“Activation of CO2on Copper Surfaces: The Synergy between Electric Field, Surface Morphology, and Excess Electrons”. Jafarzadeh A, Bal KM, Bogaerts A, Neyts EC, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 124, 6747 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c00778
Abstract: In this work, we use density functional theory calculations to study the combined effect of external electric fields, surface morphology, and surface charge on CO2 activation over Cu(111), Cu(211), Cu(110), and Cu(001) surfaces. We observe that the binding energy of the CO2 molecule on Cu surfaces increases significantly upon increasing the applied electric field strength. In addition, rougher surfaces respond more effectively to the presence of the external electric field toward facilitating the formation of a carbonate-like CO2 structure and the transformation of the most stable adsorption mode from physisorption to chemisorption. The presence of surface charges further strengthens the electric field effect and consequently causes an improved bending of the CO2 molecule and C−O bond length elongation. On the other hand, a net charge in the absence of an externally applied electric field shows only a marginal effect on CO2 binding. The chemisorbed CO2 is more stable and further activated when the effects of an external electric field, rough surface, and surface charge are combined. These results can help to elucidate the underlying factors that control CO2 activation in heterogeneous and plasma catalysis, as well as in electrochemical processes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c00778
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“Silver–Gold Bimetallic Alloy versus Core–Shell Nanoparticles: Implications for Plasmonic Enhancement and Photothermal Applications”. Borah R, Verbruggen SW, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C , acs.jpcc.0c02630 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c02630
Abstract: Bimetallic plasmonic nanoparticles enable tuning of the optical response and chemical stability by variation of the composition. The present numerical simulation study compares Ag–Au alloy, Ag@Au core–shell, and Au@Ag core–shell bimetallic plasmonic nanoparticles of both spherical and anisotropic (nanotriangle and nanorods) shapes. By studying both spherical and anisotropic (with LSPR in the near-infrared region) shapes, cases with and without interband transitions of Au can be decoupled. Explicit comparisons are facilitated by numerical models supported by careful validation and examination of optical constants of Au–Ag alloys reported in the literature. Although both Au–Ag core–shell and alloy nanoparticles exhibit an intermediary optical response between that of pure Ag and Au nanoparticles, there are noticeable differences in the spectral characteristics. Also, the effect of the bimetallic constitution in anisotropic nanoparticles is starkly different from that in spherical nanoparticles due to the absence of Au interband transitions in the former case. In general, the improved chemical stability of Ag nanoparticles by incorporation of Au comes with a cost of reduction in plasmonic enhancement, also applicable to anisotropic nanoparticles with a weaker effect. A photothermal heat transfer study confirms that increased absorption by the incorporation of Au in spherical Ag nanoparticles also results in an increased steady-state temperature. On the other hand, anisotropic nanoparticles are inherently better absorbers and hence better photothermal sources, and their photothermal properties are apparently not strongly affected by the incorporation of one metal in the other. This study of the optical/spectral and photothermal characteristics of bimetallic Au–Ag alloy versus core–shell nanoparticles provides detailed physical insight for development of new taylor-made plasmonic nanostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c02630
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“Silver–Gold Bimetallic Alloy versus Core–Shell Nanoparticles: Implications for Plasmonic Enhancement and Photothermal Applications”. Borah R, Verbruggen SW, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c02630
Abstract: Bimetallic plasmonic nanoparticles enable tuning of the optical response and chemical stability by variation of the composition. The present numerical simulation study compares Ag–Au alloy, Ag@Au core–shell, and Au@Ag core–shell bimetallic plasmonic nanoparticles of both spherical and anisotropic (nanotriangle and nanorods) shapes. By studying both spherical and anisotropic (with LSPR in the near-infrared region) shapes, cases with and without interband transitions of Au can be decoupled. Explicit comparisons are facilitated by numerical models supported by careful validation and examination of optical constants of Au–Ag alloys reported in the literature. Although both Au–Ag core–shell and alloy nanoparticles exhibit an intermediary optical response between that of pure Ag and Au nanoparticles, there are noticeable differences in the spectral characteristics. Also, the effect of the bimetallic constitution in anisotropic nanoparticles is starkly different from that in spherical nanoparticles due to the absence of Au interband transitions in the former case. In general, the improved chemical stability of Ag nanoparticles by incorporation of Au comes with a cost of reduction in plasmonic enhancement, also applicable to anisotropic nanoparticles with a weaker effect. A photothermal heat transfer study confirms that increased absorption by the incorporation of Au in spherical Ag nanoparticles also results in an increased steady-state temperature. On the other hand, anisotropic nanoparticles are inherently better absorbers and hence better photothermal sources, and their photothermal properties are apparently not strongly affected by the incorporation of one metal in the other. This study of the optical/spectral and photothermal characteristics of bimetallic Au–Ag alloy versus core–shell nanoparticles provides detailed physical insight for development of new taylor-made plasmonic nanostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c02630
