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Author Kerkhofs, S.; Willhammar, T.; Van Den Noortgate, H.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Breynaert, E.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.; Martens, J.A.
Title Self-Assembly of Pluronic F127—Silica Spherical Core–Shell Nanoparticles in Cubic Close-Packed Structures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 5161-5169
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract A new ordered mesoporous silica material (COK-19) with cubic symmetry is synthesized by silicate polycondensation in a citric acid/citrate buffered micellar solution of Pluronic F127 triblock copolymer near neutral pH. SAXS, nitrogen adsorption, TEM, and electron tomography reveal the final material has a cubic close packed symmetry (Fm3̅m) with isolated spherical mesopores interconnected through micropores. Heating of the synthesis medium from room temperature to 70 °C results in a mesopore size increase from 7.0 to 11.2 nm. Stepwise addition of the silicate source allows isolation of a sequence of intermediates that upon characterization with small-angle X-ray scattering uncovers the formation process via formation and aggregation of individual silica-covered Pluronic micelles.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000359499100003 Publication Date 2015-07-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 39 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes J.A.M. acknowledges the Flemish government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem, METH/08/04). The Belgian government is acknowledged for financing the interuniversity poles of attraction (IAP-PAI, P7/05 FS2). G.V.T., S.B. and T.W. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant no. 335078-COLOURATOMS). E.B. acknowledges financial support the Flemish FWO for a postdoctoral fellowship (1265013N). The authors gratefully thank Kristof Houthoofd for performing the NMR experiments.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354
Call Number c:irua:127758 Serial 3977
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Author Breynaert, E.; Emmerich, J.; Mustafa, D.; Bajpe, S.R.; Altantzis, T.; Van Havenbergh, K.; Taulelle, F.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Martens, J.A.;
Title Enhanced self-assembly of metal oxides and metal-organic frameworks from precursors with magnetohydrodynamically induced long-lived collective spin states Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Advanced materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Mater
Volume 26 Issue 30 Pages 5173-5178
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Magneto-hydrodynamic generation of long-lived collective spin states and their impact on crystal morphology is demonstrated for three different, technologically relevant materials: COK-16 metal organic framework, manganese oxide nanotubes, and vanadium oxide nano-scrolls.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor
Language Wos 000340546300015 Publication Date 2014-06-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0935-9648; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 19.791 Times cited 7 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes IAP-PAI; Marie Curie IEF; 262348 ESMI; 335078 COLOURATOM; 246791 COUNTATOMS; IWT; Methusalem; FWO; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 19.791; 2014 IF: 17.493
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:118827 Serial 1053
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Author Wang, Y.; Sentosun, K.; Li, A.; Coronado-Puchau, M.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Li, S.; Su, X.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.
Title Engineering Structural Diversity in Gold Nanocrystals by Ligand-Mediated Interface Control Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 8032-8040
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Surface and interface control is fundamentally important for crystal growth engineering, catalysis, surface enhanced spectroscopies, and self-assembly, among other processes and applications. Understanding the role of ligands in regulating surface properties of plasmonic metal nanocrystals during growth has received considerable attention. However, the underlying mechanisms and the diverse functionalities of ligands are yet to be fully addressed. In this contribution,

we report a systematic study of ligand-mediated interface control in seeded growth of gold nanocrystals, leading to diverse and exotic nanostructures with an improved surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity. Three dimensional transmission electron microscopy (3D TEM) revealed an intriguing gold shell growth process mediated by the bifunctional ligand 1,4-benzenedithiol (BDT), which leads to a unique crystal growth mechanism as compared to other ligands, and subsequently to the concept of interfacial energy control mechanism. Volmer-Weber growth mode was proposed to be responsible for BDT-mediated seeded growth, favoring the strongest interfacial energy and generating an asymmetric island growth pathway with internal crevices/gaps. This additionally favors incorporation of BDT at the plasmonic nanogaps, thereby generating strong SERS activity with a maximum efficiency for a core-semishell configuration obtained along seeded growth. Numerical modeling was used to explain this observation. Interestingly, the same strategy can be used to engineer the structural diversity of this system, by using gold nanoparticle seeds with various sizes and shapes, and varying the [Au3+]/[Au0] ratio. This rendered a series of diverse and exotic plasmonic nanohybrids such as semishell-coated gold nanorods, with embedded Raman-active tags and Janus surface with distinct surface functionalities.

These would greatly enrich the plasmonic nanostructure toolbox for various studies and applications such as anisotropic nanocrystal engineering, SERS, and high-resolution Raman bioimaging or nanoantenna devices.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000366223200023 Publication Date 2015-10-09
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 18 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes The authors thank Bart Goris for his help with electron tomography. This work was funded by the European Commission (Grant #310445-2, SAVVY). The authors acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant # 267867- PLASMAQUO, ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors also appreciate financial support from the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative N. 262348 European Soft Matter Infrastructure, ESMI). Wang Y. and Su X. would like to acknowledge the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, for the financial support under the Grant JCO 14302FG096. M. C.-P. acknowledges an FPU scholarship from the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354
Call Number c:irua:129598 c:irua:129598 Serial 3972
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Author van der Stam, W.; Berends, A.C.; Rabouw, F.T.; Willhammar, T.; Ke, X.; Meeldijk, J.D.; Bals, S.; de Donega, C.M.
Title Luminescent CuInS2 quantum dots by partial cation exchange in Cu2-xS nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 621-628
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Here, we show successful partial cation exchange reactions in Cu2-xS nanocrystals (NCs) yielding luminescent CuInS2 (CIS) NCs. Our approach of mild reaction conditions ensures slow Cu extraction rates, which results in a balance with the slow In incorporation rate. With this method, we obtain CIS NCs with photoluminescence (PL) far in the near-infrared (NIR), which cannot be directly synthesized by currently available synthesis protocols. We discuss the factors that favor partial, self-limited cation exchange from Cu2-xS to CIS NCs, rather than complete cation exchange to In2S3. The product CIS NCs have the wurtzite crystal structure, which is understood in terms of conservation of the hexagonal close packing of the anionic sublattice of the parent NCs into the product NCs. These results are an important step toward the design of CIS NCs with sizes and shapes that are not attainable by direct synthesis protocols and may thus impact a number of potential applications.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000348618400028 Publication Date 2014-12-29
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 119 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes 335078 Colouratom; 262348 Esmi; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354
Call Number c:irua:125291 Serial 1858
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Author Guerrero, A.; Pfannmöller, M.; Kovalenko, A.; Ripolles, T.S.; Heidari, H.; Bals, S.; Kaufmann, L.-D.; Bisquert, J.; Garcia-Belmonte, G.
