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“Scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory study on zinc(II)-phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid on bilayer epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide(0001)”. Nicholls D, Li RR, Ware B, Pansegrau C, Çakir D, Hoffmann MR, Oncel N, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 119, 9845 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b00864
Abstract: Zinc(II)-phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid (Zn-PcS) molecules physisorbed on bilayer epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide (SiC(0001)) were studied by using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) and density functional theory (DFT). Two different methods were used to deposit Zn-PcS molecules and regardless of the method being used, the surface coverage stayed very low indicating the weakness of surface-molecule interaction. STS measurements revealed that derivative of tunneling current with respect to voltage (dI/dV) measured on Zn-PcS molecules did not exhibit the characteristic dip observed on dI/dV curves of pristine bilayer epitaxial graphene. DFT calculations show that the energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the Zn-PcS molecule is below the Dirac point of graphene which enhances local density of states (LDOS). We attribute the disappearance of the dip in the dI/dV curves measured on the Zn-PcS/bilayer system to the LUMO of Zn-PcS. Charge density calculations along Zn-PcS/graphene interface reveal that there is a small charge transfer from graphene to the molecule. Calculated adsorption energy (3.13 eV) of the molecule is notably low and is consistent with the observed low surface coverage at room temperature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b00864
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“Seedless synthesis of single crystalline Au nanoparticles with unusual shapes and tunable LSPR in the near-IR”. Angelomé, PC, Heidari Mezerji H, Goris B, Pastoriza-Santos I, Pérez-Juste J, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, Chemistry of materials 24, 1393 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm3004479
Abstract: The plasmonic properties of metal nanoparticles have acquired great importance because of their potential applications in very diverse fields. Metal nanoparticles with localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) in the near-infrared (NIR, 7501300 nm) are of particular interest because tissues, blood, and water display low absorption in this spectral range, thus facilitating biomedical applications. Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) was used to induce the seedless formation of highly anisotropic, twisted single crystalline Au nanoparticles in a single step. The LSPR of the obtained particles can be tuned from 600 nm up to 1400 nm by simply changing the reaction temperature or the reagents concentrations. The tunability of the LSPR is closely associated with significant changes in the final particle morphology, which was studied by advanced electron microscopy techniques (3D Tomography and HAADF-STEM). Kinetic experiments were carried out to establish the growth mechanism, suggesting that slow kinetics together with the complexation of the gold salt precursor to CTAC are key factors favoring the formation of these anisotropic particles.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1021/cm3004479
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“Selective bifunctional catalytic conversion of cellulose over reshaped ni particles at the tip of carbon nanofibers”. Van de Vyver S, Geboers J, Dusselier M, Schepers H, Vosch T, Zhang L, Van Tendeloo G, Jacobs PA, Sels BF, Chemsuschem 3, 698 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.201000087
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.226
Times cited: 136
DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201000087
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“Selective decoration of isolated carbon nanotubes by potassium evaporation : scanning photoemission microscopy and density functional theory”. Struzzi C, Erbahar D, Scardamaglia M, Amati M, Gregoratti L, Lagos, Van Tendeloo G, Snyders R, Ewels C, Bittencourt C, Journal of materials chemistry C : materials for optical and electronic devices 3, 2518 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4tc02478h
Abstract: Site selective doping of aligned carbon nanostructures represents a promising approach for their implementation in actual devices. In the present work we report on alkali metals decoration on low density vertically aligned carbon nanotubes, disclosing the possibility of engineering site selective depositions of potassium atoms on the carbon systems. Photoemission measurements were combined with microscopy demonstrating the effective spatial control of alkali deposition. The changes of electronic structures of locally doped carbon regions were studied by exploiting the ability of the scanning photoemission microscopy technique. From the analysis of experimental data supported by theoretical calculations, we show the tuning of the charge transfer from potassium to carbon atoms belonging to neighboring nanotubes or along the same tube structure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.256
