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“Ag nanoparticles on mixed Al2O3-Ga2O3 supports as catalysts for the N-alkylation of amines with alcohols”. Geukens I, Vermoortele F, Meledina M, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, De Vos DE, Applied catalysis : A : general 469, 373 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2013.09.044
Abstract: The combination of AgNO3 with NaH results in Ag nanoparticles that can selectively perform alcohol aminations under mild reaction conditions (110 °C). NaH not only serves as a reducing agent for the Ag salt, but also activates the alcohol for dehydrogenation to the corresponding ketone/aldehyde. The stability of the particles can be improved by immobilizing them onto mixed Al2O3Ga2O3 supports; the combination of Ga and Al provides materials with stronger Lewis acidic sites compared to pure alumina or gallium oxide supports. This leads to catalysts with enhanced activities, without the necessity of adding external Lewis acids. Detailed TEM characterization also reveals a close interaction between the Ag NPs and the gallium oxide phase. The obtained catalysts are recyclable and show activity for the alcohol amination using a variety of aliphatic and aromatic amines under mild conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.339
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1016/j.apcata.2013.09.044
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“An alternative approach to determine attainable resolution directly from HREM images”. Wang A, Turner S, Van Aert S, van Dyck D, Ultramicroscopy 133, 50 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2013.05.008
Abstract: The concept of resolution in high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) is the power to resolve neighboring atoms. Since the resolution is related to the width of the point spread function of the microscope, it could in principle be determined from the image of a point object. However, in electron microscopy there are no ideal point objects. The smallest object is an individual atom. If the width of an atom is much smaller than the resolution of the microscope, this atom can still be considered as a point object. As the resolution of the microscope enters the sub-Å regime, information about the microscope is strongly entangled with the information about the atoms in HREM images. Therefore, we need to find an alternative method to determine the resolution in an object-independent way. In this work we propose to use the image wave of a crystalline object in zone axis orientation. Under this condition, the atoms of a column act as small lenses so that the electron beam channels through the atom column periodically. Because of this focusing, the image wave of the column can be much more peaked than the constituting atoms and can thus be a much more sensitive probe to measure the resolution. Our approach is to use the peakiness of the image wave of the atom column to determine the resolution. We will show that the resolution can be directly linked to the total curvature of the atom column wave. Moreover, we can then directly obtain the resolution of the microscope given that the contribution from the object is known, which is related to the bounding energy of the atom. The method is applied on an experimental CaTiO3 image wave.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.843
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2013.05.008
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“Analytical TEM study of CVD diamond growth on TiO2 sol-gel layers”. Lu Y-G, Verbeeck J, Turner S, Hardy A, Janssens SD, De Dobbelaere C, Wagner P, Van Bael MK, Van Tendeloo G, Diamond and related materials 23, 93 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.diamond.2012.01.022
Abstract: The early growth stages of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond on a solgel TiO2 film with buried ultra dispersed diamond seeds (UDD) have been studied. In order to investigate the diamond growth mechanism and understand the role of the TiO2 layer in the growth process, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-filtered TEM and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) techniques were applied to cross sectional diamond film samples. We find evidence for the formation of TiC crystallites inside the TiO2 layer at different diamond growth stages. However, there is no evidence that diamond nucleation starts from these crystallites. Carbon diffusion into the TiO2 layer and the chemical bonding state of carbon (sp2/sp3) were both extensively investigated. We provide evidence that carbon diffuses through the TiO2 layer and that the diamond seeds partially convert to amorphous carbon during growth. This carbon diffusion and diamond to amorphous carbon conversion make the seed areas below the TiO2 layer grow and bend the TiO2 layer upwards to form the nucleation center of the diamond film. In some of the protuberances a core of diamond seed remains, covered by amorphous carbon. It is however unlikely that the remaining seeds are still active during the growth process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.561
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1016/j.diamond.2012.01.022
