“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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“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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“Direct space structure solution from precession electron diffraction data: resolving heavy and light scatterers in Pb13Mn9O25”. Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Tsirlin AA, Filonenko VP, Gonnissen J, Tan H, Verbeeck J, Gemmi M, Antipov EV, Rosner H, Ultramicroscopy 110, 881 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2010.03.012
Abstract: The crystal structure of a novel compound Pb13Mn9O25 has been determined through a direct space structure solution with a Monte-Carlo-based global optimization using precession electron diffraction data (a=14.177(3) Å, c=3.9320(7) Å, SG P4/m, RF=0.239) and compositional information obtained from energy dispersive X-ray analysis and electron energy loss spectroscopy. This allowed to obtain a reliable structural model even despite the simultaneous presence of both heavy (Pb) and light (O) scattering elements and to validate the accuracy of the electron diffraction-based structure refinement. This provides an important benchmark for further studies of complex structural problems with electron diffraction techniques. Pb13Mn9O25 has an anion- and cation-deficient perovskite-based structure with the A-positions filled by the Pb atoms and 9/13 of the B positions filled by the Mn atoms in an ordered manner. MnO6 octahedra and MnO5 tetragonal pyramids form a network by sharing common corners. Tunnels are formed in the network due to an ordered arrangement of vacancies at the B-sublattice. These tunnels provide sufficient space for localization of the lone 6s2 electron pairs of the Pb2+ cations, suggested as the driving force for the structural difference between Pb13Mn9O25 and the manganites of alkali-earth elements with similar compositions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2010.03.012
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“Enhanced biomedical heat-triggered carriers via nanomagnetism tuning in ferrite-based nanoparticles”. Angelakeris M, Li ZA, Hilgendorff M, Simeonidis K, Sakellari D, Filippousi M, Tian H, Van Tendeloo G, Spasova M, Acet M, Farle M, Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials 381, 179 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmmm.2014.12.069
Abstract: Biomedical nanomagnetic carriers are getting a higher impact in therapy and diagnosis schemes while their constraints and prerequisites are more and more successfully confronted. Such particles should possess a well-defined size with minimum agglomeration and they should be synthesized in a facile and reproducible high-yield way together with a controllable response to an applied static or dynamic field tailored for the specific application. Here, we attempt to enhance the heating efficiency in magnetic particle hyperthermia treatment through the proper adjustment of the core-shell morphology in ferrite particles, by controlling exchange and dipolar magnetic interactions at the nanoscale. Thus, core-shell nanoparticles with mutual coupling of magnetically hard (CoFe2O4) and soft (MnFe2O4) components are synthesized with facile synthetic controls resulting in uniform size and shell thickness as evidenced by high resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging, excellent crystallinity and size monodispersity. Such a magnetic coupling enables the fine tuning of magnetic anisotropy and magnetic interactions without sparing the good structural, chemical and colloidal stability. Consequently, the magnetic heating efficiency of CoFe2O4. and MnFe2O4 core-shell nanoparticles is distinctively different horn that of their counterparts, even though all these nanocrystals were synthesized under similar conditions. For better understanding of the AC magnetic hyperthermia response and its correlation with magnetic-origin features we study the effect of the volume ratio of magnetic hard and soft phases in the bimagnetic core-shell nanocrystals. Eventually, such particles may be considered as novel heating carriers that under further biomedical functionalization may become adaptable multifunctional heat-triggered nanoplatforms. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.63
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2014.12.069
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“A new way of producing electron vortex probes for STEM”. Verbeeck J, Tian H, Béché, A, Ultramicroscopy 113, 83 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2011.10.008
Abstract: A spiral holographic aperture is used in the condensor plane of a scanning transmission electron microscope to produce a focussed electron vortex probe carrying a topological charge of either −1, 0 or +1. The spiral aperture design has a major advantage over the previously used forked aperture in that the three beams with topological charge m=−1, 0, and 1 are not side by side in the specimen plane, but rather on top of each other, focussed at different heights. This allows us to have only one selected beam in focus on the sample while the others contribute only to a background signal. In this paper we describe the working principle as well as first experimental results demonstrating atomic resolution HAADF STEM images obtained with electron vortex probes. These results pave the way for atomic resolution magnetic information when combined with electron energy loss spectroscopy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 62
