“Low-dose patterning of platinum nanoclusters on carbon nanotubes by focused-electron-beam-induced deposition as studied by TEM”. Ke X, Bittencourt C, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Beilstein journal of nanotechnology 4, 77 (2013). http://doi.org/10.3762/bjnano.4.9
Abstract: Focused-electron-beam-induced deposition (FEBID) is used as a direct-write approach to decorate ultrasmall Pt nanoclusters on carbon nanotubes at selected sites in a straightforward maskless manner. The as-deposited nanostructures are studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in 2D and 3D, demonstrating that the Pt nanoclusters are well-dispersed, covering the selected areas of the CNT surface completely. The ability of FEBID to graft nanoclusters on multiple sides, through an electron-transparent target within one step, is unique as a physical deposition method. Using high-resolution TEM we have shown that the CNT structure can be well preserved thanks to the low dose used in FEBID. By tuning the electron-beam parameters, the density and distribution of the nanoclusters can be controlled. The purity of as-deposited nanoclusters can be improved by low-energy electron irradiation at room temperature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.127
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.4.9
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“Atomic scale investigation of a PbTiO3/SrRuO3/DyScO3 heterostructure”. Egoavil R, Tan H, Verbeeck J, Bals S, Smith B, Kuiper B, Rijnders G, Koster G, Van Tendeloo G, Applied physics letters 102, 223106 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4809597
Abstract: An epitaxial PbTiO3 thin film grown on self-organized crystalline SrRuO3 nanowires deposited on a DyScO3 substrate with ordered DyO and ScO2 chemical terminations is investigated by transmission electron microscopy. In this PbTiO3/SrRuO3/DyScO3 heterostructure, the SrRuO3 nanowires are assumed to grow on only one type of substrate termination. Here, we report on the structure, morphology, and chemical composition analysis of this heterostructure. Electron energy loss spectroscopy reveals the exact termination sequence in this complex structure. The energy loss near-edge structure of the Ti-L-2,L-3, Sc-L-2,L-3, and O K edges shows intrinsic interfacial electronic reconstruction. Furthermore, PbTiO3 domain walls are observed to start at the end of the nanowires resulting in atomic steps on the film surface. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.4809597
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“First-principles modeling of intrinsic and extrinsic defects in \gamma-Al2O3”. Sankaran K, Pourtois G, Degraeve R, Zahid MB, Rignanese G-M, Van Houdt J, Applied physics letters 97, 212906 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3507385
Abstract: The electronic properties of a set of intrinsic and extrinsic point defects in gamma-Al2O3 are investigated using quasiparticle calculations within the G(0)W(0) approximation. We find that the electronic signature of atomic vacancies lie deep in the band gap, close to the top of the valence band edge. The introduction of C, Si, and N impurities induces defective levels that are located close to the conduction band edge and near the middle of the band gap of the oxide. The comparison with electrical measurements reveals that the energy levels of some of these defects match with the electronic fingerprint of the defects reported in gamma-Al2O3 based nonvolatile memories. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3507385]
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.3507385
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“Magnetic and electronic properties of the interface between half metallic Fe3O4 and semiconducting ZnO”. Brück S, Paul M, Tian H, Müller A, Kufer D, Praetorius C, Fauth K, Audehm P, Goering E, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Sing M, Claessen R;, Applied physics letters 100, 081603 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3687731
Abstract: We have investigated the magnetic depth profile of an epitaxial Fe3O4 thin film grown directly on a semiconducting ZnO substrate by soft x-ray resonant magnetic reflectometry (XRMR) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Consistent chemical profiles at the interface between ZnO and Fe3O4 are found from both methods. Valence selective EELS and XRMR reveal independently that the first monolayer of Fe at the interface between ZnO and Fe3O4 contains only Fe3+ ions. Besides this narrow 2.5 Å interface layer, Fe3O4 shows magnetic bulk properties throughout the whole film making highly efficient spin injection in this system feasible.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.3687731
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“Optimal experimental design for the detection of light atoms from high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy images”. Gonnissen J, de Backer A, den Dekker AJ, Martinez GT, Rosenauer A, Sijbers J, Van Aert S, Applied physics letters 105, 063116 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4892884
