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“Electronic Coupling between Graphene and Topological Insulator Induced Anomalous Magnetotransport Properties”. Zhang L, Lin B-C, Wu Y-F, Wu H, Huang T-W, Chang C-R, Ke X, Kurttepeli M, Tendeloo GV, Xu J, Yu D, Liao Z-M, ACS nano 11, 6277 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.7b02494
Abstract: It has been theoretically proposed that the spin textures of surface states in a topological insulator can be directly transferred to graphene by means of the proximity effect, which is very important for realizing the two-dimensional topological insulator based on graphene. Here we report the anomalous magnetotransport properties of graphene-topological insulator Bi2Se3 heterojunctions, which are sensitive to the electronic coupling between graphene and the topological surface state. The coupling between the p_z orbitals of graphene and the p orbitals of the surface states on the Bi2Se3 bottom surface can be enhanced by applying a perpendicular negative magnetic field, resulting in a giant negative magnetoresistance at the Dirac point up to about -91%. Obvious resistances dip in the transfer curve at the Dirac point is also observed in the hybrid devices, which is consistent with theoretical predictions of the distorted Dirac bands with nontrivial spin textures inherited from the Bi2Se3 surface states.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.942
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b02494
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“In Situ Electron Diffraction Tomography Using a Liquid-Electrochemical Transmission Electron Microscopy Cell for Crystal Structure Determination of Cathode Materials for Li-Ion batteries”. Karakulina OM, Demortière A, Dachraoui W, Abakumov AM, Hadermann J, Nano letters 18, 6286 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b02436
Abstract: We demonstrate that changes in the unit cell structure of lithium battery cathode materials during electrochemical cycling in liquid electrolyte can be determined for particles of just a few hundred nanometers in size using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The atomic coordinates, site occupancies (including lithium occupancy), and cell parameters of the materials can all be reliably quantified. This was achieved using electron diffraction tomography (EDT) in a sealed electrochemical cell with conventional liquid electrolyte (LP30) and LiFePO4 crystals, which have a well-documented charged structure to use as reference. In situ EDT in a liquid environment cell provides a viable alternative to in situ X-ray and neutron diffraction experiments due to the more local character of TEM, allowing for single crystal diffraction data to be obtained from multiphased powder samples and from submicrometer- to nanometer-sized particles. EDT is the first in situ TEM technique to provide information at the unit cell level in the liquid environment of a commercial TEM electrochemical cell. Its application to a wide range of electrochemical experiments in liquid environment cells and diverse types of crystalline materials can be envisaged.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b02436
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“Nanoscale ordering in oxygen deficient quintuple perovskite Sm2-\epsilonBa3+\epsilonFe5O15-\delta : implication for magnetism and oxygen stoichiometry”. Volkova NE, Lebedev OI, Gavrilova LY, Turner S, Gauquelin N, Seikh MM, Caignaert V, Cherepanov VA, Raveau B, Van Tendeloo G, Chemistry of materials 26, 6303 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm503276p
Abstract: The investigation of the system SmBaFe-O in air has allowed an oxygen deficient perovskite Sm2-epsilon Ba3+epsilon Fe5O15-delta (delta = 0.75, epsilon = 0.125) to be synthesized. In contrast to the XRPD pattern which gives a cubic symmetry (a(p) = 3.934 angstrom), the combined HREM/EELS study shows that this phase is nanoscale ordered with a quintuple tetragonal cell, a(p) X a(p) X 5(ap). The nanodomains exhibit a unique stacking sequence of the A-site cationic layers along the crystallographic c-axis, namely SmBaBa/SmBa/SmBaSm, and are chemically twinned in the three crystallographic directions. The nanoscale ordering of this perovskite explains its peculiar magnetic properties on the basis of antiferromagnetic interactions with spin blockade at the boundary between the nanodomains. The variation of electrical conductivity and oxygen content of this oxide versus temperature suggest potential SOFC applications. They may be related to the particular distribution of oxygen vacancies in the lattice and to the 3d(5)(L) under bar configuration of iron.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1021/cm503276p
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“Au@ZIFs: stabilization and encapsulation of cavity-size matching gold clusters inside functionalized Zeolite Imidazolate Frameworks, ZIFs”. Esken D, Turner S, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Fischer RA, Chemistry of materials 22, 6393 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm102529c