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“Plasma-Based CO2Conversion: To Quench or Not to Quench?”.Vermeiren V, Bogaerts A, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 124, 18401 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c04257
Abstract: Plasma technology is gaining increasing interest for CO2 conversion. The gas temperature in (and after) the plasma reactor largely affects the performance. Therefore, we examine the effect of cooling/quenching, during and after the plasma, on the CO2 conversion and energy efficiency, for typical “warm” plasmas, by means of chemical kinetics modeling. For plasmas at low specific energy input (SEI ∼ 0.5 eV/molecule), it is best to quench at the plasma end, while for high-SEI plasmas (SEI ∼ 4 eV/molecule), quenching at maximum conversion is better. For low-SEI plasmas, quenching can even increase the conversion beyond the dissociation in the plasma, known as superideal quenching. To better understand the effects of quenching at different plasma conditions, we study the dissociation and recombination rates, as well as the vibrational distribution functions (VDFs) of CO2, CO, and O2. When a high vibrational−translational (VT) nonequilibrium exists at the moment of quenching, the dissociation and recombination reaction rates both increase. Depending on the conversion degree at the moment of quenching, this can lead to a net increase or decrease of CO2 conversion. In general, however, and certainly for equilibrium plasmas at high temperature, quenching after the plasma helps prevent recombination reactions and clearly enhances the final CO2 conversion. We also investigate the effect of different quenching cooling rates on the CO2 conversion and energy efficiency. Finally, we compare plasma-based conversion to purely thermal conversion. For warm plasmas with typical temperatures of 3000−4000 K, the conversion is roughly thermal.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c04257
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“Plasma-Catalytic Ammonia Synthesis in a DBD Plasma: Role of Microdischarges and Their Afterglows”. van ‘t Veer K, Engelmann Y, Reniers F, Bogaerts A, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 124, 22871 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c05110
Abstract: Plasma-catalytic ammonia synthesis is receiving ever increasing attention, especially in packed bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactors. The latter typically operate in the filamentary regime when used for gas conversion applications. While DBDs are in principle well understood and already applied in the industry, the incorporation of packing materials and catalytic surfaces considerably adds to the complexity of the plasma physics and chemistry governing the ammonia formation. We employ a plasma kinetics model to gain insights into the ammonia formation mechanisms, paying special attention to the role of filamentary microdischarges and their afterglows. During the microdischarges, the synthesized ammonia is actually decomposed, but the radicals created upon electron impact dissociation of N2 and H2 and the subsequent catalytic reactions cause a net ammonia gain in the afterglows of the microdischarges. Under our plasma conditions, electron impact dissociation of N2 in the gas phase followed by the adsorption of N atoms is identified as a rate-limiting step, instead of dissociative adsorption of N2 on the catalyst surface. Both elementary Eley−Rideal and Langmuir−Hinshelwood reaction steps can be found important in plasma-catalytic NH3 synthesis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Movement Antwerp (MOVANT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c05110
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“Plasma Catalysis for CO2Hydrogenation: Unlocking New Pathways toward CH3OH”. Michiels R, Engelmann Y, Bogaerts A, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 124, 25859 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c07632
Abstract: We developed a microkinetic model to reveal the effects of plasma-generated radicals, intermediates, and vibrationally excited species on the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to CH3OH on a Cu(111) surface. As a benchmark, we first present the mechanisms of thermal catalytic CH3OH formation. Our model predicts that the reverse water-gas shift reaction followed by CO hydrogenation, together with the formate path, mainly contribute to CH3OH formation in thermal catalysis. Adding plasma-generated radicals and intermediates results in a higher CH3OH turnover frequency (TOF) by six to seven orders of magnitude, showing the potential of plasma-catalytic CO2 hydrogenation into CH3OH, in accordance with the literature. In addition, CO2 vibrational excitation further increases the CH3OH TOF, but the effect is limited due to relatively low vibrational temperatures under typical plasma catalysis conditions. The predicted increase in CH3OH formation by plasma catalysis is mainly attributed to the increased importance of the formate path. In addition, the conversion of plasma-generated CO to HCO* and subsequent HCOO* or H2CO* formation contribute to CH3OH formation. Both pathways bypass the HCOO* formation from CO2, which is the main bottleneck in the process. Hence, our model points toward the important role of CO, but also O, OH, and H radicals, as they influence the reactions that consume CO2 and CO. In addition, our model reveals that the H pressure should not be smaller than ca. half of the O pressure in the plasma as this would cause O* poisoning, which would result in very small product TOFs. Thus, plasma conditions should be targeted with a high CO and H content as this is favorable for CH3OH formation, while the O content should be minimized.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Movement Antwerp (MOVANT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c07632
