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Author Yan, X.F.; Chen, Q.; Li, L.L.; Guo, H.Z.; Peng, J.Z.; Peeters, F.M.
Title High performance piezotronic spin transistors using molybdenum disulfide nanoribbon Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Nano Energy Abbreviated Journal Nano Energy
Volume 75 Issue Pages 104953
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Two-dimensional (2D) materials are promising candidates for atomic-scale piezotronics and piezophototronics. Quantum edge states show fascinating fundamental physics such as nontrivial topological behavior and hold promising practical applications for low-power electronic devices. Here, using the tight-binding approach and quantum transport simulations, we investigate the piezotronic effect on the spin polarization of edge states in a zigzag-terminated monolayer MoS2 nanoribbon. We find that the strain-induced piezoelectric potential induces a phase transition of edge states from metal to semiconductor. However, in the presence of exchange field, edge states become semi-metallic with significant spin splitting and polarization that can be tuned by external strain. We show that quantum transport conductance exhibits a 100% spin polarization over a wide range of strain magnitudes. This effect is used in a propose prototype of piezotronic spin transistor. Our results provide a fundamental understanding of the piezotronic effect on edge states in zigzag monolayer MoS2 nanoribbons and are relevant for designing high-performance piezotronic spin devices.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000560729200011 Publication Date 2020-05-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2211-2855 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 17.6 Times cited 17 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 2015JJ2040, 2018JJ2078), Scientific Research Fund of Hunan Provincial Education Department (19A106), and the Funeral Service Foundation (FWO-VI). ; Approved Most recent IF: 17.6; 2020 IF: 12.343
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:171123 Serial 6535
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Author Mortazavi, B.; Bafekry, A.; Shahrokhi, M.; Rabczuk, T.; Zhuang, X.
Title ZnN and ZnP as novel graphene-like materials with high Li-ion storage capacities Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Materials today energy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 16 Issue Pages Unsp 100392-8
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract In this work, we employed first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the dynamical and thermal stability of graphene-like ZnX (X = N, P, As) nanosheets. We moreover analyzed the electronic, mechanical and optical properties of these novel two-dimensional (2D) systems. Acquired phonon dispersion relations reveal the absence of imaginary frequencies and thus confirming the dynamical stability of predicted monolayers. According to ab-initio molecular dynamics results however only ZnN and ZnP exhibit the required thermally stability. The elastic modulus of ZnN, ZnP and ZnAs are estimated to be 31, 21 and 17 N/m, respectively, and the corresponding tensile strengths values are 6.0, 4.9 and 4.0 N/m, respectively. Electronic band structure analysis confirms the metallic electronic character for the predicted monolayers. Results for the optical characteristics also indicate a reflectivity of 100% at extremely low energy levels, which is desirable for photonic and optoelectronic applications. According to our results, graphene-like ZnN and ZnP nanosheets can yield high capacities of 675 and 556 mAh/g for Li-ion storage, respectively. Acquired results confirm the stability and acceptable strength of ZnN and ZnP nanosheets and highlight their attractive application prospects in optical and energy storage systems.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000539083500049 Publication Date 2020-02-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2468-6069 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.3 Times cited 13 Open Access
Notes ; B. M. and X. Z. appreciate the funding by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany's Excellence Strategy within the Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD (EXC 2122, Project ID 390833453). ; Approved Most recent IF: 9.3; 2020 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:169752 Serial 6655
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Author Yedukondalu, N.; Pandey, T.; Roshan, S.C.R.
Title Effect of hydrostatic pressure on lone pair activity and phonon transport in Bi₂O₂S Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 6 Issue 4 Pages 2401-2411
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Dibismuth dioxychalcogenides, Bi2O2Ch (Ch = S, Se, Te), are a promising class of materials for next-generation electronics and thermoelectrics due to their ultrahigh carrier mobility and excellent air stability. An interesting member of this family is Bi2O2S, which has a stereochemically active 6s2 lone pair of Bi3+ cations, heterogeneous bonding, and a high mass contrast between its constituent elements. In the present study, we have used first-principles calculations in combination with Boltzmann transport theory to systematically investigate the effect of hydrostatic pressure on lattice dynamics and phonon transport properties of Bi2O2S. We found that the ambient Pnmn phase has a low average lattice thermal conductivity (kappa l) of 1.71 W/(m K) at 300 K. We also predicted that Bi2O2S undergoes a structural phase transition from a low-symmetry (Pnmn) to a high-symmetry (I4/mmm) structure at around 4 GPa due to centering of Bi3+ cations with pressure. Upon compression, the lone pair activity of Bi3+ cations is suppressed, which increases kappa l by almost 3 times to 4.92 W/ (m K) at 5 GPa for the I4/mmm phase. The computed phonon lifetimes and Gru''neisen parameters show that anharmonicity decreases with increasing pressure due to further suppression of the lone pair activity and strengthening of intra-and intermolecular interactions, leading to an average room-temperature kappa l of 12.82 W/(m K) at 20 GPa. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the stereochemical activity of the lone pair of Bi3+ cations and its implications on the phonon transport properties of Bi2O2S.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000929103700001 Publication Date 2023-02-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.4; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195245 Serial 7300
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Author Yorulmaz, U.; Demiroglu, I.; Cakir, D.; Gulseren, O.; Sevik, C.
