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“Combined TiO2/SiO2 mesoporous photocatalysts with location and phase controllable TiO2 nanoparticles”. Beyers E, Biermans E, Ribbens S, de Witte K, Mertens M, Meynen V, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Vansant EF, Cool P, Applied catalysis : B : environmental 88, 515 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2008.10.009
Abstract: Combined TiO2/SiO2 mesoporous materials were prepared by deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles synthesised via the acid-catalysed solgel method. In the first synthesis step a titania solution is prepared, by dissolving titaniumtetraisopropoxide in nitric acid. The influences of the initial titaniumtetraisopropoxide concentration and the temperature of dissolving on the final structural properties were investigated. In the second step of the synthesis, the titania nanoparticles were deposited on a silica support. Here, the influence of the temperature during deposition was studied. The depositions were carried out on two different mesoporous silica supports, SBA-15 and MCF, leading to substantial differences in the catalytic and structural properties. The samples were analysed with N2-sorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to obtain structural information, determining the amount of titania, the crystal phase and the location of the titania particles on the mesoporous material (inside or outside the mesoporous channels). The structural differences of the support strongly determine the location of the nanoparticles and the subsequent photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of rhodamine 6G in aqueous solution under UV irradiation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 9.446
Times cited: 69
DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2008.10.009
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“Controlling pore size and uniformity of mesoporous titania by early stage low temperature stabilization”. Herregods SJF, Mertens M, Van Havenbergh K, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Buekenhoudt A, Meynen V, Journal of colloid and interface science 391, 36 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2012.07.098
Abstract: The control of the formation process during and after self-assembly is of utmost importance to achieve well structured, controlled template-assisted mesoporous titania materials with the desired properties for various applications via the evaporation induced self-assembly method (EISA). The present paper reports on the large influence of the thermal stabilization and successive template removal on the pore structure of a mesostructured TiO2 material using the diblock copolymer Brij 58 as surfactant. A controlled thermal stabilization (temperature and duration) allows one to tailor the final pore size and uniformity much more precise by influencing the self-assembly of the template. Moreover, also the successive thermal template removal needs to be controlled in order to avoid a structural collapse. N2-sorption, TGA, TEM, FT-Raman spectroscopy, and small angle wide angle XRD have been used to follow the crystal growth and mesostructure organization after thermal stabilization and after thermal template removal, revealing its effect on the final pore structure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 4.233
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2012.07.098
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“Deposition of vanadium silicalite-1 nanoparticles on SBA-15 materials: structural and transport characteristics of SBA-VS-15”. Meynen V, Cool P, Vansant EF, Kortunov P, Grinberg F, Kärger J, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Microporous and mesoporous materials 99, 14 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2006.08.029
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2006.08.029
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“Direct-synthesis method towards copper-containing periodic mesoporous organosilicas : detailed investigation of the copper distribution in the material”. Lin F, Meng, Kukueva E, Altantzis T, Mertens M, Bals S, Cool P, Van Doorslaer S, Journal of the Chemical Society : Dalton transactions 44, 9970 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4dt03719g
Abstract: Three-dimensional cubic Fm (3) over barm mesoporous copper-containing ethane-bridged PMO materials have been prepared through a direct-synthesis method at room temperature in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as surfactant. The obtained materials have been unambiguously characterized in detail by several sophisticated techniques, including XRD, UV-Vis-Dr, TEM, elemental mapping, continuous- wave and pulsed EPR spectroscopy. The results show that at lower copper loading, the Cu2+ species are well dispersed in the Cu-PMO materials, and mainly exist as mononuclear Cu2+ species. At higher copper loading amount, Cu2+ clusters are observed in the materials, but the distribution of the Cu2+ species is still much better in the Cu-PMO materials prepared through the direct-synthesis method than in a Cu-containing PMO material prepared through an impregnation method. Moreover, the evolution of the copper incorporation during the PMO synthesis has been followed by EPR. The results show that the immobilization of the Cu2+ ion/complex and the formation of the PMO materials are taking place simultaneously. The copper ions are found to be situated on the inner surface of the mesopores of the materials and are accessible, which will be beneficial for the catalytic applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 4.029
