“Emergence of coupled rotor dynamics in metal-organic frameworks via tuned steric interactions”. Gonzalez-Nelson A, Mula S, Simenas M, Balciunas S, Altenhof AR, Vojvodin CS, Canossa S, Banys J, Schurko RW, Coudert F-X, van der Veen MA, Journal Of The American Chemical Society 143, 12053 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/JACS.1C03630
Abstract: The organic components in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are unique: they are embedded in a crystalline lattice, yet, as they are separated from each other by tunable free space, a large variety of dynamic behavior can emerge. These rotational dynamics of the organic linkers are especially important due to their influence over properties such as gas adsorption and kinetics of guest release. To fully exploit linker rotation, such as in the form of molecular machines, it is necessary to engineer correlated linker dynamics to achieve their cooperative functional motion. Here, we show that for MIL-53, a topology with closely spaced rotors, the phenylene functionalization allows researchers to tune the rotors' steric environment, shifting linker rotation from completely static to rapid motions at frequencies above 100 MHz. For steric interactions that start to inhibit independent rotor motion, we identify for the first time the emergence of coupled rotation modes in linker dynamics. These findings pave the way for function-specific engineering of gear-like cooperative motion in MOFs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.1C03630
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“An oxysulfate Fe2O(SO4)2 electrode for sustainable Li-based batteries”. Sun M, Rousse G, Abakumov AM, Van Tendeloo G, Sougrati M-T, Courty M, Doublet M-L, Tarascon J-M, Journal of the American Chemical Society 136, 12658 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja505268y
Abstract: High-performing Fe-based electrodes for Li-based batteries are eagerly pursued because of the abundance and environmental benignity of iron, with especially great interest in polyanionic compounds because of their flexibility in tuning the Fe3+/Fe2+ redox potential. We report herein the synthesis and structure of a new Fe-based oxysulfate phase, Fe2O(SO4)(2), made at low temperature from abundant elements, which electrochemically reacts with nearly 1.6 Li atoms at an average voltage of 3.0 V versus Li+/Li, leading to a sustained reversible capacity of similar to 125 mAh/g. The Li insertiondeinsertion process, the first ever reported in any oxysulfate, entails complex phase transformations associated with the position of iron within the FeO6 octahedra. This finding opens a new path worth exploring in the quest for new positive electrode materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1021/ja505268y
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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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“Atomic Structure of Wurtzite CdSe (Core)/CdS (Giant Shell) Nanobullets Related to Epitaxy and Growth”. Bladt E, van Dijk-Moes RJA, Peters J, Montanarella F, de Mello Donega C, Vanmaekelbergh D, Bals S, Journal of the American Chemical Society 138, 14288 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.6b06443
Abstract: Hetero-nanocrystals consisting of a CdSe core and a giant CdS shell have shown remarkable optical properties which are promising for applications in opto-electrical devices. Since these properties sensitively depend on the size and shape, a morphological characterization is of high interest. Here, we present a High Angle Annular Dark Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (HAADF-STEM) study of CdSe (core) / CdS (giant shell) hetero-nanocrystals. Electron tomography reveals that the nanocrystals have a bullet shape, either ending in a tip or a small dip, and that the CdSe core is positioned closer to the tip (or dip) than to the hexagonal base. Based on a high resolution HAADF-STEM study, we were able to determine all the surface facets. We present a heuristic model for the different growth stages of the CdS crystal around the CdSe core.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b06443
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“Fragmentation of an infinite ZnO2 square plane into discrete [ZnO2]2- linear units in the oxyselenide Ba2ZnO2Ag2Se2”. Herkelrath SJC, Saratovsky I, Hadermann J, Clarke SJ, Journal of the American Chemical Society 130, 14426 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja8063414
Abstract: Analysis of single crystal X-ray diffraction, neutron powder diffraction, electron diffraction and Zn−K-edge EXAFS data show that Ba2ZnO2Ag2Se2 contains unusual isolated [ZnO2]2− moieties resulting from fragmentation of a ZnO2 infinite plane placed under tension.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1021/ja8063414
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“ZnTaO2N: Stabilized High-Temperature LiNbO3-type Structure”. Kuno Y, Tassel C, Fujita K, Batuk D, Abakumov AM, Shitara K, Kuwabara A, Moriwake H, Watabe D, Ritter C, Brown CM, Yamamoto T, Takeiri F, Abe R, Kobayashi Y, Tanaka K, Kageyama H, Journal of the American Chemical Society 138, 15950 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/JACS.6B08635
