“How to manipulate nanoparticles with an electron beam?”.Verbeeck J, Tian H, Van Tendeloo G, Advanced materials 25, 1114 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201204206
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 19.791
Times cited: 75
DOI: 10.1002/adma.201204206
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“Interface-induced modulation of charge and polarization in thin film Fe3O4”. Tian H, Verbeeck J, Brück S, Paul M, Kufer D, Sing M, Claessen R, Van Tendeloo G, Advanced materials 26, 461 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201303329
Abstract: Charge and polarization modulations in Fe3O4 are controlled by taking advantage of interfacial strain effects. The feasibility of oxidation state control by strain modification is demonstrated and it is shown that this approach offers a stable configuration at room temperature. Direct evidence of how a local strain field changes the atomic coordination and introduces atomic displacements leading to polarization of Fe ions is presented.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 19.791
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1002/adma.201303329
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“Local environment of Fe dopants in nanoscale Fe : CeO2-x oxygen storage material”. Meledina M, Turner S, Galvita VV, Poelman H, Marin GB, Van Tendeloo G, Nanoscale 7, 3196 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4nr06060a
Abstract: Nanoscale Fe : CeO2-x oxygen storage material for the process of chemical looping has been investigated by advanced transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy before and after a model looping procedure, consisting of redox cycles at heightened temperature. Separately, the activity of the nanomaterial has been tested in a toluene total oxidation reaction. The results show that the material consists of ceria nanoparticles, doped with single Fe atoms and small FeOx clusters. The iron ion is partially present as Fe3+ in a solid solution within the ceria lattice. Furthermore, enrichment of reduced Fe2+ species is observed in nanovoids present in the ceria nanoparticles, as well as at the ceria surface. After chemical looping, agglomeration occurs and reduced nanoclusters appear at ceria grain boundaries formed by sintering. These clusters originate from surface Fe2+ aggregation, and from bulk Fe3+, which “leaks out” in reduced state after cycling to a slightly more agglomerated form. The activity of Fe : CeO2 during the toluene total oxidation part of the chemical looping cycle is ensured by the dopant Fe in the Fe1-xCexO2 solid solution, and by surface Fe species. These measurements on a model Fe : CeO2-x oxygen storage material give a unique insight into the behavior of dopants within a nanosized ceria host, and allow to interpret a plethora of (doped) cerium oxide-based reactions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1039/c4nr06060a
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“Selectivity in sorption and hydrogenation of methyl oleate and elaidate on MFI zeolites”. Philippaerts A, Paulussen S, Turner S, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Poelman H, Bulut M, de Clippel F, Smeets P, Sels B, Jacobs P, Journal of catalysis 270, 172 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcat.2009.12.022
Abstract: Different zeolites were tested for selective removal of methyl elaidate (trans isomer) from an equimolar mixture with methyl oleate (cis isomer). Sorption experiments of the geometric isomers show that only ZSM-5 samples with reduced Al content in the framework are able to discriminate among the bent cis and the linear trans fatty acid methyl esters. Hydrogenation experiments of equimolar methyl oleate and elaidate mixtures at low temperature (65 °C) and high hydrogen pressure (6.0 MPa), using Pt catalysts, confirm this result. Only with a Pt/NaZSM-5 catalyst outspoken selectivity for the hydrogenation of the trans isomer is obtained. In order to prepare a selective Pt/ZSM-5 catalyst, the influence of Pt addition (impregnation, ion-exchange and competitive ion-exchange) and Pt activation (different calcination and reduction temperatures) on the Pt-distribution and Pt particle size was investigated using SEM, bright-field and HR TEM, EDX, electron tomography, CO-chemisorption, XPS, XRD, and UVvis measurements. The best result in terms of hydrogenation activity and selectivity is obtained with a Pt/ZSM-5 catalyst, which is prepared via competitive ion-exchange, followed by slow calcination up to 350 °C under high O2 flow and a reduction up to 500 °C under H2. This preparation method leads to a Pt/ZSM-5 catalyst with the best Pt distribution and the smallest Pt clusters occluded in the zeolite structure. Finally, the influence of zeolite crystal size, morphology, and elemental composition of ZSM-5 on hydrogenation activity and selectivity was investigated in detail.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.844
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2009.12.022
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“Facile morphology-controlled synthesis of organolead iodide perovskite nanocrystals using binary capping agents”. Debroye E, Yuan H, Bladt E, Baekelant W, Van der Auweraer M, Hofkens J, Bals S, Roeffaers MBJ, ChemNanoMat : chemistry of nanomaterials for energy, biology and more 3, 223 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/CNMA.201700006
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.937
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1002/CNMA.201700006
