“Current-voltage characteristics of armchair Sn nanoribbons”. van den Broek B, Houssa M, Pourtois G, Afanas'ev VV, Stesmans A, Physica status solidi: rapid research letters 8, 931 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1002/pssr.201400073
Abstract: Two-dimensional group-IV lattices silicene and germanene are known to share many of graphene's remarkable mechanical and electronic properties. Due to the out-of-plane buckling of the former materials, there are more means of electronic funtionalization, e.g. by applying uniaxial strain or an out-of-plane electric field. We consider monolayer hexagonal Sn (stanene) as an ideal candidate to feasibly implement and exploit graphene physics for nanoelectronic applications: with increased out-of-plane buckling and sizable spin-orbit coupling it lends itself to improved Dirac cone engineering. We investigate the ballistic charge transport regime of armchair Sn nanoribbons, classified according to the ribbon width W = {3m – 1, 3m, 3m + 1} with integer m. We study transport through (non-magnetic) armchair ribbons using a combination of density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's functions. Sn ribbons have earlier current onsets and carry currents 20% larger than C/Si/Ge-nanoribbons as the contact resistance of these ribbons is found to be comparable. ((c) 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.032
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1002/pssr.201400073
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“Strain engineering of the electronic properties of bilayer graphene quantum dots: Strain engineering of the electronic properties of bilayer graphene quantum dots”. Moldovan D, Peeters FM, Physica status solidi: rapid research letters 10, 39 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/pssr.201510228
Abstract: We study the effect of mechanical deformations on the elec- tronic properties of hexagonal flakes of bilayer graphene. The behavior of electrons induced by triaxial strain can be de- scribed by an effective pseudo-magnetic field which is homo- geneous in the center of the flake. We find that in-plane strain, applied to both layers equally, can break the layer symmetry leading to different behavior in the top and bottom layers of graphene. At low energy, just one of the layers feels
the pseudo-magnetic field: the zero-energy pseudo-Landau level is missing in the second layer, thus creating a gap be- tween the lowest non-zero levels. While the layer asymmetry is most significant at zero energy, interaction with the edges of the flake extends the effect to higher pseudo-Landau lev- els. The behavior of the top and bottom layers may be re- versed by rotating the triaxial strain by 60°.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.032
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1002/pssr.201510228
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“RRAMs based on anionic and cationic switching : a short overview”. Clima S, Sankaran K, Chen YY, Fantini A, Celano U, Belmonte A, Zhang L, Goux L, Govoreanu B, Degraeve R, Wouters DJ, Jurczak M, Vandervorst W, Gendt SD, Pourtois G;, Physica status solidi: rapid research letters 8, 501 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1002/pssr.201409054
Abstract: Resistive random access memories are emerging as a new type of memory that has the potential to combine both the speed of volatile and the retention of nonvolatile memories. It operates based on the formation/dissolution of a low-resistivity filament being constituted of either metallic ions or atomic vacancies within an insulating matrix. At present, the mechanisms and the parameters controlling the performances of the device remain unclear. In that respect, first-principles simulations provide useful insights on the atomistic mechanisms, the thermodynamic and kinetics factors that modulate the material conductivity, providing guidance into the engineering of the operation of the device. In this paper, we review the current state-of-the-art knowledge on the atomistic switching mechanisms driving the operation of copper-based conductive bridge RRAM and HfOx valence change RRAM. [GRAPHICS] Conceptual illustration of the RRAM device with the filament formation and disruption during its operation. AE/IM/CE are the active electrode/insulating matrix/counterelectrode. The blue circles represent the conducting defects. (C) 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.032
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1002/pssr.201409054
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“Substitutional phosphorus incorporation in nanocrystalline CVD diamond thin films”. Janssen W, Turner S, Sakr G, Jomard F, Barjon J, Degutis G, Lu YG, D'Haen J, Hardy A, Bael MV, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Haenen K, Physica status solidi: rapid research letters 8, 705 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1002/pssr.201409235
