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“Controlling pore size and uniformity of mesoporous titania by early stage low temperature stabilization”. Herregods SJF, Mertens M, Van Havenbergh K, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Buekenhoudt A, Meynen V, Journal of colloid and interface science 391, 36 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2012.07.098
Abstract: The control of the formation process during and after self-assembly is of utmost importance to achieve well structured, controlled template-assisted mesoporous titania materials with the desired properties for various applications via the evaporation induced self-assembly method (EISA). The present paper reports on the large influence of the thermal stabilization and successive template removal on the pore structure of a mesostructured TiO2 material using the diblock copolymer Brij 58 as surfactant. A controlled thermal stabilization (temperature and duration) allows one to tailor the final pore size and uniformity much more precise by influencing the self-assembly of the template. Moreover, also the successive thermal template removal needs to be controlled in order to avoid a structural collapse. N2-sorption, TGA, TEM, FT-Raman spectroscopy, and small angle wide angle XRD have been used to follow the crystal growth and mesostructure organization after thermal stabilization and after thermal template removal, revealing its effect on the final pore structure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 4.233
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2012.07.098
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“Controlled formation of amine-templated mesostructured zirconia with remarkably high thermal stability”. Cassiers K, Linssen T, Aerts K, Cool P, Lebedev O, Van Tendeloo G, van Grieken R, Vansant EF, Journal of materials chemistry 13, 3033 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1039/b310200a
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1039/b310200a
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“Rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of benzene bridged periodic mesoporous organosilicas”. Smeulders G, Meynen V, van Baelen G, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Maes BUW, Cool P, Journal of materials chemistry 19, 3042 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1039/b820792e
Abstract: Following extended use in organic chemistry, microwave-assisted synthesis is gaining more importance in the field of inorganic chemistry, especially for the synthesis of nanoporous materials. It offers some major advantages such as a significant shortening of the synthesis time and an improved promotion of nucleation. In the research here reported, microwave technology is applied for the synthesis of benzene bridged PMOs (periodic mesoporous organosilicas). PMOs are one of the latest innovations in the field of hybrid ordered mesoporous materials and have attracted much attention because of their feasibility in electronics, catalysis, separation and sorption applications. The different synthesis steps (stirring, aging and extraction) of the classical PMO synthesis are replaced by microwave-assisted synthesis steps. The characteristics of the as-synthesized materials are evaluated by X-ray diffraction, N2-sorption, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy. The microwave-assisted synthesis drastically reduces the synthesis time by more than 40 hours without any loss in structural properties, such as mesoscale and molecular ordering. The porosity of the PMO materials has even been improved by more than 25%. Moreover, the number of handling/transfer steps and amounts of chemicals and waste are drastically reduced. The study also shows that there is a clear time (1 to 3 hours) and temperature frame (373 K to 403 K) wherein synthesis of benzene bridged PMO is optimal. In conclusion, the microwave-assisted synthesis pathway allows an improved material to be obtained in a more economical way i.e. a much shorter time with fewer chemicals and less waste.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Organic synthesis (ORSY)
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1039/b820792e
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“Multistep loading of titania nanoparticles in the mesopores of SBA-15 for enhanced photocatalytic activity”. de Witte K, Cool P, de Witte I, Ruys L, Rao J, Van Tendeloo G, Vansant EF, Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology 7, 2511 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1166/jnn.2007.445
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.483
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2007.445
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“Preparation of hollow silica spheres with different mesostructures”. Liu S, Rao J, Sui X, Cool P, Vansant EF, Van Tendeloo G, Cheng X, Journal of non-crystalline solids 354, 826 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2007.08.026
Abstract: Hollow silica spheres were quickly synthesized by an octylamine (OA) templating method using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the silica source. N2-sorption results indicate that the hollow spheres have high surface areas and pore volumes. XRD and TEM measurements reveal that the structure of the hollow spheres depends on the amount of TEOS used in the synthesis. When low amount of TEOS is added, the template-containing precursor spheres depict an XRD pattern with two peaks, which can be indexed to a lamellar phase. After the removal of the template, the obtained hollow spheres show no diffraction peaks in the XRD pattern, suggesting that the nanopores in the silica shells are disordered. If increasing the amount of TEOS, either the uncalcined or the calcined sample gives an XRD pattern with a single diffraction peak. The mesostructure of these hollow silica spheres is typically as HMS materials. TGA analyses suggest that the interaction between the silica species and surfactant is stronger in the latter case.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.124
