultaneous increase of defected sp(3) carbon atoms.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 65
DOI: 10.1021/jp4057048
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“Polar and magnetic layered A-site and rock salt B-site-ordered NaLnFeWO6 (Ln = La, Nd) perovskites”. Retuerto M, Li MR, Ignatov A, Croft M, Ramanujachary KV, Chi S, Hodges JP, Dachraoui W, Hadermann J, Tran TT, Halasyamani PS, Grams CP, Hemberger J, Greenblatt M;, Inorganic chemistry 52, 12482 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/ic401491y
Abstract: We have expanded the double perovskite family of materials with the unusual combination of layered order in the A sublattice and rock salt order over the B sublattice to compounds NaLaFeWO6 and NaNdFeWO6. The materials have been synthesized and studied by powder X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, electron diffraction, magnetic measurements, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, dielectric measurements, and second harmonic generation. At room temperature, the crystal structures of both compounds can be defined in the noncentrosymmetric monoclinic P2(1) space group resulting from the combination of ordering both in the A and B sublattices, the distortion of the cell due to tilting of the octahedra, and the displacement of certain cations. The magnetic studies show that both compounds are ordered antiferromagnetically below T-N approximate to 25 K for NaLaFeWO6 and at similar to 21 K for NaNdFeWO6. The magnetic structure of NaNdFeWO6 has been solved with a propagation vector k = (1/2 0 1/2) as an antiferromagnetic arrangement of Fe and Nd moments. Although the samples are potential multiferroics, the dielectric measurements do not show a ferroelectric response.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1021/ic401491y
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“A protecting group approach toward synthesis of Au-silica Janus nanostars”. Rodríguez-Fernández D, Altantzis T, Heidari H, Bals S, Liz-Marzan LM, Chemical communications 50, 79 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3cc47531j
Abstract: The concept of protecting groups, widely used in organic chemistry, has been applied for the synthesis of Au-silica Janus stars, in which gold branches protrude from one half of Au-silica Janus spheres. This configuration opens up new possibilities to apply the plasmonic properties of gold nanostars, as well as a variety of chemical functionalizations on the silica component.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.319
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1039/c3cc47531j
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“On the low-temperature growth mechanism of single walled carbon nanotubes in plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition”. Shariat M, Shokri B, Neyts EC, Chemical physics letters 590, 131 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cplett.2013.10.061
Abstract: Despite significant progress in single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) production by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), the growth mechanism in this method is not clearly understood. We employ reactive molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how plasma-based deposition allows growth at low temperature. We first investigate the SWCNT growth mechanism at low and high temperatures under conditions similar to thermal CVD and PECVD. We then show how ion bombardment during the nucleation stage increases the carbon solubility in the catalyst at low temperature. Finally, we demonstrate how moderate energy ions sputter amorphous carbon allowing for SWCNT growth at 500 K. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.815
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2013.10.061
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“Incommensurate modulation and luminescence in the CaGd2(1-x)Eu2x(MoO4)4(1-y)(WO)4y (0\leq x\leq1, 0\leq y\leq1) red phosphors”. Morozov VA, Bertha A, Meert KW, Van Rompaey S, Batuk D, Martinez GT, Van Aert S, Smet PF, Raskina MV, Poelman D, Abakumov AM, Hadermann J;, Chemistry of materials 25, 4387 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm402729r
Abstract: Scheelite related compounds (A',A '') [(B',B '')O-4], with B', B '' = W and/or Mo are promising new light-emitting materials for photonic applications, including phosphor converted LEDs (light-emitting diodes). In this paper, 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 luminescent properties. CaGd2(1-x)Eu2x(MoO4)(4(1-y))(WO4)(4y) (0 <= x <= 1, 0 <= y <= 1) solid solutions with scheelite-type structure were synthesized by a solid state method, and their structures were investigated using a combination of transmission electron microscopy techniques and powder X-ray diffraction. Within this series all complex molybdenum oxides have (3 + 2)D incommensurately modulated structures with superspace group I4(1)/a(alpha,beta,0)00(-beta,alpha,0)00, while the structures of all tungstates are (3 + 1)D incommensurately modulated with superspace group I2/b(alpha beta 