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Author Prabhakara, V.; Jannis, D.; Béché, A.; Bender, H.; Verbeeck, J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Strain measurement in semiconductor FinFET devices using a novel moiré demodulation technique Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Semiconductor science and technology Abbreviated Journal Semicond Sci Tech  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Moiré fringes are used throughout a wide variety of applications in physics and

engineering to bring out small variations in an underlying lattice by comparing with another reference lattice. This method was recently demonstrated in Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy imaging to provide local strain measurement in crystals by comparing the crystal lattice with the scanning raster that then serves as the reference. The images obtained in this way contain a beating fringe pattern with a local period that represents the deviation of the lattice from the reference. In order to obtain the actual strain value, a region containing a full period of the fringe is required, which results in a compromise between strain sensitivity and spatial resolution. In this paper we propose an advanced setup making use of an optimised scanning pattern and a novel phase stepping demodulation scheme. We demonstrate the novel method on a series of 16 nm Si-Ge semiconductor FinFET devices in which strain plays a crucial role in modulating the charge carrier mobility. The obtained results are compared with both Nano-beam diffraction and the recently proposed Bessel beam diffraction technique. The setup provides a much improved spatial resolution over conventional moiré imaging in STEM while at the same time being fast and requiring no specialised diffraction camera as opposed to the diffraction techniques we compare to.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000537721200002 Publication Date 2019-11-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0268-1242 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.305 Times cited 8 Open Access (up)  
  Notes The Qu-Ant-EM microscope and the direct electron detector used in the diffraction experiments was partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. This project has received funding from the GOA project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp. We would also like to thank Dr. Thomas Nuytten and Prof. Dr. Wilfried Vandervorst from IMEC, Leuven for their continuous support and collaboration with the project. Approved Most recent IF: 2.305  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:165794 Serial 5445  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Guzzinati, G.; Béché, A.; McGrouther, D.; Verbeeck, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Prospects for out-of-plane magnetic field measurements through interference of electron vortex modes in the TEM Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Journal of optics Abbreviated Journal J Optics-Uk  
  Volume 21 Issue 12 Pages 124002  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Magnetic field mapping in transmission electron microscopy is commonplace, but all conventional methods provide only a projection of the components of the magnetic induction perpendicular to the electron trajectory. Recent experimental advances with electron vortices have shown that it is possible to map the out of plane magnetic induction in a TEM setup via interferometry with a specifically prepared electron vortex state carrying high orbital angular momentum (OAM). The method relies on the Aharonov?Bohm phase shift that the electron undergoes when going through a longitudinal field. Here we show how the same effect naturally occurs for any electron wave function, which can always be described as a superposition of OAM modes. This leads to a clear connection between the occurrence of high-OAM partial waves and the amount of azimuthal rotation in the far field angular distribution of the beam. We show that out of plane magnetic field measurement can thus be obtained with a much simpler setup consisting of a ring-like aperture with azimuthal spokes. We demonstrate the experimental setup and explore the achievable sensitivity of the magnetic field measurement.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000499367800001 Publication Date 2019-10-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-8978 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.741 Times cited 3 Open Access (up)  
  Notes The authors thank V Grillo and T Harvey for interesting and fruitful discussion. GG acknowledges support from a postdoctoral fellow-ship grant from the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek – Vlaanderen (FWO). The Qu-Ant-EM microscope was partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3. AB acknowledges funding from FWO project G093417N ('Compressed sensing enabling low dose imaging in transmission electron microscopy'). DM gratefully acknowledges funding of the FEBID capability through joint funding by University of Glasgow & EPSRC through a Strategic Equipment Grant (EP/P001483/1). Approved Most recent IF: 1.741  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165116 Serial 6319  
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Author Chin, C.–M.; Battle, P.D.; Hunter, E.C.; Avdeev, M.; Hendrickx, M.; Hadermann, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Magnetic properties of La3Ni2Sb Ta Nb1––O9; from relaxor to spin glass Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Journal of solid state chemistry (Print) Abbreviated Journal Journal of Solid State Chemistry  
  Volume 273 Issue Pages 175-185  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Neutron diffraction experiments conducted at 5 K in a magnetic field 0 < H/kOe < 50 have shown that the monoclinic perovskite La3Ni2TaO9 behaves as a relaxor ferromagnet. Compositions in the series La3Ni2SbxTayNb1–x–yO9 have been synthesized in polycrystalline form. Electron microscopy, X–ray diffraction and neutron diffraction have shown that the solid solutions are largely homogeneous and monophasic. Magnetometry and neutron diffraction have shown that the relaxor magnetisation persists in low fields when x + y = 1 but is rapidly diminished by the introduction of niobium. This change in magnetic behaviour is ascribed to the differences in the d–orbital energies of Sb5+, Nb5+ and Ta5+.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000466261100026 Publication Date 2019-03-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-4596 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes We thank EPSRC for funding through grant EP/M0189541. CMC thanks the Croucher Foundation and the University of Oxford for the award of a graduate scholarship. Approved no  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:166445 Serial 6346  
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Author Pennycook, T.J.; Martinez, G.T.; O'Leary, C.M.; Yang, H.; Nellist, P.D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Efficient Phase Contrast Imaging via Electron Ptychography, a Tutorial Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Microscopy and microanalysis Abbreviated Journal Microsc Microanal  
  Volume 25 Issue S2 Pages 2684-2685  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2019-08-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1431-9276 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:172444 Serial 6424  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hofer, C.; Pennycook, T.J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Reliable phase quantification in focused probe electron ptychography of thin materials Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 254 Issue Pages 113829  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract Electron ptychography provides highly sensitive, dose efficient phase images which can be corrected for aberrations after the data has been acquired. This is crucial when very precise quantification is required, such as with sensitivity to charge transfer due to bonding. Drift can now be essentially eliminated as a major impediment to focused probe ptychography, which benefits from the availability of easily interpretable simultaneous Z-contrast imaging. However challenges have remained when quantifying the ptychographic phases of atomic sites. The phase response of a single atom has a negative halo which can cause atoms to reduce in phase when brought closer together. When unaccounted for, as in integrating methods of quantification, this effect can completely obscure the effects of charge transfer. Here we provide a new method of quantification that overcomes this challenge, at least for 2D materials, and is robust to experimental parameters such as noise, sample tilt.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001071608700001 Publication Date 2023-08-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes FWO, G013122N ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme; Horizon 2020; European Research Council, 802123-HDEM ; European Research Council; Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2023 IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:200272 Serial 8987  