Title Nanoscale mapping by electron energy-loss spectroscopy reveals evolution of organic solar cell contact selectivity Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Organic electronics: physics, materials, applications Abbreviated Journal Org Electron
Volume 16 Issue 16 Pages 227-233
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices are on the verge of commercialization being long-term stability a key challenge. Morphology evolution during lifetime has been suggested to be one of the main pathways accounting for performance degradation. There is however a lack of certainty on how specifically the morphology evolution relates to individual electrical parameters on operating devices. In this work a case study is created based on a thermodynamically unstable organic active layer which is monitored over a period of one year under non-accelerated degradation conditions. The morphology evolution is revealed by compositional analysis of ultrathin cross-sections using nanoscale imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). Additionally, devices are electrically monitored in real-time using the non-destructive electrical techniques capacitance-voltage (C-V) and Impedance Spectroscopy (IS). By comparison of imaging and electrical techniques the relationship between nanoscale morphology and individual electrical parameters of device operation can be conclusively discerned. It is ultimately observed how the change in the cathode contact properties occurring after the migration of fullerene molecules explains the improvement in the overall device performance. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication London Editor
Language Wos 000345649500029 Publication Date 2014-11-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1566-1199; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.399 Times cited 24 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes 287594 Sunflower; 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 3.399; 2015 IF: 3.827
Call Number c:irua:122169 Serial 2267
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Author Lin, F.; Meng, X.; Kukueva, E.; Kus, M.; Mertens, M.; Bals, S.; Van Doorslaer, S.; Cool, P.
Title Novel method to synthesize highly ordered ethane-bridged PMOs under mild acidic conditions : taking advantages of phosphoric acid Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials Abbreviated Journal Micropor Mesopor Mat
Volume 207 Issue 207 Pages 61-70
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Abstract Highly ordered SBA-15-type ethane-bridged PMOs have been obtained by employing H3PO4 as acid to tune the pH in the presence of copolymer surfactant P123. The effects of the acidity and the addition of inorganic salt on the formation of the mesostructure are investigated. It is found that, compared with HCl, the polyprotic weak acid H3PO4 is preferable for the synthesis of highly ordered SBA-15-type ethane-bridged PMOs with larger pore size and surface areas under mild acidic conditions. Moreover, taking the advantages of the mild acidic condition, vanadium-containing SBA-15-type ethane-bridged PMOs were successfully prepared through a direct synthesis approach. The XRD, N2-sorption, UVVis and CW-EPR studies of the V-PMO show that part of the vanadium species are present in polymeric (VOV)n clusters, while part of the vanadium centers are well-dispersed and immobilized on the inner surface of the mesopores.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000350518600009 Publication Date 2015-01-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1387-1811; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.615 Times cited 5 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes ; The Erasmus Mundus CONNEC program is acknowledged for PhD funding of F.Lin. Furthermore, the authors acknowledge support by the GOA-BOF project 'Optimization of the structure-activity relation in nanoporous materials', funded by the University of Antwerp. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.615; 2015 IF: 3.453
Call Number c:irua:123910 Serial 2379
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Author Goris, B.; Guzzinati, G.; Fernández-López, C.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Trügler, A.; Hohenester, U.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title Plasmon mapping in Au@Ag nanocube assemblies Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 118 Issue 28 Pages 15356-15362
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Surface plasmon modes in metallic nanostructures largely determine their optoelectronic properties. Such plasmon modes can be manipulated by changing the morphology of the nanoparticles or by bringing plasmonic nanoparticle building blocks close to each other within organized assemblies. We report the EELS mapping of such plasmon modes in pure Ag nanocubes, Au@Ag coreshell nanocubes, and arrays of Au@Ag nanocubes. We show that these arrays enable the creation of interesting plasmonic structures starting from elementary building blocks. Special attention will be dedicated to the plasmon modes in a triangular array formed by three nanocubes. Because of hybridization, a combination of such nanotriangles is shown to provide an antenna effect, resulting in strong electrical field enhancement at the narrow gap between the nanotriangles.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor
Language Wos 000339368700031 Publication Date 2014-06-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447;1932-7455; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 41 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes Fwo; 246791 Countatoms; 278510 Vortex; 335078 Colouratom; 262348 Esmi ECASJO;; ECASSara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 4.536; 2014 IF: 4.772
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:118099UA @ admin @ c:irua:118099 Serial 2644
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Author Rehor, I.; Lee, K.L.; Chen, K.; Hajek, M.; Havlik, J.; Lokajova, J.; Masat, M.; Slegerova, J.; Shukla, S.; Heidari, H.; Bals, S.; Steinmetz, N.F.; Cigler, P.
Title Plasmonic nanodiamonds : targeted coreshell type nanoparticles for cancer cell thermoablation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Advanced healthcare materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Healthc Mater
Volume 4 Issue 4 Pages 460-468
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Targeted biocompatible nanostructures with controlled plasmonic and morphological parameters are promising materials for cancer treatment based on selective thermal ablation of cells. Here, coreshell plasmonic nanodiamonds consisting of a silica-encapsulated diamond nanocrystal coated in a gold shell are designed and synthesized. The architecture of particles is analyzed and confirmed in detail using electron tomography. The particles are biocompatibilized using a PEG polymer terminated with bioorthogonally reactive alkyne groups. Azide-modified transferrin is attached to these particles, and their high colloidal stability and successful targeting to cancer cells overexpressing the transferrin receptor are demonstrated. The particles are nontoxic to the cells and they are readily internalized upon binding to the transferrin receptor. The high plasmonic cross section of the particles in the near-infrared region is utilized to quantitatively ablate the cancer cells with a short, one-minute irradiation by a pulse 750-nm laser.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000349961600014 Publication Date 2015-02-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2192-2640; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.11 Times cited 30 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 5.11; 2015 IF: 5.797
Call Number c:irua:125375 Serial 2647
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Author Deng, S.; Kurttepeli, M.; Cott, D.J.; Bals, S.; Detavernier, C.
Title Porous nanostructured metal oxides synthesized through atomic layer deposition on a carbonaceous template followed by calcination Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A
Volume 3 Issue 3 Pages 2642-2649
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Porous metal oxides with nano-sized features attracted intensive interest in recent decades due to their high surface area which is essential for many applications, e.g. Li ion batteries, photocatalysts, fuel cells and dye-sensitized solar cells. Various approaches have so far been investigated to synthesize porous nanostructured metal oxides, including self-assembly and template-assisted synthesis. For the latter approach, forests of carbon nanotubes are considered as particularly promising templates, with respect to their one-dimensional nature and the resulting high surface area. In this work, we systematically investigate the formation of porous metal oxides (Al2O3, TiO2, V2O5 and ZnO) with different morphologies using atomic layer deposition on multi-walled carbon nanotubes followed by post-deposition calcination. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy accompanied by X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used for the investigation of morphological and structural transitions at the micro- and nano-scale during the calcination process. The crystallization temperature and the surface coverage of the metal oxides and the oxidation temperature of the carbon nanotubes were found to produce significant influence on the final morphology.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000348990500019 Publication Date 2014-12-06
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 23 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes Fwo; 239865 Cocoon; 335078 Colouratoms; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 8.867; 2015 IF: 7.443
Call Number c:irua:125298 Serial 2673
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Author Tarasov, A.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Meledina, M.; Trusov, G.; Goodilin, E.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Dobrovolsky, Y.
