|
“Scattering of Dirac electrons by circular mass barriers : valley filter and resonant scattering”. Masir MR, Matulis A, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 84, 245413 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.245413
Abstract: The scattering of two-dimensional (2D) massless Dirac electrons is investigated in the presence of a random array of circular mass barriers. The inverse momentum relaxation time and the Hall factor are calculated and used to obtain parallel and perpendicular resistivity components within linear transport theory. We found a nonzero perpendicular resistivity component which has opposite sign for electrons in the different K and K′ valleys. This property can be used for valley filter purposes. The total cross section for scattering on penetrable barriers exhibits resonances due to the presence of quasibound states in the barriers that show up as sharp gaps in the cross section while for Schrödinger electrons they appear as peaks.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.245413
|
|
|
“Spin-current generation from Coulomb-Rashba interaction in semiconductor bilayers”. Glazov MM, Semina MA, Badalyan SM, Vignale G, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 84, 033305 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.033305
Abstract: Electrons in double-layer semiconductor heterostructures experience a special type of spin-orbit interaction that arises in each layer from the perpendicular component of the Coulomb electric field created by electron-density fluctuations in the other layer. We show that this interaction, acting in combination with the usual spin-orbit interaction, can generate a spin current in one layer when a charge current is driven in the other. This effect is distinct symmetrywise from the spin-Hall drag. The spin current is not, in general, perpendicular to the drive current.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.033305
|
|
|
“Spiral ground state against ferroelectricity in the frustrated magnet BiMnFe2O6”. Abakumov AM, Tsirlin AA, Perez-Mato JM, Petřiček V, Rosner H, Yang T, Greenblatt M, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 83, 214402 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.83.214402
Abstract: The spiral magnetic structure and underlying spin lattice of BiMnFe2O6 are investigated by low-temperature neutron powder diffraction and density functional theory band structure calculations. In spite of the random distribution of the Mn3+ and Fe3+ cations, this centrosymmetric compound undergoes a transition into an incommensurate antiferromagnetically ordered state below TN≃220 K. The magnetic structure is characterized by the propagation vector k=[0,β,0] with β≃0.14 and the P221211′(0β0)0s0s magnetic superspace symmetry. It comprises antiferromagnetic helixes propagating along the b axis. The magnetic moments lie in the ac plane and rotate about π(1+β)≃204.8-deg angle between the adjacent magnetic atoms along b. The spiral magnetic structure arises from the peculiar frustrated arrangement of exchange couplings in the ab plane. The antiferromagnetic coupling along the c axis cancels the possible electric polarization and prevents ferroelectricity in BiMnFe2O6.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.83.214402
|
|
|
“Superconducting proximity effect in graphene under inhomogeneous strain”. Covaci L, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 84, 241401 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.241401
Abstract: The interplay between quantum Hall states and Cooper pairs is usually hindered by the suppression of the superconducting state due to the strong magnetic fields needed to observe the quantum Hall effect. From this point of view, graphene is special since it allows the creation of strong pseudomagnetic fields due to strain. We show that in a Josephson junction made of strained graphene, Cooper pairs will diffuse into the strained region. The pair correlation function will be sublattice polarized due to the polarization of the local density of states in the zero pseudo-Landau level. We uncover two regimes: (1) one in which the cyclotron radius is larger than the junction length, in which case the supercurrent will be enhanced, and (2) the long junction regime where the supercurrent is strongly suppressed because the junction becomes an insulator. In the latter case quantized Hall states form and Andreev scattering at the normal/superconducting interface will induce edge states. Our numerical calculation has become possible due to an extension of the Chebyshev-Bogoliubovde Gennes method to computations on video cards (GPUs).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.241401
|
|
|
“G0W0 band gap of ZnO : effects of plasmon-pole models”. Stankovski M, Antonius G, Waroquiers D, Miglio A, Dixit H, Sankaran K, Giantomassi M, Gonze X, Côté, M, Rignanese G-M, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 84, 241201 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.241201
Abstract: Carefully converged calculations are performed for the band gap of ZnO within many-body perturbation theory (G0W0 approximation). The results obtained using four different well-established plasmon-pole models are compared with those of explicit calculations without such models (the contour-deformation approach). This comparison shows that, surprisingly, plasmon-pole models depending on the f-sum rule gives less precise results. In particular, it confirms that the band gap of ZnO is underestimated in the G0W0 approach as compared to experiment, contrary to the recent claim of Shih et al. [ Phys. Rev. Lett. 105 146401 (2010)].
