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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 (down) 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 (down) 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.
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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 (down) 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.
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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 (down) 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 (down) 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 (down) 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 (down) 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 (down) 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 (down) 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 (down) 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 (down) 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 (down) 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 (down) 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 (down) 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 (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Solvent vapor annealing (SVA) is one of the main techniques to improve the morphology of bulk heterojunction solar cells using oligomeric donors. In this report, we study time evolution of nanoscale morphological changes in bulk heterojunctions based on a well-studied dithienopyrrole-based A-D-A oligothiophene (dithieno[3,2-b: 2',3'-d] pyrrole named here 1) blended with [6,6]-phenyl-C-71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) to increase photocurrent density by combining scanning transmission electron microscopy and low-energy-loss spectroscopy. Our results show that SVA transforms the morphology of 1 : PC71BM blends by a three-stage mechanism: highly intermixed phases evolve into nanostructured bilayers that correspond to an optimal blend morphology. Additional SVA leads to completely phaseseparated micrometer-sized domains. Optical spacers were used to increase light absorption inside optimized 1 : PC71BM blends leading to solar cells of 7.74% efficiency but a moderate photocurrent density of 12.3 mA cm (-2). Quantum efficiency analyses reveal that photocurrent density is mainly limited by losses inside the donor phase. Indeed, optimized 1 : PC71BM blends consist of large donor-enriched domains not optimal for exciton to photocurrent conversion. Shorter SVA times lead to smaller domains; however they are embedded in large mixed phases suggesting that introduction of stronger molecular packing may help us to better balance phase separation and domain size enabling more efficient bulk heterojunction solar cells.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000394430800018 Publication Date 2016-11-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 19 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes ; We acknowledge financial support by the French Fond Unique Interministeriel (FUI) under the project “SFUMATO” (Grant number: F1110019V/201308815) as well as by the European Commission under the Project “SUNFLOWER” (FP7-ICT-2011-7, Grant number: 287594). The synchrotron radiation experiments were performed at BL19B2 in SPring-8 with the approval of Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI) (Proposal No. 2016A1568). We further acknowledge financial support via ERC Starting Grant Colouratoms (335078). ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.867
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:142602UA @ admin @ c:irua:142602 Serial 4695
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Author Berthold, T.; Castro, C.R.; Winter, M.; Hoerpel, G.; Kurttepeli, M.; Bals, S.; Antonietti, M.; Fechler, N.
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 (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Nano-sized nitrogen-doped carbon spheres are synthesized from two cheap, readily available and sustainable precursors: tannic acid and urea. In combination with a polymer structuring agent, nitrogen content, sphere size and the surface (up to 400 m(2)g(-1)) can be conveniently tuned by the precursor ratio, temperature and structuring agent content. Because the chosen precursors allow simple oven synthesis and avoid harsh conditions, this carbon nanosphere platform offers a more sustainable alternative to classical soots, for example, as printing pigments or conduction soots. The carbon spheres are demonstrated to be a promising as conductive carbon additive in anode materials for lithium ion batteries.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000403299200006 Publication Date 2017-03-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2199-692x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.937 Times cited 14 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; S.B. is grateful for funding by the European Research Council (ERC starting grant # 335078-COLOURATOMS). ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 2.937
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:144287UA @ admin @ c:irua:144287 Serial 4699
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Author 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 (down) 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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
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 (down) 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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000430163100013 Publication Date 2018-01-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
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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Author Zhao, H.; Hu, Z.; Liu, J.; Li, Y.; Wu, M.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Su, B.-L.
