“Designing diameter-modulated heterostructure nanowires of PbTe/Te by controlled dewetting”. Kumar A, Kundu S, Samantaray D, Kundu P, Zanaga D, Bals S, Ravishankar N, Nano letters 17, 7226 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.7B02442
Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('Heterostructures consisting of semiconductors with controlled morphology and interfaces find applications in many fields. A range of axial, radial, and diameter-modulated nanostructures have been synthesized primarily using vapor phase methods. Here, we present a simple wet chemical routine to synthesize heterostructures of PbTe/Te using Te nanowires as templates. A morphology evolution study for the formation of these heterostructures has been performed. On the basis of these control experiments, a pathway for the formation of these nanostructures is proposed. Reduction of a Pb precursor to Pb on Te nanowire templates followed by interdiffusion of Pb/Te leads to the formation of a thin shell of PbTe on the Te wires. Controlled dewetting of the thin shell leads to the formation of cube-shaped PbTe that is periodically arranged on the Te wires. Using control experiments, we show that different reactions parameters like rate of addition of the reducing agent, concentration of Pb precursor and thickness of initial Te nanowire play a critical role in controlling the spacing between the PbTe cubes on the Te wires. Using simple surface energy arguments, we propose a mechanism for the formation of the hybrid. The principles presented are general and can be exploited for the synthesis of other nanoscale heterostructures.'));
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.7B02442
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“Three-Dimensional Quantification of the Facet Evolution of Pt Nanoparticles in a Variable Gaseous Environment”. Altantzis T, Lobato I, De Backer A, Béché, A, Zhang Y, Basak S, Porcu M, Xu Q, Sánchez-Iglesias A, Liz-Marzán LM, Van Tendeloo G, Van Aert S, Bals S, Nano letters 19, 477 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b04303
Abstract: Pt nanoparticles play an essential role in a wide variety of catalytic reactions. The activity of the particles strongly depends on their three-dimensional (3D) structure and exposed facets, as well as on the reactive environment. High-resolution electron microscopy has often been used to characterize nanoparticle catalysts but unfortunately most observations so far have been either performed in vacuum and/or using conventional (2D) in situ microscopy. The latter however does not provide direct 3D morphological information. We have implemented a quantitative methodology to measure variations of the 3D atomic structure of nanoparticles under the flow of a selected gas. We were thereby able to quantify refaceting of Pt nanoparticles with atomic resolution during various oxidation−reduction cycles. In a H2 environment, a more faceted surface morphology of the particles was observed with {100} and {111} planes being dominant. On the other hand, in O2 the percentage of {100} and {111} facets decreased and a significant increase of higher order facets was found, resulting in a more rounded morphology. This methodology opens up new opportunities toward in situ characterization of catalytic nanoparticles because for the first time it enables one to directly measure 3D morphology variations at the atomic scale in a specific gaseous reaction environment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 82
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b04303
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“Fe2+Deficiencies, FeO Subdomains, and Structural Defects Favor Magnetic Hyperthermia Performance of Iron Oxide Nanocubes into Intracellular Environment”. Lak A, Cassani M, Mai BT, Winckelmans N, Cabrera D, Sadrollahi E, Marras S, Remmer H, Fiorito S, Cremades-Jimeno L, Litterst FJ, Ludwig F, Manna L, Teran FJ, Bals S, Pellegrino T, Nano letters 18, 6856 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b02722
Abstract: Herein, by studying a stepwise phase transformation of 23 nm FeO-Fe3O4 core-shell nanocubes into Fe3O4, we identify a composition at which the magnetic heating performance of the nanocubes is not affected by the medium viscosity and aggregation. Structural and magnetic characterizations reveal the transformation of the FeO-Fe3O4 nanocubes from having stoichiometric phase compositions into Fe2+ deficient Fe3O4 phases. The resultant nanocubes contain tiny compressed and randomly distributed FeO sub-domains as well as structural defects. This phase transformation causes a tenfold increase in the magnetic losses of the nanocubes, which remains exceptionally insensitive to the medium viscosity as well as aggregation unlike similarly sized single-phase magnetite nanocubes. We observe that the dominant relaxation mechanism switches from Néel in fresh core-shell nanocubes to Brownian in partially oxidized nanocubes and once again to Néel in completely treated nanocubes. The Fe2+ deficiencies and structural defects appear to reduce the magnetic energy barrier and anisotropy field, thereby driving the overall relaxation into Néel process. The magnetic losses of the particles remain unchanged through a progressive internalization/association to ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the particles induce a significant cell death after being exposed to hyperthermia treatment. Here, we present the largest heating performance that has been reported to date for 23 nm iron oxide nanoparticles under cellular and intracellular conditions. Our findings clearly demonstrate the positive impacts of the Fe2+ deficiencies and structural defects in the Fe3O4 structure on the heating performance under cellular and intracellular conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 51
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b02722