0)00. In both cases the modulation arises because of cation-vacancy ordering at the A site. The prominent structural motif is formed by columns of A-site vacancies running along the c-axis. These vacant columns occur in rows of two or three aligned along the [110] direction of the scheelite subcell. The replacement of the smaller Gd3+ by the larger Eu3+ at the A-sublattice does not affect the nature of the incommensurate modulation, but an increasing replacement of Mo6+ by W6+ switches the modulation from (3 + 2)D to (3 + 1)D regime. Thus, these solid solutions can be considered as a model system where the incommensurate modulation can be monitored as a function of cation nature while the number of cation vacancies at the A sites remain constant upon the isovalent cation replacement. All compounds' luminescent properties were measured, and the optical properties were related to the structural properties of the materials. CaGd2(1-x)(MoO4)(4(1-y))(WO4)(4y) phosphors emit intense red light dominated by the D-5(0)-F-7(2) transition at 612 nm, along with other transitions from the D-5(1) and D-5(0) excited states. The intensity of the 5D0-7F2 transition reaches a maximum at x = 0.5 for y = 0 and 1.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 63
DOI: 10.1021/cm402729r
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“Configuration-interaction excitonic absorption in small Si/Ge and Ge/Si core/shell nanocrystals”. de Oliveira EL, Albuquerque EL, de Sousa JS, Farias GA, Peeters FM, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 116, 4399 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp2088516
Abstract: The excitonic properties of Si(core)/Ge(shell) and Ge(core)/Si(shell) nanocrystals (NC's) with diameters of similar to 1.9 nm are investigated using a combination density functional ab initio method to obtain the single particle wave functions and a configuration interaction method to compute the exciton fine structure and absorption coefficient. These core/shell structures exhibit type II confinement, which is more pronounced for the Si/Ge NC as a consequence of strain. The absorption coefficients of these NC's exhibit a single dominant peak, which has a much larger oscillator strength than the multipeaks found for pure Si and Ge NC's. The exciton lifetime in Si, Ge, and Ge/Si shows a small i:emperature dependence in the range 10-300 K, whereas in Si/Ge, the exciton lifetime decreases more than an order of magnitude in the same temperature range.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 44
DOI: 10.1021/jp2088516
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“Fluorescent nanodiamonds with bioorthogonally reactive protein-resistant polymeric coatings”. Rehor I, Mackova H, Filippov SK, Kucka J, Proks V, Slegerova J, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Ledvina M, Hruby M, Cigler P;, ChemPlusChem 79, 21 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1002/cplu.201300339
Abstract: The novel synthesis of a polymeric interface grown from the surface of bright fluorescent nanodiamonds is reported. The polymer enables bioorthogonal attachment of various molecules by click chemistry; the particles are resistant to nonspecific protein adsorption and show outstanding colloidal stability in buffers and biological media. The coating fully preserves the unique optical properties of the nitrogen-vacancy centers that are crucial for bioimaging and sensoric applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.797
Times cited: 34
DOI: 10.1002/cplu.201300339
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“Atomic structure of defects in anion-deficient perovskite-based ferrites with a crystallographic shear structure”. Batuk M, Turner S, Abakumov AM, Batuk D, Hadermann J, Van Tendeloo G, Inorganic chemistry 53, 2171 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/ic4028404
Abstract: Crystallographic shear (CS) planes provide a new structure-generation mechanism in the anion-deficient perovskites containing lone-pair cations. Pb2Sr2Bi2Fe6O16, a new n = 6 representative of the AnBnO3n2 homologous series of the perovskite-based ferrites with the CS structure, has been synthesized using the solid-state technique. The structure is built of perovskite blocks with a thickness of four FeO6 octahedra spaced by double columns of FeO5 edge-sharing distorted tetragonal pyramids, forming 1/2[110](101)p CS planes (space group Pnma, a = 5.6690(2) Å, b = 3.9108(1) Å, c = 32.643(1) Å). Pb2Sr2Bi2Fe6O16 features a wealth of microstructural phenomena caused by the flexibility of the CS planes due to the variable ratio and length of the constituting fragments with {101}p and {001}p orientation. This leads to the formation of waves, hairpins, Γ-shaped defects, and inclusions of the hitherto unknown layered anion-deficient perovskites Bi2(Sr,Pb)Fe3O8.5 and Bi3(Sr,Pb)Fe4O11.5. Using a combination of diffraction, imaging, and spectroscopic transmission electron microscopy techniques this complex microstructure was fully characterized, including direct determination of positions, chemical composition, and coordination number of individual atomic species. The complex defect structure makes these perovskites particularly similar to the CS structures in ReO3-type oxides. The flexibility of the CS planes appears to be a specific feature of the Sr-based system, related to the geometric match between the SrO perovskite layers and the {100}p segments of the CS planes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1021/ic4028404