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 81
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.241201
|
|
|
“Tunable optical Aharonov-Bohm effect in a semiconductor quantum ring”. Li B, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 83, 115448 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.83.115448
Abstract: By applying an electric field perpendicular to a semiconductor quantum ring we show that it is possible to modify the single particle wave function between quantum dot (QD)-like and ring-like. The constraints on the geometrical parameters of the quantum ring to realize such a transition are derived. With such a perpendicular electric field we are able to tune the Aharanov-Bohm (AB) effect for both the single particle and for excitons. The tunability is in both the strength of the AB effect as well as in its periodicity. We also investigate the strain induce potential inside the self-assembled quantum ring and the effect of the strain on the AB effect.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.83.115448
|
|
|
“Tuning of the spin-orbit interaction in a quantum dot by an in-plane magnetic field”. Nowak MP, Szafran B, Peeters FM, Partoens B, Pasek WJ, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 83, 245324 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.83.245324
Abstract: Using an exact-diagonalization approach we show that one- and two-electron InAs quantum dots exhibit an avoided crossing in the energy spectra that is induced by the spin-orbit coupling in the presence of an in-plane external magnetic field. The width of the avoided crossings depends strongly on the orientation of the magnetic field, which reveals the intrinsic anisotropy of the spin-orbit-coupling interactions. We find that for specific orientations of the magnetic field avoided crossings vanish. A value of this orientation can be used to extract the ratio of the strength of Rashba and Dresselhaus interactions. The spin-orbit anisotropy effects for various geometries and orientations of the confinement potential are discussed. Our analysis explains the physics behind the recent measurements performed on a gated self-assembled quantum dot [ S. Takahashi et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 104 246801 (2010)].
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.83.245324
|
|
|
“Variational quantum Monte Carlo study of charged excitons in fractional dimensional space”. Rønnow TF, Pedersen TG, Partoens B, Berthelsen KK, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 84, 035316 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.035316
Abstract: In this article we study excitons and trions in fractional dimensional spaces using the model suggested by C. Palmer [ J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 37 6987 (2004)] through variational quantum Monte Carlo. We present a direct approach for estimating the exciton binding energy and discuss the von Neumann rejection- and Metropolis sampling methods. A simple variational estimate of trions is presented which shows good agreement with previous calculations done within the fractional dimensional model presented by D. R. Herrick and F. H. Stillinger [ Phys. Rev. A 11 42 (1975) and J. Math. Phys. 18 1224 (1977)]. We explain the spatial physics of the positive and negative trions by investigating angular and inter-atomic distances. We then examine the wave function and explain the differences between the positive and negative trions with heavy holes. As applications of the fractional dimensional model we study three systems: First we apply the model to estimate the energy of the hydrogen molecular ion H2+. Then we estimate trion binding energies in GaAs-based quantum wells and we demonstrate a good agreement with other theoretical work as well as experimentally observed binding energies. Finally, we apply the results to carbon nanotubes. We find good agreement with recently observed binding energies of the positively charged trion.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.035316
|
|
|
“Vortex states in layered mesoscopic superconductors”. Liu C-Y, Berdiyorov GR, Milošević, MV, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 83, 104524 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.83.104524
Abstract: Within the Ginzburg-Landau theory, we study the vortex structures in three-dimensional anisotropic mesoscopic superconductors in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. Anisotropy is included through varied Tc in different layers of the sample and leads to distinct differences in the vortex states and their free energy. Several unconventional states are found, some comprising vortex clusters or exhibiting asymmetry. In a tilted magnetic field, we found second-order transitions between different vortex states, although vortex entry is generally a first-order transition in mesoscopic samples. In multilayered samples the kinked vortex strings are formed owing to the competing interactions of vortices with Meissner currents and the weak-link boundaries. The length and deformation of vortex fragments are determined solely by the inclination and strength of applied magnetic field, and this lock-in does not depend on the degree of anisotropy between the superconducting layers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.83.104524
|
|
|