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“Correlating structure and detection properties in HgTe nanocrystal films”. Chee S-S, Greboval C, Vale Magalhaes D, Ramade J, Chu A, Qu J, Rastogi P, Khalili A, Dang TH, Dabard C, Prado Y, Patriarche G, Chaste J, Rosticher M, Bals S, Delerue C, Lhuillier E, Nano Letters 21, 4145 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.0C04346
Abstract: HgTe nanocrystals (NCs) enable broadly tunable infrared absorption, now commonly used to design light sensors. This material tends to grow under multipodic shapes and does not present well-defined size distributions. Such point generates traps and reduces the particle packing, leading to a reduced mobility. It is thus highly desirable to comprehensively explore the effect of the shape on their performance. Here, we show, using a combination of electron tomography and tight binding simulations, that the charge dissociation is strong within HgTe NCs, but poorly shape dependent. Then, we design a dual-gate field-effect-transistor made of tripod HgTe NCs and use it to generate a planar p-n junction, offering more tunability than its vertical geometry counterpart. Interestingly, the performance of the tripods is higher than sphere ones, and this can be correlated with a stronger Te excess in the case of sphere shapes which is responsible for a higher hole trap density.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.0C04346
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“Decoupling the Characteristics of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Ultrahigh Sensitivity”. Chowdhury MS, Rösch EL, Esteban DA, Janssen K-J, Wolgast F, Ludwig F, Schilling M, Bals S, Viereck T, Lak A, Nano letters 23, 58 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03568
Abstract: Immunoassays exploiting magnetization dynamics of magnetic nanoparticles are highly promising for mix-and-measure, quantitative, and point-of-care diagnostics. However, how single-core magnetic nanoparticles can be employed to reduce particle concentration and concomitantly maximize assay sensitivity is not fully understood. Here, we design monodisperse Néel and Brownian relaxing magnetic nanocubes (MNCs) of different sizes and compositions. We provide insights into how to decouple physical properties of these MNCs to achieve ultrahigh sensitivity. We find that tri-component-based Zn0.06 Co0.80Fe2.14 O4 particles, with out-of-phase to initial magnetic susceptibility χ /χ ratio of 0.47 out of 0.50 for magnetically blocked ideal particles, show the ultrahigh magnetic sensitivity by providing rich magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS) harmonics spectrum despite bearing lower saturation magnetization than di-component Zn0.1Fe2.9O4 having high saturation magnetization. The Zn0.06Co0.80Fe2.14O4 MNCs, coated with catechol-based polyethylene glycol ligands, measured by our benchtop MPS show three orders of magnitude better particle LOD than that of commercial nanoparticles of comparable size.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 10.8
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03568
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“Interfaceless exchange bias in CoFe₂O₄, nanocrystals”. Rivas-Murias B, Testa-Anta M, Skorikov AS, Comesana-Hermo M, Bals S, Salgueirino V, Nano letters 23, 1688 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.2C04268
Abstract: Oxidized cobalt ferrite nanocrystals with a modified distribution of the magnetic cations in their spinel structure give place to an unusual exchange-coupled system with a double reversal of the magnetization, exchange bias, and increased coercivity, but without the presence of a clear physical interface that delimits two well-differentiated magnetic phases. More specifically, the partial oxidation of cobalt cations and the formation of Fe vacancies at the surface region entail the formation of a cobalt-rich mixed ferrite spinel, which is strongly pinned by the ferrimagnetic background from the cobalt ferrite lattice. This particular configuration of exchange-biased magnetic behavior, involving two different magnetic phases but without the occurrence of a crystallographically coherent interface, revolu-tionizes the established concept of exchange bias phenomenology.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 10.8
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.2C04268
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“Tuning the Growth of Chiral Gold Nanoparticles Through Rational Design of a Chiral Molecular Inducer”. Van Gordon K, Baúlde S, Mychinko M, Heyvaert W, Obelleiro-Liz M, Criado A, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, Mosquera J, Nano Letters (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02800
Abstract: The bottom-up production of chiral gold nanomaterials holds great potential for the advancement of biosensing and nano-optics, among other applications. Reproducible preparations of colloidal nanomaterials with chiral morphology have been reported, using cosurfactants or chiral inducers such as thiolated amino acids. However, the underlying growth mechanisms for these nanomaterials remain insufficiently understood. We introduce herein a purposely devised chiral inducer, a cysteine modified with a hydrophobic chain, as a versatile chiral inducer. The amphiphilic and chiral features of this molecule provide control over the chiral morphology and the chiroptical signature of the obtained nanoparticles by simply varying the concentration of chiral inducer. These results are supported by circular dichroism and electromagnetic modeling as well as electron tomography to analyze structural evolution at the facet scale. Our observations suggest complex roles for the factors involved in chiral synthesis: the chemical nature of the chiral inducers and the influence of cosurfactants.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 10.8
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02800