Title Blue-edge slow photons promoting visible-light hydrogen production on gradient ternary 3DOM TiO 2 -Au-CdS photonic crystals Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Nano energy Abbreviated Journal Nano Energy
Volume 47 Issue Pages 266-274
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The slow photon effect, a structural effect of photonic crystal photocatalyst, is very efficient in the enhancement of photocatalytic reactions. However, slow photons in powdered photonic crystal photocatalyst have rarely been discussed because they are usually randomly oriented when the photocatalytic reaction happens in solution under constant stirring. In this work, for the first time we design a gradient ternary TiO2-Au-CdS photonic crystal based on three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) TiO2 as skeleton, Au as electron transfer medium and CdS as active material for photocatalytic H2 production under visible-light. As a result, this gradient ternary photocatalyst is favorable to simultaneously enhance light absorption, extend the light responsive region and reduce the recombination rate of the charge carriers. In particular, we found that slow photons at blue-edge exhibit much higher photocatalytic activity than that at red-edge. The photonic crystal photocatalyst with a macropore size of 250 nm exhibits the highest visible-light H2 production rate of 3.50 mmolh⁻¹g⁻¹ due to the slow photon energy at the blue-edge to significantly enhance the incident photons utilization. This work verifies that slow photons at the blue-edge can largely enhance light harvesting and sheds a light on designing the powdered photonic crystal photocatalyst to promote the photocatalytic H2 production via slow photon effect.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000430057000027 Publication Date 2018-02-27
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 33 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes B. L. Su acknowledges the Chinese Central Government for an “Expert of the State” position in the Program of the “Thousand Talents”. Y. Li acknowledges Hubei Provincial Department of Education for the “Chutian Scholar” program. This work is financially supported the National KeyR&D Program of China (2016YFA0202602), National Natural Science Foundation of China (U1663225, 51502225), Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University (IRT_15R52), Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation (2015CFB516), International Science &Technology Cooperation Program of China (2015DFE52870) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (WUT: 2016III029). Approved Most recent IF: 12.343
Call Number EMAT @ lucian @c:irua:150721 Serial 4924
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Author Lutz, L.; Corte, D.A.D.; Chen, Y.; Batuk, D.; Johnson, L.R.; Abakumov, A.; Yate, L.; Azaceta, E.; Bruce, P.G.; Tarascon, J.-M.; Grimaud, A.
Title The role of the electrode surface in Na-Air batteries : insights in electrochemical product formation and chemical growth of NaO2 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Advanced energy materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Energy Mater
Volume 8 Issue 4 Pages 1701581
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The Na-air battery, because of its high energy density and low charging overpotential, is a promising candidate for low-cost energy storage, hence leading to intensive research. However, to achieve such a battery, the role of the positive electrode material in the discharge process must be understood. This issue is herein addressed by exploring the electrochemical reduction of oxygen, as well as the chemical formation and precipitation of NaO2 using different electrodes. Whereas a minor influence of the electrode surface is demonstrated on the electrochemical formation of NaO2, a strong dependence of the subsequent chemical precipitation of NaO2 is identified. In the origin, this effect stems from the surface energy and O-2/O-2(-) affinity of the electrode. The strong interaction of Au with O-2/O-2(-) increases the nucleation rate and leads to an altered growth process when compared to C surfaces. Consequently, thin (3 mu m) flakes of NaO2 are found on Au, whereas on C large cubes (10 mu m) of NaO2 are formed. This has significant impact on the cell performance and leads to four times higher capacity when C electrodes with low surface energy and O-2/O-2(-) affinity are used. It is hoped that these findings will enable the design of new positive electrode materials with optimized surfaces.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. Place of Publication Weinheim Editor
Language Wos 000424152200009 Publication Date 2017-09-25
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; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 16.721 Times cited 13 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes ; L.L. thanks ALISTORE-ERI for his PhD grant. P.G.B. is indebted to the EPSRC for financial support, including the Supergen Energy Storage grant. ; Approved Most recent IF: 16.721
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:149269 Serial 4951
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Author Perez, A.J.; Jacquet, Q.; Batuk, D.; Iadecola, A.; Saubanere, M.; Rousse, G.; Larcher, D.; Vezin, H.; Doublet, M.-L.; Tarascon, J.-M.
