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“Iron-titanium oxide nanocomposites functionalized with gold particles : from design to solar hydrogen production”. Barreca D, Carraro G, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Warwick MEA, Toniato E, Gombac V, Sada C, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Fornasiero P;, Advanced Materials Interfaces 3, 1600348 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMI.201600348
Abstract: Hematite-titania nanocomposites, eventually functionalized with gold nanoparticles (NPs), are designed and developed by a plasma-assisted strategy, consisting in: (i) the plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition of -Fe2O3 on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates; the radio frequency-sputtering of (ii) TiO2, and (iii) Au in controlled amounts. A detailed chemicophysical characterization, carried out through a multitechnique approach, reveals that the target materials are composed by interwoven -Fe2O3 dendritic structures, possessing a high porosity and active area. TiO2 introduction results in the formation of an ultrathin titania layer uniformly covering Fe2O3, whereas Au sputtering yields a homogeneous dispersion of low-sized gold NPs. Due to the intimate and tailored interaction between the single constituents and their optical properties, the resulting composite materials are successfully exploited for solar-driven applications. In particular, promising photocatalytic performances in H-2 production by reforming of water-ethanol solutions under simulated solar illumination are obtained. The related insights, presented and discussed in this work, can yield useful guidelines to boost the performances of nanostructured photocatalysts for energy-related applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.279
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1002/ADMI.201600348
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“Terapascal static pressure generation with ultrahigh yield strength nanodiamond”. Dubrovinskaia N, Dubrovinsky L, Solopova NA, Abakumov A, Turner S, Hanfland M, Bykova E, Bykov M, Prescher C, Prakapenka VB, Petitgirard S, Chuvashova I, Gasharova B, Mathis Y-L, Ershov P, Snigireva I, Snigirev A, Science Advances 2, e1600341 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1126/SCIADV.1600341
Abstract: Studies of materials' properties at high and ultrahigh pressures lead to discoveries of unique physical and chemical phenomena and a deeper understanding of matter. In high-pressure research, an achievable static pressure limit is imposed by the strength of available strong materials and design of high-pressure devices. Using a high-pressure and high-temperature technique, we synthesized optically transparent microballs of bulk nanocrystalline diamond, which were found to have an exceptional yield strength (similar to 460 GPa at a confining pressure of similar to 70 GPa) due to the unique microstructure of bulk nanocrystalline diamond. We used the nanodiamond balls in a double-stage diamond anvil cell high-pressure device that allowed us to generate static pressures beyond 1 TPa, as demonstrated by synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Outstanding mechanical properties (strain-dependent elasticity, very high hardness, and unprecedented yield strength) make the nanodiamond balls a unique device for ultrahigh static pressure generation. Structurally isotropic, homogeneous, and made of a low-Z material, they are promising in the field of x-ray optical applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1126/SCIADV.1600341
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“Fe2O3-TiO2Nano-heterostructure Photoanodes for Highly Efficient Solar Water Oxidation”. Barreca D, Carraro G, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Warwick MEA, Kaunisto K, Sada C, Turner S, Gönüllü, Y, Ruoko T-P, Borgese L, Bontempi E, Van Tendeloo G, Lemmetyinen H, Mathur S, Advanced Materials Interfaces 2, 1500313 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201500313
Abstract: Harnessing solar energy for the production of clean hydrogen by photoelectrochemical water splitting represents a very attractive, but challenging approach for sustainable energy generation. In this regard, the fabrication of Fe2O3–TiO2 photoanodes is reported, showing attractive performances [≈2.0 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode in 1 M NaOH] under simulated one-sun illumination. This goal, corresponding to a tenfold photoactivity enhancement with respect to bare Fe2O3, is achieved by atomic layer deposition of TiO2 over hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanostructures fabricated by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition and final annealing at 650 °C. The adopted approach enables an intimate Fe2O3–TiO2 coupling, resulting in an electronic interplay at the Fe2O3/TiO2 interface. The reasons for the photocurrent enhancement determined by TiO2 overlayers with increasing thickness are unraveled by a detailed chemico-physical investigation, as well as by the study of photogenerated charge carrier dynamics. Transient absorption spectroscopy shows that the increased photoelectrochemical response of heterostructured photoanodes compared to bare hematite is due to an enhanced separation of photogenerated charge carriers and more favorable hole dynamics for water oxidation. The stable responses obtained even in simulated seawater provides a feasible route in view of the eventual large-scale generation of renewable energy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.279
Times cited: 56