Title A systematicalab-initioreview of promising 2D MXene monolayers towards Li-ion battery applications Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication JPhys Energy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 2 Issue 3 Pages 032006
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Two-dimensional materials have been attracting increasing interests because of their outstanding properties for Lithium-ion battery applications. In particular, a material family called MXenes (Mn+1Cn, where n = 1, 2, 3) have been recently attracted immense interest in this respect due to their incomparable fast-charging properties and high capacity promises. In this article, we review the state-of-the-art computational progress on Li-ion battery applications of MXene materials in accordance with our systematical DFT calculations. Structural, mechanical, dynamical, and electrical properties of 20 distinct MXene (M: Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W, and Zr) have been discussed. The battery performances of these MXene monolayers are further investigated by Li-ion binding energies, open circuit voltage values, and Li migration energy barriers. The experimental and theoretical progress up to date demonstrates particularly the potential of non-terminated or pristine MXene materials in Li ion-storage applications. Stability analyses show most of the pristine MXenes should be achievable, however susceptible to the development progress on the experimental growth procedures. Among pristine MXenes, Ti2C, V2C, Sc2C, and Zr2C compounds excel with their high charge/discharge rate prospect due to their extremely low Li diffusion energy barriers. Considering also their higher predicted gravimetric capacities, Sc, Ti, V, and Zr containing MXenes are more promising for their utilization in energy storage applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000569868600001 Publication Date 2020-07-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2515-7655 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.9; 2020 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193748 Serial 7399
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Author Siriwardane, E.M.D.; Demiroglu, I.; Sevik, C.; Cakir, D.
Title Achieving Fast Kinetics and Enhanced Li Storage Capacity for Ti3C2O2 by Intercalation of Quinone Molecules Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 2 Issue 2 Pages 1251-1258
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Using first-principles calculations, we demonstrated that high lithium storage capacity and fast kinetics are achieved for Ti3C2O2 by preintercalating organic molecules. As a proof-of-concept, two different quinone molecules, namely 1,4-benzoquinone (C6H4O2) and tetrafluoro-1,4-benzoquinone (C6F4O2) were selected as the molecular linkers to demonstrate the feasibility of this interlayer engineering strategy for energy storage. As compared to Ti3C2O2 bilayer without linker molecules, our pillared structures facilitate a much faster ion transport, promising a higher charge/discharge rate for Li. For example, while the diffusion barrier of a single Li ion within pristine Ti3C2O2 bilayer is at least 1.0 eV, it becomes 0.3 eV in pillared structures, which is comparable and even lower than that of commercial materials. At high Li concentrations, the calculated diffusion barriers are as low as 0.4 eV. Out-of-plane migration of Li ions is hindered due to large barrier energy with a value of around 1-1.35 eV. Concerning storage capacity, we can only intercalate one monolayer of Li within pristine Ti3C2O2 bilayer. In contrast, pillared structures offer significantly higher storage capacity. Our calculations showed that at least two layers of Li can be intercalated between Ti3C2O2 layers without forming bulk Li and losing the pillared structure upon Li loading/unloading. A small change in the in-plane lattice parameters (<0.5%) and volume (<1.0%) and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations prove the stability of the pillared structures against Li intercalation and thermal effects. Intercalated molecules avoid the large contraction/expansion of the whole structure, which is one of the key problems in electrochemical energy storage. Pillared structures allow us to realize electrodes with high capacity and fast kinetics. Our results open new research paths for improving the performance of not only MXenes but also other layered materials for supercapacitor and battery applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000459948900037 Publication Date 2019-01-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193759 Serial 7414
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Author Paolella, A.; Bertoni, G.; Hovington, P.; Feng, Z.; Flacau, R.; Prato, M.; Colombo, M.; Marras, S.; Manna, L.; Turner, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Guerfi, A.; Demopoulos, G.P.; Zaghib, K.;
Title Cation exchange mediated elimination of the Fe-antisites in the hydrothermal synthesis of LiFePO4 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Nano energy Abbreviated Journal Nano Energy
Volume 16 Issue 16 Pages 256-267