Abstract: By using a high-pressure reaction, we prepared a new oxynitride ZnTaO2N that crystallizes in a centrosymmetric (R (3) over barc) high-temperature LiNbO3-type structure (HTLN-type). The stabilization of the HTLN-type structure down to low temperatures (at least 20 K) makes it possible to investigate not only the stability of this phase, but also the phase transition to a noncentrosymmetric (R3c) LiNbO3-type structure (LN-type) which is yet to be clarified. Synchrotron and neutron diffraction studies in combination with transmission electron microscopy show that Zn is located at a disordered 12c site instead of 6a, implying an order disorder mechanism of the phase transition. It is found that the dosed d-shell of Zn2+, as well as the high-valent Ta5+ ion, is responsible for the stabilization of the HTLN-type structure, affording a novel quasitriangular ZnO2N coordination. Interestingly, only 3% Zn substitution for MnTaO2N induces a phase transition from LN- to HTLN-type structure, implying the proximity in energy between the two structural types, which is supported by the first-principles calculations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.6B08635
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“Heterometallic molecular complexes act as messenger building units to encode desired metal-atom combinations to multivariate metal-organic frameworks”. Lopez-Garcia C, Canossa S, Hadermann J, Gorni G, Oropeza FE, de la Pena O'Shea VA, Iglesias M, Monge MA, Gutierrez-Puebla E, Gandara F, Journal of the American Chemical Society 144, 16262 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/JACS.2C06142
Abstract: A novel synthetic approach is described for the targeted preparation of multivariate metal-organic frameworks (MTV-MOFs) with specific combinations of metal elements. This methodology is based on the use of molecular complexes that already comprise desired metal-atom combinations, as building units for the MTV-MOF synthesis. These units are transformed into the MOF structural constituents through a ligand/linker exchange process that involves structural modifications while preserving their origina l l y encoded atomic combination. Thus, through the use of heterometalli c ring-shaped molecules combining gallium and nickel or cobalt, we have obtained MOFs with identical combinations of the metal elements, now incorporated in the rod-shaped secondary building unit, as confirmed with a combination of X-ray and electron diffraction, electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 15
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.2C06142
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“GaN@ZIF-8 : selective formation of gallium nitride quantum dots inside a zinc methylimidazolate framework”. Esken D, Turner S, Wiktor C, Kalidindi SB, Van Tendeloo G, Fischer RA, Journal of the American Chemical Society 133, 16370 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja207077u
Abstract: The microporous zeolitic imidazolate framework [Zn(MeIM)2; ZIF-8; MeIM = imidazolate-2-methyl] was quantitatively loaded with trimethylamine gallane [(CH3)3NGaH3]. The obtained inclusion compound [(CH3)3NGaH3]@ZIF-8 reveals three precursor molecules per host cavity. Treatment with ammonia selectively yields the caged cyclotrigallazane intermediate (H2GaNH2)3@ZIF-8, and further annealing gives GaN@ZIF-8. This new composite material was characterized with FT-IR spectroscopy, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, (scanning) transmission electron microscopy combined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and N2 sorption measurements. The data give evidence for the presence of GaN nanoparticles (13 nm) embedded in the cavities of ZIF-8, including a blue-shift of the PL emission band caused by the quantum size effect.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 82
DOI: 10.1021/ja207077u
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“An atomically dispersed Mn-photocatalyst for generating hydrogen peroxide from seawater via the Water Oxidation Reaction (WOR)”. Ren P, Zhang T, Jain N, Ching HYV, Jaworski A, Barcaro G, Monti S, Silvestre-Albero J, Celorrio V, Chouhan L, Rokicinska A, Debroye E, Kustrowski P, Van Doorslaer S, Van Aert S, Bals S, Das S, Journal of the American Chemical Society 145, 16584 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/JACS.3C03785
Abstract: In this work, we have fabricatedan aryl amino-substitutedgraphiticcarbon nitride (g-C3N4) catalyst with atomicallydispersed Mn capable of generating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) directly from seawater. This new catalyst exhibitedexcellent reactivity, obtaining up to 2230 & mu;M H2O2 in 7 h from alkaline water and up to 1800 & mu;Mfrom seawater under identical conditions. More importantly, the catalystwas quickly recovered for subsequent reuse without appreciable lossin performance. Interestingly, unlike the usual two-electron oxygenreduction reaction pathway, the generation of H2O2 was through a less common two-electron water oxidation reaction(WOR) process in which both the direct and indirect WOR processesoccurred; namely, photoinduced h(+) directly oxidized H2O to H2O2 via a one-step 2e(-) WOR, and photoinduced h(+) first oxidized a hydroxide (OH-) ion to generate a hydroxy radical ((OH)-O-& BULL;), and H2O2 was formed indirectly by thecombination of two (OH)-O-& BULL;. We have characterized thematerial, at the catalytic sites, at the atomic level using electronparamagnetic resonance, X-ray absorption near edge structure, extendedX-ray absorption fine structure, high-resolution transmission electronmicroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, magic-angle spinningsolid-state NMR spectroscopy, and multiscale molecular modeling, combiningclassical reactive molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemistrycalculations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Organic synthesis (ORSY); Theory and Spectroscopy of Molecules and Materials (TSM²)