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1039/c4tc02478h
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“Selective nickel-catalyzed conversion of model and lignin-derived phenolic compounds to cyclohexanone-based polymer building blocks”. Schutyser W, Van den Bosch S, Dijkmans J, Turner S, Meledina M, Van Tendeloo G, Debecker DP, Sels BF, Chemsuschem 8, 1805 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.201403375
Abstract: Valorization of lignin is essential for the economics of future lignocellulosic biorefineries. Lignin is converted into novel polymer building blocks through four steps: catalytic hydroprocessing of softwood to form 4-alkylguaiacols, their conversion into 4-alkylcyclohexanols, followed by dehydrogenation to form cyclohexanones, and Baeyer-Villiger oxidation to give caprolactones. The formation of alkylated cyclohexanols is one of the most difficult steps in the series. A liquid-phase process in the presence of nickel on CeO2 or ZrO2 catalysts is demonstrated herein to give the highest cyclohexanol yields. The catalytic reaction with 4-alkylguaiacols follows two parallel pathways with comparable rates: 1) ring hydrogenation with the formation of the corresponding alkylated 2-methoxycyclohexanol, and 2) demethoxylation to form 4-alkylphenol. Although subsequent phenol to cyclohexanol conversion is fast, the rate is limited for the removal of the methoxy group from 2-methoxycyclohexanol. Overall, this last reaction is the rate-limiting step and requires a sufficient temperature (> 250 degrees C) to overcome the energy barrier. Substrate reactivity (with respect to the type of alkyl chain) and details of the catalyst properties (nickel loading and nickel particle size) on the reaction rates are reported in detail for the Ni/CeO2 catalyst. The best Ni/CeO2 catalyst reaches 4-alkylcyclohexanol yields over 80 %, is even able to convert real softwood-derived guaiacol mixtures and can be reused in subsequent experiments. A proof of principle of the projected cascade conversion of lignocellulose feedstock entirely into caprolactone is demonstrated by using Cu/ZrO2 for the dehydrogenation step to produce the resultant cyclohexanones (approximate to 80%) and tin-containing beta zeolite to form 4-alkyl-e-caprolactones in high yields, according to a Baeyer-Villiger-type oxidation with H2O2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.226
Times cited: 71
DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201403375
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“Selective organic functionalization of graphene bulk or graphene edges”. Quintana M, Montellano A, Esau del Rio Castillo A, Van Tendeloo G, Bittencourt C, Prato M, Chemical communications 47, 9330 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1039/c1cc13254g
Abstract: Graphene sheets have been functionalized with a PAMAM dendron, finding that graphene can be efficiently functionalized all over the surface, or only at the edges, depending on the reactions used in the functionalization process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.319
Times cited: 84
DOI: 10.1039/c1cc13254g
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“Self-limiting oxidation in small-diameter Si nanowires”. Khalilov U, Pourtois G, van Duin ACT, Neyts EC, Chemistry of materials 24, 2141 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm300707x
Abstract: Recently, core shell silicon nanowires (Si-NWs) have been envisaged to be used for field-effect transistors and photovoltaic applications. In spite of the constant downsizing of such devices, the formation of ultrasmall diameter core shell Si-NWs currently remains entirely unexplored. We report here on the modeling of the formation of such core shell Si-NWs using a dry thermal oxidation of 2 nm diameter (100) Si nanowires at 300 and 1273 K, by means of reactive molecular dynamics simulations using the ReaxFF potential. Two different oxidation mechanisms are discussed, namely a self-limiting process that occurs at low temperature (300 K), resulting in a Si core I ultrathin SiO2 silica shell nanowire, and a complete oxidation process that takes place at a higher temperature (1273 K), resulting in the formation of an ultrathin SiO2 silica nanowire. The oxidation kinetics of both cases and the resulting structures are analyzed in detail. Our results demonstrate that precise control over the Si-core radius of such NWs and the SiOx (x <= 2.0) oxide shell is possible by controlling the growth temperature used during the oxidation process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 45
DOI: 10.1021/cm300707x
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“Semiclathrates of the GePTe system : synthesis and crystal structures”. Kirsanova MA, Reshetova LN, Olenev AV, Abakumov AM, Shevelkov AV, Chemistry: a European journal 17, 5719 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201003553
