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Author Gauquelin, N.; Forte, F.; Jannis, D.; Fittipaldi, R.; Autieri, C.; Cuono, G.; Granata, V.; Lettieri, M.; Noce, C.; Miletto-Granozio, F.; Vecchione, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Cuoco, M.
  Title Pattern Formation by Electric-Field Quench in a Mott Crystal Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal
  Volume Issue Pages
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract The control of Mott phase is intertwined with the spatial reorganization of the electronic states. Out-of-equilibrium driving forces typically lead to electronic patterns that are absent at equilibrium, whose nature is however often elusive. Here, we unveil a nanoscale pattern formation in the Ca2 RuO4 Mott insulator. We demonstrate how an applied electric field spatially reconstructs the insulating phase that, uniquely after switching off the electric field, exhibits nanoscale stripe domains. The stripe pattern has regions with inequivalent octahedral distortions that we directly observe through high-resolution scanning transmission electron

microscopy. The nanotexture depends on the orientation of the electric field, it is non-volatile and rewritable. We theoretically simulate the charge and orbital reconstruction induced by a quench dynamics of the applied electric field providing clear-cut mechanisms for the stripe phase formation. Our results open the path for the design of non-volatile electronics based on voltage-controlled nanometric phases.
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  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 001012061600001 Publication Date 2023-05-18
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innova- tion programme under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3. The Merlin camera used in the experiment received funding from the FWO-Hercules fund G0H4316N ’Direct electron detector 15for soft matter TEM’. C. A. and G. C. are supported by the Foundation for Polish Science through the International Research Agendas program co-financed by the European Union within the Smart Growth Operational Programme. C. A. and G. C. acknowledge the access to the computing facil- ities of the Interdisciplinary Center of Modeling at the University of Warsaw, Grant No. GB84-0, GB84-1 and GB84-7 and GB84-7 and Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center Grant No. 609.. C. A. and G. C. acknowledge the CINECA award under the ISCRA initiative IsC85 “TOP- MOST” Grant, for the availability of high-performance computing resources and support. We acknoweldge A. Guarino and C. Elia for providing support about the electrical characterization of the sample. M.C., R.F., and A.V. acknowledge support from the EU’s Horizon 2020213 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 964398 (SUPERGATE). Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:196970 Serial 8789
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Author Kavak, S.; Kadu, A.A.; Claes, N.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Batenburg, K.J.; Bals, S.
  Title Quantitative 3D Investigation of Nanoparticle Assemblies by Volumetric Segmentation of Electron Tomography Data Sets Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 127 Issue 20 Pages 9725-9734
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Morphological characterization of nanoparticle assemblies and hybrid nanomaterials is critical in determining their structure-property relationships as well as in the development of structures with desired properties. Electron tomography has become a widely utilized technique for the three-dimensional characterization of nanoparticle assemblies. However, the extraction of quantitative morphological parameters from the reconstructed volume can be a complex and labor-intensive task. In this study, we aim to overcome this challenge by automating the volumetric segmentation process applied to three-dimensional reconstructions of nanoparticle assemblies. The key to enabling automated characterization is to assess the performance of different volumetric segmentation methods in accurately extracting predefined quantitative descriptors for morphological characterization. In our methodology, we compare the quantitative descriptors obtained through manual segmentation with those obtained through automated segmentation methods, to evaluate their accuracy and effectiveness. To show generality, our study focuses on the characterization of assemblies of CdSe/CdS quantum dots, gold nanospheres and CdSe/CdS encapsulated in polymeric micelles, and silica-coated gold nanorods decorated with both CdSe/CdS or PbS quantum dots. We use two unsupervised segmentation algorithms: the watershed transform and the spherical Hough transform. Our results demonstrate that the choice of automated segmentation method is crucial for accurately extracting the predefined quantitative descriptors. Specifically, the spherical Hough transform exhibits superior performance in accurately extracting quantitative descriptors, such as particle size and interparticle distance, thereby allowing for an objective, efficient, and reliable volumetric segmentation of complex nanoparticle assemblies.
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  Language Wos 000991752700001 Publication Date 2023-05-25
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1181122N ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, 861950 ; H2020 European Research Council, 815128 ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 4.536
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:196971 Serial 8793
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Author Muravev, V.; Parastaev, A.; van den Bosch, Y.; Ligt, B.; Claes, N.; Bals, S.; Kosinov, N.; Hensen, E.J.M.
  Title Size of cerium dioxide support nanocrystals dictates reactivity of highly dispersed palladium catalysts Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Science Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 380 Issue 6650 Pages 1174-1179
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract The catalytic performance of heterogeneous catalysts can be tuned by modulation of the size and structure of supported transition metals, which are typically regarded as the active sites. In single-atom metal catalysts, the support itself can strongly affect the catalytic properties. Here, we demonstrate that the size of cerium dioxide (CeO2) support governs the reactivity of atomically dispersed palladium (Pd) in carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation. Catalysts with small CeO2 nanocrystals (~4 nanometers) exhibit unusually high activity in a CO-rich reaction feed, whereas catalysts with medium-size CeO2 (~8 nanometers) are preferred for lean conditions. Detailed spectroscopic investigations reveal support size–dependent redox properties of the Pd-CeO2 interface.
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  Language Wos 001010846100008 Publication Date 2023-06-16
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0036-8075 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 56.9 Times cited 22 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes We thank the staff of the MAX IV Laboratory for time on beamline SPECIES under proposals 20200412 and 20190983; E. Kokkonen and A. Klyushin for assistance with NAP-XPS and RPES experiments conducted at SPECIES; staff of the MAX IV Laboratory for time on beamline BALDER under proposal 20200378; K. Klementiev for assistance with XAS measurements; J. Drnec at the ESRF for providing assistance in using beamline ID31; and V. Perez-Dieste and I. Villar Garcia at the CIRCE beamline at ALBA Synchrotron for help with acquiring preliminary RPES data obtained under proposal 2020024219. The synchrotron-based XRD measurements were performed on beamline ID31 at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), Grenoble, France. Funding: This work was supported by the Netherlands Center for Multiscale Catalytic Energy Conversion (MCEC), a NWO Gravitation program funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Government of the Netherlands (V.M. and E.J.M.H.); the European Research Council (ERC consolidator grant 815128 REALNANO to S.B. and N.C.); and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program (grant 823717–ESTEEM to S.B. and N.C). Research conducted at MAX IV, a Swedish national user facility, is supported by the Swedish Research council under contract 2018-07152, the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems under contract 2018-04969, and Formas under contract 2019-02496 (VM). Approved Most recent IF: 56.9; 2023 IF: 37.205
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:197199 Serial 8801
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Author Vijayakumar, J.; Savchenko, T.M.; Bracher, D.M.; Lumbeeck, G.; Béché, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Vajda, Š.; Nolting, F.; Vaz, Ca.f.; Kleibert, A.
  Title Absence of a pressure gap and atomistic mechanism of the oxidation of pure Co nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun
  Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 174
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Understanding chemical reactivity and magnetism of 3<italic>d</italic>transition metal nanoparticles is of fundamental interest for applications in fields ranging from spintronics to catalysis. Here, we present an atomistic picture of the early stage of the oxidation mechanism and its impact on the magnetism of Co nanoparticles. Our experiments reveal a two-step process characterized by (i) the initial formation of small CoO crystallites across the nanoparticle surface, until their coalescence leads to structural completion of the oxide shell passivating the metallic core; (ii) progressive conversion of the CoO shell to Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>and void formation due to the nanoscale Kirkendall effect. The Co nanoparticles remain highly reactive toward oxygen during phase (i), demonstrating the absence of a pressure gap whereby a low reactivity at low pressures is postulated. Our results provide an important benchmark for the development of theoretical models for the chemical reactivity in catalysis and magnetism during metal oxidation at the nanoscale.