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“Catalytic characterization of pure SnO2 and GeO2 in methanol steam reforming”. Zhao Q, Lorenz H, Turner S, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Rameshan C, Klötzer B, Konzett J, Penner S, Applied catalysis : A : general 375, 188 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2009.12.027
Abstract: Structural changes of a variety of different SnO, SnO2 and GeO2 catalysts upon reduction in hydrogen were correlated with associated catalytic changes in methanol steam reforming. Studied systems include SnO, SnO2 and GeO2 thin film model catalysts prepared by vapour phase deposition and growth on polycrystalline NaCl surfaces and, for comparison, the corresponding pure oxide powder catalysts. Reduction of both the SnO2 thin film and powder at around 673 K in 1 bar hydrogen leads to a substantial reduction of the bulk structure and yields a mixture of SnO2 and metallic β-Sn. On the powder catalyst this transformation is fully reversible upon oxidation in 1 bar O2 at 673 K. Strongly reduced thin films, however, can only be re-transformed to SnO2 if the reduction temperature did not exceed 573 K. For GeO2, the situation is more complex due to its polymorphism. Whereas the tetragonal phase is structurally stable during reduction, oxidation or catalytic reaction, a small part of the hexagonal phase is always transformed into the tetragonal at 673 K independent of the gas phase used. SnO2 is highly active and CO2 selective in methanol steam reforming, but the initial high activity drops considerably upon reduction between 373 and 573 K and almost complete catalyst deactivation is observed after reduction at 673 K, which is associated with the parallel formation of β-Sn. In close correlation to the structural results, the catalytic activity and selectivity can be restored upon an oxidative catalyst regeneration at 673 K. Tetragonal GeO2 exhibits only a small activity and no pronounced selectivity to either CO or CO2, at least after reduction. In its fully oxidized state release of surface/lattice oxygen results in a non-catalytic formation of CO2 by oxidation of CO originating from catalytic dehydrogenation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.339
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1016/j.apcata.2009.12.027
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“Direct observation and structural characterization of natural and metal ion-exchanged HEU-type zeolites”. Filippousi M, Turner S, Katsikini M, Pinakidou F, Zamboulis D, Pavlidou E, Van Tendeloo G, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 210, 185 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2015.01.043
Abstract: The atomic structure of natural HEU-type zeolite and two ion-exchanged variants of the zeolite, Ag+ (Ag-HEU) and Zn2+ (Zn-HEU) ion exchanged HEU-type zeolites, are investigated using advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques in combination with X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray absorption fine structure measurements. In both ion-exchanged materials, loading of the natural HEU zeolite is confirmed. Using low-voltage, aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy at low-dose conditions, the local crystal structure of natural HEU-type zeolite is determined and the interaction of the ion-exchanged natural zeolites with the Ag+ and Zn2+ ions is studied. In the case of Ag-HEU, the presence of Ag+ ions and clusters at extra-framework sites as well as Ag nanoparticles has been confirmed. The Ag nanoparticles are preferentially positioned at the zeolite surface. For Zn-HEU, no large Zn(O) nanopartides are present, instead, the HEU channels are evidenced to be decorated by small Zn(O) clusters. (c) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2015.01.043
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“Imaging of intact MOF-5 nanocrystals by advanced TEM at liquid”. Wiktor C, Turner S, Zacher D, Fischer RA, Van Tendeloo G, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 162, 131 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2012.06.014
Abstract: First results on the imaging of intact metalorganic framework (MOF) pores in MOF-5 nanocrystals by aberration corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) under liquid nitrogen conditions are presented. The applied technique is certainly transferable to other MOF systems, permitting detailed studies of MOF interfaces, MOFnanoparticle interaction and MOF thin films.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 30
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2012.06.014
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“Observation of nanostripes and -clusters in (Nd, EuGd)Ba2Cu3Ox superconductors”. Koblischka MR, Winter M, Das P, Koblischka-Veneva A, Muralidhar M, Wolf T, Babu NH, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Hartmann U, Physica: C : superconductivity 469, 168 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2009.01.007
