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“A first-principles study of stable few-layer penta-silicene”. Aierken Y, Leenaerts O, Peeters FM, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 18, 18486 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c6cp03200a
Abstract: Recently penta-graphene was proposed as a stable two-dimensional carbon allotrope consisting of a single layer of interconnected carbon pentagons [Zhang et al., PNAS, 2015, 112, 2372]. Its silicon counterpart, penta-silicene, however, is not stable. In this work, we show that multilayers of penta-silicene form stable materials with semiconducting or metallic properties, depending on the stacking mode. We demonstrate their dynamic stability through their phonon spectrum and using molecular dynamics. A particular type of bilayer penta-silicene is found to have lower energy than all of the known hexagonal silicene bilayers and forms therefore the most stable bilayer silicon material predicted so far. The electronic and mechanical properties of these new silicon allotropes are studied in detail and their behavior under strain is investigated. We demonstrate that strain can be used to tune its band gap.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1039/c6cp03200a
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“Gas-phase synthesis of Mg-Ti nanoparticles for solid-state hydrogen storage”. Calizzi M, Venturi F, Ponthieu M, Cuevas F, Morandi V, Perkisas T, Bals S, Pasquini L, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 18, 141 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5cp03092g
Abstract: Mg-Ti nanostructured samples with different Ti contents were prepared via compaction of nanoparticles grown by inert gas condensation with independent Mg and Ti vapour sources. The growth set-up offered the option to perform in situ hydrogen absorption before compaction. Structural and morphological characterisation was carried out by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The formation of an extended metastable solid solution of Ti in hcp Mg was detected up to 15 at% Ti in the as-grown nanoparticles, while after in situ hydrogen absorption, phase separation between MgH2 and TiH2 was observed. At a Ti content of 22 at%, a metastable Mg-Ti-H fcc phase was observed after in situ hydrogen absorption. The co-evaporation of Mg and Ti inhibited nanoparticle coalescence and crystallite growth in comparison with the evaporation of Mg only. In situ hydrogen absorption was beneficial to subsequent hydrogen behaviour, studied by high pressure differential scanning calorimetry and isothermal kinetics. A transformed fraction of 90% was reached within 100 s at 300 degrees C during both hydrogen absorption and desorption. The enthalpy of hydride formation was not observed to differ from bulk MgH2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1039/c5cp03092g
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“Nitrogenated, phosphorated and arsenicated monolayer holey graphenes”. Yagmurcukardes M, Horzum S, Torun E, Peeters FM, Senger RT, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 18, 3144 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5cp05538e
Abstract: Motivated by a recent experiment that reported the synthesis of a new 2D material nitrogenated holey graphene (C2N) [Mahmood et al., Nat. Commun., 2015, 6, 6486], the electronic, magnetic, and mechanical properties of nitrogenated (C2N), phosphorated (C2P) and arsenicated (C2As) monolayer holey graphene structures are investigated using first-principles calculations. Our total energy calculations indicate that, similar to the C2N monolayer, the formation of the other two holey structures are also energetically feasible. Calculated cohesive energies for each monolayer show a decreasing trend going from the C2N to C2As structure. Remarkably, all the holey monolayers considered are direct band gap semiconductors. Regarding the mechanical properties (in-plane stiffness and Poisson ratio), we find that C2N has the highest in-plane stiffness and the largest Poisson ratio among the three monolayers. In addition, our calculations reveal that for the C2N, C2P and C2As monolayers, creation of N and P defects changes the semiconducting behavior to a metallic ground state while the inclusion of double H impurities in all holey structures results in magnetic ground states. As an alternative to the experimentally synthesized C2N, C2P and C2As are mechanically stable and flexible semiconductors which are important for potential applications in optoelectronics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1039/c5cp05538e
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“Size-dependent strain and surface energies of gold nanoclusters”. Ali S, Myasnichenko VS, Neyts EC, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 18, 792 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5cp06153a
Abstract: Gold nanocluster properties exhibit unique size-dependence. In this contribution, we employ reactive molecular dynamics simulations to calculate the size- and temperature-dependent surface energies, strain energies and atomic displacements for icosahedral, cuboctahedral, truncated octahedral and decahedral Au-nanoclusters. The calculations demonstrate that the surface energy decreases with increasing cluster size at 0 K but increases with size at higher temperatures. The calculated melting curves as a function of cluster size demonstrate the Gibbs-Thomson effect. Atomic displacements and strain are found to strongly depend on the cluster size and both are found to increase with increasing cluster size. These results are of importance for understanding the size-and temperature-dependent surface processes on gold nanoclusters.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 37