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“Fast Electron Tomography for Nanomaterials”. Albrecht W, Bals S, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C , acs.jpcc.0c08939 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c08939
Abstract: Electron tomography (ET) has become a well-established technique to visualize nanomaterials in three dimensions. A vast richness in information can be gained by ET, but the conventional acquisition of a tomography series is an inherently slow process on the order of 1 h. The slow acquisition limits the applicability of ET for monitoring dynamic processes or visualizing nanoparticles, which are sensitive to the electron beam. In this Perspective, we summarize recent work on the development of emerging experimental and computational schemes to enhance the data acquisition process. We particularly focus on the application of these fast ET techniques for beam-sensitive materials and highlight insight into dynamic transformations of nanoparticles under external stimuli, which could be gained by fast in situ ET. Moreover, we discuss challenges and possible solutions for simultaneously increasing the speed and quality of fast ET.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c08939
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“Near-Edge Ligand Stripping and Robust Radiative Exciton Recombination in CdSe/CdS Core/Crown Nanoplatelets”. Leemans J, Singh S, Li C, Ten Brinck S, Bals S, Infante I, Moreels I, Hens Z, Journal Of Physical Chemistry Letters 11, 3339 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c00870
Abstract: We address the relation between surface chemistry and optoelectronic properties in semiconductor nanocrystals using core/crown CdSe/CdS nanoplatelets passivated by cadmium oleate (Cd(Ol)2) as model systems. We show that addition of butylamine to a nanoplatelet (NPL) dispersion maximally displaces ∼40% of the original Cd(Ol)2 capping. On the basis of density functional theory simulations, we argue that this behavior reflects the preferential displacement of Cd(Ol)2 from (near)-edge surface sites. Opposite from CdSe core NPLs, core/crown NPL dispersions can retain 45% of their initial photoluminescence efficiency after ligand displacement, while radiative exciton recombination keeps dominating the luminescent decay. Using electron microscopy observations, we assign this robust photoluminescence to NPLs with a complete CdS crown, which prevents charge carrier trapping in the near-edge surface sites created by ligand displacement. We conclude that Z-type ligands such as cadmium carboxylates can provide full electronic passivation of (100) facets yet are prone to displacement from (near)-edge surface sites.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.7
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c00870
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“Plasma-Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Methane on Pt(111): A Microkinetic Study on the Role of Different Plasma Species”. Loenders B, Engelmann Y, Bogaerts A, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 125, 2966 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c09849
Abstract: We use microkinetic modeling to examine the potential of plasma-catalytic partial oxidation (POX) of CH4 as a promising new approach to produce oxygenates. We study how different plasma species affect POX of CH4 on the Pt(111) surface, and we discuss the associated kinetic and mechanistic changes. We discuss the effect of vibrationally excited CH4 and O2, as well as plasma-generated radicals and stable intermediates. Our results show that vibrational excitation enhances the turnover frequency (TOF) of catalytic CH4 dissociation and has good potential for improving the selectivities toward CH3OH, HCOOH, and C2 hydrocarbons. Nevertheless, when also considering plasma-generated radicals, we find that these species mainly govern the surface chemistry. Additionally, we find that plasma-generated radicals and stable intermediates enhance the TOFs of COx and oxygenates, increase the selectivity toward oxygenates, and make the formation of HCOOH more significant on Pt(111). We also briefly illustrate the potential impact of Eley−Rideal reactions that involve plasma-generated radicals. Finally, we reveal how various radicals affect the catalyst surface chemistry and we link this to the formation of different products. This allows us to make suggestions on how the plasma composition should be altered to improve the formation of desired products.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Movement Antwerp (MOVANT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c09849
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“Nd3+-Doped Lanthanum Oxychloride Nanocrystals as Nanothermometers”. Renero-Lecuna C, Herrero A, Jimenez de Aberasturi D, Martínez-Flórez M, Valiente R, Mychinko M, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 125, 19887 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c05828
Abstract: The development of optical nanothermometers operating in the near-infrared (NIR) is of high relevance toward temperature measurements in biological systems. We propose herein the use of Nd3+-doped lanthanum oxychloride nanocrystals as an efficient system with intense photoluminescence under NIR irradiation in the first biological transparency window and emission in the second biological window with excellent emission stability over time under 808 nm excitation, regardless of Nd3+ concentration, which can be considered as a particular strength of our system. Additionally, surface passivation through overgrowth of an inert LaOCl shell around optically active LaOCl/Nd3+ cores was found to further enhance the photoluminescence intensity and also the lifetime of the 1066 nm, 4F3/2 to 4I11/2 transition, without affecting its (ratiometric) sensitivity toward temperature changes. As required for biological applications, we show that the obtained (initially hydrophobic) nanocrystals can be readily transferred into aqueous solvents with high, long-term stability, through either ligand exchange or encapsulation with an amphiphilic polymer.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c05828