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“TiO2 Films Modified with Au Nanoclusters as Self-Cleaning Surfaces under Visible Light”. Liao T-W, Verbruggen S, Claes N, Yadav A, Grandjean D, Bals S, Lievens P, Nanomaterials 8, 30 (2018). http://doi.org/10.3390/nano8010030
Abstract: In this study, we applied cluster beam deposition (CBD) as a new approach for fabricating efficient plasmon-based photocatalytic materials. Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) produced in the gas phase were deposited on TiO2 P25-coated silicon wafers with coverage ranging from 2 to 8 atomic monolayer (ML) equivalents. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of the AuNCs modified TiO2 P25 films show that the surface is uniformly covered by the AuNCs that remain isolated at low coverage (2 ML, 4 ML) and aggregate at higher coverage (8 ML). A clear relationship between AuNCs coverage and photocatalytic activity towards stearic acid photo-oxidation was measured, both under ultraviolet and green light illumination. TiO2 P25 covered with 4 ML AuNCs showed the best stearic acid photo-oxidation performance under green light illumination (Formal Quantum Efficiency 1.6 x 10-6 over a period of 93 h). These results demonstrate the large potential of gas-phase AuNCs beam deposition technology for the fabrication of visible light active plasmonic photocatalysts.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3.553
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.3390/nano8010030
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“Exploring the Optical and Morphological Properties of Ag and Ag/TiO2 Nanocomposites Grown by Supersonic Cluster Beam Deposition”. Cavaliere E, Benetti G, Van Bael M, Winckelmans N, Bals S, Gavioli L, Nanomaterials 7, 442 (2017). http://doi.org/10.3390/nano7120442
Abstract: Nanocomposite systems and nanoparticle (NP) films are crucial for many applications and research fields. The structure-properties correlation raises complex questions due to the collective structure of these systems, often granular and porous, a crucial factor impacting their effectiveness and performance. In this framework, we investigate the optical and morphological properties of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) films and of Ag NPs/TiO₂ porous matrix films, one-step grown by supersonic cluster beam deposition. Morphology and structure of the Ag NPs film and of the Ag/TiO₂ (Ag/Ti 50-50) nanocomposite are related to the optical properties of the film employing spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). We employ a simple Bruggeman effective medium approximation model, corrected by finite size effects of the nano-objects in the film structure to gather information on the structure and morphology of the nanocomposites, in particular porosity and average NPs size for the Ag/TiO₂ NP film. Our results suggest that SE is a simple, quick and effective method to measure porosity of nanoscale films and systems, where standard methods for measuring pore sizes might not be applicable.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.553
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.3390/nano7120442
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“Layer-by-Layer-Stabilized Plasmonic Gold-Silver Nanoparticles on TiO2: Towards Stable Solar Active Photocatalysts”. Dingenen F, Blommaerts N, Van Hal M, Borah R, Arenas-Esteban D, Lenaerts S, Bals S, Verbruggen SW, Nanomaterials 11, 2624 (2021). http://doi.org/10.3390/nano11102624
Abstract: To broaden the activity window of TiO2, a broadband plasmonic photocatalyst has been designed and optimized. This plasmonic ‘rainbow’ photocatalyst consists of TiO2 modified with gold–silver composite nanoparticles of various sizes and compositions, thus inducing a broadband interaction with polychromatic solar light. However, these nanoparticles are inherently unstable, especially due to the use of silver. Hence, in this study the application of the layer-by-layer technique is introduced to create a protective polymer shell around the metal cores with a very high degree of control. Various TiO2 species (pure anatase, PC500, and P25) were loaded with different plasmonic metal loadings (0–2 wt %) in order to identify the most solar active composite materials. The prepared plasmonic photocatalysts were tested towards stearic acid degradation under simulated sunlight. From all materials tested, P25 + 2 wt % of plasmonic ‘rainbow’ nanoparticles proved to be the most promising (56% more efficient compared to pristine P25) and was also identified as the most cost-effective. Further, 2 wt % of layer-by-layer-stabilized ‘rainbow’ nanoparticles were loaded on P25. These layer-by-layer-stabilized metals showed superior stability under a heated oxidative atmosphere, as well as in a salt solution. Finally, the activity of the composite was almost completely retained after 1 month of aging, while the nonstabilized equivalent lost 34% of its initial activity. This work shows for the first time the synergetic application of a plasmonic ‘rainbow’ concept and the layer-by-layer stabilization technique, resulting in a promising solar active, and long-term stable photocatalyst.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3.553
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.3390/nano11102624
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“Atomic layer deposition-based tuning of the pore size in mesoporous thin films studied by in situ grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering”. Dendooven J, Devloo-Casier K, Ide M, Grandfield, Kurttepeli, Ludwig KF, Bals S, Van der Voort P, Detavernier C, Nanoscale 6, 14991 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4nr05049e