Title One-Step Microheterogeneous Formation of Rutile@Anatase Core–Shell Nanostructured Microspheres Discovered by Precise Phase Mapping Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 121 Issue 121 Pages 4443-4450
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Nanostructured core−shell microspheres with a rough rutile core and a thin anatase shell are synthesized via a one-step heterogeneous templated hydrolysis process of TiCl4 vapor on the aerosol water−air interface. The rutile-in-anatase core−shell structure has been evidenced by different electron microscopy techniques, including electron energy-loss spectroscopy and 3D electron tomography. A new mechanism for the formation of a crystalline rutile core inside the anatase shell is proposed based on a statistical evaluation of a large number of electron microscopy data. We found that the control over the TiCl4 vapor pressure, the ratio between TiCl4 and H2O aerosol, and the reaction conditions plays a crucial role in the formation of the core−shell morphology and increases the yield of nanostructured microspheres.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000395616200038 Publication Date 2017-03-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 4 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes Z.-Y.H., M. M., and G.V.T. acknowledge support from the the EC Framework 7 program ESTEEM2 (Reference 312483). Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:141720 Serial 4472
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Author van der Stam, W.; Akkerman, Q.A.; Ke, X.; van Huis, M.A.; Bals, S.; de Donega, C.M.
Title Solution-processable ultrathin size- and shape-controlled colloidal Cu2-xS nanosheets Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 283-291
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets (NSs) possess extraordinary properties that are attractive for both fundamental studies and technological devices. Solution-based bottom-up methods are emerging as promising routes to produce free-standing NSs, but the synthesis of colloidal NSs with well-defined size and shape has remained a major challenge. In this work, we report a novel method that yields 2 nm thick colloidal Cu2-xS NSs with well-defined shape (triangular or hexagonal) and size (100 nm to 3 mu m). The key feature of our approach is the use of a synergistic interaction between halides (Br or Cl) and copper-thiolate metal-organic frameworks to create a template that imposes 2D constraints on the Cu-catalyzed C-S thermolysis, resulting in nucleation and growth of colloidal 2D Cu2-xS NSs. Moreover, the NS composition can be postsynthetically tailored by exploiting topotactic cation exchange reactions. This is illustrated by converting the Cu2-xS NSs into ZnS and CdS NSs while preserving their size and shape. The method presented here thus holds great promise as a route to solution-processable compositionally diverse ultrathin colloidal NSs with well-defined shape and size.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000348085300036 Publication Date 2014-12-04
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 68 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes 335078 Colouratom; 246791 Countatoms; 312483 Esteem2; esteem2ta; ECASSara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354
Call Number c:irua:123865 c:irua:123865 Serial 3052
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Author Kurttepeli, M.; Deng, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Guzzinati, G.; Cott, D.J.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Detavernier, C.; Bals, S.
Title Synthesis and characterization of photoreactive TiO2carbon nanosheet composites Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 118 Issue 36 Pages 21031-21037
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract We report the atomic layer deposition of titanium dioxide on carbon nanosheet templates and investigate the effects of postdeposition annealing in a helium environment using different characterization techniques. The crystallization of the titanium dioxide coating upon annealing is observed using in situ X-ray diffraction. The (micro)structural characterization of the films is carried out by scanning electron microscopy and advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques. Our study shows that the annealing of the atomic layer deposition processed and carbon nanosheets templated titanium dioxide layers in helium environment resulting in the formation of a porous, nanocrystalline and photocatalytically active titanium dioxide-carbon nanosheet composite film. Such composites are suitable for photocatalysis and dye-sensitized solar cells applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor
Language Wos 000341619500034 Publication Date 2014-08-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447;1932-7455; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 9 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes This research was funded by the Flemish research foundation FWO-Vlaanderen, by the European Research Council (Starting Grant No. 239865) and by the Special Research Fund BOF of Ghent University (GOA-01G01513). G.G, M.K., J.V., S.B., and G.V.T. acknowledge funding from the European Research Council under the seventh Framework Program (FP7), ERC Starting Grant No. 278510 VORTEX and No. 335078 COLOURATOMS. ECASJO;; ECASSara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 4.536; 2014 IF: 4.772
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:119085 Serial 3416
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Author Wolf, D.; Rodriguez, L.A.; Béché, A.; Javon, E.; Serrano, L.; Magen, C.; Gatel, C.; Lubk, A.; Lichte, H.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Fernández-Pacheco, A.; De Teresa, J.M.; Snoeck, E.
Title 3D Magnetic Induction Maps of Nanoscale Materials Revealed by Electron Holographic Tomography Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 6771-6778
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The investigation of three-dimensional (3D) ferromagnetic nanoscale materials constitutes one of the key research areas of the current magnetism roadmap, and carries great potential to impact areas such as data storage, sensing and biomagnetism. The properties of such nanostructures are closely connected with their 3D magnetic nanostructure, making their determination highly valuable. Up to now, quantitative 3D maps providing both the internal magnetic and electric configuration of the same specimen with high spatial resolution are missing. Here, we demonstrate the quantitative 3D reconstruction of the dominant axial component of the magnetic induction and electrostatic potential within a cobalt nanowire (NW) of 100 nm in diameter with spatial resolution below 10 nanometers by applying electron holographic tomography. The tomogram was obtained using a dedicated TEM sample holder for acquisition, in combination with advanced alignment and tomographic reconstruction routines. The powerful approach presented here is widely applicable to a broad range of 3D magnetic nanostructures and may trigger the progress of novel spintronic non-planar nanodevices.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000362920700037 Publication Date 2015-09-08
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 50 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program under a contract for an Inte-grated Infrastructure Initiative Reference 312483-ESTEEM2. S.B. and A.B. gratefully acknowledge funding by ERC Starting grants number 335078 COLOURATOMS and number 278510 VORTEX. AF-P acknowledges an EPSRC Early Career fellowship and support from the Winton Foundation. E.S., C.G. and L.A. R. acknowledge the French ANR program for support though the project EMMA.; esteem2jra4; ECASJO;; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354
Call Number c:irua:129180 c:irua:129180 c:irua:129180 Serial 3950
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Author van Oers, C.J.; Kurttepeli, M.; Mertens, M.; Bals, S.; Meynen, V.; Cool, P.
