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Author Van Gordon, K.; Baúlde, S.; Mychinko, M.; Heyvaert, W.; Obelleiro-Liz, M.; Criado, A.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Mosquera, J.
Title Tuning the Growth of Chiral Gold Nanoparticles Through Rational Design of a Chiral Molecular Inducer Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Nano Letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett.
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The bottom-up production of chiral gold nanomaterials holds great potential for the advancement of biosensing and nano-optics, among other applications. Reproducible preparations of colloidal nanomaterials with chiral morphology have been reported, using cosurfactants or chiral inducers such as thiolated amino acids. However, the underlying growth mechanisms for these nanomaterials remain insufficiently understood. We introduce herein a purposely devised chiral inducer, a cysteine modified with a hydrophobic chain, as a versatile chiral inducer. The amphiphilic and chiral features of this molecule provide control over the chiral morphology and the chiroptical signature of the obtained nanoparticles by simply varying the concentration of chiral inducer. These results are supported by circular dichroism and electromagnetic modeling as well as electron tomography to analyze structural evolution at the facet scale. Our observations suggest complex roles for the factors involved in chiral synthesis: the chemical nature of the chiral inducers and the influence of cosurfactants.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 001092787000001 Publication Date 2023-10-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes J.M. Taboada and F. Obelleiro are thanked for support with electromagnetic simulations. The authors acknowledge financial support by the European Research Council (ERC CoG No. 815128 REALNANO to S. Bals; ERC AdG No. 787510, 4DbioSERS to L.M.L.-M.) and from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “ESF Investing in your future” (Grant PID2020-117779RB-I00 to L.M.L.-M., Grant RYC2020-030183-I to A.C., and Grants RYC2019-027842-I, PID2020-117885GA-I00 to J.M.). Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:200590 Serial 8963
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Author de la Croix, T.; Claes, N.; Eyley, S.; Thielemans, W.; Bals, S.; De Vos, D.
Title Heterogeneous Pt-catalyzed transfer dehydrogenation of long-chain alkanes with ethylene Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Catalysis Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Catal. Sci. Technol.
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The dehydrogenation of long-chain alkanes to olefins and alkylaromatics is a challenging endothermic reaction, typically requiring harsh conditions which can lead to low selectivity and coking. More favorable thermodynamics can be achieved by using a hydrogen acceptor, such as ethylene. In this work, the potential of heterogeneous platinum catalysts for the transfer dehydrogenation of long-chain alkanes is investigated, using ethylene as a convenient hydrogen acceptor. Pt/C and Pt–Sn/C catalysts were prepared<italic>via</italic>a simple polyol method and characterized with CO pulse chemisorption, HAADF-STEM, and EDX measurements. Conversion of ethylene was monitored<italic>via</italic>gas-phase FTIR, and distribution of liquid products was analyzed<italic>via</italic>GC-FID, GC-MS, and 1H-NMR. Compared to unpromoted Pt/C, Sn-promoted catalysts show lower initial reaction rates, but better resistance to catalyst deactivation, while increasing selectivity towards alkylaromatics. Both reaction products and ethylene were found to inhibit the reaction significantly. At 250 °C for 22 h, TON up to 28 and 86 mol per mol Pt were obtained for Pt/C and PtSn<sub>2</sub>/C, respectively, with olefin selectivities of 94% and 53%. The remaining products were mainly unbranched alkylaromatics. These findings show the potential of simple heterogeneous catalysts in alkane transfer dehydrogenation, for the preparation of valuable olefins and alkylaromatics, or as an essential step in various tandem reactions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 001104905100001 Publication Date 2023-11-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2044-4753 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes T. de la Croix gratefully acknowledges the support of the Flanders Research Foundation (FWO) under project 11F6622N. D. De Vos is grateful to FWO for support of project G0D3721N, and to KU Leuven for the iBOF project 21/016/C3. S. Bals and N. Claes acknowledge funding from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (ERC Consolidator Grant No. 815128- REALNANO). W. Thielemans and S. Eyley thank KU Leuven (grant C14/18/061) and FWO (G0A1219N) for financial support. Approved Most recent IF: 5; 2023 IF: 5.773
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:201010 Serial 8968
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Author Bhatia, H.; Keshavarz, M.; Martin, C.; Van Gaal, L.; Zhang, Y.; de Coen, B.; Schrenker, N.J.; Valli, D.; Ottesen, M.; Bremholm, M.; Van de Vondel, J.; Bals, S.; Hofkens, J.; Debroye, E.
Title Achieving High Moisture Tolerance in Pseudohalide Perovskite Nanocrystals for Light-Emitting Diode Application Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication ACS Applied Optical Materials Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Opt. Mater.
Volume 1 Issue 6 Pages 1184-1191
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The addition of potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) to the FAPbBr3 structure and subsequent post-treatment of nanocrystals (NCs) lead to high quantum confinement, resulting in a photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) approaching unity and microsecond decay times. This synergistic approach demonstrated exceptional stability under humid conditions, retaining 70% of the PLQY for over a month, while the untreated NCs degrade within 24 h. Additionally, the devices incorporating the post-treated NCs displayed 1.5% external quantum efficiency (EQE), a 5-fold improvement over untreated devices. These results provide promising opportunities for the use of perovskites in moisture-stable optoelectronics.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos Publication Date 2023-06-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2771-9855 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Hercules Foundation, HER/11/14 ; European Commission; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci?n, PID2021-128761OA-C22 ; European Regional Development Fund; Vlaamse regering, CASAS2 Meth/15/04 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1238622N 1514220N 1S45223N G.0B39.15 G.0B49.15 G098319N S002019N ZW15_09-GOH6316 ; Onderzoeksraad, KU Leuven, C14/19/079 db/21/006/bm iBOF-21-085 STG/21/010 ; Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, SBPLY/21/180501/000127 ; H2020 European Research Council, 642196 815128 ; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:201011 Serial 8975
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Author Grünewald, L.; Chezganov, D.; De Meyer, R.; Orekhov, A.; Van Aert, S.; Bogaerts, A.; Bals, S.; Verbeeck, J.
