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Author Lak, A.; Cassani, M.; Mai, B.T.; Winckelmans, N.; Cabrera, D.; Sadrollahi, E.; Marras, S.; Remmer, H.; Fiorito, S.; Cremades-Jimeno, L.; Litterst, F.J.; Ludwig, F.; Manna, L.; Teran, F.J.; Bals, S.; Pellegrino, T. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Fe2+Deficiencies, FeO Subdomains, and Structural Defects Favor Magnetic Hyperthermia Performance of Iron Oxide Nanocubes into Intracellular Environment Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 18 Issue (down) 18 Pages 6856-6866  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Herein, by studying a stepwise phase transformation of 23 nm FeO-Fe3O4 core-shell nanocubes into Fe3O4, we identify a composition at which the magnetic heating performance of the nanocubes is not affected by the medium viscosity and aggregation. Structural and magnetic characterizations reveal the transformation of the FeO-Fe3O4 nanocubes from having stoichiometric phase compositions into Fe2+ deficient Fe3O4 phases. The resultant nanocubes contain tiny compressed and randomly distributed FeO sub-domains as well as structural defects. This phase transformation causes a tenfold increase in the magnetic losses of the nanocubes, which remains exceptionally insensitive to the medium viscosity as well as aggregation unlike similarly sized single-phase magnetite nanocubes. We observe that the dominant relaxation mechanism switches from Néel in fresh core-shell nanocubes to Brownian in partially oxidized nanocubes and once again to Néel in completely treated nanocubes. The Fe2+ deficiencies and structural defects appear to reduce the magnetic energy barrier and anisotropy field, thereby driving the overall relaxation into Néel process. The magnetic losses of the particles remain unchanged through a progressive internalization/association to ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the particles induce a significant cell death after being exposed to hyperthermia treatment. Here, we present the largest heating performance that has been reported to date for 23 nm iron oxide nanoparticles under cellular and intracellular conditions. Our findings clearly demonstrate the positive impacts of the Fe2+ deficiencies and structural defects in the Fe3O4 structure on the heating performance under cellular and intracellular conditions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000451102100028 Publication Date 2018-11-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 51 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work is partially funded by the European Research Council (starting grant ICARO, Contract No. 678109 and COLOURATOM-335078), Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MAT2016-81955-REDT, SEV-2016-0686, MAT2017-85617-R) Comunidad de Madrid (NANOFRONTMAG-CM, S2013/MIT-2850), the European COST Action TD1402 (RADIOMAG), and Ramon y Cajal subprogram (RYC-2011-09617). Financial support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG Priority Program 1681 (LU800/4-3). S.B. and N.W. acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through Project funding G038116N. A.L. acknowledges the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow funding. Mr Emilio J. Artés from the Advanced Instrumentation Unit (iMdea Nanociencia) is acknowledged for his technical assistance. L. M acknowledges the predoctoral fellowship funded from Comunidad de Madrid (PEJD-2017-PRE/IND-4189). Authors thank Tiziano Catelani and Doriana Debellis for the preparation of TEM cell samples (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 12.712  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:155439UA @ admin @ c:irua:155439 Serial 5072  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Yang, S.; An, H.; Anastasiadou, D.; Xu, W.; Wu, L.; Wang, H.; de Ruiter, J.; Arnouts, S.; Figueiredo, M.C.; Bals, S.; Altantzis, T.; van der Stam, W.; Weckhuysen, B.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Waste-derived copper-lead electrocatalysts for CO₂ reduction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication ChemCatChem Abbreviated Journal Chemcatchem  
  Volume 14 Issue (down) 18 Pages e202200754-11  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract It remains a real challenge to control the selectivity of the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (eCO(2)R) reaction to valuable chemicals and fuels. Most of the electrocatalysts are made of non-renewable metal resources, which hampers their large-scale implementation. Here, we report the preparation of bimetallic copper-lead (CuPb) electrocatalysts from industrial metallurgical waste. The metal ions were extracted from the metallurgical waste through simple chemical treatment with ammonium chloride, and CuxPby electrocatalysts with tunable compositions were fabricated through electrodeposition at varying cathodic potentials. X-ray spectroscopy techniques showed that the pristine electrocatalysts consist of Cu-0, Cu1+ and Pb2+ domains, and no evidence for alloy formation was found. We found a volcano-shape relationship between eCO(2)R selectivity toward two electron products, such as CO, and the elemental ratio of Cu and Pb. A maximum Faradaic efficiency towards CO was found for Cu9.00Pb1.00, which was four times higher than that of pure Cu, under the same electrocatalytic conditions. In situ Raman spectroscopy revealed that the optimal amount of Pb effectively improved the reducibility of the pristine Cu1+ and Pb2+ domains to metallic Cu and Pb, which boosted the selectivity towards CO by synergistic effects. This work provides a framework of thinking to design and tune the selectivity of bimetallic electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction through valorization of metallurgical waste.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000853941300001 Publication Date 2022-06-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1867-3880; 1867-3899 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.5 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes S.Y and B.M.W. acknowledge support from the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020 (SOCRATES-721385; project website: http://etn-socrates.eu/). W.v.d.S., M.C.F. and B.M.W. acknowledge support from the Strategic UU-TU/e Alliance project 'Joint Centre for Chemergy Research'. S.B. acknowledges support from the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant #815128 REALNANO). S.A. and T.A. acknowledge funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). The Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (1W1B, BSRF) is acknowledged for the beamtime. We are grateful to Annelies van der Bok and Bas Salzmann (Condensed Matter and Interfaces, Utrecht University, UU) for the support with the ICP-OES measurements. The authors thank dr. Robin Geitenbeek, Nikos Nikolopoulos, Ioannis Nikolopoulos, Jochem Wijten and Joris Janssens (Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, UU) for helpful discussions and technical support. The authors also thank Yuang Piao (Materials Chemistry and Catalysis, UU) for the help in the preparation of the figures of the article. Approved Most recent IF: 4.5  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190703 Serial 7226  
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Author Alania, M.; Altantzis, T.; De Backer, A.; Lobato, I.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Depth sectioning combined with atom-counting in HAADF STEM to retrieve the 3D atomic structure Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 177 Issue (down) 177 Pages 36-42  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Aberration correction in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) has greatly improved the lateral and depth resolution. When using depth sectioning, a technique during which a series of images is recorded at different defocus values, single impurity atoms can be visualised in three dimensions. In this paper, we investigate new possibilities emerging when combining depth sectioning and precise atom-counting in order to reconstruct nanosized particles in three dimensions. Although the depth resolution does not allow one to precisely locate each atom within an atomic column, it will be shown that the depth location of an atomic column as a whole can be measured precisely. In this manner, the morphology of a nanoparticle can be reconstructed in three dimensions. This will be demonstrated using simulations and experimental data of a gold nanorod.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000401219800006 Publication Date 2016-11-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 13 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative. Reference No. 312483-ESTEEM2. S. Bals acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (Starting Grant No. COLOURATOMS 335078). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0374.13N, G.0369.15N and G.0368.15N) and a post-doctoral grant to A. De Backer and T. Altantzis. The authors are grateful to Professor Luis M. Liz-Marzán for providing the sample.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:138015UA @ admin @ c:irua:138015 Serial 4316  