Abstract: Novel compounds [Ge46−xPx]Tey (13.9≤x≤15.6, 5.92≤y≤7.75) with clathrate-like structures have been prepared and structurally characterized. They crystallize in the space group Fmequation image with the unit cell parameter changing from 20.544(2) to 20.698(2) Å (Z=8) on going from x=13.9 to x=15.6. Their crystal structure is composed of a covalently bonded Ge[BOND]P framework that hosts tellurium atoms in the guest positions and can be viewed as a peculiar variant of the type I clathrate superstructure. In contrast to the conventional type I clathrates, [Ge46−xPx]Tey contain tricoordinated (3b) atoms and no vacancies in the framework positions. As a consequence of the transformation of the framework, the majority of the guest tellurium atoms form a single covalent bond with the host framework and thus the title compounds are the first representative of semiclathrates with covalent bonding. A comparison is made with silicon clathrates and the evolution of the crystal structure upon changing the tellurium content is discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.317
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1002/chem.201003553
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“Sequence of orientational phase transitions in solid C60”. Michel KH, Chemical physics letters 193, 478 (1992). http://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2614(92)85835-X
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.897
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/0009-2614(92)85835-X
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“Short-range layered A-site ordering in double perovskites NaLaBB'O6 (B = Mn, Fe, B' = Nb, Ta)”. Dachraoui W, Yang T, Liu C, Ling G, Hadermann J, Van Tendeloo G, Llobet A, Greenblatt M, Chemistry of materials 23, 2398 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm200226u
Abstract: The new compounds NaLaFeTaO6, NaLaFeNbO6, NaLaMnTaO6, and NaLaMnNbO6 have been synthesized and characterized with a combination of transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), neutron powder diffraction (NPD), and magnetization measurements. Through electron microscopy study, a local layered order of the A-cations has been detected without the typical occurrence of rock salt order at the B-cation site. Satellite reflections in the electron diffraction related to the local layered order are not visible on the XRPD or NPD patterns. The occurrence of local layered order is supported by pair distribution function analysis, which also reveals the presence of uncorrelated displacements of the Nb and Ta cations. The octahedra are tilted according to the system a−b+a−, and the coordinates were refined from XRPD and NPD with a disordered cation distribution in the space group Pnma. The magnetic exchange interactions in NaLaFeTaO6 and NaLaFeNbO6 are antiferromagnetic, while they are ferromagnetic in NaLaMnTaO6 and NaLaMnNbO6. Long-range magnetic ordering is not observed down to 4 K for any of the compositions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1021/cm200226u
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“Silica-supported chromium oxide: colloids as building blocks”. Hermans I, Breynaert E, Poelman H, de Gryse R, Liang D, Van Tendeloo G, Maes A, Peeters J, Jacobs P, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 9, 5382 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1039/b706601e
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1039/b706601e
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“A simple road for the transformation of few-layer graphene into MWNTs”. Quintana M, Grzelczak M, Spyrou K, Calvaresi M, Bals S, Kooi B, Van Tendeloo G, Rudolf P, Zerbetto F, Prato M, Journal of the American Chemical Society 134, 13310 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja303131j
Abstract: We report the direct formation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) by ultrasonication of graphite in dimethylformamide (DMF) upon addition of ferrocene aldehyde (Fc-CHO). The tubular structures appear exclusively at the edges of graphene layers and contain Fe clusters. Pc in conjunction with benzyl aldehyde, or other Fc derivatives, does not induce formation of NT. Higher amounts of Fc-CHO added to the dispersion do not increase significantly MWNT formation. Increasing the temperature reduces the amount of formation of MWNTs and shows the key role of ultrasound-induced cavitation energy. It is concluded that Fc-CHO first reduces the concentration of radical reactive species that slice graphene into small moieties, localizes itself at the edges of graphene, templates the rolling up of a sheet to form a nanoscroll, where it remains trapped, and finally accepts and donates unpaired electron to the graphene edges and converts the less stable scroll into a MWNT. This new methodology matches the long held notion that CNTs are rolled up graphene layers. The proposed mechanism is general and will lead to control the production of carbon nanostructures by simple ultrasonication treatments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 56
DOI: 10.1021/ja303131j
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“A simplified approach to the band gap correction of defect formation energies : Al, Ga, and In-doped ZnO”. Saniz R, Xu Y, Matsubara M, Amini MN, Dixit H, Lamoen D, Partoens B, The journal of physics and chemistry of solids 74, 45 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpcs.2012.07.017