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract In this work we elucidate the elimination of mechanism Fe-antisite defects in lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) during the hydrothermal synthesis. Compelling evidence of this effect is provided by combining Neutron Powder Diffraction (NPD), High Resolution (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-(S)TEM), Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and calculations. We found: i) the first intermediate vivianite inevitably creates Fe-antisite defects in LiFePO4; ii) the removal of these antisite defects by cation exchange is assisted by a nanometer-thick amorphous layer, rich in Li, that enwraps the LiFePO4 crystals.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000364579300027 Publication Date 2015-06-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2211-2855; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.343 Times cited 27 Open Access
Notes The authorswanttoacknowledgeVincentGariepy,Cathe- rine Gagnon,JulieTrottier,DanielClement,Dr.CyrilFaure of IREQ,Dr.GaiaTomaselloofInstitutfürTheoretische PhysikFreieUniversitätBerlinandProf.MichelArmandof CICenergigune forhelpfuldiscussionsandtechnical supports. Approved Most recent IF: 12.343; 2015 IF: 10.325
Call Number c:irua:127688 Serial 296
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Author Reynaud, M.; Rousse, G.; Abakumov, A.M.; Sougrati, M.T.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Chotard, J.-N.; Tarascon, J.-M.
Title Design of new electrode materials for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries from the bloedite mineral Na2Mg(SO4)2\cdot4H2O Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A
Volume 2 Issue 8 Pages 2671-2680
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Mineralogy offers a large database to search for Li- or Na-based compounds having suitable structural features for acting as electrode materials, LiFePO4 being one example. Here we further explore this avenue and report on the electrochemical properties of the bloedite type compounds Na2M(SO4)(2)center dot 4H(2)O (M = Mg, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) and their dehydrated phases Na2M(SO4)(2) (M = Fe, Co), whose structures have been solved via complementary synchrotron X-ray diffraction, neutron powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Among these compounds, the hydrated and anhydrous iron-based phases show electrochemical activity with the reversible release/uptake of 1 Na+ or 1 Li+ at high voltages of similar to 3.3 V vs. Na+/Na-0 and similar to 3.6 V vs. Li+/Li-0, respectively. Although the reversible capacities remain lower than 100 mA h g(-1), we hope this work will stress further the importance of mineralogy as a source of inspiration for designing eco-efficient electrode materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000331247500031 Publication Date 2013-11-22
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 56 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.867; 2014 IF: 7.443
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:115807 Serial 659
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Author Delmelle, R.; Amin-Ahmadi, B.; Sinnaeve, M.; Idrissi, H.; Pardoen, T.; Schryvers, D.; Proost, J.
Title Effect of structural defects on the hydriding kinetics of nanocrystalline Pd thin films Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication International journal of hydrogen energy Abbreviated Journal Int J Hydrogen Energ
Volume 40 Issue 40 Pages 7335-7347
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract While the microstructure of a metal is well-known to affect its equilibrium hydrogen uptake and therefore the hydriding thermodynamics, microstructural effects on the hydriding kinetics are much less documented. Moreover, for thin film systems, such microstructural effects are difficult to separate from the internal stress effect, since most defects generate internal stresses. Such a decoupling has been achieved in this paper for nanocrystalline Pd thin film model systems through the use of a high-resolution, in-situ curvature measurement set-up during Pd deposition, annealing and hydriding. This set-up allowed producing Pd thin films with similar internal stress levels but significantly different microstructures. This was evidenced from detailed defect statistics obtained by transmission electron microscopy, which showed that the densities of grain boundaries, dislocations and twin boundaries have all been lowered by annealing. The same set-up was then used to study the hydriding equilibrium and kinetic behaviour of the resulting films at room temperature. A full quantitative analysis of their hydriding cycles showed that the rate constants of both the adsorption- and absorption-limited kinetic regimes were strongly affected by microstructure. Defect engineering was thereby shown to increase the rate constants for hydrogen adsorption and absorption in Pd by a factor 40 and 30, respectively. Copyright (C) 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor
Language Wos 000355884300012 Publication Date 2015-05-02
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 13 Open Access
Notes Iap 7/21 Approved Most recent IF: 3.582; 2015 IF: 3.313
Call Number c:irua:126429 Serial 838
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Author Pasquini, L.; Sacchi, M.; Brighi, M.; Boelsma, C.; Bals, S.; Perkisas, T.; Dam, B.