Abstract: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) enables the conformal coating of porous materials, making the technique suitable for pore size tuning at the atomic level, e.g., for applications in catalysis, gas separation and sensing. It is, however, not straightforward to obtain information about the conformality of ALD coatings deposited in pores with diameters in the low mesoporous regime (<10 nm). In this work, it is demonstrated that in situ synchrotron based grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) can provide valuable information on the change in density and internal surface area during ALD of TiO2 in a porous titania film with small mesopores (3-8 nm). The results are shown to be in good agreement with in situ X-ray fluorescence data representing the evolution of the amount of Ti atoms deposited in the porous film. Analysis of both datasets indicates that the minimum pore diameter that can be achieved by ALD is determined by the size of the Ti-precursor molecule.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 41
DOI: 10.1039/c4nr05049e
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“Band structure quantization in nanometer sized ZnO clusters”. Schouteden K, Zeng Y-J, Lauwaet K, Romero CP, Goris B, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Lievens P, Van Haesendonck C, Nanoscale 5, 3757 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3nr33989k
Abstract: Nanometer sized ZnO clusters are produced in the gas phase and subsequently deposited on clean Au(111) surfaces under ultra-high vacuum conditions. The zinc blende atomic structure of the approximately spherical ZnO clusters is resolved by high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The large band gap and weak n-type conductivity of individual clusters are determined by scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures. The conduction band is found to exhibit clear quantization into discrete energy levels, which can be related to finite-size effects reflecting the zero-dimensional confinement. Our findings illustrate that gas phase cluster production may provide unique possibilities for the controlled fabrication of high purity quantum dots and heterostructures that can be size selected prior to deposition on the desired substrate under controlled ultra-high vacuum conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1039/c3nr33989k
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“Dimethylformamide-mediated synthesis of water-soluble platinum nanodendrites for ethanol oxidation electrocatalysis”. Mourdikoudis S, Chirea M, Altantzis T, Pastoriza-Santos I, Perez-Juste J, Silva F, Bals S, Liz-Marzan LM, Nanoscale 5, 4776 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3nr00924f
Abstract: Herein we describe the synthesis of water-soluble platinum nanodendrites in dimethylformamide (DMF), in the presence of polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a stabilizing agent. The average size of the dendrites is in the range of 20-25 nm while their porosity can be tuned by modifying the concentration of the metal precursor. Electron tomography revealed different crystalline orientations of nanocrystallites in the nanodendrites and allowed a better understanding of their peculiar branching and porosity. The high surface area of the dendrites (up to 22 m(2) g(-1)) was confirmed by BET measurements, while X-ray diffraction confirmed the abundance of high-index facets in the face-centered-cubic crystal structure of Pt. The prepared nanodendrites exhibit excellent performance in the electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol in alkaline solution. Sensing, selectivity, cycleability and great tolerance toward poisoning were demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry measurements.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 50
DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00924f
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“Multifunctional self-assembled composite colloids and their application to SERS detection”. La Porta A, Sanchez-Iglesias A, Altantzis T, Bals S, Grzelczak M, Liz-Marzan LM, Nanoscale 7, 10377 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5nr01264c
Abstract: We present a simple method for the co-encapsulation of gold nanostars and iron-oxide nanoparticles into hybrid colloidal composites that are highly responsive to both light and external magnetic fields. Self-assembly was driven by hydrophobic interactions between polystyrene capped gold nanostars and iron oxide nanocrystals stabilized with oleic acid, upon addition of water. A block copolymer was then used to encapsulate the resulting spherical colloidal particle clusters, which thereby became hydrophilic. Electron microscopy analysis unequivocally shows that each composite particle comprises a single Au nanostar surrounded by a few hundreds of iron oxide nanocrystals. We demonstrate that this hybrid colloidal system can be used as an efficient substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering, using common dyes as model molecular probes. The co-encapsulation of iron oxide nanoparticles renders the system magnetically responsive, so that application of an external magnetic field leads to particle accumulation and limits of detection are in the nM range.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 51
DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01264c
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“Governing the morphology of PtAu heteronanocrystals with improved electrocatalytic performance”. Mourdikoudis S, Chirea M, Zanaga D, Altantzis T, Mitrakas M, Bals S, Marzán LM, Pérez-Juste J, Pastoriza-Santos I, Nanoscale 7, 8739 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/C4NR07481E
Abstract: Platinumgold heteronanostructures comprising either dimer (PtAu) or coresatellite (Pt@Au) configurations were synthesized by means of a seeded growth procedure using platinum nanodendrites as seeds. Careful control of the reduction kinetics of the gold precursor can be used to direct the nucleation and growth of gold nanoparticles on either one or multiple surface sites simultaneously, leading to the formation of either dimers or coresatellite nanoparticles, respectively, in high yields. Characterization by electron tomography and high resolution electron microscopy provided a better understanding of the actual three-dimensional particle morphology, as well as the AuPt interface, revealing quasi-epitaxial growth of Au on Pt. The prepared PtAu bimetallic nanostructures are highly efficient catalysts for ethanol oxidation in alkaline solution, showing accurate selectivity, high sensitivity, and improved efficiency by generating higher current densities than their monometallic counterparts.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 41