DOI: 10.1002/admi.201500313
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“Influence of defect distribution on the reducibility of CeO2-x nanoparticles”. Spadaro MC, Luches P, Bertoni G, Grillo V, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Valeri S, D'Addato S, Nanotechnology 27, 425705 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/27/42/425705
Abstract: Ceria nanoparticles (NPs) are fundamental in heterogeneous catalysis because of their ability to store or release oxygen depending on the ambient conditions. Their oxygen storage capacity is strictly related to the exposed planes, crystallinity, density and distribution of defects. In this work a study of ceria NPs produced with a ligand-free, physical synthesis method is presented. The NP films were grown by a magnetron sputtering based gas aggregation source and studied by high resolution- and scanning-transmission electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In particular, the influence of the oxidation procedure on the NP reducibility has been investigated. The different reducibility has been correlated to the exposed planes, crystallinity and density and distribution of structural defects. The results obtained in this work represent a basis to obtain cerium oxide NP with desired oxygen transport properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/27/42/425705
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“2D atomic mapping of oxidation states in transition metal oxides by scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy : reply”. Tan H, Turner S, Yucelen E, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Physical review letters 108, 259702 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.108.259702
Keywords: Editorial; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.108.259702
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“Site-specific mapping of transition metal oxygen coordination in complex oxides”. Turner S, Egoavil R, Batuk M, Abakumov AA, Hadermann J, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Applied physics letters 101, 241910 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4770512
Abstract: We demonstrate site-specific mapping of the oxygen coordination number for transition metals in complex oxides using atomically resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy in an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. Pb2Sr2Bi2Fe6O16 contains iron with a constant Fe3+ valency in both octahedral and tetragonal pyramidal coordination and is selected to demonstrate the principle of site-specific coordination mapping. Analysis of the site-specific Fe-L2,3 data reveals distinct variations in the fine structure that are attributed to Fe in a six-fold (octahedron) or five-fold (distorted tetragonal pyramid) oxygen coordination. Using these variations, atomic resolution coordination maps are generated that are in excellent agreement with simulations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.4770512
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“Effect of high temperature deposition on CoSi2 phase formation”. Comrie CM, Ahmed A, Smeets D, Demeulemeester J, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Detavernier C, Vantomme A, Journal of applied physics 113, 234902 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4811352
Abstract: This paper discusses the nucleation behaviour of the CoSi to CoSi2 transformation from cobalt silicide thin films grown by deposition at elevated substrate temperatures ranging from 375 °C to 600 °C. A combination of channelling, real-time Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, real-time x-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the effect of the deposition temperature on the subsequent formation temperature of CoSi2, its growth behaviour, and the epitaxial quality of the CoSi2 thus formed. The temperature at which deposition took place was observed to exert a significant and systematic influence on both the formation temperature of CoSi2 and its growth mechanism. CoSi films grown at the lowest temperatures were found to increase the CoSi2 nucleation temperature above that of CoSi2 grown by conventional solid phase reaction, whereas the higher deposition temperatures reduced the nucleation temperature significantly. In addition, a systematic change in growth mechanism of the subsequent CoSi2 growth occurs as a function of deposition temperature. First, the CoSi2 growth rate from films grown at the lower reactive deposition temperatures is substantially lower than that grown at higher reactive deposition temperatures, even though the onset of growth occurs at a higher temperature, Second, for deposition temperatures below 450 °C, the growth appears columnar, indicating nucleation controlled growth. Elevated deposition temperatures, on the other hand, render the CoSi2 formation process layer-by-layer which indicates enhanced nucleation of the CoSi2 and diffusion controlled growth. Our results further indicate that this observed trend is most likely related to stress and changes in microstructure introduced during reactive deposition of the CoSi film. The deposition temperature therefore provides a handle to tune the CoSi2 growth mechanism.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1063/1.4811352
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“Magnetodielectric CuCr0.5V0.5O2 : an example of a magnetic and dielectric multiglass”. Singh K, Maignan A, Simon C, Kumar S, Martin C, Lebedev O, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of physics : condensed matter 24, 226002 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/24/22/226002