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2007.08.026
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“Bifunctional nickel-nitrogen-doped-carbon-supported copper electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction”. Choukroun D, Daems N, Kenis T, Van Everbroeck T, Hereijgers J, Altantzis T, Bals S, Cool P, Breugelmans T, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 124, 1369 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCC.9B08931
Abstract: Bifunctionality is a key feature of many industrial catalysts, supported metal clusters and particles in particular, and the development of such catalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to hydrocarbons and alcohols is gaining traction in light of recent advancements in the field. Carbon-supported Cu nanoparticles are suitable candidates for integration in the state-of-the-art reaction interfaces, and here, we propose, synthesize, and evaluate a bifunctional Ni–N-doped-C-supported Cu electrocatalyst, in which the support possesses active sites for selective CO2 conversion to CO and Cu nanoparticles catalyze either the direct CO2 or CO reduction to hydrocarbons. In this work, we introduce the scientific rationale behind the concept, its applicability, and the challenges with regard to the catalyst. From the practical aspect, the deposition of Cu nanoparticles onto carbon black and Ni–N–C supports via an ammonia-driven deposition precipitation method is reported and explored in more detail using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) give further evidence of the presence of Cu-containing nanoparticles on the Ni–N–C supports while revealing an additional relationship between the nanoparticle’s composition and the electrode’s electrocatalytic performance. Compared to the benchmark carbon black-supported Cu catalysts, Ni–N–C-supported Cu delivers up to a 2-fold increase in the partial C2H4 current density at −1.05 VRHE (C1/C2 = 0.67) and a concomitant 10-fold increase of the CO partial current density. The enhanced ethylene production metrics, obtained by virtue of the higher intrinsic activity of the Ni–N–C support, point out toward a synergistic action between the two catalytic functionalities.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCC.9B08931
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“Structure of nanoscale mesoporous silica spheres?”.Van Tendeloo G, Lebedev OI, Collart O, Cool P, Vansant EF, Journal of physics : condensed matter 15, S3037 (2003)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 2.649
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“Formation of a Ti-siliceous trimodal material with macroholes, mesopores and zeolitic features via a one-pot templating synthesis”. Vernimmen J, Meynen V, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Journal of porous materials 19, 153 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1007/s10934-011-9470-0
Abstract: Based on a facile one-pot templating synthesis, using a TS-1 zeolite recipe whereby part of the zeolite structure directing agent is replaced by a mesopore templating agent, a trimodal material is formed. The resulting meso-TSM material combines mesoporosity (Ti-MCM-41) with zeolitic features (TS-1) and a unique sheet-like morphology with uniform macroporous voids (macroholes). Moreover, the macrohole formation, mesoporosity and zeolitic properties of the meso-TSM material can be controlled in a straightforward way by adjusting the length of the hydrothermal treatment. This newly developed material may imply great potential for catalytic redox applications and diffusion limitated processes because of its highly tunable character in all three dimensions (micro-, meso- and macroporous scale).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 1.624
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1007/s10934-011-9470-0
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“A scanning electron microscopy study on hollow silica microspheres: defects and influences of the synthesis composition”. Liu S, Wei M, Sui X, Cheng X, Cool P, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of sol-gel science and technology 49, 373 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-008-1875-0
Abstract: Defects on hollow silica spheres synthesized in a tetraethylorthosilicate-octylamine-HCl-H2O system were recorded by scanning microscope. Based on the results, influences of synthesis composition on the formation of these defects are discussed. It is evidenced that products prepared with different octylamine-to-tetraethylorthosilicate ratios may have surface depressions, cracks and non-hollow microspheres. However, by changing water and acid additions, these defects could be reduced or eliminated. Generally, samples synthesized with a large octylamine addition commonly exhibit surface depressions. A small octylamine or a large water addition benefits the formation of solid silica microspheres among the product. Acid, although is not indispensable for the formation of hollow spheres, helps to eliminate or reduce depressions on the hollow shells. It is explained that the added acid gives rise to a relative localized fast hydrolysis versus condensation, facilitating an easy mobility of hydrolyzed silica species, and consequently the shell surface is smoothened.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.575
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1007/s10971-008-1875-0
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“Direct-synthesis method towards copper-containing periodic mesoporous organosilicas : detailed investigation of the copper distribution in the material”. Lin F, Meng, Kukueva E, Altantzis T, Mertens M, Bals S, Cool P, Van Doorslaer S, Journal of the Chemical Society : Dalton transactions 44, 9970 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4dt03719g
