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Author Vlasov, E.; Heyvaert, W.; Ni, B.; Van Gordon, K.; Girod, R.; Verbeeck, J.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S.
Title High-Throughput Morphological Chirality Quantification of Twisted and Wrinkled Gold Nanorods Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication ACS Nano Abbreviated Journal ACS Nano
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Chirality in gold nanostructures offers an exciting opportunity to tune their differential optical response to left- and right-handed circularly polarized light, as well as their interactions with biomolecules and living matter. However, tuning and understanding such interactions demands quantification of the structural features that are responsible for the chiral behavior. Electron tomography (ET) enables structural characterization at the single-particle level and has been used to quantify the helicity of complex chiral nanorods. However, the technique is time-consuming and consequently lacks statistical value. To address this issue, we introduce herein a high-throughput methodology that combines images acquired by secondary electron-based electron beam-induced current (SEEBIC) with quantitative image analysis. As a result, the geometric chirality of hundreds of nanoparticles can be quantified in less than 1 h. When combining the drastic gain in data collection efficiency of SEEBIC with a limited number of ET data sets, a better understanding of how the chiral structure of individual chiral nanoparticles translates into the ensemble chiroptical response can be reached.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-04-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited Open Access (up)
Notes The authors acknowledge financial support by the European Research Council (ERC CoG No. 815128 REALNANO to S.B.) and from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grant PID2020-117779RB-I00 to L.M.L.-M and FPI Fellowship PRE2021-097588 to K.V.G.). Funded by the European Union under Project 101131111 − DELIGHT, JV acknowledges the eBEAM project supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program FETPROACT-EIC-07- 2020: emerging paradigms and communities. Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2024 IF: 13.942
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 9121
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Author Guerrero, R.M.; Lemir, I.D.; Carrasco, S.; Fernández-Ruiz, C.; Kavak, S.; Pizarro, P.; Serrano, D.P.; Bals, S.; Horcajada, P.; Pérez, Y.
Title Scaling-Up Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Highly Defective Pd@UiO-66-NH2Catalysts for Selective Olefin Hydrogenation under Ambient Conditions Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The need to develop green and cost-effective industrial catalytic processes has led to growing interest in preparing more robust, efficient, and selective heterogeneous catalysts at a large scale. In this regard, microwave-assisted synthesis is a fast method for fabricating heterogeneous catalysts (including metal oxides, zeolites, metal–organic frameworks, and supported metal nanoparticles) with enhanced catalytic properties, enabling synthesis scale-up. Herein, the synthesis of nanosized UiO-66-NH2 was optimized via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to obtain defective matrices essential for the stabilization of metal nanoparticles, promoting catalytically active sites for hydrogenation reactions (760 kg·m–3·day–1 space time yield, STY). Then, this protocol was scaled up in a multimodal microwave reactor, reaching 86% yield (ca. 1 g, 1450 kg·m–3·day–1 STY) in only 30 min. Afterward, Pd nanoparticles were formed in situ decorating the nanoMOF by an effective and fast microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, resulting in the formation of Pd@UiO-66-NH2 composites. Both the localization and oxidation states of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) in the MOF were achieved using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The optimal composite, loaded with 1.7 wt % Pd, exhibited an extraordinary catalytic activity (>95% yield, 100% selectivity) under mild conditions (1 bar H2, 25 °C, 1 h reaction time), not only in the selective hydrogenation of a variety of single alkenes (1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-tridecene, cyclohexene, and tetraphenyl ethylene) but also in the conversion of a complex mixture of alkenes (i.e., 1-hexene, 1-tridecene, and anethole). The results showed a powerful interaction and synergy between the active phase (Pd NPs) and the catalytic porous scaffold (UiO-66-NH2), which are essential for the selectivity and recyclability.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-04-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited Open Access (up)
Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from “Comunidad de Madrid” and European Regional Development Fund-FEDER through the project HUB MADRID+CIRCULAR; the State Research Agency (MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033) through the grant with reference number CEX2019-000931-M received in the 2019 call for “Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence” and “María de Maeztu Units of Excellence” of the State Programme for Knowledge Generation and Scientific and Technological Strengthening of the R&D&I System; and MICIU through the project “NAPOLION” (PID2022-139956OB-I00). S.K. acknowledges the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen) through a PhD research grant (1181124N). Approved Most recent IF: 9.5; 2024 IF: 7.504
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 9126
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Author Van Gordon, K.; Ni, B.; Girod, R.; Mychinko, M.; Bevilacqua, F.; Bals, S.; Liz‐Marzán, L.M.
Title Single Crystal and Pentatwinned Gold Nanorods Result in Chiral Nanocrystals with Reverse Handedness Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Angewandte Chemie International Edition Abbreviated Journal Angew Chem Int Ed
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Handedness is an essential attribute of chiral nanocrystals, having a major influence on their properties. During chemical growth, the handedness of nanocrystals is usually tuned by selecting the corresponding enantiomer of chiral molecules involved in asymmetric growth, often known as chiral inducers. We report that, even using the same chiral inducer enantiomer, the handedness of chiral gold nanocrystals can be reversed by using Au nanorod seeds with either single crystalline or pentatwinned structure. This effect holds for chiral growth induced both by amino acids and by chiral micelles. Although it was challenging to discern the morphological handedness for<italic>L</italic>‐cystine‐directed particles, even using electron tomography, both cases showed circular dichroism bands of opposite sign, with nearly mirrored chiroptical signatures for chiral micelle‐directed growth, along with quasi‐helical wrinkles of inverted handedness. These results expand the chiral growth toolbox with an effect that might be exploited to yield a host of interesting morphologies with tunable optical properties.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-05-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1433-7851 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited Open Access (up)
Notes Ana Sánchez-Iglesias is acknowledged for support in the synthesis of pentatwinned gold nanorods. The authors acknowledge financial support by the European Research Council (ERC CoG No. 815128 REALNANO to S.B.), from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grant PID2020- 117779RB-I00 to L.M.L.-M and FPI Fellowship PRE2021- 097588 to K.V.G.), and by KU Leuven (C14/22/085). This work has been funded by the European Union under Project 101131111—DELIGHT. Funding for open access charge: Universidade de Vigo/ CRUE-CISUG. Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2024 IF: 11.994
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 9129
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Author Chakraborty, J.; Chatterjee, A.; Molkens, K.; Nath, I.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bourda, L.; Watson, G.; Liu, C.; Van Thourhout, D.; Bals, S.; Geiregat, P.; Van der Voort, P.
