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Author Solmaz, A.; Huijben, M.; Koster, G.; Egoavil, R.; Gauquelin, N.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Verbeeck, J.; Noheda, B.; Rijnders, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Domain Selectivity in BiFeO3Thin Films by Modified Substrate Termination Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Advanced functional materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Mater  
  Volume 26 Issue 26 Pages 2882-2889  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Ferroelectric domain formation is an essential feature in ferroelectric thin films. These domains and domain walls can be manipulated depending on the growth conditions. In rhombohedral BiFeO3 thin films, the ordering of the domains and the presence of specific types of domain walls play a crucial role in attaining unique ferroelectric and magnetic properties. In this study, controlled ordering of domains in BiFeO3 film is presented, as well as a controlled selectivity between two types of domain walls is presented, i.e., 71° and 109°, by modifying the substrate termination. The experiments on two different substrates, namely SrTiO3 and TbScO3, strongly indicate that the domain selectivity is determined by the growth kinetics of the initial BiFeO3 layers.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000377587800011 Publication Date 2016-03-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1616-301X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 34 Open Access  
  Notes The authors are grateful to Saeedeh Farokhipoor and Tamalika Banerjee for very useful discussions. This work was supported by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research NWO-FOM (under FOM-Nano project 10UNST04–2). The Qu-Ant-EM microscope was partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. GOA project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp. The electron microscopy part of the work was supported by funding from the European Research Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7), ERC Grant No. 246791– COUNTATOMS. Funding from the European Union Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7) Grant No. NMP3-LA-2010–246102 FOX is acknowledged. The Fund for Scientific Research Flanders is acknowledged for FWO Project No. G.0044.13N. Approved Most recent IF: 12.124  
  Call Number c:irua:132641UA @ admin @ c:irua:132641 Serial 4053  
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Author Schrittwieser, S.; Pelaz, B.; Parak, W.J.; Lentijo-Mozo, S.; Soulantica, K.; Dieckhoff, J.; Ludwig, F.; Altantzis, T.; Bals, S.; Schotter, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Homogeneous Protein Analysis by Magnetic Core-Shell Nanorod Probes Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter  
  Volume 8 Issue 8 Pages 8893-8899  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Studying protein interactions is of vital importance both to fundamental biology research and to medical applications. Here, we report on the experimental proof of a universally applicable label-free homogeneous platform for rapid protein analysis. It is based on optically detecting changes in the rotational dynamics of magnetically agitated core-shell nanorods upon their specific interaction with proteins. By adjusting the excitation frequency, we are able to optimize the measurement signal for each analyte protein size. In addition, due to the locking of the optical signal to the magnetic excitation frequency, background signals are suppressed, thus allowing exclusive studies of processes at the nanoprobe surface only. We study target proteins (soluble domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 – sHER2) specifically binding to antibodies (trastuzumab) immobilized on the surface of our nanoprobes and demonstrate direct deduction of their respective sizes. Additionally, we examine the dependence of our measurement signal on the concentration of the analyte protein, and deduce a minimally detectable sHER2 concentration of 440 pM. For our homogeneous measurement platform, good dispersion stability of the applied nanoprobes under physiological conditions is of vital importance. To that end, we support our measurement data by theoretical modeling of the total particle-particle interaction energies. The successful implementation of our platform offers scope for applications in biomarker-based diagnostics as well as for answering basic biology questions.  
  Address Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology , Vienna, Austria  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000374274900007 Publication Date 2016-03-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.504 Times cited 16 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors thank Frauke Alves, Julia Bode and Fernanda Ramos Gomes from the Max-Planck-Institute of Experimental Medicine in Göttingen for providing the trastuzumab antibody in form of the Herceptin therapeutic drug. The figure showing the measurement principle has been created by Darragh Crotty (www.darraghcrotty.com). Parts of this research were supported by the European Commission FP7 NAMDIATREAM project (EU NMP4-LA-2010−246479), by the German research foundation (DFG grant GRK 1782 to W.J.P.), and by the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078 Colouratom). B.P. acknowledges a PostDoctoral fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt foundation. (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); ; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 7.504  
  Call Number c:irua:132889 Serial 4059  
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Author Lu, J.B.; Schryvers, D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Microstructure and phase composition characterization in a Co38Ni33Al29 ferromagnetic shape memory alloy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Materials characterization Abbreviated Journal Mater Charact  
  Volume 118 Issue 118 Pages 9-13  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Transmission electron microscopy was performed to investigate the microstructures of a secondary phase and its surrounding matrix in a Co38Ni33Al29 ferromagnetic shape memory alloy. The secondary phase shows a γ′ L12 structure exhibiting a dendritic morphology with enclosed B2 austenite regions while the matrix shows the L10 martensitic structure. A secondary phase-austenite-martensite sandwich structure with residual austenite ranging from several hundred nanometers to several micrometers wide is observed at the secondary phase-martensite interface due to the depletion of Co and enrichment of Al in the chemical gradient zone and the effect of the strong martensitic start temperature dependency of the element concentrations. The crystallographic orientation relationship of the secondary phase and the B2 austenite fits the Kurdjumov-Sachs relationship.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000383292000002 Publication Date 2016-05-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1044-5803 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.714 Times cited 3 Open Access  
  Notes J.B. Lu thanks the Belgian Science Ministry (Belspo) for support of his post-doctoral research stay at EMAT. We thank S. Sedlakova-Ignacova from the Institute of Physics in Prague, Czech Republic, for providing samples. Approved Most recent IF: 2.714  
  Call Number c:irua:133100 Serial 4071  
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Author Rizzo, F.; Augieri, A.; Angrisani Armenio, A.; Galluzzi, V.; Mancini, A.; Pinto, V.; Rufoloni, A.; Vannozzi, A.; Bianchetti, M.; Kursumovic, A.; MacManus-Driscoll, J.L.; Meledin, A.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Celentano, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Enhanced 77K vortex-pinning in YBa2Cu3O7−x films with Ba2YTaO6 and mixed Ba2YTaO6 + Ba2YNbO6 nano-columnar inclusions with irreversibility field to 11T Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication APL materials Abbreviated Journal Apl Mater  
  Volume 4 Issue 4 Pages 061101  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Pulsed laser deposited thin YBa2Cu3O7−x (YBCO) films with pinning additions of 5at.% Ba2YTaO6 (BYTO) were compared to films with 2.5at.% Ba2YTaO6 + 2.5at.% Ba2YNbO6 (BYNTO) additions. Excellent magnetic flux-pinning at 77 K was obtained with remarkably high irreversibility fields greater than 10T (YBCO-BYTO) and 11T (YBCO-BYNTO), representing the highest ever achieved values in YBCO films.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language Wos 000379042400002 Publication Date 2016-06-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2166-532X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.335 Times cited 19 Open Access  
  Notes This work was financially supported by EUROTAPES, a collaborative project funded by the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Program (FP7 / 2007-2013) under Grant Agreement no. 280432 Approved Most recent IF: 4.335  
  Call Number c:irua:133785 Serial 4077  
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Author Serrano-Montes, A.B.; Langer, J.; Henriksen-Lacey, M.; Jimenez de Aberasturi, D.; Solís, D.M.; Taboada, J.M.; Obelleiro, F.; Sentosun, K.; Bals, S.; Bekdemir, A.; Stellacci, F.; Liz-Marzán, L.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Gold Nanostar-Coated Polystyrene Beads as Multifunctional Nanoprobes for SERS Bioimaging Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C  