Abstract: Nanostripes are observed in melt-textured and single-crystalline samples of the ternary light rare earth (LRE)-compound (Nd0.33Eu0.33Gd0.33)Ba2Cu3Ox (NEG) by means of atomic force microscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy at ambient conditions, combined with transmission electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. This enables the observation of several important features: The nanostripes are formed by chains of nanoclusters, representing the LRE/Ba substitution. The dimensions of the nanostripes are similar for both types of NEG samples. The periodicity of the nanostripes is found to range between 40 and 60 nm; the shape of the nanoclusters is elliptic with a major axis length between 300 and 500 nm and a minor axis length of about 30150 nm. The stripes are filling effectively the space in between the twin boundaries. Concerning the flux pinning, the nanoclusters are the important pinning sites, not the nanostripes themselves.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2009.01.007
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“Origin of different deactivation of Pd/SnO2 and Pd/GeO2 catalysts in methanol dehydrogenation and reforming: a comparative study”. Lorenz H, Zhao Q, Turner S, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Kloetzer B, Rameshan C, Pfaller K, Applied catalysis : A : general 381, 242 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2010.04.015
Abstract: Pd particles supported on SnO2 and GeO2 have been structurally investigated by X-ray diffraction, (High-Resolution) transmission and scanning electron microscopy after different reductive treatments to monitor the eventual formation of bimetallic phases and catalytically tested in methanol dehydrogenation/ reforming. For both oxides this included a thin film sample with well-defined Pd particles and a powder catalyst prepared by incipient wetness impregnation. The hexagonal and the tetragonal polymorph were studied for powder GeO2. Pd2Ge formation was observed on all GeO2-supported catalysts, strongly depending on the specific sample used. Reduction of the thin film at 573K resulted in full transformation into the bimetallic state. The partial solubility of hexagonal GeO2 in water and its thermal structural instability yielded Pd2Ge formation at 473 K, at the cost of a structurally inhomogeneous support and Ge metal formation at higher reduction temperatures. Pd on tetragonal GeO2 entered a state of strong metalsupport interaction after reduction at 573673 K, resulting in coalescing Pd2Ge particles on a sintered and re-crystallized support, apparently partially covering the bimetallic particles and decreasing the catalytic activity. Pd2Ge on amorphous thin film and hexagonal GeO2 converted methanol primarily via dehydrogenation to CO and H2. At 573 K, formation of Pd2Sn and also PdSn occurred on the Pd/SnO2 thin film. Pd3Sn2 (and to some extent Pd2Sn) were predominantly obtained on the respective powder catalyst. Strong deactivation with increasing reduction temperature was observed, likely not based on the classical strong metalsupport interaction effect, but rather on a combination of missing active structural ensembles on Sn-enriched bimetallic phases and the formation of metallic -Sn. Correlations to Pd and its bimetallics supported on ZnO, Ga2O3 and In2O3 were also discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.339
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/j.apcata.2010.04.015
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“Oxidation potential in the Earth's lower mantle as recorded by ferropericlase inclusions in diamond”. Kaminsky FV, Ryabchikov ID, McCammon CA, Longo M, Abakumov AM, Turner S, Heidari H, Earth and planetary science letters 417, 49 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2015.02.029
Abstract: Ferropericlase (fPer) inclusions from kimberlitic lower-mantle diamonds recovered in the Juina area, Mato Grosso State, Brazil were analyzed with transmission electron microscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy and the flank method. The presence of exsolved non-stoichiometric Fe3+-enriched clusters, varying in size from 1-2 nm to 10-15 nm and comprising similar to 3.64 vol.% of fPer was established. The oxidation conditions necessary for fPer formation within the uppermost lower mantle (P = 25 GPa, T = 1960 K) vary over a wide range: Delta log f(o2) (IW) from 1.58 to 7.76 (Delta = 6.2), reaching the fayalite-magnetite-quartz (FMQ) oxygen buffer position. This agrees with the identification of carbonates and free silica among inclusions within lower-mantle Juina diamonds. On the other hand, at the base of the lower mantle Delta log f(o2) values may lie at and below the iron-wustite (IW) oxygen buffer. Hence, the variations of Delta log f(o2) values within the entire sequence of the lower mantle may reach ten logarithmic units, varying from the IW buffer to the FMQ buffer values. The similarity between lower- and upper-mantle redox conditions supports whole mantle convection, as already suggested on the basis of nitrogen and carbon isotopic compositions in lower- and upper-mantle diamonds. The mechanisms responsible for redox differentiation in the lower mantle may include subduction of oxidized crustal material, mechanical separation of metallic phase(s) and silicate-oxide mineral assemblages enriched in ferric iron, as well as transfer of fused silicate-oxide material presumably also enriched in ferric iron through the mantle. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.409
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1016/j.epsl.2015.02.029
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“Recent results on characterization of detonation nanodiamonds”. Vlasov II, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Shiryaev AA Elsevier, Amsterdam, page 291 (2012).