Title In Situ Plasma Studies Using a Direct Current Microplasma in a Scanning Electron Microscope Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Advanced Materials Technologies Abbreviated Journal Adv Materials Technologies
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Microplasmas can be used for a wide range of technological applications and to improve the understanding of fundamental physics. Scanning electron microscopy, on the other hand, provides insights into the sample morphology and chemistry of materials from the mm‐ down to the nm‐scale. Combining both would provide direct insight into plasma‐sample interactions in real‐time and at high spatial resolution. Up till now, very few attempts in this direction have been made, and significant challenges remain. This work presents a stable direct current glow discharge microplasma setup built inside a scanning electron microscope. The experimental setup is capable of real‐time in situ imaging of the sample evolution during plasma operation and it demonstrates localized sputtering and sample oxidation. Further, the experimental parameters such as varying gas mixtures, electrode polarity, and field strength are explored and experimental<italic>V</italic>–<italic>I</italic>curves under various conditions are provided. These results demonstrate the capabilities of this setup in potential investigations of plasma physics, plasma‐surface interactions, and materials science and its practical applications. The presented setup shows the potential to have several technological applications, for example, to locally modify the sample surface (e.g., local oxidation and ion implantation for nanotechnology applications) on the µm‐scale.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 001168639900001 Publication Date 2024-02-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2365-709X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 6.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes L.G., S.B., and J.V. acknowledge support from the iBOF-21-085 PERsist research fund. D.C., S.V.A., and J.V. acknowledge funding from a TOPBOF project of the University of Antwerp (FFB 170366). R.D.M., A.B., and J.V. acknowledge funding from the Methusalem project of the University of Antwerp (FFB 15001A, FFB 15001C). A.O. and J.V. acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) project SBO S000121N. Approved Most recent IF: 6.8; 2024 IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:204363 Serial 8995
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Author De Meyer, R.; Gorbanev, Y.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Cool, P.; Bals, S.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Importance of plasma discharge characteristics in plasma catalysis: Dry reforming of methane vs. ammonia synthesis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chemical Engineering Journal
Volume 488 Issue Pages 150838
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Plasma catalysis is a rapidly growing field, often employing a packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor. Such dielectric barrier discharges are complex, especially when a packing material (e.g., a catalyst) is introduced in the discharge volume. Catalysts are known to affect the plasma discharge, though the underlying mechanisms influencing the plasma physics are not fully understood. Moreover, the effect of the catalysts on the plasma discharge and its subsequent effect on the overall performance is often overlooked. In this work, we deliberately design and synthesize catalysts to affect the plasma discharge in different ways. These Ni or Co alumina-based catalysts are used in plasma-catalytic dry reforming of methane and ammonia synthesis. Our work shows that introducing a metal to the dielectric packing can affect the plasma discharge, and that the distribution of the metal is crucial in this regard. Further, the altered discharge can greatly influence the overall performance. In an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge reactor, this apparently more uniform plasma yields a significantly better performance for ammonia synthesis compared to the more conventional filamentary discharge, while it underperforms in dry reforming of methane. This study stresses the importance of analyzing the plasma discharge in plasma catalysis experiments. We hope this work encourages a more critical view on the plasma discharge characteristics when studying various catalysts in a plasma reactor.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 001221606600001 Publication Date 2024-03-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes This research was supported through long-term structural funding (Methusalem FFB15001C) and by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme with grant agreement No 810182 (SCOPE ERC Synergy project) and with grant agreement No 815128 (REALNANO). We acknowledge the practical contribution of Senne Van Doorslaer. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2024 IF: 6.216
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:205154 Serial 9115
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Author Chakraborty, J.; Chatterjee, A.; Molkens, K.; Nath, I.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bourda, L.; Watson, G.; Liu, C.; Van Thourhout, D.; Bals, S.; Geiregat, P.; Van der Voort, P.
Title Decoding Excimer Formation in Covalent–Organic Frameworks Induced by Morphology and Ring Torsion Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Advanced materials Abbreviated Journal Advanced Materials
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract A thorough and quantitative understanding of the fate of excitons in covalent–organic frameworks (COFs) after photoexcitation is essential for their augmented optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications via precise structure tuning. The synthesis of a library of COFs having identical chemical backbone with impeded conjugation, but varied morphology and surface topography to study the effect of these physical properties on the photophysics of the materials is herein reported. The variation of crystallite size and surface topography substantified different aggregation pattern in the COFs, which leads to disparities in their photoexcitation and relaxation properties. Depending on aggregation, an inverse correlation between bulk luminescence decay time and exciton binding energy of the materials is perceived. Further transient absorption spectroscopic analysis confirms the presence of highly localized, immobile, Frenkel excitons (of diameter 0.3–0.5 nm) via an absence of annihilation at high density, most likely induced by structural torsion of the COF skeletons, which in turn preferentially relaxes via long‐lived (nanosecond to microsecond) excimer formation (in femtosecond scale) over direct emission. These insights underpin the importance of structural and topological design of COFs for their targeted use in photocatalysis.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 001206226700001 Publication Date 2024-04-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0935-9648 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 29.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes PVDV, JC, AC, and IN acknowledge the FWO-Vlaanderen for research grant G020521N and the research board of UGent (BOF) through a Concerted Research Action (GOA010-17). JC acknowledges UGent for BOF postdoctoral grant (2022.0032.01). AC acknowledges FWO- Vlaanderen for postdoctoral grant (12T7521N). KM, DVT and PG acknowledges FWO- Vlaanderen for research grant G0B2921N. SB and DAE acknowledge financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO. CHL acknowledges China Scholarship Council doctoral grant (201908110280). PVDV acknowledges Hercules Project AUGE/17/07 for the UV VIS DRS spectrometer and UGent BASBOF BOF20/BAS/015 for the powder X-Ray Diffractometer. PG thanks UGent for support of the Core Facility NOLIMITS. Approved Most recent IF: 29.4; 2024 IF: 19.791
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:205967 Serial 9118
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Author Ignatova, K.; Vlasov, E.; Seddon, S.D.; Gauquelin, N.; Verbeeck, J.; Wermeille, D.; Bals, S.; Hase, T.P.A.; Arnalds, U.B.