Abstract: Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films were produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and doped by the addition of phosphine to the gas mixture. The characterization of the films focused on probing the incorporation and distribution of the phosphorus (P) dopants. Electron microscopy evaluated the overall film morphology and revealed the interior structure of the nanosized grains. The homogeneous films with distinct diamond grains featured a notably low sp(2):sp(3)-ratio as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. High resolution spectroscopy methods demonstrated a homogeneous P-incorporation, both in-depth and in-plane. The P concentration in the films was determined to be in the order of 10(19) cm(-3) with a significant fraction integrated at substitutional donor sites. (C) 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.032
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1002/pssr.201409235
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“Stabilization of the Perovskite Phase in the Y-Bi-O System By Using a BaBiO3 Buffer Layer”. Bouwmeester RL, de Hond K, Gauquelin N, Verbeeck J, Koster G, Brinkman A, Physica Status Solidi-Rapid Research Letters 13, 1970028 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/pssr.201970028
Abstract: A topological insulating phase has theoretically been predicted for the thermodynamically unstable perovskite phase of YBiO3. Here, it is shown that the crystal structure of the Y-Bi-O system can be controlled by using a BaBiO3 buffer layer. The BaBiO3 film overcomes the large lattice mismatch with the SrTiO3 substrate by forming a rocksalt structure in between the two perovskite structures. Depositing an YBiO3 film directly on a SrTiO3 substrate gives a fluorite structure. However, when the Y–Bi–O system is deposited on top of the buffer layer with the correct crystal phase and comparable lattice constant, a single oriented perovskite structure with the expected lattice constants is observed.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.032
DOI: 10.1002/pssr.201970028
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“On the importance of the work function and electron carrier density of oxide electrodes for the functional properties of ferroelectric capacitors”. Wang J, Nguyen MD, Gauquelin N, Verbeeck J, Do MT, Koster G, Rijnders G, Houwman E, Physica Status Solidi-Rapid Research Letters 14, 1900520 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1002/PSSR.201900520
Abstract: It is important to understand the effect of the interfaces between the oxide electrode layers and the ferroelectric layer on the polarization response for optimizing the device performance of all-oxide ferroelectric devices. Herein, the effects of the oxide La0.07Ba0.93SnO3 (LBSO) as an electrode material in an PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT) ferroelectric capacitor are compared with those of the more commonly used SrRuO3 (SRO) electrode. SRO (top)/PZT/SRO (bottom), SRO/PZT/LBSO, and SRO/PZT/2 nm SRO/LBSO devices are fabricated. Only marginal differences in crystalline properties, determined by X-ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy, are found. High-quality polarization loops are obtained, but with a much larger coercive field for the SRO/PZT/LBSO device. In contrast to the SRO/PZT/SRO device, the polarization decreases strongly with increasing field cycling. This fatigue problem can be remedied by inserting a 2 nm SRO layer between PZT and LBSO. It is argued that strongly increased charge injection into the PZT occurs at the bottom interface, because of the low PZT/LBSO interfacial barrier and the much lower carrier density in LBSO, as compared with that in SRO, causing a low dielectric constant, depleted layer in LBSO. The charge injection creates a trapped space charge in the PZT, causing the difference in fatigue behavior.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.8
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1002/PSSR.201900520
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“Ovonic threshold-switching GexSey chalcogenide materials : stoichiometry, trap nature, and material relaxation from first principles”. Clima S, Garbin D, Opsomer K, Avasarala NS, Devulder W, Shlyakhov I, Keukelier J, Donadio GL, Witters T, Kundu S, Govoreanu B, Goux L, Detavernier C, Afanas'ev V, Kar GS, Pourtois G, Physica Status Solidi-Rapid Research Letters , 1900672 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1002/PSSR.201900672
Abstract: Density functional theory simulations are used to identify the structural factors that define the material properties of ovonic threshold switches (OTS). They show that the nature of mobility-gap trap states in amorphous Ge-rich Ge50Se50 is related to Ge-Ge bonds, whereas in Se-rich Ge30Se70 the Ge valence-alternating-pairs and Se lone-pairs dominate. To obtain a faithful description of the electronic structure and delocalization of states, it is required to combine hybrid exchange-correlation functionals with large unit-cell models. The extent of localization of electronic states depends on the applied external electric field. Hence, OTS materials undergo structural changes during electrical cycling of the device, with a decrease in the population of less exothermic Ge-Ge bonds in favor of more exothermic Ge-Se. This reduces the amount of charge traps, which translates into coordination changes, an increase in mobility-gap, and subsequently changes in the selector-device electrical parameters. The threshold voltage drift process can be explained by natural evolution of the nonpreferred Ge-Ge bonds (or “chains”/clusters thereof) in Ge-rich GexSe1-x. The effect of extrinsic doping is shown for Si and N, which introduce strong covalent bonds into the system, increase both mobility-gap and crystallization temperature, and decrease the leakage current.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.8