Abstract: The selective formation and stabilization of very small, naked metal particles inside the cavities of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and the simultaneous realization of an even distribution of the particles throughout the crystalline MOF host matrix over a wide range of metal loading are challenging goals. MOFs reveal high specific surface areas, tunable pore sizes, and organic linkers, which are able to interact with guests. The chemically very robust zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are a subclass of MOFs. We chose the microporous sodalite-like ZIF-8 (Zn(MelM)(2); IM = imidazolate) and ZIF-90 (Zn(ICA)(2); ICA = imidazolate-2-carboxyaldehyde) as host matrices to influence the dispersion of imbedded gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The metal loading was achieved via gas phase infiltration of [Au(CO)Cl] followed by a thermal hydrogenation step to form the Au NPs. Low-dose high-resolution transmission electron microscopy ((HR)TEM) and electron tomography reveal a homogeneous distribution of Au NPs throughout the ZIF matrix. The functional groups of ZIF-90 direct the anchoring of intermediate Au species and stabilize drastically smaller and quite monodisperse Au NPs in contrast to the parent not functionalized ZIF-8. The particles can be very small, match the cavity size and approach defined molecular clusters of magic numbers, i.e., Au(55), independently from the level of loading. Post-synthetic oxidation of the aldehyde groups to yield alkyl esters by the adjacent, catalytically active metal NPs is presented as a new concept of encapsulating nanoparticles inside MOFs and allows multiple steps of metal loadings without decomposition of the MOF.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 194
DOI: 10.1021/cm102529c
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“Quantitative 3D structural analysis of small colloidal assemblies under native conditions by liquid-cell fast electron tomography”. Arenas Esteban D, Wang D, Kadu A, Olluyn N, Sánchez-Iglesias A, Gomez-Perez A, González-Casablanca J, Nicolopoulos S, Liz-Marzán LM, Bals S, Nature Communications 15, 6399 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-50652-y
Abstract: Electron tomography has become a commonly used tool to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanomaterials, including colloidal nanoparticle assemblies. However, electron microscopy is typically done under high-vacuum conditions, requiring sample preparation for assemblies obtained by wet colloid chemistry methods. This involves solvent evaporation and deposition on a solid support, which consistently alters the nanoparticle organization. Here, we suggest using electron tomography to study nanoparticle assemblies in their original colloidal liquid environment. To address the challenges related to electron tomography in liquid, we devise a method that combines fast data acquisition in a commercial liquid-cell with a dedicated alignment and reconstruction workflow. We present the advantages of this methodology in accurately characterizing two different systems. 3D reconstructions of assemblies comprising polystyrene-capped Au nanoparticles encapsulated in polymeric shells reveal less compact and more distorted configurations for experiments performed in a liquid medium compared to their dried counterparts. A similar expanded trend can be observed in quantitative analysis of the surface-to-surface distances of self-assembled Au nanorods in water rather than in a vacuum, which agrees with bulk measurements. This study, therefore, emphasizes the importance of developing high-resolution characterization tools that preserve the native environment of colloidal nanostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 16.6
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50652-y
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“Tailored vapor-phase growth of CuxO-TiO2(x=1,2) nanomaterials decorated with Au particles”. Barreca D, Carraro G, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Lebedev OI, Parfenova A, Turner S, Tondello E, Van Tendeloo G, Langmuir: the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids 27, 6409 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/la200698t
Abstract: We report on the fabrication of CuxOTiO2 (x = 1, 2) nanomaterials by an unprecedented vapor-phase approach. The adopted strategy involves the growth of porous CuxO matrices by means of chemical vapor deposition (CVD), followed by the controlled dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles. The syntheses are performed on Si(100) substrates at temperatures of 400550 °C under wet oxygen atmospheres, adopting Cu(hfa)2·TMEDA (hfa =1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionate; TMEDA = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) and Ti(O-iPr)2(dpm)2 (O-iPr = isopropoxy; dpm = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate) as copper and titanium precursors, respectively. Subsequently, finely dispersed gold nanoparticles are introduced in the as-prepared systems via radio frequency (RF)-sputtering under mild conditions. The synthesis process results in the formation of systems with chemical composition and nano-organization strongly dependent on the nature of the initial CuxO matrix and on the deposited TiO2 amount. The decoration with low-size gold clusters paves the way to the engineering of hierarchically organized nanomaterials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.833
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1021/la200698t
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“Unravelling the multi-scale structure-property relationship of laser powder bed fusion processed and heat-treated AlSi10Mg”. Van Cauwenbergh P, Samaee V, Thijs L, Nejezchlebova J, Sedlak P, Ivekovic A, Schryvers D, Van Hooreweder B, Vanmeensel K, Scientific Reports 11, 6423 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41598-021-85047-2