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2011.10.008
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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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“Oxidation state and chemical shift investigation in transition metal oxides by EELS”. Tan H, Verbeeck J, Abakumov A, Van Tendeloo G, Ultramicroscopy 116, 24 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2012.03.002
Abstract: Transition metal L2,3 electron energy-loss spectra for a wide range of V-, Mn- and Fe-based oxides were recorded and carefully analyzed for their correlation with the formal oxidation states of the transition metal ions. Special attention is paid to obtain an accurate energy scale which provides absolute energy positions for all core-loss edges. The white-line ratio method, chemical shift method, ELNES fitting method, two-parameter method and other methods are compared and their validity is discussed. Both the ELNES fitting method and the chemical shift method have the advantage of a wide application range and good consistency but require special attention to accurately measure the core-loss edge position. The obtained conclusions are of fundamental importance, e.g., for obtaining atomic resolution oxidation state information in modern experiments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 413
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2012.03.002
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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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“Barrier efficiency of sponge-like La2Zr2O7 buffer layers for YBCO-coated conductors”. Molina L, Tan H, Biermans E, Batenburg KJ, Verbeeck J, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Superconductor science and technology 24, 065019 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/24/6/065019
Abstract: Solution derived La2Zr2O7 films have drawn much attention for potential applications as thermal barriers or low-cost buffer layers for coated conductor technology. Annealing and coating parameters strongly affect the microstructure of La2Zr2O7, but different film processing methods can yield similar microstructural features such as nanovoids and nanometer-sized La2Zr2O7 grains. Nanoporosity is a typical feature found in such films and the implications for the functionality of the films are investigated by a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and quantitative electron tomography. Chemical solution based La2Zr2O7 films deposited on flexible Ni5 at.%W substrates with a {100}lang001rang biaxial texture were prepared for an in-depth characterization. A sponge-like structure composed of nanometer-sized voids is revealed by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy in combination with electron tomography. A three-dimensional quantification of nanovoids in the La2Zr2O7 film is obtained on a local scale. Mostly non-interconnected highly faceted nanovoids compromise more than one-fifth of the investigated sample volume. The diffusion barrier efficiency of a 170 nm thick La2Zr2O7 film is investigated by STEM-EELS, yielding a 1.8 ± 0.2 nm oxide layer beyond which no significant nickel diffusion can be detected and intermixing is observed. This is of particular significance for the functionality of YBa2Cu3O7 − δ coated conductor architectures based on solution derived La2Zr2O7 films as diffusion barriers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/24/6/065019
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“The superstructure and superconductivity of Ru1222 based RuSr2Gd2-x-yYyCexCu2O10-\delta compounds”. Tan H, Lebedev OI, McLaughlin AC, Van Tendeloo G, Superconductor science and technology 23, 115013 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/23/11/115013
Abstract: For the first time, the local structure and physical properties of Ru1222 based compounds (RuSr(2)Gd(1.4)Ce(0.6)Cu(2)O(10-delta) and RuSr(2)Gd(1.8-x)Y(0.2)CexCu(2)O(10) (x = 0.90-0.55)) have been investigated and analyzed together on the very same compounds. The Ru1222 superstructure was confirmed by TEM at a local scale and was suggested to have an orthorhombic symmetry with space group Aba2 and lattice parameters a(s) similar or equal to root 2a, b(s) similar or equal to root 2a and c(s) = c. This new Ru1222 superstructure distortion from tetragonal symmetry is proposed to have a positive correlation with the superconductivity variation of these compounds. The more the distortion towards orthorhombic symmetry, the higher the critical superconducting temperature these compounds can achieve. The T(c)(0) of RuSr(2)Gd(1.8-x)Y(0.2)Ce(x)Cu(2)O(10-delta) (x = 0.85-0.55) increases monotonically from 4 to 16 K when x decreases from 0.85 to 0.70, then RuSr(2)Gd(2)Cu(2)O(8) defects emerge and the T(c) decreases with decreasing x. Ru1212 defects are observed to intergrow epitaxially with the Ru1222 structure as lamellas along the c-axis in RuSr(2)Gd(1.4)Ce(0.6)Cu(2)O(10-delta). Although Ru1212 is a superconductor, the intergrowth severely restrains its superconductivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/23/11/115013