Keywords: H3 Book chapter; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“Pd-In2O3 interaction due to reduction in hydrogen: consequences for methanol steam reforming”. Lorenz H, Turner S, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Klötzer B, Rameshan C, Pfaller K, Penner S, Applied catalysis : A : general 374, 180 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2009.12.007
Abstract: Two different Pd/In2O3 samples including a thin film model catalyst with well-defined Pd particles grown on NaCl(0 0 1) supports and a powder catalyst prepared by an impregnation technique are examined by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and catalytic measurements in methanol steam reforming in order to correlate the formation of different oxide-supported bimetallic PdIn phases with catalytic activity and selectivity. A PdIn shell around the Pd particles is observed on the thin film catalyst after embedding the Pd particles in In2O3 at 300 K, likely because alloying to PdIn and oxidation to In2O3 are competing processes. Increased PdIn bimetallic formation is observed up to 573 K reduction temperature until at 623 K the film stability limit in hydrogen is reached. Oxidative treatments at 573 K lead to decomposition of PdIn and to the formation of an In2O3 shell covering the Pd particles, which irreversibly changes the activity and selectivity pattern to clean In2O3. PdIn and Pd2In3 phases are obtained on the powder catalyst after reduction at 573 K and 673 K, respectively. Only CO2-selective methanol steam reforming is observed in the reduction temperature range between 473 K and 573 K. After reduction at 673 K encapsulation of the bimetallic particles by crystalline In2O3 suppresses CO2 formation and only activity and selectivity of clean In2O3 are measured.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.339
Times cited: 55
DOI: 10.1016/j.apcata.2009.12.007
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“Incorporation and study of SiV centers in diamond nanopillars”. Felgen N, Naydenov B, Turner S, Jelezko F, Reithmaier JP, Popov C, Diamond and related materials 64, 64 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.diamond.2016.01.011
Abstract: We report on the incorporation of SiV centers during hot filament chemical vapor deposition of diamond on top of diamond nanopillars with diameters down to 100 nm. The nanopillars themselves were prepared from nano crystalline diamond films by applying electron beam lithography and inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching. The optical investigations revealed the presence of ensembles of SiV color centers incorporated during the overgrowth step. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.561
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/j.diamond.2016.01.011
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“Heterogeneous conjugation of vegetable oil with alkaline treated highly dispersed Ru/USY catalysts”. Van Aelst J, Philippaerts A, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Jacobs P, Sels B, Applied catalysis : A : general 526, 172 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APCATA.2016.08.026
Abstract: Heterogeneous metal catalysts enable the direct conjugation of linoleic acid tails in vegetable oil to their conjugated linoleic acid (CIA) isomers. CIA-enriched oils are useful as renewable feedstock for the chemical industry and as nutraceutical. Up to now, a solvent-free process for conjugated oils without significant formation of undesired hydrogenation products was not existing. This work shows the design of Ru/USY catalysts able to directly conjugate highly unsaturated vegetable oils such as safflower oil in absence of solvent and hydrogen. Key is fast molecular transport of the bulky reagent and reactive product triglycerides in the zeolite crystal. A two-step zeolite post-synthetic treatment (with NH4OH and acetate salt) was applied to create the necessary mesoporosity. More open zeolite structures allow for a faster conjugation reaction, while securing a fast removal of the reactive conjugated triglycerides, otherwise rapidly deactivating through fouling and pore blockage by polymers. The best Ru/USY catalyst in this contribution is capable of producing exceptionally high yields of conjugated oils, containing up to almost 30 wt% conjugated fatty acid tails in safflower oil, at an initial production rate of 328 g(CLA) mL(-1) h(-1) per gram metal catalyst. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.339
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/J.APCATA.2016.08.026
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“Removal of arsenic and mercury species from water by covalent triazine framework encapsulated \gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticles”. Leus K, Folens K, Nicomel NR, Perez JPH, Filippousi M, Meledina M, Dirtu MM, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Garcia Y, Du Laing G, Van Der Voort P, Journal of hazardous materials 353, 312 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2018.04.027