Title Hydride destabilization in core-shell nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication International journal of hydrogen energy Abbreviated Journal Int J Hydrogen Energ
Volume 39 Issue 5 Pages 2115-2123
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract We present a model that describes the effect of elastic constraint on the thermodynamics of hydrogen absorption and desorption in biphasic core-shell nanoparticles, where the core is a hydride forming metal. In particular, the change of the hydride formation enthalpy and of the equilibrium pressure for the metal/hydride transformation are described as a function of nanoparticles radius, shell thickness, and elastic properties of both core and shell. To test the model, the hydrogen sorption isotherms of Mg-MgO core-shell nanoparticles, synthesized by inert gas condensation, were measured by means of optical hydrogenography. The model's predictions are in good agreement with the experimentally determined plateau pressure of hydrogen absorption. The features that a core-shell systems should exhibit in view of practical hydrogen storage applications are discussed with reference to the model and the experimental results. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor
Language Wos 000331344800022 Publication Date 2014-01-04
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 32 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes COST Action MP1103 Approved Most recent IF: 3.582; 2014 IF: 3.313
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:115785 Serial 1528
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Author Ying, J.; Yang, X.-Y.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Mu, S.-C.; Janiak, C.; Geng, W.; Pan, M.; Ke, X.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Su, B.-L.
Title One particle@one cell : highly monodispersed PtPd bimetallic nanoparticles for enhanced oxygen reduction reaction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Nano energy Abbreviated Journal Nano Energy
Volume 8 Issue Pages 214-222
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Highly monodispersed platinum-based nanoalloys are the best-known catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. Although certainly promising, the durability and stability are among the main requirements for commercializing fuel cell electrocatalysts in practical applications. Herein, we synthesize highly stable, durable and catalytic active monodispersed PtPd nano-particles encapsulated in a unique one particle@one cell structure by adjusting the viscosity of solvents using mesocellular foam. PtPd nanoparticles in mesocellular carbon foam exhibit an excellent electrocatalytic activity (over 4 times mass and specific activities than the commercial Pt/C catalyst). Most importantly, this nanocatalyst shows no obvious change of structure and only a 29.5% loss in electrochemically active surface area after 5000 potential sweeps between 0.6 and 1.1 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode cycles. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000340981700026 Publication Date 2014-06-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2211-2855; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.343 Times cited 40 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.343; 2014 IF: 10.325
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:119255 Serial 2465
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Author Tikhomirov, V.K.; Rodríguez, V.D.; Méndez-Ramos, J.; del- Castillo, J.; Kirilenko, D.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Moshchalkov, V.V.
Title Optimizing Er/Yb ratio and content in Er-Yb co-doped glass-ceramics for enhancement of the up- and down-conversion luminescence Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Solar energy materials and solar cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 100 Issue Pages 209-215
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Er3+Yb3+ co-doped transparent glass-ceramics with varying Er/Yb content and ratio have been prepared. High quantum yields for up- and down-conversion luminescence by energy transfer from Yb3+ to Er3+ and from Er3+ to Yb3+, respectively, have been detected and optimized with respect to the Er/Yb content and ratio, and proposed in particular for up- and down-conversion of solar spectrum for enhancement of the efficiency of solar cells. The rise and decay kinetics for the population of the excited levels of Er3+ and Yb3+ have been studied and fit. Based on these experimental data, the mechanisms for the energy transfers have been suggested with emphasis on the optimized Er/Yb content and ratio for enhancement of the efficiency of the Er3+↔Yb3+ energy transfers.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000303034700030 Publication Date 2012-02-04
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 66 Open Access
Notes Fwo Approved Most recent IF: 4.784; 2012 IF: 4.630
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:97392 Serial 2493
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Author Wee, L.H.; Meledina, M.; Turner, S.; Custers, K.; Kerkhofs, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Martens, J.A.