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Author Bagherpour, A.; Baral, P.; Colla, M.-S.; Orekhov, A.; Idrissi, H.; Haye, E.; Pardoen, T.; Lucas, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Tailoring Mechanical Properties of a-C:H:Cr Coatings Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Coatings Abbreviated Journal Coatings  
  Volume 13 Issue 12 Pages 2084  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract The development of coatings with tunable performances is critical to meet a wide range of technological applications each one with different requirements. Using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process, scientists can create hydrogenated amorphous carbon coatings doped with metal (a-C:H:Me) with a broad range of mechanical properties, varying from those resembling polymers to ones resembling diamond. These diverse properties, without clear relations between the different families, make the material selection and optimization difficult but also very rich. An innovative approach is proposed here based on projected performance indices related to fracture energy, strength, and stiffness in order to classify and optimize a-C:H:Me coatings. Four different a-C:H:Cr coatings deposited by PECVD with Ar/C2H2 discharge under different bias voltage and pressures are investigated. A path is found to produce coatings with a selective critical energy release rate between 5–125 J/m2 without compromising yield strength (1.6–2.7 GPa) and elastic limit (≈0.05). Finally, fine-tuned coatings are categorized to meet desired applications under different testing conditions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001136013600001 Publication Date 2023-12-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2079-6412 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Walloon region under the PDR FNRS, C 62/5—PDR/OL 33677636 ; Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research, CDR—J.0113.20 ; National Fund for Scientific Reaserch; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202390 Serial 8982  
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Author Yu, CP.; Vega Ibañez, F.; Béché, A.; Verbeeck, J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Quantum wavefront shaping with a 48-element programmable phase plate for electrons Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication SciPost Physics Abbreviated Journal SciPost Phys.  
  Volume 15 Issue Pages 223  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT)  
  Abstract We present a 48-element programmable phase plate for coherent electron waves produced by a combination of photolithography and focused ion beam. This brings the highly successful concept of wavefront shaping from light optics into the realm of electron optics and provides an important new degree of freedom to prepare electron quantum states. The phase plate chip is mounted on an aperture rod placed in the C2 plane of a transmission electron microscope operating in the 100-300 kV range. The phase plate's behavior is characterized by a Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm, showing a phase sensitivity of 0.075 rad/mV at 300 kV, with a phase resolution of approximately 3x10e−3π. In addition, we provide a brief overview of possible use cases and support it with both simulated and experimental results.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher SciPost Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 001116838500002 Publication Date 2023-12-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2542-4653 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.5 Times cited 1 Open Access (up)  
  Notes This project is the result of a long-term effort involving many differ- ent sources of funding: JV acknowledges funding from an ERC proof of concept project DLV- 789598 ADAPTEM, as well as a University IOF proof of concept project towards launching the AdaptEM spin-off and the eBEAM project, supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program FETPROACT-EIC-07-2020: emerging paradigms and com- munities. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3 and via The IMPRESS project from the HORIZON EUROPE framework program for research and innovation under grant agreement n. 101094299. FV, JV, and AB acknowledge funding from G042820N ‘Explor- ing adaptive optics in transmission electron microscopy.’ CPY acknowledges funding from a TOP-BOF project from the University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 5.5; 2023 IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202037 Serial 8984  
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Author De Meyer, R.; Gorbanev, Y.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Cool, P.; Bals, S.; Bogaerts, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Importance of plasma discharge characteristics in plasma catalysis: Dry reforming of methane vs. ammonia synthesis Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chemical Engineering Journal  
  Volume 488 Issue Pages 150838  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)  
  Abstract Plasma catalysis is a rapidly growing field, often employing a packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor. Such dielectric barrier discharges are complex, especially when a packing material (e.g., a catalyst) is introduced in the discharge volume. Catalysts are known to affect the plasma discharge, though the underlying mechanisms influencing the plasma physics are not fully understood. Moreover, the effect of the catalysts on the plasma discharge and its subsequent effect on the overall performance is often overlooked. In this work, we deliberately design and synthesize catalysts to affect the plasma discharge in different ways. These Ni or Co alumina-based catalysts are used in plasma-catalytic dry reforming of methane and ammonia synthesis. Our work shows that introducing a metal to the dielectric packing can affect the plasma discharge, and that the distribution of the metal is crucial in this regard. Further, the altered discharge can greatly influence the overall performance. In an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge reactor, this apparently more uniform plasma yields a significantly better performance for ammonia synthesis compared to the more conventional filamentary discharge, while it underperforms in dry reforming of methane. This study stresses the importance of analyzing the plasma discharge in plasma catalysis experiments. We hope this work encourages a more critical view on the plasma discharge characteristics when studying various catalysts in a plasma reactor.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001221606600001 Publication Date 2024-03-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes This research was supported through long-term structural funding (Methusalem FFB15001C) and by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme with grant agreement No 810182 (SCOPE ERC Synergy project) and with grant agreement No 815128 (REALNANO). We acknowledge the practical contribution of Senne Van Doorslaer. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2024 IF: 6.216  
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:205154 Serial 9115  
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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. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  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; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (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.  