Abstract: The complex dielectric susceptibility and spin glass properties of polycrystalline CuCr0.5V 0.5O2 delafossite have been investigated. Electron diffraction, high resolution electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy show that the Cr3+ and V 3+ magnetic cations are randomly distributed on the triangular network of CdI2-type layers. In contrast to CuCrO2, CuCr0.5V 0.5O2 exhibits two distinctive (magnetic and electric) glassy states evidenced by memory effects in electric and magnetic susceptibilities. A large magnetodielectric coupling is observed at low temperature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/24/22/226002
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“Unique nanostructural features in Fe, Mn-doped YBCO thin films”. Meledin A, Turner S, Cayado P, Mundet B, Solano E, Ricart S, Ros J, Puig T, Obradors X, Van Tendeloo G, Superconductor science and technology 29, 125009 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/29/12/125009
Abstract: An attempt to grow a thin epitaxial composite film of YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) with spinel MnFe2O4 (MFO) nanoparticles on a LAO substrate using the CSD approach resulted in a decomposition of the spinel and various doping modes of YBCO with the Fe and Mn cations. These nanostructural effects lead to a lowering of T c and a slight J c increase in field. Using a combination of advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques such as atomic resolution high-angle annular dark field scanning TEM, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy we have been able to decipher and characterize the effects of the Fe and Mn doping on the film architecture. The YBaCuFeO5 anion-deficient double perovskite phase was detected in the form of 3D inclusions as well as epitaxially grown lamellas within the YBCO matrix. These nano-inclusions play a positive role as pinning centers responsible for the J c/J sf (H) dependency smoothening at high magnetic fields in the YBCO-MFO films with respect to the pristine YBCO films.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/29/12/125009
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“Atomic and electronic structures of BaHfO3-doped TFA-MOD-derived YBa2Cu3O7−δthin films”. Molina-Luna L, Duerrschnabel M, Turner S, Erbe M, Martinez GT, Van Aert S, Holzapfel B, Van Tendeloo G, Superconductor science and technology 28, 115009 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/28/11/115009
Abstract: Tailoring the properties of oxide-based nanocomposites is of great importance for a wide range of materials relevant for energy technology. YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) superconducting thin films containing nanosized BaHfO3 (BHO) particles yield a significant improvement of the magnetic flux pinning properties and a reduced anisotropy of the critical current density. These films were prepared by chemical solution deposition (CSD) on (100) SrTiO3 (STO) substrates yielding critical current densities up to 3.6 MA cm−2 at 77 K and self-field. Transport in-field J c measurements demonstrated a high pinning force maximum of around 6 GN/m3 for a sample annealed at T = 760 °C that has a doping of 12 mol% of BHO. This sample was investigated by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in combination with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) yielding strain and spectral maps. Spherical BHO nanoparticles of 15 nm in size were found in the matrix, whereas the particles at the interface were flat. A 2 nm diffusion layer containing Ti was found at the YBCO (BHO)/STO interface. Local lattice deformation mapping at the atomic scale revealed crystal defects induced by the presence of both sorts of BHO nanoparticles, which can act as pinning centers for magnetic flux lines. Two types of local lattice defects were identified and imaged: (i) misfit edge dislocations and (ii) Ba-Cu-Cu-Ba stacking faults (Y-248 intergrowths). The local electronic structure and charge transfer were probed by high energy resolution monochromated electron energy-loss spectroscopy. This technique made it possible to distinguish superconducting from non-superconducting areas in nanocomposite samples with atomic resolution in real space, allowing the identification of local pinning sites on the order of the coherence length of YBCO (~1.5 nm) and the determination of 0.25 nm dislocation cores.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/28/11/115009
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“2D atomic mapping of oxidation states in transition metal oxides by scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy”. Tan H, Turner S, Yücelen E, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Physical review letters 107, 107602 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.107602
Abstract: Using a combination of high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and atomically resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy in an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope we demonstrate the possibility of 2D atom by atom valence mapping in the mixed valence compound Mn3O4. The Mn L2,3 energy-loss near-edge structures from Mn2+ and Mn3+ cation sites are similar to those of MnO and Mn2O3 references. Comparison with simulations shows that even though a local interpretation is valid here, intermixing of the inelastic signal plays a significant role. This type of experiment should be applicable to challenging topics in materials science, such as the investigation of charge ordering or single atom column oxidation states in, e.g., dislocations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 115