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“Imaging heterogeneously distributed photo-active traps in perovskite single crystals”. Yuan H, Debroye E, Bladt E, Lu G, Keshavarz M, Janssen KPF, Roeffaers MBJ, Bals S, Sargent EH, Hofkens J, Advanced materials 30, 1705494 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMA.201705494
Abstract: Organic-inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) have demonstrated outstanding energy conversion efficiency in solar cells and light-emitting devices. In spite of intensive developments in both materials and devices, electronic traps and defects that significantly affect their device properties remain under-investigated. Particularly, it remains challenging to identify and to resolve traps individually at the nanoscopic scale. Here, photo-active traps (PATs) are mapped over OIHP nanocrystal morphology of different crystallinity by means of correlative optical differential super-resolution localization microscopy (Delta-SRLM) and electron microscopy. Stochastic and monolithic photoluminescence intermittency due to individual PATs is observed on monocrystalline and polycrystalline OIHP nanocrystals. Delta-SRLM reveals a heterogeneous PAT distribution across nanocrystals and determines the PAT density to be 1.3 x 10(14) and 8 x 10(13) cm(-3) for polycrystalline and for monocrystalline nanocrystals, respectively. The higher PAT density in polycrystalline nanocrystals is likely related to an increased defect density. Moreover, monocrystalline nanocrystals that are prepared in an oxygen and moisture-free environment show a similar PAT density as that prepared at ambient conditions, excluding oxygen or moisture as chief causes of PATs. Hence, it is conduded that the PATs come from inherent structural defects in the material, which suggests that the PAT density can be reduced by improving crystalline quality of the material.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 19.791
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1002/ADMA.201705494
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“Electrostatic force-driven oxide heteroepitaxy for interface control”. Ren Z, Wu M, Chen X, Li W, Li M, Wang F, Tian H, Chen J, Xie Y, Mai J, Li X, Lu X, Lu Y, Zhang H, Van Tendeloo G, Zhang Z, Han G, Advanced materials 30, 1707017 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMA.201707017
Abstract: Oxide heterostructure interfaces create a platform to induce intriguing electric and magnetic functionalities for possible future devices. A general approach to control growth and interface structure of oxide heterostructures will offer a great opportunity for understanding and manipulating the functionalities. Here, it is reported that an electrostatic force, originating from a polar ferroelectric surface, can be used to drive oxide heteroepitaxy, giving rise to an atomically sharp and coherent interface by using a low-temperature solution method. These heterostructures adopt a fascinating selective growth, and show a saturation thickness and the reconstructed interface with concentrated charges accumulation. The ferroelectric polarization screening, developing from a solid-liquid interface to the heterostructure interface, is decisive for the specific growth. At the interface, a charge transfer and accumulation take place for electrical compensation. The facile approach presented here can be extremely useful for controlling oxide heteroepitaxy and producing intriguing interface functionality via electrostatic engineering.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 19.791
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1002/ADMA.201707017
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“A Facet-Specific Quantum Dot Passivation Strategy for Colloid Management and Efficient Infrared Photovoltaics”. Kim Y, Che F, Jo JW, Choi J, de Arquer FPG, Voznyy O, Sun B, Kim J, Choi M-J, Quintero-Bermudez R, Fan F, Tan CS, Bladt E, Walters G, Proppe AH, Zou C, Yuan H, Bals S, Hofkens J, Roeffaers MBJ, Hoogland S, Sargent EH, Advanced materials 31, 1805580 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMA.201805580
Abstract: Colloidal nanocrystals combine size- and facet-dependent properties with solution processing. They offer thus a compelling suite of materials for technological applications. Their size- and facet-tunable features are studied in synthesis; however, to exploit their features in optoelectronic devices, it will be essential to translate control over size and facets from the colloid all the way to the film. Larger-diameter colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) offer the attractive possibility of harvesting infrared (IR) solar energy beyond absorption of silicon photovoltaics. These CQDs exhibit facets (nonpolar (100)) undisplayed in small-diameter CQDs; and the materials chemistry of smaller nanocrystals fails consequently to translate to materials for the short-wavelength IR regime. A new colloidal management strategy targeting the passivation of both (100) and (111) facets is demonstrated using distinct choices of cations and anions. The approach leads to narrow-bandgap CQDs with impressive colloidal stability and photoluminescence quantum yield. Photophysical studies confirm a reduction both in Stokes shift (approximate to 47 meV) and Urbach tail (approximate to 29 meV). This approach provides a approximate to 50% increase in the power conversion efficiency of IR photovoltaics compared to controls, and a approximate to 70% external quantum efficiency at their excitonic peak.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 19.791