Abstract: The covalent triazine framework, CTF-1, served as host material for the in situ synthesis of Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The composite material consisted of 20 +/- 2 m% iron, mainly in gamma-Fe2O3 phase. The resulting gamma-Fe2O3@CTF-1 was examined for the adsorption of As-III, As-V and H-II from synthetic solutions and real surface-, ground- and wastewater. The material shows excellent removal efficiencies, independent from the presence of Ca2+, Mg2+ or natural organic matter and only limited dependency on the presence of phosphate ions. Its adsorption capacity towards arsenite (198.0 mg g(-1)), arsenate (102.3 mg g(-1)) and divalent mercury (165.8 mg g(-1)) belongs amongst the best-known adsorbents, including many other iron-based materials. Regeneration of the adsorbent can be achieved for use over multiple cycles without a decrease in performance by elution at 70 degrees C with 0.1 M NaOH, followed by a stirring step in a 5 m% H2O2 solution for As or 0.1 M thiourea and 0.001 M HCl for Hg. In highly contaminated water (100 mu gL(-1)), the adsorbent polishes the water quality to well below the current WHO limits.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.065
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2018.04.027
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“Taxonomical study of marine oscillatorian strains (Cyanobacteria) with narrow trichomes: 2: nucleotide sequence analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA”. Wilmotte A, Turner S, van de Peer Y, Pace NR, Journal Of Phycology 28, 828 (1992). http://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-3646.1992.00828.x
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT);
Impact Factor: 2.844
Times cited: 58
DOI: 10.1111/j.0022-3646.1992.00828.x
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“Luminescence of fixed site Ag nanoclusters in a simple oxyfluoride glass host and plasmon absorption of amorphous Ag nanoparticles in a complex oxyfluoride glass host”. Shestakov MV, Meledina M, Turner S, Baekelant W, Verellen N, Chen X, Hofkens J, Van Tendeloo G, Moshchalkov VV, Proceedings of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers
T2 –, 8th International Conference on Photonics, Devices, and System VI, AUG 27-29, 2014, Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC , Unsp 94501n (2015). http://doi.org/10.1117/12.2068198
Abstract: Ag nanocluster-doped glasses have been prepared by a conventional melt-quenching method. The effect of melt temperature and dwell time on the formation of Ag nanoclusters and Ag nanoparticles in simple host oxyfluoride glasses has been studied. The increase of melt temperature and dwell time results in the dissolution of Ag nanoparticles and substantial red-shift of absorption and photoluminescence spectra of the prepared glasses. The quantum yield of the glasses is similar to 5% and does not depend on melt temperature and dwell time. The prepared glasses may be used as red phosphors or down-conversion layers for solar-cells.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1117/12.2068198
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“Enhanced stability against oxidation due to 2D self-organisation of hcp cobalt nanocrystals”. Lisiecki I, Turner S, Bals S, Pileni MP, Van Tendeloo G Springer, Berlin, page 273 (2008).
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
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“Substitutional phosphorus incorporation in nanocrystalline CVD diamond thin films”. Janssen W, Turner S, Sakr G, Jomard F, Barjon J, Degutis G, Lu YG, D'Haen J, Hardy A, Bael MV, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Haenen K, Physica status solidi: rapid research letters 8, 705 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1002/pssr.201409235
Abstract: Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films were produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and doped by the addition of phosphine to the gas mixture. The characterization of the films focused on probing the incorporation and distribution of the phosphorus (P) dopants. Electron microscopy evaluated the overall film morphology and revealed the interior structure of the nanosized grains. The homogeneous films with distinct diamond grains featured a notably low sp(2):sp(3)-ratio as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. High resolution spectroscopy methods demonstrated a homogeneous P-incorporation, both in-depth and in-plane. The P concentration in the films was determined to be in the order of 10(19) cm(-3) with a significant fraction integrated at substitutional donor sites. (C) 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.032
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1002/pssr.201409235
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“Defect controlled room temperature ferromagnetism in Co-doped barium titanate nanocrystals”. Ray S, Kolen'ko YV, Kovnir KA, Lebedev OI, Turner S, Chakraborty T, Erni R, Watanabe T, Van Tendeloo G, Yoshimura M, Itoh M, Nanotechnology 23, 025702 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/23/2/025702
Abstract: Defect mediated high temperature ferromagnetism in oxide nanocrystallites is the central feature of this work. Here, we report the development of room temperature ferromagnetism in nanosized Co-doped barium titanate particles with a size of around 14 nm, synthesized by a solvothermal drying method. A combination of x-ray diffraction with state-of-the-art electron microscopy techniques confirms the intrinsic doping of Co into BaTiO3. The development of the room temperature ferromagnetism was tracked down to the different donor defects, namely hydroxyl groups at the oxygen site (\mathrm {OH}\mathrm {(O)}
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/23/2/025702
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“Interlayer structure in YBCO-coated conductors prepared by chemical solution deposition”. Molina L, Egoavil R, Turner S, Thersleff T, Verbeeck J, Holzapfel B, Eibl O, Van Tendeloo G, Superconductor science and technology 26, 075016 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/26/7/075016