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Author Sheng, X.; Daems, N.; Geboes, B.; Kurttepeli, M.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T.; Hubin, A.; Vankelecom, I.F.J.; Pescarmona, P.P. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title N-doped ordered mesoporous carbons prepared by a two-step nanocasting strategy as highly active and selective electrocatalysts for the reduction of O2 to H2O2 Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ  
  Volume 176-177 Issue (down) 176-177 Pages 212-224  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract A new, two-step nanocasting method was developed to prepare N-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (NOMC) electrocatalysts for the reduction of O2 to H2O2. Our strategy involves the sequential pyrolysis of two inexpensive and readily available N and C precursors, i.e. aniline and dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN), inside the pores of a SBA-15 hard silica template to obtain N-doped graphitic carbon materials with well-ordered pores and high surface areas (764 and 877 m2g−1). By tuning the ratio of carbon sources to silica template, it was possible to achieve an optimal filling of the pores of the SBA-15 silica and to minimise carbon species outside the pores. These NOMC materials displayed outstanding electrocatalytic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction, achieving a remarkably enhanced kinetic current density compared to state-of-the-art N-doped carbon materials (−16.7 mA cm−2 at −0.35 V vs. Ag/AgCl in a 0.1 M KOH solution as electrolyte). The NOMC electrocatalysts showed high selectivity toward the two-electron reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide and excellent long-term stability.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000356549200022 Publication Date 2015-04-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0926-3373; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.446 Times cited 111 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.446; 2015 IF: 7.435  
  Call Number c:irua:125370 Serial 2246  
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Author Zhuge, X.; Jinnai, H.; Dunin-Borkowski, R.E.; Migunov, V.; Bals, S.; Cool, P.; Bons, A.-J.; Batenburg, K.J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Automated discrete electron tomography – Towards routine high-fidelity reconstruction of nanomaterials Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 175 Issue (down) 175 Pages 87-96  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)  
  Abstract Electron tomography is an essential imaging technique for the investigation of morphology and 3D structure of nanomaterials. This method, however, suffers from well-known missing wedge artifacts due to a restricted tilt range, which limits the objectiveness, repeatability and efficiency of quantitative structural analysis. Discrete tomography represents one of the promising reconstruction techniques for materials science, potentially capable of delivering higher fidelity reconstructions by exploiting the prior knowledge of the limited number of material compositions in a specimen. However, the application of discrete tomography to practical datasets remains a difficult task due to the underlying challenging mathematical problem. In practice, it is often hard to obtain consistent reconstructions from experimental datasets. In addition, numerous parameters need to be tuned manually, which can lead to bias and non-repeatability. In this paper, we present the application of a new

iterative reconstruction technique, named TVR-DART, for discrete electron tomography. The technique is capable of consistently delivering reconstructions with significantly reduced missing wedge artifacts for a variety of challenging data and imaging conditions, and can automatically estimate its key parameters. We describe the principles of the technique and apply it to datasets from three different types of samples acquired under diverse imaging modes. By further reducing the available tilt range and number of projections, we show that the

proposed technique can still produce consistent reconstructions with minimized missing wedge artifacts. This new development promises to provide the electron microscopy community with an easy-to-use and robust tool for high-fidelity 3D characterization of nanomaterials.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000403342500008 Publication Date 2017-01-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 22 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work has been supported in part by the Stichting voor de Technische Wetenschappen (STW) through a personal grant (Veni,13610), and was in part by ExxonMobil Chemical Europe Inc. The authors further acknowledge financial support from the University of Antwerp through BOF GOA funding. S.B. acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). R.D.B. is grateful for funding from the European Research Council under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013)/ ERC grant agreement number 320832. Thomas Altantzis is gratefully acknowledged for acquiring the Anatase nanosheets dataset. (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); saraecas; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:141218UA @ admin @ c:irua:141218 Serial 4485  
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Author Zhong, Z.; Goris, B.; Schoenmakers, R.; Bals, S.; Batenburg, K.J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title A bimodal tomographic reconstruction technique combining EDS-STEM and HAADF-STEM Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 174 Issue (down) 174 Pages 35-45  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A three-dimensional (3D) chemical characterization of nanomaterials can be obtained using tomography based on high angle annular dark field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) or energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) STEM. These two complementary techniques have both advantages and disadvantages. The Z-contrast images have good image quality but lack robustness in the compositional analysis, while the elemental maps give more element-specific information, but at a low signal-to-noise ratio and a longer exposure time. Our aim is to combine these two types of complementary information in one single tomographic reconstruction process. Therefore, an imaging model is proposed combining both HAADF-STEM

and EDS-STEM. Based on this model, the elemental distributions can be reconstructed using both types of information simultaneously during the reconstruction process. The performance of the new technique is evaluated using simulated data and real experimental data. The results demonstrate that combining two imaging modalities leads to tomographic reconstructions with suppressed noise and enhanced contrast.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000403342200005 Publication Date 2016-12-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 26 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This research is supported by the Dutch Technology Foundation STW (http://www.stw.nl/), which is part of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), and which is partly funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation under project number 13314. It is also supported by the Flemish research foundation (FWO Vlaanderen) by project funding (G038116N) and a postdoctoral research grant to B.G. Funding from the European Research Council (Starting Grant No. COLOURATOMS 335078) is acknowledged by S.B. The authors would like to thank Dr. Bernd Rieger and Dr. Richard Aveyard for useful discussions, and Prof. Dr. Luis M. Liz-Marzan for providing the investigated samples. We also acknowledge COST Action MP1207 for networking support. (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); saraecas; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:141719UA @ admin @ c:irua:141719 Serial 4484  