“Vortex-vortex interaction in bulk superconductors : Ginzburg-Landau theory”. Chaves A, Peeters FM, Farias GA, Milošević, MV, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 83, 054516 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.83.054516
Abstract: The vortex-vortex interaction potential in bulk superconductors is calculated within the Ginzburg-Landau (GL) theory and is obtained from a numerical solution of a set of two coupled nonlinear GL differential equations for the vector potential and the superconducting order parameter, where the merger of vortices into a giant vortex is allowed. Further, the interaction potentials between a vortex and a giant vortex and between a vortex and an antivortex are obtained for both type-I and type-II superconductors. Our numerical results agree asymptotically with the analytical expressions for large intervortex separations that are available in the literature. We propose empirical expressions valid over the full interaction range, which are fitted to our numerical data for different values of the GL parameter.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.83.054516
|
|
|
“Yukawa particles confined in a channel and subject to a periodic potential : ground state and normal modes”. Carvalho JCN, Ferreira WP, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 83, 094109 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.83.094109
Abstract: We consider a classical system of two-dimensional (2D) charged particles, interacting through a repulsive Yukawa potential exp(-r/λ)/r, and confined in a parabolic channel that limits the motion of the particles in the y direction. Along the x direction, the particles are subject to a periodic potential. The ground-state configurations and the normal-mode spectra of the system are obtained as a function of the periodicity and strength of the periodic potential (V0) and density. An interesting set of tunable ground-state configurations are found, with first- or second-order structural transitions between them. A configuration with particles aligned, perpendicular to the x direction, in each minimum of the periodic potential is obtained for V0 larger than some critical value that has a power-law dependence on the density. The phonon spectrum of different configurations was also calculated. A localization of the modes into a small frequency interval is observed for sufficiently large strength of the periodic potential, and a tunable gap in the phonon spectrum is found as a function of V0.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.83.094109
|
|
|
“Accurate pseudopotential description of the GW bandstructure of ZnO”. Dixit H, Saniz R, Lamoen D, Partoens B, Computer physics communications 182, 2029 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpc.2011.02.001
Abstract: We present the GW band structure of ZnO in its wurtzite (WZ), zincblende (ZB) and rocksalt (RS) phases at the Γ point, calculated within the GW approximation. We have used a Zn20+ pseudopotential which is essential for the adequate treatment of the exchange interaction in the self-energy. The accuracy of the pseudopotential used is also discussed. The effect of the pd hybridization on the GW corrections to the band gap is correlated by comparing the ZB and RS phase.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.936
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpc.2011.02.001
|
|
|
“MsSpec-1.0 : a multiple scattering package for electron spectroscopies in material science”. Sébilleau D, Natoli C, Gavaza GM, Zhao H, da Pieve F, Hatada K, Computer physics communications 182, 2567 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpc.2011.07.012
Abstract: We present a multiple scattering package to calculate the cross-section of various spectroscopies namely photoelectron diffraction (PED), Auger electron diffraction (AED), X-ray absorption (XAS), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) and Auger photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy (APECS). This package is composed of three main codes, computing respectively the cluster, the potential and the cross-section. In the latter case, in order to cover a range of energies as wide as possible, three different algorithms are provided to perform the multiple scattering calculation: full matrix inversion, series expansion or correlation expansion of the multiple scattering matrix. Numerous other small Fortran codes or bash/csh shell scripts are also provided to perform specific tasks. The cross-section code is built by the user from a library of subroutines using a makefile.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.936
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpc.2011.07.012
|
|
|
“Understanding the surface diffusion processes during magnetron sputter-deposition of complex oxide Mg-Al-O thin films”. Georgieva V, Voter AF, Bogaerts A, Crystal growth &, design 11, 2553 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/cg200318h