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1039/c4dt03719g
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“Formation of a combined micro- and mesoporous material using zeolite Beta nanoparticles”. van Oers CJ, Stevens WJJ, Bruijn E, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Meynen V, Cool P, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 120, 29 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2008.08.056
Abstract: Composite micro- and mesoporous materials are synthesized using zeolite Beta nanoparticles without the need for a structure directing agent to form the mesopores. This leads to important ecological and economical advantages. The influence of the way of cooling the aged nanoparticles solution on the formation of the composite materials has been studied. The materials have been characterized towards porosity by N2-sorption, towards zeolitic properties by TGA, DRIFT, XRD and TEM, towards aluminium content by EPMA. All prepared structures possess zeolitic properties. However, the method of cooling down of the aged seeds leads to differences in the porosity and intensity of the zeolitic characteristics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2008.08.056
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“Formation of a Ti-siliceous trimodal material with macroholes, mesopores and zeolitic features via a one-pot templating synthesis”. Vernimmen J, Meynen V, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Journal of porous materials 19, 153 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1007/s10934-011-9470-0
Abstract: Based on a facile one-pot templating synthesis, using a TS-1 zeolite recipe whereby part of the zeolite structure directing agent is replaced by a mesopore templating agent, a trimodal material is formed. The resulting meso-TSM material combines mesoporosity (Ti-MCM-41) with zeolitic features (TS-1) and a unique sheet-like morphology with uniform macroporous voids (macroholes). Moreover, the macrohole formation, mesoporosity and zeolitic properties of the meso-TSM material can be controlled in a straightforward way by adjusting the length of the hydrothermal treatment. This newly developed material may imply great potential for catalytic redox applications and diffusion limitated processes because of its highly tunable character in all three dimensions (micro-, meso- and macroporous scale).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 1.624
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1007/s10934-011-9470-0
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“Hydrothermal synthesis of carbonate-free submicron-sized barium titanate from an amorphous precursor : synthesis and characterization”. Özen M, Mertens M, Luyten J, Snijkers F, d' Hondt H, Cool P, Ceramics international 38, 619 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2011.07.051
Abstract: In this paper, the amorphous barium titanate precursor was prepared by the peroxo-hydroxide method and post-treated by various drying procedures, such as: room temperature drying, room temperature vacuum drying and vacuum drying at 50 degrees C. The objective in the latter two treatments was to increase the Ti-O-Ba bonds of the precursor. The post-treated precursors were compared with the untreated (i.e., 'wet') precursor. Also, a barium titanate precursor was prepared by an alkoxide route. Afterwards, the precursors were hydrothermally treated at 200 degrees C in a 10 M NaOH solution. Vacuum drying of the precursor seemingly promoted the formation of Ti-O-Ti bonds in the hydrothermal end-product. The low Ba:Ti ratio (0.66) of the alkoxide-route prepared precursor lead to a multi-phase hydrothermal product with BaTiO(3) as the main phase. In contrast, phase pure BaTiO(3), i.e. without BaCO(3) contamination, was obtained for the precursor which was dried at room temperature. Cube-shaped and highly crystalline BaTiO(3) particles were observed by electron microscopy for the hydrothermally treated peroxo-hydroxide-route prepared precursor. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 2.986
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2011.07.051
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“Immersion calorimetry as a tool to evaluate the catalytic performance of titanosilicate materials in the epoxidation of cyclohexene”. Vernimmen J, Guidotti M, Silvestre-Albero J, Jardim EO, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Psaro R, Rodríguez-Reinoso F, Meynen V, Cool P, Langmuir: the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids 27, 3618 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/la104808v
Abstract: Different types of titanosilicates are synthesized, structurally characterized, and subsequently catalytically tested in the liquid-phase epoxidation of cyclohexene. The performance of three types of combined zeolitic/mesoporous materials is compared with that of widely studied Ti-grafted-MCM-41 molecular sieve and the TS-1 microporous titanosilicate. The catalytic test results are correlated with the structural characteristics of the different catalysts. Moreover, for the first time, immersion calorimetry with the same substrate molecule as in the catalytic test reaction is applied as an extra means to interpret the catalytic results. A good correlation between catalytic performance and immersion calorimetry results is found. This work points out that the combination of catalytic testing and immersion calorimetry can lead to important insights into the influence of the materials structural characteristics on catalysis. Moreover, the potential of using immersion calorimetry as a screening tool for catalysts in epoxidation reactions is shown.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.833