  Address  
  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 FWO- Vlaanderen for postdoctoral grant (12T7521N). KM, DVT and PG acknowledges FWO- Vlaanderen 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 9118  
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Author Esteban, D.A.; Chamocho, E.G.; Carretero González, J.; Urones Garrote, E.; Otero Díaz, L.C.; Brande, D.Á. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Enhancing Electrochemical Properties of Walnut Shell Activated Carbon with Embedded MnO Clusters for Supercapacitor Applications Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Batteries & Supercaps Abbreviated Journal Batteries &amp; Supercaps  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Activated carbon (AC) materials from renewable sources are widely used in electrochemical applications due to their well‐known high surface area. However, their application as electrode material in double‐layer electrochemical devices may be limited due to their relatively low electrical conductivity and lightweight. To overcome these limitations, the incorporation of pseudocapacitance metal oxide nanoparticles is an optimum approach. These nanoparticles can provide a second energy storage mechanism to the composite, mitigating the loss of surface area associated with their incorporation. As a result, the composite material is endowed with increased conductivity and higher density, making it more suitable for practical implementation in real devices. In this study, we have incorporated a fine dispersion of 1 % of MnO clusters into a highly porous activated carbon synthesized from walnut shells (WAC). The high‐resolution electron microscopy studies, combined with their related analytical techniques, allow us to determine the presence of the cluster within the matrix carbon precisely. The resulting MnO@WAC composite demonstrated significantly improved capacitive behavior compared with the WAC material, with increased volumetric capacitance and higher charge retention at higher current densities. The composite‘s electrochemical performance suggests its potential as a promising electrode material for supercapacitors, addressing drawbacks associated with traditional AC materials.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001198179300001 Publication Date 2024-04-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2566-6223 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Grants PID2020-112848RB-C21 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union PRTR funding through projects are acknowledged. Access to the ICTS- CNME for TEM is also acknowledged. Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:205463 Serial 9119  
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Author Ignatova, K.; Vlasov, E.; Seddon, S.D.; Gauquelin, N.; Verbeeck, J.; Wermeille, D.; Bals, S.; Hase, T.P.A.; Arnalds, U.B. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Phase coexistence induced surface roughness in V2O3/Ni magnetic heterostructures Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication APL materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 12 Issue 4 Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract We present an investigation of the microstructure changes in V2O3 as it goes through its inherent structural phase transition. Using V2O3 films with a well-defined crystal structure deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering on r-plane Al2O3 substrates, we study the phase coexistence region and its impact on the surface roughness of the films and the magnetic properties of overlying Ni magnetic layers in V2O3/Ni hybrid magnetic heterostructures. The simultaneous presence of two phases in V2O3 during its structural phase transition was identified with high resolution x-ray diffraction and led to an increase in surface roughness observed using x-ray reflectivity. The roughness reaches its maximum at the midpoint of the transition. In V2O3/Ni hybrid heterostructures, we find a concomitant increase in the coercivity of the magnetic layer correlated with the increased roughness of the V2O3 surface. The chemical homogeneity of the V2O3 is confirmed through transmission electron microscopy analysis. High-angle annular dark field imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy reveal an atomically flat interface between Al2O3 and V2O3, as well as a sharp interface between V2O3 and Ni.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001202661800003 Publication Date 2024-04-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2166-532X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 6.1 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes This work was supported by the funding from the University of Iceland Research Fund, the Icelandic Research Fund Grant No. 207111. Instrumentation funding from the Icelandic Infrastructure Fund is acknowledged. This work was based on experiments per- formed at the BM28 (XMaS) beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France. XMaS is a National Research Facility funded by the UK EPSRC and managed by the Universi- ties of Liverpool and Warwick. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 823717—ESTEEM3. Approved Most recent IF: 6.1; 2024 IF: 4.335  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:205569 Serial 9120  
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Author Vlasov, E.; Heyvaert, W.; Ni, B.; Van Gordon, K.; Girod, R.; Verbeeck, J.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  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 001227683500001 Publication Date 2024-04-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited 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 @c:irua:206329 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. url  doi
openurl 
  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.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001227929100001 Publication Date 2024-04-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited 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 @c:irua:206322 Serial 9126  
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Author Leinders, G.; Grendal, O.G.; Arts, I.; Bes, R.; Prozheev, I.; Orlat, S.; Fitch, A.; Kvashnina, K.; Verwerft, M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Refinement of the uranium dispersion corrections from anomalous diffraction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Journal of applied crystallography Abbreviated Journal J Appl Cryst  
  Volume 57 Issue 2 Pages 284-295  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The evolution of the uranium chemical state in uranium compounds, principally in the oxides, is of concern in the context of nuclear fuel degradation under storage and repository conditions, and in accident scenarios. The U–O system shows complicated phase relations between single-valence uranium dioxide (UO<sub>2</sub>) and different mixed-valence compounds (<italic>e.g.</italic>U<sub>4</sub>O<sub>9</sub>, U<sub>3</sub>O<sub>7</sub>and U<sub>3</sub>O<sub>8</sub>). To try resolving the electronic structure associated with unique atomic positions, a combined application of diffraction and spectroscopic techniques, such as diffraction anomalous fine structure (DAFS), can be considered. Reported here is the application of two newly developed routines for assessing a DAFS data set, with the aim of refining the uranium X-ray dispersion corrections. High-resolution anomalous diffraction data were acquired from polycrystalline powder samples of UO<sub>2</sub>(containing tetravalent uranium) and potassium uranate (KUO<sub>3</sub>, containing pentavalent uranium) using synchrotron radiation in the vicinity of the U<italic>L</italic><sub>3</sub>edge (17.17 keV). Both routines are based on an iterative refinement of the dispersion corrections, but they differ in either using the intensity of a selection of reflections or doing a full-pattern (Rietveld method) refinement. The uranium dispersion corrections obtained using either method are in excellent agreement with each other, and they show in great detail the chemical shifts and differences in fine structure expected for tetravalent and pentavalent uranium. This approach may open new possibilities for the assessment of other, more complicated, materials such as mixed-valence compounds. Additionally, the DAFS methodology can offer a significant resource optimization because each data set contains both structural (diffraction) and chemical (spectroscopy) information, which can avoid the requirement to use multiple experimental stations at synchrotron sources.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001208800100008 Publication Date 2024-04-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1600-5767 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 6.1 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes FPS Economy, SF-CORMOD; Approved Most recent IF: 6.1; 2024 IF: 2.495  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:206011 Serial 9127  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Gordon, K.; Ni, B.; Girod, R.; Mychinko, M.; Bevilacqua, F.; Bals, S.; Liz‐Marzán, L.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  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.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001230287700001 Publication Date 2024-05-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1433-7851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  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 @c:irua:206328 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. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  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; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (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.  