Title Hematite iron oxide nanorod patterning inside COK-12 mesochannels as an efficient visible light photocatalyst 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 19884-19891
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The uniform dispersion of functional oxide nanoparticles on the walls of ordered mesoporous silica to tailor optical, electronic, and magnetic properties for biomedical and environmental applications is a scientific challenge. Here, we demonstrate homogeneous confined growth of 5 nanometer-sized hematite iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) inside mesochannels of ordered mesoporous COK-12 nanoplates. The three-dimensional inclusion of the α-Fe2O3 nanorods in COK-12 particles is studied using high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and electron tomography. High resolution imaging and EDX spectroscopy provide information about the particle size, shape and crystal phase of the loaded α-Fe2O3 material, while electron tomography provides detailed information on the spreading of the nanorods throughout the COK-12 host. This nanocomposite material, having a semiconductor band gap energy of 2.40 eV according to diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, demonstrates an improved visible light photocatalytic degradation activity with rhodamine 6G and 1-adamantanol model compounds.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000362041300033 Publication Date 2015-08-26
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 9 Open Access
Notes L.H.W. and S.T. thank the FWO-Vlaanderen for a postdoctoral research fellowship (12M1415N) and under contract number G004613N . J.A.M gratefully acknowledge financial supports from Flemish Government (Long-term structural funding-Methusalem). Collaboration among universities was supported by the Belgian Government (IAP-PAI network). Approved Most recent IF: 8.867; 2015 IF: 7.443
Call Number c:irua:132567 Serial 3959
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Author Deng, S.; Kurttepeli, M.; Cott, D.J.; Bals, S.; Detavernier, C.
Title Porous nanostructured metal oxides synthesized through atomic layer deposition on a carbonaceous template followed by calcination 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 2642-2649
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Porous metal oxides with nano-sized features attracted intensive interest in recent decades due to their high surface area which is essential for many applications, e.g. Li ion batteries, photocatalysts, fuel cells and dye-sensitized solar cells. Various approaches have so far been investigated to synthesize porous nanostructured metal oxides, including self-assembly and template-assisted synthesis. For the latter approach, forests of carbon nanotubes are considered as particularly promising templates, with respect to their one-dimensional nature and the resulting high surface area. In this work, we systematically investigate the formation of porous metal oxides (Al2O3, TiO2, V2O5 and ZnO) with different morphologies using atomic layer deposition on multi-walled carbon nanotubes followed by post-deposition calcination. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy accompanied by X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used for the investigation of morphological and structural transitions at the micro- and nano-scale during the calcination process. The crystallization temperature and the surface coverage of the metal oxides and the oxidation temperature of the carbon nanotubes were found to produce significant influence on the final morphology.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000348990500019 Publication Date 2014-12-06
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 23 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Fwo; 239865 Cocoon; 335078 Colouratoms; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 8.867; 2015 IF: 7.443
Call Number c:irua:125298 Serial 2673
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Author Gaouyat, L.; He, Z.; Colomer, J.-F.; Lambin, P.; Mirabella, F.; Schryvers, D.; Deparis, O.