Title Zeolite \beta nanoparticles based bimodal structures : mechanism and tuning of the porosity and zeolitic properties Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials Abbreviated Journal Micropor Mesopor Mat
Volume 185 Issue Pages 204-212
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Abstract Despite great efforts in the research area of zeolite nanoparticles and their use in the synthesis of bimodal materials, still little is known about the impact of the synthesis conditions of the zeolite nanoparticles on its own characteristics, and on the properties and the formation mechanism of the final bimodal materials. A zeolite β nanoparticles solution is applied in a mesotemplate-free synthesis method, and the influence of the hydrothermal ageing temperature of the nanoparticles solution on both the zeolitic and porosity characteristics of the final bimodal material has been studied. Transmission electron microscopy in combination with 3-dimensional reconstructions obtained by electron tomography revealed that the zeolite β nanoparticles are connected by neck-like structures, thus creating a wormhole-like mesoporous material. Considering the zeolitic properties, a clear threshold is observed in the synthesis temperature series at 413 K. Below and at this threshold, the biporous materials show no apparent zeolitic characteristics, although these materials exhibit a more condensed and uniform SiOSi network in comparison to Al-MCF. Synthesis temperatures above the threshold lead to bimodal structures with defined zeolitic properties. Moreover, the dimensions of the nanoparticles are studied by TEM, revealing an increasing particle size with increasing temperature under the threshold of 413 K, which is in agreement with a sol-mechanism. This mechanism is disturbed after the threshold due to the start of the crystallisation process.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000330930400025 Publication Date 2013-11-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1387-1811; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.615 Times cited 10 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes 262348 Esmi Approved Most recent IF: 3.615; 2014 IF: 3.453
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:112501 Serial 3930
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Author Altantzis, T.; Yang, Z.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Pileni, M.-P.
Title Thermal Stability of CoAu13Binary Nanoparticle Superlattices under the Electron Beam Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 28 Issue 28 Pages 716-719
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract One primary goal of self-assembly in nanoscale regime is to implement multifunctional binary nanoparticle superlattices into practical use. In the last decade, considerable effort has been put into the fabrication of binary nanoparticle superlattices with controllable structure and stoichiometry. However, limited effort has been made in order to improve the stability of these binary nanoparticle superlattices, which is a prerequisite for their potential application. In this work, we demonstrate that the carbon deposition from specimen contamination can play an auxiliary role during the heat treatment of binary nanoparticle superlattices. With the in-situ carbon matrix formation, the thermal stability of CoAu 13 binary nanoparticle superlattices is unambiguously enhanced.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000370112200007 Publication Date 2016-01-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 10 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes The research leading to these results has been supported by an Advanced Grant of the European Research Council under Grant 267129. The authors appreciate financial support by theEuropean Union under the Framework 7 program under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative (Reference No. 262348 ESMI). S.B. acknowledges funding from ERC Starting Grant COLOURATOMS (335078).; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466
Call Number c:irua:131908 Serial 4040
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Author Schrittwieser, S.; Pelaz, B.; Parak, W.J.; Lentijo-Mozo, S.; Soulantica, K.; Dieckhoff, J.; Ludwig, F.; Altantzis, T.; Bals, S.; Schotter, J.
Title Homogeneous Protein Analysis by Magnetic Core-Shell Nanorod Probes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter
Volume 8 Issue 8 Pages 8893-8899
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Studying protein interactions is of vital importance both to fundamental biology research and to medical applications. Here, we report on the experimental proof of a universally applicable label-free homogeneous platform for rapid protein analysis. It is based on optically detecting changes in the rotational dynamics of magnetically agitated core-shell nanorods upon their specific interaction with proteins. By adjusting the excitation frequency, we are able to optimize the measurement signal for each analyte protein size. In addition, due to the locking of the optical signal to the magnetic excitation frequency, background signals are suppressed, thus allowing exclusive studies of processes at the nanoprobe surface only. We study target proteins (soluble domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 – sHER2) specifically binding to antibodies (trastuzumab) immobilized on the surface of our nanoprobes and demonstrate direct deduction of their respective sizes. Additionally, we examine the dependence of our measurement signal on the concentration of the analyte protein, and deduce a minimally detectable sHER2 concentration of 440 pM. For our homogeneous measurement platform, good dispersion stability of the applied nanoprobes under physiological conditions is of vital importance. To that end, we support our measurement data by theoretical modeling of the total particle-particle interaction energies. The successful implementation of our platform offers scope for applications in biomarker-based diagnostics as well as for answering basic biology questions.
Address Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology , Vienna, Austria
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Wos 000374274900007 Publication Date 2016-03-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.504 Times cited 16 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes The authors thank Frauke Alves, Julia Bode and Fernanda Ramos Gomes from the Max-Planck-Institute of Experimental Medicine in Göttingen for providing the trastuzumab antibody in form of the Herceptin therapeutic drug. The figure showing the measurement principle has been created by Darragh Crotty (www.darraghcrotty.com). Parts of this research were supported by the European Commission FP7 NAMDIATREAM project (EU NMP4-LA-2010−246479), by the German research foundation (DFG grant GRK 1782 to W.J.P.), and by the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078 Colouratom). B.P. acknowledges a PostDoctoral fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt foundation. (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); ; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 7.504
Call Number c:irua:132889 Serial 4059
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Author Serrano-Montes, A.B.; Langer, J.; Henriksen-Lacey, M.; Jimenez de Aberasturi, D.; Solís, D.M.; Taboada, J.M.; Obelleiro, F.; Sentosun, K.; Bals, S.; Bekdemir, A.; Stellacci, F.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.
Title Gold Nanostar-Coated Polystyrene Beads as Multifunctional Nanoprobes for SERS Bioimaging Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 120 Issue 120 Pages 20860-20868
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Hybrid colloidal nanocomposites comprising polystyrene beads and plasmonic gold nanostars are reported as multifunctional optical nanoprobes. Such self-assembled structures are excellent Raman enhancers for bio-applications as they feature plasmon modes in the near infrared “first biological transparency window”. In this proof of concept study, we used 4- mercaptobenzoic acid as a Raman-active molecule to optimize the density of gold nanostars on polystyrene beads, improving SERS performance and thereby allowing in vitro cell culture imaging. Interestingly, intermediate gold nanostar loadings were found to yield higher SERS response, which was confirmed by electromagnetic modeling. These engineered hybrid nanostructures notably improve the possibilities of using gold nanostars as SERS tags. Additionally, when fluorescently labeled polystyrene bead are used as colloidal carriers, the composite particles can be applied as promising tools for multimodal bioimaging.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000384034600045 Publication Date 2016-05-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 64 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes Funding is acknowledged from the European Commission (Grant #310445-2 SAVVY), the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant #267867 Plasmaquo, and ERC Starting Grant #335078 Colouratom) and the Spanish MINECO (Project MAT2013-46101-R). We thank IKERLAT Polymers for the non-fluorescent PS beads and Prof. Juan Mareque, Prof. Soledad Penades and Dr. Sergio Moya (CIC biomagune) for borrowing various cell lines. D.M.S., J.M.T, and F.O. acknowledge funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Spanish MINECO (Projects MAT2014-58201-C2-1-R, MAT2014- 58201-C2-2-R), from the ERDF and the Galician Regional Government under agreement for funding the Atlantic Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (AtlantTIC), and from the ERDF and the Extremadura Regional Government (Junta de Extremadura) under Project IB13185. (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); ; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
Call Number c:irua:133952 Serial 4082
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Author Hill, E.H.; Claes, N.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.