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.107602
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“Luminescence of fixed site Ag nanoclusters in a simple oxyfluoride glass host and plasmon absorption of amorphous Ag nanoparticles in a complex oxyfluoride glass host”. Shestakov MV, Meledina M, Turner S, Baekelant W, Verellen N, Chen X, Hofkens J, Van Tendeloo G, Moshchalkov VV, Proceedings of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers
T2 –, 8th International Conference on Photonics, Devices, and System VI, AUG 27-29, 2014, Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC , Unsp 94501n (2015). http://doi.org/10.1117/12.2068198
Abstract: Ag nanocluster-doped glasses have been prepared by a conventional melt-quenching method. The effect of melt temperature and dwell time on the formation of Ag nanoclusters and Ag nanoparticles in simple host oxyfluoride glasses has been studied. The increase of melt temperature and dwell time results in the dissolution of Ag nanoparticles and substantial red-shift of absorption and photoluminescence spectra of the prepared glasses. The quantum yield of the glasses is similar to 5% and does not depend on melt temperature and dwell time. The prepared glasses may be used as red phosphors or down-conversion layers for solar-cells.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1117/12.2068198
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“Interlayer structure in YBCO-coated conductors prepared by chemical solution deposition”. Molina L, Egoavil R, Turner S, Thersleff T, Verbeeck J, Holzapfel B, Eibl O, Van Tendeloo G, Superconductor science and technology 26, 075016 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/26/7/075016
Abstract: The functionality of YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO)-coated conductor technology depends on the reliability and microstructural properties of a given tape or wire architecture. Particularly, the interface to the metal tape is of interest since it determines the adhesion, mechanical stability of the film and thermal contact of the film to the substrate. A trifluoroacetate (TFA)metal organic deposition (MOD) prepared YBCO film deposited on a chemical solution-derived buffer layer architecture based on CeO2/La2Zr2O7 and grown on a flexible Ni5 at.%W substrate with a {100}⟨001⟩ biaxial texture was investigated. The YBCO film had a thickness was 440 nm and a jc of 1.02 MA cm−2 was determined at 77 K and zero external field. We present a sub-nanoscale analysis of a fully processed solution-derived YBCO-coated conductor by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). For the first time, structural and chemical analysis of the valence has been carried out on the sub-nm scale. Intermixing of Ni, La, Ce, O and Ba takes place at these interfaces and gives rise to nanometer-sized interlayers which are a by-product of the sequential annealing process. Two distinct interfacial regions were analyzed in detail: (i) the YBCO/CeO2/La2Zr2O7 region (10 nm interlayer) and (ii) the La2Zr2O7/Ni5 at.%W substrate interface region (20 nm NiO). This is of particular significance for the functionality of these YBCO-coated conductor architectures grown by chemical solution deposition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/26/7/075016
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“The size and structure of Ag particles responsible for surface plasmon effects and luminescence in Ag homogeneously doped bulk glass”. Shestakov MV, Meledina M, Turner S, Tikhomirov VK, Verellen N, Rodríguez VD, Velázquez JJ, Van Tendeloo G, Moshchalkov VV, Journal of applied physics 114, 073102 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4818830
Abstract: As-prepared and heat-treated oxyfluoride glasses, co-doped with Ag nanoclusters/nanoparticles, are prepared at 0.15 at. % Ag concentration. The as-prepared glass shows an absorption band in the UV/violet attributed to the presence of amorphous Ag nanoclusters with an average size of 1.1 nm. The luminescence spectra of the untreated glass can also be ascribed to these Ag nanoclusters. Upon heat-treatment, the clusters coalesce into Ag nanoparticles with an average size of 2.3 nm, and the glasses show an extra surface plasmon absorption band in the visible. These particles, however, cease to emit due to ascribing plasmonic properties of bulk silver.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1063/1.4818830
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“Thick homoepitaxial (110)-oriented phosphorus-doped n-type diamond”. Balasubramaniam Y, Pobedinskas P, Janssens SD, Sakr G, Jomard F, Turner S, Lu YG, Dexters W, Soltani A, Verbeeck J, Barjon J, Nesládek M, Haenen K;, Applied physics letters 109, 062105 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4960970
Abstract: The fabrication of n-type diamond is essential for the realization of electronic components for extreme environments. We report on the growth of a 66 mu m thick homoepitaxial phosphorus-doped diamond on a (110)-oriented diamond substrate, grown at a very high deposition rate of 33 mu m h(-1). A pristine diamond lattice is observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, which indicates the growth of high quality diamond. About 2.9 x 10(16) cm(-3) phosphorus atoms are electrically active as substitutional donors, which is 60% of all incorporated dopant atoms. These results indicate that P-doped (110)-oriented diamond films deposited at high growth rates are promising candidates for future use in high-power electronic applications. Published by AIP Publishing.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1063/1.4960970