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Author Goris, B.; Meledina, M.; Turner, S.; Zhong, Z.; Batenburg, K.J.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Three dimensional mapping of Fe dopants in ceria nanocrystals using direct spectroscopic electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 171 Issue (down) 171 Pages 55-62  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Electron tomography is a powerful technique for the 3D characterization of the morphology of nanostructures. Nevertheless, resolving the chemical composition of complex nanostructures in 3D remains challenging and the number of studies in which electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) is combined with tomography is limited. During the last decade, dedicated reconstruction algorithms have been developed for HAADF-STEM tomography using prior knowledge about the investigated sample. Here, we will use the prior knowledge that the experimental spectrum of each reconstructed voxel is a linear combination of a well-known set of references spectra in a so-called direct spectroscopic tomography technique. Based on a simulation experiment, it is shown that this technique provides superior results in comparison to conventional reconstruction methods for spectroscopic data, especially for spectrum images containing a relatively low signal to noise ratio. Next, this technique is used to investigate the spatial distribution of Fe dopants in Fe:Ceria nanoparticles in 3D. It is shown that the presence of the Fe2+ dopants is correlated with a reduction of the Ce atoms from Ce4+ towards Ce3+. In addition, it is demonstrated that most of the Fe dopants are located near the voids inside the nanoparticle.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000389106200007 Publication Date 2016-09-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 13 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The work was supported by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen) by project funding (G038116N, 3G004613) and by a post-doctoral research grants to B.G. S.B. acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (Starting Grant no. COLOURATOMS 335078). K.J.B. acknowledges funding from The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) (program 639.072.005.). We would like to thank Dr. Hilde Poelman, Dr. Vladimir Galvita and Prof. Dr. Guy B. Marin for the synthesis of the investigated sample.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number c:irua:135185 c:irua:135185 Serial 4123  
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Author Li, Z.Z.; Raffy, H.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Megtert, S. doi  openurl
  Title Interplay of doping and structural modulation in superconducting Bi2Sr2-xLaxCuO6+\delta thin films Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2005 Publication Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev B  
  Volume 71 Issue (down) 17 Pages 174503,1-7  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract We have studied the evolution of the structural modulation in epitaxial, c-axis-oriented, Bi2Sr2-xLaCuO6+delta thin films when varying the La content x and for a given x as a function of oxygen content. A series of thin films with 0 <= x <= 0.8 has been prepared in situ by rf-magnetron sputtering and characterized by R(T) measurements, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction techniques. The oxygen content of each individual film was varied by thermal annealing across the phase diagram. The evolution of the structural modulation has been thoroughly studied by x-ray diffraction in determining the variation of the amplitude of satellite reflections in special two axes 2 theta/theta-theta scans (reciprocal space scans). It is shown that the amplitude of the modulation along the c axis decreases strongly when x increases from 0 to 0.2. It is demonstrated that this variation is essentially governed by La content x and that changing the oxygen content by thermal treatments has a much lower influence, even becoming negligible for x > 0.2. Such study is important to understand the electronical properties of Bi2Sr2-xLaxCuO6+gamma thin films.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Lancaster, Pa Editor  
  Language Wos 000229935000092 Publication Date 2005-05-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1098-0121;1550-235X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.836 Times cited 11 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.836; 2005 IF: 3.185  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:54746 Serial 1707  
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Author De Schouwer, F.; Claes, L.; Claes, N.; Bals, S.; Degrève, J.; De Vos, D.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Pd-catalyzed decarboxylation of glutamic acid and pyroglutamic acid to bio-based 2-pyrrolidone Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Green chemistry : cutting-edge research for a greener sustainable future Abbreviated Journal Green Chem  
  Volume 17 Issue (down) 17 Pages 2263-2270  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In order to recycle nitrogen from nitrogen-rich waste streams, particularly protein waste, we studied the decarboxylation of pyroglutamic acid and glutamic acid in a one-pot reaction to bio-based 2-pyrrolidone. After the screening of a wide range of supported Pd and Pt catalysts, 5 wt% Pd/Al2O3 displayed the highest yield (70%) and selectivity (81%) for the decarboxylation of pyroglutamic acid in water at 250 °C and under an inert atmosphere. Side products originate from consecutive reactions of 2-pyrrolidone; different reaction pathways are proposed to explain the presence of degradation products like propionic acid, γ-hydroxybutyric acid, γ-butyrolactone and methylamine. An extensive study of the reaction parameters was performed to check their influence on selectivity and conversion. This heterogeneous catalytic system was successfully extended to the conversion of glutamic acid.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication London Editor  
  Language Wos 000352724200027 Publication Date 2015-02-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1463-9262;1463-9270; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.125 Times cited 47 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.125; 2015 IF: 8.020  
  Call Number c:irua:125378 Serial 2564  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pietra, F.; van Dijk-Moes, R.J.A.; Ke, X.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; de Mello Donega, C.; Vanmaekelbergh, D. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Synthesis of highly luminescent silica-coated CdSe/CdS nanorods Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 25 Issue (down) 17 Pages 3427-3434  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract CdSe(core)/CdS(shell) nanorods (NRs) have been extensively investigated for their unique optical properties, such as high photoluminescence (PL) quantum efficiency (QE) and polarized light emission. The incorporation of these NRs in silica (SiO2) is of high interest, since this renders them processable in polar solvents while increasing their photochemical stability, which would be beneficial for their application in LEDs and as biolabels. We report the synthesis of highly luminescent silica-coated CdSe/CdS NRs, by using the reverse micelle method. The mechanism for the encapsulation of the NRs in silica is unravelled and shown to be strongly influenced by the NR shape and its asymmetry. This is attributed to both the different morphology and the different crystallographic nature of the facets terminating the opposite tips of the NRs. These results lead to the formation of a novel class of NR architectures, whose symmetry can be controlled by tuning the degree of coverage of the silica shell. Interestingly, the encapsulation of the NRs in silica leads to a remarkable increase in their photostability, while preserving their optical properties.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor  
  Language Wos 000330097900004 Publication Date 2013-08-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 46 Open Access  
  Notes 262348 ESMI; 246791 COUNTATOMS; Hercules Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2013 IF: 8.535  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:110037 Serial 3456  
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Author Kumar, A.; Kundu, S.; Samantaray, D.; Kundu, P.; Zanaga, D.; Bals, S.; Ravishankar, N. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Designing diameter-modulated heterostructure nanowires of PbTe/Te by controlled dewetting Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 17 Issue (down) 17 Pages 7226-7233  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('Heterostructures consisting of semiconductors with controlled morphology and interfaces find applications in many fields. A range of axial, radial, and diameter-modulated nanostructures have been synthesized primarily using vapor phase methods. Here, we present a simple wet chemical routine to synthesize heterostructures of PbTe/Te using Te nanowires as templates. A morphology evolution study for the formation of these heterostructures has been performed. On the basis of these control experiments, a pathway for the formation of these nanostructures is proposed. Reduction of a Pb precursor to Pb on Te nanowire templates followed by interdiffusion of Pb/Te leads to the formation of a thin shell of PbTe on the Te wires. Controlled dewetting of the thin shell leads to the formation of cube-shaped PbTe that is periodically arranged on the Te wires. Using control experiments, we show that different reactions parameters like rate of addition of the reducing agent, concentration of Pb precursor and thickness of initial Te nanowire play a critical role in controlling the spacing between the PbTe cubes on the Te wires. Using simple surface energy arguments, we propose a mechanism for the formation of the hybrid. The principles presented are general and can be exploited for the synthesis of other nanoscale heterostructures.'));  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington Editor  