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1002/PSSR.201900672
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“Stabilization of the perovskite phase in the Y-Bi-O system by using a BaBiO₃, buffer layer”. Bouwmeester RL, de Hond K, Gauquelin N, Verbeeck J, Koster G, Brinkman A, Physica status solidi: rapid research letters 13, 1800679 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/PSSR.201800679
Abstract: A topological insulating phase has theoretically been predicted for the thermodynamically unstable perovskite phase of YBiO3. Here, it is shown that the crystal structure of the Y-Bi-O system can be controlled by using a BaBiO3 buffer layer. The BaBiO3 film overcomes the large lattice mismatch of 12% with the SrTiO3 substrate by forming a rocksalt structure in between the two perovskite structures. Depositing an YBiO3 film directly on a SrTiO3 substrate gives a fluorite structure. However, when the Y-Bi-O system is deposited on top of the buffer layer with the correct crystal phase and comparable lattice constant, a single oriented perovskite structure with the expected lattice constants is observed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1002/PSSR.201800679
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“Long-Term Stability Control of CVD-Grown Monolayer MoS2”. Sar H, Ozden A, Demiroglu I, Sevik C, Perkgoz NK, Ay F, Physica status solidi: rapid research letters 13, 1800687 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/PSSR.201800687
Abstract: The structural stability of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) formations is of particular importance for their reliable device performance in nano-electronics and opto-electronics. Recent observations show that the CVD-grown TMD monolayers are likely to encounter stability problems such as cracking or fracturing when they are kept under ambient conditions. Here, two different growth configurations are investigated and a favorable growth geometry is proposed, which also sheds light onto the growth mechanism and provides a solution for the stability and fracture formation issues for TMDs specifically for MoS2 monolayers. It is shown that 18 months naturally and thermally aged MoS2 monolayer flakes grown using specifically developed conditions, retain their stability. To understand the mechanism of the structural deterioration, two possible effective mechanisms, S vacancy defects and growth-induced tensile stress, are assessed by the first principle calculations where the role of S vacancy defects in obtaining oxidation resistant MoS2 monolayer flakes is revealed to be rather more critical. Hence, these simulations, time-dependent observations and thermal aging experiments show that durability and stability of 2D MoS2 flakes can be controlled by CVD growth configuration.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
DOI: 10.1002/PSSR.201800687
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“Atomic resolution electron tomography: a dream?”.van Dyck D, Van Aert S, Croitoru M, International journal of materials research 97, 872 (2006). http://doi.org/10.3139/146.101314
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 0.681
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.3139/146.101314
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“Mixed (Sr1-xCax)33Bi24Al48O141 fullerenoids: the defect structure analysed by (S)TEM techniques”. Lebedev OI, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Snoeck GE, Retoux R, Boudin S, Hervieu M, International journal of materials research 97, 978 (2006). http://doi.org/10.3139/146.101328
Abstract: (Sr1-xCax)(33)Bi-24,partial derivative Al48O141+3 partial derivative/2 fullerenoid solid solutions have been synthesized and the effect of partial substitution of Sr by Ca has been characterized by (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, applying different imaging methods. Most of the defects commonly observed in face centered cubic compounds, have also been observed in (Sr1-xCax)(33)Bi24-partial derivative Al48O141+3 partial derivative/2. Based on purely geometrical and topological models, structural presentations for the coherent twin boundaries and stacking faults have been constructed on the basis of complex spherical “Al84O210” units. The results are compared to defects observed in the crystallite fullerite C-60.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.681
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.3139/146.101328
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“Control of the interfacial wettability to synthesize highly dispersed PtPd nanocrystals for efficient oxygen reduction reaction”. Wei H, Hu Z-Y, Xiao Y-X, Tian G, Ying J, Van Tendeloo G, Janiak C, Yang X-Y, Su B-L, Chemistry: an Asian journal 13, 1119 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/ASIA.201800191
Abstract: Highly dispersed PtPd bimetallic nanocrystals with enhanced catalytic activity and stability were prepared by adjusting the interfacial wettability of the reaction solution on a commercial carbon support. This approach holds great promise for the development of high-performance and low-cost catalysts for practical applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.083