Title Decoding Excimer Formation in Covalent–Organic Frameworks Induced by Morphology and Ring Torsion Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Advanced Materials Abbreviated Journal Advanced Materials
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract A thorough and quantitative understanding of the fate of excitons in covalent–organic frameworks (COFs) after photoexcitation is essential for their augmented optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications via precise structure tuning. The synthesis of a library of COFs having identical chemical backbone with impeded conjugation, but varied morphology and surface topography to study the effect of these physical properties on the photophysics of the materials is herein reported. The variation of crystallite size and surface topography substantified different aggregation pattern in the COFs, which leads to disparities in their photoexcitation and relaxation properties. Depending on aggregation, an inverse correlation between bulk luminescence decay time and exciton binding energy of the materials is perceived. Further transient absorption spectroscopic analysis confirms the presence of highly localized, immobile, Frenkel excitons (of diameter 0.3–0.5 nm) via an absence of annihilation at high density, most likely induced by structural torsion of the COF skeletons, which in turn preferentially relaxes via long‐lived (nanosecond to microsecond) excimer formation (in femtosecond scale) over direct emission. These insights underpin the importance of structural and topological design of COFs for their targeted use in photocatalysis.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001206226700001 Publication Date 2024-04-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0935-9648 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 29.4 Times cited Open Access (up)
Notes PVDV, JC, AC, and IN acknowledge the FWO-Vlaanderen for research grant G020521N and the research board of UGent (BOF) through a Concerted Research Action (GOA010-17). JC acknowledges UGent for BOF postdoctoral grant (2022.0032.01). AC acknowledges FWOVlaanderen for postdoctoral grant (12T7521N). KM, DVT and PG acknowledges FWOVlaanderen for research grant G0B2921N. SB and DAE acknowledge financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO. CHL acknowledges China Scholarship Council doctoral grant (201908110280). PVDV acknowledges Hercules Project AUGE/17/07 for the UV VIS DRS spectrometer and UGent BASBOF BOF20/BAS/015 for the powder X-Ray Diffractometer. PG thanks UGent for support of the Core Facility NOLIMITS. Approved Most recent IF: 29.4; 2024 IF: 19.791
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:205967 Serial 9130
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Author Deng, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.; He, Z.; Cott, D.J.; Vereecken, P.M.; Martens, J.A.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Detavernier, C.
Title Atomic layer deposition-based synthesis of photoactive TiO2 nanoparticle chains by using carbon nanotubes as sacrificial templates Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication RSC advances Abbreviated Journal Rsc Adv
Volume 4 Issue 23 Pages 11648-11653
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Highly ordered and self supported anatase TiO2 nanoparticle chains were fabricated by calcining conformally TiO2 coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). During annealing, the thin tubular TiO2 coating that was deposited onto the MWCNTs by atomic layer deposition (ALD) was transformed into chains of TiO2 nanoparticles ([similar]12 nm diameter) with an ultrahigh surface area (137 cm2 per cm2 of substrate), while at the same time the carbon from the MWCNTs was removed. Photocatalytic tests on the degradation of acetaldehyde proved that these forests of TiO2 nanoparticle chains are highly photoactive under UV light because of their well crystallized anatase phase.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000332470000017 Publication Date 2014-02-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2046-2069; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.108 Times cited 45 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; The authors wish to thank the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and UGENT-GOA-01G01513 for financial support. The authors acknowledge the European Research Council for funding under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013)/ERC grant agreement no. 239865-COCOON and no. 246791-COUNTATOMS. JAM acknowledges the Flemish government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem). ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.108; 2014 IF: 3.840
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:117298 Serial 168
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Author Rehor, I.; Slegerova, J.; Kucka, J.; Proks, V.; Petrakova, V.; Adam, M.P.; Treussart, F.; Turner, S.; Bals, S.; Sacha, P.; Ledvina, M.; Wen, A.M.; Steinmetz, N.F.; Cigler, P.;
Title Fluorescent nanodiamonds embedded in biocompatible translucent shells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal Small
Volume 10 Issue 6 Pages 1106-1115
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract High pressure high temperature (HPHT) nanodiamonds (NDs) represent extremely promising materials for construction of fluorescent nanoprobes and nanosensors. However, some properties of bare NDs limit their direct use in these applications: they precipitate in biological solutions, only a limited set of bio-orthogonal conjugation techniques is available and the accessible material is greatly polydisperse in shape. In this work, we encapsulate bright 30-nm fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) in 1020-nm thick translucent (i.e., not altering FND fluorescence) silica shells, yielding monodisperse near-spherical particles of mean diameter 66 nm. High yield modification of the shells with PEG chains stabilizes the particles in ionic solutions, making them applicable in biological environments. We further modify the opposite ends of PEG chains with fluorescent dyes or vectoring peptide using click chemistry. High conversion of this bio-orthogonal coupling yielded circa 2000 dye or peptide molecules on a single FND. We demonstrate the superior properties of these particles by in vitro interaction with human prostate cancer cells: while bare nanodiamonds strongly aggregate in the buffer and adsorb onto the cell membrane, the shell encapsulated NDs do not adsorb nonspecifically and they penetrate inside the cells.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor
Language Wos 000333538000012 Publication Date 2014-02-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1613-6810; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.643 Times cited 79 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes 262348 ESMI; Hercules; FWO Approved Most recent IF: 8.643; 2014 IF: 8.368
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:115566 Serial 1234
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Author Shan, L.; Punniyakoti, S.; Van Bael, M.J.; Temst, K.; Van Bael, M.K.; Ke, X.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; D'Olieslaeger, M.; Wagner, P.; Haenen, K.; Boyen, H.G.;
Title 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 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Journal of materials chemistry C : materials for optical and electronic devices Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem C
Volume 2 Issue 4 Pages 701-707
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000329069900015 Publication Date 2013-11-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2050-7526;2050-7534; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.256 Times cited 5 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes FWO projects G.0456.12; 50 G.0346.09N; Methusalem project "NANO Approved Most recent IF: 5.256; 2014 IF: 4.696
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:113734 Serial 1489
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Author Pasquini, L.; Sacchi, M.; Brighi, M.; Boelsma, C.; Bals, S.; Perkisas, T.; Dam, B.