Abstract: It is known that film structure may change dramatically with the extent of surface diffusion during the film growth process. In the present work, surface diffusion, induced thermally or activated by energetic impacts, is investigated theoretically under conditions appropriate for magnetron sputter-deposition of MgAlO thin films with varying stoichiometry. The distribution of surface diffusion energy barriers available to the system was determined for each stoichiometry, which allowed assessing in a qualitative way how much surface diffusion will take place on the time scale available between deposition events. The activation energy barriers increase with the Al concentration in the film, and therefore, the surface diffusion rates in the time frame of typical deposition rates drop, which can explain the decrease in crystallinity in the film structure and the transition to amorphous structure. The deposition process and the immediate surface diffusion enhanced by the energetic adatoms are simulated by means of a molecular dynamics model. The longer-time thermal surface diffusion and the energy landscape are studied by the temperature accelerated dynamics method, applied in an approximate way. The surface diffusion enhanced by the energetic impacts appears to be very important for the film structure in the low-temperature deposition regime.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.055
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1021/cg200318h
|
|
|
“Modelling of synchrotron SAXS patterns of silicalite-1 zeolite during crystallization”. Aerts A, Follens LRA, Biermans E, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Loppinet B, Kirschhock CEA, Martens JA, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 13, 4318 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1039/c0cp01592j
Abstract: Synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to characterize silicalite-1 zeolite crystallization from TEOS/TPAOH/water clear sol. SAXS patterns were recorded over a broad range of length scales, enabling the simultaneous monitoring of nanoparticles and crystals occurring at various stages of the synthesis. A simple two-population model accurately described the patterns. Nanoparticles were modeled by polydisperse coreshell spheres and crystals by monodisperse oblate ellipsoids. These models were consistent with TEM images. The SAXS results, in conjunction with in situ light scattering, showed that nucleation of crystals occurred in a short period of time. Crystals were uniform in size and shape and became increasingly anisotropic during growth. In the presence of nanoparticles, crystal growth was fast. During crystal growth, the number of nanoparticles decreased gradually but their size was constant. These observations suggested that the nanoparticles were growth units in an aggregative crystal growth mechanism. Crystals grown in the presence of nanoparticles developed a faceted habit and intergrowths. In the final stages of growth, nanoparticles were depleted. Concurrently, the crystal growth rate decreased significantly.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1039/c0cp01592j
|
|
|
“Unexpected optical response of single ZnO nanowires probed using controllable electrical contacts”. Zeng YI, Menghini M, Li DY, Lin SS, Ye ZZ, Hadermann J, Moorkens T, Seo JW, Locquet J-P, van Haesendonck C, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 13, 6931 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1039/c1cp00012h
Abstract: Relying on combined electron-beam lithography and lift-off methods Au/Ti bilayer electrical contacts were attached to individual ZnO nanowires (NWs) that were grown by a vapor phase deposition method. Reliable Schottky-type as well as ohmic contacts were obtained depending on whether or not an ion milling process was used. The response of the ZnO NWs to ultraviolet light was found to be sensitive to the type of contacts. The intrinsic electronic properties of the ZnO NWs were studied in a field-effect transistor configuration. The transfer characteristics, including gate threshold voltage, hysteresis and operational mode, were demonstrated to unexpectedly respond to visible light. The origin of this effect could be accounted for by the presence of point defects in the ZnO NWs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1039/c1cp00012h
|
|
|
“Optimization of the ion chromatographic quantification of airborne fluoride, acetate and formate in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York”. Kontozova-Deutsch V, Deutsch F, Bencs L, Krata A, Van Grieken R, De Wael K, Talanta : the international journal of pure and applied analytical chemistry 86, 372 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TALANTA.2011.09.030
Abstract: Ion chromatographic (IC) methods have been compared in order to achieve an optimal separation of fluoride, acetate and formate under various elution conditions on two formerly introduced analytical columns (i and ii) and a novel one (iii): (i) an IonPac AS14 (250 mm × 4 mm I.D.), (ii) Allsep A-2 (150 mm × 4.6 mm I.D.), and (iii) an IC SI-50 4E (250 mm (length) × 4 mm (internal diameter – I.D.)). The IC conditions for the separation of the anions concerned were optimized on the IC SI-50 4E column. A near baseline separation of these anions was attained on the IonPac AS14, whereas the peaks of fluoride and acetate could not be resolved on the Allsep A-2. A baseline separation for the three anions was achieved on the IC SI-50 4E column, when applying an eluent mixture of 3.2 mmol/L Na2CO3 and 1.0 mmol/L NaHCO3 with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The highest precision of 1.7, 3.0 and 2.8% and the best limits of detection (LODs) of 0.014, 0.22 and 0.17 mg/L for fluoride, acetate and formate, respectively, were obtained with the IC SI-50 4E column. Hence, this column was applied for the determination of the acetic and formic acid contents of air samples taken by means of passive gaseous sampling at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA. Atmospheric concentrations of acetic and formic acid up to 1050 and 450 μg/m3, respectively, were found in non-aerated showcases of the museum. In galleries and outdoors, rather low levels of acetic and formic acid were detected with average concentrations of 50 and 10 μg/m3, respectively. The LOD data of acetate and formate on the IC SI-50 4E column correspond to around 0.5 μg/m3 for both acetic and formic acid in air samples.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.162