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“Spatial separation of covalent, ionic, and metallic interactions in Mg11Rh18B8 and Mg3Rh5B3”. Alekseeva AM, Abakumov AM, Leither-Jasper A, Schnelle W, Prots Y, Van Tendeloo G, Antipov EV, Grin Y, Chemistry: a European journal 19, 17860 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201301512
Abstract: The crystal structures of Mg11Rh18B8 and Mg3Rh5B3 have been investigated by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Mg11Rh18B8: space group P4/mbm; a=17.9949(7), c=2.9271(1)angstrom; Z=2. Mg3Rh5B3: space group Pmma; a=8.450(2), b=2.8644(6), c=11.602(2)angstrom; Z=2. Both crystal structures are characterized by trigonal prismatic coordination of the boron atoms by rhodium atoms. The [BRh6] trigonal prisms form arrangements with different connectivity patterns. Analysis of the chemical bonding by means of the electron-localizability/electron-density approach reveals covalent BRh interactions in these arrangements and the formation of BRh polyanions. The magnesium atoms that are located inside the polyanions interact ionically with their environment, whereas, in the structure parts, which are mainly formed by Mg and Rh atoms, multicenter (metallic) interactions are observed. Diamagnetic behavior and metallic electron transport of the Mg11Rh18B8 and Mg3Rh5B3 phases are in agreement with the bonding picture and the band structure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.317
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1002/chem.201301512
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“Positive graphene by chemical design : tuning supramolecular strategies for functional surfaces”. Hadad C, Ke X, Carraro M, Sartorel A, Bittencourt C, Van Tendeloo G, Bonchio M, Quintana M, Prato M, Chemical communications 50, 885 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3cc47056c
Abstract: A diazonium based-arylation reaction was efficiently used for the covalent addition of 4-amino-N,N,N-trimethylbenzene ammonium to stable dispersions of few layer graphene (FLG) yielding an innovative FLG platform with positive charges to immobilize inorganic polyanions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.319
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1039/c3cc47056c
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“Homopolymers as nanocarriers for the loading of block copolymer micelles with metal salts : a facile way to large-scale ordered arrays of transition-metal nanoparticles”. Shan L, Punniyakoti S, Van Bael MJ, Temst K, Van Bael MK, Ke X, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, D'Olieslaeger M, Wagner P, Haenen K, Boyen HG;, Journal of materials chemistry C : materials for optical and electronic devices 2, 701 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3tc31333f
Abstract: A new and facile approach is presented for generating quasi-regular patterns of transition metal-based nanoparticles on flat substrates exploiting polystyrene-block-poly2vinyl pyridine (PS-b-P2VP) micelles as intermediate templates. Direct loading of such micellar nanoreactors by polar transition metal salts in solution usually results in nanoparticle ensembles exhibiting only short range order accompanied by broad distributions of particle size and inter-particle distance. Here, we demonstrate that the use of P2VP homopolymers of appropriate length as molecular carriers to transport precursor salts into the micellar cores can significantly increase the degree of lateral order within the final nanoparticle arrays combined with a decrease in spreading in particle size. Thus, a significantly extended range of materials is now available which can be exploited to study fundamental properties at the transition from clusters to solids by means of well-organized, well-separated, size-selected metal and metal oxide nanostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.256
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1039/c3tc31333f
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“The origin of p-type conductivity in ZnM2O4 (M = Co, Rh, Ir) spinels”. Amini MN, Dixit H, Saniz R, Lamoen D, Partoens B, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 16, 2588 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3cp53926a