Title Approaching the limits of cationic and anionic electrochemical activity with the Li-rich layered rocksalt Li3IrO4 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Nature energy Abbreviated Journal Nat Energy
Volume 2 Issue 12 Pages 954-962
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The Li-rich rocksalt oxides Li2MO3 (M = 3d/4d/5d transition metal) are promising positive-electrode materials for Li-ion batteries, displaying capacities exceeding 300 mAh g(-1) thanks to the participation of the oxygen non-bonding O(2p) orbitals in the redox process. Understanding the oxygen redox limitations and the role of the O/M ratio is therefore crucial for the rational design of materials with improved electrochemical performances. Here we push oxygen redox to its limits with the discovery of a Li3IrO4 compound (O/M = 4) that can reversibly take up and release 3.5 electrons per Ir and possesses the highest capacity ever reported for any positive insertion electrode. By quantitatively monitoring the oxidation process, we demonstrate the material's instability against O-2 release on removal of all Li. Our results show that the O/M parameter delineates the boundary between the material's maximum capacity and its stability, hence providing valuable insights for further development of high-capacity materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000430218300001 Publication Date 2017-12-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2058-7546 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 55 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes ; We thank P. Pearce for providing the beta-Li<INF>2</INF>IrO<INF>3</INF> and L. Lemarquis for helping in the DEMS experiment. We are particularly grateful to S. Belin, V. Briois and L. Stievano for helpful discussions on XAS analysis and synchrotron SOLEIL (France) for providing beamtime at the ROCK beamline (financed by the French National Research Agency (ANR) as part of the 'Investissements d'Avenir' programme, reference: ANR-10-EQPX-45). A.J.P and A. I. acknowledge the GdR C(RS) 2 for the workshop organized on a chemometric approach for XAS data analysis. V. Nassif is acknowledged for her help during neutron diffraction experiments performed at Institut Laue Langevin on D1B. Use of the 11-BM mail service of the APS at Argonne National Laboratory was supported by the US Department of Energy under contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357 and is gratefully acknowledged. This work has been performed with the support of the European Research Council (ERC) (FP/2014)/ERC Grant- Project 670116 ARPEMA. ; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:150926 Serial 4962
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Author Dimitrievska, M.; Shea, P.; Kweon, K.E.; Bercx, M.; Varley, J.B.; Tang, W.S.; Skripov, A.V.; Stavila, V.; Udovic, T.J.; Wood, B.C.
Title Carbon Incorporation and Anion Dynamics as Synergistic Drivers for Ultrafast Diffusion in Superionic LiCB11H12 and NaCB11H12 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Advanced energy materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Energy Mater
Volume 8 Issue 15 Pages 1703422
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The disordered phases of LiCB11H12 and NaCB11H12 possess superb superionic conductivities that make them suitable as solid electrolytes. In these materials, cation diffusion correlates with high orientational mobilities of the CB11H12- anions; however, the precise relationship has yet to be demonstrated. In this work, ab initio molecular dynamics and quasielastic neutron scattering are combined to probe anion reorientations and their mechanistic connection to cation mobility over a range of timescales and temperatures. It is found that anions do not rotate freely, but rather transition rapidly between orientations defined by the cation sublattice symmetry. The symmetry-breaking carbon atom in CB11H12- also plays a critical role by perturbing the energy landscape along the instantaneous orientation of the anion dipole, which couples fluctuations in the cation probability density directly to the anion motion. Anion reorientation rates exceed 3 x 10(10) s(-1), suggesting the underlying energy landscape fluctuates dynamically on diffusion-relevant timescales. Furthermore, carbon is found to modify the orientational preferences of the anions and aid rotational mobility, creating additional symmetry incompatibilities that inhibit ordering. The results suggest that synergy between the anion reorientational dynamics and the carbon-modified cation-anion interaction accounts for the higher ionic conductivity in CB11H12- salts compared with B12H122-.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. Place of Publication Weinheim Editor
Language Wos 000434031400026 Publication Date 2018-02-21
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; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 16.721 Times cited 20 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; This work was performed in part under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) under Contract No. DE-AC52-07NA27344 and funded by Laboratory Directed Research and Development Grant 15-ERD-022. Computing support came from the LLNL Institutional Computing Grand Challenge program. This work was also performed in part within the assignment of the Russian Federal Agency of Scientific Organizations (program “Spin” No. 01201463330). The authors gratefully acknowledge support from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research under Grant No. 15-03-01114 and the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences under Grant No. 15-9-2-9. A.V.S. gratefully acknowledges travel support from CRDF Global in conjunction with this work under Grant No. FSCX-15-61826-0. M.D. gratefully acknowledges research support from the Hydrogen Materials-Advanced Research Consortium (HyMARC), established as part of the Energy Materials Network under the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Fuel Cell Technologies Office, under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308. Sandia National Laboratories is a multiprogram laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration under Contract No. DE-AC04-94AL85000. This work utilized facilities supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Agreement No. DMR-1508249. The views, opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of CRDF Global, or the United States Government or any agency thereof. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. ; Approved Most recent IF: 16.721
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:152045 Serial 5015
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Author Yang, C.; Batuk, M.; Jacquet, Q.; Rousse, G.; Yin, W.; Zhang, L.; Hadermann, J.; Abakumov, A.M.; Cibin, G.; Chadwick, A.; Tarascon, J.-M.; Grimaud, A.