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1016/J.TALANTA.2011.09.030
|
|
|
“Analyzing a self-managed CHP system for greenhouse cultivation as a profitable way to reduce CO2-emissions”. Compernolle T, Witters N, Van Passel S, Thewys T, Energy 36, 1940 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENERGY.2010.02.045
Abstract: To counter global warming, a transition to a low-carbon economy is needed. The greenhouse sector can contribute by installing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, known for their excellent energy efficiency. Due to the recent European liberalization of the energy market, glass horticulturists have the opportunity to sell excess electricity to the market and by tailored policy and support measures, regional governments can fill the lack of technical and economic knowledge, causing initial resistance. This research investigates the economic and environmental opportunities using two detailed cases applying a self managed cogeneration system. The Net Present Value is calculated to investigate the economic feasibility. The Primary Energy Saving, the CO2 Emission Reduction indicator and an Emission Balance are applied to quantify the environmental impact. The results demonstrate that a self-managed CHP system is economic viable and that CO2 emissions are reduced. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology
Impact Factor: 4.52
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENERGY.2010.02.045
|
|
|
“Atomic oxygen functionalization of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes”. Bittencourt C, Navio C, Nicolay A, Ruelle B, Godfroid T, Snyders R, Colomer J-F, Lagos MJ, Ke X, Van Tendeloo G, Suarez-Martinez I, Ewels CP, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 115, 20412 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp2057699
Abstract: Vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (v-MWCNTs) are functionalized using atomic oxygen generated in a microwave plasma. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profile analysis shows that the plasma treatment effectively grafts oxygen exclusively at the v-MWCNT tips. Electron microscopy shows that neither the vertical alignment nor the structure of v-MWCNTs were affected by the plasma treatment. Density functional calculations suggest assignment of XPS C 1s peaks at 286.6 and 287.5 eV, to epoxy and carbonyl functional groups, respectively.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1021/jp2057699
|
|
|
“Can we control the thickness of ultrathin silica layers by hyperthermal silicon oxidation at room temperature?”.Khalilov U, Neyts EC, Pourtois G, van Duin ACT, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 115, 24839 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp2082566
Abstract: Using reactive molecular dynamics simulations by means of the ReaxFF potential, we studied the growth mechanism of ultrathin silica (SiO2) layers during hyperthermal oxidation at room temperature. Oxidation of Si(100){2 × 1} surfaces by both atomic and molecular oxygen was investigated in the energy range 15 eV. The oxidation mechanism, which differs from thermal oxidation, is discussed. In the case of oxidation by molecular O2, silica is quickly formed and the thickness of the formed layers remains limited compared to oxidation by atomic oxygen. The Si/SiO2 interfaces are analyzed in terms of partial charges and angle distributions. The obtained structures of the ultrathin SiO2 films are amorphous, including some intrinsic defects. This study is important for the fabrication of silica-based devices in the micro- and nanoelectronics industry, and more specifically for the fabrication of metal oxide semiconductor devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1021/jp2082566
|
|
|
“Hyperthermal oxygen interacting with silicon surfaces : adsorption, implantation, and damage creation”. Neyts EC, Khalilov U, Pourtois G, van Duin ACT, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 115, 4818 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp112068z
Abstract: Using reactive molecular dynamics simulations, we have investigated the effect of single-impact, low-energy (thermal-100 eV) bombardment of a Si(100){2 × 1} surface by atomic and molecular oxygen. Penetration probability distributions, as well as defect formation distributions, are presented as a function of the impact energy for both species. It is found that at low impact energy, defects are created chemically due to the chemisorption process in the top layers of the surface, while at high impact energy, additional defects are created by a knock-on displacement of Si. These results are of particular importance for understanding device performances of silica-based microelectronic and photovoltaic devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1021/jp112068z
|
|
|