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  Language Wos 000955726400021 Publication Date 2023-01-12
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, 200021160186 2002153540 ; EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, 810310 823717 ; University of Basel | Swiss Nanoscience Institute, P1502 ; This work is funded by Swiss National Foundation (SNF) (Grants. No 200021160186 and 2002153540) and the Swiss Nanoscience Institut (SNI) (Grant No. SNI P1502). S.V. acknowledges support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 810310, which corresponds to the J. Heyrovsky Chair project (“ERA Chair at J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry AS CR – The institutional approach towards ERA”). The funders had no role in the preparation of the article. Part of this work was performed at the Surface/Interface: Microscopy (SIM) beamline of the Swiss Light Source (SLS), Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland. We kindly acknowledge Anja Weber and Elisabeth Müller from PSI for their help in fabricating the sample markers. A.B. and J. Verbeeck received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research Infrastructure – Integrating Activities for Advanced Communities under grant agreement No. 823717 – ESTEEM3 reported Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2023 IF: 12.124
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:196738 Serial 8804
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Author Sasaki, S.; Giri, S.; Cassidy, S.J.; Dey, S.; Batuk, M.; Vandemeulebroucke, D.; Cibin, G.; Smith, R.I.; Holdship, P.; Grey, C.P.; Hadermann, J.; Clarke, S.J.
  Title Anion redox as a means to derive layered manganese oxychalcogenides with exotic intergrowth structures Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 2917-11
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Topochemistry enables step-by-step conversions of solid-state materials often leading to metastable structures that retain initial structural motifs. Recent advances in this field revealed many examples where relatively bulky anionic constituents were actively involved in redox reactions during (de)intercalation processes. Such reactions are often accompanied by anion-anion bond formation, which heralds possibilities to design novel structure types disparate from known precursors, in a controlled manner. Here we present the multistep conversion of layered oxychalcogenides Sr(2)MnO(2)Cu(1.5)Ch(2) (Ch=S, Se) into Cu-deintercalated phases where antifluorite type [Cu(1.5)Ch(2)](2.5-) slabs collapsed into two-dimensional arrays of chalcogen dimers. The collapse of the chalcogenide layers on deintercalation led to various stacking types of Sr(2)MnO(2)Ch(2) slabs, which formed polychalcogenide structures unattainable by conventional high-temperature syntheses. Anion-redox topochemistry is demonstrated to be of interest not only for electrochemical applications but also as a means to design complex layered architectures. Low temperature chemical transformations of solids using high-energy intermediates have enabled the synthesis of a new series of layered oxide chalcogenide containing oxidised chalcogenide dimers promising a new range of solids.
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  Language Wos 001024186000011 Publication Date 2023-05-22
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2023 IF: 12.124
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199281 Serial 8832
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Author Zhang, Y.; van Schayck, J.P.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Claes, N.; Noteborn, W.E.M.; Lu, P.-H.; Duimel, H.; Dunin-Borkowski, R.E.; Bals, S.; Peters, P.J.; Ravelli, R.B.G.
  Title Charging of vitreous samples in cryogenic electron microscopy mitigated by graphene Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 17 Issue 16 Pages 15836-15846
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Cryogenic electronmicroscopy can provide high-resolution reconstructionsof macromolecules embedded in a thin layer of ice from which atomicmodels can be built de novo. However, the interactionbetween the ionizing electron beam and the sample results in beam-inducedmotion and image distortion, which limit the attainable resolutions.Sample charging is one contributing factor of beam-induced motionsand image distortions, which is normally alleviated by including partof the supporting conducting film within the beam-exposed region.However, routine data collection schemes avoid strategies wherebythe beam is not in contact with the supporting film, whose rationaleis not fully understood. Here we characterize electrostatic chargingof vitreous samples, both in imaging and in diffraction mode. We mitigatesample charging by depositing a single layer of conductive grapheneon top of regular EM grids. We obtained high-resolution single-particleanalysis (SPA) reconstructions at 2 & ANGS; when the electron beamonly irradiates the middle of the hole on graphene-coated grids, usingdata collection schemes that previously failed to produce sub 3 & ANGS;reconstructions without the graphene layer. We also observe that theSPA data obtained with the graphene-coated grids exhibit a higher b factor and reduced particle movement compared to dataobtained without the graphene layer. This mitigation of charging couldhave broad implications for various EM techniques, including SPA andcryotomography, and for the study of radiation damage and the developmentof future sample carriers. Furthermore, it may facilitate the explorationof more dose-efficient, scanning transmission EM based SPA techniques.
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  Language Wos 001041649900001 Publication Date 2023-08-02
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
  Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes We thank H. Nguyen for editing the manuscript. We warmly thank the M4i Microscopy CORE Lab team of FHML Maastricht University (MU) for their support and collaboration and Eve Timlin and Ye Gao (MU) for providing protein samples. Members of the Amsterdam Scientific Instruments team are acknowledged for their Timepix detector support. This work benefited from access to The Netherlands Centre for Electron Nanoscopy (NeCEN) with assistance from Ludovic Renault and Meindert Lamers. The authors acknowledge financial support of the Netherlands Electron Microscopy Infrastructure (NEMI), project number 184.034.014 of the National Roadmap for Large-Scale Research Infrastructure of the Dutch Research Council (NWO), the PPP Allowance made available by Health-Holland, Top Sector Life Sciences & Health, to stimulate public-private partnerships, project 4DEM, number LSHM21029, and the LINK program from the Province of Limburg, The Netherlands, as well as financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme by grant no. 815128 (REALNANO). Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198376 Serial 8840
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Author Vega-Paredes, M.; Aymerich-Armengol, R.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Marti-Sanchez, S.; Bals, S.; Scheu, C.; Manjon, A.G.
  Title Electrochemical stability of rhodium-platinum core-shell nanoparticles : an identical location scanning transmission electron microscopy study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 17 Issue 17 Pages 16943-16951
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Rhodium-platinum core-shell nanoparticleson a carbonsupport (Rh@Pt/C NPs) are promising candidates as anode catalystsfor polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. However, their electrochemicalstability needs to be further explored for successful applicationin commercial fuel cells. Here we employ identical location scanningtransmission electron microscopy to track the morphological and compositionalchanges of Rh@Pt/C NPs during potential cycling (10 000 cycles,0.06-0.8 V-RHE, 0.5 H2SO4)down to the atomic level, which are then used for understanding thecurrent evolution occurring during the potential cycles. Our resultsreveal a high stability of the Rh@Pt/C system and point toward particledetachment from the carbon support as the main degradation mechanism.
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  Language Wos 001051495900001 Publication Date 2023-08-21
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes The authors would like to thank C. Bodirsky for providing the samples, N. Rivas Rivas for his corrections on the manuscript, and D. Chatain for providing her expertise on the equilibrium shape of nanoparticles. Special thanks to B. Breitbach for performing the XRD experiments. A.G.M. acknowledges the Grant RYC2021-033479- I funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and, as appropriate, by European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR. Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199253 Serial 8859
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Author Beckwee, E.J.; Watson, G.; Houlleberghs, M.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bals, S.; Van Der Voort, P.; Breynaert, E.; Martens, J.; Baron, G.V.; Denayer, J.F.M.
  Title Enabling hydrate-based methane storage under mild operating conditions by periodic mesoporous organosilica nanotubes Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Heliyon Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 9 Issue 7 Pages e17662-14
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Biomethane is a renewable natural gas substitute produced from biogas. Storage of this sustainable energy vector in confined clathrate hydrates, encapsulated in the pores of a host material, is a highly promising avenue to improve storage capacity and energy efficiency. Herein, a new type of periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) nanotubes, referred to as hollow ring PMO (HR-PMO), capable of promoting methane clathrate hydrate formation under mild working conditions (273 K, 3.5 MPa) and at high water loading (5.1 g water/g HR-PMO) is reported. Gravimetric uptake measurements reveal a steep single-stepped isotherm and a noticeably high methane storage capacity (0.55 g methane/g HR-PMO; 0.11 g methane/g water at 3.5 MPa). The large working capacity throughout consecutive pressure-induced clathrate hydrate formationdissociation cycles demonstrates the material's excellent recyclability (97% preservation of capacity). Supported by ex situ cryo-electron tomography and x-ray diffraction, HR-PMO nanotubes are hypothesized to promote clathrate hydrate nucleation and growth by distribution and confinement of water in the mesopores of their outer wall, along the central channels of the nanotubes and on the external nanotube surface. These findings showcase the potential for application of organosilica materials with hierarchical and interconnected pore systems for pressure-based storage of biomethane in confined clathrate hydrates.