Title Phase coexistence induced surface roughness in V2O3/Ni magnetic heterostructures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication APL materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 12 Issue 4 Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract We present an investigation of the microstructure changes in V2O3 as it goes through its inherent structural phase transition. Using V2O3 films with a well-defined crystal structure deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering on r-plane Al2O3 substrates, we study the phase coexistence region and its impact on the surface roughness of the films and the magnetic properties of overlying Ni magnetic layers in V2O3/Ni hybrid magnetic heterostructures. The simultaneous presence of two phases in V2O3 during its structural phase transition was identified with high resolution x-ray diffraction and led to an increase in surface roughness observed using x-ray reflectivity. The roughness reaches its maximum at the midpoint of the transition. In V2O3/Ni hybrid heterostructures, we find a concomitant increase in the coercivity of the magnetic layer correlated with the increased roughness of the V2O3 surface. The chemical homogeneity of the V2O3 is confirmed through transmission electron microscopy analysis. High-angle annular dark field imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy reveal an atomically flat interface between Al2O3 and V2O3, as well as a sharp interface between V2O3 and Ni.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 001202661800003 Publication Date 2024-04-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2166-532X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 6.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes This work was supported by the funding from the University of Iceland Research Fund, the Icelandic Research Fund Grant No. 207111. Instrumentation funding from the Icelandic Infrastructure Fund is acknowledged. This work was based on experiments per- formed at the BM28 (XMaS) beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France. XMaS is a National Research Facility funded by the UK EPSRC and managed by the Universi- ties of Liverpool and Warwick. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 823717—ESTEEM3. Approved Most recent IF: 6.1; 2024 IF: 4.335
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:205569 Serial 9120
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Author Vlasov, E.; Heyvaert, W.; Ni, B.; Van Gordon, K.; Girod, R.; Verbeeck, J.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S.
Title High-Throughput Morphological Chirality Quantification of Twisted and Wrinkled Gold Nanorods Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication ACS Nano Abbreviated Journal ACS Nano
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Chirality in gold nanostructures offers an exciting opportunity to tune their differential optical response to left- and right-handed circularly polarized light, as well as their interactions with biomolecules and living matter. However, tuning and understanding such interactions demands quantification of the structural features that are responsible for the chiral behavior. Electron tomography (ET) enables structural characterization at the single-particle level and has been used to quantify the helicity of complex chiral nanorods. However, the technique is time-consuming and consequently lacks statistical value. To address this issue, we introduce herein a high-throughput methodology that combines images acquired by secondary electron-based electron beam-induced current (SEEBIC) with quantitative image analysis. As a result, the geometric chirality of hundreds of nanoparticles can be quantified in less than 1 h. When combining the drastic gain in data collection efficiency of SEEBIC with a limited number of ET data sets, a better understanding of how the chiral structure of individual chiral nanoparticles translates into the ensemble chiroptical response can be reached.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 001227683500001 Publication Date 2024-04-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes The authors acknowledge financial support by the European Research Council (ERC CoG No. 815128 REALNANO to S.B.) and from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grant PID2020-117779RB-I00 to L.M.L.-M and FPI Fellowship PRE2021-097588 to K.V.G.). Funded by the European Union under Project 101131111 − DELIGHT, JV acknowledges the eBEAM project supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program FETPROACT-EIC-07- 2020: emerging paradigms and communities. Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2024 IF: 13.942
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:206329 Serial 9121
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Author Guerrero, R.M.; Lemir, I.D.; Carrasco, S.; Fernández-Ruiz, C.; Kavak, S.; Pizarro, P.; Serrano, D.P.; Bals, S.; Horcajada, P.; Pérez, Y.
Title Scaling-Up Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Highly Defective Pd@UiO-66-NH2Catalysts for Selective Olefin Hydrogenation under Ambient Conditions Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The need to develop green and cost-effective industrial catalytic processes has led to growing interest in preparing more robust, efficient, and selective heterogeneous catalysts at a large scale. In this regard, microwave-assisted synthesis is a fast method for fabricating heterogeneous catalysts (including metal oxides, zeolites, metal–organic frameworks, and supported metal nanoparticles) with enhanced catalytic properties, enabling synthesis scale-up. Herein, the synthesis of nanosized UiO-66-NH2 was optimized via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to obtain defective matrices essential for the stabilization of metal nanoparticles, promoting catalytically active sites for hydrogenation reactions (760 kg·m–3·day–1 space time yield, STY). Then, this protocol was scaled up in a multimodal microwave reactor, reaching 86% yield (ca. 1 g, 1450 kg·m–3·day–1 STY) in only 30 min. Afterward, Pd nanoparticles were formed in situ decorating the nanoMOF by an effective and fast microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, resulting in the formation of Pd@UiO-66-NH2 composites. Both the localization and oxidation states of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) in the MOF were achieved using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The optimal composite, loaded with 1.7 wt % Pd, exhibited an extraordinary catalytic activity (>95% yield, 100% selectivity) under mild conditions (1 bar H2, 25 °C, 1 h reaction time), not only in the selective hydrogenation of a variety of single alkenes (1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-tridecene, cyclohexene, and tetraphenyl ethylene) but also in the conversion of a complex mixture of alkenes (i.e., 1-hexene, 1-tridecene, and anethole). The results showed a powerful interaction and synergy between the active phase (Pd NPs) and the catalytic porous scaffold (UiO-66-NH2), which are essential for the selectivity and recyclability.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 001227929100001 Publication Date 2024-04-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited Open Access
Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from “Comunidad de Madrid” and European Regional Development Fund-FEDER through the project HUB MADRID+CIRCULAR; the State Research Agency (MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033) through the grant with reference number CEX2019-000931-M received in the 2019 call for “Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence” and “María de Maeztu Units of Excellence” of the State Programme for Knowledge Generation and Scientific and Technological Strengthening of the R&D&I System; and MICIU through the project “NAPOLION” (PID2022-139956OB-I00). S.K. acknowledges the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen) through a PhD research grant (1181124N). Approved Most recent IF: 9.5; 2024 IF: 7.504
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:206322 Serial 9126
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Author Van Gordon, K.; Ni, B.; Girod, R.; Mychinko, M.; Bevilacqua, F.; Bals, S.; Liz‐Marzán, L.M.