DOI: 10.1039/c5cp06153a
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“Strain enhancement of acoustic phonon limited mobility in monolayer TiS3”. Aierken Y, Çakir D, Peeters FM, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 18, 14434 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c6cp01809b
Abstract: Strain engineering is an effective way to tune the intrinsic properties of a material. Here, we show by using first-principles calculations that both uniaxial and biaxial tensile strain applied to monolayer TiS3 are able to significantly modify its intrinsic mobility. From the elastic modulus and the phonon dispersion relation we determine the tensile strain range where structure dynamical stability of the monolayer is guaranteed. Within this region, we find more than one order of enhancement of the acoustic phonon limited mobility at 300 K (100 K), i.e. from 1.71 x 10(4) (5.13 x 10(4)) cm(2) V-1 s(-1) to 5.53 x 10(6) (1.66 x 10(6)) cm(2) V-1 s(-1). The degree of anisotropy in both mobility and effective mass can be tuned by using tensile strain. Furthermore, we can either increase or decrease the band gap of TiS3 monolayer by applying strain along different crystal directions. This property allows us to use TiS3 not only in electronic but also in optical applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1039/c6cp01809b
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“van der Waals density functionals applied to corundum-type sesquioxides : bulk properties and adsorption of CH3 and C6H6 on (0001) surfaces”. Dabaghmanesh S, Neyts EC, Partoens B, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 18, 23139 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c6cp00346j
Abstract: van der Waals (vdW) forces play an important role in the adsorption of molecules on the surface of solids. However, the choice of the most suitable vdW functional for different systems is an essential problem which must be addressed for different systems. The lack of a systematic study on the performance of the vdW functionals in the bulk and adsorption properties of metal-oxides motivated us to examine different vdW approaches and compute the bulk and molecular adsorption properties of alpha-Cr2O3, alpha-Fe2O3, and alpha-Al2O3. For the bulk properties, we compared our results for the heat of formation, cohesive energy, lattice parameters and bond distances between the different vdW functionals and available experimental data. Next we studied the adsorption of benzene and CH3 molecules on top of different oxide surfaces. We employed different approximations to exchange and correlation within DFT, namely, the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) GGA, (PBE)+U, and vdW density functionals [ DFT(vdW-DF/DF2/optPBE/optB86b/optB88)+U] as well as DFT-D2/D3(+U) methods of Grimme for the bulk calculations and optB86b-vdW(+U) and DFT-D2(+U) for the adsorption energy calculations. Our results highlight the importance of vdW interactions not only in the adsorption of molecules, but importantly also for the bulk properties. Although the vdW contribution in the adsorption of CH3 (as a chemisorption interaction) is less important compared to the adsorption of benzene (as a physisorption interaction), this contribution is not negligible. Also adsorption of benzene on ferryl/chromyl terminated surfaces shows an important chemisorption contribution in which the vdW interactions become less significant.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1039/c6cp00346j
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“Ionized water confined in graphene nanochannels”. de Aquino BRH, Ghorbanfekr-Kalashami H, Neek-Amal M, Peeters FM, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 21, 9285 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C9CP00075E
Abstract: When confined between graphene layers, water behaves differently from the bulk and exhibits unusual properties such as fast water flow and ordering into a crystal. The hydrogen-bonded network is affected by the limited space and by the characteristics of the confining walls. The presence of an extraordinary number of hydronium and hydroxide ions in narrow channels has the following effects: (i) they affect water permeation through the channel, (ii) they may interact with functional groups on the graphene oxide surface and on the edges, and (iii) they change the thermochemistry of water, which are fundamentally important to understand, especially when confined water is subjected to an external electric field. Here we study the physical properties of water when confined between two graphene sheets and containing hydronium and hydroxide. We found that: (i) there is a disruption in the solvation structure of the ions, which is also affected by the layered structure of confined water, (ii) hydronium and hydroxide occupy specific regions inside the nanochannel, with a prevalence of hydronium (hydroxide) ions at the edges (interior), and (iii) ions recombine more slowly in confined systems than in bulk water, with the recombination process depending on the channel height and commensurability between the size of the molecules and the nanochannel height – a decay of 20% (40%) in the number of ions in 8 ps is observed for a channel height of h = 7 angstrom (bulk water). Our work reveals distinctive properties of water confined in a nanocapillary in the presence of additional hydronium and hydroxide ions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1039/C9CP00075E