Title Revealing pH-Dependent Activities and Surface Instabilities for Ni-Based Electrocatalysts during the Oxygen Evolution Reaction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication ACS energy letters Abbreviated Journal Acs Energy Lett
Volume Issue Pages 2884-2890
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Multiple electrochemical processes are involved at the catalyst/ electrolyte interface during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). With the purpose of elucidating the complexity of surface dynamics upon OER, we systematically studied two Ni-based crystalline oxides (LaNiO3−δ and La2Li0.5Ni0.5O4) and compared them with the state-of-the-art Ni−Fe (oxy)- hydroxide amorphous catalyst. Electrochemical measurements such as rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) and electrochemical quartz microbalance microscopy (EQCM) coupled with a series of physical characterizations including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) were conducted to unravel the exact pH effect on both the OER activity and the catalyst stability. We demonstrate that for Ni-based crystalline catalysts the rate for surface degradation depends on the pH and is greater than the rate for surface reconstruction. This behavior is unlike that for the amorphous Ni oxyhydroxide catalyst, which is found to be more stable and pH-independent.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000453805100005 Publication Date 2018-11-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2380-8195 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 06.11.2019
Notes C.Y., J.-M.T., and A.G. acknowledge funding from the European Research Council (ERC) (FP/2014)/ERC GrantProject 670116-ARPEMA. A.G. acknowledges financial support from the ANR MIDWAY (Project ID ANR-17-CE05- 0008). We acknowledge Diamond Light Source for time awarded to the Energy Materials BAG on Beamline B18, under Proposal sp12559. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:155046 Serial 5067
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Author Yuan, S.; Pu, Z.; Zhou, H.; Yu, J.; Amiinu, I.S.; Zhu, J.; Liang, Q.; Yang, J.; He, D.; Hu, Z.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Mu, S.