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“Engineering single crystalline Mn3O4 nano-octahedra with exposed highly active {011} facets for high performance lithium ion batteries”. Huang S-Z, Jin J, Cai Y, Li Y, Tan H-Y, Wang H-E, Van Tendeloo G, Su B-L, Nanoscale 6, 6819 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4nr01389a
Abstract: Well shaped single crystalline Mn3O4 nano-octahedra with exposed highly active {011} facets at different particle sizes have been synthesized and used as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. The electrochemical results show that the smallest sized Mn3O4 nano-octahedra show the best cycling performance with a high initial charge capacity of 907 mA h g−1 and a 50th charge capacity of 500 mA h g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 and the best rate capability with a charge capacity of 350 mA h g−1 when cycled at 500 mA g−1. In particular, the nano-octahedra samples demonstrate a much better electrochemical performance in comparison with irregular shaped Mn3O4 nanoparticles. The best electrochemical properties of the smallest Mn3O4 nano-octahedra are ascribed to the lower charge transfer resistance due to the exposed highly active {011} facets, which can facilitate the conversion reaction of Mn3O4 and Li owing to the alternating Mn and O atom layers, resulting in easy formation and decomposition of the amorphous Li2O and the multi-electron reaction. On the other hand, the best electrochemical properties of the smallest Mn3O4 nano-octahedra can also be attributed to the smallest size resulting in the highest specific surface area, which provides maximum contact with the electrolyte and facilitates the rapid Li-ion diffusion at the electrode/electrolyte interface and fast lithium-ion transportation within the particles. The synergy of the exposed {011} facets and the smallest size (and/or the highest surface area) led to the best performance for the Mn3O4 nano-octahedra. Furthermore, HRTEM observations verify the oxidation of MnO to Mn3O4 during the charging process and confirm that the Mn3O4 octahedral structure can still be partly maintained after 50 dischargecharge cycles. The high Li-ion storage capacity and excellent cycling performance suggest that Mn3O4 nano-octahedra with exposed highly active {011} facets could be excellent anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 80
DOI: 10.1039/c4nr01389a
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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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“Silica-supported chromium oxide: colloids as building blocks”. Hermans I, Breynaert E, Poelman H, de Gryse R, Liang D, Van Tendeloo G, Maes A, Peeters J, Jacobs P, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 9, 5382 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1039/b706601e
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1039/b706601e
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“Microstructure of surface and subsurface layers of a Ni-Ti shape memory microwire”. Tian H, Schryvers D, Shabalovskaya S, van Humbeeck J, Microscopy and microanalysis 15, 62 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927609090059
Abstract: The microstructure of a 55 Êm diameter, cold-worked Ni-Ti microwire is investigated by different transmission electron microscopy techniques. The surface consists of a few hundred nanometer thick oxide layer composed of TiO and TiO2 with a small fraction of inhomogeneously distributed Ni. The interior of the wire has a core-shell structure with primarily B2 grains in the 1 Êm thick shell, and heavily twinned B19 martensite in the core. This core-shell structure can be explained by a concentration gradient of the alloying elements resulting in a structure separation due to the strong temperature dependence of the martensitic start temperature. Moreover, in between the B2 part of the metallic core-shell and the oxide layer, a Ni3Ti interfacial layer is detected.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.891
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1017/S1431927609090059
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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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“The influence of surface oxides on the distribution and release of nickel from Nitinol wires”. Shabalovskaya SA, Tian H, Anderegg JW, Schryvers DU, Carroll WU, van Humbeeck J, Biomaterials 30, 468 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2008.10.014