Abstract: ZnM2O4 (M = Co, Rh, Ir) spinels are considered as a class of potential p-type transparent conducting oxides (TCOs). We report the formation energy of acceptor-like defects using first principles calculations with an advanced hybrid exchange-correlation functional (HSE06) within density functional theory (DFT). Due to the discrepancies between the theoretically obtained band gaps with this hybrid functional and the – scattered – experimental results, we also perform GW calculations to support the validity of the description of these spinels with the HSE06 functional. The considered defects are the cation vacancy and antisite defects, which are supposed to be the leading source of disorder in the spinel structures. We also discuss the band alignments in these spinels. The calculated formation energies indicate that the antisite defects ZnM (Zn replacing M, M = Co, Rh, Ir) and VZn act as shallow acceptors in ZnCo2O4, ZnRh2O4 and ZnIr2O4, which explains the experimentally observed p-type conductivity in those systems. Moreover, our systematic study indicates that the ZnIr antisite defect has the lowest formation energy in the group and it corroborates the highest p-type conductivity reported for ZnIr2O4 among the group of ZnM2O4 spinels. To gain further insight into factors affecting the p-type conductivity, we have also investigated the formation of localized small polarons by calculating the self-trapping energy of the holes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 47
DOI: 10.1039/c3cp53926a
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“Atomic layer deposition of ruthenium on a titanium nitride surface : a density functional theory study”. Phung QM, Vancoillie S, Pourtois G, Swerts J, Pierloot K, Delabie A, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 117, 19442 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp405489w
Abstract: Because of its excellent properties in nanotechnology applications, atomic layer deposition of ruthenium (Ru) has been the subject of numerous experimental studies. Recently, two different Ru precursors were compared for plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) of Ru, and their reactivity was found to be different. Inhibition was observed for bis(ethylcyclopentadienyl)ruthenium (Ru(EtCp)(2)), while nearly linear growth behavior was observed for (methylcyclopentadienyl-pyrrolyl)ruthenium (Ru(MeCp)Py). To understand this difference in reactivity, we investigate the adsorption of RuCp, and RuCpPy (i.e., without substituents) on a TiN surface using calculations based on periodic boundary conditions density functional theory (DFT) combined with experiments based on Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS). The calculations demonstrate that the RuCpPy precursor chemisorbs on the TiN(100) surface while the RuCp2 precursor only physisorbs. We propose a reaction mechanism for the chemisorption of RuCpPy. The area density of the calculated RuCpPy surface species is compared with the experimental values from RBS. The impact of a H-plasma is also investigated. The DFT calculations and experimental results from RBS provide insight into the adsorption processes of the RuCpPy and RuCp2 precursors on the TiN(100) surface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1021/jp405489w
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“Chemical structure of nitrogen-doped graphene with single platinum atoms and atomic clusters as a platform for the PEMFC electrode”. Stambula S, Gauquelin N, Bugnet M, Gorantla S, Turner S, Sun S, Liu J, Zhang G, Sun X, Botton GA, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 118, 3890 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp408979h
Abstract: A platform for producing stabilized Pt atoms and clusters through the combination of an N-doped graphene support and atomic layer deposition (ALD) for the Pt catalysts was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). It was determined, using imaging and spectroscopy techniques, that a wide range of N-dopant types entered the graphene lattice through covalent bonds without largely damaging its structure. Additionally and most notably, Pt atoms and atomic clusters formed in the absence of nanoparticles. This work provides a new strategy for experimentally producing stable atomic and subnanometer cluster catalysts, which can greatly assist the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) development by producing the ultimate surface area to volume ratio catalyst.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 57
DOI: 10.1021/jp408979h
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“Gallium oxide nanorods : novel, template-free synthesis and high catalytic activity in epoxidation reactions”. Lueangchaichaweng W, Brooks NR, Fiorilli S, Gobechiya E, Lin K, Li L, Parres-Esclapez S, Javon E, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Martens JA, Kirschhock CEA, Jacobs PA, Pescarmona PP;, Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English 53, 1585 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201308384
Abstract: Gallium oxide nanorods with unprecedented small dimensions (20-80nm length and 3-5nm width) were prepared using a novel, template-free synthesis method. This nanomaterial is an excellent heterogeneous catalyst for the sustainable epoxidation of alkenes with H2O2, rivaling the industrial benchmark microporous titanosilicate TS-1 with linear alkenes and being much superior with bulkier substrates. A thorough characterization study elucidated the correlation between the physicochemical properties of the gallium oxide nanorods and their catalytic performance, and underlined the importance of the nanorod morphology for generating a material with high specific surface area and a high number of accessible acid sites.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 11.994