Title Hydride destabilization in core-shell nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication International journal of hydrogen energy Abbreviated Journal Int J Hydrogen Energ
Volume 39 Issue 5 Pages 2115-2123
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract We present a model that describes the effect of elastic constraint on the thermodynamics of hydrogen absorption and desorption in biphasic core-shell nanoparticles, where the core is a hydride forming metal. In particular, the change of the hydride formation enthalpy and of the equilibrium pressure for the metal/hydride transformation are described as a function of nanoparticles radius, shell thickness, and elastic properties of both core and shell. To test the model, the hydrogen sorption isotherms of Mg-MgO core-shell nanoparticles, synthesized by inert gas condensation, were measured by means of optical hydrogenography. The model's predictions are in good agreement with the experimentally determined plateau pressure of hydrogen absorption. The features that a core-shell systems should exhibit in view of practical hydrogen storage applications are discussed with reference to the model and the experimental results. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor
Language Wos 000331344800022 Publication Date 2014-01-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0360-3199; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.582 Times cited 32 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes COST Action MP1103 Approved Most recent IF: 3.582; 2014 IF: 3.313
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:115785 Serial 1528
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Author Roose, D.; Leroux, F.; de Vocht, N.; Guglielmetti, C.; Pintelon, I.; Adriaensen, D.; Ponsaerts, P.; van der Linden, A.-M.; Bals, S.
Title Multimodal imaging of micron-sized iron oxide particles following in vitro and in vivo uptake by stem cells: down to the nanometer scale Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Contrast media and molecular imaging Abbreviated Journal Contrast Media Mol I
Volume 9 Issue 6 Pages 400-408
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Bio-Imaging lab
Abstract In this study, the interaction between cells and micron-sized paramagnetic iron oxide (MPIO) particles was investigated by characterizing MPIO in their original state, and after cellular uptake in vitro as well as in vivo. Moreover, MPIO in the olfactory bulb were studied 9months after injection. Using various imaging techniques, cell-MPIO interactions were investigated with increasing spatial resolution. Live cell confocal microscopy demonstrated that MPIO co-localize with lysosomes after in vitro cellular uptake. In more detail, a membrane surrounding the MPIO was observed by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). Following MPIO uptake in vivo, the same cell-MPIO interaction was observed by HAADF-STEM in the subventricular zone at 1week and in the olfactory bulb at 9months after MPIO injection. These findings provide proof for the current hypothesis that MPIO are internalized by the cell through endocytosis. The results also show MPIO are not biodegradable, even after 9months in the brain. Moreover, they show the possibility of HAADF-STEM generating information on the labeled cell as well as on the MPIO. In summary, the methodology presented here provides a systematic route to investigate the interaction between cells and nanoparticles from the micrometer level down to the nanometer level and beyond. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication S.l. Editor
Language Wos 000346172100001 Publication Date 2014-04-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1555-4309; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.307 Times cited 5 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; The authors would like to thank Sofie Thys for her technical support. The UltraVIEW VoX spinning disk confocal microscope was purchased with support of the Hercules Foundation (Hercules Type 1: AUHA 09/001 and AUHA 11/01). The authors also appreciate financial support from the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative no. 262348 European Soft Matter Infrastructure, ESMI), the Fund for Scientific Research- Flanders and the Flemish Institute for Science and Technology and the Belgian government through the Interuniversity Attraction Pole Program (IAP- PAI). ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.307; 2014 IF: 2.923
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:122750 Serial 2222
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Author Lin, F.; Meng; Kukueva, E.; Mertens, M.; Van Doorslaer, S.; Bals, S.; Cool, P.
Title New insights into the mesophase transformation of ethane-bridged PMOs by the influence of different counterions under basic conditions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication RSC advances Abbreviated Journal Rsc Adv
Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 5553-5562
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Abstract The counterions are of crucial importance in determining the mesostructure and morphology of ethanebridged PMO materials synthesized under basic conditions. By using CTABr as the surfactant, the final PMO materials show a 2-D hexagonal (p6mm) mesophase, while PMO materials with cubic (Pm (3) over barn ) mesostructure are obtained when CTACl or CTA(SO4)(1)/(2) are used. With gradually replacing CTABr by CTACl or CTA(SO4) (1)/(2) while keeping the total surfactant concentration constant, a clear p6mm to Pm (3) over barn 3n mesophase evolution process is observed. For a given gel composition, the mesophase of ethanebridged PMO materials can also be adjusted by the addition of different sodium salts. In short, the effect of the counterions on the mesophase can be attributed to the binding strength of the ions on the surfactant micelles, which follows the Hofmeister series (SO42- < Cl- < Br-< NO3- < SCN-). Furthermore, it is found that the hydrolysis and condensation rate of the organosilica precursor also plays an important role in the formation of the final mesostructure
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000347304900010 Publication Date 2014-12-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2046-2069; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.108 Times cited 6 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; The Erasmus Mundus CONNEC program is acknowledged for PhD funding of F. L. Furthermore, the authors acknowledge support by the GOA-BOF project 'Optimization of the structureactivity relation in nanoporous materials', funded by the University of Antwerp. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.108; 2015 IF: 3.840
Call Number c:irua:123768 Serial 2317
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Author De Schutter, B.; Devulder, W.; Schrauwen, A.; van Stiphout, K.; Perkisas, T.; Bals, S.; Vantomme, A.; Detavernier, C.