Abstract: The patterns of Ni release from Nitinol vary depending on the type of material (NiTi alloys with low or no processing versus commercial wires or sheets). A thick TiO2 layer generated on the wire surface during processing is often considered as a reliable barrier against Ni release. The present study of Nitinol wires with surface oxides resulting from production was conducted to identify the sources of Ni release and its distribution in the surface sublayers. The chemistry and topography of the surfaces of Nitinol wires drawn using different techniques were studied with XPS and SEM. The distribution of Ni into surface depth and the surface oxide thickness were evaluated using Auger spectroscopy, TEM with FIB and ELNES. Ni release was estimated using either ICPA or AAS. Potentiodynamic potential polarization of selected wires was performed in as-received state with no strain and in treated strained samples. Wire samples in the as-received state showed low breakdown potentials (200 mV); the improved corrosion resistance of these wires after treatment was not affected by strain. It is shown how processing techniques affect surface topography, chemistry and also Ni release. Nitinol wires with the thickest surface oxide TiO2 (up to 720 nm) showed the highest Ni release, attributed to the presence of particles of essentially pure Ni whose number and size increased while approaching the interface between the surface and the bulk. The biological implications of high and lasting Ni release are also discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.402
Times cited: 102
DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2008.10.014
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“90°, Rotation of orbital stripes in bilayer manganite PrCa2Mn2O7 studied by in situ transmission electron microscopy”. He ZB, Deng G, Tian H, Xu Q, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of solid state chemistry 200, 287 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2013.01.051
Abstract: We present an in situ transmission electron microscopy study on the half-doped bilayer manganite PrCa2Mn2O7 to reveal the rotation process of the orbital stripes. Between the reported initial and final ordering phases, we identified an intermediate state with two sets of satellite spots to bridge the 90° rotation of the orbital stripes. Furthermore, we determined that the rotation of the orbital stripes does not always occur. Some restricted conditions for the orbital rotation to occur were found and reasons are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.299
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2013.01.051
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“New perovskite-based manganite Pb2Mn2O5”. Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Perkisas T, d' Hondt H, Tan H, Verbeeck J, Filonenko VP, Antipov EV, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of solid state chemistry 183, 2190 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2010.07.032
Abstract: A new perovskite based compound Pb2Mn2O5 has been synthesized using a high pressure high temperature technique. The structure model of Pb2Mn2O5 is proposed based on electron diffraction, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The compound crystallizes in an orthorhombic unit cell with parameters a=5.736(1)Å≈√2a p p p (a p the parameter of the perovskite subcell) and space group Pnma. The Pb2Mn2O5 structure consists of quasi two-dimensional perovskite blocks separated by 1/2[110] p (1̄01) p crystallographic shear planes. The blocks are connected to each other by chains of edge-sharing MnO5 distorted tetragonal pyramids. The chains of MnO5 pyramids and the MnO6 octahedra of the perovskite blocks delimit six-sided tunnels accommodating double chains of Pb atoms. The tunnels and pyramidal chains adopt two mirror-related configurations (left L and right R) and layers consisting of chains and tunnels of the same configuration alternate in the structure according to an -LRLR-sequence. The sequence is sometimes locally violated by the appearance of -LL- or -RR-fragments. A scheme is proposed with a JahnTeller distortion of the MnO6 octahedra with two long and two short bonds lying in the ac plane, along two perpendicular orientations within this plane, forming a d-type pattern.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.299
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2010.07.032
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“Octahedral-shaped perovskite nanocrystals and their visible-light photocatalytic activity”. Yin S, Tian H, Ren Z, Wei X, Chao C, Pei J, Li X, Xu G, Shen G, Han G, Chemical communications 50, 6027 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4cc01118j
Abstract: Octahedral-shaped perovskite PbTiO3 nanocrystals (PT OCT) with well-defined {111} facets exposed have been successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method by using LiNO3 as an ion surfactant. The Li-O bond on the surface of PT OCT nanocrystals is essential to the stability of such nanocrystals and also results in a dramatic high visible-light photocatalytic activity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.319
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1039/c4cc01118j
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“Original close-packed structure and magnetic properties of the Pb4Mn9O20 manganite”. Abakumov AM, Hadermann J, Tsirlin AA, Tan H, Verbeeck J, Zhang H, Dikarev EV, Shpanchenko RV, Antipov EV, Journal of solid state chemistry 182, 2231 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2009.06.003