Abstract: The calculation of defect levels in semiconductors within a density functional theory approach suffers greatly from the band gap problem. We propose a band gap correction scheme that is based on the separation of energy differences in electron addition and relaxation energies. We show that it can predict defect levels with a reasonable accuracy, particularly in the case of defects with conduction band character, and yet is simple and computationally economical. We apply this method to ZnO doped with group III elements (Al, Ga, In). As expected from experiment, the results indicate that Zn substitutional doping is preferred over interstitial doping in Al, Ga, and In-doped ZnO, under both zinc-rich and oxygen-rich conditions. Further, all three dopants act as shallow donors, with the +1 charge state having the most advantageous formation energy. Also, doping effects on the electronic structure of ZnO are sufficiently mild so as to affect little the fundamental band gap and lowest conduction bands dispersion, which secures their n-type transparent conducting behavior. A comparison with the extrapolation method based on LDA+U calculations and with the HeydScuseriaErnzerhof hybrid functional (HSE) shows the reliability of the proposed scheme in predicting the thermodynamic transition levels in shallow donor systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.059
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpcs.2012.07.017
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“Simulation and experimental studies on plasma temperature, flow velocity, and injector diameter effects for an inductively coupled plasma”. Lindner H, Murtazin A, Groh S, Niemax K, Bogaerts A, Analytical chemistry 83, 9260 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/ac201699q
Abstract: An inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is analyzed by means of experiments and numerical simulation. Important plasma properties are analyzed, namely, the effective temperature inside the central channel and the mean flow velocity inside the plasma. Furthermore, the effect of torches with different injector diameters is studied by the model. The temperature inside the central channel is determined from the end-on collected line-to-background ratio in dependence of the injector gas flow rates. Within the limits of 3% deviation, the results of the simulation and the experiments are in good agreement in the range of flow rates relevant for the analysis of relatively large droplets, i.e., 50 μm. The deviation increases for higher gas flow rates but stays below 6% for all flow rates studied. The velocity of the gas inside the coil region was determined by side-on analyte emission measurements with single monodisperse droplet introduction and by the analysis of the injector gas path lines in the simulation. In the downstream region significantly higher velocities were found than in the upstream region in both the simulation and the experiment. The quantitative values show good agreement in the downstream region. In the upstream region, deviations were found in the absolute values which can be attributed to the flow conditions in that region and because the methods used for velocity determination are not fully consistent. Eddy structures are found in the simulated flow lines. These affect strongly the way taken by the path lines of the injector gas and they can explain the very long analytical signals found in the experiments at low flow rates. Simulations were performed for different injector diameters in order to find conditions where good analyte transport and optimum signals can be expected. The results clearly show the existence of a transition flow rate which marks the lower limit for effective analyte transport conditions through the plasma. A rule-of-thumb equation was extracted from the results from which the transition flow rate can be estimated for different injector diameters and different injector gas compositions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.32
Times cited: 34
DOI: 10.1021/ac201699q
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“Single chain elasticity and thermoelasticity of polyethylene”. Titantah JT, Pierleoni C, Ryckaert J-P, The journal of chemical physics 117, 9028 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.1514974
Abstract: Single-chain elasticity of polyethylene at theta point up to 90% of stretching with respect to its contour length is computed by Monte Carlo simulation of an atomistic model in continuous space. The elasticity law together with the free-energy and the internal energy variations with stretching are found to be very well represented by the wormlike chain model up to 65% of the chain elongation, provided the persistence length is treated as a temperature-dependent parameter. Beyond this value of elongation simple ideal chain models are not able to describe the Monte Carlo data in a thermodynamic consistent way. This study reinforces the use of the wormlike chain model to interpret experimental data on the elasticity of synthetic polymers in the finite extensibility regime, provided the chain is not yet in its fully stretched regime. Specific solvent effects on the elasticity law and the partition between energetic and entropic contributions to single chain elasticity are investigated. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.965