Title Phase formation in intermixed NiGe thin films : influence of Ge content and low-temperature nucleation of hexagonal nickel germanides Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Microelectronic engineering Abbreviated Journal Microelectron Eng
Volume 120 Issue Pages 168-173
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract In this study, we focus on phase formation in intermixed NiGe thin films as they represent a simplified model of the small intermixed interface layer that is believed to form upon deposition of Ni on Ge and where initial phase formation happens. A combinatorial sputter deposition technique was used to co-deposit a range of intermixed NiGe thin films with Ge concentrations varying between 0 and 50 at.%Ge in a single deposition on both Ge (100) and inert SiO2 substrates. In situ X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy where used to study phase formation. In almost the entire composition range under investigation, crystalline phases where found to be present in the as-deposited films. Between 36 and 48 at.%Ge, high-temperature hexagonal nickel germanides were found to occur metastabily below 300 °C, both on SiO2 and Ge (100) substrates. For Ge concentrations in the range between 36 and 42 at.%, this hexagonal germanide phase was even found to be present at room temperature in the as-deposited films. The results obtained in this work could provide more insight in the phase sequence of a pure Ni film on Ge.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000336697300028 Publication Date 2013-09-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0167-9317; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.806 Times cited 9 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes FWO project Nr. G076112N Approved Most recent IF: 1.806; 2014 IF: 1.197
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:116958 Serial 2584
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Author El-Gogary, R.I.; Rubio, N.; Wang, J.T.W.; Al-Jamal, W.T.; Bourgognon, M.; Kafa, H.; Naeem, M.; Klippstein, R.; Abbate, V.; Leroux, F.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Kamel, A.O.; Awad, G.A.S.; Mortada, N.D.; Al-Jamal, K.T.;
Title Polyethylene glycol conjugated polymeric nanocapsules for targeted delivery of quercetin to folate-expressing cancer cells in vitro and in vivo Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano
Volume 8 Issue 2 Pages 1384-1401
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract In this work we describe the formulation and characterization of chemically modified polymeric nanocapsules incorporating the anticancer drug, quercetin, for the passive and active targeting to tumors. Folic acid was conjugated to poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymer to facilitate active targeting to cancer cells. Two different methods for the conjugation of PLGA to folic acid were employed utilizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a spacer. Characterization of the conjugates was performed using FTIR and H-1 NMR studies. The PEG and folk acid content was independent of the conjugation methodology employed. PEGylation has shown to reduce the size of the nanocapsule; moreover, zeta-potential was shown to be polymer-type dependent. Comparative studies on the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the different formulations by He La cells, in the presence and absence of excess folic acid, were carried out using MTT assay and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, respectively. Both results confirmed the selective uptake and cytotoxicity of the folic acid targeted nanocapsules to the folate enriched cancer cells in a folate-dependent manner. Finally, the passive tumor accumulation and the active targeting of the nanocapsules to folate-expressing cells were confirmed upon intravenous administration in He La or IGROV-1 tumor-bearing mice. The developed nanocapsules provide a system for targeted delivery of a range of hydrophobic anticancer drugs in vivo.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000332059200032 Publication Date 2014-01-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1936-0851;1936-086X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 13.942 Times cited 144 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes 290023 Raddel; 262348 Esmi; Iap-Pai Approved Most recent IF: 13.942; 2014 IF: 12.881
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:115862 Serial 2670
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Author Ustarroz, J.; Altantzis, T.; Hammons, J.A.; Hubin, A.; Bals, S.; Terryn, H.
Title The role of nanocluster aggregation, coalescence, and recrystallization in the electrochemical deposition of platinum nanostructures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 26 Issue 7 Pages 2396-2406
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor
Language Wos 000334572300026 Publication Date 2014-03-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 55 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes FWO; contract no. FWOAL527 Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2014 IF: 8.354
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:116956 Serial 2916
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Author Mooij, L.; Perkisas, T.; Palsson, G.; Schreuders, H.; Wolff, M.; Hjorvarsson, B.; Bals, S.; Dam, B.
Title The effect of microstructure on the hydrogenation of Mg/Fe thin film multilayers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication International journal of hydrogen energy Abbreviated Journal Int J Hydrogen Energ
Volume 39 Issue 30 Pages 17092-17103
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Nanoconfined magnesium hydride can be simultaneously protected and thermodynamically destabilized when interfaced with materials such as Ti and Fe. We study the hydrogenation of thin layers of Mg (<14 nm) nanoconfined in one dimension within thin film Fe/Mg/Fe/Pd multilayers by the optical technique Hydrogenography. The hydrogenation of nanosized magnesium layers in Fe/Mg/Fe multilayers surprisingly shows the presence of multiple plateau pressures, whose nature is thickness dependent. In contrast, hydrogen desorption occurs via a single plateau which does not depend on the Mg layer thickness. From structural and morphological analyses with X-ray diffraction/reflectometry and cross-section TEM, we find that the Mg layer roughness is large when deposited on Fe and furthermore contains high-angle grain boundaries (GB's). When grown on Ti, the Mg layer roughness is low and no high-angle GB's are detected. From a Ti/Mg/Fe multilayer, in which the Mg layer is flat and has little or no GB's, we conclude that MgH2 is indeed destabilized by the interface with Fe. In this case, both the ab- and desorption plateau pressures are increased by a factor two compared to the hydrogenation of Mg within Ti/Mg/Ti multilayers. We hypothesize that the GB's in the Fe/Mg/Fe multilayer act as diffusion pathways for Pd, which is known to greatly alter the hydrogenation behavior of Mg when the two materials share an interface. Copyright (C) 2014, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor
Language Wos 000343839000031 Publication Date 2014-09-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0360-3199; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.582 Times cited 15 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes COST Action MP1103 Approved Most recent IF: 3.582; 2014 IF: 3.313
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:121175 Serial 3575
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Author Wang, H.; Picot, T.; Houben, K.; Moorkens, T.; Grigg, J.; Van Haesendonck, C.; Biermans, E.; Bals, S.; Brown, S.A.; Vantomme, A.; Temst, K.; Van Bael, M.J.;
Title The superconducting proximity effect in epitaxial Al/Pb nanocomposites Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Superconductor science and technology Abbreviated Journal Supercond Sci Tech
Volume 27 Issue 1 Pages 015008-8
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract We have investigated the superconducting properties of Pb nanoparticles with a diameter ranging from 8 to 20 nm, synthesized by Pb+ ion implantation in a crystalline Al matrix. A detailed structural characterization of the nanocomposites reveals the highly epitaxial relation between the Al crystalline matrix and the Pb nanoparticles. The Al/Pb nanocomposites display a single superconducting transition, with the critical temperature T-c increasing with the Pb content. The dependence of T-c on the Pb/Al volume ratio was compared with theoretical models of the superconducting proximity effect based on the bulk properties of Al and Pb. A very good correspondence with the strong-coupling proximity effect model was found, with an electron-phonon coupling constant in the Pb nanoparticles slightly reduced compared to bulk Pb. Our result differs from other studies on Pb nanoparticle based proximity systems where weak-coupling models were found to better describe the T-c dependence. We infer that the high interface quality resulting from the ion implantation synthesis method is a determining factor for the superconducting properties. Critical field and critical current measurements support the high quality of the nanocomposite superconducting films.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Bristol Editor
Language Wos 000328275000010 Publication Date 2013-11-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0953-2048;1361-6668; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.878 Times cited 2 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO), the KU Leuven BOF Concerted Research Action programs (GOA/09/006, the KU Leuven BOF CREA/12/015 project, and GOA/14/007) and the EU FP7 program SPIRIT (227012). TP and KH are postdoctoral research fellow and doctoral fellow of the FWO. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.878; 2014 IF: 2.325
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:112833 Serial 3599
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Author Adam, N.; Leroux, F.; Knapen, D.; Bals, S.; Blust, R.