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  Language Wos 001056264100001 Publication Date 2023-06-28
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2405-8440 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes E.J.B., G.W. and M.H. contributed equally to this work. M.H. acknowledges FWO for an FWO-SB fellowship. All authors acknowledge VLAIO for Moonshot funding (ARCLATH, n ? HBC.2019.0110, ARCLATH2, n ? HBC.2021.0254) . J.A.M. acknowledges the Flemish Government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem) and department EWI for infrastructure investment via the Hermes Fund (AH.2016.134) . NMRCoRe acknowledges the Flemish government, department EWI for financial support as International Research Infrastructure (I001321N: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Platform for Molecular Water Research) . J.A.M. acknowledges the European Research Council (ERC) for an Advanced Research Grant under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 834134 (WATUSO) . S.B acknowledges financial support by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO grant G.0381.16N) . This project also received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 731019 (EUSMI) and No 815128 (REALNANO) . Approved Most recent IF: NA
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199249 Serial 8862
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Author Ying, J.; Xiao, Y.; Chen, J.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Tian, G.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Zhang, Y.; Symes, M.D.D.; Janiak, C.; Yang, X.-Y.
  Title Fractal design of hierarchical PtPd with enhanced exposed surface atoms for highly catalytic activity and stability Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 23 Issue 16 Pages 7371-7378
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Hierarchicalassembly of arc-like fractal nanostructures not onlyhas its unique self-similarity feature for stability enhancement butalso possesses the structural advantages of highly exposed surface-activesites for activity enhancement, remaining a great challenge for high-performancemetallic nanocatalyst design. Herein, we report a facile strategyto synthesize a novel arc-like hierarchical fractal structure of PtPdbimetallic nanoparticles (h-PtPd) by using pyridinium-type ionic liquidsas the structure-directing agent. Growth mechanisms of the arc-likenanostructured PtPd nanoparticles have been fully studied, and precisecontrol of the particle sizes and pore sizes has been achieved. Dueto the structural features, such as size control by self-similaritygrowth of subunits, structural stability by nanofusion of subunits,and increased numbers of exposed active atoms by the curved homoepitaxialgrowth, h-PtPd displays outstanding electrocatalytic activity towardoxygen reduction reaction and excellent stability during hydrothermaltreatment and catalytic process.
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  Language Wos 001042181100001 Publication Date 2023-08-03
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198408 Serial 8870
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Author Mangnus, M.J.J.; de Wit, J.W.; Vonk, S.J.W.; Geuchies, J.J.; Albrecht, W.; Bals, S.; Houtepen, A.J.; Rabouw, F.T.
  Title High-throughput characterization of single-quantum-dot emission spectra and spectral diffusion by multiparticle spectroscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS Photonics Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 10 Issue 8 Pages 2688-2698
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract In recent years, quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as bright,color-tunablelight sources for various applications such as light-emitting devices,lasing, and bioimaging. One important next step to advance their applicabilityis to reduce particle-to-particle variations of the emission propertiesas well as fluctuations of a single QD's emission spectrum,also known as spectral diffusion (SD). Characterizing SD is typicallyinefficient as it requires time-consuming measurements at the single-particlelevel. Here, however, we demonstrate multiparticle spectroscopy (MPS)as a high-throughput method to acquire statistically relevant informationabout both fluctuations at the single-particle level and variationsat the level of a synthesis batch. In MPS, we simultaneously measureemission spectra of many (20-100) QDs with a high time resolution.We obtain statistics on single-particle emission line broadening fora batch of traditional CdSe-based core-shell QDs and a batchof the less toxic InP-based core-shell QDs. The CdSe-basedQDs show significantly narrower homogeneous line widths, less SD,and less inhomogeneous broadening than the InP-based QDs. The timescales of SD are longer in the InP-based QDs than in the CdSe-basedQDs. Based on the distributions and correlations in single-particleproperties, we discuss the possible origins of line-width broadeningof the two types of QDs. Our experiments pave the way to large-scale,high-throughput characterization of single-QD emission propertiesand will ultimately contribute to facilitating rational design offuture QD structures.
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  Language Wos 001009443500001 Publication Date 2023-06-18
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2330-4022 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 7 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes This work was supported by The Netherlands Center for Multiscale Catalytic Energy Conversion (MCEC), an NWO Gravitation Programme funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the government of The Netherlands. The electron microscopy experiments at EMAT were supported by the European Commission (EUSMI grant E210100474). Approved Most recent IF: 7; 2023 IF: 6.756
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197337 Serial 8879
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Author Jenkinson, K.; Spadaro, M.C.; Golovanova, V.; Andreu, T.; Morante, J.R.; Arbiol, J.; Bals, S.
  Title Direct operando visualization of metal support interactions induced by hydrogen spillover during CO₂ hydrogenation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Advanced materials Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 35 Issue 51 Pages 2306447-10
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract The understanding of catalyst active sites is a fundamental challenge for the future rational design of optimized and bespoke catalysts. For instance, the partial reduction of Ce4+ surface sites to Ce3+ and the formation of oxygen vacancies are critical for CO2 hydrogenation, CO oxidation, and the water gas shift reaction. Furthermore, metal nanoparticles, the reducible support, and metal support interactions are prone to evolve under reaction conditions; therefore a catalyst structure must be characterized under operando conditions to identify active states and deduce structure-activity relationships. In the present work, temperature-induced morphological and chemical changes in Ni nanoparticle-decorated mesoporous CeO2 by means of in situ quantitative multimode electron tomography and in situ heating electron energy loss spectroscopy, respectively, are investigated. Moreover, operando electron energy loss spectroscopy is employed using a windowed gas cell and reveals the role of Ni-induced hydrogen spillover on active Ce3+ site formation and enhancement of the overall catalytic performance.
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  Language Wos 001106139400001 Publication Date 2023-10-22
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0935-9648 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
  Impact Factor 29.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 29.4; 2023 IF: 19.791
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201143 Serial 9022
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Author Kashiwar, A.; Arseenko, M.; Simar, A.; Idrissi, H.
  Title On the role of microstructural defects on precipitation, damage, and healing behavior in a novel Al-0.5Mg2Si alloy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Materials & design Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 239 Issue Pages 112765-112769
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract A recently developed healable Al-Mg2Si designed by the programmed damage and repair (PDR) strategy is studied considering the role microstructural defects play on precipitation, damage, and healing. The alloy incorporates sacrificial Mg2Si particles that precipitate after friction stir processing (FSP). They act as damage localization sites and are healable based on the solid-state diffusion of Al-matrix. A combination of different transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging techniques enabled the visualization and quantification of various crystallographic defects and the spatial distribution of Mg2Si precipitates. Intragrain nucleation is found to be the dominant mechanism for precipitation during FSP whereas grain boundaries and subgrain boundaries mainly lead to coarsening of the precipitates. The statistical and spatial analyses of the damaged particles have shown particle fracture as the dominant damage mechanism which is strongly dependent on the size and aspect ratio of the particles whereas the damage was not found to depend on the location of the precipitates within the matrix. The damaged particles are associated with dislocations accumulated around them. The interplay of these dislocations is directly visualized during healing based on in situ TEM heating which revealed recovery in the matrix as an operative mechanism during the diffusion healing of the PDR alloy.
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  Language Wos 001194110200001 Publication Date 2024-02-17
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0264-1275; 1873-4197 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
  Impact Factor 8.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.4; 2024 IF: 4.364
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203298 Serial 9068
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Author Gao, Y.-J.; Jin, H.; Esteban, D.A.; Weng, B.; Saha, R.A.; Yang, M.-Q.; Bals, S.; Steele, J.A.; Huang, H.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.