Times cited: 61
DOI: 10.1002/anie.201308384
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“Reply to Comment on “Frustrated octahedral tilting distortion in the incommensurately modulated Li3xNd2/3-xTiO3 perovskites””. Abakumov AM, Erni R, Tsirlin AA, Chemistry of materials 26, 1288 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm500005d
Keywords: Editorial; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1021/cm500005d
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“Design of new electrode materials for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries from the bloedite mineral Na2Mg(SO4)2\cdot4H2O”. Reynaud M, Rousse G, Abakumov AM, Sougrati MT, Van Tendeloo G, Chotard J-N, Tarascon J-M, Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability 2, 2671 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3ta13648e
Abstract: Mineralogy offers a large database to search for Li- or Na-based compounds having suitable structural features for acting as electrode materials, LiFePO4 being one example. Here we further explore this avenue and report on the electrochemical properties of the bloedite type compounds Na2M(SO4)(2)center dot 4H(2)O (M = Mg, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) and their dehydrated phases Na2M(SO4)(2) (M = Fe, Co), whose structures have been solved via complementary synchrotron X-ray diffraction, neutron powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Among these compounds, the hydrated and anhydrous iron-based phases show electrochemical activity with the reversible release/uptake of 1 Na+ or 1 Li+ at high voltages of similar to 3.3 V vs. Na+/Na-0 and similar to 3.6 V vs. Li+/Li-0, respectively. Although the reversible capacities remain lower than 100 mA h g(-1), we hope this work will stress further the importance of mineralogy as a source of inspiration for designing eco-efficient electrode materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.867
Times cited: 56
DOI: 10.1039/c3ta13648e
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“Electronic properties of graphene nano-flakes : energy gap, permanent dipole, termination effect, and Raman spectroscopy”. Singh SK, Neek-Amal M, Peeters FM, The journal of chemical physics 140, 074304 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4865414
Abstract: The electronic properties of graphene nano-flakes (GNFs) with different edge passivation are investigated by using density functional theory. Passivation with F and H atoms is considered: C-Nc X-Nx (X = F or H). We studied GNFs with 10 < N-c < 56 and limit ourselves to the lowest energy configurations. We found that: (i) the energy difference Delta between the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital decreases with N-c, (ii) topological defects (pentagon and heptagon) break the symmetry of the GNFs and enhance the electric polarization, (iii) the mutual interaction of bilayer GNFs can be understood by dipole-dipole interaction which were found sensitive to the relative orientation of the GNFs, (iv) the permanent dipoles depend on the edge terminated atom, while the energy gap is independent of it, and (v) the presence of heptagon and pentagon defects in the GNFs results in the largest difference between the energy of the spin-up and spin-down electrons which is larger for the H-passivated GNFs as compared to F-passivated GNFs. Our study shows clearly the effect of geometry, size, termination, and bilayer on the electronic properties of small GNFs. This study reveals important features of graphene nano-flakes which can be detected using Raman spectroscopy. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.965
Times cited: 30
DOI: 10.1063/1.4865414
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“Analysis of geothermal waters by spark source mass spectrometry”. Vandelannoote R, Blommaert W, Gijbels R, van Grieken R, Fresenius' Zeitschrift für analytische Chemie 309, 291 (1981). http://doi.org/10.1007/BF00488604
Abstract: Although the analysis of thermal water by spark-source mass spectrometry (SSMS) is rather timeconsuming, it allows the detection of about 20 elements of geochemical interest down to the ppb-level. A physical preconcentration is proposed in order to collect elements having quite different chemical properties, e.g. alkalis, transition elements, and elements occurring in anionic form. The relative sensitivity factors appear to be rather independent of the salt content of the graphite electrodes. Contrary to neutron activation analysis, SSMS has a quite uniform elemental sensitivity, and allows to determine elements for which neutron activation is not suitable, e.g. Sn and Pb. The precision of SSMS is however by a factor of about 2 worse than that obtained for neutron activation.