Title The uptake of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles in the water-flea Daphnia magna under acute exposure scenarios Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Environmental pollution Abbreviated Journal Environ Pollut
Volume 194 Issue Pages 130-137
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Veterinary physiology and biochemistry
Abstract In this study the uptake of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles by Daphnia magna was tested. Daphnids were exposed during 48 h to acute concentrations of the nanoparticles and corresponding metal salts. The Daphnia zinc and copper concentration was measured and the nanoparticles were localized using electron microscopy. The aggregation and dissolution in the medium was characterized. A fast dissolution of ZnO in the medium was observed, while most CuO formed large aggregates and only a small fraction dissolved. The Daphnia zinc concentration was comparable for the nanoparticles and salts. Contrarily, a much higher Daphnia copper concentration was observed in the CuO exposure, compared to the copper salt. CuO nanoparticles adsorbed onto the carapace and occurred in the gut but did not internalize in the tissues. The combined dissolution and uptake results indicate that the toxicity of both nanoparticle types was caused by metal ions dissolved from the particles in the medium.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication London Editor
Language Wos 000342530800016 Publication Date 2014-08-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0269-7491; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.099 Times cited 45 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; We would like to thank Valentine Mubiana and Steven Joosen (Sphere, UA) for performing the ICP-OES and ICP-MS measurements and Prof. Dr. Gustaaf Van Tendeloo for making the collaboration between the EMAT and Sphere group possible. Additional thanks go to the European Commission for funding this work through the project ENNSATOX (NMP4-SL-2009-229244). ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.099; 2014 IF: 4.143
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:118326 Serial 3823
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Author Roose, D.; Leroux, F.; De Vocht, N.; Guglielmetti, C.; Pintelon, I.; Adriaensen, D.; Ponsaerts, P.; Van der Linden, A.; Bals, S.
Title Multimodal imaging of micron-sized iron oxide particles following in vitro and in vivo uptake by stem cells: down to the nanometer scale Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Contrast Media & Molecular Imaging Abbreviated Journal Contrast Media Mol I
Volume 9 Issue 6 Pages 400-408
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT);
Abstract In this study, the interaction between cells and micron-sized paramagnetic iron oxide (MPIO) particles was investigated by characterizing MPIO in their original state, and after cellular uptake in vitro as well as in vivo. Moreover, MPIO in the olfactory bulb were studied 9 months after injection. Using various imaging techniques, cell-MPIO interactions were investigated with increasing spatial resolution. Live cell confocal microscopy demonstrated that MPIO co-localize with lysosomes after in vitro cellular uptake. In more detail, a membrane surrounding the MPIO was observed by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). Following MPIO uptake in vivo, the same cell-MPIO interaction was observed by HAADF-STEM in the subventricular zone at 1 week and in the olfactory bulb at 9 months after MPIO injection. These findings provide proof for the current hypothesis that MPIO are internalized by the cell through endocytosis. The results also show MPIO are not biodegradable, even after 9 months in the brain. Moreover, they show the possibility of HAADF-STEM generating information on the labeled cell as well as on the MPIO. In summary, the methodology presented here provides a systematic route to investigate the interaction between cells and nanoparticles from the micrometer level down to the nanometer level and beyond.
Address EMAT, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Wos 000346172100002 Publication Date 2014-04-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1555-4309; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.307 Times cited 8 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes IAP-PAI; 262348 ESMI; Hercules Type 1: AUHA 09/001 and AUHA 11/01 Approved Most recent IF: 3.307; 2014 IF: 2.923
Call Number UA @ lucian @ Serial 3938
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Author Liz-Marzan, L.; Bals, S.
Title Advanced particle characterization techniques Type Editorial
Year 2016 Publication Particle and particle systems characterization Abbreviated Journal Part Part Syst Char
Volume 33 Issue 33 Pages 350-351
Keywords Editorial; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Wiley-v c h verlag gmbh Place of Publication Weinheim Editor
Language Wos 000379970000001 Publication Date 2016-07-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0934-0866 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.474 Times cited Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.474
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:134957 Serial 4136
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Author Calizzi, M.; Venturi, F.; Ponthieu, M.; Cuevas, F.; Morandi, V.; Perkisas, T.; Bals, S.; Pasquini, L.
Title Gas-phase synthesis of Mg-Ti nanoparticles for solid-state hydrogen storage Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 18 Issue 18 Pages 141-148
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Mg-Ti nanostructured samples with different Ti contents were prepared via compaction of nanoparticles grown by inert gas condensation with independent Mg and Ti vapour sources. The growth set-up offered the option to perform in situ hydrogen absorption before compaction. Structural and morphological characterisation was carried out by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The formation of an extended metastable solid solution of Ti in hcp Mg was detected up to 15 at% Ti in the as-grown nanoparticles, while after in situ hydrogen absorption, phase separation between MgH2 and TiH2 was observed. At a Ti content of 22 at%, a metastable Mg-Ti-H fcc phase was observed after in situ hydrogen absorption. The co-evaporation of Mg and Ti inhibited nanoparticle coalescence and crystallite growth in comparison with the evaporation of Mg only. In situ hydrogen absorption was beneficial to subsequent hydrogen behaviour, studied by high pressure differential scanning calorimetry and isothermal kinetics. A transformed fraction of 90% was reached within 100 s at 300 degrees C during both hydrogen absorption and desorption. The enthalpy of hydride formation was not observed to differ from bulk MgH2.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000368755500014 Publication Date 2015-11-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 31 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; Part of this work was supported by the COST Action MP1103 “Nanostructured materials for solid-state hydrogen storage”. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:131589 Serial 4184
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Author Venturi, F.; Calizzi, M.; Bals, S.; Perkisas, T.; Pasquini, L.
Title Self-assembly of gas-phase synthesized magnesium nanoparticles on room temperature substrates Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Materials research express Abbreviated Journal Mater Res Express
Volume 2 Issue 2 Pages 015007
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Magnesium nanoparticles (NPs) with initial size in the 10-50 nmrange were synthesized by inert gas condensation under helium flow and deposited on room temperature substrates. The morphology and crystal structure of the NPs ensemble were investigated as a function of the deposition time by complementary electron microscopy techniques, including high resolution imaging and chemical mapping. With increasing amount of material, strong coarsening phenomena were observed at room temperature: small NPs disappeared while large faceted NPs developed, leading to a 5-fold increase of the average NPs size within a few minutes. The extent of coarsening and the final morphology depended also on the nature of the substrate. Furthermore, large single-crystal NPs were seen to arise from the self-organization of primary NPs units, providing a mechanism for crystal growth. The dynamics of the self-assembly process involves the basic steps of NPs sticking, diffusion on substrate, coordinated rotation and attachment/coalescence. Key features are the surface energy anisotropy, reflected by the faceted shape of the NPs, and the low melting point of the material. The observed phenomena have strong implications in relation to the synthesis and stability of nanostructures based on Mg or other elements with similar features.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher IOP Publishing Place of Publication Bristol Editor
Language Wos 000369978500007 Publication Date 2014-12-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2053-1591 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.068 Times cited 14 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; Financial support by COST Action MP1103 'Nanostructured Materials for Solid-State Hydrogen Storage' is gratefully acknowledged. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.068; 2015 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:132275 Serial 4240
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Author Ben Dkhil, S.; Pfannmöller, M.; Bals, S.; Koganezawa, T.; Yoshimoto, N.; Hannani, D.; Gaceur, M.; Videlot-Ackermann, C.; Margeat, O.; Ackermann, J.