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1021/la104808v
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“The influence of the alcohol concentration on the structural ordering of mesoporous silica: cosurfactant versus cosolvent”. Liu S, Cool P, Collart O, van der Voort P, Vansant EF, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Jiang M, The journal of physical chemistry : B : condensed matter, materials, surfaces, interfaces and biophysical 107, 10405 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp034410w
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.177
Times cited: 134
DOI: 10.1021/jp034410w
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“Leached natural saponite as the silicate source in the synthesis of aluminosilicate hexagonal mesoporous materials”. Linssen T, Cool P, Baroudi M, Cassiers K, Vansant EF, Lebedev O, van Landuyt J, The journal of physical chemistry : B : condensed matter, materials, surfaces, interfaces and biophysical 106, 4470 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp015578p
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.177
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1021/jp015578p
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“The merging of silica-surfactant microspheres under hydrothermal conditions”. Liu S, Lebedev OI, Mertens M, Meynen V, Cool P, Van Tendeloo G, Vansant EF, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 116, 141 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2008.03.034
Abstract: Post-synthesis hydrothermal treatments have been used to improve the quality of MCM-41 materials. In our latest work, merging of surfactant-containing silica microspheres during the hydrothermal treatments was observed. Mechanistic insights and the different stages that are involved in the merging process can be summarized as follows. First, the surfaces of the starting microspheres open up due to the dissolution of silica. Then the dissolved silica species provide mass source for the formation of particle necks connecting two neighboring microspheres. Gradually, surfaces of the starting microspheres are flattened to meet the needs of further growth of the necks. Finally, some chain-like highly-ordered mesoporous structures up to several micrometers are formed. The observed merging of the surfactant-containing microspheres is a re-assembling process, which is under the control of electrostatic force between the dissolved silica species and the surfactant cations. The occluded surfactant cations in the precursor spheres play important roles in the merging process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2008.03.034
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“Multi-step loading of titania on mesoporous silica: influence of the morphology and the porosity on the catalytic degradation of aqueous pollutants and VOC's”. de Witte K, Meynen V, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Sepúlveda-Escribano A, Rodríguez-Reinoso F, Vansant EF, Cool P, Applied catalysis : B : environmental 84, 125 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2008.03.015
Abstract: Titania nanoparticles have been deposited on inert porous silica supports with high specific surface area. These materials have potential applications in paint and textile industry as the titania particles selectively deposited on the inner surface of the silica supports act as a photocatalyst. The inert external surface is necessary to avoid photodegradation of the textile material or the paint components. The photocatalytic activity of the catalysts has been evaluated with two catalytic setups. One setup in aqueous phase, for the degradation of dyes such as rhodamine-6G, is commonly used. The second setup is a continuous flow gaseous phase setup which was used for the mineralization of ethanol as a representative volatile organic compound (VOC). The influence of the porosity and the morphology of the silica supports on the photocatalytic activity are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 9.446
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2008.03.015
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“New insights in the formation of combined zeolitic/mesoporous materials by using a one-pot templating synthesis”. Vernimmen J, Meynen V, Herregods SJF, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, European journal of inorganic chemistry , 4234 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1002/ejic.201100268
Abstract: Zeolitic growth is often absent or occurs in separate phases when synthetic strategies based on the combination of zeolite templates and mesopore templating agents are applied. In this work, zeolitic growth and mesopore formation have been investigated at different temperatures by applying a one-pot templating approach, based on a TS-1 zeolite synthesis whereby part of the microtemplate (tetrapropylammonium hydroxide, TPAOH) is replaced by a mesotemplate (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTMABr). Moreover, the synthesis duration and the molar ratio of the microtemplate/mesotemplate have also been studied. The different syntheses clearly show the inherent competitive mechanism between zeolitic growth and mesopore formation. These insights have led to the conclusion that by following a one-pot templating strategy with standard, nonexotic commercial templates, i.e. CTMABr and TPAOH, it is not possible to develop a true hierarchical mesoporous zeolite, meaning a mesoporous siliceous material with highly crystalline zeolitic walls. The resultant materials are instead combined zeolitic/mesoporous composite structures with, however, highly tuneable and controllable porosity characteristics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 2.444