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1002/ASIA.201800191
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“Hierarchical MoS2@TiO2 heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic performance and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution”. Dong Y, Chen S-Y, Lu Y, Xiao Y-X, Hu J, Wu S-M, Deng Z, Tian G, Chang G-G, Li J, Lenaerts S, Janiak C, Yang X-Y, Su B-L, Chemistry: an Asian journal 13, 1609 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/ASIA.201800359
Abstract: Hierarchical MoS2@TiO2 heterojunctions were synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method by using protonic titanate nanosheets as the precursor. The TiO2 nanosheets prevent the aggregation of MoS2 and promote the carrier transfer efficiency, and thus enhance the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activity of the nanostructured MoS2. The obtained MoS2@TiO2 has significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of rhodamineB (over 5.2times compared with pure MoS2) and acetone (over 2.8times compared with pure MoS2). MoS2@TiO2 is also beneficial for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution (26times compared with pure MoS2, based on the cathodic current density). This work offers a promising way to prevent the self-aggregation of MoS2 and provides a new insight for the design of heterojunctions for materials with lattice mismatches.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 4.083
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1002/ASIA.201800359
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“Characterisation of individual atmospheric particles within the Royal Museum of the Wawel Castle in Cracow, Poland”. Worobiec A, Stefaniak EA, Kontozova V, Samek L, Karaszkiewicz P, van Meel K, Van Grieken R, e-Preservation Science 3, 63 (2006)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
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“Composition of pigments on human bones found in excavations in Argentina studied with micro-Raman spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy”. Darchuk L, Stefaniak EA, Vázquez C, Palacios OM, Worobiec A, Van Grieken R, e-Preservation Science 6, 112 (2009)
Abstract: Results on analysis of prehistoric pigments from excavations and pigments on coloured child bones from North Patagonia, Argentina, are reported. To analyze their composition we used two micro-analytical techniques: micro- Raman spectrometry (MRS) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray micro-analysis (SEM/EDX). Most investigated excavated pigments show red or yellow ochres consistent with reddish or yellow minerals, such as á- and ã-goethite, haematite, erdite, haapalaite and jarosite. Raman spectra show also evidence of calcium oxalate monohydrate and calcite indicating lichen activity. Pigments covering human bones were identified as hematite and magnetite. This study allows us to infer that pigments found in excavation were employed for burial ceremonies, even though distances between excavated pigment archaeological site and buried remains are quite far, more than 50 km in a straight line.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
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“A cross-European analysis of the impact of electricity pricing on battery uptake in residential microgrids with photovoltaic units”. Saviuc I, Milis K, Peremans H, Van Passel S, Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems 9, 1080368 (2021). http://doi.org/10.13044/J.SDEWES.D8.0368
Abstract: As decentralized electricity generation is supporting grid development into the prosumer era, this paper investigates the economic viability of adding batteries to residential microgrids powered by photovoltaic units, under various electricity pricing schemes. Batteries bring the benefits of grid-stabilization and congestion relief, and they are also becoming cheaper. The problem identified is that the main grid effectively acts as a lossless storage system, especially under the net-metering scheme, whereas using a battery involves investment costs and energy losses. This mismatch is addressed by analysing residential microgrid projects under seven tariff designs, each in seven countries of the European Union, and compare the economic viability of photovoltaic systems with and without batteries. The findings show that the conditions most favourable to batteries are given by a capacity tariff scheme allowing price arbitrage. Based on these findings, the paper discusses possibilities for further support in order to bring the economic viability of microgrids with batteries on par with that of microgrids without batteries.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
DOI: 10.13044/J.SDEWES.D8.0368
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“Triple-Modal Imaging of Magnetically-Targeted Nanocapsules in Solid TumoursIn Vivo”. Bai J, Wang JT-W, Rubio N, Protti A, Heidari H, Elgogary R, Southern P, Al-Jamal W' T, Sosabowski J, Shah AM, Bals S, Pankhurst QA, Al-Jamal KT, Theranostics 6, 342 (2016). http://doi.org/10.7150/thno.11918