Title Square-centimeter-sized high-efficiency polymer solar cells : how the processing atmosphere and film quality influence performance at large scale Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Laser physics review Abbreviated Journal Adv Energy Mater
Volume 6 Issue 6 Pages 1600290
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Organic solar cells based on two benzodithiophene-based polymers (PTB7 and PTB7-Th) processed at square centimeter-size under inert atmosphere and ambient air, respectively, are investigated. It is demonstrated that the performance of solar cells processed under inert atmosphere is not limited by the upscaling of photoactive layer and the interfacial layers. Thorough morphological and electrical characterizations of optimized layers and corresponding devices reveal that performance losses due to area enlargement are only caused by the sheet resistance of the transparent electrode reducing the effi ciency from 9.3% of 7.8% for PTB7-Th in the condition that both photoactive layer and the interfacial layers are of high layer quality. Air processing of photoactive layer and the interfacial layers into centimeter-sized solar cells lead to additional, but only slight, losses (< 10%) in all photovoltaic parameters, which can be addressed to changes in the electronic properties of both active layer and ZnO layers rather than changes in layer morphology. The demonstrated compatibility of polymer solar cells using solution-processed photoactive layer and interfacial layers with large area indicates that the introduction of a standard active area of 1 cm(2) for measuring effi ciency of organic record solar cells is feasible. However electric standards for indium tin oxides (ITO) or alternative transparent electrodes need to be developed so that performance of new photovoltaic materials can be compared at square centimeter-size.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Place of publication unknown Editor
Language Wos 000379314700010 Publication Date 2016-05-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1614-6832 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 16.721 Times cited 6 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; The authors acknowledge financial support by the French Fond Unique Intermisteriel (FUI) under the project “SFUMATO” (Grant number: F1110019V/ 201308815) as well as by the European Commission under the Project “SUNFLOWER” (FP7-ICT-2011-7-contract no. 287594). Generalitat Valenciana (ISIC/2012/008 Institute of Nanotechnologies for Clean Energies) is also acknowledged for providing financial support. The synchrotron radiation experiments were performed at BL46XU and BL19B2 in SPring-8 with the approval of Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI) (Proposal Nos. 2014B1916 and 2015A1984). The authors further acknowledge financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). ; Approved Most recent IF: 16.721
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:134951 Serial 4249
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Author Callini, E.; Aguey-Zinsou, K.F.; Ahuja, R.; Ares, J.R.; Bals, S.; Biliškov, N.; Chakraborty, S.; Charalambopoulou, G.; Chaudhary, A.L.; Cuevas, F.; Dam, B.; de Jongh, P.; Dornheim, M.; Filinchuk, Y.; Grbović Novaković, J.; Hirscher, M.; Jensen, T.R.; Jensen, P.B.; Novaković, N.; Lai, Q.; Leardini, F.; Gattia, D.M.; Pasquini, L.; Steriotis, T.; Turner, S.; Vegge, T.; Züttel, A.; Montone, A.
Title Nanostructured materials for solid-state hydrogen storage : a review of the achievement of COST Action MP1103 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication International journal of hydrogen energy T2 – E-MRS Fall Meeting / Symposium C on Hydrogen Storage in Solids -, Materials, Systems and Aplication Trends, SEP 15-18, 2015, Warsaw, POLAND Abbreviated Journal Int J Hydrogen Energ
Volume 41 Issue 41 Pages 14404-14428
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract In the framework of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action MP1103 Nanostructured Materials for Solid-State Hydrogen Storage were synthesized, characterized and modeled. This Action dealt with the state of the art of energy storage and set up a competitive and coordinated network capable to define new and unexplored ways for Solid State Hydrogen Storage by innovative and interdisciplinary research within the European Research Area. An important number of new compounds have been synthesized: metal hydrides, complex hydrides, metal halide ammines and amidoboranes. Tuning the structure from bulk to thin film, nanoparticles and nanoconfined composites improved the hydrogen sorption properties and opened the perspective to new technological applications. Direct imaging of the hydrogenation reactions and in situ measurements under operando conditions have been carried out in these studies. Computational screening methods allowed the prediction of suitable compounds for hydrogen storage and the modeling of the hydrogen sorption reactions on mono-, bi-, and three-dimensional systems. This manuscript presents a review of the main achievements of this Action. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Pergamon-elsevier science ltd Place of Publication Oxford Editor
Language Wos 000381950800051 Publication Date 2016-05-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0360-3199 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.582 Times cited 89 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes All the authors greatly thank the COST Action MP1103 for financial support. Approved Most recent IF: 3.582
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:135723 Serial 4307
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Author Tong, Y.; Bladt, E.; Aygüler, M.F.; Manzi, A.; Milowska, K.Z.; Hintermayr, V.A.; Docampo, P.; Bals, S.; Urban, A.S.; Polavarapu, L.; Feldmann, J.
Title Highly Luminescent Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals with Tunable Composition and Thickness by Ultrasonication Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English Abbreviated Journal Angew Chem Int Edit
Volume 55 Issue 55 Pages 13887-13892
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract We describe the simple, scalable, single-step, and polar-solvent-free synthesis of high-quality colloidal CsPbX3 (X=Cl, Br, and I) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) with tunable halide ion composition and thickness by direct ultrasonication of the corresponding precursor solutions in the presence of organic capping molecules. High angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) revealed the cubic crystal structure and surface termination of the NCs with atomic resolution. The NCs exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yields, narrow emission line widths, and considerable air stability. Furthermore, we investigated the quantum size effects in CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3 nanoplatelets by tuning their thickness down to only three to six monolayers. The high quality of the prepared NCs (CsPbBr3) was confirmed by amplified spontaneous emission with low thresholds. The versatility of this synthesis approach was demonstrated by synthesizing different perovskite NCs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000387024200040 Publication Date 2016-09-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1433-7851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 11.994 Times cited 549 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes This work was supported by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science, Research, and Arts through the grant “Solar Technologies go Hybrid (SolTech)”, by the China Scholarship Council (Y.T.) and by the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (L.P.). P.D. acknowledges support from the European Union through the award of a Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship. M.A. acknowledges the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). E.B. gratefully acknowledges financial support by the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen).; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 11.994
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:138215 Serial 4327
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Author Cui, J.; Faria, M.; Bjornmalm, M.; Ju, Y.; Suma, T.; Gunawan, S.T.; Richardson, J.J.; Heidar, H.; Bals, S.; Crampin, E.J.; Caruso, F.