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“Fast one-step ultrasensitive detection of toxocara canis antigens by a nanobody-based electrochemical magnetosensor”. Morales-Yanez F, Trashin S, Hermy M, Sariego I, Polman K, Muyldermans S, De Wael K, Analytical chemistry 91, 11582 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.9B01687
Abstract: Human toxocariasis (HT) is a cosmopolitan zoonotic disease caused by the migration of the larval stage of the roundworm Toxocara canis. Current HT diagnostic methods do not discriminate between active and past infections. Here, we present a method to quantify Toxocara excretory/secretory antigen, aiming to identify active cases of HT. High specificity is achieved by employing nanobodies (Nbs), single domain antigen binding fragments from camelid heavy chain-only antibodies. High sensitivity is obtained by the design of an electrochemical magnetosensor with an amperometric read-out. Reliable detection of TES antigen at 10 and 30 pg/mL level was demonstrated in phosphate buffered saline and serum, respectively. Moreover, the assay showed no cross-reactivity with other nematode antigens. To our knowledge, this is the most sensitive method to quantify the TES antigen so far. It also has great potential to develop point of care diagnostic systems in other conditions where high sensitivity and specificity are required.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 6.32
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ANALCHEM.9B01687
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“Photocatalytic removal of soot : unravelling of the reaction mechanism by EPR and in situ FTIR spectroscopy”. Smits M, Ling Y, Lenaerts S, Van Doorslaer S, ChemPhysChem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry 13, 4251 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1002/CPHC.201200674
Abstract: Photocatalytic soot oxidation is studied on P25 TiO2 as an important model reaction for self-cleaning processes by means of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Contacting of carbon black with P25 leads on the one hand to a reduction of the local dioxygen concentration in the powder. On the other hand, the weakly adsorbed radicals on the carbon particles are likely to act as alternative traps for the photogenerated conduction-band electrons. We find furthermore that the presence of dioxygen and oxygen-related radicals is vital for the photocatalytic soot degradation. The complete oxidation of soot to CO2 is evidenced by in situ FTIR spectroscopy, no intermediate CO is detected during the photocatalytic process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3.075
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1002/CPHC.201200674
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“How to assess the potential of emerging green technologies? Towards a prospective environmental and techno-economic assessment framework”. Thomassen G, Van Dael M, Van Passel S, You F, Green Chemistry 21, 4868 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1039/C9GC02223F
Abstract: For sustainable production and consumption, emerging green technologies need to be optimized towards a minimal environmental impact and a maximal economic impact. In an early stage of technology development, more flexibility is available to adapt the technology. Therefore, a prospective environmental and techno-economic assessment is required. The prospective assessment differs at the different stages of technology development, as also the data availability and accuracy evolves. This paper reviews the different prospective technological, economic and environmental assessment methods which have been used to assess the potential of new green chemical technologies. Based on the current best practices, an overarching framework is introduced to assess the technological, economic and environmental potential of an emerging green chemical technology at the different stages of technology development.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 9.125
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1039/C9GC02223F
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“A van der Waals heterostructure of MoS₂/MoSi₂N₄, : a first-principles study”. Bafekry A, Faraji M, Ziabari AA, Fadlallah MM, Nguyen C V, Ghergherehchi M, Feghhi SAH, New Journal Of Chemistry 45, 8291 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D1NJ00344E
Abstract: Motivated by the successful preparation of MoSi2N4 monolayers in the last year [Y.-L. Hong et al., Science, 2020, 369, 670-674], we investigate the structural, electronic and optical properties of the MoS2/MoSi2N4 heterostructure (HTS). The phonon dispersion and the binding energy calculations refer to the stability of the HTS. The heterostructure has an indirect bandgap of 1.26 (1.84) eV using PBE (HSE06) which is smaller than the corresponding value of MoSi2N4 and MoS2 monolayers. We find that the work function of the MoS2/MoSi2N4 HTS is smaller than the corresponding value of its individual monolayers. The heterostructure structure can enhance the absorption of light spectra not only in the ultraviolet region but also in the visible region as compared to MoSi2N4 and MoS2 monolayers. The refractive index behaviour of the HTS can be described as the cumulative effect which is well described in terms of a combination of the individual effects (the refractive index of MoSi2N4 and MoS2 monolayers).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.269