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“Kinetic regulation of the synthesis of pentatwinned gold nanorods below room temperature”. Sanchez-Iglesias A, Jenkinson K, Bals S, Liz-Marzan LM, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 125, 23937 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCC.1C07284
Abstract: The synthesis of gold nanorods requires the presence of symmetry-breaking and shape-directing additives, among which bromide ions and quaternary ammonium surfactants have been reported as essential. As a result, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) has been selected as the most efficient surfactant to direct anisotropic growth. One of the difficulties arising from this selection is the low solubility of CTAB in water at room temperature, and therefore the seeded growth of gold nanorods is usually performed at 25 degrees C or above, which has restricted so far the analysis of kinetic effects derived from lower temperatures. We report a systematic study of the synthesis of gold nanorods from pentatwinned seeds using hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) as the principal surfactant and a low concentration of bromide as shape-directing agent. Under these conditions, the synthesis can be performed at temperatures as low as 8 degrees C, and the corresponding kinetic effects can be studied, resulting in temperature-controlled aspect ratio tunability.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCC.1C07284
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“Optimized 3D Reconstruction of Large, Compact Assemblies of Metallic Nanoparticles”. Altantzis T, Wang D, Kadu A, van Blaaderen A, Bals S, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 125, 26240 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c08478
Abstract: 3D characterization of assemblies of nanoparticles is of great importance to determine their structure-property connection. Such investigations become increasingly more challenging when the assemblies become larger and more compact. In this paper, we propose an optimized approach for electron tomography to minimize artefacts related to beam broadening in High Angle Annular Dark-Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy mode. These artefacts are typically present at one side of the reconstructed 3D data set for thick nanoparticle assemblies. To overcome this problem, we propose a procedure in which two tomographic tilt series of the same sample are acquired. After acquiring the first series, the sample is flipped over 180o, and a second tilt series is acquired. By merging the two reconstructions, blurring in the reconstructed volume is minimized. Next, this approach is combined with an advanced three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm yielding quantitative structural information. Here, the approach is applied to a thick and compact assembly of spherical Au nanoparticles, but the methodology can we used to investigate a broad range of samples.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c08478
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“Two-Dimensional CdSe-PbSe Heterostructures and PbSe Nanoplatelets: Formation, Atomic Structure, and Optical Properties”. Salzmann BBV, Wit J de, Li C, Arenas-Esteban D, Bals S, Meijerink A, Vanmaekelbergh D, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 126, 1513 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c09412
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c09412
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“Metal-polymer heterojunction in colloidal-phase plasmonic catalysis”. Rogolino A, Claes N, Cizaurre J, Marauri A, Jumbo-Nogales A, Lawera Z, Kruse J, Sanroman-Iglesias M, Zarketa I, Calvo U, Jimenez-Izal E, Rakovich YP, Bals S, Matxain JM, Grzelczak M, The journal of physical chemistry letters 13, 2264 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCLETT.1C04242
Abstract: Plasmonic catalysis in the colloidal phase requires robust surface ligands that prevent particles from aggregation in adverse chemical environments and allow carrier flow from reagents to nanoparticles. This work describes the use of a water-soluble conjugated polymer comprising a thiophene moiety as a surface ligand for gold nanoparticles to create a hybrid system that, under the action of visible light, drives the conversion of the biorelevant NAD+ to its highly energetic reduced form NADH. A combination of advanced microscopy techniques and numerical simulations revealed that the robust metal-polymer heterojunction, rich in sulfonate functional groups, directs the interaction of electron-donor molecules with the plasmonic photocatalyst. The tight binding of polymer to the gold surface precludes the need for conventional transition-metal surface cocatalysts, which were previously shown to be essential for photocatalytic NAD(+) reduction but are known to hinder the optical properties of plasmonic nanocrystals. Moreover, computational studies indicated that the coating polymer fosters a closer interaction between the sacrificial electron-donor triethanolamine and the nanoparticles, thus enhancing the reactivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.7
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCLETT.1C04242