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1002/ejic.201100268
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“New insights into the mesophase transformation of ethane-bridged PMOs by the influence of different counterions under basic conditions”. Lin F, Meng, Kukueva E, Mertens M, Van Doorslaer S, Bals S, Cool P, RSC advances 5, 5553 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4ra15849k
Abstract: The counterions are of crucial importance in determining the mesostructure and morphology of ethanebridged PMO materials synthesized under basic conditions. By using CTABr as the surfactant, the final PMO materials show a 2-D hexagonal (p6mm) mesophase, while PMO materials with cubic (Pm (3) over barn ) mesostructure are obtained when CTACl or CTA(SO4)(1)/(2) are used. With gradually replacing CTABr by CTACl or CTA(SO4) (1)/(2) while keeping the total surfactant concentration constant, a clear p6mm to Pm (3) over barn 3n mesophase evolution process is observed. For a given gel composition, the mesophase of ethanebridged PMO materials can also be adjusted by the addition of different sodium salts. In short, the effect of the counterions on the mesophase can be attributed to the binding strength of the ions on the surfactant micelles, which follows the Hofmeister series (SO42- < Cl- < Br-< NO3- < SCN-). Furthermore, it is found that the hydrolysis and condensation rate of the organosilica precursor also plays an important role in the formation of the final mesostructure
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.108
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1039/c4ra15849k
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“Post-synthesis deposition of V-Zeolitic nanoparticles in SBA-15”. Meynen V, Beyers E, Cool P, Vansant EF, Mertens M, Weyten H, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Chemical communications , 898 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1039/b400636d
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 6.319
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1039/b400636d
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“Quantification of crystalline and amorphous content in porous TiO2 samples from electron energy loss spectroscopy”. Bertoni G, Beyers E, Verbeeck J, Mertens M, Cool P, Vansant EF, Van Tendeloo G, Ultramicroscopy 106, 630 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2006.03.006
Abstract: We present an efficient method for the quantification of crystalline versus amorphous phase content in mesoporous materials, making use of electron energy loss spectroscopy. The method is based on fitting a superposition of core-loss edges using the maximum likelihood method with measured reference spectra. We apply the method to mesoporous TiO2 samples. We show that the absolute amount of the crystalline phase can be determined with an accuracy below 5%. This method takes also the amorphous phase into account, where standard X-ray diffraction is only quantitative for crystalline phases and not for amorphous phase. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 83
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2006.03.006
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“Post-synthesis bromination of benzene bridged PMO as a way to create a high potential hybrid material”. Huybrechts W, Mali G, Kuśtrowski P, Willhammar T, Mertens M, Bals S, Van Der Voort P, Cool P, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 236, 244 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2016.09.003
Abstract: Periodic mesoporous organosilicas provide the best of two worlds: the strength and porosity of an inorganic framework combined with the infinite possibilities created by the organic bridging unit. In this work we focus on post-synthetical modification of benzene bridged PMO, in order to create bromobenzene PMO. In the past, this proved to be very challenging due to unwanted structural deterioration. However, now we have found a way to brominate this material whilst keeping the structure intact. In-depth structural analysis by solid state NMR and XPS shows both vast progress over previous attempts as well as potential for improvement.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2016.09.003
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“Texturing of hydrothermally synthesized BaTiO3 in a strong magnetic field by slip casting”. Özen M, Mertens M, Snijkers F, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Ceramics international 42, 5382 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2015.12.073
Abstract: Barium titanate powder was processed by slip casting in a rotating strong magnetic field of 9.4 T. The orientation factor of the sintered compact was analyzed by the X-ray diffraction technique and the microstructure (grain-size) was analyzed by scanning electron microscope. The hydrothermally prepared barium titanate was used as matrix material and the molten-salt synthesized barium titanate, with a larger particle-size, was used as template for the templated grain-growth process. Addition of large template particles was observed to increase the orientation factor of the sintered cast (5 vol% loading). Template particles acted as starting grains for the abnormal grain-growth process and the average grain-size was increased after sintering. Increasing the solid loading (15 vol%) resulted in a similar orientation factor with a decrease of the average grain size by more than half. However, addition of templates to the 15 vol% cast had a negative effect on the orientation factor. The impingement of growing particles was stated as the primary cause of particle misorientation resulting in a low orientation factor after sintering. Different heating conditions were tested and it was determined that a slow heating rate gave the highest orientation factor, the smallest average grain-size and the highest relative density. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 2.986