DOI: 10.1039/D1NJ00344E
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“Disproportionation of nitrogen induced by DC plasma-driven electrolysis in a nitrogen atmosphere”. Pattyn C, Maira N, Buddhadasa M, Vervloessem E, Iseni S, Roy NC, Remy A, Delplancke M-P, De Geyter N, Reniers F, Green Chemistry 24, 7100 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1039/D2GC01013E
Abstract: Nitrogen disproportionation i.e. its simultaneous conversion to compounds of higher (NOx) and lower (NH3) oxidation states in a N-2 DC plasma-driven electrolysis process with a plasma cathode is investigated. This type of plasma-liquid interaction exhibits a growing interest for many applications, in particular nitrogen fixation where it represents a green alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. Optical emission spectroscopy, FTIR and electrochemical sensing systems are used to characterize the gas phase physico-chemistry while the liquid phase is analyzed via ionic chromatography and colorimetric assays. Experiments suggest that lowering the discharge current enhances nitrogen reduction and facilitates the transfer of nitrogen compounds to the liquid phase. Large amounts of water vapor appear to impact the gas discharge physico-chemistry and to favor the vibrational excitation of N-2, a key parameter for an energy-efficient nitrogen fixation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 9.8
DOI: 10.1039/D2GC01013E
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“Waste-derived copper-lead electrocatalysts for CO₂, reduction”. Yang S, An H, Anastasiadou D, Xu W, Wu L, Wang H, de Ruiter J, Arnouts S, Figueiredo MC, Bals S, Altantzis T, van der Stam W, Weckhuysen BM, ChemCatChem 14, e202200754 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/CCTC.202200754
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 4.5
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1002/CCTC.202200754
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“Extending and validating bubble nucleation rate predictions in a Lennard-Jones fluid with enhanced sampling methods and transition state theory”. Bal KM, Neyts EC, Journal Of Chemical Physics 157, 184113 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0120136
Abstract: We calculate bubble nucleation rates in a Lennard-Jones fluid through explicit molecular dynamics simulations. Our approach-based on a recent free energy method (dubbed reweighted Jarzynski sampling), transition state theory, and a simple recrossing correction-allows us to probe a fairly wide range of rates in several superheated and cavitation regimes in a consistent manner. Rate predictions from this approach bridge disparate independent literature studies on the same model system. As such, we find that rate predictions based on classical nucleation theory, direct brute force molecular dynamics simulations, and seeding are consistent with our approach and one another. Published rates derived from forward flux sampling simulations are, however, found to be outliers. This study serves two purposes: First, we validate the reliability of common modeling techniques and extrapolation approaches on a paradigmatic problem in materials science and chemical physics. Second, we further test our highly generic recipe for rate calculations, and establish its applicability to nucleation processes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.4
DOI: 10.1063/5.0120136
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“New perovskite-based manganite Pb2Mn2O5”. Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Perkisas T, d' Hondt H, Tan H, Verbeeck J, Filonenko VP, Antipov EV, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of solid state chemistry 183, 2190 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2010.07.032
Abstract: A new perovskite based compound Pb2Mn2O5 has been synthesized using a high pressure high temperature technique. The structure model of Pb2Mn2O5 is proposed based on electron diffraction, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The compound crystallizes in an orthorhombic unit cell with parameters a=5.736(1)Å≈√2a p p p (a p the parameter of the perovskite subcell) and space group Pnma. The Pb2Mn2O5 structure consists of quasi two-dimensional perovskite blocks separated by 1/2[110] p (1̄01) p crystallographic shear planes. The blocks are connected to each other by chains of edge-sharing MnO5 distorted tetragonal pyramids. The chains of MnO5 pyramids and the MnO6 octahedra of the perovskite blocks delimit six-sided tunnels accommodating double chains of Pb atoms. The tunnels and pyramidal chains adopt two mirror-related configurations (left L and right R) and layers consisting of chains and tunnels of the same configuration alternate in the structure according to an -LRLR-sequence. The sequence is sometimes locally violated by the appearance of -LL- or -RR-fragments. A scheme is proposed with a JahnTeller distortion of the MnO6 octahedra with two long and two short bonds lying in the ac plane, along two perpendicular orientations within this plane, forming a d-type pattern.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.299
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2010.07.032