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“Tetramethylbenzidine-TetrafluoroTCNQ (TMB-TCNQF(4)) : a narrow-gap semiconducting salt with room-temperature relaxor ferroelectric behavior”. Canossa S, Ferrari E, Sippel P, Fischer JKH, Pfattner R, Frison R, Masino M, Mas-Torrent M, Lunkenheimer P, Rovira C, Girlando A, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 125, 25816 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCC.1C07131
Abstract: We present an extension and revision of the spectroscopic and structural data of the mixed-stack charge-transfer (CT) crystal 3,3 ',5,5 '-tetramethylbenzidine-tetrafluorotetracyano-quinodimethane (TMB-TCNQF4), associated with new electric and dielectric measurements. Refinement of synchrotron structural data at low temperature has led to revise the previously reported C2/m structure. The revised structure is P2(1)/m, with two dimerized stacks per unit cell, and is consistent with the low temperature vibrational data. However, polarized Raman data in the low-frequency region also indicate that by increasing temperature above 200 K, the structure presents an increasing degree of disorder, mainly along the stack axis. X-ray diffraction data at room temperature have confirmed that the correct structure is P2(1)/ m -no phase transitions -but did not allow substantiating the presence of disorder. On the other hand, dielectric measurements have evidenced a typical relaxor ferroelectric behavior already at room temperature, with a peak in the real part of dielectric constant epsilon'(T,v) around 200 K and 0.1 Hz. The relaxor behavior is explained in terms of the presence of spin solitons separating domains of opposite polarity that yield to ferroelectric nanodomains. TMB-TCNQF(4) is confirmed to be a narrow-gap band semiconductor (Ea similar to 0.3 eV) with a room-temperature conductivity of similar to 10(-4) Omega(-1) cm(-1).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCC.1C07131
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“Quantitative 3D Investigation of Nanoparticle Assemblies by Volumetric Segmentation of Electron Tomography Data Sets”. Kavak S, Kadu AA, Claes N, Sánchez-Iglesias A, Liz-Marzán LM, Batenburg KJ, Bals S, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 127, 9725 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c02017
Abstract: Morphological characterization of nanoparticle assemblies and hybrid nanomaterials is critical in determining their structure-property relationships as well as in the development of structures with desired properties. Electron tomography has become a widely utilized technique for the three-dimensional characterization of nanoparticle assemblies. However, the extraction of quantitative morphological parameters from the reconstructed volume can be a complex and labor-intensive task. In this study, we aim to overcome this challenge by automating the volumetric segmentation process applied to three-dimensional reconstructions of nanoparticle assemblies. The key to enabling automated characterization is to assess the performance of different volumetric segmentation methods in accurately extracting predefined quantitative descriptors for morphological characterization. In our methodology, we compare the quantitative descriptors obtained through manual segmentation with those obtained through automated segmentation methods, to evaluate their accuracy and effectiveness. To show generality, our study focuses on the characterization of assemblies of CdSe/CdS quantum dots, gold nanospheres and CdSe/CdS encapsulated in polymeric micelles, and silica-coated gold nanorods decorated with both CdSe/CdS or PbS quantum dots. We use two unsupervised segmentation algorithms: the watershed transform and the spherical Hough transform. Our results demonstrate that the choice of automated segmentation method is crucial for accurately extracting the predefined quantitative descriptors. Specifically, the spherical Hough transform exhibits superior performance in accurately extracting quantitative descriptors, such as particle size and interparticle distance, thereby allowing for an objective, efficient, and reliable volumetric segmentation of complex nanoparticle assemblies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c02017
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“Additivity of Atomic Strain Fields as a Tool to Strain-Engineering Phase-Stabilized CsPbI3Perovskites”. Teunissen JL, Braeckevelt T, Skvortsova I, Guo J, Pradhan B, Debroye E, Roeffaers MBJ, Hofkens J, Van Aert S, Bals S, Rogge SMJ, Van Speybroeck V, The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 127, 23400 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c05770
Abstract: CsPbI3 is a promising perovskite material for photovoltaic applications in its photoactive perovskite or black phase. However, the material degrades to a photovoltaically inactive or yellow phase at room temperature. Various mitigation strategies are currently being developed to increase the lifetime of the black phase, many of which rely on inducing strains in the material that hinder the black-to-yellow phase transition. Physical insight into how these strategies exactly induce strain as well as knowledge of the spatial extent over which these strains impact the material is crucial to optimize these approaches but is still lacking. Herein, we combine machine learning potential-based molecular dynamics simulations with our in silico strain engineering approach to accurately quantify strained large-scale atomic structures on a nanosecond time scale. To this end, we first model the strain fields introduced by atomic substitutions as they form the most elementary strain sources. We demonstrate that the magnitude of the induced strain fields decays exponentially with the distance from the strain source, following a decay rate that is largely independent of the specific substitution. Second, we show that the total strain field induced by multiple strain sources can be predicted to an excellent approximation by summing the strain fields of each individual source. Finally, through a case study, we illustrate how this additive character allows us to explain how complex strain fields, induced by spatially extended strain sources, can be predicted by adequately combining the strain fields caused by local strain sources. Hence, the strain additivity proposed here can be adopted to further our insight into the complex strain behavior in perovskites and to design strain from the atomic level onward to enhance their sought-after phase stability.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c05770