Abstract: The functionality of YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO)-coated conductor technology depends on the reliability and microstructural properties of a given tape or wire architecture. Particularly, the interface to the metal tape is of interest since it determines the adhesion, mechanical stability of the film and thermal contact of the film to the substrate. A trifluoroacetate (TFA)metal organic deposition (MOD) prepared YBCO film deposited on a chemical solution-derived buffer layer architecture based on CeO2/La2Zr2O7 and grown on a flexible Ni5 at.%W substrate with a {100}⟨001⟩ biaxial texture was investigated. The YBCO film had a thickness was 440 nm and a jc of 1.02 MA cm−2 was determined at 77 K and zero external field. We present a sub-nanoscale analysis of a fully processed solution-derived YBCO-coated conductor by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). For the first time, structural and chemical analysis of the valence has been carried out on the sub-nm scale. Intermixing of Ni, La, Ce, O and Ba takes place at these interfaces and gives rise to nanometer-sized interlayers which are a by-product of the sequential annealing process. Two distinct interfacial regions were analyzed in detail: (i) the YBCO/CeO2/La2Zr2O7 region (10 nm interlayer) and (ii) the La2Zr2O7/Ni5 at.%W substrate interface region (20 nm NiO). This is of particular significance for the functionality of these YBCO-coated conductor architectures grown by chemical solution deposition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/26/7/075016
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“High resolution mapping of surface reduction in ceria nanoparticles”. Turner S, Lazar S, Freitag B, Egoavil R, Verbeeck J, Put S, Strauven Y, Van Tendeloo G, Nanoscale 3, 3385 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1039/c1nr10510h
Abstract: Surface reduction of ceria nano octahedra with predominant {111} and {100} type surfaces is studied using a combination of aberration-corrected Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) at high energy resolution and atomic spatial resolution. The valency of cerium ions at the surface of the nanoparticles is mapped using the fine structure of the Ce M4,5 edge as a fingerprint. The valency of the surface cerium ions is found to change from 4+ to 3+ owing to oxygen deficiency (vacancies) close to the surface. The thickness of this Ce3+ shell is measured using atomic-resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM)-EELS mapping over a {111} surface (the predominant facet for this ceria morphology), {111} type surface island steps and {100} terminating planes. For the {111} facets and for {111} surface islands, the reduction shell is found to extend over a single fully reduced surface plane and 12 underlying mixed valency planes. For the {100} facets the reduction shell extends over a larger area of 56 oxygen vacancy-rich planes. This finding provides a plausible explanation for the higher catalytic activity of the {100} surface facets in ceria.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 127
DOI: 10.1039/c1nr10510h
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“Local boron environment in B-doped nanocrystalline diamond films”. Turner S, Lu Y-G, Janssens SD, da Pieve F, Lamoen D, Verbeeck J, Haenen K, Wagner P, Van Tendeloo G, Nanoscale 4, 5960 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1039/c2nr31530k
Abstract: Thin films of heavily B-doped nanocrystalline diamond (B:NCD) have been investigated by a combination of high resolution annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy performed on a state-of-the-art aberration corrected instrument to determine the B concentration, distribution and the local B environment. Concentrations of [similar]1 to 3 at.% of boron are found to be embedded within individual grains. Even though most NCD grains are surrounded by a thin amorphous shell, elemental mapping of the B and C signal shows no preferential embedding of B in these amorphous shells or in grain boundaries between the NCD grains, in contrast with earlier work on more macroscopic superconducting polycrystalline B-doped diamond films. Detailed inspection of the fine structure of the boron K-edge and comparison with density functional theory calculated fine structure energy-loss near-edge structure signatures confirms that the B atoms present in the diamond grains are substitutional atoms embedded tetrahedrally into the diamond lattice.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 39
DOI: 10.1039/c2nr31530k
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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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“New nano-architectures of mesoporous silica spheres analyzed by advanced electron microscopy”. Lebedev OI, Turner S, Liu S, Cool P, Van Tendeloo G, Nanoscale 4, 1722 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1039/c2nr11715k
Abstract: Using template-containing silica microspheres as a precursor, novel ordered mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a narrow pore size distribution and high crystallinity have been synthesized by various hydrothermal merging processes. Several architectures like chains, dumbbells, triangles, squares and flowers have been discovered. The linking mechanisms of these interacting silica spheres leading to the formation of ordered nano-structures are studied by HRTEM, HAADF-STEM and electron tomography and a plausible model is presented for several merging processes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1039/c2nr11715k