  Address  
  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 Cioni, M.; Delle Piane, M.; Polino, D.; Rapetti, D.; Crippa, M.; Arslan Irmak, E.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S.; Pavan, G.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Sampling real-time atomic dynamics in metal nanoparticles by combining experiments, simulations, and machine learning Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Advanced Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-13  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Even at low temperatures, metal nanoparticles (NPs) possess atomic dynamics that are key for their properties but challenging to elucidate. Recent experimental advances allow obtaining atomic-resolution snapshots of the NPs in realistic regimes, but data acquisition limitations hinder the experimental reconstruction of the atomic dynamics present within them. Molecular simulations have the advantage that these allow directly tracking the motion of atoms over time. However, these typically start from ideal/perfect NP structures and, suffering from sampling limits, provide results that are often dependent on the initial/putative structure and remain purely indicative. Here, by combining state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches, how it is possible to tackle the limitations of both approaches and resolve the atomistic dynamics present in metal NPs in realistic conditions is demonstrated. Annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy enables the acquisition of ten high-resolution images of an Au NP at intervals of 0.6 s. These are used to reconstruct atomistic 3D models of the real NP used to run ten independent molecular dynamics simulations. Machine learning analyses of the simulation trajectories allow resolving the real-time atomic dynamics present within the NP. This provides a robust combined experimental/computational approach to characterize the structural dynamics of metal NPs in realistic conditions. Experimental and computational techniques are bridged to unveil atomic dynamics in gold nanoparticles (NPs), using annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations informed by machine learning. The approach provides unprecedented insights into the real-time structural behaviors of NPs, merging state-of-the-art techniques to accurately characterize their dynamics under realistic conditions. image  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001206888000001 Publication Date 2024-04-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2198-3844 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes This work was supported by the funding received by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement no. 818776- DYNAPOL, no. 770887 PICOMETRICS and no. 815128 REALNANO). The authors also acknowledge the computational resources provided by the Swiss National Supercomputing Center (CSCS), by CINECA, and the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) G.0346.21N. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2024 IF: 9.034  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205442 Serial 9171  
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Author Arisnabarreta, N.; Hao, Y.; Jin, E.; Salame, A.; Muellen, K.; Robert, M.; Lazzaroni, R.; Van Aert, S.; Mali, K.S.; De Feyter, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Single-layered imine-linked porphyrin-based two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks targeting CO₂ reduction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Advanced energy materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) using porphyrin-containing 2D covalent organic frameworks (2D-COFs) catalysts is widely explored nowadays. While these framework materials are normally fabricated as powders followed by their uncontrolled surface heterogenization or directly grown as thin films (thickness >200 nm), very little is known about the performance of substrate-supported single-layered (approximate to 0.5 nm thickness) 2D-COFs films (s2D-COFs) due to its highly challenging synthesis and characterization protocols. In this work, a fast and straightforward fabrication method of porphyrin-containing s2D-COFs is demonstrated, which allows their extensive high-resolution visualization via scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in liquid conditions with the support of STM simulations. The as-prepared single-layered film is then employed as a cathode for the electrochemical reduction of CO2. Fe porphyrin-containing s2D-COF@graphite used as a single-layered heterogeneous catalyst provided moderate-to-high carbon monoxide selectivity (82%) and partial CO current density (5.1 mA cm(-2)). This work establishes the value of using single-layered films as heterogene ous catalysts and demonstrates the possibility of achieving high performance in CO2 reduction even with extremely low catalyst loadings.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001177577200001 Publication Date 2024-02-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1614-6832; 1614-6840 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 27.8 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes N.A. acknowledges a postdoctoral fellowship from the Research Foundation- Flanders (FWO) via grant 12ZS623N. S.D.F. acknowledges support from FWO (G0A4120N, G0H2122N, G0A5U24N), KU Leuven Internal Funds (grants C14/18/06, C14/19/079, C14/23/090), European Union under the Horizon Europe grant 101046231 (FantastiCOF), and M-ERA.NET via FWO (G0K9822N). S.D.F., K.M., Y.H., R.L., and S.V.A. were thankful to the FWO and FNRS for the financial support through the EOS program (grant 30489208, 40007495). Research in Mons was also supported by the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research (FRS-FNRS) within the Consortium des Équipements de Calcul Intensif- CÉCI, and by the Walloon Region (ZENOBE and LUCIA Tier-1 supercomputers). E.J. appreciated the support from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Max Planck Society, the FLAG-ERA Grant OPERA by DFG 437130745, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22288101), and the 111 Project (B17020). Partial financial support to M.R. from the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF) was warmly thanked. Approved Most recent IF: 27.8; 2024 IF: 16.721  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204856 Serial 9172  
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Author Ni, S.; Houwman, E.; Gauquelin, N.; Chezganov, D.; Van Aert, S.; Verbeeck, J.; Rijnders, G.; Koster, G. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Stabilizing perovskite Pb(Mg0.33Nb0.67)O3-PbTiO3 thin films by fast deposition and tensile mismatched growth template Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 16 Issue 10 Pages 12744-12753  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Because of its low hysteresis, high dielectric constant, and strong piezoelectric response, Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3-PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) thin films have attracted considerable attention for the application in PiezoMEMS, field-effect transistors, and energy harvesting and storage devices. However, it remains a great challenge to fabricate phase-pure, pyrochlore-free PMN-PT thin films. In this study, we demonstrate that a high deposition rate, combined with a tensile mismatched template layer can stabilize the perovskite phase of PMN-PT films and prevent the nucleation of passive pyrochlore phases. We observed that an accelerated deposition rate promoted mixing of the B-site cation and facilitated relaxation of the compressively strained PMN-PT on the SrTiO3 (STO) substrate in the initial growth layer, which apparently suppressed the initial formation of pyrochlore phases. By employing La-doped-BaSnO3 (LBSO) as the tensile mismatched buffer layer, 750 nm thick phase-pure perovskite PMN-PT films were synthesized. The resulting PMN-PT films exhibited excellent crystalline quality close to that of the STO substrate.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001176343700001 Publication Date 2024-02-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes We would like to acknowledge the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) for the financial support of this work. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 823717-ESTEEM3. Approved Most recent IF: 9.5; 2024 IF: 7.504  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204754 Serial 9174  