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1063/1.1514974
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“Single layer vs bilayer graphene : a comparative study of the effects of oxygen plasma treatment on their electronic and optical properties”. Nourbakhsh A, Cantoro M, Klekachev AV, Pourtois G, Vosch T, Hofkens J, van der Veen MH, Heyns MM, de Gendt S, Sels BF, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 115, 16619 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp203010z
Abstract: This contribution presents the effects of a mild O2 plasma treatment on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of single-layer (SLG) and bilayer graphene (BLG). Unexpectedly, we observe only photoluminescence in the SLG parts of a graphene flake composed of regions of various thickness upon O2 plasma treatment, whereas the BLG and few-layer graphene (FLG) parts remain optically unchanged. Confirmed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) that O2 plasma induces epoxide and hydroxyl-like groups in graphene, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are carried out on representative epoxidized and hydroxylated SLG and BLG models to predict density of states (DOS) and band structures. Sufficiently oxidized SLG shows a bandgap and thus loss of semimetallic behavior, while oxidized BLG maintains its semimetallic behavior even at high oxygen density in agreement with the results of the photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) experiments. DFT calculations confirm that the Fermi velocity in epoxidized BLG is remarkably comparable with that of pristine SLG, pointing to a similarity of electronic band structure. The similarity is also experimentally demonstrated by the electrical characterization of a plasma-treated BLG-FET. As expected from the electronegative oxygen adatoms in the graphene, epoxidized BLG presents conductive features typical of hole doping. Moreover, the electrical characteristics suggest band structures closely related to that of epoxidized graphene while deviating from that of hydroxylated graphene. Finally, upon O2 plasma treatment of BLG, the four-component 2D peak around 2700 cm1 in the Raman spectrum evolves into a single Lorentzian line, very like the 2D peak of pristine SLG. Summarizing, the data in this contribution recommend that a controlled O2 plasma treatment, which is compatible with CMOS process flow in contrast to wet chemical oxidation methods, provides an efficient and valuable technique to exploit the transport properties of the bottom layer of BLG.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 46
DOI: 10.1021/jp203010z
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“Slicing the Perovskite structure with crystallographic shear planes : the AnBnO3n-2 homologous series”. Abakumov AM, Hadermann J, Batuk M, d' Hondt H, Tyablikov OA, Rozova MG, Pokholok KV, Filimonov DS, Sheptyakov DV, Tsirlin AA, Niermann D, Hemberger J, Van Tendeloo G, Antipov EV, Inorganic chemistry 49, 9508 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1021/ic101233s
Abstract: A new AnBnO3n−2 homologous series of anion-deficient perovskites has been evidenced by preparation of the members with n = 5 (Pb2.9Ba2.1Fe4TiO13) and n = 6 (Pb3.8Bi0.2Ba2Fe4.2Ti1.8O16) in a single phase form. The crystal structures of these compounds were determined using a combination of transmission electron microscopy and X-ray and neutron powder diffraction (S.G. Ammm, a = 5.74313(7), b = 3.98402(4), c = 26.8378(4) Å, RI = 0.035, RP = 0.042 for Pb2.9Ba2.1Fe4TiO13 and S.G. Imma, a = 5.7199(1), b = 3.97066(7), c = 32.5245(8) Å, RI = 0.032, RP = 0.037 for Pb3.8Bi0.2Ba2Fe4.2Ti1.8O16). The crystal structures of the AnBnO3n−2 homologues are formed by slicing the perovskite structure with (01)p crystallographic shear (CS) planes. The shear planes remove a layer of oxygen atoms and displace the perovskite blocks with respect to each other by the 1/2[110]p vector. The CS planes introduce edge-sharing connections of the transition metal−oxygen polyhedra at the interface between the perovskite blocks. This results in intrinsically frustrated magnetic couplings between the perovskite blocks due to a competition of the exchange interactions between the edge- and the corner-sharing metal−oxygen polyhedra. Despite the magnetic frustration, neutron powder diffraction and Mssbauer spectroscopy reveal that Pb2.9Ba2.1Fe4TiO13 and Pb3.8Bi0.2Ba2Fe4.2Ti1.8O16 are antiferromagnetically ordered below TN = 407 and 343 K, respectively. The Pb2.9Ba2.1Fe4TiO13 and Pb3.8Bi0.2Ba2Fe4.2Ti1.8O16 compounds are in a paraelectric state in the 5−300 K temperature range.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1021/ic101233s
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“Smart Align : a new tool for robust non-rigid registration of scanning microscope data”. Jones L, Yang H, Pennycook TJ, Marshall MSJ, Van Aert S, Browning ND, Castell MR, Nellist PD, Advanced Structural and Chemical Imaging 1, 8 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1186/s40679-015-0008-4