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“Preparation, microstructure characterization and catalytic performance of Cu/ZnO and ZnO/Cu composite nanoparticles for liquid phase methanol synthesis”. Sliem MA, Turner S, Heeskens D, Kalidindi SB, Van Tendeloo G, Muhler M, Fischer RA, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 14, 8170 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1039/c2cp40482f
Abstract: Stearate@Cu/ZnO nanocomposite particles with molar ratios of ZnO ∶ Cu = 2 and 5 are synthesized by reduction of the metalorganic Cu precursor [Cu{(OCH(CH3)CH2N(CH3)2)}2] in the presence of stearate@ZnO nanoparticles. In the case of ZnO ∶ Cu = 5, high-angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) combined with electron-energy-loss-spectroscopy (EELS) as well as attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy are used to localize the small amount of Cu deposited on the surface of 35 nm sized stearate@ZnO particles. For ZnO ∶ Cu = 2, the microstructure of the nanocomposites after catalytic activity testing is characterized by HAADF-STEM techniques. This reveals the construction of large Cu nanoparticles (2050 nm) decorated by small ZnO nanoparticles (35 nm). The catalytic activity of both composites for the synthesis of methanol from syn gas is evaluated.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1039/c2cp40482f
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“Stable polyoxometalate insertion within the mesoporous metal organic framework MIL-100(Fe)”. Canioni R, Roch-Marchal C, Sécheresse F, Horcajada P, Serre C, Hardi-Dan M, Férey G, Grenèche J-M, Lefebvre F, Chang J-S, Hwang Y-K, Lebedev O, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of materials chemistry 21, 1226 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1039/c0jm02381g
Abstract: Successful encapsulation of polyoxometalate (POM) within the framework of a mesoporous iron trimesate MIL-100(Fe) sample has been achieved by direct hydrothermal synthesis in the absence of fluorine. XRPD, 31P MAS NMR, IR, EELS, TEM and 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry corroborate the insertion of POM within the cavities of the MOF. The experimental Mo/Fe ratio is 0.95, in agreement with the maximum theoretical amount of POM loaded within the pores of MIL-100(Fe), based on steric hindrance considerations. The POM-MIL-100(Fe) sample exhibits a pore volume of 0.373 cm3 g−1 and a BET surface area close to 1000 m2 g−1, indicating that small gas molecules can easily diffuse inside the cavities despite the presence of heavy phosphomolybdates. These latter contribute to the decrease in the overall surface area, due to the increase in molar weight, by 65%. Moreover, the resulting Keggin containing MIL-100(Fe) solid is stable in aqueous solution with no POM leaching even after more than 2 months. In addition, no exchange of the Keggin anions by tetrabutylammonium perchlorate in organic media has been observed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 158
DOI: 10.1039/c0jm02381g
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“Vertically oriented CuO/ZnO nanorod arrays : from plasma-assisted synthesis to photocatalytic H2 production”. Simon Q, Barreca D, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Montini T, Gombac V, Fornasiero P, Lebedev OI, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of materials chemistry 22, 11739 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1039/c2jm31589k
Abstract: 1D CuO/ZnO nanocomposites were grown on Si(100) substrates by means of an original two-step synthetic strategy. ZnO nanorod (NR) arrays were initially deposited by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) from an ArO2 atmosphere. Subsequently, tailored amounts of CuO were dispersed over zinc oxide matrices by radio frequency (RF)-sputtering of Cu from Ar plasmas, followed by thermal treatment in air. A thorough characterization of the obtained systems was carried out by X-ray photoelectron and X-ray excited-Auger electron spectroscopies (XPS and XE-AES), glancing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction (ED) and energy filtered-TEM (EF-TEM). Pure and highly oriented CuO/ZnO NR arrays, free from ternary ZnCuO phases and characterized by a copper(II) oxide content controllable as a function of the adopted RF-power, were successfully obtained. Interestingly, the structural relationships between the two oxides at the CuO/ZnO interface were found to depend on the overall CuO loading. The obtained nanocomposites displayed promising photocatalytic performances in H2 production by reforming of ethanolwater solutions under simulated solar illumination, paving the way to the sustainable conversion of solar light into chemical energy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 74
DOI: 10.1039/c2jm31589k
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“ZnO@ZIF-8 : stabilization of quantum confined ZnO nanoparticles by a zinc methylimidazolate framework and their surface structural characterization probed by CO2 adsorption”. Esken D, Noei H, Wang Y, Wiktor C, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Fischer RA, Journal of materials chemistry 21, 5907 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1039/c1jm10091b