Abstract: Triple-modal imaging magnetic nanocapsules, encapsulating hydrophobic superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, are formulated and used to magnetically target solid tumours after intravenous administration in tumour-bearing mice. The engineered magnetic polymeric nanocapsules m-NCs are ~200 nm in size with negative Zeta potential and shown to be spherical in shape. The loading efficiency of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the m-NC was ~100%. Up to ~3- and ~2.2-fold increase in tumour uptake at 1 and 24 h was achieved, when a static magnetic field was applied to the tumour for 1 hour. m-NCs, with multiple imaging probes (e.g. indocyanine green, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and indium-111), were capable of triple-modal imaging (fluorescence/magnetic resonance/nuclear imaging) in vivo. Using triple-modal imaging is to overcome the intrinsic limitations of single modality imaging and provides complementary information on the spatial distribution of the nanocarrier within the tumour. The significant findings of this study could open up new research perspectives in using novel magnetically-responsive nanomaterials in magnetic-drug targeting combined with multi-modal imaging.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.712
Times cited: 54
DOI: 10.7150/thno.11918
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“The Split-operator technique for the study of spinorial wavepacket dynamics”. Chaves A, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Ferreira R, Communications in computational physics 17, 850 (2015). http://doi.org/10.4208/cicp.110914.281014a
Abstract: The split-operator technique for wave packet propagation in quantum systems is expanded here to the case of propagatingwave functions describing Schrodinger particles, namely, charge carriers in semiconductor nanostructures within the effective mass approximation, in the presence of Zeeman effect, as well as of Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions. We also demonstrate that simple modifications to the expanded technique allow us to calculate the time evolution of wave packets describing Dirac particles, which are relevant for the study of transport properties in graphene.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.004
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.4208/cicp.110914.281014a
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“Virtual archaeology of altered paintings : multiscale chemical imaging tools”. Janssens K, Legrand S, van der Snickt G, Vanmeert F, Elements 12, 39 (2016). http://doi.org/10.2113/GSELEMENTS.12.1.39
Abstract: Understanding how painted works of art were constructed, layer-by-layer, requires a range of macroscopic and microscopic X-ray and infrared-based analytical methods. Deconstructing complex assemblies of paints horizontally across a picture and vertically through it provides insight into the detailed production process of the art work and on the painting techniques and styles of its maker. The unwanted chemical transformations that some paint pigments undergo are also detectable; these changes can alter the paint's optical properties. Understanding the chemistry behind such paint degradation gives conservators vital clues to counter these effects and is an invaluable asset in protecting these cultural artefacts for future generations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.038
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.2113/GSELEMENTS.12.1.39
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“Fabrication and characterization of functionally graded Ni-Ti multilayer thin films”. Tian H, Schryvers D, Mohanchandra KP, Carman GP, van Humbeeck J, Functional materials letters 2, 61 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1142/S1793604709000570
Abstract: A functionally graded multilayer NiTi thin film was deposited on a SiO2/Si substrate by d.c. sputtering using a ramped heated NiTi alloy target. The stand-alone films were crystallized at 500°C in vacuum better than 10-7 Torr. Transmission electron microscopy micrographs taken along the film cross section show two distinct regions, thin and thick, with weak R and B2 phases, respectively. The film compositions along the thickness were measured and quantified using the standard-less EELSMODEL method. The film deposited during the initial thermal ramp (thin regions) displays an average of 54 at.% Ni while the film deposited at a more elevated target temperature (thick regions) shows about 51 at.% Ni.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.234
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1142/S1793604709000570
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“Microstructure and functional property changes in thin Ni-Ti wires heat teated by electric current: high energy X-ray and TEM investigations”. Malard B, Pilch J, Sittner P, Gartnerova V, Delville R, Schryvers D, Curfs C, Functional materials letters 2, 45 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1142/S1793604709000557
Abstract: High energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and mechanical testing were employed to investigate the evolution of microstructure, texture and functional superelastic properties of 0.1 mm thin as drawn NiTi wires subjected to a nonconventional heat treatment by controlled electric current (FTMT-EC method). As drawn NiTi wires were prestrained in tension and exposed to a sequence of short DC power pulses in the millisecond range. The annealing time in the FTMT-EC processing can be very short but the temperature and force could be very high compared to the conventional heat treatment of SMAs. It is shown that the heavily strained, partially amorphous microstructure of the as drawn NiTi wire transforms under the effect of the DC pulse and tensile stress into a wide range of annealed nanosized microstructures depending on the pulse time. The functional superelastic properties and microstructures of the FTMT-EC treated NiTi wire are comparable to those observed in straight annealed wires.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.234