  Title 3D-cavity-confined CsPbBr₃ quantum dots for visible-light-driven photocatalytic C(sp³)-H bond activation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Carbon Energy Abbreviated Journal
  Volume Issue Pages e559
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Metal halide perovskite (MHP) quantum dots (QDs) offer immense potential for several areas of photonics research due to their easy and low-cost fabrication and excellent optoelectronic properties. However, practical applications of MHP QDs are limited by their poor stability and, in particular, their tendency to aggregate. Here, we develop a two-step double-solvent strategy to grow and confine CsPbBr3 QDs within the three-dimensional (3D) cavities of a mesoporous SBA-16 silica scaffold (CsPbBr3@SBA-16). Strong confinement and separation of the MHP QDs lead to a relatively uniform size distribution, narrow luminescence, and good ambient stability over 2 months. In addition, the CsPbBr3@SBA-16 presents a high activity and stability for visible-light-driven photocatalytic toluene C(sp(3))-H bond activation to produce benzaldehyde with similar to 730 mu mol g(-1) h(-1) yield rate and near-unity selectivity. Similarly, the structural stability of CsPbBr3@SBA-16 QDs is superior to that of both pure CsPbBr3 QDs and those confined in MCM-41 with 1D channels.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 001223583600001 Publication Date 2024-05-16
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2637-9368 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:206000 Serial 9133
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Author Morad, V.; Stelmakh, A.; Svyrydenko, M.; Feld, L.G.; Boehme, S.C.; Aebli, M.; Affolter, J.; Kaul, C.J.; Schrenker, N.J.; Bals, S.; Sahin, Y.; Dirin, D.N.; Cherniukh, I.; Raino, G.; Baumketner, A.; Kovalenko, M.V.
  Title Designer phospholipid capping ligands for soft metal halide nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Nature Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 626 Issue Pages 542-548
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract The success of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) in science and optoelectronics is inextricable from their surfaces. The functionalization of lead halide perovskite NCs1-5 poses a formidable challenge because of their structural lability, unlike the well-established covalent ligand capping of conventional semiconductor NCs6,7. We posited that the vast and facile molecular engineering of phospholipids as zwitterionic surfactants can deliver highly customized surface chemistries for metal halide NCs. Molecular dynamics simulations implied that ligand-NC surface affinity is primarily governed by the structure of the zwitterionic head group, particularly by the geometric fitness of the anionic and cationic moieties into the surface lattice sites, as corroborated by the nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy data. Lattice-matched primary-ammonium phospholipids enhance the structural and colloidal integrity of hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites (FAPbBr3 and MAPbBr3 (FA, formamidinium; MA, methylammonium)) and lead-free metal halide NCs. The molecular structure of the organic ligand tail governs the long-term colloidal stability and compatibility with solvents of diverse polarity, from hydrocarbons to acetone and alcohols. These NCs exhibit photoluminescence quantum yield of more than 96% in solution and solids and minimal photoluminescence intermittency at the single particle level with an average ON fraction as high as 94%, as well as bright and high-purity (about 95%) single-photon emission. Phospholipids enhance the structural and colloidal integrity of hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites and lead-free metal halide nanocrystals, which then exhibit enhanced robustness and optical properties.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 001176943100001 Publication Date 2023-12-18
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0028-0836; 1476-4687 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 64.8 Times cited Open Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 64.8; 2024 IF: 40.137
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204796 Serial 9144
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Author Xu, H.; Li, H.; Gauquelin, N.; Chen, X.; Wu, W.-F.; Zhao, Y.; Si, L.; Tian, D.; Li, L.; Gan, Y.; Qi, S.; Li, M.; Hu, F.; Sun, J.; Jannis, D.; Yu, P.; Chen, G.; Zhong, Z.; Radovic, M.; Verbeeck, J.; Chen, Y.; Shen, B.
  Title Giant tunability of Rashba splitting at cation-exchanged polar oxide interfaces by selective orbital hybridization Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Advanced materials Abbreviated Journal
  Volume Issue Pages
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract The 2D electron gas (2DEG) at oxide interfaces exhibits extraordinary properties, such as 2D superconductivity and ferromagnetism, coupled to strongly correlated electrons in narrow d-bands. In particular, 2DEGs in KTaO3 (KTO) with 5d t2g orbitals exhibit larger atomic spin-orbit coupling and crystal-facet-dependent superconductivity absent for 3d 2DEGs in SrTiO3 (STO). Herein, by tracing the interfacial chemistry, weak anti-localization magneto-transport behavior, and electronic structures of (001), (110), and (111) KTO 2DEGs, unambiguously cation exchange across KTO interfaces is discovered. Therefore, the origin of the 2DEGs at KTO-based interfaces is dramatically different from the electronic reconstruction observed at STO interfaces. More importantly, as the interface polarization grows with the higher order planes in the KTO case, the Rashba spin splitting becomes maximal for the superconducting (111) interfaces approximately twice that of the (001) interface. The larger Rashba spin splitting couples strongly to the asymmetric chiral texture of the orbital angular moment, and results mainly from the enhanced inter-orbital hopping of the t2g bands and more localized wave functions. This finding has profound implications for the search for topological superconductors, as well as the realization of efficient spin-charge interconversion for low-power spin-orbitronics based on (110) and (111) KTO interfaces. An unambiguous cation exchange is discovered across the interfaces of (001), (110), and (111) KTaO3 2D electron gases fabricated at room temperature. Remarkably, the (111) interfaces with the highest superconducting transition temperature also turn out to show the strongest electron-phonon interaction and the largest Rashba spin splitting. image
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 001219658400001 Publication Date 2024-03-13
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0935-9648 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
  Impact Factor 29.4 Times cited Open Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 29.4; 2024 IF: 19.791
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:206037 Serial 9152
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Author Bampouli, A.; Goris, Q.; Hussain, M.N.; Louisnard, O.; Stefanidis, G.D.; Van Gerven, T.
  Title Importance of design and operating parameters in a sonication system for viscous solutions : effects of input power, horn tip diameter and reactor capacity Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Chemical engineering and processing Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 198 Issue Pages 109715-12
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract This study investigates the distribution of ultrasound (US) energy in a batch system for solutions with viscosity ranging from 1 to approximately 3000 mPas. Sonication was performed using horn type configurations operating at 20-30 kHz and rated power capacity of 50 or 200 W. Two different tip diameters (3 or 7 mm) and two insertion depths (35 or 25 mm) within vessels of different sizes ( approximate to 60 or 130 ml) were utilized. Additionally, a special conical tip design was employed. For each experimental setup, the calorimetric efficiency was estimated, the cavitationally active regions were visualized using the sonochemiluminescence (SCL) method and bubble cluster formation inside the vessel was macroscopically observed using a high speed camera (HSC). In the viscosity range tested, the calorimetry results showed that the efficiency and continuous operation of the device depend on both the rated power and the horn tip diameter. The ratio between electrical and calorimetric power input remained consistently around 40 to 50% across the different configurations for water, but for the 123.2 mPas solution exhibited significant variation ranging from 40 to 85%. Moreover, the power density in the smaller reactor was found to be nearly double compared to the larger one. The SCL analysis showed multiple cavitationally active zones in all setups, and the zones intensity decreased considerably with increase of the solutions viscosity. The results for the cone tip were not conclusive, but can be used as the basis for further investigation. The current research highlights the importance of thoroughly understanding the impact of each design parameter, and of establishing characterization methodologies to assist in the future development of scaled-up, commercial applications.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 001218630800001 Publication Date 2024-02-21
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0255-2701 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
  Impact Factor 4.3 Times cited Open Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.3; 2024 IF: 2.234
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:206003 Serial 9154
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Author Coulombier, M.; Baral, P.; Orekhov, A.; Dohmen, R.; Raskin, J.P.; Pardoen, T.; Cordier, P.; Idrissi, H.