  Volume 120 Issue 120 Pages 20860-20868  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Hybrid colloidal nanocomposites comprising polystyrene beads and plasmonic gold nanostars are reported as multifunctional optical nanoprobes. Such self-assembled structures are excellent Raman enhancers for bio-applications as they feature plasmon modes in the near infrared “first biological transparency window”. In this proof of concept study, we used 4- mercaptobenzoic acid as a Raman-active molecule to optimize the density of gold nanostars on polystyrene beads, improving SERS performance and thereby allowing in vitro cell culture imaging. Interestingly, intermediate gold nanostar loadings were found to yield higher SERS response, which was confirmed by electromagnetic modeling. These engineered hybrid nanostructures notably improve the possibilities of using gold nanostars as SERS tags. Additionally, when fluorescently labeled polystyrene bead are used as colloidal carriers, the composite particles can be applied as promising tools for multimodal bioimaging.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000384034600045 Publication Date 2016-05-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 64 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Funding is acknowledged from the European Commission (Grant #310445-2 SAVVY), the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant #267867 Plasmaquo, and ERC Starting Grant #335078 Colouratom) and the Spanish MINECO (Project MAT2013-46101-R). We thank IKERLAT Polymers for the non-fluorescent PS beads and Prof. Juan Mareque, Prof. Soledad Penades and Dr. Sergio Moya (CIC biomagune) for borrowing various cell lines. D.M.S., J.M.T, and F.O. acknowledge funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Spanish MINECO (Projects MAT2014-58201-C2-1-R, MAT2014- 58201-C2-2-R), from the ERDF and the Galician Regional Government under agreement for funding the Atlantic Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (AtlantTIC), and from the ERDF and the Extremadura Regional Government (Junta de Extremadura) under Project IB13185. (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); ; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 4.536  
  Call Number c:irua:133952 Serial 4082  
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Author Liao, Z; , Green, R.J; Gauquelin, N; Macke, S.; Li, L.; Gonnissen, J; Sutarto, R.; Houwman, E.P.; Zhong, Z.; Van Aert, S.; Verbeeck, J.; Sawatzky, G.A.; Huijben, M.; Koster, G.; Rijnders, G. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Long-Range Domain Structure and Symmetry Engineering by Interfacial Oxygen Octahedral Coupling at Heterostructure Interface Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Advanced functional materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Mater  
  Volume 26 Issue 26 Pages 6627-6634  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In epitaxial thin film systems, the crystal structure and its symmetry deviate from the bulk counterpart due to various mechanisms such as epitaxial strain and interfacial structural coupling, which is accompanyed by a change in their properties. In perovskite materials, the crystal symmetry can be described by rotations of sixfold coordinated transition metal oxygen octahedra, which are found to be altered at interfaces. Here, it is unraveled how the local oxygen octahedral coupling at perovskite heterostructural interfaces strongly influences the domain structure and symmetry of the epitaxial films resulting in design rules to induce various structures in thin films using carefully selected combinations of substrate/buffer/film. Very interestingly it is discovered that these combinations lead to structure changes throughout the full thickness of the film. The results provide a deep insight into understanding the origin of induced structures in a perovskite heterostructure and an intelligent route to achieve unique functional properties.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000384809800010 Publication Date 2016-06-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1616-301x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 23 Open Access  
  Notes We thank B. Keimer for valuable discussions. M.H., G.K. and G.R. acknowledge funding from DESCO program of the Dutch Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM) with financial support from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). This work was funded by the European Union Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7) grant nr NMP3-LA-2010-246102 IFOX. J.V. and S.V.A. acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0044.13N, G.0374.13N, G.0368.15N, G.0369.15N). The Qu-Ant-EM microscope was partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. N.G. acknowledges funding from the European Research Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7), ERC Starting Grant 278510 VORTEX. N.G., J.G., S.V.A., J.V. acknowledge financial support from the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative (Reference No. 312483-ESTEEM2). The Canadian work was supported by NSERC and the Max Planck-UBC Centre for Quantum Materials. Some experiments for this work were performed at the Canadian Light Source, which is funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, NSERC, the National Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Government of Saskatchewan, Western Economic Diversification Canada, and the University of Saskatchewan.; esteem2jra2; esteem2jra3; ECASJO_; Approved Most recent IF: 12.124  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:144663UA @ admin @ c:irua:144663 Serial 4106  
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Author De Keukeleere, K.; Cayado, P.; Meledin, A.; Vallès, F.; De Roo, J.; Rijckaert, H.; Pollefeyt, G.; Bruneel, E.; Palau, A.; Coll, M.; Ricart, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Puig, T.; Obradors, X.; Van Driessche, I. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-δNanocomposites Using Preformed ZrO2Nanocrystals: Growth Mechanisms and Vortex Pinning Properties Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Advanced Electronic Materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 2 Issue 2 Pages 1600161  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Although high temperature superconductors are promising for power applications, the production of low-cost coated conductors with high current densities—at high magnetic fields—remains challenging. A superior superconducting YBa2Cu3O7–δ nanocomposite is fabricated via chemical solution deposition (CSD) using preformed nanocrystals (NCs). Preformed, colloidally stable ZrO2 NCs are added to the trifluoroacetic acid based precursor solution and the NCs' stability is confirmed up to 50 mol% for at least 2.5 months. These NCs tend to disrupt the epitaxial growth of YBa2Cu3O7–δ, unless a thin seed layer is applied. A 10 mol% ZrO2 NC addition proved to be optimal, yielding a critical current density JC of 5 MA cm−2 at 77 K in self-field. Importantly, this new approach results in a smaller magnetic field decay of JC(H//c) for the nanocomposite compared to a pristine film. Furthermore, microstructural analysis of the YBa2Cu3O7–δ nanocomposite films reveals that different strain generation mechanisms may occur compared to the spontaneous segregation approach. Yet, the generated nanostrain in the YBa2Cu3O7–δ nanocomposite results in an improvement of the superconducting properties similar to the spontaneous segregation approach. This new approach, using preformed NCs in CSD coatings, can be of great potential for high magnetic field applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000386624100003 Publication Date 2016-09-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2199160X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 26 Open Access  
  Notes This work was financially supported by a BOF research fund of Ghent University (BOF11/DOC/286), FWO Flanders (F08512), and Eurotapes, a collaborative project funded by the European Community’s Seven Framework Program (EU-FP7 NMP-LA-2012-280432). We also acknowledge MINECO and FEDER funds for MAT2014-51778-C2-1-R and the Center of Excellence award Severo Ochoa SEV-2015-0496, and SGR753 from the Generalitat of Catalunya. MC acknowledges RyC contract 2013-12448 Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:135171 Serial 4118  
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Author Gonnissen, J.; Batuk, D.; Nataf, G.F.; Jones, L.; Abakumov, A.M.; Van Aert, S.; Schryvers, D.; Salje, E.K.H. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Direct Observation of Ferroelectric Domain Walls in LiNbO3: Wall-Meanders, Kinks, and Local Electric Charges Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Advanced functional materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Mater  