“Mechanisms for the trimethylaluminum reaction in aluminum oxide atomic layer deposition on sulfur passivated germanium”. Delabie A, Sioncke S, Rip J, van Elshocht S, Caymax M, Pourtois G, Pierloot K, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 115, 17523 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp206070y
Abstract: Germanium combined with high-κ dielectrics is investigated for the next generations of CMOS devices. Therefore, we study reaction mechanisms for Al2O3 atomic layer deposition on sulfur passivated Ge using calculations based on density functional theory and total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF). TXRF indicates 6 S/nm2 and 4 Al/nm2 after the first TMA/H2O reaction cycle, and growth inhibition from the second reaction cycle on. Calculations are performed on molecular clusters representing −GeSH surface sites. The calculations confirm that the TMA reaction does not affect the S content. On fully SH-terminated Ge, TMA favorably reacts with up to three −GeSH sites, resulting in a near tetrahedral Al coordination. Electron deficient structures with a GeS site shared between two Al atoms are proposed. The impact of the cluster size on the structures and reaction energetics is systematically investigated.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1021/jp206070y
|
|
|
“Nitrogen control in nanodiamond produced by detonation shock-wave-assisted synthesis”. Shenderova OA, Vlasov II, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Orlinskii SB, Shiryaev AA, Khomich AA, Sulyanov SN, Jelezko F, Wrachtrup J, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 115, 14014 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp202057q
Abstract: Development of efficient production methods of nanodiamond (ND) particles containing substitutional nitrogen and nitrogen-vacancy (NV) complexes remains an important goal in the nanodiamond community. ND synthesized from explosives is generally not among the preferred candidates for imaging applications owing to lack of optically active particles containing NV centers. In this paper, we have systematically studied representative classes of NDs produced by detonation shock wave conversion of different carbon precursor materials, namely, graphite and a graphite/hexogen mixture into ND, as well as ND produced from different combinations of explosives using different cooling methods (wet or dry cooling). We demonstrate that (i) the N content in nanodiamond particles can be controlled through a correct selection of the carbon precursor material (addition of graphite, explosives composition); (ii) particles larger than approximately 20 nm may contain in situ produced optically active NV centers, and (iii) in ND produced from explosives, NV centers are detected only in ND produced by wet synthesis. ND synthesized from a mixture of graphite/explosive contains the largest amount of NV centers formed during synthesis and thus deserves special attention.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 54
DOI: 10.1021/jp202057q
|
|
|
“Single layer vs bilayer graphene : a comparative study of the effects of oxygen plasma treatment on their electronic and optical properties”. Nourbakhsh A, Cantoro M, Klekachev AV, Pourtois G, Vosch T, Hofkens J, van der Veen MH, Heyns MM, de Gendt S, Sels BF, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 115, 16619 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp203010z
Abstract: This contribution presents the effects of a mild O2 plasma treatment on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of single-layer (SLG) and bilayer graphene (BLG). Unexpectedly, we observe only photoluminescence in the SLG parts of a graphene flake composed of regions of various thickness upon O2 plasma treatment, whereas the BLG and few-layer graphene (FLG) parts remain optically unchanged. Confirmed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) that O2 plasma induces epoxide and hydroxyl-like groups in graphene, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are carried out on representative epoxidized and hydroxylated SLG and BLG models to predict density of states (DOS) and band structures. Sufficiently oxidized SLG shows a bandgap and thus loss of semimetallic behavior, while oxidized BLG maintains its semimetallic behavior even at high oxygen density in agreement with the results of the photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) experiments. DFT calculations confirm that the Fermi velocity in epoxidized BLG is remarkably comparable with that of pristine SLG, pointing to a similarity of electronic band structure. The similarity is also experimentally demonstrated by the electrical characterization of a plasma-treated BLG-FET. As expected from the electronegative oxygen adatoms in the graphene, epoxidized BLG presents conductive features typical of hole doping. Moreover, the electrical characteristics suggest band structures closely related to that of epoxidized graphene while deviating from that of hydroxylated graphene. Finally, upon O2 plasma treatment of BLG, the four-component 2D peak around 2700 cm1 in the Raman spectrum evolves into a single Lorentzian line, very like the 2D peak of pristine SLG. Summarizing, the data in this contribution recommend that a controlled O2 plasma treatment, which is compatible with CMOS process flow in contrast to wet chemical oxidation methods, provides an efficient and valuable technique to exploit the transport properties of the bottom layer of BLG.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 46
DOI: 10.1021/jp203010z
|
|
|