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2015.12.073
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“Deposition of aminosilane coatings on porous Al2O3microspheres by means of dielectric barrier discharges”. Garzia Trulli M, Claes N, Pype J, Bals S, Baert K, Terryn H, Sardella E, Favia P, Vanhulsel A, Plasma processes and polymers 14, 1600211 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.201600211
Abstract: Advances in the synthesis of porous microspheres and in their functionalization are increasing the interest in applications of alumina. This paper deals with coatings plasma deposited from 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane by means of dielectric barrier discharges on alumina porous microspheres, shaped by a vibrational droplet coagulation technique. Aims of the work are the functionalization of the particles with active amino groups, as well as the evaluation of their surface coverage and of the penetration of the coatings into their pores. A multi-diagnostic approach was used for the chemical/morphological characterization of the particles. It was found that 5 min exposure to plasma discharges promotes the deposition of homogeneous coatings onto the microspheres and within their pores, down to 1 μm.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 2.846
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201600211
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“The influence of acids on tuning the pore size of mesoporous TiO2 templated by non-ionic block copolymers”. Loreto S, Vanrompay H, Mertens M, Bals S, Meynen V, European journal of inorganic chemistry 2018, 62 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/EJIC.201701266
Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('We show the possibility to tune the pore size of mesoporous TiO2 templated by non-ionic block copolymers by adding different inorganic acids at well-chosen concentration. The effect of the inorganic anions on both the TiO2 cluster formation and the non-ionic block copolymers micelles is investigated to explain the experimental results.'));
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 2.444
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1002/EJIC.201701266
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“Spinel nanoparticles on stick-like Freudenbergite nanocomposites as effective smart-removal photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants under visible light”. Ciocarlan R-G, Seftel EM, Gavrila R, Suchea M, Batuk M, Mertens M, Hadermann J, Cool P, Journal Of Alloys And Compounds 820, 153403 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2019.153403
Abstract: A series of mixed nanocomposite materials was synthetized, containing a Ferrite phase type Zn1-xNixFe2O4 and a Freudenbergite phase type Na2Fe2Ti6O16, where x = 0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; 1. The choice for this combination is based on the good adsorption properties of Freudenbergite for dye molecules, and the small bandgap energy of Ferrite spinel, allowing activation of the catalysts under visible light irradiation. A two steps synthesis protocol was used to obtain the smart-removal nanocomposites. Firstly, the spinel structure was obtained via the co-precipitation route followed by the addition of the Ti-source and formation of the Freudenbergite system. The role of cations on the formation mechanism and an interesting interchange of cations between spinel and Freudenbergite structures was clarified by a TEM study. Part of the Ti4+ penetrated the spinel structure and, at the same time, part of the Fe3+ formed the Freudenbergite system. The photocatalytic activity was studied under visible light, reaching for the best catalysts a 67% and 40% mineralization degree for methylene blue and rhodamine 6G respectively, after 6 h of irradiation. In the same conditions, the well-known commercial P25 (Degussa) managed to mineralize only 12% and 3% of methylene blue and rhodamine 6G, respectively. Due to the remarkable magnetic properties of Ferrites, a convenient recovery and reuse of the catalysts is possible after the photocatalytic tests. Based on the excellent catalytic performance of the nanocomposites under visible light and their ease of separation out of the solution after the catalytic reaction, the newly developed composite catalysts are considered very effective for wastewater treatment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 6.2
DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2019.153403
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“ZnAl layered double hydroxide based catalysts (with Cu, Mn, Ti) used as noble metal-free three-way catalysts”. Van Everbroeck T, Wu J, Arenas-Esteban D, Ciocarlan R-G, Mertens M, Bals S, Dujardin C, Granger P, Seftel EM, Cool P, Applied clay science 217, 106390 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2021.106390
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 5.6
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/j.clay.2021.106390