  Volume 26 Issue 26 Pages 7599-7604  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Direct observations of the ferroelectric domain boundaries in LiNbO3 are performed using high-resolution high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging, revealing a very narrow width of the domain wall between the 180° domains. The domain walls demonstrate local side-way meandering, which results in inclinations even when the overall wall orientation follows the ferroelectric polarization. These local meanders contain kinks with “head-to-head” and “tail-to-tail” dipolar configurations and are therefore locally charged. The charged meanders are confined to a few cation layers along the polarization direction and are separated by longer stretches of straight domain walls.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000388166700006 Publication Date 2016-09-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1616-301X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 23 Open Access  
  Notes J.G. acknowledges the support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through various project fundings (G.0368.15N, G.0369.15N, and G.0374.13N), as well as the financial support from the European Union Seventh Framework Program (FP7/2007–2013) under Grant agreement no. 312483 (ESTEEM2). The authors thank J. Hadermann for useful suggestions on the interpretation of the HAADFSTEM images. E.K.H.S. thanks the EPSRC (EP/K009702/1) and the Leverhulme Trust (EM-2016-004) for support. G.F.N. thanks the National Research Fund, Luxembourg (FNR/P12/4853155/Kreisel) for support.; esteem2_jra2 Approved Most recent IF: 12.124  
  Call Number c:irua:135336 c:irua:135336 Serial 4129  
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Author Van Aelst, J.; Verboekend, D.; Philippaerts, A.; Nuttens, N.; Kurttepeli, M.; Gobechiya, E.; Haouas, M.; Sree, S.P.; Denayer, J.F.M.; Martens, J.A.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Taulelle, F.; Bals, S.; Baron, G.V.; Jacobs, P.A.; Sels, B.F. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Catalyst design by NH4OH treatment of USY zeolite Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Advanced functional materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Mater  
  Volume 25 Issue 25 Pages 7130-7144  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Hierarchical zeolites are a class of superior catalysts which couples the intrinsic zeolitic properties to enhanced accessibility and intracrystalline mass transport to and from the active sites. The design of hierarchical USY (Ultra-Stable Y) catalysts is achieved using a sustainable postsynthetic room temperature treatment with mildly alkaline NH4OH ( 0.02(M)) solutions. Starting from a commercial dealuminated USY zeolite (Si/Al = 47), a hierarchical material is obtained by selective and tuneable creation of interconnected and accessible small mesopores (2- 6 nm). In addition, the treatment immediately yields the NH4+ form without the need for additional ion exchange. After NH4OH modification, the crystal morphology is retained, whereas the microporosity and relative crystallinity are decreased. The gradual formation of dense amorphous phases throughout the crystal without significant framework atom leaching rationalizes the very high material yields (>90%). The superior catalytic performance of the developed hierarchical zeolites is demonstrated in the acid-catalyzed isomerization of alpha-pinene and the metal-catalyzed conjugation of safflower oil. Significant improvements in activity and selectivity are attained, as well as a lowered susceptibility to deactivation. The catalytic performance is intimately related to the introduced mesopores, hence enhanced mass transport capacity, and the retained intrinsic zeolitic properties.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor  
  Language Wos 000366503700003 Publication Date 2015-10-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1616-301x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 64 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; The authors thank Dr. M. Thommes and Dr. K. Cychosz for numerous and helpful discussions on the correct evaluation of the Ar isotherms. I. Cuppens is acknowledged for ICP-AES analyses. Research was funded through a PhD grant to J.V.A. of the Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT). D.V. and A.P. acknowledge F.W.O.-Vlaanderen (Research Foundation Flanders) for a postdoctoral fellowship. N.N. thanks the KU Leuven for financial support (FLOF). E.G., C.K., and J.M. acknowledge the long-term structural funding by the Flemish Government (Methusalem). S.B. acknowledges the European Research Council for funding under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013)/ERC grant agreement No. 335078-COLOURATOMS. The authors are grateful for financial support by the Belgian government through Interuniversity Attraction Poles (IAP-PAI). They also thank Oleon NV for supplying safflower oil. ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 12.124; 2015 IF: 11.805  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:130214 Serial 4147  
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Author Neubert, S.; Mitoraj, D.; Shevlin, S.A.; Pulisova, P.; Heimann, M.; Du, Y.; Goh, G.K.L.; Pacia, M.; Kruczała, K.; Turner, S.; Macyk, W.; Guo, Z.X.; Hocking, R.K.; Beranek, R.; url  doi
openurl 
  Title Highly efficient rutile TiO2 photocatalysts with single Cu(II) and Fe(III) surface catalytic sites Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A  
  Volume 4 Issue 4 Pages 3127-3138  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Highly active photocatalysts were obtained by impregnation of nanocrystalline rutile TiO2 powders with small amounts of Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions, resulting in the enhancement of initial rates of photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol in water by factors of 7 and 4, compared to pristine rutile, respectively. Detailed structural analysis by EPR and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) revealed that Cu(II) and Fe(III) are present as single species on the rutile surface. The mechanism of the photoactivity enhancement was elucidated by a combination of DFT calculations and detailed experimental mechanistic studies including photoluminescence measurements, photocatalytic experiments using scavengers, OH radical detection, and photopotential transient measurements. The results demonstrate that the single Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions act as effective cocatalytic sites, enhancing the charge separation, catalyzing “dark” redox reactions at the interface, thus improving the normally very low quantum yields of UV light-activated TiO2 photocatalysts. The exact mechanism of the photoactivity enhancement differs depending on the nature of the cocatalyst. Cu(II)-decorated samples exhibit fast transfer of photogenerated electrons to Cu(II/I) sites, followed by enhanced catalysis of dioxygen reduction, resulting in improved charge separation and higher photocatalytic degradation rates. At Fe(III)-modified rutile the rate of dioxygen reduction is not improved and the photocatalytic enhancement is attributed to higher production of highly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals produced by alternative oxygen reduction pathways opened by the presence of catalytic Fe(III/II) sites. Importantly, it was demonstrated that excessive heat treatment (at 450 degrees C) of photocatalysts leads to loss of activity due to migration of Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions from TiO2 surface to the bulk, accompanied by formation of oxygen vacancies. The demonstrated variety of mechanisms of photoactivity enhancement at single site catalyst-modified photocatalysts holds promise for developing further tailored photocatalysts for various applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000371077300040 Publication Date 2015-12-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 44 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.867  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:132322 Serial 4191  
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Author Conings, B.; Bretschneider, S.A.; Babayigit, A.; Gauquelin, N.; Cardinaletti, I.; Manca, J.V.; Verbeeck, J.; Snaith, H.J.; Boyen, H.-G. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Structure-property relations of methylamine vapor treated hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 films and solar cells Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter  
  Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 8092-8099  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The power conversion efficiency of halide perovskite solar cells is heavily dependent on the perovskite layer being sufficiently smooth and pinhole-free. It has been shown that these features can be obtained even when starting out from rough and discontinuous perovskite film, by briefly exposing it to methylamine (MA) vapor. The exact underlying physical mechanisms of this phenomenon are, however, still unclear. By investigating smooth, MA treated films, based on very rough and discontinuous reference films of methylammonium triiode (MAPbI3), considering their morphology, crystalline features, local conductive properties, and charge carrier lifetime, we unravel the relation between their characteristic physical qualities and their performance in corresponding solar cells. We discover that the extensive improvement in photovoltaic performance upon MA treatment is a consequence of the induced morphological enhancement of the perovskite layer, together with improved electron injection into TiO2, which in fact compensates for an otherwise compromised bulk electronic quality, simultaneously caused by the MA treatment.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000396186000025 Publication Date 2017-02-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.504 Times cited 43 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was financially supported by BOF (Hasselt University) and the Research Fund Flanders (FWO). B.C. is a postdoctoral research fellow of the FWO. A.B. is financially supported by FWO and Imec. J.V. and N.G. acknowledge funding from GOA project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp and FWO project G.0044.13N “Charge ordering”. The Qu-Ant-EM microscope used for this study was partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. The authors thank Tim Vangerven for Urbach energy determination, and Johnny Baccus and Jan Mertens for technical support. Approved Most recent IF: 7.504  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:140849 Serial 4422  
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Author Lander, L.; Rousse, G.; Abakumov, A.M.; Sougrati, M.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Tarascon, J.-M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Structural, electrochemical and magnetic properties of a novel KFeSO4F polymorph Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A  
  Volume 3 Issue 3 Pages 19754-19764  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In the quest for sustainable and low-cost positive electrode materials for Li-ion batteries, we discovered, as reported herein, a new low temperature polymorph of KFeSO4F. Contrary to the high temperature phase crystallizing in a KTiOPO4-like structure, this new phase adopts a complex layer-like structure built on FeO4F2 octahedra and SO4 tetrahedra, with potassium cations located in between the layers, as solved using neutron and synchrotron diffraction experiments coupled with electron diffraction. The detailed analysis of the structure reveals an alternation of edge-and corner-shared FeO4F2 octahedra leading to a large monoclinic cell of 1771.774(7) angstrom(3). The potassium atoms are mobile within the structure as deduced by ionic conductivity measurements and confirmed by the bond valence energy landscape approach thus enabling a partial electrochemical removal of K+ and uptake of Li+ at an average potential of 3.7 V vs. Li+/Li-0. Finally, neutron diffraction experiments coupled with SQUID measurements reveal a long range antiferromagnetic ordering of the Fe2+ magnetic moments below 22 K with a possible magnetoelectric behavior.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000362041300018 Publication Date 2015-08-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 11 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.867; 2015 IF: 7.443  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:132566 Serial 4253  
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Author Carraro, G.; Maccato, C.; Gasparotto, A.; Warwick, M.E.A.; Sada, C.; Turner, S.; Bazzo, A.; Andreu, T.; Pliekhova, O.; Korte, D.; Lavrenčič Štangar, U.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Morante, J.R.; Barreca, D. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Hematite-based nanocomposites for light-activated applications: Synergistic role of TiO2 and Au introduction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Solar energy materials and solar cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C  
  Volume 159 Issue 159 Pages 456-466  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Photo-activated processes have been widely recognized as cost-effective and environmentally friendly routes for both renewable energy generation and purification/cleaning technologies. We report herein on a plasma- assisted approach for the synthesis of Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 nanosystems functionalized with Au nanoparticles. Fe 2 O 3 nanostructures were grown by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition, followed by the sequential sputtering of titanium and gold under controlled conditions, and final annealing in air. The target nanosystems were subjected to a thorough multi-technique characterization, in order to elucidate the interrelations between their chemico-physical properties and the processing conditions. Finally, the functional performances were preliminarily investigated in both sunlight-assisted H 2 O splitting and photocatalytic activity tests in view of self- cleaning applications. The obtained results highlight the possibility of tailoring the system behaviour and candidate the present Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 -Au nanosystems as possible multi-functional low-cost platforms for light-activated processes.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000388053600053 Publication Date 2016-10-07  
  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 15 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes The research leading to these results has received funding from the FP7 project “SOLAROGENIX” (NMP4-SL-2012-310333), as well as from Padova University ex-60% 2013-2016 projects, grant no. CPDR132937/13 (SOLLEONE) and the post-doc fellowship ACTION. INFINITY project in the framework of the EU Erasmus Mundus Action 2 is also acknowledged to provide a Ph.D. financial support as well as Slovenian Research Agency (program P2-0377). The authors are grateful to Dr. E. Toniato (Department of Chemistry, Padova University, Italy) for synthetic assistance and to Prof. E. Bontempi and Dr. M. Brisotto (Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, Brescia University, Italy) for XRD analyses. Approved Most recent IF: 4.784  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:135833 Serial 4284  
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Author Callini, E.; Aguey-Zinsou, K.F.; Ahuja, R.; Ares, J.R.; Bals, S.; Biliškov, N.; Chakraborty, S.; Charalambopoulou, G.; Chaudhary, A.L.; Cuevas, F.; Dam, B.; de Jongh, P.; Dornheim, M.; Filinchuk, Y.; Grbović Novaković, J.; Hirscher, M.; Jensen, T.R.; Jensen, P.B.; Novaković, N.; Lai, Q.; Leardini, F.; Gattia, D.M.; Pasquini, L.; Steriotis, T.; Turner, S.; Vegge, T.; Züttel, A.; Montone, A. doi  openurl
  Title Nanostructured materials for solid-state hydrogen storage : a review of the achievement of COST Action MP1103 Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication International journal of hydrogen energy T2 – E-MRS Fall Meeting / Symposium C on Hydrogen Storage in Solids -, Materials, Systems and Aplication Trends, SEP 15-18, 2015, Warsaw, POLAND Abbreviated Journal Int J Hydrogen Energ  
  Volume 41 Issue 41 Pages 14404-14428  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In the framework of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action MP1103 Nanostructured Materials for Solid-State Hydrogen Storage were synthesized, characterized and modeled. This Action dealt with the state of the art of energy storage and set up a competitive and coordinated network capable to define new and unexplored ways for Solid State Hydrogen Storage by innovative and interdisciplinary research within the European Research Area. An important number of new compounds have been synthesized: metal hydrides, complex hydrides, metal halide ammines and amidoboranes. Tuning the structure from bulk to thin film, nanoparticles and nanoconfined composites improved the hydrogen sorption properties and opened the perspective to new technological applications. Direct imaging of the hydrogenation reactions and in situ measurements under operando conditions have been carried out in these studies. Computational screening methods allowed the prediction of suitable compounds for hydrogen storage and the modeling of the hydrogen sorption reactions on mono-, bi-, and three-dimensional systems. This manuscript presents a review of the main achievements of this Action. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Pergamon-elsevier science ltd Place of Publication Oxford Editor  
  Language Wos 000381950800051 Publication Date 2016-05-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0360-3199 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.582 Times cited 89 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes All the authors greatly thank the COST Action MP1103 for financial support. Approved Most recent IF: 3.582  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:135723 Serial 4307  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Conings, B.; Babayigit, A.; Klug, M. T.; Bai, S.; Gauquelin, N.; Sakai, N.; Wang, J. T.-W.; Verbeeck, J.; Boyen, H.-G. url  doi
openurl 
  Title A Universal Deposition Protocol for Planar Heterojunction Solar Cells with High Efficiency Based on Hybrid Lead Halide Perovskite Families Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Advanced materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Mater  
  Volume 28 Issue 28 Pages 10701-10709  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A robust and expedient gas quenching method is developed for the solution deposition of hybrid perovskite thin films. The method offers a reliable standard practice for the fabrication of a non-exhaustive variety of perovskites exhibiting excellent film morphology and commensurate high performance in both regular and inverted structured solar cell architectures.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000392728200014 Publication Date 2016-10-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1521-4095 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 19.791 Times cited 95 Open Access  