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“Conformation-Dependent Monolayer and Bilayer Structures of an Alkylated TTF Derivative Revealed using STM and Molecular Modeling”. Delfino CL, Hao Y, Martin C, Minoia A, Gopi E, Mali KS, Van der Auweraer M, Geerts YH, Van Aert S, Lazzaroni R, De Feyter S, The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 127, 23023 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c04913
Abstract: In this study, the multi-layer self-assembled molecular network formation of an alkylated tetrathiafulvalene compound is studied at the liquid-solid interface between 1-phenyloctane and graphite. A combined theoretical/experimental approach associating force-field and quantum-chemical calculations with scanning tunnelling microscopy is used to determine the two-dimensional self-assembly beyond the monolayer, but also to further the understanding of the molecular adsorption conformation and its impact on the molecular packing within the assemblies at the monolayer and bilayer level.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c04913
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“Accurate Reaction Probabilities for Translational Energies on Both Sides of the Barrier of Dissociative Chemisorption on Metal Surfaces”. Gerrits N, Jackson B, Bogaerts A, The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters 15, 2566 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c03408
Abstract: Molecular dynamics simulations are essential for a better understanding of dissociative chemisorption on metal surfaces, which is often the rate-controlling step in heterogeneous and plasma catalysis. The workhorse quasi-classical trajectory approach ubiquitous in molecular dynamics is able to accurately predict reactivity only for high translational and low vibrational energies. In contrast, catalytically relevant conditions generally involve low translational and elevated vibrational energies. Existing quantum dynamics approaches are intractable or approximate as a result of the large number of degrees of freedom present in molecule−metal surface reactions. Here, we extend a ring polymer molecular dynamics approach to fully include, for the first time, the degrees of freedom of a moving metal surface. With this approach, experimental sticking probabilities for the dissociative chemisorption of methane on Pt(111) are reproduced for a large range of translational and vibrational energies by including nuclear quantum effects and employing full-dimensional simulations.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 5.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c03408
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“Improving Molecule–Metal Surface Reaction Networks Using the Meta-Generalized Gradient Approximation: CO2Hydrogenation”. Cai Y, Michiels R, De Luca F, Neyts E, Tu X, Bogaerts A, Gerrits N, The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 128, 8611 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c01110
Abstract: Density functional theory is widely used to gain insights into molecule−metal surface reaction networks, which is important for a better understanding of catalysis. However, it is well-known that generalized gradient approximation (GGA)
density functionals (DFs), most often used for the study of reaction networks, struggle to correctly describe both gas-phase molecules and metal surfaces. Also, GGA DFs typically underestimate reaction barriers due to an underestimation of the selfinteraction energy. Screened hybrid GGA DFs have been shown to reduce this problem but are currently intractable for wide usage. In this work, we use a more affordable meta-GGA (mGGA) DF in combination with a nonlocal correlation DF for the first time to study and gain new insights into a catalytically important surface
reaction network, namely, CO2 hydrogenation on Cu. We show that the mGGA DF used, namely, rMS-RPBEl-rVV10, outperforms typical GGA DFs by providing similar or better predictions for metals and molecules, as well as molecule−metal surface adsorption
and activation energies. Hence, it is a better choice for constructing molecule−metal surface reaction networks.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c01110
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“Phase transitions in C60 and the related microstructure: a study by electron diffraction and electron microscopy”. Van Tendeloo G, van Heurck C, van Landuyt J, Amelinckx S, Verheijen MA, van Loosdrecht PHM, Meijer G, Journal of physical chemistry 96, 7424 (1992). http://doi.org/10.1021/j100197a054
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1021/j100197a054
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“Structural, textural, and electronic properties of a nanosized mesoporous ZnxTi1-xO2-x solid solution prepared by a supercritical drying route”. Kolen'ko YV, Kovnir KA, Gavrilov AI, Garshev AV, Meskin PE, Churagulov BR, Bouchard M, Colbeau-Justin C, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Yoshimura M, Journal of physical chemistry B 109, 20303 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp0535341
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.177
Times cited: 34
DOI: 10.1021/jp0535341