DOI: 10.1039/C4NR07481E
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“Synthesis of a 3D network of Pt nanowires by atomic layer deposition on a carbonaceous template”. Deng S, Kurttepeli M, Deheryan S, Cott DJ, Vereecken PM, Martens JA, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Detavernier C, Nanoscale 6, 6939 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4nr00982g
Abstract: The formation of a 3D network composed of free standing and interconnected Pt nanowires is achieved by a two-step method, consisting of conformal deposition of Pt by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on a forest of carbon nanotubes and subsequent removal of the carbonaceous template. Detailed characterization of this novel 3D nanostructure was carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The characterization showed that this pure 3D nanostructure of platinum is self-supported and offers an enhancement of the electrochemically active surface area by a factor of 50.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1039/c4nr00982g
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“Synthesis of uniformly dispersed anatase nanoparticles inside mesoporous silica thin films via controlled breakup and crystallization of amorphous TiO2 deposited using atomic layer deposition”. Sree SP, Dendooven J, Masschaele K, Hamed HM, Deng S, Bals S, Detavernier C, Martens JA, Nanoscale 5, 5001 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3nr00594a
Abstract: Amorphous titanium dioxide was introduced into the pores of mesoporous silica thin films with 75% porosity and 12 nm average pore diameter via Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) using alternating pulses of tetrakis(dimethylamino)titanium and water. Calcination provoked fragmentation of the deposited amorphous TiO2 phase and its crystallization into anatase nanoparticles inside the nanoporous film. The narrow particle size distribution of 4 ± 2 nm and the uniform dispersion of the particles over the mesoporous silica support were uniquely revealed using electron tomography. These anatase nanoparticle bearing films showed photocatalytic activity in methylene blue degradation. This new synthesis procedure of the anatase nanophase in mesoporous silica films using ALD is a convenient fabrication method of photocatalytic coatings amenable to application on very small as well as very large surfaces
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00594a
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“Quantitative 3D analysis of huge nanoparticle assemblies”. Zanaga D, Bleichrodt F, Altantzis T, Winckelmans N, Palenstijn WJ, Sijbers J, de Nijs B, van Huis MA, Sanchez-Iglesias A, Liz-Marzan LM, van Blaaderen A, Joost Batenburg K, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Nanoscale 8, 292 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5nr06962a
Abstract: Nanoparticle assemblies can be investigated in 3 dimensions using electron tomography. However, it is not straightforward to obtain quantitative information such as the number of particles or their relative position. This becomes particularly difficult when the number of particles increases. We propose a novel approach in which prior information on the shape of the individual particles is exploited. It improves the quality of the reconstruction of these complex assemblies significantly. Moreover, this quantitative Sparse Sphere Reconstruction approach yields directly the number of particles and their position as an output of the reconstruction technique, enabling a detailed 3D analysis of assemblies with as many as 10 000 particles. The approach can also be used to reconstruct objects based on a very limited number of projections, which opens up possibilities to investigate beam sensitive assemblies where previous reconstructions with the available electron tomography techniques failed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 34
DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06962a
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“Decoupling the shape parameter to assess gold nanorod uptake by mammalian cells”. Kinnear C, Rodriguez-Lorenzo L, Clift MJD, Goris B, Bals S, Rothen B, Fink AS, Nanoscale 8, 16416 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR03543D
Abstract: The impact of nanoparticles (NPs) upon biological systems can be fundamentally associated with their physicochemical parameters. A further often-stated tenet is the importance of NP shape on rates of endocytosis. However, given the convoluted parameters concerning the NP-cell interaction, it is experimentally challenging to attribute any findings to shape alone. Herein we demonstrate that shape, below a certain limit, which is specific to nanomedicine, is not important for the endocytosis of spherocylinders by either epithelial or macrophage cells in vitro. Through a systematic approach, we reshaped a single batch of gold nanorods into different aspect ratios resulting in near-spheres and studied their cytotoxicity, (pro-)inflammatory status, and endocytosis/exocytosis. It was found that on a length scale of ~10-90 nm and at aspect ratios less than 5, NP shape has little impact upon their entry into either macrophages or epithelial cells. Conversely, nanorods with an aspect ratio above 5 were preferentially endocytosed by epithelial cells, whereas there was a lack of shape dependent uptake following exposure to macrophages in vitro. These findings have implications both in the understanding of nanoparticle reshaping mechanisms, as well as in the future rational design of nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1039/C6NR03543D