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Author Arts, I.; Saniz, R.; Baldinozzi, G.; Leinders, G.; Verwerft, M.; Lamoen, D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Ab initio study of the adsorption of O, O2, H2O and H2O2 on UO2 surfaces using DFT+U and non-collinear magnetism Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Journal of Nuclear Materials Abbreviated Journal Journal of Nuclear Materials  
  Volume 599 Issue Pages 155249  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract In order to model correctly the corrosion of spent nuclear fuel under disposal conditions, it is important to understand its behavior in the presence of oxidants. To advance in this direction, we consider the oxidation of UO2. We investigate computationally the adsorption of various species on its three most stable surfaces: (111), (110), and (100), with emphasis on incorporating a full non-collinear PBE+U approach. Various species, namely O, O2, H2O and H2O2 are considered due to their relevance for the oxidation of UO2. The dissociation energy and an estimate for the dissociation barrier for O2 were obtained, using the preferred adsorption configurations of O and O2. The adsorption configurations for H2O in our study compare well with previous studies that used collinear approximations, both in terms of relative stability of configurations and bond lengths. Differences in adsorption energies were found, which may be important for reaction kinetics. Dissociative reactions in which the water molecule splits in hydrogen and hydroxyl occur only on one of the three surfaces. The hydrogen further reacts with a surface oxygen to also form a hydroxyl group. Not surprisingly, we find that H2O2 binds more strongly to the three surfaces than water (lower formation energy), and similar to H2O adsorption, dissociative reactions may occur. The dissociated hydrogen reacts with a surface oxygen to form a hydroxyl group and the hydroperoxyl molecule binds with a surface uranium. Our study, which includes a detailed study of electron transfer, magnetic structure and the preferred adsorption configurations, gives insight into the uranium oxidation states and the influence of surface geometry on adsorption. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the early stages of UO2 oxidation.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=brocade2&SrcAuth=WosAPI&KeyUT=WOS:001262 Publication Date 2024-06-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-3115 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 3.1 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Financial support for this research was provided by the Energy Transition Fund of the Belgian FPS Economy (Project SF-CORMOD: Spent Fuel – Corrosion modeling). This work was performed using HPC resources from the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center) and the HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp (CalcUA), both funded by the FWO-Vlaanderen and the Flemish Government department EWI (Economie, Wetenschap & Innovatie). Approved Most recent IF: 3.1; 2024 IF: 2.048  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:207055 Serial 9249  
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Author Ding, Y.; Wang, C.; Bandaru, S.; Pei, L.; Zheng, R.; Hau Ng, Y.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bals, S.; Zhong, J.; Hofkens, J.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.; Chen, L.-H.; Su, B.-L. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Cs3Bi2Br9 nanoparticles decorated C3N4 nanotubes composite photocatalyst for highly selective oxidation of benzylic alcohol Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Abbreviated Journal Journal of Colloid and Interface Science  
  Volume 672 Issue Pages 600-609  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract Solar-light driven oxidation of benzylic alcohols over photocatalysts endows significant prospects in value-added organics evolution owing to its facile, inexpensive and sustainable process. However, the unsatisfactory performance of actual photocatalysts due to the inefficient charge separation, low photoredox potential and sluggish surface reaction impedes the practical application of this process. Herein, we developed an innovative Z-Scheme Cs3BiBr9 nanoparticles@porous C3N4 tubes (CBB-NP@P-tube-CN) heterojunction photocatalyst for highly selective benzyl alcohol oxidation. Such composite combining increased photo-oxidation potential, Z-Scheme charge migration route as well as the structural advantages of porous tubular C3N4 ensures the accelerated mass and ions diffusion kinetics, the fast photoinduced carriers dissociation and sufficient photoredox potentials. The CBB-NP@P-tube-CN photocatalyst demonstrates an exceptional performance for selective photo-oxidation of benzylic alcohol into benzaldehyde with 19, 14 and 3 times higher benzylic alcohols conversion rate than those of C3N4 nanotubes, Cs3Bi2Br9 and Cs3Bi2Br9@bulk C3N4 photocatalysts, respectively. This work offers a sustainable photocatalytic system based on lead-free halide perovskite toward large scale solar-light driven value-added chemicals production.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001251644100001 Publication Date 2024-06-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0021-9797 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.9 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes This work is financially supported by the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (No. LQ24E020011), and National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 12374372, 52072101)., Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University (IRT_15R52) of the Chinese Ministry of Education and Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities-Plan 111 (Grant No. B20002) from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education of China. This research is also supported by the European Commission Interreg V France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen project “DepollutAir”. Approved Most recent IF: 9.9; 2024 IF: 4.233  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:206675 Serial 9250  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Jeong, Y.; Han, B.; Tamayo, A.; Claes, N.; Bals, S.; Samorì, P. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Defect Engineering of MoTe2via Thiol Treatment for Type III van der Waals Heterojunction Phototransistor Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication ACS Nano Abbreviated Journal ACS Nano  
  Volume 18 Issue 28 Pages 18334-18343  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract Molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) nanosheets have displayed intriguing physicochemical properties and opto-electric characteristics as a result of their tunable and

small band gap (Eg ∼ 1 eV), facilitating concurrent electron and hole transport. Despite the numerous efforts devoted to the development of p-type MoTe2 field-effect transistors (FETs), the presence of tellurium (Te) point vacancies has caused serious reliability issues. Here, we overcome this major