  Notes This work was financially supported by BOF (Hasselt University) and the Research Fund Flanders (FWO). B.C. is a postdoctoral research fellow of the FWO. A.B. is financially supported by Imec and FWO. M.T.K. acknowledges funding from the EPSRC project EP/M024881/1 “Organic-inorganic Perovskite Hybrid Tandem Solar Cells”. S.B. is a VINNMER Fellow and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow. J.V. and N.G. acknowledge funding from GOA project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp and FWO project G.0044.13N “Charge ordering”. The Qu-Ant-EM microscope used for this study was partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. N.G. acknowledges funding from the European Research Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7), ERC Starting Grant 278510 VORTEX. The authors thank Johnny Baccus and Jan Mertens for technical support.; ECASJO_; Approved Most recent IF: 19.791; 2016 IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:138597 Serial 4318  
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Author Li, K.; Idrissi, H.; Sha, G.; Song, M.; Lu, J.; Shi, H.; Wang, W.; Ringer, S.P.; Du, Y.; Schryvers, D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Quantitative measurement for the microstructural parameters of nano-precipitates in Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Materials characterization Abbreviated Journal Mater Charact  
  Volume 118 Issue 118 Pages 352-362  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Size, number density and volume fraction of nano-precipitates are important microstructural parameters controlling the strengthening of materials. In this work a widely accessible, convenient, moderately time efficient method with acceptable accuracy and precision has been provided for measurement of volume fraction of nano-precipitates in crystalline materials. The method is based on the traditional but highly accurate technique of measuring foil thickness via convergent beam electron diffraction. A new equation is proposed and verified with the aid of 3-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) analysis, to compensate for the additional error resulted from the hardly distinguishable contrast of too short incomplete precipitates cut by the foil surface. The method can be performed on a regular foil specimen with a modem LaB6 or field-emission-gun transmission electron microscope. Precisions around +/- 16% have been obtained for precipitate volume fractions of needle-like beta ''/C and Q precipitates in an aged Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy. The measured number density is dose to that directly obtained using 3DAP analysis by a misfit of 45%, and the estimated precision for number density measurement is about +/- 11%. The limitations of the method are also discussed.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000383292000042 Publication Date 2016-06-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1044-5803 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.714 Times cited 9 Open Access  
  Notes This work is financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (51501230 and 51531009) and Postdoctoral Science Foundation of Central South University (502042057). H.I. acknowledges the IAP program of the Belgian State Federal Office for Scientific, Technical and Cultural Affairs under Contract No. P7/21 and FWO project G.0576.09N. Approved Most recent IF: 2.714  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:137171 Serial 4334  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Naik, P.V.; Wee, L.H.; Meledina, M.; Turner, S.; Li, Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Martens, J.A.; Vankelecom, I.F.J. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title PDMS membranes containing ZIF-coated mesoporous silica spheres for efficient ethanol recovery via pervaporation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A  
  Volume 4 Issue 4 Pages 12790-12798  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The design of functional micro- and mesostructured composite materials is significantly important for separation processes. Mesoporous silica is an attractive material for fast diffusion, while microporous zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are beneficial for selective adsorption and diffusion. In this work, ZIF-71 and ZIF-8 nanocrystals were grown on the surface of mesoporous silica spheres (MSS) via the seeding and regrowth approach in order to obtain monodispersed MSS-ZIF-71 and MSS-ZIF-8 spheres with a particle size of 2-3 mm. These MSS-ZIF spheres were uniformly dispersed into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix to prepare mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). These MMMs were evaluated for the separation of ethanol from water via pervaporation. The pervaporation results reveal that the MSS-ZIF filled MMMs substantially improve the ethanol recovery in both aspects viz. flux and separation factor. These MMMs outperforms the unfilled PDMS membranes and the conventional carbon and zeolite filled MMMs. As expected, the mesoporous silica core allows very fast flow of the permeating compound, while the hydrophobic ZIF coating enhances the ethanol selectivity through its specific pore structure, hydrophobicity and surface chemistry. It can be seen that ZIF-8 mainly has a positive impact on the selectivity, while ZIF-71 enhances fluxes more significantly.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000382015100012 Publication Date 2016-07-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 26 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.867  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:137188 Serial 4395  
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Author Kurttepeli, M.; Locus, R.; Verboekend, D.; de Clippel, F.; Breynaert, E.; Martens, J.; Sels, B.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Synthesis of aluminum-containing hierarchical mesoporous materials with columnar mesopore ordering by evaporation induced self assembly Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials Abbreviated Journal Micropor Mesopor Mat  
  Volume 234 Issue 234 Pages 186-195  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The incorporation of aluminum into the silica columns of hierarchical mesoporous materials (HMMs) was studied. The HMMs were synthesized by a combination of hard and soft templating methods, forming mesoporous SBA-15-type silica columns inside the pores of anodic aluminum oxide membranes via evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA). By adding Al-isopropoxide to the EISA-mixture a full tetrahedral incorporation of Al and thus the creation of acid sites was achieved, which was proved by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Electron microscopy showed that the use of Al-isopropoxide as an Al source for the HMMs led to a change in the mesopore ordering of silica material from circular hexagonal (donut-like) to columnar hexagonal and a 37% increase in specific surface (BET surface). These results were confirmed by a combination of nitrogen physisorption and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments and can be attributed to a swelling of the P123 micelles with isopropanol. The columnar mesopore ordering of silica is advantageous towards the pore accessibility and therefore preferential for many possible applications including catalysis and adsorption on the acid tetrahedral Al-sites. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000383291400020 Publication Date 2016-07-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1387-1811 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.615 Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; The Belgian government (Belgian Science Policy Office, Belspo) is acknowledged for financing the Interuniversity Attraction Poles (IAP-PAI). S. B. acknowledges the financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). D. V. acknowledges the Flanders Research Foundation (FWO). ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 3.615  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:137108 Serial 4404  
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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 159 Pages 179-188  
  Keywords (up) 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  
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Author Benetti, G.; Cavaliere, E.; Canteri, A.; Landini, G.; Rossolini, G.M.; Pallecchi, L.; Chiodi, M.; Van Bael, M.J.; Winckelmans, N.; Bals, S.; Gavioli, L. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Direct synthesis of antimicrobial coatings based on tailored bi-elemental nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication APL materials Abbreviated Journal Apl Mater  
  Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 036105  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Ultrathin coatings based on bi-elemental nanoparticles (NPs) are very promising to limit the surface-related spread of bacterial pathogens, particularly in nosocomial environments. However, tailoring the synthesis, composition, adhesion to substrate, and antimicrobial spectrum of the coating is an open challenge. Herein, we report on a radically new nanostructured coating, obtained by a one-step gas-phase deposition technique, and composed of bi-elemental Janus type Ag/Ti NPs. The NPs are characterized by a cluster-in-cluster mixing phase with metallic Ag nano-crystals embedded in amorphous TiO2 and present a promising antimicrobial activity including also multidrug resistant strains. We demonstrate the flexibility of the method to tune the embedded Ag nano-crystals dimension, the total relative composition of the coating, and the substrate type, opening the possibility of tailoring the dimension, composition, antimicrobial spectrum, and other physical/chemical properties of such multi-elemental systems. This work is expected to significantly spread the range of applications of NPs coatings, not only as an effective tool in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections but also in other technologically relevant fields like sensors or nano-/micro joining.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000398951000014 Publication Date 2017-03-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2166-532X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.335 Times cited 21 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes We thank Urs Gfeller for the XRF measurements, Francesco Banfi for valuable discussions on the manuscript and Giulio Viano for his valuable support in the microbiological analysis. The authors acknowledge the financial support of Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore through D.2.2 and D.3.1 grants and from the European Union through the 7th Framework Program (FP7) under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative (Reference No. 312483 ESTEEM2). REFERENCES Approved Most recent IF: 4.335  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:141723UA @ admin @ c:irua:141723 Serial 4479  
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Author Mernissi Cherigui, E.A.; Sentosun, K.; Bouckenooge, P.; Vanrompay, H.; Bals, S.; Terryn, H.; Ustarroz, J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title A Comprehensive Study of the Electrodeposition of Nickel Nanostructures from Deep Eutectic Solvents: Self-Limiting Growth by Electrolysis of Residual Water Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C  
  Volume 121 Issue 121 Pages 9337-9347  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The electrodeposition of nickel nanostructures on glassy carbon was investigated in 1:2 choline chloride – urea (1:2 ChCl-U) deep eutectic solvent (DES). By combining electrochemical techniques with ex-situ FE-SEM, XPS, HAADF-STEM and EDX, the electrochemical processes occurring during nickel deposition were better understood. Special attention was given to the interaction between the solvent and the growing nickel nanoparticles. The application of a suffciently negative potential results into the electrocatlytic hydrolisis of residual water in the DES, which leads to the formation of a mixed layer of Ni/Ni(OH)2(ads). In addition, hydrogen bonds between hydroxide species and the DES components could be formed, quenching the growth of the nickel clusters favouring their aggregation. Due to these processes, a highly dense distribution of nickel nanostructures can be obtained within a wide potential range. Understanding the role of residual water and the interactions at the interface during metal electrodeposition from DESs is essential to produce supported nanostructures in a controllable way for a broad range of applications and technologies.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000400881100027 Publication Date 2017-04-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 66 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes E.A. Mernissi Cherigui acknowledges funding from the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek in Flanders (FWO, research project G019014N). S. Bals acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (Starting Grant No. COLOURATOMS 335078). H.V. gratefully acknowledges financial support by the Flemish Fund for Scientifi c Research (FWO Vlaanderen). Finally, J. Ustarroz acknowledges funding from the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek in Flanders (FWO, postdoctoral grant 12I7816N). (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); ECAS_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 4.536  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:142208UA @ admin @ c:irua:142208 Serial 4551  
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Author Lambrinou, K.; Charalampopoulou, E.; Van der Donck, T.; Delville, R.; Schryvers, D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Dissolution corrosion of 316L austenitic stainless steels in contact with static liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) at 500 °C Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Journal of nuclear materials Abbreviated Journal J Nucl Mater  
  Volume 490 Issue 490 Pages 9-27  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract This work addresses the dissolution corrosion behaviour of 316L austenitic stainless steels. For this purpose, solution-annealed and cold-deformed 316L steels were simultaneously exposed to oxygen-poor (<10-8 mass%) static liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) for 253e3282 h at 500 °C. Corrosion was consistently more severe for the cold-drawn steels than the solution-annealed steel, indicating the importance of the steel thermomechanical state. The thickness of the dissolution-affected zone was nonuniform, and sites of locally-enhanced dissolution were occasionally observed. The progress of LBE dissolution attack was promoted by the interplay of certain steel microstructural features (grain boundaries, deformation twin laths, precipitates) with the dissolution corrosion process. The identified dissolution mechanisms were selective leaching leading to steel ferritization, and non-selective leaching; the latter was mainly observed in the solution-annealed steel. The maximum corrosion rate decreased with exposure time and was found to be inversely proportional to the depth of dissolution attack.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000403132300002 Publication Date 2017-04-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-3115 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.048 Times cited 24 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors would like to acknowledge the following 316L stainless steel suppliers: Industeel, ArcelorMittal Group, for the 316LSA plate procured and characterised in the FP6 EUROTRANSDEMETRA project (Contract no. FI6W-CT-2004-516520); OLARRA Aceros Inoxidables, Spain, for the 316LH1 rod; and SIDERO STAAL nv, Belgium, for the 316LH2 rod. K. Lambrinou would like to thank J. Joris for technical support during the launching and follow up of all corrosion tests, J. Lim for the manufacturing and calibration of the oxygen sensors used in these tests, T. Lapauw for the XRD measurements on the pristine steels, and S. Van den Broeck for the FIB sample preparation. Special thanks to S. Gavrilov for fruitful and intense discussions. The authors gratefully acknowledge the funding provided in the framework of the ongoing development of the MYRRHA irradiation facility. The research leading to these results falls within the framework of the European Energy Research Alliance Joint Programme on Nuclear Materials (EERA JPNM). Approved Most recent IF: 2.048  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:142644 Serial 4563  
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Author Kurttepeli, M.; Deng, S.; Mattelaer, F.; Cott, D.J.; Vereecken, P.; Dendooven, J.; Detavernier, C.; Bals, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Heterogeneous TiO2/V2O5/Carbon Nanotube Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter  
  Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 8055-8064  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is proposed and investigated as a cathode material for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. However, the dissolution of V2O5 during the charge/discharge remains as an issue at the V2O5–electrolyte interface. In this work, we present a heterogeneous nanostructure with carbon nanotubes supported V2O5/titanium dioxide (TiO2) multilayers as electrodes for thin-film Li-ion batteries. Atomic layer deposition of V2O5 on carbon nanotubes provides enhanced Li storage capacity and high rate performance. An additional TiO2 layer leads to increased morphological stability and in return higher electrochemical cycling performance of V2O5/carbon nanotubes. The physical and chemical properties of TiO2/V2O5/carbon nanotubes are characterized by cyclic voltammetry and charge/discharge measurements as well as electron microscopy. The detailed mechanism of the protective TiO2 layer to improve the electrochemical cycling stability of the V2O5 is unveiled.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000396186000021 Publication Date 2017-03-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.504 Times cited 28 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes European Research Council, 239865 335078 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek; Agentschap voor Innovatie door Wetenschap en Technologie, 18142 ; Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds, GOA – 01G01513 ; This research was funded by the Flemish research foundation FWO-Vlaanderen, by the European Research Council (Starting Grant No. 239865 and No. 335078), by IWT-Flanders (SBO project IWT 18142 “SoS-Lion”) and by the Special Research Fund BOF of Ghent University (GOA – 01G01513); colouratoms (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); ECAS_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 7.504  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:142446UA @ admin @ c:irua:142446 Serial 4572  