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“Glycogen-graft-poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazolines) –, the new versatile biopolymer-based thermoresponsive macromolecular toolbox”. Pospisilova A, Filippov SK, Bogomolova A, Turner S, Sedlacek O, Matushkin N, Cernochova Z, Stepanek P, Hruby M, RSC advances 4, 61580 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4ra10315g
Abstract: This study is focused on thermoresponsive glycogen-graft-poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazolines), a new group of nanostructured hybrid dendrimeric stimuli-responsive polymers connecting the body's own biodegradable polysaccharidic dendrimer glycogen with the widely tuneable thermoresponsive behavior of polypeptide-analogic poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazolines), which are known to be biocompatible. Glycogen-graft-poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazolines) were prepared by a simple one-pot two-step procedure involving cationic ring-opening polymerization of 2-alkyl-2-oxazolines followed by termination of the living cationic ends with sodium glycogenate. As confirmed by light and X-ray scattering, as well as cryo-transmission electron microscopy, the grafted dendrimer structure allows easy adjustment of the cloud point temperature, the concentration dependence and nanostructure of the self-assembled phase separated polymer by crosstalk during graft composition, the graft length and the grafting density, in a very wide range.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.108
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1039/c4ra10315g
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“Interfacial spin glass state and exchange bias in manganite bilayers with competing magnetic orders”. Ding JF, Lebedev OI, Turner S, Tian YF, Hu WJ, Seo JW, Panagopoulos C, Prellier W, Van Tendeloo G, Wu T, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 87, 054428 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.87.054428
Abstract: The magnetic properties of manganite bilayers composed of G-type antiferromagnetic (AFM) SrMnO3 and double-exchange ferromagnetic (FM) La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 are studied. A spin-glass state is observed as a result of competing magnetic orders and spin frustration at the La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrMnO3 interface. The dependence of the irreversible temperature on the cooling magnetic field follows the Almeida-Thouless line. Although an ideal G-type AFM SrMnO3 is featured with a compensated spin configuration, the bilayers exhibit exchange bias below the spin glass freezing temperature, which is much lower than the Néel temperature of SMO, indicating that the exchange bias is strongly correlated with the spin glass state. The results indicate that the spin frustration that originates from the competition between the AFM super-exchange and the FM double-exchange interactions can induce a strong magnetic anisotropy at the La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrMnO3 interface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 98
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.87.054428
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“Rational synthesis of F-doped iron oxides on Al2O3(0001) single crystals”. Carraro G, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Bontempi E, Lebedev OI, Sada C, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Barreca D, RSC advances 4, 52140 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4ra09021g
Abstract: A plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) route to Fe2O3-based materials on Al2O3(0001) single crystals at moderate growth temperatures (200-400 degrees C) is reported. The use of the fluorinated Fe(hfa)(2)TMEDA (hfa = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionate; TMEDA = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) molecular precursor in Ar/O-2 plasmas enabled an in situ F-doping of iron oxide matrices, with a fluorine content tunable as a function of the adopted preparative conditions. Variations of the thermal energy supply enabled control of the system phase composition, resulting in gamma-Fe2O3 at 200 degrees C and alpha-Fe2O3 nanostructures at higher deposition temperatures. Notably, at 400 degrees C the formation of highly oriented alpha-Fe2O3 nanocolumns characterized by an epitaxial relation with the Al2O3(0001) substrate was observed. Beside fluorine content, phase composition and nano-organization, even the system optical properties and, in particular, energy gap values, could be tailored by proper modifications of processing parameters.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.108
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1039/c4ra09021g
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“Rational synthesis of F-doped iron oxides on Al2O3(0001) single crystals”. Carraro G, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Bontempi E, Lebedev OI, Sada C, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Barreca D, Rsc Advances , 52140 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/C4RA09021G