limitation by treating the MoTe2 surface with thiolated molecules to heal Te vacancies. Comprehensive materials and electrical characterizations provided unambiguous evidence for the efficient chemisorption of butanethiol. Our thiol-treated MoTe2 FET exhibited a 10-fold increase in hole current and a positive threshold voltage shift of 25 V, indicative of efficient hole carrier doping. We demonstrated that our powerful molecular engineering strategy can be extended to the controlled formation of van der Waals heterostructures by developing an n-SnS2/thiol-MoTe2 junction FET (thiol-JFET). Notably, the thiol-JFET exhibited a significant negative photoresponse with a responsivity of 50 A W−1 and a fast response time of 80 ms based on band-to-band tunneling. More interestingly, the

thiol-JFET displayed a gate tunable trimodal photodetection comprising two photoactive modes (positive and negative photoresponse) and one photoinactive mode. These findings underscore the potential of molecular engineering approaches in

enhancing the performance and functionality of MoTe2-based nanodevices as key components in advanced 2D-based optoelectronics.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=brocade2&SrcAuth=WosAPI&KeyUT=WOS:001264 Publication Date 2024-07-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes The authors acknowledge the financial support from the FLAG-ERA project MULTISPIN funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR-21-GRF1-0003-01). We also acknowledge funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme through the project HYPERSONIC (GA-101129613) and the ERC project SUPRA2DMAT (GA-833707) as well as the ANR through the Interdisciplinary Thematic Institute SysChem via the IdEx Unistra (ANR-10-IDEX-0002) within the program Investissement d’Avenir, the Foundation Jean-Marie Lehn and the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF). This work was also supported by National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by Korea government (MSIT) (No. RS-2023- 00251360). Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2024 IF: 13.942  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:207002 Serial 9252  
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Author Quintelier, M.; Hajizadeh, A.; Zintler, A.; Gonçalves, B.F.; Fernández de Luis, R.; Esrafili Dizaji, L.; Vande Velde, C.M.L.; Wuttke, S.; Hadermann, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title In SituStudy of the Activation Process of MOF-74 Using Three-Dimensional Electron Diffraction Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Chemistry of Materials Abbreviated Journal Chem. Mater.  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; 3DED; MOFs; in situ; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract Metal–organic framework (MOF)-74 is known for its effectiveness in selectively capturing carbon dioxide (CO2). Especially the Zn and Cu versions of MOF-74 show high efficiency of this material for CO2. However, the activation of this MOF, which is a crucial step for its utilization, is so far not well understood. Here, we are closing the knowledge gap by examining the activation using, for the first time in the MOF, three-dimensional electron diffraction (3DED) during in situ heating. The use of state-of-the-art direct electron detectors enables rapid acquisition and minimal exposure times, therefore minimizing beam damage to the very electron beam-sensitive MOF material. The activation process of Zn-MOF-74 and Cu-MOF-74 is systematically studied in situ, proving the creation of open metal sites. Differences in thermal stability between Zn-MOF-74 and Cu-MOF-74 are attributed to the strength of the metal–oxygen bonds and Jahn–Teller distortions. In the case of Zn-MOF-74, we observe previously unknown remaining electrostatic potentials inside the MOF pores, which indicate the presence of remaining atoms that might impede gas flow throughout the structure when using the MOF for absorption purposes. We believe our study exemplifies the significance of employing advanced characterization techniques to enhance our material understanding, which is a crucial step for unlocking the full potential of MOFs in various applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=brocade2&SrcAuth=WosAPI&KeyUT=WOS:001275 Publication Date 2024-07-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes European Regional Development Fund, PID2021-122940OB-C31 ; H2020 Energy, 101022633 ; Universiteit Antwerpen, BOF TOP 38689 ; H2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, 956099 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, I003218N ; Japan Science and Technology Agency, JPMJSC2102 ; Funda??o de Amparo ? Pesquisa do Estado de S?o Paulo; Agencia Estatal de Investigaci?n,Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaci?n y Universidades, PID2021-122940OB-C31 TED2021-130621B-C42 ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2024 IF: 9.466  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:207555 Serial 9255  
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Author Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Claes, N.; Wang, D.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Nandi, P.; Jenkinson, K.; De Meyer, R.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Direct visualization of ligands on gold nanoparticles in a liquid environment Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Nature Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Nat. Chem.  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract The interaction among Au nanoparticles, their surface ligands and the solvent critically influences the properties of nanoparticles. Despite employing spectroscopic and scattering techniques to investigate their ensemble structure, a comprehensive understanding at the nanoscale remains elusive. Electron microscopy enables characterization of the local structure and composition but is limited by insufficient contrast, electron beam sensitivity and ultra-high vacuum, which prevent the investigation of dynamic aspects. Here we show that, by exploiting high-quality graphene liquid cells, we can overcome these limitations and investigate the structure of the ligand shell around the Au nanoparticles, as well as the ligand-Au interface in a liquid environment. Using this graphene liquid cell, we visualize the anisotropy, composition and dynamics of ligand distribution at the Au nanorod surface. Our results indicate a micellar model for the surfactant organisation. This work opens up a reliable and direct visualization of ligand distribution around colloidal nanoparticles.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=brocade2&SrcAuth=WosAPI&KeyUT=WOS:001257 Publication Date 2024-06-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1755-4330 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 21.8 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes S.B., and A.P.-T. acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme by grant no. 731019 (EUSMI) and ERC Consolidator grant no. 815128 (REALNANO). D.W. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020 program (Grant 894254 SuprAtom). L.L.-M. acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant 787510, 4DbioSERS) and the Spanish State Research Agency (Project PID2020-117779RB-I00 and MDM-2017-0720). The authors acknowledge Dr. J. Mosquera and Dr. Jimenez de Aberasturi for provision of samples and useful discussions. Approved Most recent IF: 21.8; 2024 IF: 25.87  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:207062 Serial 9256  
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Author Chowdhury, M.S.; Esteban, D.A.; Amin, R.; Román-Freijeiro, C.; Rösch, E.L.; Etzkorn, M.; Schilling, M.; Ludwig, F.; Bals, S.; Salgueiriño, V.; Lak, A. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Organic Molecular Glues to Design Three-Dimensional Cubic Nano-assemblies of Magnetic Nanoparticles Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Chemistry of Materials Abbreviated Journal Chem. Mater.  