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Author Pullini, D.; Sgroi, M.; Mahmoud, A.; Gauquelin, N.; Maschio, L.; Lorenzo-Ferrari, A.M.; Groenen, R.; Damen, C.; Rijnders, G.; van den Bos, K.H.W.; Van Aert, S.; Verbeeck, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title One step toward a new generation of C-MOS compatible oxide p-n junctions: Structure of the LSMO/ZnO interface elucidated by an experimental and theoretical synergic work Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter  
  Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 20974-20980  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Heterostructures formed by La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/ZnO (LSMO/ZnO) interfaces exhibit extremely interesting electronic properties making them promising candidates for novel oxide p–n junctions, with multifunctional features. In this work, the structure of the interface is studied through a combined experimental/theoretical approach. Heterostructures were grown epitaxially and homogeneously on 4″ silicon wafers, characterized by advanced electron microscopy imaging and spectroscopy and simulated by ab initio density functional theory calculations. The simulation results suggest that the most stable interface configuration is composed of the (001) face of LSMO, with the LaO planes exposed, in contact with the (112̅0) face of ZnO. The ab initio predictions agree well with experimental high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images and confirm the validity of the suggested structural model. Electron energy loss spectroscopy confirms the atomic sharpness of the interface. From statistical parameter estimation theory, it has been found that the distances between the interfacial planes are displaced from the respective ones of the bulk material. This can be ascribed to the strain induced by the mismatch between the lattices of the two materials employed  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000404090000079 Publication Date 2017-05-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 7.504 Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Financial support is acknowledged from the European Commission – DG research and innovation to the collaborative research project named Interfacing oxides (IFOX, Contract No. NMP3-LA-2010-246102). N.G. and J.V. acknowledge the European Union (EU) Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7) ERC Starting Grant 278510 VORTEX for support. S.V.A. and K.H.W.B. acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders through project fundings (G.0374.13N , G.0368.15N, and G.0369.15N) and a Ph.D. research grant to K.H.W.B. The microscope was partly funded by the Hercules Fund from the Flemish Government. The microscope used in this work was partly funded by the Hercules Fund from the Flemish Government. CINECA is acknowledged for computational facilities (Iscra project HP10CMO1UP). Approved Most recent IF: 7.504  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:144431UA @ admin @ c:irua:144431 Serial 4621  
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Author Pulinthanathu Sree, S.; Dendooven, J.; Geerts, L.; Ramachandran, R.K.; Javon, E.; Ceyssens, F.; Breynaert, E.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Puers, R.; Altantzis, T.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.; Detavernier, C.; Martens, J.A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title 3D porous nanostructured platinum prepared using atomic layer deposition Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A  
  Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 19007-19016  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A robust and easy to handle 3D porous platinum structure was created via replicating the 3D channel system

of an ordered mesoporous silica material using atomic layer deposition (ALD) over micrometer distances.

After ALD of Pt in the silica material, the host template was digested using hydrogen fluoride (HF). A fully

connected ordered Pt nanostructure was obtained with morphology and sizes corresponding to that of

the pores of the host matrix, as revealed with high-resolution scanning transmission electron

microscopy and electron tomography. The Pt nanostructure consisted of hexagonal Pt rods originating

from the straight mesopores (11 nm) of the host structure and linking features resulting from Pt

replication of the interconnecting mesopore segments (2–4 nm) present in the silica host structure.

Electron tomography of partial replicas, made by incomplete infilling of Zeotile-4 material with Pt,

provided insight in the connectivity and formation mechanism of the Pt nanostructure by ALD. The Pt

replica was evaluated for its potential use as electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction, one of

the half-reactions of water electrolysis, and as microelectrode for biomedical sensing. The Pt replica

showed high activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction and electrochemical characterization revealed

a large impedance improvement in comparison with reference Pt electrodes.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000411232100010 Publication Date 2017-06-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7488 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 9 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the Flemish government through long-term structural funding (Methusalem) to JAM and FWO for a research project (G0A5417N). JD, TA and FC acknowledge Flemish FWO for a post-doctoral fellowship. S. B. acknowledges funding from ERC Starting Grant COLOURATOMS (335078). (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); saraecas; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 8.867  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:144624 c:irua:144624 c:irua:144624UA @ admin @ c:irua:144624 Serial 4634  
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Author Debroye, E.; Yuan, H.; Bladt, E.; Baekelant, W.; Van der Auweraer, M.; Hofkens, J.; Bals, S.; Roeffaers, M.B.J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Facile morphology-controlled synthesis of organolead iodide perovskite nanocrystals using binary capping agents Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication ChemNanoMat : chemistry of nanomaterials for energy, biology and more Abbreviated Journal Chemnanomat  
  Volume 3 Issue 3 Pages 223-227  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Controlling the morphology of organolead halide perovskite crystals is crucial to a fundamental understanding of the materials and to tune their properties for device applications. Here, we report a facile solution-based method for morphology-controlled synthesis of rod-like and plate-like organolead halide perovskite nanocrystals using binary capping agents. The morphology control is likely due to an interplay between surface binding kinetics of the two capping agents at different crystal facets. By high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, we show that the obtained nanocrystals are monocrystalline. Moreover, long photoluminescence decay times of the nanocrystals indicate long charge diffusion lengths and low trap/defect densities. Our results pave the way for large-scale solution synthesis of organolead halide perovskite nanocrystals with controlled morphology for future device applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000399604300003 Publication Date 2017-01-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2199-692x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.937 Times cited 19 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; We acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO, grant G.0197.11, G.0962.13, G0B39.15, postdoctoral fellowship to E. D. and H. Y.), KU Leuven Research Fund (C14/15/053), the Flemish government through long term structural funding Methusalem (CASAS2, Meth/15/04), the Hercules foundation (HER/11/14), the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (IAP-PH05), the EC through the Marie Curie ITN project iSwitch (GA-642196) and the ERC project LIGHT (GA307523). S. B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant # 335078-COLOURATOMS). E. B. gratefully acknowledges financial support by the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen). ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 2.937  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:143678UA @ admin @ c:irua:143678 Serial 4656  