Abstract: We report an innovative method to explore the optimal experimental settings to detect light atoms from scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images. Since light elements play a key role in many technologically important materials, such as lithium-battery devices or hydrogen storage applications, much effort has been made to optimize the STEM technique in order to detect light elements. Therefore, classical performance criteria, such as contrast or signal-to-noise ratio, are often discussed hereby aiming at improvements of the direct visual interpretability. However, when images are interpreted quantitatively, one needs an alternative criterion, which we derive based on statistical detection theory. Using realistic simulations of technologically important materials, we demonstrate the benefits of the proposed method and compare the results with existing approaches.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.4892884
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“Phonons in Ge nanowires”. Peelaers H, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Applied physics letters 95, 122110 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3236526
Abstract: The phonon spectra of thin freestanding, hydrogen passivated, Ge nanowires are calculated by ab initio techniques. The effect of confinement on the phonon modes as caused by the small diameters of the wires is investigated. Confinement causes a hardening of the optical modes and a softening of the longitudinal acoustic modes. The stability of the nanowires, undoped or doped with B or P atoms, is investigated using the obtained phonon spectra. All considered wires were stable, except for highly doped, very thin nanowires.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.3236526
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“Site-specific mapping of transition metal oxygen coordination in complex oxides”. Turner S, Egoavil R, Batuk M, Abakumov AA, Hadermann J, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Applied physics letters 101, 241910 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4770512
Abstract: We demonstrate site-specific mapping of the oxygen coordination number for transition metals in complex oxides using atomically resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy in an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. Pb2Sr2Bi2Fe6O16 contains iron with a constant Fe3+ valency in both octahedral and tetragonal pyramidal coordination and is selected to demonstrate the principle of site-specific coordination mapping. Analysis of the site-specific Fe-L2,3 data reveals distinct variations in the fine structure that are attributed to Fe in a six-fold (octahedron) or five-fold (distorted tetragonal pyramid) oxygen coordination. Using these variations, atomic resolution coordination maps are generated that are in excellent agreement with simulations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.4770512
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“Attenuation of superconductivity in manganite/cuprate heterostructures by epitaxially induced CuO intergrowths”. H Zhang N Gauquelin GA Botton and JYT Wei, Applied Physics Letters 103, 052606 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4813840
Abstract: We examine the effect of CuO intergrowths on the superconductivity in epitaxial
La 2/3 Ca 1/3 MnO 3 / YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ La2/3Ca1/3MnO3/YBa2Cu3O7−δ
(LCMO/YBCO) thin-film heterostructures. Scanning transmission electron microscopy on bilayer LCMO/YBCO thin films revealed double CuO-chain intergrowths which form regions with the 247 lattice structure in the YBCO layer. These nanoscale 247 regions do not appear in x-ray diffraction, but can physically account for the reduced critical temperature (Tc) of bilayer thin films relative to unilayer films with the same YBCO thickness, at least down to ∼25 nm. We attribute the CuO intergrowths to the bilayer heteroepitaxial mismatch and the Tc reduction to the generally lower Tc seen in bulk 247 samples. These epitaxially-induced CuO intergrowths provide a microstructural mechanism for the attenuation of superconductivity in LCMO/YBCO heterostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.4813840
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“The role of UV photolysis and molecular transport in the generation of reactive species in a tissue model with a cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet”. Ghimire B, Szili EJ, Lamichhane P, Short RD, Lim JS, Attri P, Masur K, Weltmann K-D, Hong S-H, Choi EH, Applied physics letters 114, 093701 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.5086522