  Title On-chip very low strain rate rheology of amorphous olivine films Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Acta materialia Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 266 Issue Pages 119693-12
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Recent observations made by the authors revealed the activation of stress induced amorphization and sliding at grain boundary in olivine [1], a mechanism which is expected to play a pivotal role in the viscosity drop at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary and the brittle -ductile transition in the lithospheric mantle. However, there is a lack of information in the literature regarding the intrinsic mechanical properties and the elementary deformation mechanisms of this material, especially at time scales relevant for geodynamics. In the present work, amorphous olivine films were obtained by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The mechanical response including the rate dependent behavior are investigated using a tension -on -chip (TOC) method developed at UCLouvain allowing to perform creep/relaxation tests on thin films at extremely low strain rates. In the present work, strain rate down to 10-12 s- 1 was reached which is unique. High strain rate sensitivity of 0.054 is observed together with the activation of relaxation at the very early stage of deformation. Furthermore, digital image correlation (DIC), used for the first time on films deformed by TOC, reveals local strain heterogeneities. The relationship between such heterogeneities, the high strain rate sensitivity and the effect of the electron beam in the scanning electron microscope is discussed and compared to the literature.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 001170513400001 Publication Date 2024-01-17
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1359-6454 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
  Impact Factor 9.4 Times cited Open Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.4; 2024 IF: 5.301
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204864 Serial 9163
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Author Joy, R.M.; Pobedinskas, P.; Bourgeois, E.; Chakraborty, T.; Goerlitz, J.; Herrmann, D.; Noel, C.; Heupel, J.; Jannis, D.; Gauquelin, N.; D'Haen, J.; Verbeeck, J.; Popov, C.; Houssiau, L.; Becher, C.; Nesladek, M.; Haenen, K.
  Title Photoluminescence of germanium-vacancy centers in nanocrystalline diamond films : implications for quantum sensing applications Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication ACS applied nano materials Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 7 Issue 4 Pages 3873-3884
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Point defects in diamond, promising candidates for nanoscale pressure- and temperature-sensing applications, are potentially scalable in polycrystalline diamond fabricated using the microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MW PE CVD) technique. However, this approach introduces residual stress in the diamond films, leading to variations in the characteristic zero phonon line (ZPL) of the point defect in diamond. Here, we report the effect of residual stress on germanium-vacancy (GeV) centers in MW PE CVD nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films fabricated using single crystal Ge as the substrate and solid dopant source. GeV ensemble formation indicated by the zero phonon line (ZPL) at similar to 602 nm is confirmed by room temperature (RT) photoluminescence (PL) measurements. PL mapping results show spatial nonuniformity in GeV formation along with other defects, including silicon-vacancy centers in the diamond films. The residual stress in NCD results in shifts in the PL peak positions. By estimating a stress shift coefficient of (2.9 +/- 0.9) nm/GPa, the GeV PL peak position in the NCD film is determined to be between 598.7 and 603.2 nm. A larger ground state splitting due to the strain on a GeV-incorporated NCD pillar at a low temperature (10 K) is also reported. We also report the observation of intense ZPLs at RT that in some cases could be related to low Ge concentration and the surrounding crystalline environment. In addition, we also observe thicker microcrystalline diamond (MCD) films delaminate from the Ge substrate due to film residual stress and graphitic phase at the diamond/Ge substrate interface (confirmed by electron energy loss spectroscopy). Using this approach, a free-standing color center incorporated MCD film with dimensions up to 1 x 1 cm(2) is fabricated. Qualitative analysis using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy reveals the presence of impurities, including Ge and silicon, in the MCD film. Our experimental results will provide insights into the scalability of GeV fabrication using the MW PE CVD technique and effectively implement NCD-based nanoscale-sensing applications.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 001164609600001 Publication Date 2024-02-15
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2574-0970 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
  Impact Factor 5.9 Times cited Open Access
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.9; 2024 IF: NA
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204826 Serial 9164
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Cioni, M.; Delle Piane, M.; Polino, D.; Rapetti, D.; Crippa, M.; Arslan Irmak, E.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S.; Pavan, G.M.
  Title Sampling real-time atomic dynamics in metal nanoparticles by combining experiments, simulations, and machine learning Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Advanced Science Abbreviated Journal
  Volume Issue Pages 1-13
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Even at low temperatures, metal nanoparticles (NPs) possess atomic dynamics that are key for their properties but challenging to elucidate. Recent experimental advances allow obtaining atomic-resolution snapshots of the NPs in realistic regimes, but data acquisition limitations hinder the experimental reconstruction of the atomic dynamics present within them. Molecular simulations have the advantage that these allow directly tracking the motion of atoms over time. However, these typically start from ideal/perfect NP structures and, suffering from sampling limits, provide results that are often dependent on the initial/putative structure and remain purely indicative. Here, by combining state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches, how it is possible to tackle the limitations of both approaches and resolve the atomistic dynamics present in metal NPs in realistic conditions is demonstrated. Annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy enables the acquisition of ten high-resolution images of an Au NP at intervals of 0.6 s. These are used to reconstruct atomistic 3D models of the real NP used to run ten independent molecular dynamics simulations. Machine learning analyses of the simulation trajectories allow resolving the real-time atomic dynamics present within the NP. This provides a robust combined experimental/computational approach to characterize the structural dynamics of metal NPs in realistic conditions. Experimental and computational techniques are bridged to unveil atomic dynamics in gold nanoparticles (NPs), using annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations informed by machine learning. The approach provides unprecedented insights into the real-time structural behaviors of NPs, merging state-of-the-art techniques to accurately characterize their dynamics under realistic conditions. image
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 001206888000001 Publication Date 2024-04-24
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2198-3844 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
  Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access
  Notes This work was supported by the funding received by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement no. 818776- DYNAPOL, no. 770887 PICOMETRICS and no. 815128 REALNANO). The authors also acknowledge the computational resources provided by the Swiss National Supercomputing Center (CSCS), by CINECA, and the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) G.0346.21N. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2024 IF: 9.034
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205442 Serial 9171
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Author Arisnabarreta, N.; Hao, Y.; Jin, E.; Salame, A.; Muellen, K.; Robert, M.; Lazzaroni, R.; Van Aert, S.; Mali, K.S.; De Feyter, S.
  Title Single-layered imine-linked porphyrin-based two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks targeting CO₂ reduction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Advanced energy materials Abbreviated Journal
  Volume Issue Pages
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract The reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) using porphyrin-containing 2D covalent organic frameworks (2D-COFs) catalysts is widely explored nowadays. While these framework materials are normally fabricated as powders followed by their uncontrolled surface heterogenization or directly grown as thin films (thickness >200 nm), very little is known about the performance of substrate-supported single-layered (approximate to 0.5 nm thickness) 2D-COFs films (s2D-COFs) due to its highly challenging synthesis and characterization protocols. In this work, a fast and straightforward fabrication method of porphyrin-containing s2D-COFs is demonstrated, which allows their extensive high-resolution visualization via scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in liquid conditions with the support of STM simulations. The as-prepared single-layered film is then employed as a cathode for the electrochemical reduction of CO2. Fe porphyrin-containing s2D-COF@graphite used as a single-layered heterogeneous catalyst provided moderate-to-high carbon monoxide selectivity (82%) and partial CO current density (5.1 mA cm(-2)). This work establishes the value of using single-layered films as heterogene ous catalysts and demonstrates the possibility of achieving high performance in CO2 reduction even with extremely low catalyst loadings.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 001177577200001 Publication Date 2024-02-28
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1614-6832; 1614-6840 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
  Impact Factor 27.8 Times cited Open Access
  Notes N.A. acknowledges a postdoctoral fellowship from the Research Foundation- Flanders (FWO) via grant 12ZS623N. S.D.F. acknowledges support from FWO (G0A4120N, G0H2122N, G0A5U24N), KU Leuven Internal Funds (grants C14/18/06, C14/19/079, C14/23/090), European Union under the Horizon Europe grant 101046231 (FantastiCOF), and M-ERA.NET via FWO (G0K9822N). S.D.F., K.M., Y.H., R.L., and S.V.A. were thankful to the FWO and FNRS for the financial support through the EOS program (grant 30489208, 40007495). Research in Mons was also supported by the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research (FRS-FNRS) within the Consortium des Équipements de Calcul Intensif- CÉCI, and by the Walloon Region (ZENOBE and LUCIA Tier-1 supercomputers). E.J. appreciated the support from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Max Planck Society, the FLAG-ERA Grant OPERA by DFG 437130745, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22288101), and the 111 Project (B17020). Partial financial support to M.R. from the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF) was warmly thanked. Approved Most recent IF: 27.8; 2024 IF: 16.721
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:204856 Serial 9172
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Author Sheng, X.; Daems, N.; Geboes, B.; Kurttepeli, M.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T.; Hubin, A.; Vankelecom, I.F.J.; Pescarmona, P.P.