“Surface chemistry and properties of ozone-purified detonation nanodiamonds”. Shenderova O, Koscheev A, Zaripov N, Petrov I, Skryabin Y, Detkov P, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 115, 9827 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp1102466
Abstract: Nanodiamond from ozone purification (NDO) demonstrates very distinctive properties within the class of detonation nanodiamonds, namely very high acidity and high colloidal stability in a broad pH range. To understand the origin of these unusual properties of NDO, the nature of the surface functional groups formed during detonation soot oxidation by ozone needs to be revealed. In this work, thermal desorption mass spectrometry (TDMS) and IR spectroscopy were used for the identification of surface groups and it was concluded that carboxylic anhydride groups prevail on the NDO surface. On the basis of the temperature profiles of the desorbed volatile products and their mass balance, it is hypothesized that decomposition of carboxylic anhydride groups from NDO during heating proceeds by two different mechanisms. Other distinctive features of NDO in comparison with air-treated nanodiamond are also reported.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 105
DOI: 10.1021/jp1102466
|
|
|
“Catalytic and molecular separation properties of Zeogrids and Zeotiles”. Martens JA, Thybaut JW, Denayer JFM, Sree SP, Aerts A, Reyniers M-F, van Speybroeck V, Waroquier M, Buekenhoudt A, Vankelecom I, Buijs W, Persoons J, Baron GV, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Marin GB, Jacobs PA, Kirschhock CEA, Catalysis today 168, 17 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2011.01.036
Abstract: Zeogrids and Zeotiles are hierarchical materials built from assembled MFI zeolite precursor units. Permanent secondary porosity in these materials is obtained through self assembly of nanoparticles encountered in MFI zeolite synthesis in the presence of supramolecular templates. Hereon, the aggregated species are termed nanoslabs. Zeogrids are layered materials with lateral spacings between nanoslabs creating galleries qualifying as supermicropores. Zeotiles present a diversity of tridimensional nanoslab assemblies with mesopores. Zeotile-1, -4 and -6 are hexagonal mesostructures. Zeotile-1 has triangular and hexagonal channels; Zeotile-4 has hexagonal channels interconnected via slits. Zeotile-2 has a cubic structure with gyroid type mesoporosity. The behavior of Zeogrids and Zeotiles in adsorption, membrane and chromatographic separation and catalysis has been characterized and compared with zeolites and mesoporous materials derived from unstructured silica sources. Shape selectivity was detected via adsorption of n- and iso-alkanes. The mesoporosity of Zeotiles can be exploited in chromatographic separation of biomolecules. Zeotiles present attractive separation properties relevant to CO2 sequestration. Because of its facile synthesis procedure without hydrothermal steps Zeogrid is convenient for membrane synthesis. The performance of Zeogrid membrane in gas separation, nanofiltration and pervaporation is reported. In the Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime Zeogrids and Zeotiles display a catalytic activity characteristic of silicalite-1 zeolites. Introduction of acidity and redox catalytic activity can be achieved via incorporation of Al and Ti atoms in the nanoslabs during synthesis. Zeogrids are active in hydrocracking, catalytic cracking, alkylation and epoxidation reactions. Zeogrids and Zeotiles often behave differently from ordered mesoporous materials as well as from zeolites and present a valuable extension of the family of hierarchical silicate based materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.636
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2011.01.036
|
|
|
“The high-temperature polymorphs of K3AlF6”. King G, Abakumov AM, Woodward PM, Llobet A, Tsirlin AA, Batuk D, Antipov EV, Inorganic chemistry 50, 7792 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/ic200956a
Abstract: The crystal structures of the three high-temperature polymorphs of K3AlF6 have been solved from neutron powder diffraction, synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, and electron diffraction data. The β-phase (stable between 132 and 153 °C) and γ-phase (stable between 153 to 306 °C) can be described as unusually complex superstructures of the double-perovskite structure (K2KAlF6) which result from noncooperative tilting of the AlF6 octahedra. The β-phase is tetragonal, space group I4/m, with lattice parameters of a = 13.3862(5) Å and c = 8.5617(3) Å (at 143 °C) and Z = 10. In this phase, one-fifth of the AlF6 octahedra are rotated about the c-axis by 45° while the other four-fifths remain untilted. The large 45° rotations result in edge sharing between these AlF6 octahedra and the neighboring K-centered polyhedra, resulting in pentagonal bipyramidal coordination for four-fifths of the K+ ions that reside on the B-sites of the perovskite structure. The remaining one-fifth of the K+ ions on the B-sites retain octahedral coordination. The γ-phase is orthorhombic, space group Fddd, with lattice parameters of a = 36.1276(4) Å, b = 17.1133(2) Å, and c = 12.0562(1) Å (at 225 °C) and Z = 48. In the γ-phase, one-sixth of the AlF6 octahedra are randomly rotated about one of two directions by 45° while the other five-sixths remain essentially untilted. These rotations result in two-thirds of the K+ ions on the B-site obtaining 7-fold coordination while the other one-third remain in octahedral coordination. The δ-phase adopts the ideal cubic double-perovskite structure, space group Fmm, with a = 8.5943(1) Å at 400 °C. However, pair distribution function analysis shows that locally the δ-phase is quite different from its long-range average crystal structure. The AlF6 octahedra undergo large-amplitude rotations which are accompanied by off-center displacements of the K+ ions that occupy the 12-coordinate A-sites.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1021/ic200956a