Abstract: Tailoring heat treatments for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) processed materials is critical to ensure superior and repeatable material properties for high-end applications. This tailoring requires in-depth understanding of the LPBF-processed material. Therefore, the current study aims at unravelling the threefold interrelationship between the process (LPBF and heat treatment), the microstructure at different scales (macro-, meso-, micro-, and nano-scale), and the macroscopic material properties of AlSi10Mg. A similar solidification trajectory applies at different length scales when comparing the solidification of AlSi10Mg, ranging from mould-casting to rapid solidification (LPBF). The similarity in solidification trajectories triggers the reason why the Brody-Flemings cellular microsegregation solidification model could predict the cellular morphology of the LPBF as-printed microstructure. Where rapid solidification occurs at a much finer scale, the LPBF microstructure exhibits a significant grain refinement and a high degree of silicon (Si) supersaturation. This study has identified the grain refinement and Si supersaturation as critical assets of the as-printed microstructure, playing a vital role in achieving superior mechanical and thermal properties during heat treatment. Next, an electrical conductivity model could accurately predict the Si solute concentration in LPBF-processed and heat-treated AlSi10Mg and allows understanding the microstructural evolution during heat treatment. The LPBF-processed and heat-treated AlSi10Mg conditions (as-built (AB), direct-aged (DA), stress-relieved (SR), preheated (PH)) show an interesting range of superior mechanical properties (tensile strength: 300-450 MPa, elongation: 4-13%) compared to the mould-cast T6 reference condition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-021-85047-2
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“Multiple-step martensitic transformations in the Ni51Ti49 single crystal”. Khalil-Allafi J, Amin-Ahmadi B, Journal of materials science 45, 6440 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-010-4729-4
Abstract: Multiple-step martensitic transformations of an aged Ni51Ti49 single crystal using calorimetric method were investigated. Results show that for short aging times (1045 min) multiple-step martensitic transformations on cooling occur in two steps. Applying intermediate aging times (1.254 h) results in three steps and long aging times (more than 8 h) lead to two-step martensitic transformations again. This behavior has not been recognized in NiTi single crystals in literatures. It can be related to the heterogeneity of composition and stress fields around Ni4Ti3 precipitates.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.599
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1007/s10853-010-4729-4
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“Direct determination of polarity, faceting, and core location in colloidal core/shell wurtzite semiconductor nanocrystals”. Bertoni G, Grillo V, Brescia R, Ke X, Bals S, Catellani A, Li H, Manna L, ACS nano 6, 6453 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1021/nn302085t
Abstract: The ability to determine the atomic arrangement and termination of various facets of surfactant-coated nanocrystals is of great importance for understanding their growth mechanism and their surface properties and represents a critical piece of information that can be coupled to other experimental techniques and to calculations. This is especially appealing in the study of nanocrystals that can be grown in strongly anisotropic shapes, for which the relative growth rates of various facets can be influenced under varying reaction conditions. Here we show that in two representative cases of rod-shaped nanocrystals in the wurtzite phase (CdSe(core)/CdS(shell) and ZnSe(core)/ZnS(shell) nanorods) the terminations of the polar facets can be resolved unambiguously by combining advanced electron microscopy techniques, such as aberration-corrected HRTEM with exit wave reconstruction or aberration-corrected HAADF-STEM. The [0001] and [000-1] polar directions of these rods, which grow preferentially along their c-axis, are revealed clearly, with one side consisting of the Cd (or Zn)-terminated (0001) facet and the other side with a pronounced faceting due to Cd (or Zn)-terminated {10-1-1} facets. The lateral faceting of the rods is instead dominated by three nonpolar {10-10} facets. The core buried in the nanostructure can be localized in both the exit wave phase and HAADF-STEM images.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.942
Times cited: 63
DOI: 10.1021/nn302085t
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“Influence of annealing conditions on the structure and luminescence properties of KGd1-xEux(MoO4)2(0\leq x\leq1)”. Morozov VA, Posokhova SM, Deyneko D V, Savina AA, Morozov A V, Tyablikov OA, Redkin BS, Spassky DA, Hadermann J, Lazoryak B I, CrystEngComm 21, 6460 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C9CE01244C