Abstract: Three-dimensional cubic Fm (3) over barm mesoporous copper-containing ethane-bridged PMO materials have been prepared through a direct-synthesis method at room temperature in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as surfactant. The obtained materials have been unambiguously characterized in detail by several sophisticated techniques, including XRD, UV-Vis-Dr, TEM, elemental mapping, continuous- wave and pulsed EPR spectroscopy. The results show that at lower copper loading, the Cu2+ species are well dispersed in the Cu-PMO materials, and mainly exist as mononuclear Cu2+ species. At higher copper loading amount, Cu2+ clusters are observed in the materials, but the distribution of the Cu2+ species is still much better in the Cu-PMO materials prepared through the direct-synthesis method than in a Cu-containing PMO material prepared through an impregnation method. Moreover, the evolution of the copper incorporation during the PMO synthesis has been followed by EPR. The results show that the immobilization of the Cu2+ ion/complex and the formation of the PMO materials are taking place simultaneously. The copper ions are found to be situated on the inner surface of the mesopores of the materials and are accessible, which will be beneficial for the catalytic applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 4.029
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1039/c4dt03719g
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“Immersion calorimetry as a tool to evaluate the catalytic performance of titanosilicate materials in the epoxidation of cyclohexene”. Vernimmen J, Guidotti M, Silvestre-Albero J, Jardim EO, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Psaro R, Rodríguez-Reinoso F, Meynen V, Cool P, Langmuir: the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids 27, 3618 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/la104808v
Abstract: Different types of titanosilicates are synthesized, structurally characterized, and subsequently catalytically tested in the liquid-phase epoxidation of cyclohexene. The performance of three types of combined zeolitic/mesoporous materials is compared with that of widely studied Ti-grafted-MCM-41 molecular sieve and the TS-1 microporous titanosilicate. The catalytic test results are correlated with the structural characteristics of the different catalysts. Moreover, for the first time, immersion calorimetry with the same substrate molecule as in the catalytic test reaction is applied as an extra means to interpret the catalytic results. A good correlation between catalytic performance and immersion calorimetry results is found. This work points out that the combination of catalytic testing and immersion calorimetry can lead to important insights into the influence of the materials structural characteristics on catalysis. Moreover, the potential of using immersion calorimetry as a screening tool for catalysts in epoxidation reactions is shown.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.833
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1021/la104808v
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“Deposition of vanadium silicalite-1 nanoparticles on SBA-15 materials: structural and transport characteristics of SBA-VS-15”. Meynen V, Cool P, Vansant EF, Kortunov P, Grinberg F, Kärger J, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Microporous and mesoporous materials 99, 14 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2006.08.029
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2006.08.029
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“Formation mechanism of SBA-16 spheres and control of their dimensions”. Stevens WJJ, Mertens M, Mullens S, Thijs I, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Vansant EF, Microporous and mesoporous materials 93, 119 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2006.02.015
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 34
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2006.02.015
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“Development of photocatalytic efficient Ti-based nanotubes and nanoribbons by conventional and microwave assisted synthesis strategies”. Ribbens S, Meynen V, Van Tendeloo G, Ke X, Mertens M, Maes BUW, Cool P, Vansant EF, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 114, 401 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2008.01.028
Abstract: Titanate nanotubes were prepared via a hydrothermal treatment of TiO2 powders (Riedel De Haen) in a basic solution. Morphology and structure of the prepared samples were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), XRD, FT-Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen sorption and DSC. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic oxidation of rhodamine 6G. Trititanate nanotubes (TTNT) with inner pore diameters between 4 and 4.2 nm and surface areas up till 360 m(2)/g could be synthesized. The synthesis route was modified by introduction of a calcination step, by applying a lower hydrothermal temperature and microwave irradiation in order to increase the photocatalytic activity of the porous photoactive nanotubular materials. Calcination and a softer hydrothermal treatment led to the formation of anatase without affecting the surface area and nanotubular shape of the samples. In this way, the photocatalytic activity of the original trititanate nanotubes could be significantly increased. By making use of microwave assisted synthesis, the photocatalytic activity call also be increased due to the presence of anatase. However, by applying microwave synthesis, a different structure was obtained, nanoribbons (NR) instead of nanotubcs, resulting in a decrease in surface area and porosity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Organic synthesis (ORSY)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 47
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2008.01.028