Times cited: 21
DOI: 10.1142/S1793604709000557
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“Ni cluster formation in low temperature annealed Ni50.6Ti49.4”. Pourbabak S, Wang X, Van Dyck D, Verlinden B, Schryvers D, Functional materials letters 10, 1740005 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1142/S1793604717400057
Abstract: Various low temperature treatments of Ni50.6Ti49.4 have shown an unexpected effect on the martensitic start temperature. Periodic diffuse intensity distributions in reciprocal space indicate the formation of short pure Ni strings along the <111> directions in the B2 ordered lattice, precursing the formation of Ni4Ti3 precipitates formed at higher annealing temperatures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 1.234
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1142/S1793604717400057
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“Novel poly(butylene succinate) nanocomposites containing strontium hydroxyapatite nanorods with enhanced osteoconductivity for tissue engineering applications”. Nerantzaki M, Filippousi M, Van Tendeloo G, Terzopoulou Z, Bikiaris D, Goudouri OM, Detsch R, Grueenewald A, Boccaccini AR, Express polymer letters 9, 773 (2015). http://doi.org/10.3144/expresspolymlett.2015.73
Abstract: Three series of poly(butylene succinate) (PBSu) nanocomposites containing 0.5, 1 and 2.5 wt% strontium hydroxyapatite [Sr-5(PO4)(3)OH] nanorods (SrHAp nrds) were prepared by in situ polymerisation. The structural effects of Sr-5(PO4)(3)OH nanorods, for the different concentrations, inside the polymeric matrix (PBSu), were studied through high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). HAADF-STEM measurements revealed that the SrHAp nanorods at low concentrations are dispersed inside the polymeric PBSu matrix while in 1 wt% some aggregates are formed. These aggregations affect the mechanical properties giving an enhancement for the concentration of 0.5 wt% SrHAp nrds in tensile strength, while a reduction is recorded for higher loadings of the nanofiller. Studies on enzymatic hydrolysis revealed that all nanocomposites present higher hydrolysis rates than neat PBSu, indicating that nanorods accelerate the hydrolysis degradation process. In vitro bioactivity tests prove that SrHAp nrds promote the formation of hydroxyapatite on the PBSu surface. All nanocomposites were tested also in relevant cell culture using osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) to demonstrate their biocompatibility showing SrHAp nanorods support cell attachment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.983
Times cited: 21
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2015.73
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“MOTIFS : a monitoring tool for integrated farm sustainability”. Meul M, Van Passel S, Nevens F, Dessein J, Rogge E, Mulier A, Van Hauwermeiren A, Agronomy For Sustainable Development 28, 321 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1051/AGRO:2008001
Abstract: Indicator-based monitoring tools are frequently applied for sustainability assessments, also in agriculture. However, many indicators focus on a rather restricted number of sustainability aspects such as economy or ecology. Moreover the choice of the indicator is rarely explained. The aim of our study was to develop an indicator-based monitoring tool for integrated farm sustainability – i.e. taking into account economic and ecological and social aspects – based on a supported vision of sustainable agriculture and using a set of relevant indicators. Hereby, specific attention was paid to aspects of communication and user-friendliness. Four methodological steps were considered: (i) translating the major principles of a supported vision of sustainable Flemish agriculture into concrete and relevant themes; (ii) designing indicators to monitor progress towards sustainability for each of those themes; (iii) aggregating the indicators into an integrated farm sustainability monitoring tool and (iv) applying the monitoring tool on a practical farm, as a first attempt at end-use validation. Stakeholder participation and expert consulting played an important part in each of these methodological steps. As a case study, the methodology was applied to Flemish dairy farms. As a result, we developed MOTIFS, a user-friendly and strongly communicative indicator-based monitoring tool that allows the measurement of progress towards integrated sustainable dairy farming systems and fits within a well-founded methodological framework. MOTIFS is based on the equality of the economic, ecological and social sustainability dimensions, and this equality is inherently built into the system. Through the applied methodology, we founded the selected themes and indicators and we avoided using indicators that are not relevant to the problem at hand.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics
Impact Factor: 4.101
Times cited: 97
DOI: 10.1051/AGRO:2008001
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“Higher sustainability performance of intensive grazing versus zero-grazing dairy systems”. Meul M, Van Passel S, Fremaut D, Haesaert G, Agronomy For Sustainable Development 32, 629 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1007/S13593-011-0074-5
Abstract: Although grazing of dairy cows is an integral part of dairy farming in many European countries, farmers today more often choose for zero-grazing systems, where cows are housed throughout the year. Some studies already compared grazing and zero-grazing systems for specific issues such as labor efficiency, environmental impact, or animal welfare. In our study, we perform a more integrated evaluation, considering relevant ecological, economic, and social aspects. This allows for a balanced and more complete comparison of the sustainability performance of the two production methods. We evaluated ten intensive grazing and ten zero-grazing specialized Flemish dairy farms on the use of nutrients and energy, productivity and profitability, labor input, and animal welfare. In addition, we put special effort in formulating useful management advice for farmers. Therefore, we combined a detailed analysis of the sustainability indicators with an intensive interaction and discussion with farmers and farm advisors. Results show that, on average, the zero-grazing farms performed significantly worse from an ecological and economic point of view. This fact is explained mainly due to a less efficient use of concentrates and byproducts. Social sustainability performance did not differ significantly between the two groups. As a result, the integrated sustainability performance was significantly lower for the zero-grazing group. This finding shows that a further shift from intensive grazing to zero-grazing can move dairy farming in Flanders further away from sustainability. An important advice to improve the ecological and economic performance of zero-grazing farms is to optimize cows' rations to include more forages and optimize forage production and use. More detailed site- and case-specific management advice for farmers of both groups was provided during a discussion meeting. We consider this an essential additional step to any sustainability evaluation, since progress can only be made when monitoring results are translated into practical measures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.101
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1007/S13593-011-0074-5
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“In vitro and ex vivo assessment of microporous Faujasite zeolite (NaX-FAU) as a carrier for the oral delivery of danazol”. Kontogiannidou E, Karavasili C, Kouskoura MG, Filippousi M, Van Tendeloo G, Andreadis II, Eleftheriadis GK, Kontopoulou I, Markopoulou CK, Bouropoulos N, Fatouros DG, Journal of drug delivery science and technology 51, 177 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JDDST.2019.02.036
Abstract: Microporous zeolite NaX-FAU has been systemically evaluated for the oral delivery of the poorly water-soluble compound danazol. For this purpose, danazol-loaded zeolitic particles were prepared by the incipient wetness method and were characterized by means of N-2 physisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The zeolitic formulation shows a high drug payload and drug stability over a period of six months under accelerated storage conditions. The dissolution profile of danazol-loaded zeolitic particles was assessed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) pH 1.2; fasted state simulated intestinal fluids (FaSSIF) and fed state simulated intestinal fluid (FeSSIF) showing a gradual and increasing drug dissolution in the different media. Ex vivo studies using the everted gut sac model show an increased drug transport across rat intestinal epithelium when loaded in the zeolitic particles. Our results suggest that microporous Faujasite zeolite (NaX-FAU) could be used as a drug delivery system to facilitate the oral delivery of poorly water soluble compounds.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.194
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/J.JDDST.2019.02.036
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“A simplified protocol for usage of new immuno-SERS probes for detection of casein, collagens and ovalbumin in cross-sections of artworks”. Hrdlickova Kuckova S, Hamidi-Asl E, Sofer Z, Marvan P, De Wael K, Sanyova J, Janssens K, Analytical methods 10, 1054 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7AY01864A
Abstract: Although it is now relatively straightforward to identify protein binders in works of art, their proper localization within the corresponding layer still represents a significant analytical challenge. Until now, the identification of proteins has mainly been performed by peptide mass fingerprinting using mass spectrometric methods and their localization in polished paint cross-sections have been realized by optical microscopy via the use of fluorescent stain Sypro Ruby (SR). In this work we propose a simplified protocol for immuno-surface enhanced Raman scattering (immuno-SERS) using gold nanoparticles attached to biphenyl-4,4-dithiol (BPDT) as the SERS-nanotag. These nanoparticles are easily obtainable in the lab and have been used to label multilayered mock up samples prepared as cross-sections to estimate the detection limits of the suggested method. The layers contain egg, casein, and different animal glues binders (prepared in various ratios with linseed oil or a carbohydrate component) mixed with the pigments azurite, vermilion and chalk. The sensitivity of staining agent SR is compared to that of the immuno-SERS protocol for the first time.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.9