Abstract: This study describes the influence of annealing temperature on the structure and luminescence properties of KGd1-xEux(MoO4)(2) (0 <= x <= 1). Compounds with the general formula (A ', A '')(n)[(W, Mo)O-4](m) are investigated as luminescent materials for photonic applications such as phosphor-converted LEDs (light-emitting diodes). Herein, the KGd0.8Eu0.2(MoO4)(2) light-rose crystal was grown by the Czochralski technique. Moreover, three polymorphs of KGd1-xEux(MoO4)(2) were present in the 923-1223 K range of annealing temperatures under ambient pressure: a triclinic alpha-phase, a disproportionately modulated monoclinic beta-phase and an orthorhombic gamma-phase with a KY(MoO4)(2)-type structure. The different behaviors of KGd(MoO4)(2) and KEu(MoO4)(2) were revealed by DSC studies. The number and the character of phase transitions for KGd1-xEux(MoO4)(2) depended on the elemental composition. The formation of a continuous range of solid solutions with the triclinic alpha-KEu(MoO4)(2)-type structure and ordering of K+ and Eu3+/Gd3+ cations were observed only for alpha-KGd1-xEux(MoO4)(2) (0 <= x <= 1) prepared at 923 K. The structures of gamma-KGd1-xEux(MoO4)(2) (x = 0 and 0.2) were studied using electron diffraction and refined using the powder X-ray diffraction data. The luminescence properties of KGd1-xEux(MoO4)(2) prepared at different annealing temperatures were studied and related to their different structures. The maxima of the D-5(0) -> F-7(2) integral emission intensities were found under excitation at lambda(ex) = 300 nm and lambda(ex) = 395 nm for triclinic scheelite-type alpha-KGd0.6Eu0.4(MoO4)(2) and monoclinic scheelite-type beta-KGd0.4Eu0.6(MoO4)(2) prepared at 1173 K, respectively. The latter shows the brightest red light emission among the KGd1-xEux(MoO4)(2) phosphors. The maximum and integral emission intensity of beta-KGd0.4Eu0.6(MoO4)(2) in the D-5(0) -> F-7(2) transition region is similar to 20% higher than that of the commercially used red phosphor Gd2O2S:Eu3+. Thus, beta-KGd0.4Eu0.6(MoO4)(2) is very attractive for application as a near-UV convertible red-emitting phosphor for LEDs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.474
DOI: 10.1039/C9CE01244C
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“A layered iron-rich 2234-type with a mixed valence of iron: the ferrimagnetic Tl-doped Fe2(Sr2-\varepsilonTl\varepsilon)Sr3Fe4O14.65”. Lepoittevin C, Malo S, Nguyen N, Hebert S, Van Tendeloo G, Hervieu M, Chemistry of materials 20, 6468 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm8014385
Abstract: A new Tl-doped strontium ferrite Fe2(Sr2-Tl)Sr3Fe4O14.65, with an original structure, has been synthesized and structurally characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The TGA and Mssbauer studies evidence a mixed valence of iron. The structure exhibits a commensurate modulation, with a F-type subcell a ≈ b ≈ 5.4 Å (≈ ap√2), c ≈ 42 Å with a modulation vector q = αa* with α = 0.4. The supercell parameters have been refined as a= 27.1101(8) Å, b= 5.5187(2) Å and c= 42.0513(9) Å, in the space group Fmmm. The electron diffraction and electron microscopy data of this novel ferrite show that it can be described as a FeTl-2234-type structure corresponding to the intergrowth of a quadruple perovskite slice [(SrFeO2.8)4], with a complex rock salt related slice [Fe2(Sr2-Tl)O3.4]∞, built up of one double iron layer [Fe2O2.4] sandwiched between two [SrO] layers. The HRTEM images show that the oxygen atoms and vacancies are randomly distributed in the perovskite layers while the HAADF STEM images evidence the absence of Tl segregation in the matrix. Fe2(Sr2-Tl)Sr3Fe4O14.65 exhibits a very large value of χ (11emu/mol) at 5 K, which remains large at 400 K; the M(H) loop presents a shape characteristic of ferrimagnetism, with a large coercive field of 0.3 T. The value of magnetization saturates at 400 K at 0.68 μB/Fe. At 10 K, the value of magnetization reaches a maximum of 2 μB/Fe. The resistivity presents a semiconducting-like behavior, with ρ 800 Ω·cm at 300 K.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1021/cm8014385
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“Bending Gold Nanorods with Light”. Babynina A, Fedoruk M, Kuhler P, Meledin A, Doblinger M, Lohmueller T, Nano letters 16, 6485 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.6b03029
Abstract: V-shaped gold nanoantennas are the functional components of plasmonic metasurfaces, which are capable of manipulating light in unprecedented ways. Designing a metasurface requires the custom arrangement of individual antennas with controlled shape and orientation. Here, we show how highly crystalline gold nanorods in solution can be bend, one-by one, into a V-shaped geometry and printed to the surface of a solid support through a combination of plasmonic heating and optical force. Significantly, we demonstrate that both the bending angle and the orientation of each rod-antenna can be adjusted independent from each other by tuning the laser intensity and polarization. This approach is applicable for the patterning of V-shaped plasmonic antennas on almost any substrate, which holds great potential for the fabrication of ultrathin optical components and devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.6b03029
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“Improving extracellular vesicles visualization: From static to motion”. Reclusa P, Verstraelen P, Taverna S, Gunasekaran M, Pucci M, Pintelon I, Claes N, de Miguel-Pérez D, Alessandro R, Bals S, Kaushal S, Rolfo C, Scientific Reports 10, 6494 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-62920-0