Abstract: Cold atmospheric pressure plasma jets (plasma) operated in ambient air provide a rich source of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which are known to influence biological processes important in disease. In the plasma treatment of diseased tissue such as subcutaneous cancer tumors, plasma RONS need to first traverse an interface between the plasma-skin surface and second be transported to millimeter depths in order to reach deep-seated diseased cells. However, the mechanisms in the plasma generation of RONS within soft tissues are not understood. In this study, we track the plasma jet delivery of RONS into a tissue model target and we delineate two processes: through target delivery of RONS generated (primarily) in the plasma jet and in situ RONS generation by UV photolysis within the target. We demonstrate that UV photolysis promotes the rapid generation of RONS in the tissue model target’s surface after which the RONS are transported to millimeter depths via a slower molecular process. Our results imply that the flux of UV photons from plasma jets is important for delivering RONS through seemingly impenetrable barriers such as skin. The findings have implications not only in treatments of living tissues but also in the functionalization of soft hydrated biomaterials such as hydrogels and extracellular matrix derived tissue scaffolds.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.5086522
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“Strain engineered linear dichroism and Faraday rotation in few-layer phosphorene”. Li LL, Peeters FM, Applied physics letters 114, 243102 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.5103172
Abstract: We investigate theoretically the linear dichroism and the Faraday rotation of strained few-layer phosphorene, where strain is applied uniaxially along the armchair or zigzag direction of the phosphorene lattice. We calculate the optical conductivity tensor of uniaxially strained few-layer phosphorene by means of the Kubo formula within the tight-binding approach. We show that the linear dichroism and the Faraday rotation of few-layer phosphorene can be significantly modulated by the applied strain. The modulation depends strongly on both the magnitude and direction of strain and becomes more pronounced with increasing number of phosphorene layers. Our results are relevant for mechano-optoelectronic applications based on optical absorption and Hall effects in strained few-layer phosphorene.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.5103172
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“FTIR techniques applied to the detection of gelatine in paper artifacts: from macroscopic to microscopic approach”. Rouchon V, Pellizzi E, Janssens K, Applied physics A : materials science &, processing 100, 663 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00339-010-5649-5
Abstract: In order to render paper hydrophobic for ink and thus adequate for writing, gelatine has been largely used. To this day, it is still employed in conservation workshops as an adhesive or a sizing agent, for instance, during the treatment of iron gall ink manuscripts. Various types and concentrations of gelatine are recommended, depending on the desired effect, but little information is available regarding to the physical distribution of gelatine in the paper. This aspect is however determinant for a better control of conservation treatments. In this work, we investigate the possibilities offered by FTIR microscopy for the measurement of the gelatine distribution in paper. Laboratory papers were preliminary treated with different types of gelatine and then embedded in a resin and cut in thin slices. Mapping techniques enable to compare the penetration of different types of gelatine in a semiquantitative way. The performance of conventional laboratory equipment and synchrotron radiation experimental setup are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.455
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1007/S00339-010-5649-5
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“Automated particle analysis of populations of silver halide microcrystals by electron probe microanalysis under cryogenic conditions”. Gregory CL, Nullens HA, Gijbels RH, van Espen PJ, Geuens I, de Keyzer R, Analytical chemistry 70, 2551 (1998). http://doi.org/10.1021/ac9710644
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Chemometrics (Mitac 3)
Impact Factor: 6.32
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/ac9710644
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“Systematic errors in 14-MeV neutron activation analysis for oxygen : part 2 : a general standardization method for the determination of oxygen”. Vandecasteele C, van Grieken R, Gijbels R, Speecke A, Analytica chimica acta 65, 1 (1973). http://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-2670(01)80158-6
Abstract: A general standardization method is described for the determination of oxygen in solid samples via the 16O(n,p)16N reaction. Two systems of flux monitoring are considered: the sample versus standard comparator method and BF3 monitoring. The average flux in sample and standard, fast neutron shielding, fast neutron scattering, absorption of fast neutrons, absorption of 16N γ-rays and counting efficiency of sample and standard are considered. The influence of the target diameter on the obtained correction factors has also been studied. Total achievable accuracy is believed to be about 1%.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.513