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“Formation of a combined micro- and mesoporous material using zeolite Beta nanoparticles”. van Oers CJ, Stevens WJJ, Bruijn E, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Meynen V, Cool P, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 120, 29 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2008.08.056
Abstract: Composite micro- and mesoporous materials are synthesized using zeolite Beta nanoparticles without the need for a structure directing agent to form the mesopores. This leads to important ecological and economical advantages. The influence of the way of cooling the aged nanoparticles solution on the formation of the composite materials has been studied. The materials have been characterized towards porosity by N2-sorption, towards zeolitic properties by TGA, DRIFT, XRD and TEM, towards aluminium content by EPMA. All prepared structures possess zeolitic properties. However, the method of cooling down of the aged seeds leads to differences in the porosity and intensity of the zeolitic characteristics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2008.08.056
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“The influence of the cationic ratio on the incorporation of Ti4+ in the brucite-like sheets of layered double hydroxides”. Seftel EM, Popovici E, Mertens M, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Vansant E, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 111, 12 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2007.07.008
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2007.07.008
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“Influence of the synthesis parameters of TiO2-SBA-15 materials on the adsorption and photodegradation of rhodamine-6G”. de Witte K, Busuioc AM, Meynen V, Mertens M, Bilba N, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Vansant EF, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 110, 100 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2007.09.035
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 54
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2007.09.035
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“The merging of silica-surfactant microspheres under hydrothermal conditions”. Liu S, Lebedev OI, Mertens M, Meynen V, Cool P, Van Tendeloo G, Vansant EF, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 116, 141 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2008.03.034
Abstract: Post-synthesis hydrothermal treatments have been used to improve the quality of MCM-41 materials. In our latest work, merging of surfactant-containing silica microspheres during the hydrothermal treatments was observed. Mechanistic insights and the different stages that are involved in the merging process can be summarized as follows. First, the surfaces of the starting microspheres open up due to the dissolution of silica. Then the dissolved silica species provide mass source for the formation of particle necks connecting two neighboring microspheres. Gradually, surfaces of the starting microspheres are flattened to meet the needs of further growth of the necks. Finally, some chain-like highly-ordered mesoporous structures up to several micrometers are formed. The observed merging of the surfactant-containing microspheres is a re-assembling process, which is under the control of electrostatic force between the dissolved silica species and the surfactant cations. The occluded surfactant cations in the precursor spheres play important roles in the merging process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2008.03.034
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“Mesoporous material formed by acidic hydrothermal assembly of silicalite-1 precursor nanoparticles in the absence of meso-templates”. Stevens WJJ, Meynen V, Bruijn E, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Vansant EF, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 110, 77 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2007.09.007
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 21
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2007.09.007
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“Novel method to synthesize highly ordered ethane-bridged PMOs under mild acidic conditions : taking advantages of phosphoric acid”. Lin F, Meng X, Kukueva E, Kus M, Mertens M, Bals S, Van Doorslaer S, Cool P, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 207, 61 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2014.12.029
Abstract: Highly ordered SBA-15-type ethane-bridged PMOs have been obtained by employing H3PO4 as acid to tune the pH in the presence of copolymer surfactant P123. The effects of the acidity and the addition of inorganic salt on the formation of the mesostructure are investigated. It is found that, compared with HCl, the polyprotic weak acid H3PO4 is preferable for the synthesis of highly ordered SBA-15-type ethane-bridged PMOs with larger pore size and surface areas under mild acidic conditions. Moreover, taking the advantages of the mild acidic condition, vanadium-containing SBA-15-type ethane-bridged PMOs were successfully prepared through a direct synthesis approach. The XRD, N2-sorption, UVVis and CW-EPR studies of the V-PMO show that part of the vanadium species are present in polymeric (VOV)n clusters, while part of the vanadium centers are well-dispersed and immobilized on the inner surface of the mesopores.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2014.12.029
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“Systematic evaluation of thermal and mechanical stability of different commercial and synthetic photocatalysts in relation to their photocatalytic activity”. Ribbens S, Beyers E, Schellens K, Mertens M, Ke X, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Meynen V, Cool P, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 156, 62 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2012.01.036