Abstract: In the last decade extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become a hot topic. The findings on EVs content and effects have made them a major field of interest in cancer research. EVs, are able to be internalized through integrins expressed in parental cells, in a tissue specific manner, as a key step of cancer progression and pre-metastatic niche formation. However, this specificity might lead to new opportunities in cancer treatment by using EVs as devices for drug delivery. For future applications of EVs in cancer, improved protocols and methods for EVs isolation and visualization are required. Our group has put efforts on developing a protocol, able to track the EVs for in vivo internalization analysis. We showed, for the first time, the videos of labeled EVs uptake by living lung cancer cells.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.6
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62920-0
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“Thermal Stability of Gold/Palladium Octopods Studied in Situ in 3D: Understanding Design Rules for Thermally Stable Metal Nanoparticles”. Albrecht W, Bladt E, Vanrompay H, Smith JD, Skrabalak SE, Bals S, ACS nano 13, 6522 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.9b00108
Abstract: Multifunctional metal nanoparticles (NPs) such as anisotropic multimetallic NPs are crucial for boosting nanomaterial based applications. Advanced synthetic protocols exist to make a large variety of such nanostructures. However, a major limiting factor for the usability of them in real life applications is their stability. Here, we show that Au/Pd octopods, 8-branched nanocrystals with Oh symmetry, with only a low amount of Pd exhibited a high thermal stability and maintained strong plasmon resonances up to 600 ◦C. Furthermore, we study the influence of the composition, morphology and environment on the thermal stability and define key parameters for the design of thermally stable multifunctional NPs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.942
Times cited: 46
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b00108
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“First direct imaging of giant pores of the metal-organic framework MIL-101”. Lebedev OI, Millange F, Serre C, Van Tendeloo G, Férey G, Chemistry of materials 17, 6525 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm051870o
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 191
DOI: 10.1021/cm051870o
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“Element Specific Monolayer Depth Profiling”. Macke S, Radi A, Hamann-Borrero JE, Verna A, Bluschke M, Brück S, Goering E, Sutarto R, He F, Cristiani G, Wu M, Benckiser E, Habermeier H-U, Logvenov G, Gauquelin N, Botton GA, Kajdos AP, Stemmer S, Sawatzky GA, Haverkort MW, Keimer B, Hinkov V, Advanced Materials 26, 6554 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201402028
Abstract: The electronic phase behavior and functionality of interfaces and surfaces in complex materials are strongly correlated to chemical composition profiles, stoichiometry and intermixing. Here a novel analysis scheme for resonant X-ray reflectivity maps is introduced to determine such profiles, which is element specific and non-destructive, and which exhibits atomic-layer resolution and a probing depth of hundreds of nanometers.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 19.791
Times cited: 34
DOI: 10.1002/adma.201402028
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“Polydopamine nanocoated whole-cell asymmetric biocatalysts”. Wang L, Hu Z-Y, Yang X-Y, Zhang B-B, Geng W, Van Tendeloo G, Su B-L, Chemical communications 53, 6617 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7CC01283G
Abstract: Our whole-cell biocatalyst with a polydopamine nanocoating shows high catalytic activity (5 times better productivity than the native cell) and reusability (84% of the initial yield after 5 batches, 8 times higher than the native cell) in asymmetric reduction. It also integrates with titania, silica, and magnetic nanoparticles for multi-functionalization.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.319
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1039/C7CC01283G
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“Distribution of fields and charge carriers in cylindrical nanosize silicon-based metal-oxide-semiconductor structures”. Pokatilov EP, Fomin VM, Balaban SN, Gladilin VN, Klimin SN, Devreese JT, Magnus W, Schoenmaker W, Collaert N, van Rossum M, de Meyer K, Journal Of Applied Physics 85, 6625 (1999). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.370171
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT);
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1063/1.370171
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“Long-Range Domain Structure and Symmetry Engineering by Interfacial Oxygen Octahedral Coupling at Heterostructure Interface”. Liao Z, Green RJ, Gauquelin N, Macke S, Li L, Gonnissen J, Sutarto R, Houwman EP, Zhong Z, Van Aert S, Verbeeck J, Sawatzky GA, Huijben M, Koster G, Rijnders G, Advanced functional materials 26, 6627 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201602155
Abstract: In epitaxial thin film systems, the crystal structure and its symmetry deviate from the bulk counterpart due to various mechanisms such as epitaxial strain and interfacial structural coupling, which is accompanyed by a change in their properties. In perovskite materials, the crystal symmetry can be described by rotations of sixfold coordinated transition metal oxygen octahedra, which are found to be altered at interfaces. Here, it is unraveled how the local oxygen octahedral coupling at perovskite heterostructural interfaces strongly influences the domain structure and symmetry of the epitaxial films resulting in design rules to induce various structures in thin films using carefully selected combinations of substrate/buffer/film. Very interestingly it is discovered that these combinations lead to structure changes throughout the full thickness of the film. The results provide a deep insight into understanding the origin of induced structures in a perovskite heterostructure and an intelligent route to achieve unique functional properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201602155