Title Layered Silicate Clays as Templates for Anisotropic Gold Nanoparticle Growth Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 28 Issue 28 Pages 5131-5139
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Clay minerals are abundant natural materials arising in the presence of water and are composed of small particles of different sizes and shapes. The interlamellar space between layered silicate clays can also be used to host a variety of different organic and inorganic guest molecules or particles. Recent studies of clay−metal hybrids formed by impregnation of nanoparticles into the interlayer spaces of the clays have not demonstrated the ability for templated growth following the shape of the particles. Following this line of interest, a method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles on the synthetic layered silicate clay laponite was developed. This approach can be used to make metal−clay nanoparticles with a variety of morphologies while retaining the molecular adsorption properties of the clay. The surface enhanced Raman scattering enhancement of these particles was also found to be greater than that obtained from other metal nanoparticles of a similar morphology, likely due to increased dye adsorption by the presence of the clay. The hybrid particles presented herein will contribute to further study of plasmonic

sensing, catalysis, dye aggregation, and novel composite materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000380576700031 Publication Date 2016-07-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 13 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes This work has been supported by the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant No. 267867, PLASMAQUO). E.H.H. thanks the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for providing a Juan de la Cierva Fellowship (FJCI-2014-22598). N.C. and S.B. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOM). We gratefully acknowledge A. B. Serrano-Montes for providing the seed-mediated Au nanostars.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466
Call Number c:irua:135178 c:irua:135178 Serial 4117
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Author Van Aelst, J.; Verboekend, D.; Philippaerts, A.; Nuttens, N.; Kurttepeli, M.; Gobechiya, E.; Haouas, M.; Sree, S.P.; Denayer, J.F.M.; Martens, J.A.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Taulelle, F.; Bals, S.; Baron, G.V.; Jacobs, P.A.; Sels, B.F.
Title Catalyst design by NH4OH treatment of USY zeolite Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Advanced functional materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Mater
Volume 25 Issue 25 Pages 7130-7144
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Hierarchical zeolites are a class of superior catalysts which couples the intrinsic zeolitic properties to enhanced accessibility and intracrystalline mass transport to and from the active sites. The design of hierarchical USY (Ultra-Stable Y) catalysts is achieved using a sustainable postsynthetic room temperature treatment with mildly alkaline NH4OH ( 0.02(M)) solutions. Starting from a commercial dealuminated USY zeolite (Si/Al = 47), a hierarchical material is obtained by selective and tuneable creation of interconnected and accessible small mesopores (2- 6 nm). In addition, the treatment immediately yields the NH4+ form without the need for additional ion exchange. After NH4OH modification, the crystal morphology is retained, whereas the microporosity and relative crystallinity are decreased. The gradual formation of dense amorphous phases throughout the crystal without significant framework atom leaching rationalizes the very high material yields (>90%). The superior catalytic performance of the developed hierarchical zeolites is demonstrated in the acid-catalyzed isomerization of alpha-pinene and the metal-catalyzed conjugation of safflower oil. Significant improvements in activity and selectivity are attained, as well as a lowered susceptibility to deactivation. The catalytic performance is intimately related to the introduced mesopores, hence enhanced mass transport capacity, and the retained intrinsic zeolitic properties.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor
Language Wos 000366503700003 Publication Date 2015-10-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1616-301x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 64 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes ; The authors thank Dr. M. Thommes and Dr. K. Cychosz for numerous and helpful discussions on the correct evaluation of the Ar isotherms. I. Cuppens is acknowledged for ICP-AES analyses. Research was funded through a PhD grant to J.V.A. of the Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT). D.V. and A.P. acknowledge F.W.O.-Vlaanderen (Research Foundation Flanders) for a postdoctoral fellowship. N.N. thanks the KU Leuven for financial support (FLOF). E.G., C.K., and J.M. acknowledge the long-term structural funding by the Flemish Government (Methusalem). S.B. acknowledges the European Research Council for funding under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013)/ERC grant agreement No. 335078-COLOURATOMS. The authors are grateful for financial support by the Belgian government through Interuniversity Attraction Poles (IAP-PAI). They also thank Oleon NV for supplying safflower oil. ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 12.124; 2015 IF: 11.805
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:130214 Serial 4147
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Author Conings, B.; Bretschneider, S.A.; Babayigit, A.; Gauquelin, N.; Cardinaletti, I.; Manca, J.V.; Verbeeck, J.; Snaith, H.J.; Boyen, H.-G.
Title Structure-property relations of methylamine vapor treated hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 films and solar cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter
Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 8092-8099
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The power conversion efficiency of halide perovskite solar cells is heavily dependent on the perovskite layer being sufficiently smooth and pinhole-free. It has been shown that these features can be obtained even when starting out from rough and discontinuous perovskite film, by briefly exposing it to methylamine (MA) vapor. The exact underlying physical mechanisms of this phenomenon are, however, still unclear. By investigating smooth, MA treated films, based on very rough and discontinuous reference films of methylammonium triiode (MAPbI3), considering their morphology, crystalline features, local conductive properties, and charge carrier lifetime, we unravel the relation between their characteristic physical qualities and their performance in corresponding solar cells. We discover that the extensive improvement in photovoltaic performance upon MA treatment is a consequence of the induced morphological enhancement of the perovskite layer, together with improved electron injection into TiO2, which in fact compensates for an otherwise compromised bulk electronic quality, simultaneously caused by the MA treatment.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000396186000025 Publication Date 2017-02-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.504 Times cited 43 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes This work was financially supported by BOF (Hasselt University) and the Research Fund Flanders (FWO). B.C. is a postdoctoral research fellow of the FWO. A.B. is financially supported by FWO and Imec. J.V. and N.G. acknowledge funding from GOA project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp and FWO project G.0044.13N “Charge ordering”. The Qu-Ant-EM microscope used for this study was partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. The authors thank Tim Vangerven for Urbach energy determination, and Johnny Baccus and Jan Mertens for technical support. Approved Most recent IF: 7.504
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:140849 Serial 4422
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Author Huybrechts, W.; Mali, G.; Kuśtrowski, P.; Willhammar, T.; Mertens, M.; Bals, S.; Van Der Voort, P.; Cool, P.