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“Three-dimensional atomic models from a single projection using Z-contrast imaging: verification by electron tomography and opportunities”. De Backer A, Jones L, Lobato I, Altantzis T, Goris B, Nellist PD, Bals S, Van Aert S, Nanoscale 9, 8791 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR02656K
Abstract: In order to fully exploit structure–property relations of nanomaterials, three-dimensional (3D) characterization at the atomic scale is often required. In recent years, the resolution of electron tomography has reached the atomic scale. However, such tomography typically requires several projection images demanding substantial electron dose. A newly developed alternative circumvents this by counting the number of atoms across a single projection. These atom counts can be used to create an initial atomic model with which an energy minimization can be applied to obtain a relaxed 3D reconstruction of the nanoparticle. Here, we compare, at the atomic scale, this single projection reconstruction approach with tomography and find an excellent agreement. This new approach allows for the characterization of beam-sensitive materials or where the acquisition of a tilt series is impossible. As an example, the utility is illustrated by the 3D atomic scale characterization of a nanodumbbell on an in situ heating holder of limited tilt range.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1039/C7NR02656K
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“Nanorattles with tailored electric field enhancement”. Schnepf MJ, Mayer M, Kuttner C, Tebbe M, Wolf D, Dulle M, Altantzis T, Formanek P, Förster S, Bals S, König TAF, Fery A, Nanoscale 9, 9376 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR02952G
Abstract: Nanorattles are metallic core–shell particles with core and shell separated by a dielectric spacer. These
nanorattles have been identified as a promising class of nanoparticles, due to their extraordinary high
electric-field enhancement inside the cavity. Limiting factors are reproducibility and loss of axial symmetry
owing to the movable metal core; movement of the core results in fluctuation of the nanocavity dimensions
and commensurate variations in enhancement factor. We present a novel synthetic approach for
the robust fixation of the central gold rod within a well-defined box, which results in an axisymmetric
nanorattle. We determine the structure of the resulting axisymmetric nanorattles by advanced transmission
electron microscopy (TEM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Optical absorption and scattering
cross-sections obtained from UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy quantitatively agree with finite-difference
time-domain (FDTD) simulations based on the structural model derived from SAXS. The predictions of
high and homogenous field enhancement are evidenced by scanning TEM electron energy loss spectroscopy
(STEM-EELS) measurement on single-particle level. Thus, comprehensive understanding of
structural and optical properties is achieved for this class of nanoparticles, paving the way for photonic
applications where a defined and robust unit cell is crucial.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 69
DOI: 10.1039/C7NR02952G
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“Morphological and chemical transformations of single silica-coated CdSe/CdS nanorods upon fs-laser excitation”. Albrecht W, Goris B, Bals S, Hutter EM, Vanmaekelbergh D, van Huis MA, van Blaaderen A, Nanoscale 9, 4810 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR09879G
Abstract: Radiation-induced modifications of nanostructures are of fundamental interest and constitute a viable out-of-equilibrium approach to the development of novel nanomaterials. Herein, we investigated the structural transformation of silica-coated CdSe/CdS nanorods (NRs) under femtosecond (fs) illumination. By comparing the same nanorods before and after illumination with different fluences we found that the silica-shell did not only enhance the stability of the NRs but that the confinement of the NRs also led to novel morphological and chemical transformations. Whereas uncoated CdSe/CdS nanorods were found to sublimate under such excitations the silica-coated nanorods broke into fragments which deformed towards a more spherical shape. Furthermore, CdS decomposed which led to the formation of metallic Cd, confirmed by high-resolution electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), whereby an epitaxial interface with the remaining CdS lattice was formed. Under electron beam exposure similar transformations were found to take place which we followed in situ.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1039/C6NR09879G
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“Shape control in ZIF-8 nanocrystals and metal nanoparticles@ZIF-8 heterostructures”. Zheng G, Chen Z, Sentosun K, Pérez-Juste I, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, Pastoriza-Santos I, Pérez-Juste J, Hong M, Nanoscale 9, 16645 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR03739B
Abstract: Shape control in metal-organic frameworks still remains a challenge. We propose a strategy based on the capping agent modulator method to control the shape of ZIF-8 nanocrystals. This approach requires the use of a surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and a second capping agent, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS), to obtain ZIF-8 nanocrystals with morphology control in aqueous media. Semiempirical computational simulations suggest that both shape-inducing agents adsorb onto different surface facets of ZIF-8, thereby slowing down their crystal growth rates. While CTAB molecules preferentially adsorb onto the {100} facets, leading to ZIF-8 particles with cubic morphology, TRIS preferentially stabilizes the {111} facets, inducing the formation of octahedral crystals. Interestingly, the presence of both capping agents leads to nanocrystals with irregular shapes and higher index facets, such as hexapods and burr puzzles. Additionally, the combination of ZIF-8 nanocrystals with other materials is expected to impart additional properties due to the hybrid nature of the resulting nanocomposites. In the present case, the presence of CTAB and TRIS molecules as capping agents facilitates the synthesis of metal nanoparticle@ZIF-8 nanocomposites, due to synergistic effects which could be of use in a number of applications such as catalysis, gas sensing and storage.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 109