Abstract: Many microscopic investigations of materials may benefit from the recording of multiple successive images. This can include techniques common to several types of microscopy such as frame averaging to improve signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) or time series to study dynamic processes or more specific applications. In the scanning transmission electron microscope, this might include focal series for optical sectioning or aberration measurement, beam damage studies or camera-length series to study the effects of strain; whilst in the scanning tunnelling microscope, this might include bias-voltage series to probe local electronic structure. Whatever the application, such investigations must begin with the careful alignment of these data stacks, an operation that is not always trivial. In addition, the presence of low-frequency scanning distortions can introduce intra-image shifts to the data. Here, we describe an improved automated method of performing non-rigid registration customised for the challenges unique to scanned microscope data specifically addressing the issues of low-SNR data, images containing a large proportion of crystalline material and/or local features of interest such as dislocations or edges. Careful attention has been paid to artefact testing of the non-rigid registration method used, and the importance of this registration for the quantitative interpretation of feature intensities and positions is evaluated.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 131
DOI: 10.1186/s40679-015-0008-4
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“Smart heating profiles for the synthesis of benzene bridged periodic mesoporous organosilicas”. Smeulders G, van Oers C, Van Havenbergh K, Houthoofd K, Mertens M, Martens JA, Bals S, Maes BUW, Meynen V, Cool P, Chemical engineering journal 175, 585 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2011.09.116
Abstract: In this study the effects of the heating rate and heating time on the formation of crystal-like benzene bridged periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) are investigated. The time needed to heat up an autoclave during the hydrothermal treatment has shown to be crucial in the synthesis of PMOs, while the total duration of heating gave rise to only minor differences. By choosing a smart heating profile, superior PMO materials can be obtained in a short time. Different heating profiles in a range from one minute to one hour are adopted by microwave equipment and compared with conventional heating methods. The heating rate has a large influence on the porosity characteristics and the uniformity of the obtained particles. Moreover, two new alternative synthetic strategies to adopt the smart heating profile are presented, in order to give some possible solutions for the expensive microwave equipment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Organic synthesis (ORSY)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2011.09.116
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“Solution-processable ultrathin size- and shape-controlled colloidal Cu2-xS nanosheets”. van der Stam W, Akkerman QA, Ke X, van Huis MA, Bals S, de Donega CM, Chemistry of materials 27, 283 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm503929q
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 68
DOI: 10.1021/cm503929q
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“Solving the structure of Li ion battery materials with precession electron diffraction : application to Li2CoPo4F”. Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Turner S, Hafideddine Z, Khasanova NR, Antipov EV, Van Tendeloo G, Chemistry of materials 23, 3540 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm201257b
Abstract: The crystal structure of the Li2CoPO4F high-voltage cathode for Li ion rechargeable batteries has been completely solved from precession electron diffraction (PED) data, including the location of the Li atoms. The crystal structure consists of infinite chains of CoO4F2 octahedra sharing common edges and linked into a 3D framework by PO4 tetrahedra. The chains and phosphate anions together delimit tunnels filled with the Li atoms. This investigation demonstrates that PED can be successfully applied for obtaining structural information on a variety of Li-containing electrode materials even from single micrometer-sized crystallites.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 46
DOI: 10.1021/cm201257b
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“Some properties of a model liquid of C60 buckyballs”. Alonso JA, López MJ, March NH, Lamoen D, Physics And Chemistry Of Liquids 40, 457 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1080/00319100290010809
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT);
Impact Factor: 1.145
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1080/00319100290010809
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“Spatial separation of covalent, ionic, and metallic interactions in Mg11Rh18B8 and Mg3Rh5B3”. Alekseeva AM, Abakumov AM, Leither-Jasper A, Schnelle W, Prots Y, Van Tendeloo G, Antipov EV, Grin Y, Chemistry: a European journal 19, 17860 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201301512