Title Post-synthesis bromination of benzene bridged PMO as a way to create a high potential hybrid material Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials Abbreviated Journal Micropor Mesopor Mat
Volume 236 Issue 236 Pages 244-249
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Abstract Periodic mesoporous organosilicas provide the best of two worlds: the strength and porosity of an inorganic framework combined with the infinite possibilities created by the organic bridging unit. In this work we focus on post-synthetical modification of benzene bridged PMO, in order to create bromobenzene PMO. In the past, this proved to be very challenging due to unwanted structural deterioration. However, now we have found a way to brominate this material whilst keeping the structure intact. In-depth structural analysis by solid state NMR and XPS shows both vast progress over previous attempts as well as potential for improvement.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000385899600028 Publication Date 2016-09-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1387-1811 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.615 Times cited 7 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes ; The authors would like to thank financial support from the FWO-Flanders (project no G.0068.13). The authors further acknowledge financial support of the University of Antwerp through BOF GOA funding. S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOM). ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 3.615
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:135274 Serial 4228
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Author van der Stam, W.; Gradmann, S.; Altantzis, T.; Ke, X.; Baldus, M.; Bals, S.; de Mello Donega, C.
Title Shape Control of Colloidal Cu2-x S Polyhedral Nanocrystals by Tuning the Nucleation Rates Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 28 Issue 28 Pages 6705-6715
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Synthesis protocols for colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) with narrow size and shape distributions are of particular interest for the successful implementation of these nanocrystals into devices. Moreover, the preparation of NCs with well-defined crystal phases is of key importance. In this work, we show that Sn(IV)-thiolate complexes formed in situ strongly influence the nucleation and growth rates of colloidal Cu2-x S polyhedral NCs, thereby dictating their final size, shape, and crystal structure. This allowed us to successfully synthesize hexagonal bifrustums and hexagonal bipyramid NCs with low-chalcocite crystal structure, and hexagonal nanoplatelets with various thicknesses and aspect ratios with the djurleite crystal structure, by solely varying the concentration of Sn(IV)-additives (namely, SnBr4) in the reaction medium. Solution and solid-state 119Sn NMR measurements show that SnBr4 is converted in situ to Sn(IV)-thiolate complexes, which increase the Cu2-x S nucleation barrier without affecting the precursor conversion rates. This influences both the nucleation and growth rates in a concentration-dependent fashion and leads to a better separation between nucleation and growth. Our approach of tuning the nucleation and growth rates with in situ-generated Sn-thiolate complexes might have a more general impact due to the availability of various metal-thiolate complexes, possibly resulting in polyhedral NCs of a wide variety of metal-sulfide compositions.
Address Condensed Matter and Interfaces, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University , P.O. Box 80000, 3508 TA Utrecht, The Netherlands
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Wos 000384399000037 Publication Date 2016-09-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 27 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes W.v.d.S. and C.d.M.D. acknowledge financial support from the division of Chemical Sciences (CW) of The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) under grant number ECHO.712.012.001. M.B. also gratefully acknowledges NWO for funding the NMR infrastructure (Middle Groot program, grant number 700.58.102). S.B. acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant # 335078-COLOURATOMS).; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:135928 Serial 4285
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Author Geuchies, J.J.; van Overbeek, C.; Evers, W.H.; Goris, B.; de Backer, A.; Gantapara, A.P.; Rabouw, F.T.; Hilhorst, J.; Peters, J.L.; Konovalov, O.; Petukhov, A.V.; Dijkstra, M.; Siebbeles, L.D.A.; van Aert, S.; Bals, S.; Vanmaekelbergh, D.
Title In situ study of the formation mechanism of two-dimensional superlattices from PbSe nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Nature materials Abbreviated Journal Nat Mater
Volume 15 Issue 15 Pages 1248-1254
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Oriented attachment of PbSe nanocubes can result in the formation of two-dimensional (2D) superstructures with long-range nanoscale and atomic order. This questions the applicability of classic models in which the superlattice grows by first forming a nucleus, followed by sequential irreversible attachment of nanocrystals, as one misaligned attachment would disrupt the 2D order beyond repair. Here, we demonstrate the formation mechanism of 2D PbSe superstructures with square geometry by using in situ grazing-incidence X-ray scattering (small angle and wide angle), ex situ electron microscopy, and Monte Carlo simulations. We observed nanocrystal adsorption at the liquid/gas interface, followed by the formation of a hexagonal nanocrystal monolayer. The hexagonal geometry transforms gradually through a pseudo-hexagonal phase into a phase with square order, driven by attractive interactions between the {100} planes perpendicular to the liquid substrate, which maximize facet-to-facet overlap. The nanocrystals then attach atomically via a necking process, resulting in 2D square superlattices.
Address Condensed Matter and Interfaces, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CC Utrecht, The Netherlands
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Wos 000389104400011 Publication Date 2016-09-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1476-1122 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 39.737 Times cited 182 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes This research is part of the programme ‘Designing Dirac Carriers in semiconductor honeycomb superlattices (DDC13),’ which is supported by the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM), which is part of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). J.J.G. acknowledges funding from the Debye and ESRF Graduate Programs. The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (G.036915 G.037413 and funding of postdoctoral grants to B.G. and A.d.B). S.B. acknowledges the European Research Council, ERC grant No 335078—Colouratom. The authors gratefully acknowledge I. Swart and M. van Huis for fruitful discussions. We acknowledge funding from NWO-CW TOPPUNT ‘Superficial Superstructures’. The X-ray scattering measurements were performed at the ID10 beamline at ESRF under proposal numbers SC-4125 and SC-3786. The authors thank G. L. Destri and F. Zontone for their support during the experiments.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 39.737
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:136165 Serial 4289
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Author Rodal-Cedeira, S.; Montes-García, V.; Polavarapu, L.; Solís, D.M.; Heidari, H.; La Porta, A.; Angiola, M.; Martucci, A.; Taboada, J.M.; Obelleiro, F.; Bals, S.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Pastoriza-Santos, I.