Impact Factor: 15
Times cited: 21
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.3C03785
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“Facile synthesis of Ba1-xKxFe2As2 superconductors via hydride route”. Zaikina JV, Batuk M, Abakumov AM, Navrotsky A, Kauziarich SM, Journal of the American Chemical Society 136, 16932 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja509907r
Abstract: We have developed a fast, easy, and scalable synthesis method for Ba1xKxFe2As2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) superconductors using hydrides BaH2 and KH as a source of barium and potassium metals. Synthesis from hydrides provides better mixing and easier handling of the starting materials, consequently leading to faster reactions and/or lower synthesis temperatures. The reducing atmosphere provided by the evolved hydrogen facilitates preparation of oxygen-free powders. By a combination of methods we have shown that Ba1xKxFe2As2 obtained via hydride route has the same characteristics as when it is prepared by traditional solid-state synthesis. Refinement from synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data confirms a linear dependence of unit cell parameters upon K content as well as the tetragonal to orthorhombic transition at low temperatures for compositions with x < 0.2. Magnetic measurements revealed dome-like dependence of superconducting transition temperature Tc upon K content with a maximum of 38 K for x close to 0.4. Electron diffraction and high-resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy indicates an absence of Ba/K ordering, while local inhomogeneity in the Ba/K distribution takes place at a scale of several angstroms along [110] crystallographic direction.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1021/ja509907r
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“Changing chirality during single-walled carbon nanotube growth : a reactive molecular dynamics/Monte Carlo study”. Neyts EC, van Duin ACT, Bogaerts A, Journal of the American Chemical Society 133, 17225 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja204023c
Abstract: The growth mechanism and chirality formation of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) on a surface-bound nickel nanocluster are investigated by hybrid reactive molecular dynamics/force-biased Monte Carlo simulations. The validity of the interatomic potential used, the so-called ReaxFF potential, for simulating catalytic SWNT growth is demonstrated. The SWNT growth process was found to be in agreement with previous studies and observed to proceed through a number of distinct steps, viz., the dissolution of carbon in the metallic particle, the surface segregation of carbon with the formation of aggregated carbon clusters on the surface, the formation of graphitic islands that grow into SWNT caps, and finally continued growth of the SWNT. Moreover, it is clearly illustrated in the present study that during the growth process, the carbon network is continuously restructured by a metal-mediated process, thereby healing many topological defects. It is also found that a cap can nucleate and disappear again, which was not observed in previous simulations. Encapsulation of the nanoparticle is observed to be prevented by the carbon network migrating as a whole over the cluster surface. Finally, for the first time, the chirality of the growing SWNT cap is observed to change from (11,0) over (9,3) to (7,7). It is demonstrated that this change in chirality is due to the metal-mediated restructuring process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 116
DOI: 10.1021/ja204023c
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“Control of surface plasmon localization via self-assembly of silver nanoparticles along silver nanowires”. Tran ML, Centeno SP, Hutchison JA, Engelkamp H, Liang D, Van Tendeloo G, Sels BF, Hofkens J, Uji-i H, Journal of the American Chemical Society 130, 17240 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja807218e
Abstract: A simple and low-cost method to create metal−metal hybrid nanostructures possessing fairly regularly spaced hot-spots of surface plasmon resonances is proposed. The nanohybrid structure was prepared via self-assembly during a simple drop-casting procedure, using chemically synthesized silver nanowires and silver nanoparticles prepared in a single batch of a polyol process. Wide field illumination of these nanohybrids produced hot-spots with spacings of around 500 nm to 1 ìm. The intensity of the emission/scattering from the hot-spots fluctuates over time. The proposed structure can be useful for the development of molecular-sensors or as a substrate for surface enhanced Raman/fluorescence spectroscopy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 51
DOI: 10.1021/ja807218e
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“Understanding and promoting the rapid preparation of the triplite-phase of LiFeSO4F for use as a large-potential Fe cathode”. Ati M, Sathiya M, Boulineau S, Reynaud M, Abakumov A, Rousse G, Melot B, Van Tendeloo G, Tarascon J-M, Journal of the American Chemical Society 134, 18380 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja3074402