Keywords: A3 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1007/BF00488604
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“The role of nanocluster aggregation, coalescence, and recrystallization in the electrochemical deposition of platinum nanostructures”. Ustarroz J, Altantzis T, Hammons JA, Hubin A, Bals S, Terryn H, Chemistry of materials 26, 2396 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm403178b
Abstract: By using an optimized characterization approach that combines aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, electron tomography, and in situ ultrasmall angle X-ray scattering (USAXS), we show that the early stages of Pt electrochemical growth on carbon substrates may be affected by the aggregation, self-alignment, and partial coalescence of nanoclusters of d ≈ 2 nm. The morphology of the resulting nanostructures depends on the degree of coalescence and recrystallization of nanocluster aggregates, which in turn depends on the electrodeposition potential. At low overpotentials, a self-limiting growth mechanism may block the epitaxial growth of primary nanoclusters and results in loose dendritic aggregates. At more negative potentials, the extent of nanocluster coalescence and recrystallization is larger and further growth by atomic incorporation may be allowed. On one hand, this suggests a revision of the VolmerWeber island growth mechanism. Whereas this theory has traditionally assumed direct attachment as the only growth mechanism, it is suggested that nanocluster self-limiting growth, aggregation, and coalescence should also be taken into account during the early stages of nanoscale electrodeposition. On the other hand, depending on the deposition potential, ultrahigh porosities can be achieved, turning electrodeposition in an ideal process for highly active electrocatalyst production without the need of using high surface area carbon supports.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 55
DOI: 10.1021/cm403178b
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“Engineered spatial inversion symmetry breaking in an oxide heterostructure built from isosymmetric room-temperature magnetically ordered components”. Alaria J, Borisov P, Dyer MS, Manning TD, Lepadatu S, Cain MG, Mishina ED, Sherstyuk NE, Ilyin NA, Hadermann J, Lederman D, Claridge JB, Rosseinsky MJ;, Chemical science 5, 1599 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3sc53248h
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.668
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1039/c3sc53248h
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“Pb5Fe3TiO11Cl : a rare example of Ti(IV) in a square pyramidal oxygen coordination”. Batuk M, Batuk D, Abakumov AM, Hadermann J, Journal of solid state chemistry 215, 245 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2014.04.002
Abstract: A new oxychloride Pb5Fe3TiO11Cl has been synthesized using the solid state method. Its crystal and magnetic structure was investigated in the 1.5550 K temperature range using electron diffraction, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, atomic resolution energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, neutron and X-ray powder diffraction. At room temperature Pb5Fe3TiO11Cl crystallizes in the P4/mmm space group with the unit cell parameters a=3.91803(3) Å and c=19.3345(2) Å. Pb5Fe3TiO11Cl is a new n=4 member of the oxychloride perovskite-based homologous series An+1BnO3n−1Cl. The structure is built of truncated Pb3Fe3TiO11 quadruple perovskite blocks separated by CsCl-type Pb2Cl slabs. The perovskite blocks consist of two layers of (Fe,Ti)O6 octahedra sandwiched between two layers of (Fe,Ti)O5 square pyramids. The Ti4+ cations are preferentially located in the octahedral layers, however, the presence of a noticeable amount of Ti4+ in a five-fold coordination environment has been undoubtedly proven using neutron powder diffraction and atomic resolution compositional mapping. Pb5Fe3TiO11Cl is antiferromagnetically ordered below 450(10) K. The ordered Fe magnetic moments at 1.5 K are 4.06(4) μB and 3.86(5) μB on the octahedral and square-pyramidal sites, respectively.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.299
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2014.04.002
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“Formation and thermal stability of gold-silica nanohybrids : insight into the mechanism and morphology by electron tomography”. Kundu P, Heidari H, Bals S, Ravishankar N, Van Tendeloo G, Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English 53, 3970 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201309288