Abstract: The effect of thermal treatment and mechanical stress on the structural and photocatalytic properties of eight different (synthetic and commercial) photocatalysts has been thoroughly investigated. Different mesoporous Ti-based materials were prepared via surfactant based synthesis routes (e.g. Pluronic 123, CTMABr = Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) or via template-free synthesis routes (e.g. trititanate nanotubes). Also, the stabilizing effect of the NaOH/NH4OH post-treatment on the templated mesoporous materials and their photocatalytic activity was investigated. Furthermore, the thermal and mechanical properties of commercially available titanium dioxides such as P25 Evonik® and Millenium PC500® were studied. The various photocatalysts were analyzed with N2-sorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) to obtain information concerning the specific surface area, pore volume, crystal structure, morphology, phase transitions, etc. In general, results show that the NaOH post-treatment leads to an increased control of the crystallization process during calcination resulting in a higher thermal stability, but at the same time diminishes the photocatalytic activity. Mesoporous materials in which pre-synthesized nanoparticles are used as titania source have the best mechanical stability whereas the mechanical stability of the nanotubes is the most limited. At increased temperatures and pressures, the tested commercial titanium dioxides lose their superior photocatalytic activity caused by a decreased accessibility of the active sites. The observed changes in adsorption capacities and photocatalytic activities cannot be assigned to one single phenomenon. In this respect, it shows the need to define a general/standard method to compare different photocatalysts. Furthermore, it is shown that the photocatalytic properties do not necessarily deteriorate under thermal stress, but can be improved due to crystallization, even though the initial material is (partially) destroyed. It is shown that the usefulness of a specific type of photocatalyst strongly depends on the application and the temperature/pressure to which it needs to resist.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2012.01.036
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“Zeolite \beta nanoparticles based bimodal structures : mechanism and tuning of the porosity and zeolitic properties”. van Oers CJ, Kurttepeli M, Mertens M, Bals S, Meynen V, Cool P, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 185, 204 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2013.11.021
Abstract: Despite great efforts in the research area of zeolite nanoparticles and their use in the synthesis of bimodal materials, still little is known about the impact of the synthesis conditions of the zeolite nanoparticles on its own characteristics, and on the properties and the formation mechanism of the final bimodal materials. A zeolite β nanoparticles solution is applied in a mesotemplate-free synthesis method, and the influence of the hydrothermal ageing temperature of the nanoparticles solution on both the zeolitic and porosity characteristics of the final bimodal material has been studied. Transmission electron microscopy in combination with 3-dimensional reconstructions obtained by electron tomography revealed that the zeolite β nanoparticles are connected by neck-like structures, thus creating a wormhole-like mesoporous material. Considering the zeolitic properties, a clear threshold is observed in the synthesis temperature series at 413 K. Below and at this threshold, the biporous materials show no apparent zeolitic characteristics, although these materials exhibit a more condensed and uniform SiOSi network in comparison to Al-MCF. Synthesis temperatures above the threshold lead to bimodal structures with defined zeolitic properties. Moreover, the dimensions of the nanoparticles are studied by TEM, revealing an increasing particle size with increasing temperature under the threshold of 413 K, which is in agreement with a sol-mechanism. This mechanism is disturbed after the threshold due to the start of the crystallisation process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2013.11.021
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“Zn-Al layered double hydroxides: synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic application”. Seftel EM, Popovici E, Mertens M, de Witte K, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Vansant EF, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 113, 296 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2007.11.029
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 154
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2007.11.029
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“Post-synthesis bromination of benzene bridged PMO as a way to create a high potential hybrid material”. Huybrechts W, Mali G, Kuśtrowski P, Willhammar T, Mertens M, Bals S, Van Der Voort P, Cool P, Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials 236, 244 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2016.09.003
Abstract: Periodic mesoporous organosilicas provide the best of two worlds: the strength and porosity of an inorganic framework combined with the infinite possibilities created by the organic bridging unit. In this work we focus on post-synthetical modification of benzene bridged PMO, in order to create bromobenzene PMO. In the past, this proved to be very challenging due to unwanted structural deterioration. However, now we have found a way to brominate this material whilst keeping the structure intact. In-depth structural analysis by solid state NMR and XPS shows both vast progress over previous attempts as well as potential for improvement.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2016.09.003