  Language Wos 000418393300009 Publication Date 2017-11-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; N.R acknowledges financial support from SERB, DST, Government of India. The authors acknowledge the electron microscopy facilities at the Advanced Facility for Microscopy and Microanalysis, IISc. S.B., P.K., and D.Z. acknowledge ERC Starting Grant 335078 COLOURATOMS for financial support. ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 12.712  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:148557UA @ admin @ c:irua:148557 Serial 4870  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Paul, S.; Bladt, E.; Richter, A.F.; Döblinger, M.; Tong, Y.; Huang, H.; Dey, A.; Bals, S.; Debnath, T.; Polavarapu, L.; Feldmann, J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Manganese‐Doping‐Induced Quantum Confinement within Host Perovskite Nanocrystals through Ruddlesden–Popper Defects Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Angewandte Chemie-International Edition Abbreviated Journal Angew Chem Int Edit  
  Volume 59 Issue (down) 17 Pages 6794-6799  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The concept of doping Mn2+ ions into II–VI semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) was recently extended to perovskite NCs. To date, most studies on Mn2+ doped NCs focus on enhancing the emission related to the Mn2+ dopant via an energy transfer mechanism. Herein, we found that the doping of Mn2+ ions into CsPbCl3 NCs not only results in a Mn2+‐related orange emission, but also strongly influences the excitonic properties of the host NCs. We observe for the first time that Mn2+ doping leads to the formation of Ruddlesden–Popper (R.P.) defects and thus induces quantum confinement within the host NCs. We find that a slight doping with Mn2+ ions improves the size distribution of the NCs, which results in a prominent excitonic peak. However, with increasing the Mn2+ concentration, the number of R.P. planes increases leading to smaller single‐crystal domains. The thus enhanced confinement and crystal inhomogeneity cause a gradual blue shift and broadening of the excitonic transition, respectively.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000525279800024 Publication Date 2020-04-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1433-7851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited 64 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, EXC 2089/1-390776260 ; H2020 European Research Council, 815128-REALNANO ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, 839042 731019 ; Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung; We acknowledge financial support by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science, Research, and Arts through the grant “Solar Technologies go Hybrid (SolTech)”, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germanys Excellence Strategy—EXC 2089/1‐390776260 (“e‐conversion”), the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (A.D. and T.D.), the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska‐Curie grant agreement No. 839042 (H.H.). E.B. acknowledges a postdoctoral grant 12T2719N from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium). E.B. and S.B. acknowledge the financial support from the European Research Council ERC Consolidator Grants #815128‐REALNANO. L.P. thanks the EU Infrastructure Project EUSMI (European Union's Horizon 2020, grant No 731019). We thank local research center “Center for NanoScience (CeNS)” for providing communicative networking structure. We acknowledge the funding of Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM) for color figures.; sygma Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2020 IF: 11.994  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:168535 Serial 6399  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Salzmann, B.B.V.; Vliem, J.F.; Maaskant, D.N.; Post, L.C.; Li, C.; Bals, S.; Vanmaekelbergh, D. url  doi
openurl 
  Title From CdSe nanoplatelets to quantum rings by thermochemical edge reconfiguration Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemistry Of Materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 33 Issue (down) 17 Pages 6853-6859  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The variation in the shape of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) remains intriguing. This interest goes beyond crystallography as the shape of the NC determines its energy levels and optoelectronic properties. While thermodynamic arguments point to a few or just a single shape(s), terminated by the most stable crystal facets, a remarkable variation in NC shape has been reported for many different compounds. For instance, for the well-studied case of CdSe, close-to-spherical quantum dots, rods, two-dimensional nanoplatelets, and quantum rings have been reported. Here, we report how two-dimensional CdSe nanoplatelets reshape into quantum rings. We monitor the reshaping in real time by combining atomically resolved structural characterization with optical absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. We observe that CdSe units leave the vertical sides of the edges and recrystallize on the top and bottom edges of the nanoplatelets, resulting in a thickening of the rims. The formation of a central hole, rendering the shape into a ring, only occurs at a more elevated temperature.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000696553600024 Publication Date 2021-08-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756; 1520-5002 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Hans Meeldijk is kindly acknowledged for helping with electron microscopy at Utrecht University. B.B.V.S. and D.V. acknowledge the Dutch NWO for financial support via the TOP-ECHO grant no. 715.016.002. D.V. acknowledges financial support from the European ERC Council, ERC Advanced grant 692691 “First Step”. D.V. and L.C.P. acknowledge the Dutch NWO for financial support via the TOP-ECHO grant nr. 718.015.002. S.B acknowledges financial support from the European ERC Council, ERC Consolidator grant 815128. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 731019 (EUSMI). Realnano; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 9.466  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181550 Serial 6839  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Arenas Esteban, D.; Pacquets, L.; Choukroun, D.; Hoekx, S.; Kadu, A.A.; Schalck, J.; Daems, N.; Breugelmans, T.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title 3D characterization of the structural transformation undergone by Cu@Ag core-shell nanoparticles following CO₂ reduction reaction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 35 Issue (down) 17 Pages 6682-6691  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract The increasing use of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is significantly advancing the field of electrocatalysis. In particular, Cu/Ag bimetallic interfaces are widely used to enhance the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO(2)RR) toward CO and, more recently, C-2 products. However, drastic changes in the product distribution and performance when Cu@Ag core-shell configurations are used can often be observed under electrochemical reaction conditions, especially during the first few minutes of the reaction. Possible structural changes that generate these observations remain underexplored; therefore, the structure-property relationship is hardly understood. In this study, we use electron tomography to investigate the structural transformation mechanism of Cu@Ag core-shells NPs during the critical first minutes of the eCO(2)RR. In this manner, we found that the crystallinity of the Cu seed determines whether the formation of a complete and homogeneous Ag shell is possible. Moreover, by tracking the particles' transformations, we conclude that modifications of the Cu-Ag interface and Cu2O enrichment at the surface of the NPs are key factors contributing to the product generation changes. These insights provide a better understanding of how bimetallic core-shell NPs transform under electrochemical conditions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001061530700001 Publication Date 2023-08-31  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756; 1520-5002 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes L.P. was supported through a PhD fellowship for strategicbasic research (1S56920N) of the Research Foundation – Flanders(FWO). S.H. was supported through a PhD fellowship for strategic basicresearch (1S42623N) of the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO).S.B., D.A.E., and A.A.K. acknowledge financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO. This research was financed by the researchcouncil of the University of Antwerp (BOF-GOA 33928). Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2023 IF: 9.466  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199187 Serial 8825  