Abstract: Gold-silica hybrids are appealing in different fields of applications like catalysis, sensorics, drug delivery, and biotechnology. In most cases, the morphology and distribution of the heterounits play significant roles in their functional behavior. Methods of synthesizing these hybrids, with variable ordering of the heterounits, are replete; however, a complete characterization in three dimensions could not be achieved yet. A simple route to the synthesis of Au-decorated SiO2 spheres is demonstrated and a study on the 3D ordering of the heterounits by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) tomography is presentedat the final stage, intermediate stages of formation, and after heating the hybrid. The final hybrid evolves from a soft self-assembled structure of Au nanoparticles. The hybrid shows good thermal stability up to 400 degrees C, beyond which the Au particles start migrating inside the SiO2 matrix. This study provides an insight in the formation mechanism and thermal stability of the structures which are crucial factors for designing and applying such hybrids in fields of catalysis and biotechnology. As the method is general, it can be applied to make similar hybrids based on SiO2 by tuning the reaction chemistry as needed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 11.994
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1002/anie.201309288
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“A quantum Monte Carlo study on electron correlation in all-metal aromatic clusters MAl4 –, (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cu, Ag and Au)”. Brito BGA, Hai G-Q, Teixeira Rabelo JN, Cândido L, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 16, 8639 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4cp00416g
Abstract: Using fixed-node diffusion quantum Monte Carlo (FN-DMC) simulation we investigate the electron correlation in all-metal aromatic clusters MAl4- (with M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cu, Ag and Au). The electron detachment energies and electron affinities of the clusters are obtained. The vertical electron detachment energies obtained from the FN-DMC calculations are in very good agreement with the available experimental results. Calculations are also performed within the Hartree-Fock approximation, density-functional theory (DFT), and the couple-cluster (CCSD(T)) method. From the obtained results, we analyse the impact of the electron correlation effects in these bimetallic clusters and find that the correlation of the valence electrons contributes significantly to the detachment energies and electron affinities, varying between 20% and 50% of their total values. Furthermore, we discuss the electron correlation effects on the stability of the clusters as well as the accuracy of the DFT and CCSD(T) calculations in the present systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1039/c4cp00416g
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“Octahedral-shaped perovskite nanocrystals and their visible-light photocatalytic activity”. Yin S, Tian H, Ren Z, Wei X, Chao C, Pei J, Li X, Xu G, Shen G, Han G, Chemical communications 50, 6027 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4cc01118j
Abstract: Octahedral-shaped perovskite PbTiO3 nanocrystals (PT OCT) with well-defined {111} facets exposed have been successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method by using LiNO3 as an ion surfactant. The Li-O bond on the surface of PT OCT nanocrystals is essential to the stability of such nanocrystals and also results in a dramatic high visible-light photocatalytic activity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.319
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1039/c4cc01118j
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“Influence of the structure on the properties of NaxEuy(MoO4)z red phosphors”. Morozov VA, Lazoryak BI, Shmurak SZ, Kiselev AP, Lebedev OI, Gauquelin N, Verbeeck J, Hadermann J, Van Tendeloo G, Chemistry of materials 26, 3238 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm500966g