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Author Shen, Y.; Lebedev, O.I.; Turner, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Song, X.; Yu, X.; Wang, Q.; Chen, H.; Dayeh, S.A.; Wu, T. doi  openurl
  Title Size-Induced Switching of Nanowire Growth Direction: a New Approach Toward Kinked Nanostructures Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Advanced functional materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Mater  
  Volume 26 Issue 21 Pages 3687-3695  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Exploring self-assembled nanostructures with controllable architectures has been a central theme in nanoscience and nanotechnology because of the tantalizing perspective of directly integrating such bottom-up nanostructures into functional devices. Here, the growth of kinked single-crystal In2O3 nanostructures consisting of a nanocone base and a nanowire tip with an epitaxial and defect-free transition is demonstrated for the first time. By tailoring the growth conditions, a reliable switching of the growth direction from [111] to [110] or [112] is observed when the Au catalyst nanoparticles at the apexes of the nanocones shrink below approximate to 100 nm. The natural formation of kinked nanoarchitectures at constant growth pressures is related to the size-dependent free energy that changes for different orientations of the nanowires. The results suggest that the mechanism of forming such kinked nanocone-nanowire nanostructures in well-controlled growth environment may be universal for a wide range of functional materials.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor  
  Language Wos 000377597400014 Publication Date 2016-04-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1616-301x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 2 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.124  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:144705 Serial 4687  
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Author Ben Dkhil, S.; Pfannmöller, M.; Ata, I.; Duche, D.; Gaceur, M.; Koganezawa, T.; Yoshimoto, N.; Simon, J.-J.; Escoubas, L.; Videlot-Ackermann, C.; Margeat, O.; Bals, S.; Bauerle, P.; Ackermann, J. doi  openurl
  Title Time evolution studies of dithieno[3,2-b:2 ',3 '-d] pyrrole-based A-D-A oligothiophene bulk heterojunctions during solvent vapor annealing towards optimization of photocurrent generation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A  
  Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 1005-1013  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Solvent vapor annealing (SVA) is one of the main techniques to improve the morphology of bulk heterojunction solar cells using oligomeric donors. In this report, we study time evolution of nanoscale morphological changes in bulk heterojunctions based on a well-studied dithienopyrrole-based A-D-A oligothiophene (dithieno[3,2-b: 2',3'-d] pyrrole named here 1) blended with [6,6]-phenyl-C-71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) to increase photocurrent density by combining scanning transmission electron microscopy and low-energy-loss spectroscopy. Our results show that SVA transforms the morphology of 1 : PC71BM blends by a three-stage mechanism: highly intermixed phases evolve into nanostructured bilayers that correspond to an optimal blend morphology. Additional SVA leads to completely phaseseparated micrometer-sized domains. Optical spacers were used to increase light absorption inside optimized 1 : PC71BM blends leading to solar cells of 7.74% efficiency but a moderate photocurrent density of 12.3 mA cm (-2). Quantum efficiency analyses reveal that photocurrent density is mainly limited by losses inside the donor phase. Indeed, optimized 1 : PC71BM blends consist of large donor-enriched domains not optimal for exciton to photocurrent conversion. Shorter SVA times lead to smaller domains; however they are embedded in large mixed phases suggesting that introduction of stronger molecular packing may help us to better balance phase separation and domain size enabling more efficient bulk heterojunction solar cells.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor  
  Language Wos 000394430800018 Publication Date 2016-11-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 19 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ; We acknowledge financial support by the French Fond Unique Interministeriel (FUI) under the project “SFUMATO” (Grant number: F1110019V/201308815) as well as by the European Commission under the Project “SUNFLOWER” (FP7-ICT-2011-7, Grant number: 287594). The synchrotron radiation experiments were performed at BL19B2 in SPring-8 with the approval of Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI) (Proposal No. 2016A1568). We further acknowledge financial support via ERC Starting Grant Colouratoms (335078). ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.867  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:142602UA @ admin @ c:irua:142602 Serial 4695  
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Author Berthold, T.; Castro, C.R.; Winter, M.; Hoerpel, G.; Kurttepeli, M.; Bals, S.; Antonietti, M.; Fechler, N. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Tunable nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles from tannic acid and urea and their potential for sustainable soots Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication ChemNanoMat : chemistry of nanomaterials for energy, biology and more Abbreviated Journal Chemnanomat  
  Volume 3 Issue 3 Pages 311-318  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Nano-sized nitrogen-doped carbon spheres are synthesized from two cheap, readily available and sustainable precursors: tannic acid and urea. In combination with a polymer structuring agent, nitrogen content, sphere size and the surface (up to 400 m(2)g(-1)) can be conveniently tuned by the precursor ratio, temperature and structuring agent content. Because the chosen precursors allow simple oven synthesis and avoid harsh conditions, this carbon nanosphere platform offers a more sustainable alternative to classical soots, for example, as printing pigments or conduction soots. The carbon spheres are demonstrated to be a promising as conductive carbon additive in anode materials for lithium ion batteries.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000403299200006 Publication Date 2017-03-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2199-692x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.937 Times cited 14 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; S.B. is grateful for funding by the European Research Council (ERC starting grant # 335078-COLOURATOMS). ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 2.937  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:144287UA @ admin @ c:irua:144287 Serial 4699  
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Author Benetti, G.; Caddeo, C.; Melis, C.; Ferrini, G.; Giannetti, C.; Winckelmans, N.; Bals, S.; J Van Bael, M.; Cavaliere, E.; Gavioli, L.; Banfi, F. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Bottom-Up Mechanical Nanometrology of Granular Ag Nanoparticles Thin Films Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem C  
  Volume 121 Issue 121 Pages 22434-22441  
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Ultrathin metal nanoparticles coatings, synthesized by gas-phase deposition, are emerging as go-to materials in a variety of fields ranging from pathogens control, sensing to energy storage. Predicting their morphology and mechanical properties beyond a trial-and-error approach is a crucial issue limiting their exploitation in real-life applications. The morphology and mechanical properties of Ag nanoparticles ultrathin films, synthesized by supersonic cluster beam deposition, are here assessed adopting a bottom-up, multi-technique approach. A virtual film model is proposed merging high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, supersonic cluster beam dynamics and molecular dynamics simulations. The model is validated against mechanical nanometrology measurements and is readily extendable to metals other than Ag. The virtual film is shown to be a flexible and reliable predictive tool to access morphology-dependent properties such as mesoscale gas-dynamics and elasticity of ultrathin films synthesized by gas-phase deposition.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000413131700072 Publication Date 2017-09-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.536 Times cited 30 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; All authors thank Prof. Dr. Luciano Colombo for enlightening discussions. C.C. and F.B. acknowledge financial support from the MIUR Futuro in ricerca 2013 Grant in the frame of the ULTRANANO Project (Project No. RBFR13NEA4). F.B., G.F., and C.G. acknowledge support from Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore through D.2.2 and D.3.1 grants. F.B. acknowledges financial support from Fondazione E.U.L.O. The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Union through the seventh Framework Program (FP7) under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative (Reference No. 312483 ESTEEM2). ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.536  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:145828UA @ admin @ c:irua:145828 Serial 4706  
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