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“Detection of CO2 using CNT-based sensors: Role of Fe catalyst on sensitivity and selectivity”. Tit N, Al Ezzi MM, Abdullah HM, Yusupov M, Kouser S, Bahlouli H, Yamani ZH, Materials chemistry and physics 186, 353 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATCHEMPHYS.2016.11.006
Abstract: The adsorption of CO2 on surfaces of graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), decorated with Fe atoms, are investigated using the self-consistent-charge density-functional tight-binding (SCC-DFTB) method, neglecting the heat effects. Fe ad-atoms are more stable when they are dispersed on hollow sites. They introduce a large density of states at the Fermi level (N-F); where keeping such density low would help in gas sensing. Furthermore, the Fe ad-atom can weaken the C=O double bonds of the chemisorbed CO2 molecule, paving the way for oxygen atoms to drain more charges from Fe. Consequently, chemisorption of CO2 molecules reduces both N-F and the conductance while it enhances the sensitivity with the increasing gas dose. Conducting armchair CNTs (ac-CNTs) have higher sensitivity than graphene and semiconducting zigzag CNTs (zz-CNT5). Comparative study of sensitivity of ac-CNT-Fe composite towards various gases (e.g., O-2, N-2, H-2, H2O, CO and CO2) has shown high sensitivity and selectivity towards CO, CO2 and H2O gases. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.084
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATCHEMPHYS.2016.11.006
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“Catalytic carbon oxidation over ruthenium-based catalysts”. Villani K, Kirschhock CEA, Liang D, Van Tendeloo G, Martens JA, Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English 45, 3106 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1002/anie.200503799
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 11.994
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1002/anie.200503799
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“The crystal structure of \alpha-K3AIF6: elpasolites and double perovskites with broken corner-sharing connectivity of the octahedral framework”. Abakumov AM, King G, Laurinavichute VK, Rozova MG, Woodward PM, Antipov EV, Inorganic chemistry 48, 9336 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1021/ic9013043
Abstract: The crystal structure of α-K3AlF6 was solved and refined from a combination of powder X-ray and neutron diffraction data (a = 18.8385(3)Å, c = 33.9644(6)Å, S.G. I41/a, Z = 80, RP(X-ray) = 0.037, RP(neutron) = 0.053). The crystal structure is of the A2BB′X6 elpasolite type with the a = b ≈ ae√5, c = 4ae superstructure (ae, parameter of the elpasolite subcell) and rock-salt-type ordering of the K and Al cations over the B and B′ positions, respectively. The remarkable feature of α-K3AlF6 is a rotation of 2/5 of the AlF6 octahedra by π/4 around one of the crystal axes of the elpasolite subcell, coinciding with the 4-fold symmetry axes of the AlF6 octahedra. The rotation of the AlF6 octahedra replaces the corner-sharing between the K and Al polyhedra by edge-sharing, resulting in an increase of coordination numbers of the K cations at the B positions up to 7 and 8. Due to significant deformations of the K polyhedra, the corner-sharing connectivity of the octahedral elpasolite framework is broken and the rotations of the AlF6 octahedra do not have a cooperative character. Elpasolites and double perovskites with similar structural organization are discussed. The difference in ionic radii of the B and B′ cations as well as the tolerance factor are proposed to be the parameters governing the formation of elpasolites and double perovskites with broken corner-sharing connectivity of the octahedral framework.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1021/ic9013043
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“Influence of the microstructure on the high-temperature transport properties of GdBaCo2O5.5+\delta epitaxial films”. Burriel M, Casa-Cabanas M, Zapata J, Tan H, Verbeeck J, Solis C, Roqueta J, Skinner SJ, Kilner JA, Van Tendeloo G, Santiso J, Chemistry of materials 22, 5512 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm101423z
Abstract: Epitaxial thin films of GdBaCo2O5.5+δ (GBCO) grown by pulsed laser deposition have been studied as a function of deposition conditions. The variation in film structure, domain orientation, and microstructure upon deviations in the cation composition have been correlated with the charge transport properties of the films. The epitaxial GBCO films mainly consist of single- and double-perovskite regions that are oriented in different directions depending on the deposition temperature. Additionally, cobalt depletion induces the formation of a high density of stacking defects in the films, consisting of supplementary GdO planes along the c-axis of the material. The presence of such defects progressively reduces the electrical conductivity. The films closer to the stoichiometric composition have shown p-type electronic conductivity at high pO2 with values as high as 800 S/cm at 330 °C in 1 atm O2, and with a pO2 power dependence with an exponent as low as 1/25, consistent with the behavior reported for bulk GBCO. These values place GBCO thin films as a very promising material to be applied as cathodes in intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1021/cm101423z
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“New mechanism for oxidation of native silicon oxide”. Khalilov U, Pourtois G, Huygh S, van Duin ACT, Neyts EC, Bogaerts A, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 117, 9819 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp400433u