Abstract: A plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) route to Fe2O3-based materials on Al2O3(0001) single crystals at moderate growth temperatures (200400 °C) is reported. The use of the fluorinated Fe(hfa)2TMEDA (hfa = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionate; TMEDA = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) molecular precursor in Ar/O2 plasmas enabled an in situ F-doping of iron oxide matrices, with a fluorine content tunable as a function of the adopted preparative conditions. Variations of the thermal energy supply enabled control of the system phase composition, resulting in γ-Fe2O3 at 200 °C and α-Fe2O3 nanostructures at higher deposition temperatures. Notably, at 400 °C the formation of highly oriented α-Fe2O3 nanocolumns characterized by an epitaxial relation with the Al2O3(0001) substrate was observed. Beside fluorine content, phase composition and nano-organization, even the system optical properties and, in particular, energy gap values, could be tailored by proper modifications of processing parameters.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.108
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1039/C4RA09021G
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“Anatase TiO2nanoparticle coating on porous COK-12 platelets as highly active and reusable photocatalysts”. Wee LH, Meledina M, Turner S, Custers K, Kerkhofs S, Sree SP, Gobechiya E, Kirschhock CEA, Van Tendeloo G, Martens JA, RSC advances 6, 46678 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA06141A
Abstract: Nanoscale TiO2 photocatalysts are widely used for biomedical applications, self-cleaning processes and wastewater treatments. The impregnation/deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles is indispensable for facile handling and separation as well as the improvement of their photocatalytic performance. In the present study, ordered mesoporous COK-12 silica thin platelets with a high-aspect-ratio and rough surfaces are demonstrated as a potential nanoporous support for homogeneous TiO2 nanoparticle coatings with high loading up to 16.7 wt%. The photocatalytic composite of COK-12 platelets and TiO2 nanoparticles is characterized in detail by HRSEM, SAXS, XRD, N2 physisorption analysis, solid-state UV-vis spectroscopy, HAADF-STEM, EDX analysis, and electron tomography. HAADF-STEM-EDX and electron tomography studies reveal a homogeneous dispersion of nanosized TiO2 nanoparticles over COK-12 platelets. The final composite material with anatase TiO2 nanoparticles that demonstrate a blueshifted semiconductor band gap energy of 3.2 eV coated on a highly porous COK-12 support shows exceptional photocatalytic catalytic activity for photodegradation of organic dyes (rhodamine 6G and methylene blue) and an organic pollutant (1-adamantanol) under UV light radiation, outperforming the commercial P25 TiO2 (Degussa) catalyst.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.108
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1039/C6RA06141A
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“Direct visualization of boron dopant distribution and coordination in individual chemical vapor deposition nanocrystalline B-doped diamond grains”. Lu Y-G, Turner S, Verbeeck J, Janssens SD, Wagner P, Haenen K, Van Tendeloo G, Applied physics letters 101, 041907 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4738885
Abstract: The boron dopant distribution in individual heavily boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond film grains, with sizes ranging from 100 to 350nm in diameter, has been studied using a combination of high resolution annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Using these tools, the boron distribution and local boron coordination have been determined. Quantification results reveal embedding of B dopants in the diamond lattice, and a preferential enrichment of boron at defective areas and twin boundaries. Coordination mapping reveals a distinct difference in coordination of the B dopants in “pristine” diamond areas and in defective regions. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4738885]
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 59
DOI: 10.1063/1.4738885
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“Nonvolatile resistive switching in Pt/LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures”. Wu S, Luo X, Turner S, Peng H, Lin W, Ding J, David A, Wang B, Van Tendeloo G, Wang J, Wu T;, Physical review X 3, 041027 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevX.3.041027
Abstract: Resistive switching heterojunctions, which are promising for nonvolatile memory applications, usually share a capacitorlike metal-oxide-metal configuration. Here, we report on the nonvolatile resistive switching in Pt/LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures, where the conducting layer near the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface serves as the unconventional bottom electrode although both oxides are band insulators. Interestingly, the switching between low-resistance and high-resistance states is accompanied by reversible transitions between tunneling and Ohmic characteristics in the current transport perpendicular to the planes of the heterojunctions. We propose that the observed resistive switching is likely caused by the electric-field-induced drift of charged oxygen vacancies across the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface and the creation of defect-induced gap states within the ultrathin LaAlO3 layer. These metal-oxide-oxide heterojunctions with atomically smooth interfaces and defect-controlled transport provide a platform for the development of nonvolatile oxide nanoelectronics that integrate logic and memory devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.789
Times cited: 77
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevX.3.041027