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Author Vega-Paredes, M.; Aymerich-Armengol, R.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Marti-Sanchez, S.; Bals, S.; Scheu, C.; Manjon, A.G. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Electrochemical stability of rhodium-platinum core-shell nanoparticles : an identical location scanning transmission electron microscopy study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 17 Issue (down) 17 Pages 16943-16951  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Rhodium-platinum core-shell nanoparticleson a carbonsupport (Rh@Pt/C NPs) are promising candidates as anode catalystsfor polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. However, their electrochemicalstability needs to be further explored for successful applicationin commercial fuel cells. Here we employ identical location scanningtransmission electron microscopy to track the morphological and compositionalchanges of Rh@Pt/C NPs during potential cycling (10 000 cycles,0.06-0.8 V-RHE, 0.5 H2SO4)down to the atomic level, which are then used for understanding thecurrent evolution occurring during the potential cycles. Our resultsreveal a high stability of the Rh@Pt/C system and point toward particledetachment from the carbon support as the main degradation mechanism.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001051495900001 Publication Date 2023-08-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors would like to thank C. Bodirsky for providing the samples, N. Rivas Rivas for his corrections on the manuscript, and D. Chatain for providing her expertise on the equilibrium shape of nanoparticles. Special thanks to B. Breitbach for performing the XRD experiments. A.G.M. acknowledges the Grant RYC2021-033479- I funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and, as appropriate, by European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR. Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199253 Serial 8859  
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Author Zanaga, D.; Altantzis, T.; Sanctorum, J.; Freitag, B.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title An alternative approach for ζ-factor measurement using pure element nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 164 Issue (down) 164 Pages 11-16  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract It is very challenging to measure the chemical composition of hetero nanostructures in a reliable and quantitative manner. Here, we propose a novel and straightforward approach that can be used to quantify energy dispersive X-ray spectra acquired in a transmission electron microscope. Our method is based on a combination of electron tomography and the so-called ζ-factor technique. We will demonstrate the reliability of our approach as well as its applicability by investigating Au-Ag and Au-Pt hetero nanostructures. Given its simplicity, we expect that the method could become a new standard in the field of chemical characterization using electron microscopy.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000373526200002 Publication Date 2016-03-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 19 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant # 335078-COLOURATOMS) and the European Union under the FP7 (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative N. 312483 – ESTEEM2). The authors would also like to thank Luis M. Liz-Marzán, Ana Sánchez-Iglesias, Stefanos Mourdikoudis and Cristina Fernández-López for sample provision and useful discussions.; esteem2jra4; ECASSara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 4019  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Guerrero, A.; Pfannmöller, M.; Kovalenko, A.; Ripolles, T.S.; Heidari, H.; Bals, S.; Kaufmann, L.-D.; Bisquert, J.; Garcia-Belmonte, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Nanoscale mapping by electron energy-loss spectroscopy reveals evolution of organic solar cell contact selectivity Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Organic electronics: physics, materials, applications Abbreviated Journal Org Electron  
  Volume 16 Issue (down) 16 Pages 227-233  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices are on the verge of commercialization being long-term stability a key challenge. Morphology evolution during lifetime has been suggested to be one of the main pathways accounting for performance degradation. There is however a lack of certainty on how specifically the morphology evolution relates to individual electrical parameters on operating devices. In this work a case study is created based on a thermodynamically unstable organic active layer which is monitored over a period of one year under non-accelerated degradation conditions. The morphology evolution is revealed by compositional analysis of ultrathin cross-sections using nanoscale imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). Additionally, devices are electrically monitored in real-time using the non-destructive electrical techniques capacitance-voltage (C-V) and Impedance Spectroscopy (IS). By comparison of imaging and electrical techniques the relationship between nanoscale morphology and individual electrical parameters of device operation can be conclusively discerned. It is ultimately observed how the change in the cathode contact properties occurring after the migration of fullerene molecules explains the improvement in the overall device performance. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication London Editor  
  Language Wos 000345649500029 Publication Date 2014-11-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1566-1199; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.399 Times cited 24 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 287594 Sunflower; 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 3.399; 2015 IF: 3.827  
  Call Number c:irua:122169 Serial 2267  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Monticelli, O.; Musina, Z.; Russo, S.; Bals, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title On the use of TEM in the characterization of nanocomposites Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2007 Publication Materials letters Abbreviated Journal Mater Lett  
  Volume 61 Issue (down) 16 Pages 3446-3450  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Both an organically modified commercial clay of montmorillonite type (MMT) and its nanocomposites, based either on polyamide 6 (PA6) or an epoxy resin, as matrix polymer, have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Sample micrographs, taken at increasing exposure times (t(e)), have shown the gradual disappearance of clay layers, because of an amorphisation of the MMT crystalline structures caused by prolonged sample exposure to electron beam. Indeed, the above phenomenon, which is mostly evident in the case of intercalated nanocomposites, makes the detection of the layered silicate dispersion in the polymer matrix rather difficult and compels to perform TEM measurements using very short exposure times. Moreover, the microscopy accelerating voltage has turned out to affect sample stability; namely, when decreasing the above parameter, the disappearance of clay structure occurs at lower exposure times. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000247146100034 Publication Date 2006-12-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0167-577X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.572 Times cited 28 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.572; 2007 IF: 1.625  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:64757 Serial 2460  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Albrecht, W.; Deng, T.-S.; Goris, B.; van Huis, M.A.; Bals, S.; van Blaaderen, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Single Particle Deformation and Analysis of Silica-Coated Gold Nanorods before and after Femtosecond Laser Pulse Excitation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 16 Issue (down) 16 Pages 1818-1825  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract We performed single particle deformation experiments on silica-coated gold nanorods under femtosecond (fs) illumination. Changes in the particle shape were analyzed by electron microscopy and associated changes in the plasmon resonance by electron energy loss spectroscopy. Silica-coated rods were found to be more stable compared to uncoated rods but could still be deformed via an intermediate bullet-like shape for silica shell thicknesses of 14 nm. Changes in the size ratio of the rods after fs-illumination resulted in blue-shifting of the longitudinal plasmon resonances. Two-dimensional spatial mapping of the plasmon resonances revealed that the flat side of the bullet-like particles showed a less pronounced longitudinal plasmonic electric field enhancement. These findings were confirmed by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. Furthermore, at higher laser fluences size reduction of the particles was found as well as for particles that were not completely deformed yet.  