Abstract: Continued miniaturization of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) requires an ever-decreasing thickness of the gate oxide. The structure of ultrathin silicon oxide films, however, critically depends on the oxidation mechanism. Using reactive atomistic simulations, we here demonstrate how the oxidation mechanism in hyperthermal oxidation of such structures may be controlled by the oxidation temperature and the oxidant energy. Specifically, we study the interaction of hyperthermal oxygen with energies of 15 eV with thin SiOx (x ≤ 2) films with a native oxide thickness of about 10 Å. We analyze the oxygen penetration depth probability and compare with results of the hyperthermal oxidation of a bare Si(100){2 × 1} (c-Si) surface. The temperature-dependent oxidation mechanisms are discussed in detail. Our results demonstrate that, at low (i.e., room) temperature, the penetrated oxygen mostly resides in the oxide region rather than at the SiOx|c-Si interface. However, at higher temperatures, starting at around 700 K, oxygen atoms are found to penetrate and to diffuse through the oxide layer followed by reaction at the c-Si boundary. We demonstrate that hyperthermal oxidation resembles thermal oxidation, which can be described by the DealGrove model at high temperatures. Furthermore, defect creation mechanisms that occur during the oxidation process are also analyzed. This study is useful for the fabrication of ultrathin silicon oxide gate oxides for metal-oxide-semiconductor devices as it links parameters that can be straightforwardly controlled in experiment (oxygen temperature, velocity) with the silicon oxide structure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1021/jp400433u
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“Oxygen vacancy ordering in the double-layered Ruddlesden-Popper cobaltite Sm2BaCo2O7-\delta”. Gillie LJ, Hadermann J, Hervieu M, Maignan A, Martin C, Chemistry of materials 20, 6231 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm8010138
Abstract: A new oxygen-deficient Ruddlesden−Popper (RP) cobaltite Sm2BaCo2O7−δ (δ ≈ 1.0) has been synthesized and the crystal structure elucidated by Rietveld analysis of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) data and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The phase crystallizes in a primitive orthorhombic unit cell, with lattice parameters a = 5.4371(4) Å; b = 5.4405(4) Å and c = 19.8629(6) Å, and space group Pnnm. Contrary to other oxygen-deficient cobalt RP phases, the oxygen vacancies are located in the equatorial positions of the [CoO] layers to give an intralayer structure similar to Sr2Mn2O5, which is not usually observed for cobalt-containing materials. The Sm3+ and Ba2+ cations show a strong preference for distinct sites, with the majority of the larger Ba2+ cations situated in the perovskite block layers and Sm3+ cations predominantly in the rock salt layers. Magnetic susceptibility data demonstrate the strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) character of Sm2BaCo2O7−δ.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1021/cm8010138
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“Rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of benzene bridged periodic mesoporous organosilicas”. Smeulders G, Meynen V, van Baelen G, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Maes BUW, Cool P, Journal of materials chemistry 19, 3042 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1039/b820792e
Abstract: Following extended use in organic chemistry, microwave-assisted synthesis is gaining more importance in the field of inorganic chemistry, especially for the synthesis of nanoporous materials. It offers some major advantages such as a significant shortening of the synthesis time and an improved promotion of nucleation. In the research here reported, microwave technology is applied for the synthesis of benzene bridged PMOs (periodic mesoporous organosilicas). PMOs are one of the latest innovations in the field of hybrid ordered mesoporous materials and have attracted much attention because of their feasibility in electronics, catalysis, separation and sorption applications. The different synthesis steps (stirring, aging and extraction) of the classical PMO synthesis are replaced by microwave-assisted synthesis steps. The characteristics of the as-synthesized materials are evaluated by X-ray diffraction, N2-sorption, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy. The microwave-assisted synthesis drastically reduces the synthesis time by more than 40 hours without any loss in structural properties, such as mesoscale and molecular ordering. The porosity of the PMO materials has even been improved by more than 25%. Moreover, the number of handling/transfer steps and amounts of chemicals and waste are drastically reduced. The study also shows that there is a clear time (1 to 3 hours) and temperature frame (373 K to 403 K) wherein synthesis of benzene bridged PMO is optimal. In conclusion, the microwave-assisted synthesis pathway allows an improved material to be obtained in a more economical way i.e. a much shorter time with fewer chemicals and less waste.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Organic synthesis (ORSY)
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1039/b820792e