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“Quantitative Tomography of Organic Photovoltaic Blends at the Nanoscale”. Pfannmöller M, Heidari H, Nanson L, Lozman OR, Chrapa M, Offermans T, Nisato G, Bals S, Nano letters 15, 6634 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b02437
Abstract: The success of semiconducting organic materials has enabled green technologies for electronics, lighting, and photovoltaics. However, when blended together, these materials have also raised novel fundamental questions with respect to electronic, optical, and thermodynamic properties. This is particularly important for organic photovoltaic cells based on the bulk heterojunction. Here, the distribution of nanoscale domains plays a crucial role depending on the specific device structure. Hence, correlation of the aforementioned properties requires 3D nanoscale imaging of materials domains, which are embedded in a multilayer device. Such visualization has so far been elusive due to lack of contrast, insufficient signal, or resolution limits. In this Letter, we introduce spectral scanning transmission electron tomography for reconstruction of entire volume plasmon spectra from rod-shaped specimens. We provide 3D structural correlations and compositional mapping at a resolution of approximately 7 nm within advanced organic photovoltaic tandem cells. Novel insights that are obtained from quantitative 3D analyses reveal that efficiency loss upon thermal annealing can be attributed to subtle, fundamental blend properties. These results are invaluable in guiding the design and optimization of future devices in plastic electronics applications and provide an empirical basis for modeling and simulation of organic solar cells.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b02437
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“Selective laser-assisted synthesis of tubular van der Waals heterostructures of single-layered PbI2 within carbon nanotubes exhibiting carrier photogeneration”. Sandoval S, Kepic D, Perez del Pino A, Gyorgy E, Gomez A, Pfannmöller M, Van Tendeloo G, Ballesteros B, Tobias G, ACS nano 12, 6648 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSNANO.8B01638
Abstract: The electronic and optical properties of two-dimensional layered materials allow the miniaturization of nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices in a competitive manner. Even larger opportunities arise when two or more layers of different materials are combined. Here, we report on an ultrafast energy efficient strategy, using laser irradiation, which allows bulk synthesis of crystalline single-layered lead iodide in the cavities of carbon nanotubes by forming cylindrical van der Waals heterostructures. In contrast to the filling of van der Waals solids into carbon nanotubes by conventional thermal annealing, which favors the formation of inorganic nanowires, the present strategy is highly selective toward the growth of monolayers forming lead iodide nanotubes. The irradiated bulk material bearing the nanotubes reveals a decrease of the resistivity as well as a significant increase in the current flow upon illumination. Both effects are attributed to the presence of single-walled lead iodide nanotubes in the cavities of carbon nanotubes, which dominate the properties of the whole matrix. The present study brings in a simple, ultrafast and energy efficient strategy for the tailored synthesis of rolled-up single-layers of lead iodide (i.e., single-walled PbI2 nanotubes), which we believe could be expanded to other two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals solids. In fact, initial tests with ZnI2 already reveal the formation of single-walled ZnI2 nanotubes, thus proving the versatility of the approach.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.942
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1021/ACSNANO.8B01638
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“Synthesis and Characterization of Double Solid Solution (Zr,Ti)(2)(Al,Sn)C MAX Phase Ceramics”. Tunca B, Lapauw T, Delville R, Neuville DR, Hennet L, Thiaudiere D, Ouisse T, Hadermann J, Vleugels J, Lambrinou K, Inorganic chemistry 58, 6669 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.INORGCHEM.9B00065
Abstract: Quasi phase-pure (>98 wt %) MAX phase solid solution ceramics with the (ZryTi)(2)(Al-0.5,Sn-0.5)C stoichiometry and variable Zr/Ti ratios were synthesized by both reactive hot pressing and pressureless sintering of ZrH2, TiH2, Al, Sn, and C powder mixtures. The influence of the different processing parameters, such as applied pressure and sintering atmosphere, on phase purity and microstructure of the produced ceramics was investigated. The addition of Sn to the (Zr,Ti)(2)AlC system was the key to achieve phase purity. Its effect on the crystal structure of a 211-type MAX phase was assessed by calculating the distortions of the octahedral M6C and trigonal M(6)A prisms due to steric effects. The M(6)A prismatic distortion values were found to be smaller in Sn-containing double solid solutions than in the (Zr,Ti)(2)AlC MAX phases. The coefficients of thermal expansion along the < a > and < c > directions were measured by means of Rietveld refinement of high-temperature synchrotron X-ray diffraction data of (Zr1-x,Ti-x)(2)(Al-0.5,Sn-0.5)C MAX phase solid solutions with x = 0, 0.3, 0.7, and 1. The thermal expansion coefficient data of the Ti-2(Al-0.5,Sn-0.5)C solid solution were compared with those of the Ti2AlC and Ti2SnC ternary compounds. The thermal expansion anisotropy increased in the (Zr,Ti)(2)(Al-0.5,Sn-0.5)C double solid solution MAX phases as compared to the Zr-2(Al-0.5,Sn-0.5)C and Ti-2(Al-0.5,Sn-0.5)C end-members.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.INORGCHEM.9B00065