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1039/C7AY01864A
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“A XANES study of chromophores : the case of black glass”. Ceglia A, Nuyts G, Cagno S, Meulebroeck W, Baert K, Cosyns P, Nys K, Thienpont H, Janssens K, Terryn H, Analytical methods 6, 2662 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/C3AY42029A
Abstract: We studied the Fe K-edge X-ray absorption near edge (XANES) spectra of several Roman black glass fragments in order to determine the Fe3+/ΣFe ratio of these materials. The selected archaeological glass samples cover the period 1st5th century AD in nine different sites of the North Western provinces of the Roman Empire. The fragments belong to two different compositional groups demonstrating a diachronic evolution: early Roman HMG (High Magnesia Glass) and Roman Imperial LMG (Low Magnesia Glass). The first group contains natural Fe levels (below 2 wt% as Fe2O3), while the LMG has concentrations above 5 wt%. This difference is also reflected by Fe3+/ΣFe values. Low iron glass was produced under strongly reducing conditions in order to obtain the black colour, with average Fe3+/ΣFe values ≈ 0.17. LMG glass is somewhat more oxidised (Fe3+/ΣFe ≈ 0.40.5). While HMG glass required active control of the furnace environment, LMG was made under ambient atmosphere and its higher oxidation degree is mainly determined by the chemistry of the raw glass.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.9
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY42029A
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“Graphane”. Sahin H, Leenaerts O, Singh SK, Peeters FM, Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Computational Molecular Science 5, 255 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1002/wcms.1216
Abstract: Atomically thin crystals have recently been the focus of attention, in particular, after the synthesis of graphene, a monolayer hexagonal crystal structure of carbon. In this novel material class, the chemically derived graphenes have attracted tremendous interest. It was shown that, although bulk graphite is a chemically inert material, the surface of single layer graphene is rather reactive against individual atoms. So far, synthesis of several graphene derivatives have been reported such as hydrogenated graphene graphane' (CH), fluorographene (CF), and chlorographene (CCl). Moreover, the stability of bromine and iodine covered graphene were predicted using computational tools. Among these derivatives, easy synthesis, insulating electronic behavior and reversibly tunable crystal structure of graphane make this material special for future ultra-thin device applications. This overview surveys structural, electronic, magnetic, vibrational, and mechanical properties of graphane. We also present a detailed overview of research efforts devoted to the computational modeling of graphane and its derivatives. Furthermore recent progress in synthesis techniques and possible applications of graphane are reviewed as well. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2015, 5:255-272. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1216 For further resources related to this article, please visit the . Conflict of interest: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 14.016
Times cited: 54
DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1216
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“Computing optical properties of ultra-thin crystals”. Sahin H, Torun E, Bacaksiz C, Horzum S, Kang J, Senger RT, Peeters FM, Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Computational Molecular Science 6, 351 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1002/wcms.1252
Abstract: An overview is given of recent advances in experimental and theoretical understanding of optical properties of ultra-thin crystal structures (graphene, phosphorene, silicene, MoS2 , MoSe2, WS2, WSe2, h-AlN, h-BN, fluorographene, and graphane). Ultra-thin crystals are atomically thick-layered crystals that have unique properties which differ from their 3D counterpart. Because of the difficulties in the synthesis of few-atom-thick crystal structures, which are thought to be the main building blocks of future nanotechnology, reliable theoretical predictions of their electronic, vibrational, and optical properties are of great importance. Recent studies revealed the reliable predictive power of existing theoretical approaches based on density functional theory. (C) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2016, 6:351-368. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1252 For further resources related to this article, please visit the .
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 14.016
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1252
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