  Volume 36 Issue 14 Pages 6865-6876  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=brocade2&SrcAuth=WosAPI&KeyUT=WOS:001275 Publication Date 2024-07-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci?n, PID2020-119242-I00 ; Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, LA 4923/3-1 RTG 1952 ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, 823717 ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2024 IF: 9.466  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:207594 Serial 9258  
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Author Cavallo, M.; Dosa, M.; Nakazato, R.; Porcaro, N.G.; Signorile, M.; Quintelier, M.; Hadermann, J.; Bordiga, S.; Rosero-Navarro, N.C.; Tadanaga, K.; Crocellà, V.; Bonino, F. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Insight on Zn-Al LDH as electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction reaction: An in-situ ATR-IR study Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Journal of CO2 Utilization Abbreviated Journal Journal of CO2 Utilization  
  Volume 83 Issue Pages 102804  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; In-situ ATR-IR spectroscopy; Layered Double Hydroxide; CO2 reduction reaction; Electrocatalysis; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract Electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) is expected to play a key role among the various strategies being explored to limit global warming. In this scenario, Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) are emerging as a promising class of electrocatalysts to replace the most used noble metals. In this work three Zn-Al LDH with different Zn2+/Al3+ ratio were synthesized and characterized by means of XRD, STEM-EDX and HR-TEM. Their suitability for CO2RR to CO was assessed by means of a custom-made three-compartment cell, showing an increase in CO selectivity by decreasing the Zn2+/Al3+ ratio. The CO2 interaction with the samples was firstly

characterized by means of volumetric adsorption measurements, exhibiting an increase in capture capacity by decreasing the Zn2+/Al3+ ratio. The evolution of the samples in interaction with a CO2-saturated liquid flow was then deeply investigated by means of in-situ ATR-IR spectroscopy. The samples displayed a different evolution in the vibrational region of the carbonate-like species (1800–1200 cm???? 1). To better discriminate the different carbonate cyclohexane was also employed. A definitive assignment of the main IR bands of the carbonate was

carried out by studying the spectral behavior of the different bands observed in the ATR-IR experiments and by comparing these results with the existing literature. Interestingly, Zn-Al 1:2 LDH, the most efficient electrocatalyst for CO2RR, is also the sole sample exhibiting a higher monodentate to total bidentate carbonates ratio, suggesting that the existence of a higher content of low coordination oxygen anions with stronger basic character can influence the final catalytic activity.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=brocade2&SrcAuth=WosAPI&KeyUT=WOS:001264 Publication Date 2024-05-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2212-9820 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 7.7 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes This work was supported by 4AirCRAFT project under the strategic international cooperation between Europe and Japan. 4AirCRAFT has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (No 101022633) and Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) (No JPMJSC2102). We acknowledge the Hercules fund ’Direct electron detector for soft matter TEM’ from Flemish Government for the purchase of the K2 DED. MC, MD, NGP, MS, SB, VC and FB acknowledge support from the Project CH4.0 under the MUR program “Dipartimenti di Eccellenza 2023–2027” (CUP: D13C22003520001) Approved Most recent IF: 7.7; 2024 IF: 4.292  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:207069 Serial 9259  
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Author Van Daele, K.; Balalta, D.; Hoekx, S.; Jacops, R.; Daems, N.; Altantzis, T.; Pant, D.; Breugelmans, T. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Synergy or Antagonism? Exploring the Interplay of SnO2and an N-OMC Carbon Capture Medium for the Electrochemical CO2Reduction toward Formate Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication ACS Applied Energy Materials Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Energy Mater.  
  Volume 7 Issue 13 Pages 5517-5527  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon, SnO2, degradation pathways, electrochemical CO2 reduction, formate; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract Closing the anthropogenic carbon cycle by means of the sustainable electrochemical CO2 reduction (eCO2R) toward formate (FA) is a promising strategy for CO2 abatement, clearing the path toward a carbon neutral future. Currently, three possible reaction pathways have been identified for the eCO2R toward FA, all of which are initiated by the adsorption of CO2 on the electrocatalyst’s surface. Therefore, a possible strategy to enhance the availability of CO2 near the active sites is to combine an active electrocatalyst material (here, SnO2) with a known carbon capture medium (here, nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (N-OMC)). SnO2 was introduced in situ during the N-OMC synthesis, yielding SnO2-N-OMCs. We approached the state of the art for Sn-based N-doped carbon electrocatalysts in terms of performance under industrially relevant currents with an average FEFA of 59% for SnO2-N-OMC (6) and 61% for SnO2-N-OMC (2). Moreover, the SnO2-N-OMC electrocatalysts require a low overpotential, courtesy of the N-OMC support, compared to the state of the art, for the selective conversion of CO2 toward FA at the industrially relevant current density of 100 mA cm–2. Additionally, the 24 h stability of the best performing SnO2-N-OMC electrocatalysts is explored, and pulverization/agglomeration and in situ SnO2 reduction are identified as major degradation pathways, allowing future research to be steered more accurately toward more stable Sn-based electrocatalysts for the eCO2R toward FA. An optimal combination of both the SnO2 species and the N-OMC carbon capture medium could result in a synergistic effect, especially when utilization of the N-OMC support material is optimized to morphologically stabilize the SnO2 active species.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=brocade2&SrcAuth=WosAPI&KeyUT=WOS:001253 Publication Date 2024-07-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.4 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes K.V.D. received financial support through a PhD fellowship strategic basic research (1S83320N) from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). Additionally, this project received funding in the framework of the Catalisti cluster SBO project CO2PERATE (“All renewable CCU based on formic acid integrated in an industrial micro-grid”), with financial support of VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship) (UA & VITO). Furthermore, this research was supported by the Interreg 2 Seas-program 2014–2020, cofunded by the European Regional Development Fund under subsidy contract no. E2C 2S03-019 (UA & VITO). D.B. and D.P. acknowledge the support from European Union’s Horizon 2020 MSCA-ITN programme under grant agreement no. 955650 (CATCHY). S.H. is financially supported through a PhD fellowship strategic basic research (1S42623N) from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). R.J. received financial support of the federal Energy Transition Fund by FPS Economy. T.A. acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). We acknowledge Prof. Tom Hauffman and Kitty Baert from the Electrochemical and Surface Engineering research group (SURF) at the VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) for the XPS measurements, Prof. Christophe Vande Velde from the Intelligence in Processes, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS, UAntwerp) research group for the XRD analysis, and Prof. Pegie Cool, Prof. Vera Meynen, and Radu-George Ciocarlan from the Laboratory of Adsorption and Catalysis (LADCA, UAntwerp) for the nitrogen physisorption and Raman spectroscopy measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 6.4; 2024 IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:206409 Serial 9261  
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Author de Block, T.; De Baetselier, I.; Van den Bossche, D.; Abdellati, S.; Gestels, Z.; Laumen, J.G.E.; Van Dijck, C.; Vanbaelen, T.; Claes, N.; Vandelannoote, K.; Kenyon, C.; Harrison, O.; Santhini Manoharan-Basil, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Genomic oropharyngeal Neisseria surveillance detects MALDI-TOF MS species misidentifications and reveals a novel Neisseria cinerea clade Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Journal of Medical Microbiology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 73 Issue 8 Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract Introduction. Commensal Neisseria spp. are highly prevalent in the oropharynx as part of the healthy microbiome. N. meningitidis can colonise the oropharynx too from where it can cause invasive meningococcal disease. To identify N. meningitidis, clinical microbiology laboratories often rely on Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

Hypothesis/Gap statement. N. meningitidis may be misidentified by MALDI-TOF MS.