Times cited: 74
DOI: 10.1002/ADMA.201805580
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“Asymmetry and non-dispersivity in the Aharonov-Bohm effect”. Becker M, Guzzinati G, Béché, A, Verbeeck J, Batelaan H, Nature communications 10, 1700 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41467-019-09609-9
Abstract: Decades ago, Aharonov and Bohm showed that electrons are affected by electromagnetic potentials in the absence of forces due to fields. Zeilinger's theorem describes this absence of classical force in quantum terms as the “dispersionless” nature of the Aharonov-Bohm effect. Shelankov predicted the presence of a quantum “force” for the same Aharonov-Bohm physical system as elucidated by Berry. Here, we report an experiment designed to test Shelankov's prediction and we provide a theoretical analysis that is intended to elucidate the relation between Shelankov's prediction and Zeilinger's theorem. The experiment consists of the Aharonov-Bohm physical system; free electrons pass a magnetized nanorod and far-field electron diffraction is observed. The diffraction pattern is asymmetric confirming one of Shelankov's predictions and giving indirect experimental evidence for the presence of a quantum “force”. Our theoretical analysis shows that Zeilinger's theorem and Shelankov's result are both special cases of one theorem.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-019-09609-9
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“Manipulating topological transformations of polar structures through real-time observation of the dynamic polarization evolution”. Du K, Zhang M, Dai C, Zhou ZN, Xie YW, Ren ZH, Tian H, Chen LQ, Van Tendeloo G, Zhang Z, Nature communications 10, 4864 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41467-019-12864-5
Abstract: Topological structures based on controllable ferroelectric or ferromagnetic domain configurations offer the opportunity to develop microelectronic devices such as high-density memories. Despite the increasing experimental and theoretical insights into various domain structures (such as polar spirals, polar wave, polar vortex) over the past decade, manipulating the topological transformations of polar structures and comprehensively understanding its underlying mechanism remains lacking. By conducting an in-situ non-contact bias technique, here we systematically investigate the real-time topological transformations of polar structures in PbTiO3/SrTiO3 multilayers at an atomic level. The procedure of vortex pair splitting and the transformation from polar vortex to polar wave and out-of-plane polarization are observed step by step. Furthermore, the redistribution of charge in various topological structures has been demonstrated under an external bias. This provides new insights for the symbiosis of polar and charge and offers an opportunity for a new generation of microelectronic devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-019-12864-5
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“Edge stabilization in reduced-dimensional perovskites”. Quan LN, Ma D, Zhao Y, Voznyy O, Yuan H, Bladt E, Pan J, de Arquer FPG, Sabatini R, Piontkowski Z, Emwas A-H, Todorovic P, Quintero-Bermudez R, Walters G, Fan JZ, Liu M, Tan H, Saidaminov M I, Gao L, Li Y, Anjum DH, Wei N, Tang J, McCamant DW, Roeffaers MBJ, Bals S, Hofkens J, Bakr OM, Lu Z-H, Sargent EH, Nature Communications 11, 170 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41467-019-13944-2
Abstract: Reduced-dimensional perovskites are attractive light-emitting materials due to their efficient luminescence, color purity, tunable bandgap, and structural diversity. A major limitation in perovskite light-emitting diodes is their limited operational stability. Here we demonstrate that rapid photodegradation arises from edge-initiated photooxidation, wherein oxidative attack is powered by photogenerated and electrically-injected carriers that diffuse to the nanoplatelet edges and produce superoxide. We report an edge-stabilization strategy wherein phosphine oxides passivate unsaturated lead sites during perovskite crystallization. With this approach, we synthesize reduced-dimensional perovskites that exhibit 97 +/- 3% photoluminescence quantum yields and stabilities that exceed 300 h upon continuous illumination in an air ambient. We achieve green-emitting devices with a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 14% at 1000 cd m(-2); their maximum luminance is 4.5 x 10(4) cd m(-2) (corresponding to an EQE of 5%); and, at 4000 cd m(-2), they achieve an operational half-lifetime of 3.5 h.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 16.6
Times cited: 147
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-019-13944-2
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“Morphotropic phase boundary in pure perovskite lead titanate at room temperature”. Zhang Z, Chen X, Shi X, Hu Y, Huang J, Liu S, Ren Z, Huang H, Han G, Van Tendeloo G, Tian H, Materials Today Nano 20, 100275 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MTNANO.2022.100275