Title Plasmonic Au@Pd Nanorods with Boosted Refractive Index Susceptibility and SERS Efficiency: A Multifunctional Platform for Hydrogen Sensing and Monitoring of Catalytic Reactions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 28 Issue 28 Pages 9169-9180
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Palladium nanoparticles (NPs) have received tremendous attention over the years due to their high catalytic activity for various chemical reactions. However, unlike other noble metal nanoparticles such as Au and Ag NPs, they exhibit poor plasmonic properties with broad extinction spectra and less scattering efficiency, and thus limiting their applications in the field of plasmonics. Therefore, it has been challenging to integrate tunable and strong plasmonic properties into catalytic Pd nanoparticles. Here we show that plasmonic Au@Pd nanorods (NRs) with relatively narrow and remarkably tunable optical responses in the NIR region can be obtained by directional growth of Pd on penta-twinned Au NR seeds. We found the presence of bromide ions facilitates the stabilization of facets for the directional growth of Pd shell to obtain Au@Pd nanorods (NR) with controlled length scales. Interestingly, it turns out the Au NR supported Pd NRs exhibit much narrow extinction compared to pure Pd NRs, which makes them suitable for plasmonic sensing applications. Moreover, these nanostructures display, to the best of our knowledge, one of the highest ensemble refractive index sensitivity values reported to date (1067 nm per refractive index unit, RIU). Additionally, we showed the application of such plasmonic Au@Pd NRs for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-based sensing of hydrogen both in solution as well as on substrate. Finally, we demonstrate the integration of excellent plasmonic properties in catalytic palladium enables the in situ monitoring of a reaction progress by surface-enhanced Raman scattering. We postulate the proposed approach to boost the plasmonic properties of Pd nanoparticles will ignite the design of complex shaped plasmonic Pd NPs to be used in various plasmonic applications such as sensing and in situ monitoring of various chemical reactions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000391080900036 Publication Date 2016-12-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 80 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes Funding from Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Grants MAT2013-45168-R and MAT2016-77809-R) is gratefully acknowledge. A.L.P. and S.B. acknowledge support by the European Research Council through an ERC Starting Grant (#335078-COLOURATOMS). L. P. acknowledges the financial support from by the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung. V. M.-G. acknowledges the financial support from FPU scholarship from the Spanish MINECO. (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); ECAS_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 9.466
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:139513 Serial 4344
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Author Kurttepeli, M.; Locus, R.; Verboekend, D.; de Clippel, F.; Breynaert, E.; Martens, J.; Sels, B.; Bals, S.
Title Synthesis of aluminum-containing hierarchical mesoporous materials with columnar mesopore ordering by evaporation induced self assembly Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials Abbreviated Journal Micropor Mesopor Mat
Volume 234 Issue 234 Pages 186-195
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The incorporation of aluminum into the silica columns of hierarchical mesoporous materials (HMMs) was studied. The HMMs were synthesized by a combination of hard and soft templating methods, forming mesoporous SBA-15-type silica columns inside the pores of anodic aluminum oxide membranes via evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA). By adding Al-isopropoxide to the EISA-mixture a full tetrahedral incorporation of Al and thus the creation of acid sites was achieved, which was proved by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Electron microscopy showed that the use of Al-isopropoxide as an Al source for the HMMs led to a change in the mesopore ordering of silica material from circular hexagonal (donut-like) to columnar hexagonal and a 37% increase in specific surface (BET surface). These results were confirmed by a combination of nitrogen physisorption and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments and can be attributed to a swelling of the P123 micelles with isopropanol. The columnar mesopore ordering of silica is advantageous towards the pore accessibility and therefore preferential for many possible applications including catalysis and adsorption on the acid tetrahedral Al-sites. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000383291400020 Publication Date 2016-07-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1387-1811 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.615 Times cited 5 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes ; The Belgian government (Belgian Science Policy Office, Belspo) is acknowledged for financing the Interuniversity Attraction Poles (IAP-PAI). S. B. acknowledges the financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). D. V. acknowledges the Flanders Research Foundation (FWO). ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 3.615
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:137108 Serial 4404
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Author D'Olieslaeger, L.; Pfannmöller, M.; Fron, E.; Cardinaletti, I.; Van der Auweraer, M.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.; Maes, W.; Vanderzande, D.; Manca, J.; Ethirajan, A.
Title Tuning of PCDTBT : PC71BM blend nanoparticles for eco-friendly processing of polymer solar cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Solar energy materials and solar cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 159 Issue 159 Pages 179-188
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract We report the controlled preparation of water processable nanoparticles (NPs) employing the push-pull polymer PCDTBT and the fullerene acceptor PC71BM in order to enable solar cell processing using eco-friendly solvent (i.e. water). The presented method provides the possibility to separate the formation of the active layer blend and the deposition of the active layer into two different processes. For the first time, the benefits of aqueous processability for the high-potential class of push-pull polymers, generally requiring high boiling solvents, are made accessible. With our method we demonstrate excellent control over the blend stoichiometry and efficient mixing. Furthermore, we provide visualization of the nano morphology of the different NPs to obtain structural information down to similar to 2 nm resolution using advanced analytical electron microscopy. The imaging directly reveals very small compositional demixing in the PCDTBT:PC71BM blend NPs, in the size range of about <5 nm, indicating fine mixing at the molecular level. The suitability of the proposed methodology and materials towards the aspects of eco-friendly processing of organic solar cells is demonstrated through a processing of lab scale NPs solar cell prototypes reaching a power conversion efficiency of 1.9%. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000388053600021 Publication Date 2016-09-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 32 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes ; This work was supported by BOF funding of Hasselt University, the Interreg project Organext, and the IAP 7/05 project FS2 (Functional Supramolecular Systems), granted by the Science Policy Office of the Belgian Federal Government (BELSPO). A.E. is a post-doctoral fellow of the Flanders Research Foundation (FWO). M.P. gratefully acknowledges the SIM NanoForce program for financial support. S.B. further acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors are thankful for technical support by J. Smits, T. Vangerven, and J. Baccus. ; ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 4.784
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:139157UA @ admin @ c:irua:139157 Serial 4450
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Author Benetti, G.; Cavaliere, E.; Canteri, A.; Landini, G.; Rossolini, G.M.; Pallecchi, L.; Chiodi, M.; Van Bael, M.J.; Winckelmans, N.; Bals, S.; Gavioli, L.