Abstract: The crystal structure of the Pb4Mn9O20 compound (previously known as Pb0.43MnO2.18) was solved from powder X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, and high resolution electron microscopy data (S.G. Pnma, a=13.8888(2) Å, b=11.2665(2) Å, c=9.9867(1) Å, RI=0.016, RP=0.047). The structure is based on a 6H (cch)2 close packing of pure oxygen h-type (O16) layers alternating with mixed c-type (Pb4O12) layers. The Mn atoms occupy octahedral interstices formed by the oxygen atoms of the close-packed layers. The MnO6 octahedra share edges within the layers, whereas the octahedra in neighboring layers are linked through corner sharing. The relationship with the closely related Pb3Mn7O15 structure is discussed. Magnetization measurements reveal a peculiar magnetic behavior with a phase transition at 52 K, a small net magnetization below the transition temperature, and a tendency towards spin freezing.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.299
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2009.06.003
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“Production and application of electron vortex beams”. Verbeeck J, Tian H, Schattschneider P, Nature 467, 301 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1038/nature09366
Abstract: Vortex beams (also known as beams with a phase singularity) consist of spiralling wavefronts that give rise to angular momentum around the propagation direction. Vortex photon beams are widely used in applications such as optical tweezers to manipulate micrometre-sized particles and in micro-motors to provide angular momentum1, 2, improving channel capacity in optical3 and radio-wave4 information transfer, astrophysics5 and so on6. Very recently, an experimental realization of vortex beams formed of electrons was demonstrated7. Here we describe the creation of vortex electron beams, making use of a versatile holographic reconstruction technique in a transmission electron microscope. This technique is a reproducible method of creating vortex electron beams in a conventional electron microscope. We demonstrate how they may be used in electron energy-loss spectroscopy to detect the magnetic state of materials and describe their properties. Our results show that electron vortex beams hold promise for new applications, in particular for analysing and manipulating nanomaterials, and can be easily produced.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 40.137
Times cited: 626
DOI: 10.1038/nature09366
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“Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of the Sr2Al0.78Mn1.22O5.2 anion-deficient layered perovskite”. d' Hondt H, Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Kalyuzhnaya AS, Rozova MG, Tsirlin AA, Tan H, Verbeeck J, Antipov EV, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of solid state chemistry 182, 356 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2008.11.002
Abstract: A new layered perovskite Sr2Al0.78Mn1.22O5.2 has been synthesized by solid state reaction in a sealed evacuated silica tube. The crystal structure has been determined using electron diffraction, high-resolution electron microscopy, and high-angle annular dark field imaging and refined from X-ray powder diffraction data (space group P4/mmm, a=3.89023(5) Å, c=7.8034(1) Å, RI=0.023, RP=0.015). The structure is characterized by an alternation of MnO2 and (Al0.78Mn0.22)O1.2 layers. Oxygen atoms and vacancies, as well as the Al and Mn atoms in the (Al0.78Mn0.22)O1.2 layers are disordered. The local atomic arrangement in these layers is suggested to consist of short fragments of brownmillerite-type tetrahedral chains of corner-sharing AlO4 tetrahedra interrupted by MnO6 octahedra, at which the chain fragments rotate over 90°. This results in an averaged tetragonal symmetry. This is confirmed by the valence state of Mn measured by EELS. The relationship between the Sr2Al0.78Mn1.22O5.2 tetragonal perovskite and the parent Sr2Al1.07Mn0.93O5 brownmillerite is discussed. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate spin glass behavior of Sr2Al0.78Mn1.22O5.2. The lack of long-range magnetic ordering contrasts with Mn-containing brownmillerites and is likely caused by the frustration of interlayer interactions due to presence of the Mn atoms in the (Al0.78Mn0.22)O1.2 layers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.299
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2008.11.002
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“Terahertz magneto-optical properties of bi- and tri-layer graphene”. Mei H, Xu W, Wang C, Yuan H, Zhang C, Ding L, Zhang J, Deng C, Wang Y, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 30, 175701 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-648X/AAB81D