Title Single Crystal and Pentatwinned Gold Nanorods Result in Chiral Nanocrystals with Reverse Handedness Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Angewandte Chemie International Edition Abbreviated Journal Angew Chem Int Ed
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Handedness is an essential attribute of chiral nanocrystals, having a major influence on their properties. During chemical growth, the handedness of nanocrystals is usually tuned by selecting the corresponding enantiomer of chiral molecules involved in asymmetric growth, often known as chiral inducers. We report that, even using the same chiral inducer enantiomer, the handedness of chiral gold nanocrystals can be reversed by using Au nanorod seeds with either single crystalline or pentatwinned structure. This effect holds for chiral growth induced both by amino acids and by chiral micelles. Although it was challenging to discern the morphological handedness for<italic>L</italic>‐cystine‐directed particles, even using electron tomography, both cases showed circular dichroism bands of opposite sign, with nearly mirrored chiroptical signatures for chiral micelle‐directed growth, along with quasi‐helical wrinkles of inverted handedness. These results expand the chiral growth toolbox with an effect that might be exploited to yield a host of interesting morphologies with tunable optical properties.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 001230287700001 Publication Date 2024-05-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1433-7851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited Open Access
Notes Ana Sánchez-Iglesias is acknowledged for support in the synthesis of pentatwinned gold nanorods. The authors acknowledge financial support by the European Research Council (ERC CoG No. 815128 REALNANO to S.B.), from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grant PID2020- 117779RB-I00 to L.M.L.-M and FPI Fellowship PRE2021- 097588 to K.V.G.), and by KU Leuven (C14/22/085). This work has been funded by the European Union under Project 101131111—DELIGHT. Funding for open access charge: Universidade de Vigo/ CRUE-CISUG. Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2024 IF: 11.994
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:206328 Serial 9129
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Author Chakraborty, J.; Chatterjee, A.; Molkens, K.; Nath, I.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bourda, L.; Watson, G.; Liu, C.; Van Thourhout, D.; Bals, S.; Geiregat, P.; Van der Voort, P.
Title Decoding Excimer Formation in Covalent–Organic Frameworks Induced by Morphology and Ring Torsion Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Advanced materials Abbreviated Journal Advanced Materials
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract A thorough and quantitative understanding of the fate of excitons in covalent–organic frameworks (COFs) after photoexcitation is essential for their augmented optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications via precise structure tuning. The synthesis of a library of COFs having identical chemical backbone with impeded conjugation, but varied morphology and surface topography to study the effect of these physical properties on the photophysics of the materials is herein reported. The variation of crystallite size and surface topography substantified different aggregation pattern in the COFs, which leads to disparities in their photoexcitation and relaxation properties. Depending on aggregation, an inverse correlation between bulk luminescence decay time and exciton binding energy of the materials is perceived. Further transient absorption spectroscopic analysis confirms the presence of highly localized, immobile, Frenkel excitons (of diameter 0.3–0.5 nm) via an absence of annihilation at high density, most likely induced by structural torsion of the COF skeletons, which in turn preferentially relaxes via long‐lived (nanosecond to microsecond) excimer formation (in femtosecond scale) over direct emission. These insights underpin the importance of structural and topological design of COFs for their targeted use in photocatalysis.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 001206226700001 Publication Date 2024-04-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0935-9648 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 29.4 Times cited Open Access
Notes PVDV, JC, AC, and IN acknowledge the FWO-Vlaanderen for research grant G020521N and the research board of UGent (BOF) through a Concerted Research Action (GOA010-17). JC acknowledges UGent for BOF postdoctoral grant (2022.0032.01). AC acknowledges FWOVlaanderen for postdoctoral grant (12T7521N). KM, DVT and PG acknowledges FWOVlaanderen for research grant G0B2921N. SB and DAE acknowledge financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO. CHL acknowledges China Scholarship Council doctoral grant (201908110280). PVDV acknowledges Hercules Project AUGE/17/07 for the UV VIS DRS spectrometer and UGent BASBOF BOF20/BAS/015 for the powder X-Ray Diffractometer. PG thanks UGent for support of the Core Facility NOLIMITS. Approved Most recent IF: 29.4; 2024 IF: 19.791
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:205967 Serial 9130
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Cioni, M.; Delle Piane, M.; Polino, D.; Rapetti, D.; Crippa, M.; Arslan Irmak, E.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S.; Pavan, G.M.
Title Sampling real-time atomic dynamics in metal nanoparticles by combining experiments, simulations, and machine learning Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Advanced Science Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Even at low temperatures, metal nanoparticles (NPs) possess atomic dynamics that are key for their properties but challenging to elucidate. Recent experimental advances allow obtaining atomic-resolution snapshots of the NPs in realistic regimes, but data acquisition limitations hinder the experimental reconstruction of the atomic dynamics present within them. Molecular simulations have the advantage that these allow directly tracking the motion of atoms over time. However, these typically start from ideal/perfect NP structures and, suffering from sampling limits, provide results that are often dependent on the initial/putative structure and remain purely indicative. Here, by combining state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches, how it is possible to tackle the limitations of both approaches and resolve the atomistic dynamics present in metal NPs in realistic conditions is demonstrated. Annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy enables the acquisition of ten high-resolution images of an Au NP at intervals of 0.6 s. These are used to reconstruct atomistic 3D models of the real NP used to run ten independent molecular dynamics simulations. Machine learning analyses of the simulation trajectories allow resolving the real-time atomic dynamics present within the NP. This provides a robust combined experimental/computational approach to characterize the structural dynamics of metal NPs in realistic conditions. Experimental and computational techniques are bridged to unveil atomic dynamics in gold nanoparticles (NPs), using annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations informed by machine learning. The approach provides unprecedented insights into the real-time structural behaviors of NPs, merging state-of-the-art techniques to accurately characterize their dynamics under realistic conditions. image
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 001206888000001 Publication Date 2024-04-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2198-3844 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 15.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes This work was supported by the funding received by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement no. 818776- DYNAPOL, no. 770887 PICOMETRICS and no. 815128 REALNANO). The authors also acknowledge the computational resources provided by the Swiss National Supercomputing Center (CSCS), by CINECA, and the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) G.0346.21N. Approved Most recent IF: 15.1; 2024 IF: 9.034
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205442 Serial 9171
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Author Ding, Y.; Wang, C.; Bandaru, S.; Pei, L.; Zheng, R.; Hau Ng, Y.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bals, S.; Zhong, J.; Hofkens, J.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.; Chen, L.-H.; Su, B.-L.