Abstract: The development of new electrode materials, which are composed of Earth-abundant elements and that can be made via eco-efficient processes, is becoming absolutely necessary for reasons of sustainable production. The 3.9 V triplite-phase of LiFeSO4F, compared to the 3.6 V tavorite-phase, could satisfy this requirement provided the currently complex synthetic pathway can be simplified. Here, we present our work aiming at better understanding the reaction mechanism that govern its formation as a way to optimize its preparation. We first demonstrate, using complementary X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies, that triplite-LiFeSO4F can nucleate from tavorite-LiFeSO4F via a reconstructive process whose kinetics are significantly influenced by moisture and particle morphology. Perhaps the most spectacular finding is that it is possible to prepare electrochemically active triplite-LiFeSO4F from anhydrous precursors using either reactive spark plasma sintering (SPS) synthesis in a mere 20 min at 320 degrees C or room temperature ball milling for 3 h. These new pathways appear to be strongly driven by the easy formation of a disordered phase with higher entropy, as both techniques trigger disorder via rapid annealing steps or defect creation. Although a huge number of phases adopts the tavorite structure-type, this new finding offers both a potential way to prepare new compositions in the triplite structure and a wealth of opportunities for the synthesis of new materials which could benefit many domains beyond energy storage.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1021/ja3074402
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“Mn(I) in an extended oxide : the synthesis and characterization of La1-xCaxMnO2+\delta (0.6\leq x\leq1)”. Dixon E, Hadermann J, Ramos S, Goodwin AL, Hayward MA, Journal of the American Chemical Society 133, 18397 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja207616c
Abstract: Reduction of La1xCaxMnO3 (0.6 ≤ x ≤ 1) perovskite phases with sodium hydride yields materials of composition La1xCaxMnO2+δ. The calcium-rich phases (x = 0.9, 1) adopt (La0.9Ca0.1)0.5Mn0.5O disordered rocksalt structures. However local structure analysis using reverse Monte Carlo refinement of models against pair distribution functions obtained from neutron total scattering data reveals lanthanum-rich La1xCaxMnO2+δ (x = 0.6, 0.67, 0.7) phases adopt disordered structures consisting of an intergrowth of sheets of MnO6 octahedra and sheets of MnO4 tetrahedra. X-ray absorption data confirm the presence of Mn(I) centers in La1xCaxMnO2+δ phases with x < 1. Low-temperature neutron diffraction data reveal La1xCaxMnO2+δ (x = 0.6, 0.67, 0.7) phases become antiferromagnetically ordered at low temperature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1021/ja207616c
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“F-doped Co3O4 photocatalysts for sustainable H2 generation from water/ethanol”. Gasparotto A, Barreca D, Bekermann D, Devi A, Fischer RA, Fornasiero P, Gombac V, Lebedev OI, Maccato C, Montini T, Van Tendeloo G, Tondello E, Journal of the American Chemical Society 133, 19362 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja210078d
Abstract: p-Type Co3O4 nanostructured films are synthesized by a plasma-assisted process and tested in the photocatalytic production of H2 from water/ethanol solutions under both near-UV and solar irradiation. It is demonstrated that the introduction of fluorine into p-type Co3O4 results in a remarkable performance improvement with respect to the corresponding undoped oxide, highlighting F-doped Co3O4 films as highly promising systems for hydrogen generation. Notably, the obtained yields were among the best ever reported for similar semiconductor-based photocatalytic processes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 114
DOI: 10.1021/ja210078d
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“Two-dimensional halide Pb-perovskite-double perovskite epitaxial heterostructures”. Singh A, Yuan B, Rahman MH, Yang H, De A, Park JY, Zhang S, Huang L, Mannodi-Kanakkithodi A, Pennycook TJ, Dou L, Journal of the American Chemical Society 145, 19885 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/JACS.3C06127
Abstract: Epitaxial heterostructures of two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites offer a new platform for studying intriguing structural, optical, and electronic properties. However, difficulties with the stability of Pb- and Sn-based heterostructures have repeatedly slowed the progress. Recently, Pb-free halide double perovskites are gaining a lot of attention due to their superior stability and greater chemical diversity, but they have not been successfully incorporated into epitaxial heterostructures for further investigation. Here, we report epitaxial core-shell heterostructures via growing Pb-free double perovskites (involving combinations of Ag(I)-Bi(III), Ag-Sb, Ag-In, Na-Bi, Na-Sb, and Na-In) around Pb perovskite 2D crystals. Distinct from Pb-Pb and Pb-Sn perovskite heterostructures, growths of the Pb-free shell at 45 degrees on the (100) surface of the lead perovskite core are observed in all Pb-free cases. The in-depth structural analysis carried out with electron diffraction unequivocally demonstrates the growth of the Pb-free shell along the [110] direction of the Pb perovskite, which is likely due to the relatively lower surface energy of the (110) surface. Furthermore, an investigation of anionic interdiffusion across heterostructure interfaces under the influence of heat was carried out. Interestingly, halide anion diffusion in the Pb-free 2D perovskites is found to be significantly suppressed as compared to Pb-based 2D perovskites. The great structural tunability and excellent stability of Pb-free perovskite heterostructures may find uses in electronic and optoelectronic devices in the near future.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 15
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.3C06127
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