Title Direct synthesis of antimicrobial coatings based on tailored bi-elemental nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication APL materials Abbreviated Journal Apl Mater
Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 036105
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Ultrathin coatings based on bi-elemental nanoparticles (NPs) are very promising to limit the surface-related spread of bacterial pathogens, particularly in nosocomial environments. However, tailoring the synthesis, composition, adhesion to substrate, and antimicrobial spectrum of the coating is an open challenge. Herein, we report on a radically new nanostructured coating, obtained by a one-step gas-phase deposition technique, and composed of bi-elemental Janus type Ag/Ti NPs. The NPs are characterized by a cluster-in-cluster mixing phase with metallic Ag nano-crystals embedded in amorphous TiO2 and present a promising antimicrobial activity including also multidrug resistant strains. We demonstrate the flexibility of the method to tune the embedded Ag nano-crystals dimension, the total relative composition of the coating, and the substrate type, opening the possibility of tailoring the dimension, composition, antimicrobial spectrum, and other physical/chemical properties of such multi-elemental systems. This work is expected to significantly spread the range of applications of NPs coatings, not only as an effective tool in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections but also in other technologically relevant fields like sensors or nano-/micro joining.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000398951000014 Publication Date 2017-03-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2166-532X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.335 Times cited 21 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes We thank Urs Gfeller for the XRF measurements, Francesco Banfi for valuable discussions on the manuscript and Giulio Viano for his valuable support in the microbiological analysis. The authors acknowledge the financial support of Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore through D.2.2 and D.3.1 grants and from the European Union through the 7th Framework Program (FP7) under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative (Reference No. 312483 ESTEEM2). REFERENCES Approved Most recent IF: 4.335
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:141723UA @ admin @ c:irua:141723 Serial 4479
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Author Verlackt, C.C.W.; Van Boxem, W.; Dewaele, D.; Lemière, F.; Sobott, F.; Benedikt, J.; Neyts, E.C.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Mechanisms of Peptide Oxidation by Hydroxyl Radicals: Insight at the Molecular Scale Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 121 Issue 121 Pages 5787-5799
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to provide atomic scale insight in the initial interaction between hydroxyl radicals (OH) and peptide systems in solution. These OH radicals are representative reactive oxygen species produced by cold atmospheric plasmas. The use of plasma for biomedical applications is gaining increasing interest, but the fundamental mechanisms behind the plasma modifications still remain largely elusive. This study helps to gain more insight in the underlying mechanisms of plasma medicine but is also more generally applicable to peptide oxidation, of interest for other applications. Combining both reactive and nonreactive MD simulations, we are able to elucidate the reactivity of the amino acids inside the peptide systems and their effect on their structure up to 1 μs. Additionally, experiments were performed, treating the simulated peptides with a plasma jet. The computational results presented here correlate well with the obtained experimental data and highlight the importance of the chemical environment for the reactivity of the individual amino acids, so that specific amino acids are attacked in higher numbers than expected. Furthermore, the long time scale simulations suggest that a single oxidation has an effect on the 3D conformation due to an increase in hydrophilicity and intra- and intermolecular interactions.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000396969900037 Publication Date 2017-03-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 5 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G012413N ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:142202 Serial 4537
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Author Mernissi Cherigui, E.A.; Sentosun, K.; Bouckenooge, P.; Vanrompay, H.; Bals, S.; Terryn, H.; Ustarroz, J.
Title A Comprehensive Study of the Electrodeposition of Nickel Nanostructures from Deep Eutectic Solvents: Self-Limiting Growth by Electrolysis of Residual Water Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C
Volume 121 Issue 121 Pages 9337-9347
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The electrodeposition of nickel nanostructures on glassy carbon was investigated in 1:2 choline chloride – urea (1:2 ChCl-U) deep eutectic solvent (DES). By combining electrochemical techniques with ex-situ FE-SEM, XPS, HAADF-STEM and EDX, the electrochemical processes occurring during nickel deposition were better understood. Special attention was given to the interaction between the solvent and the growing nickel nanoparticles. The application of a suffciently negative potential results into the electrocatlytic hydrolisis of residual water in the DES, which leads to the formation of a mixed layer of Ni/Ni(OH)2(ads). In addition, hydrogen bonds between hydroxide species and the DES components could be formed, quenching the growth of the nickel clusters favouring their aggregation. Due to these processes, a highly dense distribution of nickel nanostructures can be obtained within a wide potential range. Understanding the role of residual water and the interactions at the interface during metal electrodeposition from DESs is essential to produce supported nanostructures in a controllable way for a broad range of applications and technologies.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000400881100027 Publication Date 2017-04-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 66 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes E.A. Mernissi Cherigui acknowledges funding from the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek in Flanders (FWO, research project G019014N). S. Bals acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (Starting Grant No. COLOURATOMS 335078). H.V. gratefully acknowledges financial support by the Flemish Fund for Scientifi c Research (FWO Vlaanderen). Finally, J. Ustarroz acknowledges funding from the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek in Flanders (FWO, postdoctoral grant 12I7816N). (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); ECAS_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 4.536
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:142208UA @ admin @ c:irua:142208 Serial 4551
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Author Ustarroz, J.; Geboes, B.; Vanrompay, H.; Sentosun, K.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T.; Hubin, A.
Title Electrodeposition of Highly Porous Pt Nanoparticles Studied by Quantitative 3D Electron Tomography: Influence of Growth Mechanisms and Potential Cycling on the Active Surface Area Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter
Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 16168-16177
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract Nanoporous Pt nanoparticles (NPs) are promising fuel cell catalysts due to their large surface area and increased electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we report on the infuence of the growth mechanisms on the surface properties of electrodeposited Pt dendritic NPs with large surface areas. The electrochemically active surface was studied by hydrogen underpotential deposition (HUPD) and compared for the rst time to high angle annular dark eld scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) quantitative 3D electron tomography of individual nanoparticles. Large nucleation overpotential leads to a large surface coverage of Pt roughened spheroids, which provide large roughness factor (Rf ) but low mass-speci c electrochemically active surface area (EASA). Lowering the nucleation overpotential leads to highly porous Pt NPs with pores protruding to the center of the structure. At the expense of smaller Rf , the obtained EASA values of these structures are in the range of these of large surface area supported fuel cell catalysts. The active surface area of the Pt dendritic NPs was measured by electron tomography and it was found that the potential cycling in the H adsorption/desorption and Pt oxidation/reduction region, which is generally performed to determine the EASA, leads to a signi cant reduction of that surface area due to a partial collapse of their dendritic and porous morphology. Interestingly, the extrapolation of the microscopic tomography results to macroscopic electrochemical parameters indicated that the surface properties measured by H UPD are comparable to the values measured on individual NPs by electron tomography after the degradation caused by the H UPD measurement. These results highlight that the combination of electrochemical and quantitative 3D surface analysis techniques is essential to provide insights into the surface properties, the electrochemical stability and, hence, the applicability of these materials. Moreover, it indicates that care must be taken with widely used electrochemical methods of surface area determination, especially in the case of large surface area and possibly unstable nanostructures, since the measured surface can be strongly a ected by the measurement itself.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000401782500028 Publication Date 2017-04-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.504 Times cited 24 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
Notes Jon Ustarroz acknowledges funding from the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek in Flanders (FWO, postdoctoral grant 12I7816N). S. Bals acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (Starting Grant No. COLOURATOMS 335078). S.B. and T.B. acknowledge the University of Antwerp for nancial support in the frame of a GOA project. H.V. gratefully acknowledges nancial support by the Flemish Fund for Scienti c Research (FWO Vlaanderen). All the authors acknowledge Laurens Stevaert for his contribution to the work presented in this manuscript. (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); ECAS_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 7.504
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:142345UA @ admin @ c:irua:142345 Serial 4552
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