Title Cs3Bi2Br9 nanoparticles decorated C3N4 nanotubes composite photocatalyst for highly selective oxidation of benzylic alcohol Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Abbreviated Journal Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
Volume 672 Issue Pages 600-609
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Solar-light driven oxidation of benzylic alcohols over photocatalysts endows significant prospects in value-added organics evolution owing to its facile, inexpensive and sustainable process. However, the unsatisfactory performance of actual photocatalysts due to the inefficient charge separation, low photoredox potential and sluggish surface reaction impedes the practical application of this process. Herein, we developed an innovative Z-Scheme Cs3BiBr9 nanoparticles@porous C3N4 tubes (CBB-NP@P-tube-CN) heterojunction photocatalyst for highly selective benzyl alcohol oxidation. Such composite combining increased photo-oxidation potential, Z-Scheme charge migration route as well as the structural advantages of porous tubular C3N4 ensures the accelerated mass and ions diffusion kinetics, the fast photoinduced carriers dissociation and sufficient photoredox potentials. The CBB-NP@P-tube-CN photocatalyst demonstrates an exceptional performance for selective photo-oxidation of benzylic alcohol into benzaldehyde with 19, 14 and 3 times higher benzylic alcohols conversion rate than those of C3N4 nanotubes, Cs3Bi2Br9 and Cs3Bi2Br9@bulk C3N4 photocatalysts, respectively. This work offers a sustainable photocatalytic system based on lead-free halide perovskite toward large scale solar-light driven value-added chemicals production.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 001251644100001 Publication Date 2024-06-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-9797 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes This work is financially supported by the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (No. LQ24E020011), and National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 12374372, 52072101)., Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University (IRT_15R52) of the Chinese Ministry of Education and Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities-Plan 111 (Grant No. B20002) from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education of China. This research is also supported by the European Commission Interreg V France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen project “DepollutAir”. Approved Most recent IF: 9.9; 2024 IF: 4.233
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:206675 Serial 9250
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Author Jeong, Y.; Han, B.; Tamayo, A.; Claes, N.; Bals, S.; Samorì, P.
Title Defect Engineering of MoTe2via Thiol Treatment for Type III van der Waals Heterojunction Phototransistor Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication ACS Nano Abbreviated Journal ACS Nano
Volume 18 Issue 28 Pages 18334-18343
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) nanosheets have displayed intriguing physicochemical properties and opto-electric characteristics as a result of their tunable and

small band gap (Eg ∼ 1 eV), facilitating concurrent electron and hole transport. Despite the numerous efforts devoted to the development of p-type MoTe2 field-effect transistors (FETs), the presence of tellurium (Te) point vacancies has caused serious reliability issues. Here, we overcome this major

limitation by treating the MoTe2 surface with thiolated molecules to heal Te vacancies. Comprehensive materials and electrical characterizations provided unambiguous evidence for the efficient chemisorption of butanethiol. Our thiol-treated MoTe2 FET exhibited a 10-fold increase in hole current and a positive threshold voltage shift of 25 V, indicative of efficient hole carrier doping. We demonstrated that our powerful molecular engineering strategy can be extended to the controlled formation of van der Waals heterostructures by developing an n-SnS2/thiol-MoTe2 junction FET (thiol-JFET). Notably, the thiol-JFET exhibited a significant negative photoresponse with a responsivity of 50 A W−1 and a fast response time of 80 ms based on band-to-band tunneling. More interestingly, the

thiol-JFET displayed a gate tunable trimodal photodetection comprising two photoactive modes (positive and negative photoresponse) and one photoinactive mode. These findings underscore the potential of molecular engineering approaches in

enhancing the performance and functionality of MoTe2-based nanodevices as key components in advanced 2D-based optoelectronics.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=brocade2&SrcAuth=WosAPI&KeyUT=WOS:001264 Publication Date 2024-07-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record
Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited Open Access
Notes The authors acknowledge the financial support from the FLAG-ERA project MULTISPIN funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR-21-GRF1-0003-01). We also acknowledge funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme through the project HYPERSONIC (GA-101129613) and the ERC project SUPRA2DMAT (GA-833707) as well as the ANR through the Interdisciplinary Thematic Institute SysChem via the IdEx Unistra (ANR-10-IDEX-0002) within the program Investissement d’Avenir, the Foundation Jean-Marie Lehn and the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF). This work was also supported by National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by Korea government (MSIT) (No. RS-2023- 00251360). Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2024 IF: 13.942
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:207002 Serial 9252
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Author Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Claes, N.; Wang, D.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Nandi, P.; Jenkinson, K.; De Meyer, R.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S.
Title Direct visualization of ligands on gold nanoparticles in a liquid environment Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Nature Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Nat. Chem.
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The interaction among Au nanoparticles, their surface ligands and the solvent critically influences the properties of nanoparticles. Despite employing spectroscopic and scattering techniques to investigate their ensemble structure, a comprehensive understanding at the nanoscale remains elusive. Electron microscopy enables characterization of the local structure and composition but is limited by insufficient contrast, electron beam sensitivity and ultra-high vacuum, which prevent the investigation of dynamic aspects. Here we show that, by exploiting high-quality graphene liquid cells, we can overcome these limitations and investigate the structure of the ligand shell around the Au nanoparticles, as well as the ligand-Au interface in a liquid environment. Using this graphene liquid cell, we visualize the anisotropy, composition and dynamics of ligand distribution at the Au nanorod surface. Our results indicate a micellar model for the surfactant organisation. This work opens up a reliable and direct visualization of ligand distribution around colloidal nanoparticles.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=brocade2&SrcAuth=WosAPI&KeyUT=WOS:001257 Publication Date 2024-06-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1755-4330 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record
Impact Factor 21.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes S.B., and A.P.-T. acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme by grant no. 731019 (EUSMI) and ERC Consolidator grant no. 815128 (REALNANO). D.W. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020 program (Grant 894254 SuprAtom). L.L.-M. acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant 787510, 4DbioSERS) and the Spanish State Research Agency (Project PID2020-117779RB-I00 and MDM-2017-0720). The authors acknowledge Dr. J. Mosquera and Dr. Jimenez de Aberasturi for provision of samples and useful discussions. Approved Most recent IF: 21.8; 2024 IF: 25.87
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:207062 Serial 9256
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Author Chowdhury, M.S.; Esteban, D.A.; Amin, R.; Román-Freijeiro, C.; Rösch, E.L.; Etzkorn, M.; Schilling, M.; Ludwig, F.; Bals, S.; Salgueiriño, V.; Lak, A.
Title Organic Molecular Glues to Design Three-Dimensional Cubic Nano-assemblies of Magnetic Nanoparticles Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Chemistry of Materials Abbreviated Journal Chem. Mater.
Volume 36 Issue 14 Pages 6865-6876
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=brocade2&SrcAuth=WosAPI&KeyUT=WOS:001275 Publication Date 2024-07-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited Open Access
Notes Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci?n, PID2020-119242-I00 ; Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, LA 4923/3-1 RTG 1952 ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, 823717 ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2024 IF: 9.466
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:207594 Serial 9258
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Author Arenas Esteban, D.; Wang, D.; Kadu, A.; Olluyn, N.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Gomez-Perez, A.; González-Casablanca, J.; Nicolopoulos, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S.