  Title N-doped ordered mesoporous carbons prepared by a two-step nanocasting strategy as highly active and selective electrocatalysts for the reduction of O2 to H2O2 Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ
  Volume 176-177 Issue 176-177 Pages 212-224
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
  Abstract A new, two-step nanocasting method was developed to prepare N-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (NOMC) electrocatalysts for the reduction of O2 to H2O2. Our strategy involves the sequential pyrolysis of two inexpensive and readily available N and C precursors, i.e. aniline and dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN), inside the pores of a SBA-15 hard silica template to obtain N-doped graphitic carbon materials with well-ordered pores and high surface areas (764 and 877 m2g−1). By tuning the ratio of carbon sources to silica template, it was possible to achieve an optimal filling of the pores of the SBA-15 silica and to minimise carbon species outside the pores. These NOMC materials displayed outstanding electrocatalytic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction, achieving a remarkably enhanced kinetic current density compared to state-of-the-art N-doped carbon materials (−16.7 mA cm−2 at −0.35 V vs. Ag/AgCl in a 0.1 M KOH solution as electrolyte). The NOMC electrocatalysts showed high selectivity toward the two-electron reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide and excellent long-term stability.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
  Language Wos 000356549200022 Publication Date 2015-04-05
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0926-3373; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 9.446 Times cited 111 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes 335078 Colouratom; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.446; 2015 IF: 7.435
  Call Number c:irua:125370 Serial 2246
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Author Gonzalez-Rubio, G.; Kumar, V.; Llombart, P.; Diaz-Nunez, P.; Bladt, E.; Altantzis, T.; Bals, S.; Pena-Rodriguez, O.; Noya, E.G.; MacDowell, L.G.; Guerrero-Martinez, A.; Liz-Marzan, L.M.
  Title Disconnecting Symmetry Breaking from Seeded Growth for the Reproducible Synthesis of High Quality Gold Nanorods Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano
  Volume 13 Issue 13 Pages 4424-4435
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
  Abstract One of the major difficulties hindering the widespread application of colloidal anisotropic plasmonic nanoparticles is the limited robustness and reproducibility of multistep synthetic methods. We demonstrate herein that the reproducibility and reliability of colloidal gold nanorod (AuNR) synthesis can be greatly improved by disconnecting the symmetry-breaking event from the seeded growth process. We have used a modified silver-assisted seeded growth method in the presence of the surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide and n-decanol as a co-surfactant to prepare small AuNRs in high yield, which were then used as seeds for the growth of high quality AuNR colloids. Whereas the use of n-decanol provides a more-rigid micellar system, the growth on anisotropic seeds avoids sources of irreproducibility during the symmetry breaking step, yielding uniform AuNR colloids with narrow plasmon bands, ranging from 600 to 1270 nm, and allowing the fine-tuning of the final dimensions. This method provides a robust route for the preparation of high quality AuNR colloids with tunable morphology, size, and optical response in a reproducible and scalable manner.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000466052900067 Publication Date 2019-04-02
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 13.942 Times cited 100 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes ; This work has been funded by the Spanish MINECO (grant nos. FIS2017-89361-C3-2-P and MAT2017-86659-R), the Madrid Regional Government (grant no. P2018/NMT-4389) and the Complutense University of Madrid (grant no. PR75/18-21616). Funding is acknowledged from the European Commission (grant no. EUSMI 731019). G.G.-R. acknowledges receipt of FPI Fellowship from the Spanish MINECO. E.B. and T.A. acknowledge postdoctoral grants from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). The authors are indebted to Profs. Justin Gooding, Watson Loh, Nicholas Kotov, Deqing Zhang, Mihaela Delcea, Maurizio Prato, and Krishna Ganesh, for providing milli-Q water samples. ; Approved Most recent IF: 13.942
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:160417 Serial 5246
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Author Ramachandran, R.K.; Filez, M.; Solano, E.; Poelman, H.; Minjauw, M.M.; Van Daele, M.; Feng, J.-Y.; La Porta, A.; Altantzis, T.; Fonda, E.; Coati, A.; Garreau, Y.; Bals, S.; Marin, G.B.; Detavernier, C.; Dendooven, J.
  Title Chemical and Structural Configuration of Pt Doped Metal Oxide Thin Films Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
  Volume 31 Issue 31 Pages 9673-9683
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
  Abstract Pt doped semiconducting metal oxides and Pt metal clusters embedded in an oxide matrix are of interest for applications such as catalysis and gas sensing, energy storage and memory devices. Accurate tuning of the dopant level is crucial for adjusting the properties of these materials. Here, a novel atomic layer deposition (ALD) based method for doping Pt into In2O3 in specific, and metals in metal oxides in general, is demonstrated. This approach combines alternating exposures of Pt and In2O3 ALD processes in a single ‘supercycle’, followed by supercycle repetition leading to multilayered nanocomposites. The atomic level control of ALD and its conformal nature make the method suitable for accurate dopant control even on high surface area supports. Oxidation state, local structural environment and crystalline phase of the embedded Pt dopants were obtained by means of X-ray characterization methods and high angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). In addition, this approach allows characterization of the nucleation stages of metal ALD processes, by stacking those states multiple times in an oxide matrix. Regardless of experimental conditions, a few Pt ALD cycles leads to the formation of oxidized Pt species due to their highly dispersed nature, as proven by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) and highresolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (HR-STEM/EDXS) show that Pt is evenly distributed in the In2O3 metal oxide matrix without the formation of clusters. For a larger number of Pt ALD

cycles, typ. > 10, the oxidation state gradually evolves towards fully metallic, and metallic Pt clusters are obtained within the In2O3 metal oxide matrix. This work reveals how tuning of the ALD supercycle approach for Pt doping allows controlled engineering of the Pt compositional and structural configuration within a metal oxide matrix.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000502418000010 Publication Date 2019-11-11
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 6 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes This research was supported by the Flemish Research Foundation (FWO-Vlaanderen), the Flemish Government (Long term structural funding – Methusalem funding and Medium scale research infrastructure funding-Hercules funding), the Special Research Fund BOF of Ghent University (GOA 01G01513) and the CALIPSO Trans National Access Program funded by the European Commission in supplying financing of travel costs. We are grateful to the SIXS and SAMBA-SOLEIL staff for smoothly running the beamline facilities. J.D. and R.K.R. are postdoctoral fellows of the FWO. Approved Most recent IF: 9.466
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:164056 Serial 5380
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Author Milagres de Oliveira, T.; Albrecht, W.; González-Rubio, G.; Altantzis, T.; Lobato Hoyos, I.P.; Béché, A.; Van Aert, S.; Guerrero-Martínez, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S.
  Title 3D Characterization and Plasmon Mapping of Gold Nanorods Welded by Femtosecond Laser Irradiation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Acs Nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano
  Volume 14 Issue Pages acsnano.0c02610
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
  Abstract Ultrafast laser irradiation can induce morphological and structural changes in plasmonic nanoparticles. Gold nanorods (Au NRs), in particular, can be welded together upon irradiation with femtosecond laser pulses, leading to dimers and trimers through the formation of necks between individual nanorods. We used electron tomography to determine the 3D (atomic) structure at such necks for representative welding geometries and to characterize the induced defects. The spatial distribution of localized surface plasmon modes for different welding configurations was assessed by electron energy loss spectroscopy. Additionally, we were able to directly compare the plasmon line width of single-crystalline and welded Au NRs with single defects at the same resonance energy, thus making a direct link between the structural and plasmonic properties. In this manner, we show that the occurrence of (single) defects results in significant plasmon broadening.