Abstract: Magneto-optical (MO) properties of bi- and tri-layer graphene are investigated utilizing terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz TDS) in the presence of a strong magnetic field at room-temperature. In the Faraday configuration and applying optical polarization measurements, we measure the real and imaginary parts of the longitudinal and transverse MO conductivities of different graphene samples. The obtained experimental data fits very well with the classical MO Drude formula. Thus, we are able to obtain the key sample and material parameters of bi- and tri-layer graphene, such as the electron effective mass, the electronic relaxation time and the electron density. It is found that in high magnetic fields the electronic relaxation time tau for bi- and tri-layer graphene increases with magnetic field B roughly in a form tau similar to B-2. Most importantly, we obtain the electron effective mass for bi- and tri-layer graphene at room-temperature under non-resonant conditions. This work shows how the advanced THz MO techniques can be applied for the investigation into fundamental physics properties of atomically thin 2D electronic systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1088/1361-648X/AAB81D
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“Layered oxygen vacancy ordering in Nb-doped SrCo1-xFexO3-\delta perovskite”. Van Rompaey S, Dachraoui W, Turner S, Podyacheva OY, Tan H, Verbeeck J, Abakumov A, Hadermann J, Zeitschrift für Kristallographie 228, 28 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1524/zkri.2013.1556
Abstract: The crystal structure of SrCo0.7Fe0.2Nb0.1O2.72 was determined using a combination of precession electron diffraction (PED), high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and spatially resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (STEM-EELS). The structure has a tetragonal P4/mmm symmetry with cell parameters a = b = a(p), c = 2a(p) (a(p) being the cell parameter of the perovskite parent structure). Octahedral BO2 layers alternate with the anion-deficient BO1.4 layers, the different B cations are randomly distributed over both layers. The specific feature of the SrCo0.7Fe0.2NB0.1O2.72 microstructure is a presence of extensive nanoscale twinning resulting in domains with alignment of the tetragonal c-axis along all three cubic direction of the perovskite subcell.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.179
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1524/zkri.2013.1556
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“2D atomic mapping of oxidation states in transition metal oxides by scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy”. Tan H, Turner S, Yücelen E, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Physical review letters 107, 107602 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.107602
Abstract: Using a combination of high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and atomically resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy in an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope we demonstrate the possibility of 2D atom by atom valence mapping in the mixed valence compound Mn3O4. The Mn L2,3 energy-loss near-edge structures from Mn2+ and Mn3+ cation sites are similar to those of MnO and Mn2O3 references. Comparison with simulations shows that even though a local interpretation is valid here, intermixing of the inelastic signal plays a significant role. This type of experiment should be applicable to challenging topics in materials science, such as the investigation of charge ordering or single atom column oxidation states in, e.g., dislocations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 115
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.107602
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“Atomic layer epitaxy of Ruddlesden-Popper SrO(SrTiO3)n films by means of metalorganic aerosol deposition”. Jungbauer M, Huehn S, Egoavil R, Tan H, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Moshnyaga V, Applied physics letters 105, 251603 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4905055
Abstract: We report an atomic layer epitaxial growth of Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) thin films of SrO(SrTiO3)(n) (n = infinity, 2, 3, 4) by means of metalorganic aerosol deposition (MAD). The films are grown on SrTiO3(001) substrates by means of a sequential deposition of Sr-O/Ti-O-2 atomic monolayers, monitored in-situ by optical ellipsometry. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal the RP structure with n = 2-4 in accordance with the growth recipe. RP defects, observed by TEM in a good correlation with the in-situ ellipsometry, mainly result from the excess of SrO. Being maximal at the film/substrate interface, the SrO excess rapidly decreases and saturates after 5-6 repetitions of the SrO(SrTiO3)(4) block at the level of 2.4%. This identifies the SrTiO3 substrate surface as a source of RP defects under oxidizing conditions within MAD. Advantages and limitations of MAD as a solution-based and vacuum-free chemical deposition route were discussed in comparison with molecular beam epitaxy. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1063/1.4905055
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“Atomic scale investigation of a PbTiO3/SrRuO3/DyScO3 heterostructure”. Egoavil R, Tan H, Verbeeck J, Bals S, Smith B, Kuiper B, Rijnders G, Koster G, Van Tendeloo G, Applied physics letters 102, 223106 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4809597