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“Direct observation of nanometer-scale pinning sites in (Nd0.33Eu0.20Gd0.47)Ba2Cu3O7-\delta single crystals”. Das P, Koblischka MR, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Wolf T, Jirsa M, Hartmann U, Europhysics letters 83, 37005 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1209/0295-5075/83/37005
Abstract: We report on the observation of self-organized stripe-like structures on the as-grown surface and in the bulk of (Nd,Eu,Gd)Ba2Cu3Oy single crystals. The periodicity of the stripes on the surface lies between 500800 nm. These are possibly the growth steps of the crystal. Transmission electron microscopy investigations revealed stripes of periodicity in the range of 2040 nm in the bulk. From electron back scattered diffraction investigations, no crystallographic misorientation due to the nanostripes has been found. Scanning tunneling spectroscopic experiments revealed nonsuperconducting regions, running along twin directions, which presumably constitute strong pinning sites.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.957
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1209/0295-5075/83/37005
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“Structural phase transition and spontaneous interface reconstruction in La2/3Ca1/3MnO3/BaTiO3 superlattices”. Turner S, Lebedev OI, Verbeeck J, Gehrke K, Moshnyaga V, Van Tendeloo G, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 87, 035418 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.87.035418
Abstract: (La2/3Ca1/3MnO3)n/(BaTiO3)m (LCMOn/BTOm) superlattices on MgO and SrTiO3 substrates with different layer thicknesses (n = 10, 38, 40 and m = 5, 18, 20) have been grown by metal organic aerosol deposition (MAD) and have been fully characterized down to the atomic scale to study the interface characteristics. Scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy provides clear evidence for the existence of atomically sharp interfaces in MAD grown films, which exhibit epitaxial growth conditions, a uniform normal strain, and a fully oxidized state. Below a critical layer thickness the LCMO structure is found to change from the bulk Pnma symmetry to a pseudocubic R3̅ c symmetry. An atomically flat interface reconstruction consisting of a single Ca-rich atomic layer is observed on the compressively strained BTO on LCMO interface, which is thought to partially neutralize the total charge from the alternating polar atomic layers in LCMO as well as relieving strain at the interface. No interface reconstruction is observed at the tensile strained LCMO on BTO interface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.87.035418
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“Model-based determination of dielectric function by STEM low-loss EELS”. Zhang L, Turner S, Brosens F, Verbeeck J, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 81, 035102 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.81.035102
Abstract: Dielectric properties of materials are crucial in describing the electromagnetic response of materials. As devices are becoming considerably smaller than the optical wavelength, the conventional measuring methods based on optical response are limited by their spatial resolution. Electron energy loss spectroscopy performed in a scanning transmission electron microscope is a good alternative to obtain the dielectric properties with excellent spatial resolution. Due to the overlap of diffraction discs in scanning transmission electron microscopy, it is difficult to apply conventional experimental settings to suppress retardation losses. In this contribution, a relativistic dielectric model for the loss function is presented which is used in a model based optimization scheme to estimate the complex dielectric function of a material. The method is applied to experiments on bulk diamond and SrTiO3 and shows a good agreement with optical reference data when retardation effects are included. Application of this technique to nanoparticles is possible but several theoretical assumptions made in the model of the loss function are violated and interpretation becomes problematic.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Theory of quantum systems and complex systems
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.81.035102
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“Local bond length variations in boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond measured by spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy”. Lu Y-G, Turner S, Verbeeck J, Janssens SD, Haenen K, Van Tendeloo G, Applied physics letters 103, 032105 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4813842
Abstract: Variations in local bond length and coordination in boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films have been studied through changes in the fine structure of boron and carbon K-edges in electron energy-loss spectra, acquired in a scanning transmission electron microscope. The presence of high concentrations of B in pristine diamond regions and enrichment of B at defects in single NCD grains is demonstrated. Local bond length variations are evidenced through an energy shift of the carbon 1s → σ* edge at B-rich defective regions within single diamond grains, indicating an expansion of the diamond bond length at sites with local high B content.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1063/1.4813842
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“Thin films of the spin ice compound Ho2Ti2O7”. Leusink DP, Coneri F, Hoek M, Turner S, Idrissi H, Van Tendeloo G, Hilgenkamp H, APL materials 2, 032101 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4867222