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1016/S0003-2670(01)80158-6
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“Increasing the cost-effectiveness of EU agri-environment policy measures through evaluation of farm and field-level environmental and economic performance”. Pacini GC, Merante P, Lazzerini G, Van Passel S, Agricultural Systems 136, 70 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.AGSY.2015.02.004
Abstract: A lot of attention in the debate on the 2014-2020 programming period of the EU CAP and rural development policy revolves around the policy's contribution to enhancing resource use efficiency, decreasing environmental impact, restoring ecosystems and how to ensure more efficient and effective agrienvironmental measures (AEMs). Nevertheless, studies that simultaneously address multiple measures with multiple environmental objectives and targets are underrepresented in the scientific literature. The objectives of the present article are (i) to present an integrated tool-kit for AEM design resulting from the combination of farm modelling with the Sustainable Value Approach (SVA), and (ii) to evaluate the potential of the tool-kit to support AEM design through an application to estimate cost-effective organic agriculture payments for the dairy sector in Mugello, northern Tuscany. Sustainability assessment of organic and conventional farming systems (OFS and CFS, respectively.) under the 2007-2013 EU CAP support schemes and a no EU support scenario show better OFS performances regarding nitrogen leaching (-52% and -47% under the current CAP and the no EU support scenarios, respectively), soil erosion (-24% and -34%), potential pesticide risks (-100%), biodiversity (+13% and +30%). Income foregone for the production of environmental benefits from organic agriculture under a no EU support scenario is equal to 210 Euro/ha. Sustainable value calculations combined with modelling results indicate soil erosion and nitrogen leaching as the environmental processes to be addressed with specific policy measures to further increase the efficiency of organic farming. A new organic agriculture support scheme designed based on such indications further increases the OFS SV and almost closes the GAP with a benchmark farm of the area, featured with ideal performances in terms of environmental and economic indicators. The payment scheme we designed with the support of the integrated tool-kit shows to be more cost-effective and efficient of current AEMs. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 2.571
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1016/J.AGSY.2015.02.004
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“Mass spectrometric analysis of inorganic solids: GDMS and other methods”. Gijbels R, van Straaten M, Bogaerts A, Advances in mass spectrometry 13, 241 (1995)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 12
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“Electronic Coupling between Graphene and Topological Insulator Induced Anomalous Magnetotransport Properties”. Zhang L, Lin B-C, Wu Y-F, Wu H, Huang T-W, Chang C-R, Ke X, Kurttepeli M, Tendeloo GV, Xu J, Yu D, Liao Z-M, ACS nano 11, 6277 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.7b02494
Abstract: It has been theoretically proposed that the spin textures of surface states in a topological insulator can be directly transferred to graphene by means of the proximity effect, which is very important for realizing the two-dimensional topological insulator based on graphene. Here we report the anomalous magnetotransport properties of graphene-topological insulator Bi2Se3 heterojunctions, which are sensitive to the electronic coupling between graphene and the topological surface state. The coupling between the p_z orbitals of graphene and the p orbitals of the surface states on the Bi2Se3 bottom surface can be enhanced by applying a perpendicular negative magnetic field, resulting in a giant negative magnetoresistance at the Dirac point up to about -91%. Obvious resistances dip in the transfer curve at the Dirac point is also observed in the hybrid devices, which is consistent with theoretical predictions of the distorted Dirac bands with nontrivial spin textures inherited from the Bi2Se3 surface states.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.942
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b02494
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“Investigating Reaction Intermediates during the Seedless Growth of Gold Nanostars Using Electron Tomography”. Choo P, Arenas-Esteban D, Jung I, Chang WJ, Weiss EA, Bals S, Odom TW, ACS nano 16, 4408 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.1c10669