DOI: 10.1039/C7NR03739B
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“Gold nanoclusters with bright near-infrared photoluminescence”. Pramanik G, Humpolickova J, Valenta J, Kundu P, Bals S, Bour P, Dracinsky M, Cigler P, Nanoscale 10, 3792 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR06050E
Abstract: The increase in nonradiative pathways with decreasing emission energy reduces the luminescence quantum yield (QY) of near-infrared photoluminescent (NIR PL) metal nanoclusters. Efficient surface ligand chemistry can significantly improve the luminescence QY of NIR PL metal nanoclusters. In contrast to the widely reported but modestly effective thiolate ligand-to-metal core charge transfer, we show that metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) can be used to greatly enhance the luminescence QY of NIR PL gold nanoclusters (AuNCs). We synthesized water-soluble and colloidally stable NIR PL AuNCs with unprecedentedly high QY (similar to 25%) upon introduction of triphenylphosphonium moieties into the surface capping layer. By using a combination of spectroscopic and theoretical methods, we provide evidence for gold core-to-ligand charge transfer occurring in AuNCs. We envision that this work can stimulate the development of these unusually bright AuNCs for promising optoelectronic, bioimaging, and other applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 97
DOI: 10.1039/C7NR06050E
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“Characterization of silver-polymer core–shell nanoparticles using electron microscopy”. Claes N, Asapu R, Blommaerts N, Verbruggen SW, Lenaerts S, Bals S, Nanoscale 10, 9186 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR09517A
Abstract: Silver-polymer core–shell nanoparticles show interesting optical properties, making them widely applicable in the field of plasmonics. The uniformity, thickness and homogeneity of the polymer shell will affect the properties of the system which makes a thorough structural characterization of these core–shell silver-polymer nanoparticles of great importance. However, visualizing the shell and the particle simultaneously is far from straightforward due to the sensitivity of the polymer shell towards the electron beam. In this study, we use different 2D and 3D electron microscopy techniques to investigate different structural aspects of the polymer coating.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1039/C7NR09517A
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“3D characterization of heat-induced morphological changes of Au nanostars by fast in situ electron tomography”. Vanrompay H, Bladt E, Albrecht W, Béché, A, Zakhozheva M, Sánchez-Iglesias A, Liz-Marzán LM, Bals S, Nanoscale 10, 22792 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR08376B
Abstract: A thorough understanding of the thermal stability and potential reshaping of anisotropic gold nanostars is required for various potential applications. Combination of a tomographic heating holder with fast tilt series acquisition has been used to monitor temperature-induced morphological changes of Au nanostars. The outcome of our 3D investigations can be used as an input for boundary element method simulations, enabling us to investigate the influence of reshaping on the nanostars’ plasmonic properties. Our work leads to a better understanding of the mechanism behind thermal reshaping. In addition, the approach presented here is generic and can hence be applied to a wide variety of nanoparticles made of different materials and with arbitrary morphology.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 55
DOI: 10.1039/C8NR08376B
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“Three-dimensional atomic structure of supported Au nanoparticles at high temperature”. Liu P, Arslan Irmak E, De Backer A, De wael A, Lobato I, Béché, A, Van Aert S, Bals S, Nanoscale 13 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08664A
Abstract: Au nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on CeO2 are extensively used as thermal catalysts since the morphology of the NPs is expected to be stable at elevated temperatures. Although it is well known that the activity of Au NPs depends on their size and surface structure, their three-dimensional (3D) structure at the atomic scale has not been completely characterized as a function of temperature. In this paper, we overcome the limitations of conventional electron tomography by combining atom counting applied to aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy images and molecular dynamics relaxation. In this manner, we are able to perform an atomic resolution 3D investigation of supported Au NPs. Our results enable us to characterize the 3D equilibrium structure of single NPs as a function of temperature. Moreover, the dynamic 3D structural evolution of the NPs at high temperatures, including surface layer jumping and crystalline transformations, has been studied.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1039/D0NR08664A
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“Spherical core–shell alumina support particles for model platinum catalysts”. Geerts L, Geerts-Claes H, Skorikov A, Vermeersch J, Vanbutsele G, Galvita V, Constales D, Chandran CV, Radhakrishnan S, Seo JW, Breynaert E, Bals S, Sree SP, Martens JA, Nanoscale 13, 4221 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08456E