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  Language Wos 000586793400016 Publication Date 2020-08-19
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited 25 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes This project has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (ERC Consolidator Grants #815128 – REALNANO and #770887 – PICOMETRICS). The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project funding G.0381.16N and G.0267.18N. W.A. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie 27 Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020 program (grant 797153, SOPMEN). G.G.-R. acknowledge receipt of FPI Fellowship from the Spanish MINECO. This work has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU) (Grants RTI2018-095844-B-I00 and MAT2017-86659-R) and the Madrid Regional Government (Grant P2018/NMT-4389). A.B. acknowledges funding from FWO project G093417N and from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3. L.M.L.-M. acknowledges the Maria de Maeztu Units of Excellence Program from the Spanish State Research Agency (Grant No. MDM-2017-0720); Comunidad de Madrid, P2018/NMT-4389 ; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, MAT2017-86659-R RTI2018-095844-B-I00 ; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; H2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, 797153 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G.0267.18N G.0381.16N G093417N ; H2020 Research Infrastructures, 823717 ; H2020 European Research Council, 770887 815128 ; Agencia Estatal de Investigación, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, MDM-2017-0720 ; sygma Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2020 IF: 13.942
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:172440 Serial 6426
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Author Irtem, E.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Duarte, M.; Choukroun, D.; Lee, S.; Ibáñez, M.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T.
  Title Ligand-Mode Directed Selectivity in Cu–Ag Core–Shell Based Gas Diffusion Electrodes for CO2Electroreduction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Acs Catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal
  Volume Issue Pages 13468-13478
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
  Abstract Bimetallic nanoparticles with tailored size and specific composition have shown promise as stable and selective catalysts for electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2R) in batch systems. Yet, limited effort was devoted to understand the effect of ligand coverage and postsynthesis treatments on CO2 reduction, especially under industrially applicable conditions, such as at high currents (>100 mA/cm2) using gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) and flow reactors. In this work, Cu–Ag core–shell nanoparticles (11 ± 2 nm) were prepared with three different surface modes: (i) capped with oleylamine, (ii) capped with monoisopropylamine, and (iii) surfactant free with a reducing borohydride agent; Cu–Ag (OAm), Cu–Ag (MIPA), and Cu–Ag (NaBH4), respectively. The ligand exchange and removal was evidenced by infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis, whereas high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) showed their effect on the interparticle distance and nanoparticle rearrangement. Later on, we developed a process-on-substrate method to track these effects on CO2R. Cu–Ag (OAm) gave a lower on-set potential for hydrocarbon production, whereas Cu–Ag (MIPA) and Cu–Ag (NaBH4) promoted syngas production. The electrochemical impedance and surface area analysis on the well-controlled electrodes showed gradual increases in the electrical conductivity and active surface area after each surface treatment. We found that the increasing amount of the triple phase boundaries (the meeting point for the electron–electrolyte–CO2 reactant) affect the required electrode potential and eventually the C+2e̅/C2e̅ product ratio. This study highlights the importance of the electron transfer to those active sites affected by the capping agents—particularly on larger substrates that are crucial for their industrial application.
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  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000592978900031 Publication Date 2020-11-04
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2155-5435 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 12.9 Times cited 23 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes The authors also acknowledge financial support from the University Research Fund (BOF-GOA-PS ID No. 33928). S.L. has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie SkłodowskaCurie Grant Agreement No. 665385. Approved Most recent IF: 12.9; 2020 IF: 10.614
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:173803 Serial 6432
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Author Bagiński, M.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Altantzis, T.; Tupikowska, M.; Vetter, A.; Tomczyk, E.; Suryadharma, R.N.S.; Pawlak, M.; Andruszkiewicz, A.; Górecka, E.; Pociecha, D.; Rockstuhl, C.; Bals, S.; Lewandowski, W.
  Title Understanding and Controlling the Crystallization Process in Reconfigurable Plasmonic Superlattices Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Acs Nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano
  Volume Issue Pages acsnano.0c09746
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
  Abstract The crystallization of nanomaterials is a primary source of solid-state, photonic structures. Thus, a detailed understanding of this process is of paramount importance for the successful application of photonic nanomaterials in emerging optoelectronic technologies. While colloidal crystallization has been thoroughly studied, for example, with advanced in situ electron microscopy methods, the noncolloidal crystallization (freezing) of nanoparticles (NPs) remains so far unexplored. To fill this gap, in this work, we present proof-of principle experiments decoding a crystallization of reconfigurable assemblies of NPs at a solid state. The chosen material corresponds to an excellent testing bed, as it enables both in situ and ex situ investigation using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and optical spectroscopy in visible and ultraviolet range (UV−vis) techniques. In particular, ensemble measurements with small-angle XRD highlighted the dependence of the correlation length in the NPs assemblies on the number of heating/cooling cycles and the rate of cooling. Ex situ TEM imaging further supported these results by revealing a dependence of domain size and structure on the sample preparation route and by showing we can control the domain size over 2 orders of magnitude. The application of HAADF-STEM tomography, combined with in situ thermal control, provided three-dimensional single-particle level information on the positional order evolution within assemblies. This combination of real and reciprocal space provides insightful information on the anisotropic, reversibly reconfigurable assemblies of NPs. TEM measurements also highlighted the importance of interfaces in the polydomain structure of nanoparticle solids, allowing us to understand experimentally observed differences in UV−vis extinction spectra of the differently prepared crystallites. Overall, the obtained results show that the combination of in situ heating HAADF-STEM tomography with XRD and ex situ TEM techniques is a powerful approach to study nanoparticle freezing processes and to reveal the crucial impact of disorder in the solid-state aggregates of NPs on their plasmonic properties.
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  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000634569100101 Publication Date 2021-02-23
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 13.942 Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Ministerstwo Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyzszego, 0112/DIA/2019/48 ; European Commission, 731019 E171000009 (EUSMI) ; Narodowe Centrum Nauki, 2016/21/N/ST5/03356 ; Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, RO 3640/12-1 ; Fundacja na rzecz Nauki Polskiej, First TEAM2016–2/15 ; European Research Council, 815128 (REALNANO) ; sygma; Approved Most recent IF: 13.942
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:175872 Serial 6673
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Author Wu, L.; Kolmeijer, K.E.; Zhang, Y.; An, H.; Arnouts, S.; Bals, S.; Altantzis, T.; Hofmann, J.P.; Costa Figueiredo, M.; Hensen, E.J.M.; Weckhuysen, B.M.; van der Stam, W.
  Title Stabilization effects in binary colloidal Cu and Ag nanoparticle electrodes under electrochemical CO₂ reduction conditions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
  Volume 13 Issue 9 Pages 4835-4844
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
  Abstract Nanoparticle modified electrodes constitute an attractive way to tailor-make efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction catalysts. However, the restructuring and sintering processes of nanoparticles under electrochemical reaction conditions not only impedes the widespread application of nanoparticle catalysts, but also misleads the interpretation of the selectivity of the nanocatalysts. Here, we colloidally synthesized metallic copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution (<10%) and utilized them in electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions. Monometallic Cu and Ag nanoparticle electrodes showed severe nanoparticle sintering already at low overpotential of -0.8 V vs. RHE, as evidenced by ex situ SEM investigations, and potential-dependent variations in product selectivity that resemble bulk Cu (14% for ethylene at -1.3 V vs. RHE) and Ag (69% for carbon monoxide at -1.0 V vs. RHE). However, by co-deposition of Cu and Ag nanoparticles, a nanoparticle stabilization effect was observed between Cu and Ag, and the sintering process was greatly suppressed at CO2 reducing potentials (-0.8 V vs. RHE). Furthermore, by varying the Cu/Ag nanoparticle ratio, the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) selectivity towards methane (maximum of 20.6% for dense Cu-2.5-Ag-1 electrodes) and C-2 products (maximum of 15.7% for dense Cu-1-Ag-1 electrodes) can be tuned, which is attributed to a synergistic effect between neighbouring Ag and Cu nanoparticles. We attribute the stabilization of the nanoparticles to the positive enthalpies of Cu-Ag solid solutions, which prevents the dissolution-redeposition induced particle growth under CO2RR conditions. The observed nanoparticle stabilization effect enables the design and fabrication of active CO2 reduction nanocatalysts with high durability.