Abstract: For many decades, great efforts have been devoted to pursue a large piezoelectric response by an intelligent design of morphotropic phase boundaries (MPB) in solid solutions, where tetragonal (T) and rhombohedral (R) structures coexist. For example, classical PbZrxTi1-xO3 and Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3-PbTiO3 single crystals demonstrate a giant piezoelectric response near MPB. However, as the end member of these solids, perovskite-structured PbTiO3 always adopts the T phase at room temperature. Here, we report a pathway to create room temperature MPB in a single-phase PbTiO3. The uniaxial stress along the c-axis drives a T-R phase transition bridged by a monoclinic (M) phase, which facilitates a polarization rotation in the monodomain PbTiO3. Meanwhile, we demonstrate that the coexistence of T and R phases at room temperature can be achieved via an extremely mismatched heterointerface system. The uniaxial pressure is proved as an efficient way to break the inherent symmetry and able to substantially tailor the phase transition temperature Tc. These findings provide new insights into MPB, offering the opportunity to explore the giant piezoelectric response in single-phase materials. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 10.3
DOI: 10.1016/J.MTNANO.2022.100275
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“Chemical and Structural Configuration of Pt Doped Metal Oxide Thin Films Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition”. Ramachandran RK, Filez M, Solano E, Poelman H, Minjauw MM, Van Daele M, Feng J-Y, La Porta A, Altantzis T, Fonda E, Coati A, Garreau Y, Bals S, Marin GB, Detavernier C, Dendooven J, Chemistry of materials 31, 9673 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b03066
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b03066
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“Stabilization effects in binary colloidal Cu and Ag nanoparticle electrodes under electrochemical CO₂, reduction conditions”. Wu L, Kolmeijer KE, Zhang Y, An H, Arnouts S, Bals S, Altantzis T, Hofmann JP, Costa Figueiredo M, Hensen EJM, Weckhuysen BM, van der Stam W, Nanoscale 13, 4835 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR09040A
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1039/D0NR09040A
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“Five-year development plans of renewable energy policies in Iran : a content analysis”. Dehhaghi S, Choobchian S, Ghobadian B, Farhadian H, Viira A-H, Stefanie HI, Van Passel S, Azadi H, Sustainability 14, 1501 (2022). http://doi.org/10.3390/SU14031501
Abstract: Renewable energy (RE) policies can play an effective role in the development of renewable resources. The main goal of this paper was to conduct a content analysis on RE development policies in Iran's five-year National Development Plan (NDP) by investigating upstream national documents. To achieve the goal, 29 upstream documents related to RE were identified and analyzed through a systematic literature review. Then, a qualitative content analysis was applied to analyze the documents. The results showed that Iran's current RE policies need to be reviewed, reformed, and strengthened. For example, lack of sufficient attention to renewable heat and fuel was one of the deficiencies of RE policies in Iran's five-year NDP. The decentralization of policymaking in the unified organization was also one of the weaknesses in the policymaking process of the RE. Iran can develop sustainable and clean RE policies by using sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, wave, and tidal power. The paper concludes that, although RE policies have the potential for development in Iran due to environmental, social, and economic advantages, they could face some infrastructural, managerial, socio-cultural, and economic challenges. Accordingly, effective and innovative policymaking is required to meet such challenges.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.9
DOI: 10.3390/SU14031501
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“‘biogeom&rsquo, : an R package for simulating and fitting natural shapes”. Shi P, Gielis J, Quinn BK, Niklas KJ, Ratkowsky DA, Schrader J, Ruan H, Wang L, Niinemets Ü, Niinennets U, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1516, 123 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1111/NYAS.14862
Abstract: Many natural objects exhibit radial or axial symmetry in a single plane. However, a universal tool for simulating and fitting the shapes of such objects is lacking. Herein, we present an R package called 'biogeom' that simulates and fits many shapes found in nature. The package incorporates novel universal parametric equations that generate the profiles of bird eggs, flowers, linear and lanceolate leaves, seeds, starfish, and tree-rings, and three growth-rate equations that generate the profiles of ovate leaves and the ontogenetic growth curves of animals and plants. 'biogeom' includes several empirical datasets comprising the boundary coordinates of bird eggs, fruits, lanceolate and ovate leaves, tree rings, seeds, and sea stars. The package can also be applied to other kinds of natural shapes similar to those in the datasets. In addition, the package includes sigmoid curves derived from the three growth-rate equations, which can be used to model animal and plant growth trajectories and predict the times associated with maximum growth rate. 'biogeom' can quantify the intra- or interspecific similarity of natural outlines, and it provides quantitative information of shape and ontogenetic modification of shape with important ecological and evolutionary implications for the growth and form of the living world.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.2
DOI: 10.1111/NYAS.14862
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“Novel coreshell magnetic nanoparticles for Taxol encapsulation in biodegradable and biocompatible block copolymers : preparation, characterization and release properties”. Filippousi M, Papadimitriou SA, Bikiaris DN, Pavlidou E, Angelakeris M, Zamboulis D, Tian H, Van Tendeloo G, International journal of pharmaceutics 448, 221 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.03.025