Title A universal synthesis strategy for single atom dispersed cobalt/metal clusters heterostructure boosting hydrogen evolution catalysis at all pH values Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Nano energy Abbreviated Journal Nano Energy
Volume 59 Issue 59 Pages 472-480
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The development of a stable, efficient and economic catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of water splitting is one of the most hopeful approaches to confront the environmental and energy crisis. A two-step method is employed to obtain metal clusters (Ru, N, Pd etc.) combining single cobalt atoms anchored on nitrogen-doped carbon (Ru/Pt/Pd@Co-SAs/N-C). Based on the synergistic effect between Ru clusters and single cobalt atoms, Ru@Co-SAs/N-C exhibits an outstanding HER electrocatalytic activity. Specifically, Ru@Co-SAs/N-C only needs 7 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm(-2) in 1 M KOH solution, which is much better than commercial 20 wt% PVC (40 mV) catalyst. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further reveal the synergy effect between surface Ru nanoclusters and Co-SAs/N-C toward hydrogen adsorption for HER. Additionally, Ru@CoSAs/N-C also exhibits excellent catalytic ability and durability under acidic and neutral media. The present study opens a new avenue towards the design of metal clusters/single cobalt atoms heterostructures with outstanding performance toward HER and beyond.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000463032200051 Publication Date 2019-02-25
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 33 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 01.11.2019
Notes ; S.Y., Z.P. and H.Z. contributed equally to this work. This work was financed by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51372186, 51672204, 51701146) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (WUT: 2017III055, 2018III039GX, 2018IVA095). We express heartfelt thanks to Prof. Gaoke Zhang for the supply of computational resources in the School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology. ; Approved Most recent IF: 12.343
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:159330 Serial 5240
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Author Vermang, B.; Brammertz, G.; Meuris, M.; Schnabel, T.; Ahlswede, E.; Choubrac, L.; Harel, S.; Cardinaud, C.; Arzel, L.; Barreau, N.; van Deelen, J.; Bolt, P.-J.; Bras, P.; Ren, Y.; Jaremalm, E.; Khelifi, S.; Yang, S.; Lauwaert, J.; Batuk, M.; Hadermann, J.; Kozina, X.; Handick, E.; Hartmann, C.; Gerlach, D.; Matsuda, A.; Ueda, S.; Chikyow, T.; Felix, R.; Zhang, Y.; Wilks, R.G.; Baer, M.
Title Wide band gap kesterite absorbers for thin film solar cells: potential and challenges for their deployment in tandem devices Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Sustainable Energy & Fuels Abbreviated Journal
Volume 3 Issue 9 Pages 2246-2259
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract This work reports on developments in the field of wide band gap Cu2ZnXY4 (with X = Sn, Si or Ge, and Y = S, Se) kesterite thin film solar cells. An overview on recent developments and the current understanding of wide band gap kesterite absorber layers, alternative buffer layers, and suitable transparent back contacts is presented. Cu2ZnGe(S,Se)(4) absorbers with absorber band gaps up to 1.7 eV have been successfully developed and integrated into solar cells. Combining a CdS buffer layer prepared by an optimized chemical bath deposition process with a 1.36 eV band gap absorber resulted in a record Cu2ZnGeSe4 cell efficiency of 7.6%, while the highest open-circuit voltage of 730 mV could be obtained for a 1.54 eV band gap absorber and a Zn(O,S) buffer layer. Employing InZnOx or TiO2 protective top layers on SnO2:In transparent back contacts yields 85-90% of the solar cell performance of reference cells (with Mo back contact). These advances show the potential as well as the challenges of wide band gap kesterites for future applications in high-efficiency and low-cost tandem photovoltaic devices.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000482057500004 Publication Date 2019-06-14
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ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 2 Open Access
Notes ; This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under grant agreement No. 640868. The synchrotron radiation experiments were performed at the SPring-8 beamline BL15XU with the approval of the NIMS Synchrotron X-ray Station (Proposals 2016A4600, 2016B4601, and 2017A4600) and at BESSY II with the approval of HZB. B. Vermang has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme (grant agreement no. 715027). ; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:161785 Serial 5404
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Author Erfurt, D.; Koida, T.; Heinemann, M.D.; Li, C.; Bertram, T.; Nishinaga, J.; Szyszka, B.; Shibata, H.; Klenk, R.; Schlatmann, R.
Title Impact of rough substrates on hydrogen-doped indium oxides for the application in CIGS devices Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 206 Issue Pages 110300
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Indium oxide based transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) are promising contact layers in solar cells due to their outstanding electrical and optical properties. However, when applied in Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 or Si-hetero-junction solar cells the specific roughness of the material beneath can affect the growth and the properties of the TCO. We investigated the electrical properties of hydrogen doped and hydrogen-tungsten co-doped indium oxides grown on rough Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 samples as well as on textured and planar glass. At sharp ridges and V-shaped valleys crack-shaped voids form inside the indium oxide films, which limit the effective electron mobility of the In2O3:H and In2O3:H,W thin films. This was found for films deposited by magnetron sputtering and reactive plasma deposition at several deposition parameters, before as well as after annealing and solid phase crystallization. This suggests universal behavior that will have a wide impact on solar cell devices.