Abstract: Scheelite related compounds (A',A '')(n)[(B',B '')O-4](m) with B', B '' = W and/or Mo are promising new materials for red phosphors in pc-WLEDs (phosphor-converted white-light-emitting-diode) and solid-state lasers. Cation substitution in CaMoO4 of Ca2+ by the combination of Na+ and Eu3+, with the creation of A cation vacancies, has been investigated as a factor for controlling the scheelite-type structure and the luminescent properties. Na5Eu(MoO4)(4) and NaxEu(2-x)/33+square(2-x)/3MoO4 (0.138 <= x <= 0.5) phases with a scheelite-type structure were synthesized by the solid state method; their structural characteristics were investigated using transmission electron microscopy. Contrary to powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction before, the study by electron diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy in this paper revealed that Na0.286Eu0.571MoO4 has a (3 + 2)D incommensurately modulated structure and that (3 + 2)D incommensurately modulated domains are present in Na0.200Eu0.600MoO4. It also confirmed the (3 + 1)D incommensurately modulated character of Na(0.138)Eu(0.621)Mo04. The luminescent properties of all phases under near-ultraviolet (n-UV) light have been investigated. The excitation spectra of these phosphors show the strongest absorption at about 395 nm, which matches well with the commercially available n-UV-emitting GaN-based LED chip. The emission spectra indicate an intense red emission due to the D-5(0) -> F-7(2) transition of Eu3+, with local minima in the intensity at Na0.286Eu0.571MoO4 and Na0.200Eu0.600MoO4 for similar to 613 nm and similar to 616 nm bands. The phosphor Na5Eu(MoO4)(4) shows the brightest red light emission among the phosphors in the Na2MoO4-Eu2/3MoO4 system and the maximum luminescence intensity of Na5Eu(MoO4)(4) (lambda(ex) = 395 nm) in the D-5(0) -> F-7(2) transition region is close to that of the commercially used red phosphor YVO4:Eu3+ (lambda(ex) = 326 nm). Electron energy loss spectroscopy measurements revealed the influence of the structure and Na/Eu cation distribution on the number and positions of bands in the UV-optical-infrared regions of the EELS spectrum.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 53
DOI: 10.1021/cm500966g
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“Multiple twinning as a structure directing mechanism in layered rock-salt-type oxides : NaMnO2 polymorphism, redox potentials, and magnetism”. Abakumov AM, Tsirlin AA, Bakaimi I, Van Tendeloo G, Lappas A, Chemistry of materials 26, 3306 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm5011696
Abstract: New polymorphs of NaMnO2 have been observed using transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. Coherent twin planes confined to the (NaMnO2) layers, parallel to the (10 (1) over bar) crystallographic planes of the monoclinic layered rock-salt-type alpha-NaMnO2 (O3) structure, form quasi-periodic modulated sequences, with the known alpha-and beta-NaMnO2 polymorphs as the two limiting cases. The energy difference between the polymorphic forms, estimated using a DFT-based structure relaxation, is on the scale of the typical thermal energies that results in a high degree of stacking disorder in these compounds. The results unveil the remarkable effect of the twin planes on both the magnetic and electrochemical properties. The polymorphism drives the magnetic ground state from a quasi-1D spin system for the geometrically frustrated alpha-polymorph through a two-leg spin ladder for the intermediate stacking sequence toward a quasi-2D magnet for the beta-polymorph. A substantial increase of the equilibrium potential for Na deintercalation upon increasing the concentration of the twin planes is calculated, providing a possibility to tune the electrochemical potential of the layered rock-salt ABO(2) cathodes by engineering the materials with a controlled concentration of twins.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 35
DOI: 10.1021/cm5011696
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“Plasmon mapping in Au@Ag nanocube assemblies”. Goris B, Guzzinati G, Fernández-López C, Pérez-Juste J, Liz-Marzán LM, Trügler A, Hohenester U, Verbeeck J, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 118, 15356 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp502584t
Abstract: Surface plasmon modes in metallic nanostructures largely determine their optoelectronic properties. Such plasmon modes can be manipulated by changing the morphology of the nanoparticles or by bringing plasmonic nanoparticle building blocks close to each other within organized assemblies. We report the EELS mapping of such plasmon modes in pure Ag nanocubes, Au@Ag coreshell nanocubes, and arrays of Au@Ag nanocubes. We show that these arrays enable the creation of interesting plasmonic structures starting from elementary building blocks. Special attention will be dedicated to the plasmon modes in a triangular array formed by three nanocubes. Because of hybridization, a combination of such nanotriangles is shown to provide an antenna effect, resulting in strong electrical field enhancement at the narrow gap between the nanotriangles.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 41
DOI: 10.1021/jp502584t
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