Title Quantitative 3D structural analysis of small colloidal assemblies under native conditions by liquid-cell fast electron tomography Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Nature Communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun
Volume 15 Issue 1 Pages 6399
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Electron tomography has become a commonly used tool to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanomaterials, including colloidal nanoparticle assemblies. However, electron microscopy is typically done under high-vacuum conditions, requiring sample preparation for assemblies obtained by wet colloid chemistry methods. This involves solvent evaporation and deposition on a solid support, which consistently alters the nanoparticle organization. Here, we suggest using electron tomography to study nanoparticle assemblies in their original colloidal liquid environment. To address the challenges related to electron tomography in liquid, we devise a method that combines fast data acquisition in a commercial liquid-cell with a dedicated alignment and reconstruction workflow. We present the advantages of this methodology in accurately characterizing two different systems. 3D reconstructions of assemblies comprising polystyrene-capped Au nanoparticles encapsulated in polymeric shells reveal less compact and more distorted configurations for experiments performed in a liquid medium compared to their dried counterparts. A similar expanded trend can be observed in quantitative analysis of the surface-to-surface distances of self-assembled Au nanorods in water rather than in a vacuum, which agrees with bulk measurements. This study, therefore, emphasizes the importance of developing high-resolution characterization tools that preserve the native environment of colloidal nanostructures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=brocade2&SrcAuth=WosAPI&KeyUT=WOS:001281 Publication Date 2024-07-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited Open Access
Notes S.B., D.A.E., D.W., N.O., and A.K. acknowledge financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO and Horizon Europe MSCA-SE no. 101131111 – DELIGHT. D.W. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020 program (grant 894254 SuprAtom). L.M.L.M. acknowledges financial support from Project PID2020-117779RB-I00, State Research Agency of Spain, Ministry of Science and Innovation. Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2024 IF: 12.124
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:207654 Serial 9272
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Author Schrenker, N.J.; Braeckevelt, T.; De Backer, A.; Livakas, N.; Yu, C.-P.; Friedrich, T.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.; Hofkens, J.; Verbeeck, J.; Manna, L.; Van Speybroeck, V.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S.
Title Investigation of the Octahedral Network Structure in Formamidinium Lead Bromide Nanocrystals by Low-Dose Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication Nano Letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett.
Volume 24 Issue 35 Pages 10936-10942
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Metal halide perovskites (MHP) are highly promising semiconductors. In this study, we focus on FAPbBr3 nanocrystals, which are of great interest for green light-emitting diodes. Structural parameters significantly impact the properties of MHPs and are linked to phase instability, which hampers long-term applications. Clearly, there is a need for local and precise characterization techniques at the atomic scale, such as transmission electron microscopy. Because of the high electron beam sensitivity of MHPs, these investigations are extremely challenging. Here, we applied a low-dose method based on four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy. We quantified the observed elongation of the projections of the Br atomic columns, suggesting an alternation in the position of the Br atoms perpendicular to the Pb–Br–Pb bonds. Together with molecular dynamics simulations, these results remarkably reveal local distortions in an on-average cubic structure. Additionally, this study provides an approach to prospectively investigating the fundamental degradation mechanisms of MHPs.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos Publication Date 2024-09-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO) through project fundings (G0A7723N) and a postdoctoral fellowship to N.J.S. (FWO Grants 1238622N and V413524N). The authors acknowledge financial support from iBOF-21-085 PERSIST. S.B. and S.V.A. acknowledge financial support from the European Commission by ERC Consolidator Grant 815128 (REALNANO) and Grant 770887 (PICOMETRICS). L.M. acknowledges financial support from the European Commission by ERC Advanced Grant 101095974 (NEHA). V.V.S. furthermore acknowledges the Research Fund of Ghent University (BOF) for its financial support. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO), and the Flemish Government. Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2024 IF: 12.712
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 9273
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Author Zani, V.; Renero-Lecuna, C.; Jimenez de Aberasturi, D.; di Silvio, D.; Kavak, S.; Bals, S.; Signorini, R.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.
Title Core–Shell Colloidal Nanocomposites for Local Temperature Monitoring during Photothermal Heating Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication The Journal of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J. Phys. Chem. C
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Determining temperature changes at the heating site to accurately control thermal treatments has been a major goal in the field of nanothermometry. In this study, we address the need to effectively monitor local temperature during the application of photothermal therapies, which is essential to prevent uncontrolled heating induced by nanoparticle sensitizers used in such treatments. For this purpose, we developed a synthetic protocol to produce a nanocomposite probe that allows local photothermal heating and simultaneous in situ optical nanothermometry, within the biological transparency windows. The nanocomposite material comprises gold nanorods for light-to-heat conversion and neodymium (Nd3+)-based nanoparticles for local temperature monitoring. An inert spacer made of mesoporous silica provides a core-shell structure and ensures uniform separation between both functionalities to prevent photoluminescence quenching. By using an 808 nm laser as the source for both heating and photoluminescence excitation, we demonstrate a direct correlation between local temperature and near infrared Nd3+ emission intensities, thereby providing precise local temperature monitoring. Different levels of local heating were studied by varying the incident laser power, resulting in a maximum temperature increase of 47 °C detected with the nanothermometers. Albeit presented here as a proof of concept, this concept can be translated to the design of materials for photothermal therapy.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos Publication Date 2024-10-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes L.L.L.-M. acknowledges financial support by the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación and FEDER (PID2023-151281OB-I00), S.K. acknowledges the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen) through a PhD research grant (Project numbers: 1181122N & 1181124N) and the European Research Council (CoG 815128, REALNANO). Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2024 IF: 4.536
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 9328
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Author Batenburg, K.J.; Bals, S.; Sijbers, J.; Kübel, C.; Midgley, P.A.; Hernandez, J.C.; Kaiser, U.; Encina, E.R.; Coronado, E.A.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title 3D imaging of nanomaterials by discrete tomography Type A1 Journal article
Year 2009 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 109 Issue 6 Pages 730-740
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Abstract The field of discrete tomography focuses on the reconstruction of samples that consist of only a few different materials. Ideally, a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of such a sample should contain only one grey level for each of the compositions in the sample. By exploiting this property in the reconstruction algorithm, either the quality of the reconstruction can be improved significantly, or the number of required projection images can be reduced. The discrete reconstruction typically contains fewer artifacts and does not have to be segmented, as it already contains one grey level for each composition. Recently, a new algorithm, called discrete algebraic reconstruction technique (DART), has been proposed that can be used effectively on experimental electron tomography datasets. In this paper, we propose discrete tomography as a general reconstruction method for electron tomography in materials science. We describe the basic principles of DART and show that it can be applied successfully to three different types of samples, consisting of embedded ErSi2 nanocrystals, a carbon nanotube grown from a catalyst particle and a single gold nanoparticle, respectively.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language (down) Wos 000265816400005 Publication Date 2009-02-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 220 Open Access
Notes Fwo; Esteem 026019 Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2009 IF: 2.067
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:74665 c:irua:74665 Serial 12
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Author Roelandts, T.; Batenburg, K.J.; Biermans, E.; Kübel, C.; Bals, S.; Sijbers, J.