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“Partial hydrolysis of diphosphonate ester during the formation of hybrid Tio₂, nanoparticles : role of acid concentration”. Ramesha BM, Pawlak B, Arenas Esteban D, Reekmans G, Bals S, Marchal W, Carleer R, Adriaensens P, Meynen V, ChemPhysChem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry , e202300437 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/CPHC.202300437
Abstract: In the present work, a method was utilized to control the in‐situ partial hydrolysis of a diphosphonate ester in presence of a titania precursor and in function of acid content and its impact on the hybrid nanoparticles was assessed. The hydrolysis degree of organodiphosphonate ester linkers during the formation of hybrid organic‐inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles, are relatively underexplored . Quantitative solution NMR spectroscopy revealed that during the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles, an increase in acid concentration introduces a higher degree of partial hydrolysis of the TEPD linker into diverse acid/ester derivatives of TEPD. Increasing the HCl/Ti ratio from 1 to 3, resulted in an increase in degree of partial hydrolysis of the TEPD linker in solution from 4% to 18.8% under the here applied conditions. As a result of the difference in partial hydrolysis, the linker‐TiO2 bonding was altered. Upon subsequent drying of the colloidal TiO2 solution, different textures, at nanoscale and macroscopic scale, were obtained dependent on the HCl/Ti ratio and thus the degree of hydrolysis of TEPD. Understanding such linker‐TiO2 nanoparticle surface dynamics is crucial for making hybrid organic‐inorganic materials (i.e. (porous) metal phosphonates) employed in applications such as electronic/photonic devices, separation technology and heterogeneous catalysts.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 2.9
DOI: 10.1002/CPHC.202300437
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“Chronic interstitial nephritis in agricultural communities is a toxin induced proximal tubular nephropathy”. Vervaet BA, Nast CC, Jayasumana C, Schreurs G, Roels F, Herath C, Kojc N, Samaee V, Rodrigo S, Gowrishankar S, Mousson C, Dassanayake R, Orantes CM, Vuiblet V, Rigothier C, d' Haese PC, de Broe ME, Kidney international 97, 350 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.KINT.2019.11.009
Abstract: Almost 30 years after the detection of chronic interstitial nephritis in agricultural communities (CINAC) its etiology remains unknown. To help define this we examined 34 renal biopsies from Sri Lanka, El Salvador, India and France of patients with chronic kidney disease 2-3 and diagnosed with CINAC by light and electron microscopy. In addition to known histopathology, we identified a unique constellation of proximal tubular cell findings including large dysmorphic lysosomes with a light-medium electron-dense matrix containing dispersed dark electron-dense non-membrane bound “aggregates”. These aggregates associated with varying degrees of cellular/tubular atrophy, apparent cell fragment shedding and no-weak proximal tubular cell proliferative capacity. Identical lysosomal lesions, identifiable by electron microscopy, were observed in 9% of renal transplant implantation biopsies, but were more prevalent in six month (50%) and 12 month (67%) protocol biopsies and in indication biopsies (76%) of calcineurin inhibitor treated transplant patients. The phenotype was also found associated with nephrotoxic drugs (lomustine, clomiphene, lithium, cocaine) and in some patients with light chain tubulopathy, all conditions that can be directly or indirectly linked to calcineurin pathway inhibition or modulation. One hundred biopsies of normal kidneys, drug/toxin induced nephropathies, and overt proteinuric patients of different etiologies to some extent could demonstrate the light microscopic proximal tubular cell changes, but rarely the electron microscopic lysosomal features. Rats treated with the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine for four weeks developed similar proximal tubular cell lysosomal alterations, which were absent in a dehydration group. Overall, the finding of an identical proximal tubular cell (lysosomal) lesion in CINAC and calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity in different geographic regions suggests a common paradigm where CINAC patients undergo a tubulotoxic mechanism similar to calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP); Pathophysiology
Impact Factor: 8.395
DOI: 10.1016/J.KINT.2019.11.009
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“Atomic resolution electron tomography: a dream?”.van Dyck D, Van Aert S, Croitoru M, International journal of materials research 97, 872 (2006). http://doi.org/10.3139/146.101314
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 0.681
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.3139/146.101314
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“An efficient way of including thermal diffuse scattering in simulation of scanning transmission electron microscopic images”. Croitoru MD, van Dyck D, Van Aert S, Bals S, Verbeeck J, Ultramicroscopy 106, 933 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2006.04.006
Abstract: We propose an improved image simulation procedure for atomic-resolution annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) based on the multislice formulation, which takes thermal diffuse scattering fully into account. The improvement with regard to the classical frozen phonon approach is realized by separating the lattice configuration statistics from the dynamical scattering so as to avoid repetitive calculations. As an example, the influence of phonon scattering on the image contrast is calculated and investigated. STEM image simulation of crystals can be applied with reasonable computing times to problems involving a large number of atoms and thick or large supercells.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2006.04.006