Abstract: γ- and δ-alumina are popular catalyst support materials. Using a hydrothermal synthesis method starting from aluminum nitrate and urea in diluted solution, spherical core–shell particles with a uniform particle size of about 1 μm were synthesized. Upon calcination at 1000 °C, the particles adopted a core–shell structure with a γ-alumina core and δ-alumina shell as evidenced by 2D and 3D electron microscopy and<sup>27</sup>Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The spherical alumina particles were loaded with Pt nanoparticles with an average size below 1 nm using the strong electrostatic adsorption method. Electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed a homogeneous platinum dispersion over the alumina surface. These platinum loaded alumina spheres were used as a model catalyst for bifunctional catalysis. Physical mixtures of Pt/alumina spheres and spherical zeolite particles are equivalent to catalysts with platinum deposited on the zeolite itself facilitating the investigation of the catalyst components individually. The spherical alumina particles are very convenient supports for obtaining a homogeneous distribution of highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles. Obtaining such a small Pt particle size is challenging on other support materials such as zeolites. The here reported and well-characterized Pt/alumina spheres can be combined with any zeolite and used as a bifunctional model catalyst. This is an interesting strategy for the examination of the acid catalytic function without the interference of the supported platinum metal on the investigated acid material.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1039/D0NR08456E
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“Stabilization effects in binary colloidal Cu and Ag nanoparticle electrodes under electrochemical CO₂, reduction conditions”. Wu L, Kolmeijer KE, Zhang Y, An H, Arnouts S, Bals S, Altantzis T, Hofmann JP, Costa Figueiredo M, Hensen EJM, Weckhuysen BM, van der Stam W, Nanoscale 13, 4835 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR09040A
Abstract: Nanoparticle modified electrodes constitute an attractive way to tailor-make efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction catalysts. However, the restructuring and sintering processes of nanoparticles under electrochemical reaction conditions not only impedes the widespread application of nanoparticle catalysts, but also misleads the interpretation of the selectivity of the nanocatalysts. Here, we colloidally synthesized metallic copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution (<10%) and utilized them in electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions. Monometallic Cu and Ag nanoparticle electrodes showed severe nanoparticle sintering already at low overpotential of -0.8 V vs. RHE, as evidenced by ex situ SEM investigations, and potential-dependent variations in product selectivity that resemble bulk Cu (14% for ethylene at -1.3 V vs. RHE) and Ag (69% for carbon monoxide at -1.0 V vs. RHE). However, by co-deposition of Cu and Ag nanoparticles, a nanoparticle stabilization effect was observed between Cu and Ag, and the sintering process was greatly suppressed at CO2 reducing potentials (-0.8 V vs. RHE). Furthermore, by varying the Cu/Ag nanoparticle ratio, the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) selectivity towards methane (maximum of 20.6% for dense Cu-2.5-Ag-1 electrodes) and C-2 products (maximum of 15.7% for dense Cu-1-Ag-1 electrodes) can be tuned, which is attributed to a synergistic effect between neighbouring Ag and Cu nanoparticles. We attribute the stabilization of the nanoparticles to the positive enthalpies of Cu-Ag solid solutions, which prevents the dissolution-redeposition induced particle growth under CO2RR conditions. The observed nanoparticle stabilization effect enables the design and fabrication of active CO2 reduction nanocatalysts with high durability.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1039/D0NR09040A
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“Deep learning-based denoising for improved dose efficiency in EDX tomography of nanoparticles”. Skorikov A, Heyvaert W, Albecht W, Pelt DM, Bals S, Nanoscale 13, 12242 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR03232A
Abstract: The combination of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and electron tomography is a powerful approach to retrieve the 3D elemental distribution in nanomaterials, providing an unprecedented level of information for complex, multi-component systems, such as semiconductor devices, as well as catalytic and plasmonic nanoparticles. Unfortunately, the applicability of EDX tomography is severely limited because of extremely long acquisition times and high electron irradiation doses required to obtain 3D EDX reconstructions with an adequate signal-to-noise ratio. One possibility to address this limitation is intelligent denoising of experimental data using prior expectations about the objects of interest. Herein, this approach is followed using the deep learning methodology, which currently demonstrates state-of-the-art performance for an increasing number of data processing problems. Design choices for the denoising approach and training data are discussed with a focus on nanoparticle-like objects and extremely noisy signals typical for EDX experiments. Quantitative analysis of the proposed method demonstrates its significantly enhanced performance in comparison to classical denoising approaches. This allows for improving the tradeoff between the reconstruction quality, acquisition time and radiation dose for EDX tomography. The proposed method is therefore especially beneficial for the 3D EDX investigation of electron beam-sensitive materials and studies of nanoparticle transformations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1039/D1NR03232A
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