Title Revealing the innermost nanostructure of sputtered NiCrOx solar absorber cermets Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Solar energy materials and solar cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 122 Issue Pages 303-308
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Conversion of solar energy into thermal energy helps reducing consumption of non-renewable energies. Cermets (ceramicmetal composites) are versatile materials suitable, amongst other applications, for solar selective absorbers. Although the presence of metallic Ni particles in the dielectric matrix is a prerequisite for efficient solar selective absorption in NiCrOx cermets, no clear evidence of such particles is reported so far. By combining comprehensive chemical and structural analyses, we reveal the presumed nanostructure which is at the origin of the remarkable optical properties of this cermet material. Using sputtered NiCrOx layers in a solar absorber multilayer stack on aluminium substrate allows us to achieve solar absorptance as high as α=96.1% while keeping thermal emissivity as low as ε=2.2%, both values being comparable to best values recorded so far. With the nanostructure of sputtered NiCrOx cermets eventually revealed, further optimization of solar absorbers can be anticipated and technological exploitation of cermet materials in other applications can be foreseen.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000331494200040 Publication Date 2013-11-12
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 12 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.784; 2014 IF: 5.337
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:113086 Serial 2902
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Author Van Havenbergh, K.; Turner, S.; Driesen, K.; Bridel, J.-S.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title Solidelectrolyte interphase evolution of carbon-coated silicon nanoparticles for lithium-ion batteries monitored by transmission electron microscopy and impedance spectroscopy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Energy technology Abbreviated Journal Energy Technol-Ger
Volume 3 Issue 3 Pages 699-708
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The main drawbacks of silicon as the most promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (theoretical capacity=3572 mAh g−1) are lithiation-induced volume changes and the continuous formation of a solidelectrolyte interphase (SEI) upon cycling. A recent strategy is to focus on the influence of coatings and composite materials. To this end, the evolution of the SEI, as well as an applied carbon coating, on nanosilicon electrodes during the first electrochemical cycles is monitored. Two specific techniques are combined: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is used to study the surface evolution of the nanoparticles on a very local scale, whereas electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) provides information on the electrode level. A TEMEELS fingerprint signal of carbonate structures from the SEI is discovered, which can be used to differentiate between the SEI and a graphitic carbon matrix. Furthermore, the shielding effect of the carbon coating and the thickness evolution of the SEI are described.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000357869100003 Publication Date 2015-06-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2194-4288; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.789 Times cited Open Access
Notes IWT Flanders Approved Most recent IF: 2.789; 2015 IF: 2.824
Call Number c:irua:126676 Serial 3051
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Author Zalfani, M.; van der Schueren, B.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Rooke, J.C.; Bourguiga, R.; Wu, M.; Li, Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Su, B.-L.
Title Novel 3DOM BiVO4/TiO2nanocomposites for highly enhanced photocatalytic activity 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 21244-21256
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Novel 3DOM BiVO4/TiO2 nanocomposites with intimate contact were for the first time synthesized by a hydrothermal method in order to elucidate their visible-light-driven photocatalytic performances. BiVO4 nanoparticles and 3DOM TiO2 inverse opal were fabricated respectively. These materials were characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, N2 adsorption–desorption and UV-vis diffuse (UV-vis) and photoluminescence spectroscopies. As references for comparison, a physical mixture of BiVO4 nanoparticles and 3DOM TiO2 inverse opal powder (0.08 : 1), and a BiVO4/P25 TiO2 (0.08 : 1) nanocomposite made also by the hydrothermal method were prepared. The photocatalytic performance of all the prepared materials was evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) as a model pollutant molecule under visible light irradiation. The highly ordered 3D macroporous inverse opal structure can provide more active surface areas and increased mass transfer because of its highly accessible 3D porosity. The results show that 3DOM BiVO4/TiO2 nanocomposites possess a highly prolonged lifetime and increased separation of visible light generated charges and extraordinarily high photocatalytic activity. Owing to the intimate contact between BiVO4 and large surface area 3DOM TiO2, the photogenerated high energy charges can be easily transferred from BiVO4 to the 3DOM TiO2 support. BiVO4 nanoparticles in the 3DOM TiO2 inverse opal structure act thus as a sensitizer to absorb visible light and to transfer efficiently high energy electrons to TiO2 to ensure long lifetime of the photogenerated charges and keep them well separated, owing to the direct band gap of BiVO4 of 2.4 eV, favourably positioned band edges, very low recombination rate of electron–hole pairs and stability when coupled with photocatalysts, explaining the extraordinarily high photocatalytic performance of 3DOM BiVO4/TiO2 nanocomposites. It is found that larger the amount of BiVO4 in the nanocomposite, longer the duration of photogenerated charge separation and higher the photocatalytic activity. This work can shed light on the development of novel visible light responsive nanomaterials for efficient solar energy utilisation by the intimate combination of an inorganic light sensitizing nanoparticle with an inverse opal structure with high diffusion efficiency and high accessible surface area.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000363163200049 Publication Date 2015-09-08
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 88 Open Access
Notes This work was realized with the financial support of the Belgian FNRS (Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique). This research used resources of the Electron Microscopy Service located at the University of Namur. This Service is a member of the “Plateforme Technologique Morphologie – Imagerie”. The XPS analyses were made in the LISE, Department of Physics of the University of Namur thanks to Dr P. Louette. This work was also supported by Changjiang Scholars and the Innovative Research Team (IRT1169) of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China. B. L. Su acknowledges the Chinese Central Government for an “Expert of the State” position in the Program of the “Thousand Talents” and a Clare Hall Life Membership at the Clare Hall and the financial support of the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge. G. Van Tendeloo and Z. Y. Hu acknowledge support from the EC Framework 7 program ESTEEM2 (Reference 312483).; esteem2_jra4 Approved Most recent IF: 8.867; 2015 IF: 7.443
Call Number c:irua:129476 c:irua:129476 Serial 3951
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Author Mooij, L.; Perkisas, T.; Palsson, G.; Schreuders, H.; Wolff, M.; Hjorvarsson, B.; Bals, S.; Dam, B.