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“Perovskite transparent conducting oxides : an ab initio study”. Dabaghmanesh S, Saniz R, Amini MN, Lamoen D, Partoens B, Journal of physics : condensed matter 25, 415503 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/25/41/415503
Abstract: We present an ab initio study of the electronic structure and of the formation energies of various point defects in BaSnO3 and SrGeO3. We show that La and Y impurities substituting Ba or Sr are shallow donors with a preferred 1 + charge state. These defects have a low formation energy within all the suitable equilibrium growth conditions considered. Oxygen vacancies behave as shallow donors as well, preferring the 2 + charge state. Their formation energies, however, are higher in most growth conditions, indicating a limited contribution to conductivity. The calculated electron effective mass in BaSnO3, with a value of 0.21 me, and the very high mobility reported recently in La-doped BaSnO3 single-crystals, suggest that remarkably low scattering rates can be achieved in the latter. In the case of SrGeO3, our results point to carrier density and mobility values in the low range for typical polycrystalline TCOs, in line with experiment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/25/41/415503
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“A novel explanation for the increased conductivity in annealed Al-doped ZnO: an insight into migration of aluminum and displacement of zinc”. Momot A, Amini MN, Reekmans G, Lamoen D, Partoens B, Slocombe DR, Elen K, Adriaensens P, Hardy A, Van Bael MK, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 19, 27866 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7CP02936E
Abstract: A combined experimental and first-principles study is performed to study the origin of conductivity in
ZnO:Al nanoparticles synthesized under controlled conditions via a reflux route using benzylamine as a
solvent. The experimental characterization of the samples by Raman, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
and conductivity measurements indicates that upon annealing in nitrogen, the Al atoms at interstitial
positions migrate to the substitutional positions, creating at the same time Zn interstitials. We provide
evidence for the fact that the formed complex of AlZn and Zni corresponds to the origin of the Knight
shifted peak (KS) we observe in 27Al NMR. As far as we know, the role of this complex has not been
discussed in the literature to date. However, our first-principles calculations show that such a complex is
indeed energetically favoured over the isolated Al interstitial positions. In our calculations we also
address the charge state of the Al interstitials. Further, Zn interstitials can migrate from Al_Zn and possibly
also form Zn clusters, leading to the observed increased conductivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1039/C7CP02936E
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“A combined experimental and computational approach to understanding CdS pigment oxidation in a renowned early 20th century painting”. Mayda S, Monico L, Krishnan D, De Meyer S, Cotte M, Garrevoet J, Falkenberg G, Sandu ICA, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Romani A, Miliani C, Verbeeck J, Janssens K, Chemistry of materials 35, 10403 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C01470
Abstract: Cadmium sulfide (CdS)-based yellow pigments have been used in a number of early 20th century artworks, including The Scream series painted by Edvard Munch. Some of these unique paintings are threatened by the discoloration of these CdS-based yellow oil paints because of the oxidation of the original sulfides to sulfates. The experimental data obtained here prove that moisture and cadmium chloride compounds play a key role in promoting such oxidation. To clarify how these two factors effectively prompt the process, we studied the band alignment between CdS, CdCl2, and Cd-(OH)Cl as well as the radicals center dot OH and H3O center dot by density functional theory (DFT) methods. Our results show that a stack of several layers of Cd-(OH)Cl creates a pocket of positive holes at the Cl-terminated surface and a pocket of electrons at the OH-terminated surface by leading in a difference in ionization energy at both surfaces. The resulting band alignment indicates that Cd-(OH)Cl can indeed play the role of an oxidative catalyst for CdS in a moist environment, thus providing an explanation for the experimental evidence.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 8.6
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.3C01470
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“Attracting shallow donors : hydrogen passivation in (Al,Ga,In)-doped ZnO”. Matsubara M, Amini MN, Saniz R, Lamoen D, Partoens B, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 86, 165207 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.86.165207
Abstract: The hydrogen interstitial and the substitutional AlZn, GaZn, and InZn are all shallow donors in ZnO and lead to n-type conductivity. Although shallow donors are expected to repel each other, we show by first-principles calculations that in ZnO these shallow donor impurities attract and form a complex, leading to a donor level deep in the band gap. This puts a limit on the n-type conductivity of (Al,Ga,In)-doped ZnO in the presence of hydrogen.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.86.165207
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