Abstract: The microporous and activated zeolitic imidazolate framework (Zn(MeIM)2; MeIM = imidazolate-2-methyl; ZIF-8) was loaded with the MOCVD precursor diethyl zinc [Zn(C2H5)2]. Exposure of ZIF-8 to the vapour of the volatile organometallic molecule resulted in the formation of the inclusion compound [Zn(C2H5)2]0.38@ZIF-8 revealing two precursor molecules per cavity. In a second step the obtained material was treated with oxygen (5 vol% in argon) at various temperatures (oxidative annealing) to achieve the composite material ZnO0.35@ZIF-8. The new material was characterized with powder XRD, FT-IR, UV-vis, solid state NMR, elemental analysis, N2 sorption measurements, and transmission electron microscopy. The data give evidence for the presence of nano-sized ZnO particles stabilized by ZIF-8 showing a blue-shift of the UV-vis absorption caused by quantum size effect (QSE). The surface structure and reactivity of embedded ZnO nanoparticles were characterized via carbon dioxide adsorption at different temperatures monitored by ultra-high vacuum FTIR techniques. It was found that the surface of ZnO nanoparticles is dominated by polar OZnO and ZnZnO facets as well as by defect sites, which all exhibit high reactivity towards CO2 activation forming various adsorbed carbonate and chemisorbed CO2δ− species.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 76
DOI: 10.1039/c1jm10091b
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“Highly efficient rutile TiO2 photocatalysts with single Cu(II) and Fe(III) surface catalytic sites”. Neubert S, Mitoraj D, Shevlin SA, Pulisova P, Heimann M, Du Y, Goh GKL, Pacia M, Kruczała K, Turner S, Macyk W, Guo ZX, Hocking RK, Beranek R;, Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability 4, 3127 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5ta07036h
Abstract: Highly active photocatalysts were obtained by impregnation of nanocrystalline rutile TiO2 powders with small amounts of Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions, resulting in the enhancement of initial rates of photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol in water by factors of 7 and 4, compared to pristine rutile, respectively. Detailed structural analysis by EPR and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) revealed that Cu(II) and Fe(III) are present as single species on the rutile surface. The mechanism of the photoactivity enhancement was elucidated by a combination of DFT calculations and detailed experimental mechanistic studies including photoluminescence measurements, photocatalytic experiments using scavengers, OH radical detection, and photopotential transient measurements. The results demonstrate that the single Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions act as effective cocatalytic sites, enhancing the charge separation, catalyzing “dark” redox reactions at the interface, thus improving the normally very low quantum yields of UV light-activated TiO2 photocatalysts. The exact mechanism of the photoactivity enhancement differs depending on the nature of the cocatalyst. Cu(II)-decorated samples exhibit fast transfer of photogenerated electrons to Cu(II/I) sites, followed by enhanced catalysis of dioxygen reduction, resulting in improved charge separation and higher photocatalytic degradation rates. At Fe(III)-modified rutile the rate of dioxygen reduction is not improved and the photocatalytic enhancement is attributed to higher production of highly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals produced by alternative oxygen reduction pathways opened by the presence of catalytic Fe(III/II) sites. Importantly, it was demonstrated that excessive heat treatment (at 450 degrees C) of photocatalysts leads to loss of activity due to migration of Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions from TiO2 surface to the bulk, accompanied by formation of oxygen vacancies. The demonstrated variety of mechanisms of photoactivity enhancement at single site catalyst-modified photocatalysts holds promise for developing further tailored photocatalysts for various applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.867
Times cited: 44
DOI: 10.1039/c5ta07036h
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“PDMS membranes containing ZIF-coated mesoporous silica spheres for efficient ethanol recovery via pervaporation”. Naik PV, Wee LH, Meledina M, Turner S, Li Y, Van Tendeloo G, Martens JA, Vankelecom IFJ, Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability 4, 12790 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/C6TA04700A
Abstract: The design of functional micro- and mesostructured composite materials is significantly important for separation processes. Mesoporous silica is an attractive material for fast diffusion, while microporous zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are beneficial for selective adsorption and diffusion. In this work, ZIF-71 and ZIF-8 nanocrystals were grown on the surface of mesoporous silica spheres (MSS) via the seeding and regrowth approach in order to obtain monodispersed MSS-ZIF-71 and MSS-ZIF-8 spheres with a particle size of 2-3 mm. These MSS-ZIF spheres were uniformly dispersed into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix to prepare mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). These MMMs were evaluated for the separation of ethanol from water via pervaporation. The pervaporation results reveal that the MSS-ZIF filled MMMs substantially improve the ethanol recovery in both aspects viz. flux and separation factor. These MMMs outperforms the unfilled PDMS membranes and the conventional carbon and zeolite filled MMMs. As expected, the mesoporous silica core allows very fast flow of the permeating compound, while the hydrophobic ZIF coating enhances the ethanol selectivity through its specific pore structure, hydrophobicity and surface chemistry. It can be seen that ZIF-8 mainly has a positive impact on the selectivity, while ZIF-71 enhances fluxes more significantly.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.867
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1039/C6TA04700A
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