Abstract: An epitaxial PbTiO3 thin film grown on self-organized crystalline SrRuO3 nanowires deposited on a DyScO3 substrate with ordered DyO and ScO2 chemical terminations is investigated by transmission electron microscopy. In this PbTiO3/SrRuO3/DyScO3 heterostructure, the SrRuO3 nanowires are assumed to grow on only one type of substrate termination. Here, we report on the structure, morphology, and chemical composition analysis of this heterostructure. Electron energy loss spectroscopy reveals the exact termination sequence in this complex structure. The energy loss near-edge structure of the Ti-L-2,L-3, Sc-L-2,L-3, and O K edges shows intrinsic interfacial electronic reconstruction. Furthermore, PbTiO3 domain walls are observed to start at the end of the nanowires resulting in atomic steps on the film surface. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.4809597
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“Experimental evidence for oxygen sublattice control in polar infinite layer SrCuO2”. Samal D, Tan H, Molegraaf H, Kuiper B, Siemons W, Bals S, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Takamura Y, Arenholz E, Jenkins CA, Rijnders G, Koster G, Physical review letters 111, 096102 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.096102
Abstract: A recent theoretical study [ Phys. Rev. B 85 121411(R) (2012)] predicted a thickness limit below which ideal polar cuprates turn nonpolar driven by the associated electrostatic instability. Here we demonstrate this possibility by inducing a structural transformation from the bulk planar to chainlike structure upon reducing the SrCuO2 repeat thickness in SrCuO2/SrTiO3 superlattices with unit-cell precision. Our results, based on structural investigation by x-ray diffraction and high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, demonstrate that the oxygen sublattice can essentially be built by design. In addition, the electronic structure of the chainlike structure, as studied by x-ray absorption spectroscopy, shows the signature for preferential hole occupation in the Cu 3d3z2-r2 orbital, which is different from the planar case.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.096102
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“Magnetic and electronic properties of the interface between half metallic Fe3O4 and semiconducting ZnO”. Brück S, Paul M, Tian H, Müller A, Kufer D, Praetorius C, Fauth K, Audehm P, Goering E, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Sing M, Claessen R;, Applied physics letters 100, 081603 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3687731
Abstract: We have investigated the magnetic depth profile of an epitaxial Fe3O4 thin film grown directly on a semiconducting ZnO substrate by soft x-ray resonant magnetic reflectometry (XRMR) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Consistent chemical profiles at the interface between ZnO and Fe3O4 are found from both methods. Valence selective EELS and XRMR reveal independently that the first monolayer of Fe at the interface between ZnO and Fe3O4 contains only Fe3+ ions. Besides this narrow 2.5 Å interface layer, Fe3O4 shows magnetic bulk properties throughout the whole film making highly efficient spin injection in this system feasible.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.3687731
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“Magnetic and magnetodielectric properties of erbium iron garnet ceramic”. Maignan A, Singh K, Simon C, Lebedev OI, Martin C, Tan H, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of applied physics 113, 033905 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4776716
Abstract: An Er3Fe5O12 ceramic has been sintered in oxygen atmosphere at 1400 °C for dielectric measurements. Its structural quality at room temperature has been checked by combining transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the cubic space group Ia3d with a = 12.3488(1). The dielectric permittivity ([variantgreekepsilon]′) and losses (tan δ) measurements as a function of temperature reveal the existence of two anomalies, a broad one between 110 K and 80 K, attributed to the Er3+ spin reorientation, and a second sharper feature at about 45 K associated to the appearance of irreversibility on the magnetic susceptibility curves. In contrast to the lack of magnetic field impact on [variantgreekepsilon]′ for the former anomaly, a complex magnetic field effect has been evidenced below 45 K. The isothermal [variantgreekepsilon]′(H) curves show the existence of positive magnetodielectric effect, reaching a maximum of 0.14% at 3 T and 10 K. Its magnitude decreases as H is further increased. Interestingly, for the lowest H values, a linear regime in the [variantgreekepsilon]′(H) curve is observed. From this experimental study, it is concluded that the [variantgreekepsilon]′ anomaly, starting above the compensation temperature Tc (75 K) and driven by the internal magnetic field, is not sensitive to an applied external magnetic field. Thus, below 45 K, it is the magnetic structure which is responsible for the coupling between spin and charge in this iron garnet.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1063/1.4776716
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