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“3D characterization of the structural transformation undergone by Cu@Ag core-shell nanoparticles following CO₂, reduction reaction”. Arenas Esteban D, Pacquets L, Choukroun D, Hoekx S, Kadu AA, Schalck J, Daems N, Breugelmans T, Bals S, Chemistry of materials 35, 6682 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C00649
Abstract: The increasing use of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is significantly advancing the field of electrocatalysis. In particular, Cu/Ag bimetallic interfaces are widely used to enhance the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO(2)RR) toward CO and, more recently, C-2 products. However, drastic changes in the product distribution and performance when Cu@Ag core-shell configurations are used can often be observed under electrochemical reaction conditions, especially during the first few minutes of the reaction. Possible structural changes that generate these observations remain underexplored; therefore, the structure-property relationship is hardly understood. In this study, we use electron tomography to investigate the structural transformation mechanism of Cu@Ag core-shells NPs during the critical first minutes of the eCO(2)RR. In this manner, we found that the crystallinity of the Cu seed determines whether the formation of a complete and homogeneous Ag shell is possible. Moreover, by tracking the particles' transformations, we conclude that modifications of the Cu-Ag interface and Cu2O enrichment at the surface of the NPs are key factors contributing to the product generation changes. These insights provide a better understanding of how bimetallic core-shell NPs transform under electrochemical conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 8.6
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C00649
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“Crystallographic shear structures as a route to anion-deficient perovskites”. Abakumov AM, Hadermann J, Bals S, Nikolaev IV, Antipov EV, Van Tendeloo G, Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English 45, 6697 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1002/anie.200602480
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 11.994
Times cited: 62
DOI: 10.1002/anie.200602480
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“Shape Control of Colloidal Cu2-x S Polyhedral Nanocrystals by Tuning the Nucleation Rates”. van der Stam W, Gradmann S, Altantzis T, Ke X, Baldus M, Bals S, de Mello Donega C, Chemistry of materials 28, 6705 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.6b03098
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.6b03098
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“Films of filled single-wall carbon nanotubes as a new material for high-performance air-sustainable transparent conductive electrodes operating in a wide spectral range”. Tonkikh AA, Tsebro VI, Obraztsova EA, Rybkovskiy DV, Orekhov AS, Kondrashov II, Kauppinen EI, Chuvilin AL, Obraztsova ED, Nanoscale 11, 6755 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR10238D
Abstract: In this paper we show the advantages of transparent high conductive films based on filled single-wall carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes with internal channels filled with acceptor molecules (copper chloride or iodine) form networks demonstrating significantly improved characteristics. Due to the charge transfer between the nanotubes and filler, the doped-nanotube films exhibit a drop in electrical sheet resistance of an order of magnitude together with a noticeable increase of film transparency in the visible and near-infrared spectral range. The thermoelectric power measurements show a significant improvement of air-stability of the nanotube network in the course of the filling procedure. For the nanotube films with an initial transparency of 87% at 514 nm and electrical sheet resistance of 862 Ohm sq(-1) we observed an improvement of transparency up to 91% and a decrease of sheet resistance down to 98 Ohm sq(-1). The combination of the nanotube synthesis technique and molecules for encapsulation has been optimized for applications in optoelectronics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1039/C8NR10238D
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“3D Magnetic Induction Maps of Nanoscale Materials Revealed by Electron Holographic Tomography”. Wolf D, Rodriguez LA, Béché, A, Javon E, Serrano L, Magen C, Gatel C, Lubk A, Lichte H, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Fernández-Pacheco A, De Teresa JM, Snoeck E, Chemistry of materials 27, 6771 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b02723
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 50
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b02723