  Address Soft Condensed Matter, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University , Princetonplein 5, 3584 CC Utrecht, The Netherlands  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000371946300045 Publication Date 2016-02-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 55 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes We thank Dr. Nicolas Gauquelin for his assistance during the EELS measurements and Thomas Atlantzis for the high-resolution images of the gold clusters. We furthermore thank Ernest van der Wee for the simulation of the confocal point spread functions. The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Research Council under the European Unions Seventh Framework Programme (FP-2007-2013)/ERC Advanced Grant Agreement #291667 HierarSACol and the Foundation of Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM), which is part of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). The authors furthermore acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors also appreciate financial support from the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative N. 262348 European Soft Matter Infrastructure, ESMI). This work was supported by the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen) through a postdoctoral research grant to B.G.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 12.712  
  Call Number c:irua:131924 c:irua:131924 Serial 4016  
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Author Al-Jamal, K.T.; Bai, J.; Wang, J.T.W.; Protti, A.; Southern, P.; Bogart, L.; Heidari, H.; Li, X.; Cakebread, A.; Asker, D.; Al-Jamal, W.T.; Shah, A.; Bals, S.; Sosabowski, J.; Pankhurst, Q.A.; url  doi
openurl 
  Title Magnetic drug targeting : preclinical in vivo studies, mathematical modeling, and extrapolation to humans Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 16 Issue (down) 16 Pages 5652-5660  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A sound theoretical rationale for the design of a magnetic nanocarrier capable of magnetic capture in vivo after intravenous administration could help elucidate the parameters necessary for in vivo magnetic tumor targeting. In this work, we utilized our long-circulating polymeric magnetic nano carriers, encapsulating increasing amounts of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in a biocompatible oil carrier, to study the effects of SPION loading and of applied magnetic field strength on magnetic tumor targeting in CT26 tumor-bearing mice. Under controlled conditions, the in vivo magnetic targeting was quantified and found to be directly proportional to SPION loading and magnetic field strength. Highest SPION loading, however, resulted in a reduced blood circulation time and a plateauing of the magnetic targeting. Mathematical modeling was undertaken to compute the in vivo magnetic, viscoelastic, convective, and diffusive forces acting on the nanocapsules (NCs) in accordance with the Nacev-Shapiro construct, and this was then used to extrapolate to the expected behavior in humans. The model predicted that in the latter case, the NCs and magnetic forces applied here would have been sufficient to achieve successful targeting in humans. Lastly, an in vivo murine tumor growth delay study was performed using docetaxel (DTX)-encapsulated NCs. Magnetic targeting was found to offer enhanced therapeutic efficacy, and improve mice survival compared to passive targeting at drug doses of ca. 5-8 mg, of DTX/kg. This is,, to our knowledge, the first study that truly bridges the gap between preclinical experiments and clinical translation in the field of magnetic drug targeting.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington Editor  
  Language Wos 000383412100050 Publication Date 2016-08-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 128 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; J.B. acknowledges funding from the King's-China Scholarship Council (CSC). Funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BB/ J008656/1), Worldwide Cancer Research (12-1054), and EU FP7-ITN Marie-Curie Network programme RADDEL (290023) is acknowledged. Q.P. is grateful to A. Nacev (Weinberg Medical Physics, Rockville, MD) and to B. Shapiro (University of Maryland, College Park, MD) for their useful advice during the preparation of this manuscript. ; Approved Most recent IF: 12.712  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:137136 Serial 4391  
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Author Zhang, Y.; van Schayck, J.P.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Claes, N.; Noteborn, W.E.M.; Lu, P.-H.; Duimel, H.; Dunin-Borkowski, R.E.; Bals, S.; Peters, P.J.; Ravelli, R.B.G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Charging of vitreous samples in cryogenic electron microscopy mitigated by graphene Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 17 Issue (down) 16 Pages 15836-15846  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Cryogenic electronmicroscopy can provide high-resolution reconstructionsof macromolecules embedded in a thin layer of ice from which atomicmodels can be built de novo. However, the interactionbetween the ionizing electron beam and the sample results in beam-inducedmotion and image distortion, which limit the attainable resolutions.Sample charging is one contributing factor of beam-induced motionsand image distortions, which is normally alleviated by including partof the supporting conducting film within the beam-exposed region.However, routine data collection schemes avoid strategies wherebythe beam is not in contact with the supporting film, whose rationaleis not fully understood. Here we characterize electrostatic chargingof vitreous samples, both in imaging and in diffraction mode. We mitigatesample charging by depositing a single layer of conductive grapheneon top of regular EM grids. We obtained high-resolution single-particleanalysis (SPA) reconstructions at 2 & ANGS; when the electron beamonly irradiates the middle of the hole on graphene-coated grids, usingdata collection schemes that previously failed to produce sub 3 & ANGS;reconstructions without the graphene layer. We also observe that theSPA data obtained with the graphene-coated grids exhibit a higher b factor and reduced particle movement compared to dataobtained without the graphene layer. This mitigation of charging couldhave broad implications for various EM techniques, including SPA andcryotomography, and for the study of radiation damage and the developmentof future sample carriers. Furthermore, it may facilitate the explorationof more dose-efficient, scanning transmission EM based SPA techniques.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001041649900001 Publication Date 2023-08-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes We thank H. Nguyen for editing the manuscript. We warmly thank the M4i Microscopy CORE Lab team of FHML Maastricht University (MU) for their support and collaboration and Eve Timlin and Ye Gao (MU) for providing protein samples. Members of the Amsterdam Scientific Instruments team are acknowledged for their Timepix detector support. This work benefited from access to The Netherlands Centre for Electron Nanoscopy (NeCEN) with assistance from Ludovic Renault and Meindert Lamers. The authors acknowledge financial support of the Netherlands Electron Microscopy Infrastructure (NEMI), project number 184.034.014 of the National Roadmap for Large-Scale Research Infrastructure of the Dutch Research Council (NWO), the PPP Allowance made available by Health-Holland, Top Sector Life Sciences & Health, to stimulate public-private partnerships, project 4DEM, number LSHM21029, and the LINK program from the Province of Limburg, The Netherlands, as well as financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme by grant no. 815128 (REALNANO). Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198376 Serial 8840  
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Author D'Olieslaeger, L.; Pfannmöller, M.; Fron, E.; Cardinaletti, I.; Van der Auweraer, M.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.; Maes, W.; Vanderzande, D.; Manca, J.; Ethirajan, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Tuning of PCDTBT : PC71BM blend nanoparticles for eco-friendly processing of polymer solar cells Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Solar energy materials and solar cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C  
  Volume 159 Issue (down) 159 Pages 179-188  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract We report the controlled preparation of water processable nanoparticles (NPs) employing the push-pull polymer PCDTBT and the fullerene acceptor PC71BM in order to enable solar cell processing using eco-friendly solvent (i.e. water). The presented method provides the possibility to separate the formation of the active layer blend and the deposition of the active layer into two different processes. For the first time, the benefits of aqueous processability for the high-potential class of push-pull polymers, generally requiring high boiling solvents, are made accessible. With our method we demonstrate excellent control over the blend stoichiometry and efficient mixing. Furthermore, we provide visualization of the nano morphology of the different NPs to obtain structural information down to similar to 2 nm resolution using advanced analytical electron microscopy. The imaging directly reveals very small compositional demixing in the PCDTBT:PC71BM blend NPs, in the size range of about <5 nm, indicating fine mixing at the molecular level. The suitability of the proposed methodology and materials towards the aspects of eco-friendly processing of organic solar cells is demonstrated through a processing of lab scale NPs solar cell prototypes reaching a power conversion efficiency of 1.9%. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000388053600021 Publication Date 2016-09-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 32 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; This work was supported by BOF funding of Hasselt University, the Interreg project Organext, and the IAP 7/05 project FS2 (Functional Supramolecular Systems), granted by the Science Policy Office of the Belgian Federal Government (BELSPO). A.E. is a post-doctoral fellow of the Flanders Research Foundation (FWO). M.P. gratefully acknowledges the SIM NanoForce program for financial support. S.B. further acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors are thankful for technical support by J. Smits, T. Vangerven, and J. Baccus. ; ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 4.784  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:139157UA @ admin @ c:irua:139157 Serial 4450  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bladt, E.; Pelt, D.M.; Bals, S.; Batenburg, K.J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Electron tomography based on highly limited data using a neural network reconstruction technique Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 158 Issue (down) 158 Pages 81-88  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract Gold nanoparticles are studied extensively due to their unique optical and catalytical properties. Their exact shape determines the properties and thereby the possible applications. Electron tomography is therefore often used to examine the three-dimensional (3D) shape of nanoparticles. However, since the acquisition of the experimental tilt series and the 3D reconstructions are very time consuming, it is difficult to obtain statistical results concerning the 3D shape of nanoparticles. Here, we propose a new approach for electron tomography that is based on artificial neural networks. The use of a new reconstruction approach enables us to reduce the number of projection images with a factor of 5 or more. The decrease in acquisition time of the tilt series and use of an efficient reconstruction algorithm allows us to examine a large amount of nanoparticles in order to retrieve statistical results concerning the 3D shape.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000361574800011 Publication Date 2015-07-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 25 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes 335078 COLOURATOM; FWO; COST Action MP1207; 312483 ESTEEM2; esteem2jra4; ECASSara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2015 IF: 2.436  
  Call Number c:irua:126675 c:irua:126675 Serial 988  
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Author van Aarle, W.; Palenstijn, W.J.; De Beenhouwer, J.; Altantzis, T.; Bals, S.; Batenburg, K.J.; Sijbers, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The ASTRA Toolbox: A platform for advanced algorithm development in electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 157 Issue (down) 157 Pages 35-47  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract We present the ASTRA Toolbox as an open platform for 3D image reconstruction in tomography. Most of the software tools that are currently used in electron tomography offer limited flexibility with respect to the geometrical parameters of the acquisition model and the algorithms used for reconstruction. The ASTRA Toolbox provides an extensive set of fast and flexible building blocks that can be used to develop advanced reconstruction algorithms, effectively removing these limitations. We demonstrate this flexibility, the resulting reconstruction quality, and the computational efficiency of this toolbox by a series of experiments, based on experimental dual-axis tilt series.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000361002400005 Publication Date 2015-05-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 562 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the iMinds ICONMetroCT project,the IWT SBO Tom Food project and from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO),Project no. 639.072.005. Networking support was provided by the EXTREMA COST Action MP 1207. Sara Bals acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078 COLOURATOMS).; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2015 IF: 2.436  
  Call Number c:irua:127834 Serial 3974  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pfannmöller, M.; Heidari, H.; Nanson, L.; Lozman, O.R.; Chrapa, M.; Offermans, T.; Nisato, G.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Quantitative Tomography of Organic Photovoltaic Blends at the Nanoscale Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 15 Issue (down) 15 Pages 6634-6642  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The success of semiconducting organic materials has enabled green technologies for electronics, lighting, and photovoltaics. However, when blended together, these materials have also raised novel fundamental questions with respect to electronic, optical, and thermodynamic properties. This is particularly important for organic photovoltaic cells based on the bulk heterojunction. Here, the distribution of nanoscale domains plays a crucial role depending on the specific device structure. Hence, correlation of the aforementioned properties requires 3D nanoscale imaging of materials domains, which are embedded in a multilayer device. Such visualization has so far been elusive due to lack of contrast, insufficient signal, or resolution limits. In this Letter, we introduce spectral scanning transmission electron tomography for reconstruction of entire volume plasmon spectra from rod-shaped specimens. We provide 3D structural correlations and compositional mapping at a resolution of approximately 7 nm within advanced organic photovoltaic tandem cells. Novel insights that are obtained from quantitative 3D analyses reveal that efficiency loss upon thermal annealing can be attributed to subtle, fundamental blend properties. These results are invaluable in guiding the design and optimization of future devices in plastic electronics applications and provide an empirical basis for modeling and simulation of organic solar cells.  
  Address EMAT-University of Antwerp , Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000363003100052 Publication Date 2015-09-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984;1530-6992; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 26 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the FP7 European collaborative project SUNFLOWER (FP7-ICT-2011-7-contract num. 287594). S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). M.P. gratefully acknowledges the SIM NanoForce program for their financial support. We acknowledge AGFA for providing the neutral PEDOT:PSS and GenesInk for the ZnO nanoparticles. We would like to thank Stijn Van den broeck for extensive support on FIB sample preparation. M.P. and H.H. thank Daniele Zanaga for the many fruitful discussions.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 12.712; 2015 IF: 13.592  
  Call Number c:irua:129423 c:irua:129423 Serial 3973  
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Author Kundu, P.; Heidari, H.; Bals, S.; Ravishankar, N.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Formation and thermal stability of gold-silica nanohybrids : insight into the mechanism and morphology by electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English Abbreviated Journal Angew Chem Int Edit  
  Volume 53 Issue (down) 15 Pages 3970-3974  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Gold-silica hybrids are appealing in different fields of applications like catalysis, sensorics, drug delivery, and biotechnology. In most cases, the morphology and distribution of the heterounits play significant roles in their functional behavior. Methods of synthesizing these hybrids, with variable ordering of the heterounits, are replete; however, a complete characterization in three dimensions could not be achieved yet. A simple route to the synthesis of Au-decorated SiO2 spheres is demonstrated and a study on the 3D ordering of the heterounits by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) tomography is presentedat the final stage, intermediate stages of formation, and after heating the hybrid. The final hybrid evolves from a soft self-assembled structure of Au nanoparticles. The hybrid shows good thermal stability up to 400 degrees C, beyond which the Au particles start migrating inside the SiO2 matrix. This study provides an insight in the formation mechanism and thermal stability of the structures which are crucial factors for designing and applying such hybrids in fields of catalysis and biotechnology. As the method is general, it can be applied to make similar hybrids based on SiO2 by tuning the reaction chemistry as needed.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor  
  Language Wos 000333634800036 Publication Date 2014-03-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1433-7851; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.994 Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This research has received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Program (ERC; grant number 246791)— COUNTATOMS, COLOURATOMS, as well as from the IAP 7/05 Programme initiated by the Belgian Science Policy Office. Funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is also acknowledged.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 11.994; 2014 IF: 11.261  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:117186 Serial 1251  
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Author Goris, B.; de Beenhouwer, J.; de Backer, A.; Zanaga, D.; Batenburg, K.J.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S.; Sijbers, J.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Measuring lattice strain in three dimensions through electron microscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 15 Issue (down) 15 Pages 6996-7001  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract The three-dimensional (3D) atomic structure of nanomaterials, including strain, is crucial to understand their properties. Here, we investigate lattice strain in Au nanodecahedra using electron tomography. Although different electron tomography techniques enabled 3D characterizations of nanostructures at the atomic level, a reliable determination of lattice strain is not straightforward. We therefore propose a novel model-based approach from which atomic coordinates are measured. Our findings demonstrate the importance of investigating lattice strain in 3D.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington Editor  