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  Language Wos 000628024200011 Publication Date 2021-02-22
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 24 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes This work is funded by the Strategic UU-TU/e Alliance project ‘Joint Centre for Chemergy Research’ (budget holder B. M. W.). S. B. acknowledges support from the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant #815128 REALNANO). S. A. and T. A. acknowledge funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). We thank Eric Hellebrand (Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University) for the assistance in SEM measurements. Dr Ramon Oord (ARC Chemical Building Blocks Consortium, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University) is acknowledged for assisting with the grazing incidence XRD measurements; sygma Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176723 Serial 6737
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Author Duarte, M.; Daems, N.; Hereijgers, J.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T.
  Title Enhanced CO2 electroreduction with metal-nitrogen-doped carbons in a continuous flow reactor Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Co2 Utilization Abbreviated Journal J Co2 Util
  Volume 50 Issue Pages 101583-12
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
  Abstract As part of a mitigation and adaptation approach to increasing carbon dioxide atmospheric concentrations, we report superior performance of various metal-nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts, synthesized using an easily up-scalable method, for the electrochemical reduction to carbon monoxide and/or formate at industrially relevant current densities up to 200 mAcm−2. Altering the embedded transition metal (i.e. Sn, Co, Fe, Mn and Ni) allowed to tune the selectivity towards the desired product. Mn-N-C and Fe-N-C performance was compromised by its high CO* binding energy, while Co-N-C catalyzed preferentially the HER. Ni-N-C and Sn-N-C revealed to be promising electrocatalysts, the latter being evaluated for the first time in a flow reactor. A productivity of 589 L CO m-2 h-1 at -1.39 VRHE with Ni-N-C and 751 g HCOO- m-2 h-1 at -1.47 VRHE with Sn-N-C was achieved with no signs of degradation detected after 24 h of operation at industrially relevant current densities (100 mAcm−2). Stable operation at 200 mAcm−2 led to turnover frequencies for the production of carbon products of up to 5176 h-1. These enhanced productivities, in combination with high stability, constitute an essential step towards the scalability and ultimately towards the economical valorization of CO2 electrolyzers using metal-containing nitrogen-doped catalysts.
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  Language Wos 000670316000002 Publication Date 2021-05-28
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2212-9820 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.292 Times cited 14 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes The authors acknowledge sponsoring from the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) in the frame of a post-doctoral grant (12Y3919N – ND). This project was co-funded by the Interreg 2 Seas-Program 2014-2020, co-financed by the European Fund for Regional Development in the frame of subsidiary contract nr. 2S03-019. This work was further performed in the framework of the Catalisti MOT project D2M (“Dioxide to Monoxide (D2M): Innovative catalysis for CO2 to CO conversion”). We thank Lien Pacquets for analyzing the samples with SEM-EDX, Saskia Defoss´e for helping with the N2 physisorption measurements and Kitty Baert (VUB) for analyzing the samples with XPS and Raman. Approved Most recent IF: 4.292
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:178151 Serial 6779
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Author Wang, D.; van der Wee, E.B.; Zanaga, D.; Altantzis, T.; Wu, Y.; Dasgupta, T.; Dijkstra, M.; Murray, C.B.; Bals, S.; van Blaaderen, A.
  Title Quantitative 3D real-space analysis of Laves phase supraparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Nature Communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun
  Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 3980
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
  Abstract 3D real-space analysis of thick nanoparticle crystals is non-trivial. Here, the authors demonstrate the structural analysis of a bulk-like Laves phase by imaging an off-stoichiometric binary mixture of hard-sphere-like nanoparticles in spherical confinement by electron tomography, enabling defect analysis on the single-particle level. Assembling binary mixtures of nanoparticles into crystals, gives rise to collective properties depending on the crystal structure and the individual properties of both species. However, quantitative 3D real-space analysis of binary colloidal crystals with a thickness of more than 10 layers of particles has rarely been performed. Here we demonstrate that an excess of one species in the binary nanoparticle mixture suppresses the formation of icosahedral order in the self-assembly in droplets, allowing the study of bulk-like binary crystal structures with a spherical morphology also called supraparticles. As example of the approach, we show single-particle level analysis of over 50 layers of Laves phase binary crystals of hard-sphere-like nanoparticles using electron tomography. We observe a crystalline lattice composed of a random mixture of the Laves phases. The number ratio of the binary species in the crystal lattice matches that of a perfect Laves crystal. Our methodology can be applied to study the structure of a broad range of binary crystals, giving insights into the structure formation mechanisms and structure-property relations of nanomaterials.
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  Language Wos 000687320200032 Publication Date 2021-06-25
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes M. Hermes is sincerely thanked for providing interactive views of the structures in this work. The authors thank I. Lobato, S. Dussi, L. Filion, E. Boattini, S. Paliwal, B. van der Meer and X. Xie for fruitful discussions. D.W., E.B.v.d.W. and A.v.B. acknowledge partial financial support from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Seventh Framework Program (FP-2007-2013)/ERC Advanced Grant Agreement 291667 HierarSACol. T.D. and M.D. acknowledge financial support from the Industrial Partnership Program, “Computational Sciences for Energy Research” (Grant no. 13CSER025), of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), which was co-financed by Shell Global Solutions International B.V. S.B. acknowledges financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant No. 815128 REALNANO. T.A. acknowledges a post-doctoral grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium). C.B.M and Y.W. acknowledge support for materials synthesis from the Office of Naval Research Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative Award ONR N00014-18-1-2497. The authors acknowledge EM Square center at Utrecht University for the access to the microscopes.; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 12.124
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181662 Serial 6845
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Author Zheng, Y.-R.; Vernieres, J.; Wang, Z.; Zhang, K.; Hochfilzer, D.; Krempl, K.; Liao, T.-W.; Presel, F.; Altantzis, T.; Fatermans, J.; Scott, S.B.; Secher, N.M.; Moon, C.; Liu, P.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S.; Cao, A.; Anand, M.; Nørskov, J.K.; Kibsgaard, J.; Chorkendorff, I.
  Title Monitoring oxygen production on mass-selected iridium–tantalum oxide electrocatalysts Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Nature Energy Abbreviated Journal Nat Energy
  Volume Issue Pages
  Keywords (up) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
  Abstract Development of low-cost and high-performance oxygen evolution reaction catalysts is key to implementing polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzers for hydrogen production. Iridium-based oxides are the state-of-the-art acidic oxygen evolution reactio catalysts but still suffer from inadequate activity and stability, and iridium's scarcity motivates the discovery of catalysts with lower iridium loadings. Here we report a mass-selected iridium-tantalum oxide catalyst prepared by a magnetron-based cluster source with considerably reduced noble-metal loadings beyond a commercial IrO2 catalyst. A sensitive electrochemistry/mass-spectrometry instrument coupled with isotope labelling was employed to investigate the oxygen production rate under dynamic operating conditions to account for the occurrence of side reactions and quantify the number of surface active sites. Iridium-tantalum oxide nanoparticles smaller than 2 nm exhibit a mass activity of 1.2 ± 0.5 kA “g” _“Ir” ^“-1” and a turnover frequency of 2.3 ± 0.9 s-1 at 320 mV overpotential, which are two and four times higher than those of mass-selected IrO2, respectively. Density functional theory calculations reveal that special iridium coordinations and the lowered aqueous decomposition free energy might be responsible for the enhanced performance.
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  Language Wos 000728458000001 Publication Date 2021-12-09
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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  ISSN 2058-7546 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor Times cited 95 Open Access OpenAccess
  Notes Y.-R.Z. and Z.W acknowledge funding from the Toyota Research Institute. This project has received funding from VILLUM FONDEN (grant no. 9455) and the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grants no. 741860-CLUNATRA, no. 815128−REALNANO and no. 770887−PICOMETRICS). S.B. and S.V.A. acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, G026718N and G050218N). T.A. acknowledges the University of Antwerp Research Fund (BOF). STEM measurements were supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research Infrastructure-Integrating Activities for Advanced Communities under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3.; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: NA
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:184794 Serial 6903
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