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Language Wos 000519653800038 Publication Date 2019-11-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.9 Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; This work was supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy under contract number 0325762G (TCO4CIGS). The authors thank M. Hartig, K. Mayer-Stillrich, I. Dorbandt, B. Bunn, M. Kirsch for technical support. C. Li is grateful for financial support from Max Planck Society, Germany and technical support from the MPI FKF StEM group members. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.9; 2020 IF: 4.784
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:168668 Serial 6544
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Author Khelifi, S.; Brammertz, G.; Choubrac, L.; Batuk, M.; Yang, S.; Meuris, M.; Barreau, N.; Hadermann, J.; Vrielinck, H.; Poelman, D.; Neyts, K.; Vermang, B.; Lauwaert, J.
Title The path towards efficient wide band gap thin-film kesterite solar cells with transparent back contact for viable tandem application Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 219 Issue Pages 110824
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Wide band gap thin-film kesterite solar cell based on non-toxic and earth-abundant materials might be a suitable candidate as a top cell for tandem configuration in combination with crystalline silicon as a bottom solar cell. For this purpose and based on parameters we have extracted from electrical and optical characterization techniques of Cu2ZnGeSe4 absorbers and solar cells, a model has been developed to describe the kesterite top cell efficiency limitations and to investigate the different possible configurations with transparent back contact for fourterminal tandem solar cell application. Furthermore, we have studied the tandem solar cell performance in view of the band gap and the transparency of the kesterite top cell and back contact engineering. Our detailed analysis shows that a kesterite top cell with efficiency > 14%, a band gap in the range of 1.5-1.7 eV and transparency above 80% at the sub-band gaps photons energies are required to achieve a tandem cell with higher efficiency than with a single silicon solar cell.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000591683500002 Publication Date 2020-10-08
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ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors would like to acknowledge the SWInG project financed by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 640868 and the Research Foundation Flanders-Hercules Foundation (FWO-Vlaanderen, project No AUGE/13/16:FT-IMAGER). Approved Most recent IF: 4.784
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:174337 Serial 6706
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Author Herzog, M.J.; Gauquelin, N.; Esken, D.; Verbeeck, J.; Janek, J.
Title Facile dry coating method of high-nickel cathode material by nanostructured fumed alumina (Al2O3) improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Energy technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 9 Issue 4 Pages 2100028
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Surface coating is a crucial method to mitigate the aging problem of high-Ni cathode active materials (CAMs). By avoiding the direct contact of the CAM and the electrolyte, side reactions are hindered. Commonly used techniques like wet or ALD coating are time consuming and costly. Therefore, a more cost-effective coating technique is desirable. Herein, a facile and fast dry powder coating process for CAMs with nanostructured fumed metal oxides are reported. As the model case, the coating of high-Ni NMC (LiNi0.7Mn0.15Co0.15O2) by nanostructured fumed Al2O3 is investigated. A high coverage of the CAM surface with an almost continuous coating layer is achieved, still showing some porosity. Electrochemical evaluation shows a significant increase in capacity retention, cycle life and rate performance of the coated NMC material. The coating layer protects the surface of the CAM successfully and prevents side reactions, resulting in reduced solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation and charge transfer impedance during cycling. A mechanism on how the coating layer enhances the cycling performance is hypothesized. The stable coating layer effectively prevents crack formation and particle disintegration of the NMC. In depth analysis indicates partial formation of LixAl2O3/LiAlO2 in the coating layer during cycling, enhancing lithium ion diffusivity and thus, also the rate performance.
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Language Wos 000621000700001 Publication Date 2021-01-23
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ISSN 2194-4296; 2194-4288 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 25 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors would like to thank Erik Peldszus and Steve Rienecker for the support with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The Qu-Ant-EM microscope and the direct electron detector were partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. N.G. and J.V. acknowledge funding from GOA project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp. Funding from the Flemish Research Fund (FWO) project G0F1320N is acknowledged.; Open access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176670 Serial 6724
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Author Li, C.-F.; Zhao, K.; Liao, X.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Zhang, L.; Zhao, Y.; Mu, S.; Li, Y.; Li, Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Sun, C.