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“TEM observation of aggregation steps in room-temperature silicalite-1 zeolite formation”. Liang D, Follens LRA, Aerts A, Martens JA, Van Tendeloo G, Kirschhock CEA, Journal of physical chemistry C 111, 14283 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp074960k
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 41
DOI: 10.1021/jp074960k
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“Alkali metal intercalation in MXene/graphene heterostructures : a new platform for ion battery applications”. Demiroglu I, Peeters FM, Gulseren O, Cakir D, Sevik C, The journal of physical chemistry letters 10, 727 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCLETT.8B03056
Abstract: The adsorption and diffusion of Na, K, and Ca atoms on MXene/graphene heterostructures of MXene systems Sc2C(OH)(2), Ti2CO2, and V2CO2 are systematically investigated by using first-principles methods. We found that alkali metal intercalation is energetically favorable and thermally stable for Ti2CO2/graphene and V2CO2/graphene heterostructures but not for Sc2C(OH)(2). Diffusion kinetics calculations showed the advantage of MXene/graphene heterostructures over sole MXene systems as the energy barriers are halved for the considered alkali metals. Low energy barriers are found for Na and K ions, which are promising for fast charge/discharge rates. Calculated voltage profiles reveal that estimated high capacities can be fully achieved for Na ion in V2CO2/graphene and Ti2CO2/graphene heterostructures. Our results indicate that Ti2CO2/graphene and V2CO2/graphene electrode materials are very promising for Na ion battery applications. The former could be exploited for low voltage applications while the latter will be more appropriate for higher voltages.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 9.353
Times cited: 88
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCLETT.8B03056
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“C3N Monolayer: Exploring the Emerging of Novel Electronic and Magnetic Properties with Adatom Adsorption, Functionalizations, Electric Field, Charging, and Strain”. Bafekry A, Shayesteh SF, Peeters FM, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 123, 12485 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCC.9B02047
Abstract: Two-dimensional polyaniline with structural unit C3N is an indirect semiconductor with 0.4 eV band gap, which has attracted a lot of interest because of its unusual electronic, optoelectronic, thermal, and mechanical properties useful for various applications. Adsorption of adatoms is an effective method to improve and tune the properties of C3N. Using first-principles calculations, we investigated the adsorption of adatoms, including H, O, S, F, Cl, B, C, Si, N, P, Al, Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, on C3N. Depending on the adatom size and the number of valence electrons, they may induce metallic, half-metallic, semiconducting, and ferromagnetic-metallic behavior. In addition, we investigate the effects of an electrical field, charging, and strain on C3N and found how the electronic and magnetic properties are modified. Semi- and full hydrogenation are studied. From the mechanical and thermal stability of C3N monolayer, we found it to be a hard material that can withstand large strain. From our calculations, we gained novel insights into the properties of C3N demonstrating its unique electronic and magnetic properties that can be useful for semiconducting, nanosensor, and catalytic applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 81
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCC.9B02047
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“Enhanced stability of single-layer w-Gallenene through hydrogenation”. Badalov SV, Yagmurcukardes M, Peeters FM, Sahin H, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 122, 28302 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCC.8B07353
Abstract: Using density functional theory based first-principles calculations, the effect of surface hydrogenation on the structural, dynamical, electronic, and mechanical properties of monolayer washboard-gallenene (w-gallenene) is investigated. It is found that the dynamically stabilized strained monolayer of w-gallenene has a metallic nonmagnetic ground state. Both one-sided and two-sided hydrogenations of w-gallenene suppress its dynamical instability even when unstrained. Unlike one-sided hydrogenated monolayer w-gallenene (os-w-gallenene), two-sided hydrogenated monolayer w-gallenene (ts-w-gallenene) possesses the same crystal structure as w-gallenene. Electronic band structure calculations reveal that monolayers of hydrogenated derivatives of w-gallenene exhibit also metallic nonmagnetic ground state. Moreover, the linear-elastic constants, in-plane stiffness and Poisson ratio, are enhanced by hydrogenation, which is opposite to the behavior of other hydrogenated monolayer crystals. Furthermore, monolayer w-gallenene and ts-w-gallenene remain dynamically stable up to relatively higher biaxial strains as compared to borophene. With its enhanced dynamical stability, robust metallic character, and enhanced linear-elastic properties, hydrogenated monolayer w-gallenene is a potential candidate for nanodevice applications as a two-dimensional flexible metal.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCC.8B07353
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“Single-layer Janus-type platinum dichalcogenides and their heterostructures”. Kahraman Z, Kandemir A, Yagmurcukardes M, Sahin H, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 123, 4549 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCC.8B11837