Title A framework to account for sedimentation and diffusion in particle-cell interactions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Langmuir: the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids Abbreviated Journal Langmuir
Volume 32 Issue 32 Pages 12394-12402
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract In vitro experiments provide a solid basis for understanding the interactions between particles and biological systems. An important confounding variable for these studies is the difference between the amount of particles administered and that which reaches the surface of cells. Here, we engineer a hydrogel-based nanoparticle system and combine in situ characterization techniques, 3D-printed cell cultures, and computational modeling to evaluate and study particle cell interactions of advanced particle systems. The framework presented demonstrates how sedimentation and diffusion can explain differences in particle cell association, and provides a means to account for these effects. Finally, using in silico modeling, we predict the proportion of particles that reaches the cell surface using common experimental conditions for a wide range of inorganic and organic micro- and nanoparticles. This work can assist in the understanding and control of sedimentation and diffusion when investigating cellular interactions of engineered particles.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor
Language Wos 000389117600017 Publication Date 2016-07-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0743-7463 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.833 Times cited 40 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) under the Australian Laureate Fellowship scheme (F.C., FL120100030), the Australian Government through an Australian Postgraduate Award (M.B.), and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology (Project Number CE140100036). This work was performed in part at the Materials Characterization and Fabrication Platform (MCFP) at the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF). ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.833
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:139210 Serial 4438
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Author Barhoum, A.; Van Assche, G.; Rahier, H.; Fleisch, M.; Bals, S.; Delplancked, M.-P.; Leroux, F.; Bahnemann, D.
Title Sol-gel hot injection synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles into a porous silica matrix and reaction mechanism Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Materials & design Abbreviated Journal Mater Design
Volume 119 Issue 119 Pages 270-276
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Despite the enormous interest in the properties and applications of porous silica matrix, only a few attempts have been reported to deposit metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) inside the porous silica matrix. We report a simple approach (i.e. sol-gel hot injection) for insitu synthesis of ZnO NPs inside a porous silica matrix. Control of the Zn:Si molar ratio, reaction temperature, pH value, and annealing temperature permits formation of ZnO NPs (<= 10 nm) inside a porous silica particles, without additives or organic solvents. Results revealed that a solid state reaction inside the ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites occurs with increasing the annealing temperature. The reaction of ZnO NPs with SiO2 matrix was insignificant up to approximately 500 degrees C. However, ZnO NPs react strongly with the silica matrix when the nanocomposites are annealed at temperatures above 700 degrees C. Extensive annealing of the ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposite at 900 degrees C yields 3D structures made of 500 nm rod-like, 5-7 pm tube-like and 35 pm needle-like Zn2SiO4 crystals. A possible mechanism for forming ZnO NPs inside porous silica matrix and phase transformation of the ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites into 3D architectures of Zn2SiO4 are carefully discussed. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000397360000030 Publication Date 2017-01-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0264-1275 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.364 Times cited 43 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; A.B. would like to thank FWO – Research Foundation Flanders (grant no. V450315N) and the Strategic Initiative Materials in Flanders (SBO-project no. 130529 – INSITU) for financial support. TEM and TEM-EDX analyses were performed by Dr. F. Leroux (EMAT, Universiteit Antwerpen). XRD and DSC measurements were performed by T. Segato (4MAT, Universite Libre de Bruxelles). Notes: the authors declare no competing for financial interest. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.364
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:142394UA @ admin @ c:irua:142394 Serial 4689
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Author Ben Dkhil, S.; Pfannmöller, M.; Ata, I.; Duche, D.; Gaceur, M.; Koganezawa, T.; Yoshimoto, N.; Simon, J.-J.; Escoubas, L.; Videlot-Ackermann, C.; Margeat, O.; Bals, S.; Bauerle, P.; Ackermann, J.
Title Time evolution studies of dithieno[3,2-b:2 ',3 '-d] pyrrole-based A-D-A oligothiophene bulk heterojunctions during solvent vapor annealing towards optimization of photocurrent generation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A
Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 1005-1013
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Solvent vapor annealing (SVA) is one of the main techniques to improve the morphology of bulk heterojunction solar cells using oligomeric donors. In this report, we study time evolution of nanoscale morphological changes in bulk heterojunctions based on a well-studied dithienopyrrole-based A-D-A oligothiophene (dithieno[3,2-b: 2',3'-d] pyrrole named here 1) blended with [6,6]-phenyl-C-71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) to increase photocurrent density by combining scanning transmission electron microscopy and low-energy-loss spectroscopy. Our results show that SVA transforms the morphology of 1 : PC71BM blends by a three-stage mechanism: highly intermixed phases evolve into nanostructured bilayers that correspond to an optimal blend morphology. Additional SVA leads to completely phaseseparated micrometer-sized domains. Optical spacers were used to increase light absorption inside optimized 1 : PC71BM blends leading to solar cells of 7.74% efficiency but a moderate photocurrent density of 12.3 mA cm (-2). Quantum efficiency analyses reveal that photocurrent density is mainly limited by losses inside the donor phase. Indeed, optimized 1 : PC71BM blends consist of large donor-enriched domains not optimal for exciton to photocurrent conversion. Shorter SVA times lead to smaller domains; however they are embedded in large mixed phases suggesting that introduction of stronger molecular packing may help us to better balance phase separation and domain size enabling more efficient bulk heterojunction solar cells.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000394430800018 Publication Date 2016-11-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 19 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; We acknowledge financial support by the French Fond Unique Interministeriel (FUI) under the project “SFUMATO” (Grant number: F1110019V/201308815) as well as by the European Commission under the Project “SUNFLOWER” (FP7-ICT-2011-7, Grant number: 287594). The synchrotron radiation experiments were performed at BL19B2 in SPring-8 with the approval of Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI) (Proposal No. 2016A1568). We further acknowledge financial support via ERC Starting Grant Colouratoms (335078). ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.867
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:142602UA @ admin @ c:irua:142602 Serial 4695
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Author Ben Dkhil, S.; Pfannmöller, M.; Saba, M.I.; Gaceur, M.; Heidari, H.; Videlot-Ackermann, C.; Margeat, O.; Guerrero, A.; Bisquert, J.; Garcia-Belmonte, G.; Mattoni, A.; Bals, S.; Ackermann, J.