Title The effect of microstructure on the hydrogenation of Mg/Fe thin film multilayers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication International journal of hydrogen energy Abbreviated Journal Int J Hydrogen Energ
Volume 39 Issue 30 Pages 17092-17103
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Nanoconfined magnesium hydride can be simultaneously protected and thermodynamically destabilized when interfaced with materials such as Ti and Fe. We study the hydrogenation of thin layers of Mg (<14 nm) nanoconfined in one dimension within thin film Fe/Mg/Fe/Pd multilayers by the optical technique Hydrogenography. The hydrogenation of nanosized magnesium layers in Fe/Mg/Fe multilayers surprisingly shows the presence of multiple plateau pressures, whose nature is thickness dependent. In contrast, hydrogen desorption occurs via a single plateau which does not depend on the Mg layer thickness. From structural and morphological analyses with X-ray diffraction/reflectometry and cross-section TEM, we find that the Mg layer roughness is large when deposited on Fe and furthermore contains high-angle grain boundaries (GB's). When grown on Ti, the Mg layer roughness is low and no high-angle GB's are detected. From a Ti/Mg/Fe multilayer, in which the Mg layer is flat and has little or no GB's, we conclude that MgH2 is indeed destabilized by the interface with Fe. In this case, both the ab- and desorption plateau pressures are increased by a factor two compared to the hydrogenation of Mg within Ti/Mg/Ti multilayers. We hypothesize that the GB's in the Fe/Mg/Fe multilayer act as diffusion pathways for Pd, which is known to greatly alter the hydrogenation behavior of Mg when the two materials share an interface. Copyright (C) 2014, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor
Language Wos 000343839000031 Publication Date 2014-09-10
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 15 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes COST Action MP1103 Approved Most recent IF: 3.582; 2014 IF: 3.313
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:121175 Serial 3575
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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.;
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 Lander, L.; Rousse, G.; Abakumov, A.M.; Sougrati, M.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Tarascon, J.-M.
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.
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.
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
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Author Naik, P.V.; Wee, L.H.; Meledina, M.; Turner, S.; Li, Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Martens, J.A.; Vankelecom, I.F.J.
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 Van Havenbergh, K.; Turner, S.; Marx, N.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title The mechanical behavior during (de)lithiation of coated silicon nanoparticles as anode material for lithium-ion batteries studied by InSitu transmission electron microscopy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Energy technology Abbreviated Journal Energy Technol-Ger
Volume 4 Issue 4 Pages 1005-1012
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract One approach to cope with the continuous irreversible capacity loss in Si-based electrodes, attributed to lithiation-induced volume changes and the formation of a solid-electrolyte interface (SEI), is by coating silicon nanoparticles. A coating can improve the conductivity of the electrode, form a chemical shield against the electrolyte, or provide mechanical confinement to reduce the volume increase. The influence of such a coating on the mechanical behavior of silicon nanoparticles during Li insertion and Li extraction was investigated by insitu transmission electron microscopy. The type of coating was shown to influence the size of the unreacted core that remains after reaction of silicon with lithium. Furthermore, two mechanisms to relieve the stress generated during volume expansion are reported: the initiation of cracks and the formation of nanovoids. Both result in a full reaction of the silicon nanoparticles, whereas with the formation of cracks, additional surface area is created, on which an SEI can be formed.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000382549500012 Publication Date 2016-06-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2194-4296; 2194-4288 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.789 Times cited 6 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:137167 Serial 4406
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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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000403299200006 Publication Date 2017-03-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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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 Kertik, A.; Wee, L.H.; Pfannmöller, M.; Bals, S.; Martens, J.A.; Vankelecom, I.F.J.