Title Interface cation migration kinetics induced oxygen release heterogeneity in layered lithium cathodes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Energy Storage Materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 36 Issue Pages 115-122
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The irreversible release of the lattice oxygen in layered cathodes is one of the major degradation mechanisms of lithium ion batteries, which accounts for a number of battery failures including the voltage/capacity fade, loss of cation ions and detachment of the primary particles, etc. Oxygen release is generally attributed to the stepwise thermodynamic controlled phase transitions from the layered to spinel and rock salt phases. Here, we report a strong kinetic effect from the mobility of cation ions, whose migration barrier can be significantly modulated by the phase epitaxy at the degrading interface. It ends up with a clear oxygen release heterogeneity and completely different reaction pathways between the thin and thick areas, as well as the interparticle valence boundaries, both of which widely exist in the mainstream cathode design with the secondary agglomerates. This work unveils the origin of the heterogenous oxygen release in the layered cathodes. It also sheds light on the rational design of cathode materials with enhanced oxygen stability by suppressing the cation migration.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000620584300009 Publication Date 2020-12-24
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ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176654 Serial 6730
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Author Herzog, M.J.; Gauquelin, N.; Esken, D.; Verbeeck, J.; Janek, J.
Title Increased Performance Improvement of Lithium-Ion Batteries by Dry Powder Coating of High-Nickel NMC with Nanostructured Fumed Ternary Lithium Metal Oxides Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication ACS applied energy materials Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Energy Mater.
Volume 4 Issue 9 Pages 8832-8848
Keywords (down) A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Dry powder coating is an effective approach to protect the surfaces of layered cathode active materials (CAMs) in lithium-ion batteries. Previous investigations indicate an incorporation of lithium ions in fumed Al2O3, ZrO2, and TiO2 coatings on LiNi0.7Mn0.15Co0.15O2 during cycling, improving the cycling performance. Here, this coating approach is transferred for the first time to fumed ternary LiAlO2, Li4Zr3O8, and Li4Ti5O12 and directly compared with their lithium-free equivalents. All materials could be processed equally and their nanostructured small aggregates accumulate on the CAM surfaces to quite homogeneous coating layers with a certain porosity. The LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC) coated with lithium-containing materials shows an enhanced improvement in overall capacity, capacity retention, rate performance, and polarization behavior during cycling, compared to their lithium-free analogues. The highest rate performance was achieved with the fumed ZrO2 coating, while the best long-term cycling stability with the highest absolute capacity was obtained for the fumed LiAlO2-coated NMC. The optimal coating agent for NMC to achieve a balanced system is fumed Li4Ti5O12, providing a good compromise between high rate capability and good capacity retention. The coating agents prevent CAM particle cracking and degradation in the order LiAlO2 ≈ Al2O3 > Li4Ti5O12 > Li4Zr3O8 > ZrO2 > TiO2. A schematic model for the protection and electrochemical performance enhancement of high-nickel NMC with fumed metal oxide coatings is sketched. It becomes apparent that physical and chemical characteristics of the coating significantly influence the performance of NMC. A high degree of coating-layer porosity is favorable for the rate capability, while a high coverage of the surface, especially in vulnerable grain boundaries, enhances the long-term cycling stability and improves the cracking behavior of NMCs. While zirconium-containing coatings possess the best chemical properties for high rate performances, aluminum-containing coatings feature a superior chemical nature to protect high-nickel NMCs.
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Corporate Author Thesis
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Language Wos 000703338600018 Publication Date 2021-09-27
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ISSN 2574-0962 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes For his support in scanning electron microscopy analysis, the authors thank Erik Peldszus. N. G. and J. V. acknowledge funding from GOA project “Solarpaint” of the University of Antwerp and from the Flemish Research Fund (FWO) project G0F1320N. The Qu-Ant-EM microscope and the direct electron detector were partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:183949 Serial 6823
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