Title Accurate segmentation of dense nanoparticles by partially discrete electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 114 Issue Pages 96-105
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Abstract Accurate segmentation of nanoparticles within various matrix materials is a difficult problem in electron tomography. Due to artifacts related to image series acquisition and reconstruction, global thresholding of reconstructions computed by established algorithms, such as weighted backprojection or SIRT, may result in unreliable and subjective segmentations. In this paper, we introduce the Partially Discrete Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (PDART) for computing accurate segmentations of dense nanoparticles of constant composition. The particles are segmented directly by the reconstruction algorithm, while the surrounding regions are reconstructed using continuously varying gray levels. As no properties are assumed for the other compositions of the sample, the technique can be applied to any sample where dense nanoparticles must be segmented, regardless of the surrounding compositions. For both experimental and simulated data, it is shown that PDART yields significantly more accurate segmentations than those obtained by optimal global thresholding of the SIRT reconstruction.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language (down) Wos 000301954300011 Publication Date 2012-01-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 34 Open Access
Notes Fwo Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2012 IF: 2.470
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:97710 Serial 52
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Author Goris, B.; Roelandts, T.; Batenburg, K.J.; Heidari Mezerji, H.; Bals, S.
Title Advanced reconstruction algorithms for electron tomography : from comparison to combination Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 127 Issue Pages 40-47
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Abstract In this work, the simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT), the total variation minimization (TVM) reconstruction technique and the discrete algebraic reconstruction technique (DART) for electron tomography are compared and the advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Furthermore, we describe how the result of a three dimensional (3D) reconstruction based on TVM can provide objective information that is needed as the input for a DART reconstruction. This approach results in a tomographic reconstruction of which the segmentation is carried out in an objective manner.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language (down) Wos 000316659100007 Publication Date 2012-08-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 63 Open Access
Notes Fwo Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2013 IF: 2.745
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:101217 Serial 72
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Author Casavola, M.; van Huis, M.A.; Bals, S.; Lambert, K.; Hens, Z.; Vanmaekelbergh, D.
Title Anisotropic cation exchange in PbSe/CdSe core/shell nanocrystals of different geometry Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 24 Issue 2 Pages 294-302
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract We present a study of Cd2+-for-Pb2+ exchange in PbSe nanocrystals (NCs) with cube, star, and rod shapes. Prolonged temperature-activated cation exchange results in PbSe/CdSe heterostructured nanocrystals (HNCs) that preserve their specific overall shape, whereas the PbSe core is strongly faceted with dominance of {111} facets. Hence, cation exchange proceeds while the Se anion lattice is preserved, and well-defined {111}/{111} PbSe/CdSe interfaces develop. Interestingly, by quenching the reaction at different stages of the cation exchange new structures have been isolated, such as coreshell nanorods, CdSe rods that contain one or two separated PbSe dots and fully zinc blende CdSe nanorods. The crystallographically anisotropic cation exchange has been characterized by a combined HRTEM/HAADF-STEM study of heterointerface evolution over reaction time and temperature. Strikingly, Pb and Cd are only intermixed at the PbSe/CdSe interface. We propose a plausible model for the cation exchange based on a layer-by-layer replacement of Pb2+ by Cd2+ enabled by a vacancy-assisted cation migration mechanism.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor
Language (down) Wos 000299367500008 Publication Date 2011-11-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 136 Open Access
Notes Esteem 026019 Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2012 IF: 8.238
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:94211 Serial 124
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Author Bals, S.; Kabius, B.; Haider, M.; Radmilovic, V.; Kisielowski, C.
Title Annular dark field imaging in a TEM Type A1 Journal article
Year 2004 Publication Solid state communications Abbreviated Journal Solid State Commun
Volume 130 Issue 10 Pages 675-680
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Annular objective apertures are fabricated for a CM300 transmission electron microscope using a focused ion beam system. A central beam stop in the back focal plane of the objective lens of the microscope blocks all electrons scattered up to a semi-angle of approximately 20 mrad. In this manner, contributions to the image from Bragg scattering are largely reduced and the image contrast is sensitive to the atomic number Z. Experimentally, we find that single atom scattering cross sections measured with this technique are close to Rutherford scattering values. A comparison between this new method and STEM-HAADF shows that both techniques result in qualitatively similar images although the resolution of ADF-TEM is limited by contrast delocalization caused by the spherical aberration of the objective lens. This problem can be overcome by using an aberration corrected microscope.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor
Language (down) Wos 000221489300007 Publication Date 2004-04-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0038-1098; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.554 Times cited 43 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.554; 2004 IF: 1.523
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:87584 Serial 132
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Leroux, F.; Bladt, E.; Timmermans, J.-P.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.
Title Annular dark-field transmission electron microscopy for low contrast materials Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Microscopy and microanalysis Abbreviated Journal Microsc Microanal
Volume 19 Issue 3 Pages 629-634
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Imaging soft matter by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is anything but straightforward. Recently, interest has grown in developing alternative imaging modes that generate contrast without additional staining. Here, we present a dark-field TEM technique based on the use of an annular objective aperture. Our experiments demonstrate an increase in both contrast and signal-to-noise ratio in comparison to conventional bright-field TEM. The proposed technique is easy to implement and offers an alternative imaging mode to investigate soft matter.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge, Mass. Editor
Language (down) Wos 000319126300014 Publication Date 2013-04-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1431-9276;1435-8115; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.891 Times cited 5 Open Access
Notes 262348 Esmi; Fwo G002410n G018008 Approved Most recent IF: 1.891; 2013 IF: 2.161
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:108712 Serial 133
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Turner, S.; Tavernier, S.M.F.; Huyberechts, G.; Bals, S.; Batenburg, K.J.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title Assisted spray pyrolysis production and characterisation of ZnO nanoparticles with narrow size distribution Type A1 Journal article
Year 2010 Publication Journal of nanoparticle research Abbreviated Journal J Nanopart Res
Volume 12 Issue 2 Pages 615-622
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Abstract Nano-sized ZnO particles with a narrow size distribution and high crystallinity were prepared from aqueous solutions with high concentrations of Zn2+ containing salts and citric acid in a conventional spray pyrolysis setup. Structure, morphology and size of the produced material were compared to ZnO material produced by simple spray pyrolysis of zinc nitrates in the same experimental setup. Using transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography it has been shown that citric acid-assisted spray pyrolysed material is made up of micron sized secondary particles comprising a shell of lightly agglomerated, monocrystalline primary ZnO nanoparticles with sizes in the 2030 nm range, separable by a simple ultrasonic treatment step.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication S.l. Editor
Language (down) Wos 000275318700025 Publication Date 2009-04-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1388-0764;1572-896X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.02 Times cited 27 Open Access
Notes Esteem 026019 Approved Most recent IF: 2.02; 2010 IF: 3.253
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:81771 Serial 156
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Author Deng, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.; He, Z.; Cott, D.J.; Vereecken, P.M.; Martens, J.A.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Detavernier, C.