Title Highly selective gas separation membrane using in situ amorphised metal-organic frameworks Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Energy & environmental science Abbreviated Journal Energ Environ Sci
Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 2342-2351
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Conventional carbon dioxide (CO2) separation in the petrochemical industry via cryogenic distillation is energy intensive and environmentally unfriendly. Alternatively, polymer membrane-based separations are of significant interest owing to low production cost, low-energy consumption and ease of upscaling. However, the implementation of commercial polymeric membranes is limited by their permeability and selectivity trade-off and the insufficient thermal and chemical stability. Herein, a novel type of amorphous mixed matrix membrane (MMM) able to separate CO2/CH4 mixtures with the highest selectivities ever reported for MOF based MMMs is presented. The MMM consists of an amorphised metal-organic framework (MOF) dispersed in an oxidatively cross-linked matrix achieved by fine tuning of the thermal treatment temperature in air up to 350 degrees C which drastically boosts the separation properties of the MMM. Thanks to the protection of the surrounding polymer, full oxidation of this MOF (i.e. ZIF-8) is prevented, and amorphisation of the MOF is realized instead, thus in situ creating a molecular sieve network. In addition, the treatment also improves the filler-polymer adhesion and induces an oxidative cross-linking of the polyimide matrix, resulting in MMMs with increased stability or plasticization resistance at high pressure up to 40 bar, marking a new milestone as new molecular sieve MOF MMMs for challenging natural gas purification applications. A new field for the use of amorphised MOFs and a variety of separation opportunities for such MMMs are thus opened.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000414774500007 Publication Date 2017-08-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1754-5692; 1754-5706 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 29.518 Times cited 122 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; A.K. acknowledges financial support from the Erasmus-Mundus Doctorate in Membrane Engineering (EUDIME) Programme. L.H.W. thanks the FWO-Vlaanderen for a postdoctoral research fellowship (12M1415N). M. P. acknowledges financial support by the FP7 European project SUNFLOWER (FP7 #287594). S. B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant # 335078-COLOURATOMS). J. A. M. gratefully acknowledges financial supports from the Flemish Government for long-term Methusalem funding. J. A. M. and I. F. J. V. acknowledge the Belgian Government for IAP-PAI networking. A. K. would also like to thank Frank Mathijs for the mechanical tests, Roy Bernstein for the XPS analysis and Lien Telen and Bart Goderis for the DSC measurements. We thank Verder Scientific Benelux for providing the service of ZIF-8 ball milling. ; ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 29.518
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:147399UA @ admin @ c:irua:147399 Serial 4879
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Author Sathiya, M.; Jacquet, Q; Doublet, M.L; Karakulina, O.M.; Hadermann, J.; Tarascon, J.-M.
Title A Chemical Approach to Raise Cell Voltage and Suppress Phase Transition in O3 Sodium Layered Oxide Electrodes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Advanced energy materials Abbreviated Journal Adv. Energy Mater.
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Sodium ion batteries (NIBs) are one of the versatile technologies for lowcost rechargeable batteries. O3-type layered sodium transition metal oxides (NaMO2, M = transition metal ions) are one of the most promising positive electrode materials considering their capacity. However, the use of O3 phases is limited due to their low redox voltage and associated multiple phase transitions which are detrimental for long cycling. Herein, a simple strategy is proposed to successfully combat these issues. It consists of the introduction of a larger, nontransition metal ion Sn4+ in NaMO2 to prepare a series of NaNi0.5Mn0.5−y SnyO2 (y = 0–0.5) compositions with attractive electrochemical performances, namely for y = 0.5, which shows a single-phase transition from O3 ⇔ P3 at the very end of the oxidation process. Na-ion NaNi0.5Sn0.5O2/C coin cells are shown to deliver an average cell voltage of 3.1 V with an excellent capacity retention as compared to an average stepwise voltage of ≈2.8 V and limited capacity retention for the pure NaNi0.5Mn0.5O2 phase. This study potentially shows the way to manipulate the O3 NaMO2 for facilitating their practical use in NIBs.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000430163100013 Publication Date 2018-01-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 21.875 Times cited 28 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes M.S. and Q.J. contributed equally to this work. The authors thank Dr. Daniel Alves Dalla Corte and Sujoy Saha for electronic conductivity measurements and Prof. Dominique Larcher for fruitful discussions. Q.J. thanks the ANR “Deli-Redox” for Ph.D. funding. J.-M.T. acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (ERC) (FP/2014)/ERC Grant-Project 670116-ARPEMA. TGA analysis by Matthieu Courty, LRCS, Amiens, is greatly acknowledged. J.H. and O.M.K. acknowledge funding from FWO Vlaanderen project G040116N. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:149515 Serial 4907
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