Aim. To conduct genomic surveillance of oropharyngeal Neisseria spp. in order to: (i) verify MALDI-TOF MS species identification, and (ii) characterize commensal Neisseria spp. genomes.

Methodology. We analysed whole genome sequence (WGS) data from 119 Neisseria spp. isolates from a surveillance programme for oropharyngeal Neisseria spp. in Belgium. Different species identification methods were compared: (i) MALDI-TOF MS, (ii) Ribosomal Multilocus Sequence Typing (rMLST) and (iii) rplF gene species identification. WGS data were used to further characterize Neisseria species found with supplementary analyses of Neisseria cinerea genomes.

Results. Based on genomic species identification, isolates from the oropharyngeal Neisseria surveilence study were composed of the following species: N. meningitidis (n=23), N. subflava (n=61), N. mucosa (n=15), N. oralis (n=8), N. cinerea (n=5), N. elongata (n=3), N. lactamica (n=2), N. bacilliformis (n=1) and N. polysaccharea (n=1). Of these 119 isolates, four isolates identified as N. meningitidis (n=3) and N. subflava (n=1) by MALDI-TOF MS, were determined to be N. polysaccharea (n=1), N. cinerea (n=2) and N. mucosa (n=1) by rMLST. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that N. cinerea isolates from the general population (n=3, cluster one) were distinct from those obtained from men who have sex with men (MSM, n=2, cluster two). The latter contained genomes misidentified as N. meningitidis using MALDI-TOF MS. These two N. cinerea clusters persisted after the inclusion of published N. cinerea WGS (n=42). Both N. cinerea clusters were further defined through pangenome and Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) analyses.

Conclusion. This study provides insights into the importance of genomic genus-wide Neisseria surveillance studies to improve the characterization and identification of the Neisseria genus.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2024-08-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-2615 ISBN Additional Links  
  Impact Factor 3 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes We would like to thank all the study participants for their help in this study. This research was supported by SOFI 2021 grant—‘PReventing the Emergence of untreatable STIs via radical Prevention’ (PRESTIP). Approved Most recent IF: 3; 2024 IF: 2.159  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 9262  
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Author Gholam, S.; Hadermann, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The effect of the acceleration voltage on the quality of structure determination by 3D-electron diffraction Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 266 Issue Pages 114022  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract Nowadays, 3D Electron Diffraction (3DED) is widely used for the structure determination of sub-micron-sized particles. In this work, we investigate the influence of the acceleration voltage on the quality of 3DED datasets acquired on BaTiO3 nanoparticles. Datasets were acquired using a wide range of beam energies, from common, high acceleration voltages (300 kV and 200 kV) to medium (120 kV and 80 kV) and low acceleration voltages (60 kV and 30 kV). In the integration process, Rint increases as the beam energy reduces, which is mainly due to the increased dynamical scattering. Nevertheless, the structure was solved successfully in all cases. The structure refinement was comparable for all beam energies with small deficiencies such as negative atomic displacements for the heaviest atom in the structure, barium. Including extinction correction in the refinement noticeably improved the model for low acceleration voltages, probably due to higher beam absorption in these cases. Dynamical refinement, however, shows superior results for higher acceleration voltages, since the dynamical refinement calculations currently discard inelastic scattering effects.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=brocade2&SrcAuth=WosAPI&KeyUT=WOS:001297 Publication Date 2024-08-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes The authors acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) project SBO S000121N. The authors are also grateful to Dr. Armand Béché and Dr. Lars Riekehr for their technical support and to Prof. Lukáš Palatinus, Dr. Stefano Canossa, Dr. Maria Batuk and Amirhossein Hajizadeh for fruitful discussions. Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2024 IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:208540 Serial 9268  
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Author Gholam, S.; Denisov, N.; Orekhov, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Hadermann, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title An Investigation on 3D Electron Diffraction and 4-Dimensional Scanning Diffraction Tomography Using a Scanning Electron Microscope Type P1 Conference Proceedings
  Year 2024 Publication Microscopy and Microanalysis Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 30 Issue Supplement_1 Pages  
  Keywords P1 Conference Proceedings; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract During the last decade, 3D-Electron Diffraction (3D-ED) has emerged as a powerful technique for studying the structure of sub-micron particles. It is used in a variety of applications, from unit cell and space group determination to the complete solution of the structure similar to X-ray diffraction techniques. So far, this technique has been only implemented in Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEMs). Performing such an experiment in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) can be challenging, mainly due to the lower acceleration voltage. This lower beam energy raises concerns about severe multiple scattering and limited transmissivity of the sample for the weakly accelerated electrons.

In this work, we show the possibilities of operating similar studies in a modified SEM. For this aim, we equipped our SEM with a custom stage and holder, a direct electron detector and a custom high-angle annular dark-field detector (HAADF). A range of samples was studied in the form of lamellas and sub-micron particles, and the quality of the diffraction data was evaluated for different purposes, such as unit cell determination and space group determination. Moreover, the ability to integrate the diffraction data for structure solution and refinement has been assessed and compared to similar data acquired in a TEM.

Finally, we also demonstrate the potential for combining diffraction tomography and 4-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) in our setup. This method opens an avenue to obtain multiple 3DED datasets out of 5D-STEM data. These 3DED datasets can be created using object tracking methods from several regions of a multi-domain particle or from multiple single crystals within the scanning region. This provides an attractive route to high-throughput and statistically relevant characterization of polycrystalline materials or powders of nanoparticles.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2024-07-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1431-9276 ISBN Additional Links  
  Impact Factor 2.8 Times cited Open Access (up)  
  Notes The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) project SBO S000121N. The authors are also grateful to Amsterdam Scientific Instruments. Approved Most recent IF: 2.8; 2024 IF: 1.891  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 9269  
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