|
|
|
“Layered perovskite-like Pb2Fe2O5 structure as a parent matrix for the nucleation and growth of crystallographic shear planes”. Batuk D, Hadermann J, Abakumov A, Vranken T, Hardy A, van Bael M, Van Tendeloo G, Inorganic chemistry 50, 4978 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/ic200211x
Abstract: The Pb2Fe2O5 compound with a layered intergrowth structure has been prepared by a solid-state reaction at 700 °C. The incommensurate compound crystallizes in a tetragonal system with a = 3.9037(2) Å, c = 3.9996(4) Å, and q = 0.1186(4)c*, or when treated as a commensurate approximant, a = 3.9047(2) Å, c = 36.000(3) Å, space group I4/mmm. The crystal structure of Pb2Fe2O5 was resolved from transmission electron microscopy data. Atomic coordinates and occupancies of the cation positions were estimated from high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy data. Direct visualization of the positions of the oxygen atoms was possible using annular bright-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The structure can be represented as an intergrowth of perovskite blocks and partially disordered blocks with a structure similar to that of the Bi2O2 blocks in Aurivillius-type phases. The A-cation positions at the border of the perovskite block and the cation positions in the Aurivillius-type blocks are jointly occupied by Pb2+ and Fe3+ cations, resulting in a layer sequence along the c axis: PbOFeO2PbOFeO2Pb7/8Fe1/8O1xFe5/8Pb3/8O2Fe5/8Pb3/8. Upon heating, the layered Pb2Fe2O5 structure transforms into an anion-deficient perovskite modulated by periodically spaced crystallographic shear (CS) planes. Considering the layered Pb2Fe2O5 structure as a parent matrix for the nucleation and growth of CS planes allows an explanation of the specific microstructure observed for the CS structures in the PbFeO system.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1021/ic200211x
|
|
|
“Stress-assisted crystallisation in anodic titania”. Vanhumbeeck J-F, Tian H, Schryvers D, Proost J, Corrosion science 53, 1269 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.corsci.2010.12.020
Abstract: The relationship between the microstructural and internal stress evolution during Ti anodising is discussed. Samples anodised galvanostatically to 12 V and 40 V, corresponding to different stages of the internal stress evolution, were examined by in-plane and cross-section transmission electron microscopy. Electron diffraction patterns have been complemented with stoichiometry data obtained from energy loss near edge structure spectra. The sample anodised to 40 V was observed to consist of two regions, with a crystallised inner region adjacent to the metal/oxide interface. Crystallisation of this region is associated with the presence of large compressive internal stresses which build up during anodising up to 12 V.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.245
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2010.12.020
|
|
|
“Characterization of NbC and (Nb, Ti)N nanoprecipitates in TRIP assisted multiphase steels”. Tirumalasetty GK, van Huis MA, Fang CM, Xu Q, Tichelaar FD, Hanlon DN, Sietsma J, Zandbergen HW, Acta materialia 59, 7406 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2011.08.012
Abstract: Multiphase steels utilising composite strengthening may be further strengthened via grain refinement or precipitation by the addition of microalloying elements. In this study a Nb microalloyed steel comprising martensite, bainite and retained austenite has been studied. By means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) we have investigated the size distribution and the structural properties of (Nb, Ti)N and NbC precipitates, their occurrence in the various steel phases, and their relationship with the Fe matrix. (Nb, Ti)N precipitates were found in ferrite, martensite, and bainite, while NbC precipitates were found only in ferrite. All NbC precipitates were found to be small (520 nm in size) and to have a face centred cubic (fcc) crystal structure with lattice parameter a = 4.36 ± 0.05 Å. In contrast, the (Nb, Ti)N precipitates were found to have a broader size range (5150 nm) and to have a fcc crystal structure with lattice parameter a = 8.09 ± 0.05 Å. While the NbC precipitates were found to be randomly oriented, the (Nb, Ti)N precipitates have a well-defined NishiyamaWasserman orientation relationship with the ferrite matrix. An analysis of the lattice mismatch suggests that the latter precipitates have a high potential for effective strengthening. Density functional theory calculations were performed for various stoichiometries of NbCx and NbxTiyNz phases and the comparison with experimental data indicates that both the carbides and nitrides are deficient in C and N content.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
Times cited: 58
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2011.08.012
|
|