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“Sunlight-powered reverse water gas shift reaction catalysed by plasmonic Au/TiO₂, nanocatalysts : effects of Au particle size on the activity and selectivity”. Volders J, Elen K, Raes A, Ninakanti R, Kelchtermans A-S, Sastre F, Hardy A, Cool P, Verbruggen SW, Buskens P, Van Bael MK, Nanomaterials 12, 4153 (2022). http://doi.org/10.3390/NANO12234153
Abstract: This study reports the low temperature and low pressure conversion (up to 160 °C, p = 3.5 bar) of CO2 and H2 to CO using plasmonic Au/TiO2 nanocatalysts and mildly concentrated artificial sunlight as the sole energy source (up to 13.9 kW·m-2 = 13.9 suns). To distinguish between photothermal and non-thermal contributors, we investigated the impact of the Au nanoparticle size and light intensity on the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. A comparative study between P25 TiO2-supported Au nanocatalysts of a size of 6 nm and 16 nm displayed a 15 times higher activity for the smaller particles, which can only partially be attributed to the higher Au surface area. Other factors that may play a role are e.g., the electronic contact between Au and TiO2 and the ratio between plasmonic absorption and scattering. Both catalysts displayed ≥84% selectivity for CO (side product is CH4). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the catalytic activity of Au/TiO2 increases exponentially with increasing light intensity, which indicated the presence of a photothermal contributor. In dark, however, both Au/TiO2 catalysts solely produced CH4 at the same catalyst bed temperature (160 °C). We propose that the difference in selectivity is caused by the promotion of CO desorption through charge transfer of plasmon generated charges (as a non-thermal contributor).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.3
DOI: 10.3390/NANO12234153
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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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“Asymmetric dyes align inside carbon nanotubes to yield a large nonlinear optical response”. Cambré, S, Campo J, Beirnaert C, Verlackt C, Cool P, Wenseleers W, Nature nanotechnology 10, 248 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2015.1
Abstract: Asymmetric dye molecules have unusual optical and electronic properties1, 2, 3. For instance, they show a strong second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) response that has attracted great interest for potential applications in electro-optic modulators for optical telecommunications and in wavelength conversion of lasers2, 3. However, the strong Coulombic interaction between the large dipole moments of these molecules favours a pairwise antiparallel alignment that cancels out the NLO response when incorporated into bulk materials. Here, we show that by including an elongated dipolar dye (p,p′-dimethylaminonitrostilbene, DANS, a prototypical asymmetric dye with a strong NLO response4) inside single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)5, 6, an ideal head-to-tail alignment in which all electric dipoles point in the same sense is naturally created. We have applied this concept to synthesize solution-processible DANS-filled SWCNTs that show an extremely large total dipole moment and static hyperpolarizability (β0 = 9,800 × 10−30 e.s.u.), resulting from the coherent alignment of arrays of ∼70 DANS molecules.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Nanostructured and organic optical and electronic materials (NANOrOPT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 38.986
Times cited: 46
DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2015.1
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“Influence of water on the pillaring of montmorillonite with aminopropyltriethoxysilane”. Ahenach J, Cool P, Vansant EF, Lebedev O, van Landuyt J, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 1, 3703 (1999). http://doi.org/10.1039/a901888c
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1039/a901888c
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“New insights into the mesophase transformation of ethane-bridged PMOs by the influence of different counterions under basic conditions”. Lin F, Meng, Kukueva E, Mertens M, Van Doorslaer S, Bals S, Cool P, RSC advances 5, 5553 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4ra15849k
Abstract: The counterions are of crucial importance in determining the mesostructure and morphology of ethanebridged PMO materials synthesized under basic conditions. By using CTABr as the surfactant, the final PMO materials show a 2-D hexagonal (p6mm) mesophase, while PMO materials with cubic (Pm (3) over barn ) mesostructure are obtained when CTACl or CTA(SO4)(1)/(2) are used. With gradually replacing CTABr by CTACl or CTA(SO4) (1)/(2) while keeping the total surfactant concentration constant, a clear p6mm to Pm (3) over barn 3n mesophase evolution process is observed. For a given gel composition, the mesophase of ethanebridged PMO materials can also be adjusted by the addition of different sodium salts. In short, the effect of the counterions on the mesophase can be attributed to the binding strength of the ions on the surfactant micelles, which follows the Hofmeister series (SO42- < Cl- < Br-< NO3- < SCN-). Furthermore, it is found that the hydrolysis and condensation rate of the organosilica precursor also plays an important role in the formation of the final mesostructure
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 3.108
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1039/c4ra15849k
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“Structure and microstructure of nanoscale mesoporous silica spheres”. Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Collart O, Cool P, Vansant EF, Solid state sciences 6, 489 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2004.01.013
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 1.811
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2004.01.013
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