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“Ruthenium nanoparticles inside porous (Zn40(bdC)(3)) by hydrogenolysis of adsorbed (Ru(cod)(cot)): a solid-state reference system for surfactant-stabilized ruthenium colloids”. Schröder F, Esken D, Cokoja M, van den Berg MWE, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Walaszek B, Buntkowsky G, Limbach HH, Chaudret B, Fischer RA;, Journal of the American Chemical Society 130, 6119 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja078231u
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 272
DOI: 10.1021/ja078231u
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“Single chain elasticity and thermoelasticity of polyethylene”. Titantah JT, Pierleoni C, Ryckaert J-P, The journal of chemical physics 117, 9028 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.1514974
Abstract: Single-chain elasticity of polyethylene at theta point up to 90% of stretching with respect to its contour length is computed by Monte Carlo simulation of an atomistic model in continuous space. The elasticity law together with the free-energy and the internal energy variations with stretching are found to be very well represented by the wormlike chain model up to 65% of the chain elongation, provided the persistence length is treated as a temperature-dependent parameter. Beyond this value of elongation simple ideal chain models are not able to describe the Monte Carlo data in a thermodynamic consistent way. This study reinforces the use of the wormlike chain model to interpret experimental data on the elasticity of synthetic polymers in the finite extensibility regime, provided the chain is not yet in its fully stretched regime. Specific solvent effects on the elasticity law and the partition between energetic and entropic contributions to single chain elasticity are investigated. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.965
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1063/1.1514974
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“Sr21Bi8Cu2(CO3)(2)O-41, a Bi5+ Oxycarbonate with an Original 10L Structure”. Malo S, Abakumov AM, Daturi M, Pelloquin D, Van Tendeloo G, Guesdon A, Hervieu M, Inorganic chemistry 53, 10266 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/ic501322w
Abstract: The layered structure of Sr21Bi8Cu2(CO3)(2)O-41 (Z = 2) was determined by transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction refinement in space group P6(3)/mcm (No. 194), with a = 10.0966(3)angstrom and c = 26.3762(5)angstrom. This original 10L-type structure is built from two structural blocks, namely, [Sr15Bi6Cu2(CO3)O-29] and [Sr6Bi2(CO3)O-12]. The Bi5+ cations form [Bi2O10] dimers, whereas the Cu2+ and C atoms occupy infinite tunnels running along (c) over right arrow. The nature of the different blocks and layers is discussed with regard to the existing hexagonal layered compounds. Sr21Bi8Cu2(CO3)(2)O-41 is insulating and paramagnetic.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
DOI: 10.1021/ic501322w
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“Uniform patterns of Fe-vacancy ordering in the Kx(Fe,Co)2-ySe2 superconductors”. Kazakov SM, Abakumov AM, Perz-Mato JM, Ovchinnikov AV, Roslova MV, Boltalin AI, Morozov IV, Antipov EV, Van Tendeloo G, Chemistry of materials 23, 4311 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm201203h
Abstract: The Fe-vacancy ordering patterns in the superconducting KxFe2ySe2 and nonsuperconducting Kx(Fe,Co)2ySe2 samples have been investigated by electron diffraction and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The Fe-vacancy ordering occurs in the ab plane of the parent ThCr2Si2-type structure, demonstrating two types of patterns. Superstructure I retains the tetragonal symmetry and can be described with the aI = bI = as√5 (as is the unit cell parameter of the parent ThCr2Si2-type structure) supercell and I4/m space group. Superstructure II reduces the symmetry to orthorhombic with the aII = as√2, bII = 2as√2 supercell and the Ibam space group. This type of superstructure is observed for the first time in KxFe2ySe2. The Fe-vacancy ordering is inhomogeneous: the disordered areas interleave with the superstructures I and II in the same crystallite. The observed superstructures represent the compositionally dependent uniform ordering patterns of two species (the Fe atoms and vacancies) on a square lattice. More complex uniform ordered configurations, including compositional stripes, can be predicted for different chemical compositions of the KxFe2ySe2 (0 < y < 0.5) solid solutions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1021/cm201203h
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“Doping anatase TiO2with group V-b and VI-b transition metal atoms: a hybrid functional first-principles study”. Matsubara M, Saniz R, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 19, 1945 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C6CP06882K
Abstract: We investigate the role of transition metal atoms of group V-b (V, Nb, Ta) and VI-b (Cr, Mo, W) as n- or p-type dopants in anatase TiO$_2$ using thermodynamic
principles and density functional theory with the Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof HSE06 hybrid functional. The HSE06 functional provides a realistic value for the band gap, which ensures a correct classification of dopants as shallow or deep donors or acceptors. Defect formation energies and thermodynamic transition levels are calculated taking into account the constraints imposed by the stability of TiO$_2$ and the solubility limit of the impurities.