Title Toward high-temperature stability of PTB7-based bulk heterojunction solar cells : impact of fullerene size and solvent additive Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Laser physics review Abbreviated Journal Adv Energy Mater
Volume 7 Issue 7 Pages 1601486
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The use of fullerene as acceptor limits the thermal stability of organic solar cells at high temperatures as their diffusion inside the donor leads to phase separation via Ostwald ripening. Here it is reported that fullerene diffusion is fully suppressed at temperatures up to 140 degrees C in bulk heterojunctions based on the benzodithiophene-based polymer (the poly[[4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b: 4,5-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl][3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl) carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl]], (PTB7) in combination with the fullerene derivative [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM). The blend stability is found independently of the presence of diiodooctane (DIO) used to optimize nanostructuration and in contrast to PTB7 blends using the smaller fullerene derivative PC70BM. The unprecedented thermal stability of PTB7: PC70BM layers is addressed to local minima in the mixing enthalpy of the blend forming stable phases that inhibit fullerene diffusion. Importantly, although the nanoscale morphology of DIO processed blends is thermally stable, corresponding devices show strong performance losses under thermal stress. Only by the use of a high temperature annealing step removing residual DIO from the device, remarkably stable high efficiency solar cells with performance losses less than 10% after a continuous annealing at 140 degrees C over 3 days are obtained. These results pave the way toward high temperature stable polymer solar cells using fullerene acceptors.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Place of publication unknown Editor
Language Wos 000396328500009 Publication Date 2016-11-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1614-6832; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 16.721 Times cited 27 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; The authors acknowledge financial support by the French Fond Unique Interministeriel (FUI) under the project “SFUMATO” (grant number: F1110019V/ 201308815) as well as by the European Commission under the Project “SUNFLOWER” (FP7-ICT-2011-7, grant number: 287594). Generalitat Valenciana (ISIC/2012/008 Institute of Nanotechnologies for Clean Energies) is also acknowledged for providing financial support. The authors further acknowledge financial support via ERC Starting Grant Colouratoms (335078). ; Approved Most recent IF: 16.721
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:141991UA @ admin @ c:irua:141991 Serial 4697
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Author Goris, B.; De Beenhouwer, J.; de Backer, A.; Zanaga, D.; Batenburg, J.; Sanchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzan, L.; Van Aert, S.; Sijbers, J.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.
Title Investigating lattice strain in Au nanodecahedrons Type P1 Proceeding
Year 2016 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 11-12
Keywords P1 Proceeding; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2016-12-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 978-3-527-80846-5 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:145813 Serial 5144
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Author Vanrompay, H.; Béché, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S.
Title Experimental Evaluation of Undersampling Schemes for Electron Tomography of Nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Particle and particle systems characterization Abbreviated Journal Part Part Syst Char
Volume 36 Issue 36 Pages 1900096
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract One of the emerging challenges in the field of 3D characterization of nanoparticles by electron tomography is to avoid degradation and deformation of the samples during the acquisition of a tilt series. In order to reduce the required electron dose, various undersampling approaches have been proposed. These methods include lowering the number of 2D projection images, reducing the probe current during the acquisition, and scanning a smaller number of pixels in the 2D images. A comparison is made between these approaches based on tilt series acquired for a gold nanoparticle.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000477679400014 Publication Date 2019-05-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0934-0866 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.474 Times cited 12 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes H.V. acknowledges financial support by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO Grant No. 1S32617N). A.B. and J.V. acknowledge FWO project 6093417N “Compressed sensing enabling low dose imaging in STEM.” The authors thank G. González-Rubio, A. Sánchez-Iglesias, and L.M. Liz-Marzán for provision of the samples. Approved Most recent IF: 4.474
Call Number EMAT @ emat @UA @ admin @ c:irua:159986 Serial 5175
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Author Smolders, S.; Willhammar, T.; Krajnc, A.; Şentosun, K.; Wharmby, M.T.; Lomachenko, K.A.; Bals, S.; Mali, G.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.; De Vos, D.E.; Bueken, B.
Title A titanium(IV)-based metal-organic framework featuring defect-rich Ti-O sheets as an oxidative desulfurization catalyst Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English Abbreviated Journal Angew Chem Int Edit
Volume 58 Issue 58 Pages 9160-9165
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract While titanium-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely studied for their (photo) catalytic potential, only a few Ti-IV MOFs have been reported owing to the high reactivity of the employed titanium precursors. The synthesis of COK-47 is now presented, the first Ti carboxylate MOF based on sheets of (TiO6)-O-IV octahedra, which can be synthesized with a range of different linkers. COK-47 can be synthesized as an inherently defective nanoparticulate material, rendering it a highly efficient catalyst for the oxidation of thiophenes. Its structure was determined by continuous rotation electron diffraction and studied in depth by X-ray total scattering, EXAFS, and solid-state NMR. Furthermore, its photoactivity was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance and demonstrated by catalytic photodegradation of rhodamine 6G.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000476691200034 Publication Date 2019-05-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1433-7851; 0570-0833 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 11.994 Times cited 97 Open Access (up) Not_Open_Access
Notes ; S.S., B.B., and D.E.D.V. gratefully acknowledge the FWO for funding (Aspirant grant, postdoctoral grant, project funding). T.W. acknowledges a grant from the Swedish research council (VR, 2014-06948). He acknowledges financial support from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation through the project grant 3DEM-NATUR (no. 2012.0112) as well as for purchasing the TEMs. A.K. and G.M. acknowledge the financial support from the Slovenian Research Agency (research core funding No. P1-0021 and project No. N1-0079). We thank beamline I15-1 (XPDF), Diamond Light Source, for collection of X-ray total scattering data as part of the in-house research program (M.T.W.). A. Venier and O. Mathon are kindly acknowledged for the help during the XAS experiment at BM23 beamline of ESRF. We thank C. Lamberti and L. Braglia for providing the reference EXAFS spectrum of anatase. ; Approved Most recent IF: 11.994
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:161932 Serial 5382
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