Abstract: The pyrochlore compounds Ho2Ti2O7 and Dy2Ti2O7 show an exotic form of magnetism called the spin ice state, resulting from the interplay between geometrical frustration and ferromagnetic coupling. A fascinating feature of this state is the appearance of magnetic monopoles as emergent excitations above the degenerate ground state. Over the past years, strong effort has been devoted to the investigation of these monopoles and other properties of the spin ice state in bulk crystals. Here, we report the fabrication of Ho2Ti2O7 thin films using pulsed laser deposition on yttria-stabilized ZrO2 substrates. We investigated the structural properties of these films by X-ray diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy, and the magnetic properties by vibrating sample magnetometry at 2 K. The films not only show a high crystalline quality, but also exhibit the hallmarks of a spin ice: a pronounced magnetic anisotropy and an intermediate plateau in the magnetization along the [111] crystal direction.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.335
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1063/1.4867222
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“Enhanced optoelectronic performances of vertically aligned hexagonal boron nitride nanowalls-nanocrystalline diamond heterostructures”. Sankaran KJ, Hoang DQ, Kunuku S, Korneychuk S, Turner S, Pobedinskas P, Drijkoningen S, Van Bael MK, D' Haen J, Verbeeck J, Leou K-C, Lin I-N, Haenen K, Scientific reports 6, 29444 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1038/srep29444
Abstract: Field electron emission (FEE) properties of vertically aligned hexagonal boron nitride nanowalls (hBNNWs) grown on Si have been markedly enhanced through the use of nitrogen doped nanocrystalline diamond (nNCD) films as an interlayer. The FEE properties of hBNNWs-nNCD heterostructures show a low turn-on field of 15.2 V/mum, a high FEE current density of 1.48 mA/cm(2) and life-time up to a period of 248 min. These values are far superior to those for hBNNWs grown on Si substrates without the nNCD interlayer, which have a turn-on field of 46.6 V/mum with 0.21 mA/cm(2) FEE current density and life-time of 27 min. Cross-sectional TEM investigation reveals that the utilization of the diamond interlayer circumvented the formation of amorphous boron nitride prior to the growth of hexagonal boron nitride. Moreover, incorporation of carbon in hBNNWs improves the conductivity of hBNNWs. Such a unique combination of materials results in efficient electron transport crossing nNCD-to-hBNNWs interface and inside the hBNNWs that results in enhanced field emission of electrons. The prospective application of these materials is manifested by plasma illumination measurements with lower threshold voltage (370 V) and longer life-time, authorizing the role of hBNNWs-nNCD heterostructures in the enhancement of electron emission.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1038/srep29444
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“Defect controlled room temperature ferromagnetism in Co-doped barium titanate nanocrystals”. Ray S, Kolen'ko YV, Kovnir KA, Lebedev OI, Turner S, Chakraborty T, Erni R, Watanabe T, Van Tendeloo G, Yoshimura M, Itoh M, Nanotechnology 23, 025702 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/23/2/025702
Abstract: Defect mediated high temperature ferromagnetism in oxide nanocrystallites is the central feature of this work. Here, we report the development of room temperature ferromagnetism in nanosized Co-doped barium titanate particles with a size of around 14 nm, synthesized by a solvothermal drying method. A combination of x-ray diffraction with state-of-the-art electron microscopy techniques confirms the intrinsic doping of Co into BaTiO3. The development of the room temperature ferromagnetism was tracked down to the different donor defects, namely hydroxyl groups at the oxygen site (\mathrm {OH}\mathrm {(O)}
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/23/2/025702
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“Fluorine doped Fe2O3 nanostructures by a one-pot plasma-assisted strategy”. Carraro G, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Bontempi E, Lebedev OI, Turner S, Sada C, Depero LE, Van Tendeloo G, Barreca D, RSC advances 3, 23762 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3ra43775b
Abstract: The present work reports on the synthesis of fluorine doped Fe2O3 nanomaterials by a single-step plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) strategy. In particular, Fe(hfa)2TMEDA (hfa = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionate; TMEDA = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) was used as molecular source for both Fe and F in Ar/O2 plasmas. The structure, morphology and chemical composition of the synthesized nanosystems were thoroughly analyzed by two-dimensional X-ray diffraction (XRD2), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A suitable choice of processing parameters enabled the selective formation of α-Fe2O3 nanomaterials, characterized by an homogeneous F doping, even at 100 °C. Interestingly, a simultaneous control of the system nanoscale organization and fluorine content could be achieved by varying the sole growth temperature. The tailored properties of the resulting materials can be favourably exploited for several technological applications, ranging from photocatalysis, to photoelectrochemical cells and gas sensing.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.108
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1039/c3ra43775b
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