Abstract: The crystal structures of Mg11Rh18B8 and Mg3Rh5B3 have been investigated by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Mg11Rh18B8: space group P4/mbm; a=17.9949(7), c=2.9271(1)angstrom; Z=2. Mg3Rh5B3: space group Pmma; a=8.450(2), b=2.8644(6), c=11.602(2)angstrom; Z=2. Both crystal structures are characterized by trigonal prismatic coordination of the boron atoms by rhodium atoms. The [BRh6] trigonal prisms form arrangements with different connectivity patterns. Analysis of the chemical bonding by means of the electron-localizability/electron-density approach reveals covalent BRh interactions in these arrangements and the formation of BRh polyanions. The magnesium atoms that are located inside the polyanions interact ionically with their environment, whereas, in the structure parts, which are mainly formed by Mg and Rh atoms, multicenter (metallic) interactions are observed. Diamagnetic behavior and metallic electron transport of the Mg11Rh18B8 and Mg3Rh5B3 phases are in agreement with the bonding picture and the band structure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.317
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1002/chem.201301512
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“Spectroscopy and defect identification for fluorinated carbon nanotubes”. Bittencourt C, van Lier G, Ke X, Suarez-Martinez I, Felten A, Ghijsen J, Van Tendeloo G, Ewels CO, ChemPhysChem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry 10, 920 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1002/cphc.200800851
Abstract: Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were exposed to a CF4 radio-frequency (rf) plasma. High-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the treatment effectively grafts fluorine atoms onto the MWCNTs, altering the valence electronic states. Fluorine surface concentration can be tuned by varying the exposure time. Evaporation of gold onto MWCNTs is used to mark active site formation. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled with density functional theory (DFT) modelling is used to characterise the surface defects formed, indicating that the plasma treatment does not etch the tube surface. We suggest that this combination of theory and microscopy of thermally evaporated gold atoms onto the CNT surface may be a powerful approach to characterise both surface defect density as well as defect type.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.075
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1002/cphc.200800851
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“Sr21Bi8Cu2(CO3)(2)O-41, a Bi5+ Oxycarbonate with an Original 10L Structure”. Malo S, Abakumov AM, Daturi M, Pelloquin D, Van Tendeloo G, Guesdon A, Hervieu M, Inorganic chemistry 53, 10266 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/ic501322w
Abstract: The layered structure of Sr21Bi8Cu2(CO3)(2)O-41 (Z = 2) was determined by transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction refinement in space group P6(3)/mcm (No. 194), with a = 10.0966(3)angstrom and c = 26.3762(5)angstrom. This original 10L-type structure is built from two structural blocks, namely, [Sr15Bi6Cu2(CO3)O-29] and [Sr6Bi2(CO3)O-12]. The Bi5+ cations form [Bi2O10] dimers, whereas the Cu2+ and C atoms occupy infinite tunnels running along (c) over right arrow. The nature of the different blocks and layers is discussed with regard to the existing hexagonal layered compounds. Sr21Bi8Cu2(CO3)(2)O-41 is insulating and paramagnetic.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
DOI: 10.1021/ic501322w
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“Stability and dynamical properties of a double-layer Wigner crystal in two dimensions”. Goldoni G, Schweigert V, Peeters FM, Surface science : a journal devoted to the physics and chemistry of interfaces 361/362, 163 (1996). http://doi.org/10.1016/0039-6028(96)00359-7
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.925
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/0039-6028(96)00359-7
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“Stability of Si epoxide defects in Si nanowires : a mixed reactive force field/DFT study”. Schoeters B, Neyts EC, Khalilov U, Pourtois G, Partoens B, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 15, 15091 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3cp51621k
Abstract: Modeling the oxidation process of silicon nanowires through reactive force field based molecular dynamics simulations suggests that the formation of Si epoxide defects occurs both at the Si/SiOx interface and at the nanowire surface, whereas for flat surfaces, this defect is experimentally observed to occur only at the interface as a result of stress. In this paper, we argue that the increasing curvature stabilizes the defect at the nanowire surface, as suggested by our density functional theory calculations. The latter can have important consequences for the opto-electronic properties of thin silicon nanowires, since the epoxide induces an electronic state within the band gap. Removing the epoxide defect by hydrogenation is expected to be possible but becomes increasingly difficult with a reduction of the diameter of the nanowires.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1039/c3cp51621k