Abstract: Ultrathin two-dimensional Janus-type platinum dichalcogenide crystals formed by two different atoms at opposite surfaces are investigated by performing state-of-the-art density functional theory calculations. First, it is shown that single-layer PtX2 structures (where X = S, Se, or Te) crystallize into the dynamically stable IT phase and are indirect band gap semiconductors. It is also found that the substitutional chalcogen doping in all PtX2 structures is favorable via replacement of surface atoms with a smaller chalcogen atom, and such a process leads to the formation of Janus-type platinum dichalcogenides (XPtY, where X and Y stand for S, Se, or Te) which are novel single-layer crystals. While all Janus structures are indirect band gap semiconductors as their binary analogues, their Raman spectra show distinctive features that stem from the broken out-of-plane symmetry. In addition, it is revealed that the construction of Janus crystals enhances the piezoelectric constants of PtX2 crystals significantly both in the in plane and in the out-of-plane directions. Moreover, it is shown that vertically stacked van der Waals heterostructures of binary and ternary (Janus) platinum dichalcogenides offer a wide range of electronic features by forming bilayer heterojunctions of type-I, type-II, and type-III, respectively. Our findings reveal that Janus-type ultrathin platinum dichalcogenide crystals are quite promising materials for optoelectronic device applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCC.8B11837
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“CO2 activation on TiO2-supported Cu5 and Ni5 nanoclusters : effect of plasma-induced surface charging”. Jafarzadeh A, Bal KM, Bogaerts A, Neyts EC, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 123, 6516 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCC.8B11816
Abstract: Surface charging is an often overlooked factor in many plasma-surface interactions and in particular in plasma catalysis. In this study, we investigate the effect of excess electrons induced by a plasma on the adsorption properties of CO2 on titania-supported Cu-5 and Ni-5 clusters using spin-polarized and dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations. The effect of excess electrons on the adsorption of Ni and Cu pentamers as well as on CO2 adsorption on a pristine anatase TiO2(101) slab is studied. Our results indicate that adding plasma-induced excess electrons to the system leads to further stabilization of the bent CO2 structure. Also, dissociation of CO2 on charged clusters is energetically more favorable than on neutral clusters. We hypothesize that surface charge is a plausible cause for the synergistic effects sometimes observed in plasma catalysis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCC.8B11816
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“Coupled plasmon modes in 2D gold nanoparticle clusters and their effect on local temperature control”. Borah R, Verbruggen SW, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 123, 30594 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCC.9B09048
Abstract: Assemblies of closely separated gold nanoparticles exhibit a strong collective plasmonic response due to coupling of the plasmon modes of the individual nanostructures. In the context of self-assembly of nanoparticles, close-packed two-dimensional (2D) clusters of spherical nanoparticles present an important composite system that promises numerous applications. The present study probes the collective plasmonic characteristics and resulting photothermal behavior of close-packed 2D Au nanoparticle clusters to delineate the effects of the cluster size, interparticle distance, and particle size. Smaller nanoparticles (20 and 40 nm in diameter) that exhibit low individual scattering and high absorption were considered for their relevance to photothermal applications. In contrast to typical literature studies, the present study compares the optical response of clusters of different sizes ranging from a single nanoparticle up to large assemblies of 61 nanoparticles. Increasing the cluster size induces significant changes to the spectral position and optophysical characteristics. Based on the model outcome, an optimal cluster size for maximum absorption per nanoparticle is also determined for enhanced photothermal effects. The effect of the particle size and interparticle distance is investigated to elucidate the nature of interaction in terms of near-field and far-field coupling. The photothermal effect resulting from absorption is compared for different cluster sizes and interparticle distances considering a homogeneous water medium. A strong dependence of the steady-state temperature of the nanoparticles on the cluster size, particle position in the cluster, incident light polarization, and interparticle distance provides new physical insight into the local temperature control of plasmonic nanostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 4.536
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCC.9B09048
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“Predicting the surface plasmon resonance wavelength of gold-silver alloy nanoparticles”. Verbruggen SW, Keulemans M, Martens JA, Lenaerts S, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 117, 19142 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/JP4070856
Abstract: Gold-silver alloy nanoparticles display surface plasmon resonance (SPR) over a broad range of the UV-vis spectrum. We propose a model to predict the SPR wavelength of gold-silver alloy colloids based on the combined effect of alloy composition and particle size. The SPR wavelength is derived from extinction spectra simulated using available experimental dielectric constant data and accounts for particle size by applying Mie theory. Comparison of calculated values with experimental data evidences the accuracy of the model. The new SPR wavelength estimation tool will be of particular interest for developing dedicated bimetallic plasmonic nanostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 51
DOI: 10.1021/JP4070856
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