Abstract: Good’s buffers can act both as nucleating and shape- directing agents during the synthesis of anisotropic gold nanostars (AuNS). Although different Good’s buffers can produce AuNS shapes with branches that are oriented along specific crystallographic directions, the mechanism is not fully understood. This paper reports how an analysis of the intermediate structures during AuNS synthesis from HEPES, EPPS, and MOPS Good’s buffers can provide insight into the formation of seedless AuNS. Electron tomography of AuNS structures quenched at early times (minutes) was used to characterize the morphology of the incipient seeds, and later times were used to construct the growth maps. Through this approach, we identified how the crystallinity and shape of the first structures synthesized with different Good’s buffers determine the final AuNS morphologies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 17.1
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c10669
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“La1.5Sr0.5NiMn0.5Ru0.5O6 double perovskite with enhanced ORR/OER bifunctional catalytic activity”. Retuerto M, Calle-Vallejo F, Pascual L, Lumbeeck G, Fernandez-Diaz MT, Croft M, Gopalakrishnan J, Pena MA, Hadermann J, Greenblatt M, Rojas S, ACS applied materials and interfaces 11, 21454 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSAMI.9B02077
Abstract: Perovskites (ABO(3)) with transition metals in active B sites are considered alternative catalysts for the water oxidation to oxygen through the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and for the oxygen reduction through the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) back to water. We have synthesized a double perovskite (A(2)BB'O-6) with different cations in A, B, and B' sites, namely, ((La15Sr0.5)-Sr-.)(A)(Ni0.5Mn0.5)(B)(Ni0.5Ru0.5)(B)O-6 (LSNMR), which displays an outstanding OER/ORR bifunctional performance. The composition and structure of the oxide has been determined by powder X-ray diffraction, powder neutron diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy to be monoclinic with the space group P2(1)/n and with cationic ordering between the ions in the B and B' sites. X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy suggests that LSNMR presents a configuration of similar to Ni2+, similar to Mn4+, and similar to Ru5+. This bifunctional catalyst is endowed with high ORR and OER activities in alkaline media, with a remarkable bifunctional index value of similar to 0.83 V (the difference between the potentials measured at -1 mA cm(-2) for the ORR and +10 mA cm(-2) for the OER). The ORR onset potential (E-onset) of 0.94 V is among the best reported to date in alkaline media for ORR-active perovskites. The ORR mass activity of LSNMR is 1.1 A g(-1) at 0.9 V and 7.3 A g(-1) at 0.8 V. Furthermore, LSNMR is stable in a wide potential window down to 0.05 V. The OER potential to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm(-2) is 1.66 V. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the high ORR/OER activity of LSNMR is related to the presence of active Mn sites for the ORR- and Ru-active sites for the OER by virtue of the high symmetry of the respective reaction steps on those sites. In addition, the material is stable to ORR cycling and also considerably stable to OER cycling.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.504
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/ACSAMI.9B02077
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“Three-Dimensional Nanoparticle Transformations Captured by an Electron Microscope”. Albrecht W, Van Aert S, Bals S, Accounts Of Chemical Research 54, 1189 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.accounts.0c00711
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 20.268
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.0c00711
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“Hematite at its thinnest limit”. Bacaksiz C, Yagmurcukardes M, Peeters FM, Milošević, MV, 2d Materials 7, 025029 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1583/AB6D79
Abstract: Motivated by the recent synthesis of two-dimensional alpha-Fe2O3 (Balan et al 2018 Nat. Nanotechnol. 13 602), we analyze the structural, vibrational, electronic and magnetic properties of single- and few-layer alpha-Fe2O3 compared to bulk, by ab initio and Monte-Carlo simulations. We reveal how monolayer alpha-Fe2O3 (hematene) can be distinguished from the few-layer structures, and how they all differ from bulk through observable Raman spectra. The optical spectra exhibit gradual shift of the prominent peak to higher energy, as well as additional features at lower energy when alpha-Fe2O3 is thinned down to a monolayer. Both optical and electronic properties have strong spin asymmetry, meaning that lower-energy optical and electronic activities are allowed for the single-spin state. Finally, our considerations of magnetic properties reveal that 2D hematite has anti-ferromagnetic ground state for all thicknesses, but the critical temperature for Morin transition increases with decreasing sample thickness. On all accounts, the link to available experimental data is made, and further measurements are prompted.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 5.5
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1088/2053-1583/AB6D79
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