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“Stability of Ge12C48 and Ge20C40 heterofullerenes : a first principles molecular dynamics study”. Massobrio C, Djimbi DM, Matsubara M, Scipioni R, Boero M, Chemical physics letters 556, 163 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cplett.2012.11.033
Abstract: By using first-principles molecular dynamics, we address the issue of structural stability for the C-60 Ge-m(m) family of doped heterofullerenes through a set of calculations targeting C48Ge12 and C40Ge20. Three kinds of theoretical tools are employed: (a) static structural optimization, (b) a bonding analysis based on localized orbitals (Wannier wavefunctions and centers) and (c) first-principles molecular dynamics at finite temperature. This latter tool allows concluding that the segregated form of C40Ge20 is less stable than its Si-based counterpart. However, the non-segregated forms of C40Ge20 and C40Si20 have comparable stabilities at finite temperatures. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.815
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2012.11.033
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“Stable polyoxometalate insertion within the mesoporous metal organic framework MIL-100(Fe)”. Canioni R, Roch-Marchal C, Sécheresse F, Horcajada P, Serre C, Hardi-Dan M, Férey G, Grenèche J-M, Lefebvre F, Chang J-S, Hwang Y-K, Lebedev O, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of materials chemistry 21, 1226 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1039/c0jm02381g
Abstract: Successful encapsulation of polyoxometalate (POM) within the framework of a mesoporous iron trimesate MIL-100(Fe) sample has been achieved by direct hydrothermal synthesis in the absence of fluorine. XRPD, 31P MAS NMR, IR, EELS, TEM and 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry corroborate the insertion of POM within the cavities of the MOF. The experimental Mo/Fe ratio is 0.95, in agreement with the maximum theoretical amount of POM loaded within the pores of MIL-100(Fe), based on steric hindrance considerations. The POM-MIL-100(Fe) sample exhibits a pore volume of 0.373 cm3 g−1 and a BET surface area close to 1000 m2 g−1, indicating that small gas molecules can easily diffuse inside the cavities despite the presence of heavy phosphomolybdates. These latter contribute to the decrease in the overall surface area, due to the increase in molar weight, by 65%. Moreover, the resulting Keggin containing MIL-100(Fe) solid is stable in aqueous solution with no POM leaching even after more than 2 months. In addition, no exchange of the Keggin anions by tetrabutylammonium perchlorate in organic media has been observed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 158
DOI: 10.1039/c0jm02381g
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“Structural and magnetic phase transitions in the AnBnO3n-2 anion-deficient perovskites Pb2Ba2BiFe5O13 and Pb1.5Ba2.5Bi2Fe6O16”. Abakumov AM, Batuk M, Tsirlin AA, Tyablikov OA, Sheptyakov DV, Filimonov DS, Pokholok KV, Zhidal VS, Rozova MG, Antipov EV, Hadermann J, Van Tendeloo G;, Inorganic chemistry 52, 7834 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/ic3026667
Abstract: Novel anion-deficient perovskite-based ferrites Pb2Ba2BiFe5O13 and Pb1.5Ba2.5Bi2Fe6O16 were synthesized by solid-state reaction in air. Pb2Ba2BiFe5O13 and Pb1.5Ba2.5Bi2Fe6O16 belong to the perovskite-based AnBnO3n2 homologous series with n = 5 and 6, respectively, with a unit cell related to the perovskite subcell ap as ap√2 × ap × nap√2. Their structures are derived from the perovskite one by slicing it with 1/2[110]p(1̅01)p crystallographic shear (CS) planes. The CS operation results in (1̅01)p-shaped perovskite blocks with a thickness of (n 2) FeO6 octahedra connected to each other through double chains of edge-sharing FeO5 distorted tetragonal pyramids which can adopt two distinct mirror-related configurations. Ordering of chains with a different configuration provides an extra level of structure complexity. Above T ≈ 750 K for Pb2Ba2BiFe5O13 and T ≈ 400 K for Pb1.5Ba2.5Bi2Fe6O16 the chains have a disordered arrangement. On cooling, a second-order structural phase transition to the ordered state occurs in both compounds. Symmetry changes upon phase transition are analyzed using a combination of superspace crystallography and group theory approach. Correlations between the chain ordering pattern and octahedral tilting in the perovskite blocks are discussed. Pb2Ba2BiFe5O13 and Pb1.5Ba2.5Bi2Fe6O16 undergo a transition into an antiferromagnetically (AFM) ordered state, which is characterized by a G-type AFM ordering of the Fe magnetic moments within the perovskite blocks. The AFM perovskite blocks are stacked along the CS planes producing alternating FM and AFM-aligned FeFe pairs. In spite of the apparent frustration of the magnetic coupling between the perovskite blocks, all n = 4, 5, 6 AnFenO3n2 (A = Pb, Bi, Ba) feature robust antiferromagnetism with similar Néel temperatures of 623632 K.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1021/ic3026667
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