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“Grain boundaries as a diffusion-limiting factor in lithium-rich NMC cathodes for high-energy lithium-ion batteries”. Abakumov AM, Li C, Boev A, Aksyonov DA, Savina AA, Abakumova TA, Van Tendeloo G, Bals S, ACS applied energy materials 4, 6777 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSAEM.1C00872
Abstract: High-energy lithium-rich layered transition metal oxides are capable of delivering record electrochemical capacity and energy density as positive electrodes for Li-ion batteries. Their electrochemical behavior is extremely complex due to sophisticated interplay between crystal structure, electronic structure, and defect structure. Here we unravel an extra level of this complexity by revealing that the most typical representative Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 material, prepared by a conventional coprecipitation technique with Na2CO3 as a precipitating agent, contains abundant coherent (001) grain boundaries with a Na-enriched P2-structured block due to segregation of the residual sodium traces. The trigonal prismatic oxygen coordination of Na triggers multiple nanoscale twinning, giving rise to incoherent (104) boundaries. The cationic layers at the (001) grain boundaries are filled with transition metal cations being Mn-depleted and Co-enriched; this makes them virtually not permeable for the Li+ cations, and therefore they negatively influence the Li diffusion in and out of the spherical agglomerates. These results demonstrate that besides the mechanisms intrinsic to the crystal and electronic structure of Li-rich cathodes, their rate capability might also be depreciated by peculiar microstructural aspects. Dedicated engineering of grain boundaries opens a way for improving inherently sluggish kinetics of these materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1021/ACSAEM.1C00872
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“Spontaneous Chirality Evolved at the Au–Ag Interface in Plasmonic Nanorods”. Sa J, Hu N, Heyvaert W, Van Gordon K, Li H, Wang L, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, Ni W, Chemistry of materials (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c01044
Abstract: Chiral ligands are considered a required ingredient during the synthesis of dissymmetric plasmonic metal nanocrystals. The mechanism behind the generation of chiral structures involves the formation of high Miller index chiral facets, induced by the adsorption of such chiral ligands. We found however that, chirality can also evolve spontaneously, without the involvement of any chiral ligands, during the co-deposition of Au and Ag on Au nanorods. When using a specific Au/Ag ratio, phase segregation of the two metals leads to an interface within the obtained AuAg shell, which can be exposed by removing the Ag component via oxidative etching. Although a close-to-racemic mixture of chiral Au nanorods with right and left handedness is found in solution, electron tomography analysis evidences left- and righthanded helicities, both at the Au-Ag interface and at the exposed surface of Au NRs after Ag etching. The helicity profile of the NRs indicates dominating inclination angles in a range from 30° to 60°. Single-particle optical characterization also reveals random handedness in the plasmonic response of individual nanorods. We hypothesize that, the origin of chirality is related with symmetry breaking during the co-deposition of Au and Ag, through an initial perturbation in a small region on the Au-Ag interface that eventually leads to chiral segregation throughout the nanocrystal.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.6
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c01044
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“Electrorheological fluids with high shear stress based on wrinkly tin titanyl oxalate”. Wu J, Zhang L, Xin X, Zhang Y, Wang H, Sun A, Cheng Y, Chen X, Xu G, ACS applied materials and interfaces 10, 6785 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSAMI.8B00869
Abstract: Electrorheological (ER) fluids are considered as a type of smart fluids because their rheological characteristics can be altered through an electric field. The discovery of giant ER effect revived the researchers' interest in the ER technological area. However, the poor stability including the insufficient dynamic shear stress, the large leakage current density, and the sedimentation tendency still hinders their practical applications. Herein, we report a facile and scalable coprecipitation method for synthesizing surfactant-free tin titanyl oxalate (TTO) particles with tremella-like wrinkly microstructure (W-TTO). The W-TTO-based ER fluids exhibit enhanced ER activity compared to that of the pristine TTO because of the improved wettability between W-TTO and the silicone oil. In addition, the static yield stress and leakage current of W-TTO ER fluids also show a fine time stability during the 30 day tests. More importantly, the dynamic shear stress of W-TTO ER fluids can remain stable throughout the shear rate range, which is valuable for their use in engineering applications. The results in this work provided a promising strategy to solving the long-standing problem of ER fluid stability. Moreover, this convenient route of synthesis may be considered a green approach for the mass production of giant ER materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.504
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1021/ACSAMI.8B00869
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