Title Atomic layer deposition-based synthesis of photoactive TiO2 nanoparticle chains by using carbon nanotubes as sacrificial templates Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication RSC advances Abbreviated Journal Rsc Adv
Volume 4 Issue 23 Pages 11648-11653
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Highly ordered and self supported anatase TiO2 nanoparticle chains were fabricated by calcining conformally TiO2 coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). During annealing, the thin tubular TiO2 coating that was deposited onto the MWCNTs by atomic layer deposition (ALD) was transformed into chains of TiO2 nanoparticles ([similar]12 nm diameter) with an ultrahigh surface area (137 cm2 per cm2 of substrate), while at the same time the carbon from the MWCNTs was removed. Photocatalytic tests on the degradation of acetaldehyde proved that these forests of TiO2 nanoparticle chains are highly photoactive under UV light because of their well crystallized anatase phase.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 000332470000017 Publication Date 2014-02-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2046-2069; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.108 Times cited 45 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes ; The authors wish to thank the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and UGENT-GOA-01G01513 for financial support. The authors acknowledge the European Research Council for funding under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013)/ERC grant agreement no. 239865-COCOON and no. 246791-COUNTATOMS. JAM acknowledges the Flemish government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem). ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.108; 2014 IF: 3.840
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:117298 Serial 168
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Author Goris, B.; Bals, S.; van den Broek, W.; Carbó-Argibay, E.; Gómez-Graña, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title Atomic-scale determination of surface facets in gold nanorods Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Nature materials Abbreviated Journal Nat Mater
Volume 11 Issue 11 Pages 930-935
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract It is widely accepted that the physical properties of nanostructures depend on the type of surface facets1, 2. For Au nanorods, the surface facets have a major influence on crucial effects such as reactivity and ligand adsorption and there has been controversy regarding facet indexing3, 4. Aberration-corrected electron microscopy is the ideal technique to study the atomic structure of nanomaterials5, 6. However, these images correspond to two-dimensional (2D) projections of 3D nano-objects, leading to an incomplete characterization. Recently, much progress was achieved in the field of atomic-resolution electron tomography, but it is still far from being a routinely used technique. Here we propose a methodology to measure the 3D atomic structure of free-standing nanoparticles, which we apply to characterize the surface facets of Au nanorods. This methodology is applicable to a broad range of nanocrystals, leading to unique insights concerning the connection between the structure and properties of nanostructures.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication London Editor
Language (down) Wos 000310434600015 Publication Date 2012-10-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1476-1122;1476-4660; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 39.737 Times cited 261 Open Access
Notes 262348 ESMI; Hercules 3; 24691 COUNTATOMS; 267867 PLASMAQUO Approved Most recent IF: 39.737; 2012 IF: 35.749
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:101778 Serial 182
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Author Bals, S.; Van Aert, S.; Romero, C.P.; Lauwaet, K.; Van Bael, M.J.; Schoeters, B.; Partoens, B.; Yuecelen, E.; Lievens, P.; Van Tendeloo, G.
Title Atomic scale dynamics of ultrasmall germanium clusters Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun
Volume 3 Issue 897 Pages 897
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Starting from the gas phase, small clusters can be produced and deposited with huge flexibility with regard to composition, materials choice and cluster size. Despite many advances in experimental characterization, a detailed morphology of such clusters is still lacking. Here we present an atomic scale observation as well as the dynamical behaviour of ultrasmall germanium clusters. Using quantitative scanning transmission electron microscopy in combination with ab initio calculations, we are able to characterize the transition between different equilibrium geometries of a germanium cluster consisting of less than 25 atoms. Seven-membered rings, trigonal prisms and some smaller subunits are identified as possible building blocks that stabilize the structure.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language (down) Wos 000306099900024 Publication Date 2012-06-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2041-1723; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 90 Open Access
Notes Fwo; Iap; Iwt Approved Most recent IF: 12.124; 2012 IF: 10.015
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:100340 Serial 183
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Author Gómez-Graña, S.; Goris, B.; Altantzis, T.; Fernández-López, C.; Carbó-Argibay, E.; Guerrero-Martínez, A.; Almora-Barrios, N.; López, N.; Pastoriza-Santos, I.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.;
Title Au@Ag nanoparticles : halides stabilize {100} facets Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication The journal of physical chemistry letters Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem Lett
Volume 4 Issue 13 Pages 2209-2216
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Seed-mediated growth is the most efficient methodology to control the size and shape of colloidal metal nanoparticles. In this process, the final nanocrystal shape is defined by the crystalline structure of the initial seed as well as by the presence of ligands and other additives that help to stabilize certain crystallographic facets. We analyze here the growth mechanism in aqueous solution of silver shells on presynthesized gold nanoparticles displaying various well-defined crystalline structures and morphologies. A thorough three-dimensional electron microscopy characterization of the morphology and internal structure of the resulting core-shell nanocrystals indicates that {100} facets are preferred for the outer silver shell, regardless of the morphology and crystallinity of the gold cores. These results are in agreement with theoretical analysis based on the relative surface energies of the exposed facets in the presence of halide ions.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher American Chemical Society Place of Publication Washington, D.C Editor
Language (down) Wos 000321809500018 Publication Date 2013-06-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1948-7185; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.353 Times cited 131 Open Access
Notes 267867 Plasmaquo; 246791 COUNTATOMS; 262348 ESMI; FWO Approved Most recent IF: 9.353; 2013 IF: 6.687
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:109811 Serial 204
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