Nb, Ta, W and Mo are identified as shallow donors. Although W provides two electrons, Nb and Ta show a considerable lower formation energy, in particular under O-poor conditions. Mo donates in principle one electron, but under specific conditions can turn into a double donor. V impurities are deep donors and Cr
shows up as an amphoteric defect, thereby acting as an electron trapping center in n-type TiO$_2$ especially under O-rich conditions. A comparison with the available experimental data yields excellent agreement.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1039/C6CP06882K
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“Structural and electronic properties of defects at grain boundaries in CuInSe2”. Saniz R, Bekaert J, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 19, 14770 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7CP02033C
Abstract: We report on a first-principles study of the structural and electronic properties of a Sigma3 (112) grain boundary model in CuInSe2. The study focuses on a coherent, stoichiometry preserving, cation–Se terminated grain boundary, addressing the properties of the grain boundary as such, as well as the effect
of well known defects in CuInSe2. We show that in spite of its apparent simplicity, such a grain boundary exhibits a very rich phenomenology, providing an explanation for several of the experimentally observed properties of grain boundaries in CuInSe2 thin films. In particular, we show that the combined effect of Cu vacancies and cation antisites can result in the observed Cu depletion with no In enrichment at the grain boundaries. Furthermore, Cu vacancies are unlikely to produce a hole barrier at the grain boundaries, but Na may indeed have such an effect. We find that Na-on-Cu defects will tend to form abundantly at
the grain boundaries, and can provide a mechanism for the carrier depletion and/or type inversion experimentally reported.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1039/C7CP02033C
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“A DFT study of H-dissolution into the bulk of a crystalline Ni(111) surface: a chemical identifier for the reaction kinetics”. Shirazi M, Bogaerts A, Neyts EC, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 19, 19150 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7CP03662K
Abstract: In this study, we investigated the diffusion of H-atoms to the subsurface and their further diffusion into the bulk of a Ni(111) crystal by means of density functional theory calculations in the context of thermal and plasma-assisted catalysis. The H-atoms at the surface can originate from the dissociative adsorption of H2 or CH4 molecules, determining the surface H-coverage. When a threshold H-coverage is passed, corresponding to 1.00 ML for the crystalline Ni(111) surface, the surface-bound H-atoms start to diffuse to the subsurface. A similar threshold coverage is observed for the interstitial H-coverage. Once the interstitial sites are filled up with a coverage above 1.00 ML of H, dissolution of interstitial H-atoms to the layer below the interstitial sites will be initiated. Hence, by applying a high pressure or inducing a reactive plasma and high temperature, increasing the H-flux to the surface, a large amount of hydrogen can diffuse in a crystalline metal like Ni and can be absorbed. The formation of metal hydride may modify the entire reaction kinetics of the system. Equivalently, the H-atoms in the bulk can easily go back to the surface and release a large amount of heat. In a plasma process, H-atoms are formed in the plasma, and therefore the energy barrier for dissociative adsorption is dismissed, thus allowing achievement of the threshold coverage without applying a high pressure as in a thermal process. As a result, depending on the crystal plane and type of metal, a large number of H-atoms can be dissolved (absorbed) in the metal catalyst, explaining the high efficiency of plasma-assisted catalytic reactions. Here, the mechanism of H-dissolution is established as a chemical identifier for the investigation of the reaction kinetics of a chemical process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1039/C7CP03662K
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“Plasma technology &ndash, a novel solution for CO2conversion?”.Snoeckx R, Bogaerts A, Chemical Society reviews 46, 5805 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C6CS00066E
Abstract: CO2 conversion into value-added chemicals and fuels is considered as one of the great challenges of the 21st century. Due to the limitations of the traditional thermal approaches, several novel technologies are being developed. One promising approach in this field, which has received little attention to date, is plasma
technology. Its advantages include mild operating conditions, easy upscaling, and gas activation by energetic electrons instead of heat. This allows thermodynamically difficult reactions, such as CO2 splitting and the dry reformation of methane, to occur with reasonable energy cost. In this review, after exploring the traditional thermal approaches, we have provided a brief overview of the fierce competition between various novel approaches in a quest to find the most effective and efficient CO2 conversion technology. This is needed to critically assess whether plasma technology can be successful in an already crowded arena. The following questions need to be answered in this regard: are there key advantages to using plasma technology over other novel approaches, and if so, what is the flip side to the use of this technology? Can plasma technology be successful on its own, or can synergies be achieved by combining it with other technologies? To answer
these specific questions and to evaluate the potentials and limitations of plasma technology in general, this review presents the current state-of-the-art and a critical assessment of plasma-based CO2 conversion, as well as the future challenges for its practical implementation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 38.618
Times cited: 168
DOI: 10.1039/C6CS00066E
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