  Language Wos 000363003100108 Publication Date 2015-09-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984;1530-6992; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 87 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fwo; 335078 Colouratom; 267867 Plasmaquo; 312483 Esteem2; 262348 Esmi; esteem2jra4; ECASSara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 12.712; 2015 IF: 13.592  
  Call Number c:irua:127639 c:irua:127639 Serial 1965  
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Author Mayer, M.; Scarabelli, L.; March, K.; Altantzis, T.; Tebbe, M.; Kociak, M.; Bals, S.; Garcia de Abajo, F.J.; Fery, A.; Liz-Marzan, L.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Controlled Living Nanowire Growth: Precise Control over the Morphology and Optical Properties of AgAuAg Bimetallic Nanowires Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 15 Issue (down) 15 Pages 5427-5437  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Inspired by the concept of living polymerization reaction, we are able to produce silver-gold-silver nanowires with a precise control over their total length and plasmonic properties by establishing a constant silver deposition rate on the tips of penta-twinned gold nanorods used as seed cores. Consequently, the length of the wires increases linearly in time. Starting with approximately 210 nm x 32 nm gold cores, we produce nanowire lengths up to several microns in a highly controlled manner, with a small self-limited increase in thickness of approximately 4 nm, corresponding to aspect ratios above 100, whereas the low polydispersity of the product allows us to detect up to nine distinguishable plasmonic resonances in a single colloidal solution. We analyze the spatial distribution and the nature of the plasmons by electron energy loss spectroscopy and obtain excellent agreement between measurements and electromagnetic simulations, clearly demonstrating that the presence of the gold core plays a marginal role, except for relatively short wires or high-energy modes.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000359613700087 Publication Date 2015-07-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984;1530-6992; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 117 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from the European Research Council Advanced Grant PLASMAQUO (No. 267867) and from the Spanish MINECO (grant MAT2013-46101-R). S.B. acknowledges funding from ERC Starting Grant COLOURATOMS (335078). The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme under Grant Agreements 312483 (ESTEEM2) and 262348 (ESMI). M.M., M.T., and A.F. acknowledge funding from the European Research Council starting grant METAMECH (No 306686). M.T. was supported by the Elite Network Bavaria in the frame of the Elite Study Program “Macromolecular Science” and funded via a grant for Ph.D. candidates according to Bavarian elite promotion law (BayEFG). F.J.G.deA. acknowledges funding from the Spanish MINECO (grant MAT2014-59096-P).; esteem2jra3; esteem2jra4; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 12.712; 2015 IF: 13.592  
  Call Number c:irua:129687 c:irua:129687 Serial 3975  
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Author Gonzalez-Rubio, G.; Gonzalez-Izquierdo, J.; Banares, L.; Tardajos, G.; Rivera, A.; Altantzis, T.; Bals, S.; Pena-Rodriguez, O.; Guerrero-Martinez, A.; Liz-Marzan, L.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Femtosecond Laser-Controlled Tip-to-Tip Assembly and Welding of Gold Nanorods Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 15 Issue (down) 15 Pages 8282-8288  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Directed assembly of gold nanorods through the use of dithiolated molecular linkers is one of the most efficient methodologies for the morphologically controlled tip-to-tip assembly of this type of anisotropic nanocrystals. However, in a direct analogy to molecular polymerization synthesis, this process is characterized by difficulties in chain-growth control over nanoparticle oligomers. In particular, it is nearly impossible to favor the formation of one type of oligomer, making the methodology hard to use for actual applications in nanoplasmonics. We propose here a light-controlled synthetic procedure that allows obtaining selected plasmonic oligomers in high yield and with reaction times in the scale of minutes by irradiation with low fluence near-infrared (NIR) femtosecond laser pulses. Selective inhibition of the formation of gold nanorod n-mers (trimers) with a longitudinal localized surface plasmon in resonance with a 800 nm Ti:sapphire laser, allowed efficient trapping of the (n – 1)-mers (dimers) by hot spot mediated photothermal decomposition of the interparticle molecular linkers. Laser irradiation at higher energies produced near-field enhancement at the interparticle gaps, which is large enough to melt gold nanorod tips, offering a new pathway toward tip-to-tip welding of gold nanorod oligomers with a plasmonic response at the NIR. Thorough optical and electron microscopy characterization indicates that plasmonic oligomers can be selectively trapped and welded, which has been analyzed in terms of a model that predicts with reasonable accuracy the relative concentrations of the main plasmonic species.  
  Address Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science , 48013 Bilbao, Spain  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000366339600075 Publication Date 2015-11-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984;1530-6992; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 101 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work has been funded by the Spanish MINECO (MAT2012-38541, MAT2013-46101-R, MAT2014-59678-R and CTQ2012-37404-C02-01). A.G.-M. and G.G.-R., respectively, acknowledge receipt of Ramón y Cajal and FPI Fellowships from the Spanish MINECO. O.P.-R. is grateful with Moncloa Campus of International Excellence (UCMUPM) for the PICATA postdoctoral fellowship. The facilities provided by the Center for Ultrafast Lasers at Complutense University of Madrid are gratefully acknowledged. S.B. acknowledges funding from the European Research Council under the Seventh Framework Program (FP7), ERC Grant 335078 COLOURATOMS.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 12.712; 2015 IF: 13.592  
  Call Number c:irua:129686 Serial 3976  
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Author Geuchies, J.J.; van Overbeek, C.; Evers, W.H.; Goris, B.; de Backer, A.; Gantapara, A.P.; Rabouw, F.T.; Hilhorst, J.; Peters, J.L.; Konovalov, O.; Petukhov, A.V.; Dijkstra, M.; Siebbeles, L.D.A.; van Aert, S.; Bals, S.; Vanmaekelbergh, D. url  doi
openurl 
  Title In situ study of the formation mechanism of two-dimensional superlattices from PbSe nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Nature materials Abbreviated Journal Nat Mater  
  Volume 15 Issue (down) 15 Pages 1248-1254  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Oriented attachment of PbSe nanocubes can result in the formation of two-dimensional (2D) superstructures with long-range nanoscale and atomic order. This questions the applicability of classic models in which the superlattice grows by first forming a nucleus, followed by sequential irreversible attachment of nanocrystals, as one misaligned attachment would disrupt the 2D order beyond repair. Here, we demonstrate the formation mechanism of 2D PbSe superstructures with square geometry by using in situ grazing-incidence X-ray scattering (small angle and wide angle), ex situ electron microscopy, and Monte Carlo simulations. We observed nanocrystal adsorption at the liquid/gas interface, followed by the formation of a hexagonal nanocrystal monolayer. The hexagonal geometry transforms gradually through a pseudo-hexagonal phase into a phase with square order, driven by attractive interactions between the {100} planes perpendicular to the liquid substrate, which maximize facet-to-facet overlap. The nanocrystals then attach atomically via a necking process, resulting in 2D square superlattices.  
  Address Condensed Matter and Interfaces, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CC Utrecht, The Netherlands  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000389104400011 Publication Date 2016-09-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1476-1122 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 39.737 Times cited 182 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This research is part of the programme ‘Designing Dirac Carriers in semiconductor honeycomb superlattices (DDC13),’ which is supported by the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM), which is part of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). J.J.G. acknowledges funding from the Debye and ESRF Graduate Programs. The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (G.036915 G.037413 and funding of postdoctoral grants to B.G. and A.d.B). S.B. acknowledges the European Research Council, ERC grant No 335078—Colouratom. The authors gratefully acknowledge I. Swart and M. van Huis for fruitful discussions. We acknowledge funding from NWO-CW TOPPUNT ‘Superficial Superstructures’. The X-ray scattering measurements were performed at the ID10 beamline at ESRF under proposal numbers SC-4125 and SC-3786. The authors thank G. L. Destri and F. Zontone for their support during the experiments.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 39.737  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:136165 Serial 4289  
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