Abstract: Theranostic polymeric nanocarriers loaded with anticancer drug Taxol and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystals have been developed for possible magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use and cancer therapy. Multifunctional nanocarriers with a coreshell structure have been prepared by coating superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles with block copolymer of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(propylene succinate) with variable molecular weights of the hydrophobic block poly(prolylene succinate). The multifunctional polymer nano-vehicles were prepared using a nanoprecipitation method. Scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed the encapsulation of magnetic nanoparticles inside the polymeric matrix. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy mapping allowed us to determine the presence of the different material ingredients in a quantitative way. The diameter of the nanoparticles is below 250 nm yielding satisfactory encapsulation efficiency. The nanoparticles exhibit a biphasic drug release pattern in vitro over 15 days depending on the molecular weight of the hydrophobic part of the polymer matrix. These new systems where anti-cancer therapeutics like Taxol and iron oxide nanoparticles (IOs) are co-encapsulated into new facile polymeric nanoparticles, could be addressed as potential multifunctional vehicles for simultaneous drug delivery and targeting imaging as well as real time monitoring of therapeutic effects.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.649
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.03.025
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“Novel power-to-syngas concept for plasma catalytic reforming coupled with water electrolysis”. Li K, Liu J-L, Li X-S, Lian H-Y, Zhu X, Bogaerts A, Zhu A-M, Chemical engineering journal 353, 297 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2018.07.111
Abstract: We propose a novel Power to Synthesis Gas (P2SG) approach, composed of two high-efficiency and renewable electricity-driven units, i.e., plasma catalytic reforming (PCR) and water electrolysis (WE), to produce high quality syngas from CH4, CO2 and H2O. As WE technology is already commercial, we mainly focus on the PCR unit, consisting of gliding arc plasma and Ni-based catalyst, for oxidative dry reforming of methane. An energy efficiency of 78.9% and energy cost of 1.0 kWh/Nm3 at a CH4 conversion of 99% and a CO2 conversion of 79% are obtained. Considering an energy efficiency of 80% for WE, the P2SG system yields an overall energy efficiency of 79.3% and energy cost of 1.8 kWh/Nm3. High-quality syngas is produced without the need for posttreatment units, featuring the ideal stoichiometric number of 2, with concentration of 94.6 vol%, and a desired CO2 fraction of 1.9 vol% for methanol synthesis. The PCR unit has the advantage of fast response to adapting to fluctuation of renewable electricity, avoiding local hot spots in the catalyst bed and coking, in contrast to conventional catalytic processes. Moreover, pure O2 from the WE unit is directly utilized by the PCR unit for oxidative dry reforming of methane, and thus, no air separation unit, like in conventional processes, is required. This work demonstrates the viability of the P2SG approach for large-scale energy storage of renewable electricity via electricity-to-fuel conversion.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2018.07.111
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Tan H (2012) From EELS to oxidation state mapping : an investigation into oxidation state mapping of transition metals with electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Antwerpen
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“2D atomic mapping of oxidation states in transition metal oxides by scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy : reply”. Tan H, Turner S, Yucelen E, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Physical review letters 108, 259702 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.108.259702
Keywords: Editorial; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.108.259702
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“TEM study of the mechanism of Ni ion release from Nitinol wires with original oxides”. Tian H, Schryvers D, Shabalovskaya S, van Humbeeck J, , 05027 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1051/esomat/200905027
Abstract: The surface of commercial Nitinol wires with original oxides and a thickness in the 30-190 nm range was investigated by different state of art TEM techniques. The oxide surface layer was identified as a combination of TiO and TiO2 depending on the processing of the wire. Between the core of the wires and the oxidized surface, an interfacial Ni3Ti nanolayer was observed while Ni nanoparticles are found inside the original oxide. The particle sizes, their distribution in the surface and the Ti-O stoichiometry were deduced from the analysis of the obtained data. Molecular dynamics calculations performed for evaluation of the stability of Ni particles relative to the atomic state revealed that a pure Ni particle has a lower energy than free Ni atoms inside the TiO2 lattice. The obtained results are discussed with respect to surface stability and Ni release in the human body.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1051/esomat/200905027
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