“Characterization of a Timepix detector for use in SEM acceleration voltage range”. Denisov N, Jannis D, Orekhov A, Müller-Caspary K, Verbeeck J, Ultramicroscopy 253, 113777 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2023.113777
Abstract: Hybrid pixel direct electron detectors are gaining popularity in electron microscopy due to their excellent properties. Some commercial cameras based on this technology are relatively affordable which makes them attractive tools for experimentation especially in combination with an SEM setup. To support this, a detector characterization (Modulation Transfer Function, Detective Quantum Efficiency) of an Advacam Minipix and Advacam Advapix detector in the 15–30 keV range was made. In the current work we present images of Point Spread Function, plots of MTF/DQE curves and values of DQE(0) for these detectors. At low beam currents, the silicon detector layer behaviour should be dominant, which could make these findings transferable to any other available detector based on either Medipix2, Timepix or Timepix3 provided the same detector layer is used.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.2
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2023.113777
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“Plasma-based CO2 conversion: How to correctly analyze the performance?”.Wanten B, Vertongen R, De Meyer R, Bogaerts A, Journal of Energy Chemistry 86, 180 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jechem.2023.07.005
Keywords: A1 journal article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 13.1
DOI: 10.1016/j.jechem.2023.07.005
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“Deep convolutional neural networks to restore single-shot electron microscopy images”. Lobato I, Friedrich T, Van Aert S, N P J Computational Materials 10, 10 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1038/s41524-023-01188-0
Abstract: Advanced electron microscopy techniques, including scanning electron microscopes (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEM), and transmission electron microscopes (TEM), have revolutionized imaging capabilities. However, achieving high-quality experimental images remains a challenge due to various distortions stemming from the instrumentation and external factors. These distortions, introduced at different stages of imaging, hinder the extraction of reliable quantitative insights. In this paper, we will discuss the main sources of distortion in TEM and S(T)EM images, develop models to describe them, and propose a method to correct these distortions using a convolutional neural network. We validate the effectiveness of our method on a range of simulated and experimental images, demonstrating its ability to significantly enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. This improvement leads to a more reliable extraction of quantitative structural information from the images. In summary, our findings offer a robust framework to enhance the quality of electron microscopy images, which in turn supports progress in structural analysis and quantification in materials science and biology.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1038/s41524-023-01188-0
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“High-throughput characterization of single-quantum-dot emission spectra and spectral diffusion by multiparticle spectroscopy”. Mangnus MJJ, de Wit JW, Vonk SJW, Geuchies JJ, Albrecht W, Bals S, Houtepen AJ, Rabouw FT, ACS Photonics 10, 2688 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSPHOTONICS.3C00420
Abstract: In recent years, quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as bright,color-tunablelight sources for various applications such as light-emitting devices,lasing, and bioimaging. One important next step to advance their applicabilityis to reduce particle-to-particle variations of the emission propertiesas well as fluctuations of a single QD's emission spectrum,also known as spectral diffusion (SD). Characterizing SD is typicallyinefficient as it requires time-consuming measurements at the single-particlelevel. Here, however, we demonstrate multiparticle spectroscopy (MPS)as a high-throughput method to acquire statistically relevant informationabout both fluctuations at the single-particle level and variationsat the level of a synthesis batch. In MPS, we simultaneously measureemission spectra of many (20-100) QDs with a high time resolution.We obtain statistics on single-particle emission line broadening fora batch of traditional CdSe-based core-shell QDs and a batchof the less toxic InP-based core-shell QDs. The CdSe-basedQDs show significantly narrower homogeneous line widths, less SD,and less inhomogeneous broadening than the InP-based QDs. The timescales of SD are longer in the InP-based QDs than in the CdSe-basedQDs. Based on the distributions and correlations in single-particleproperties, we discuss the possible origins of line-width broadeningof the two types of QDs. Our experiments pave the way to large-scale,high-throughput characterization of single-QD emission propertiesand will ultimately contribute to facilitating rational design offuture QD structures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1021/ACSPHOTONICS.3C00420
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“Modelling the dynamics of hydrogen synthesis from methane in nanosecond‐pulsed plasmas”. Morais E, Bogaerts A, Plasma processes and polymers 21 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.202300149
Abstract: A chemical kinetics model was developed to characterise the gas‐phase dynamics of H<sub>2</sub>production in nanosecond‐pulsed CH<sub>4</sub>plasmas. Pulsed behaviour was observed in the calculated electric field, electron temperature and species densities at all pressures. The model agrees reasonably with experimental results, showing CH<sub>4</sub>conversion at 30% and C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub>and H<sub>2</sub>as major products. The underlying mechanisms in CH<sub>4</sub>dissociation and H<sub>2</sub>formation were analysed, highlighting the large contribution of vibrationally excited CH<sub>4</sub>and H<sub>2</sub>to coupling energy from the plasma into gas‐phase heating, and revealing that H<sub>2</sub>synthesis is not affected by applied pressure, with selectivity remaining unchanged at ~42% in the 1–5 bar range.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.5
DOI: 10.1002/ppap.202300149
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“Additivity of Atomic Strain Fields as a Tool to Strain-Engineering Phase-Stabilized CsPbI3Perovskites”. Teunissen JL, Braeckevelt T, Skvortsova I, Guo J, Pradhan B, Debroye E, Roeffaers MBJ, Hofkens J, Van Aert S, Bals S, Rogge SMJ, Van Speybroeck V, The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 127, 23400 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c05770
Abstract: CsPbI3 is a promising perovskite material for photovoltaic applications in its photoactive perovskite or black phase. However, the material degrades to a photovoltaically inactive or yellow phase at room temperature. Various mitigation strategies are currently being developed to increase the lifetime of the black phase, many of which rely on inducing strains in the material that hinder the black-to-yellow phase transition. Physical insight into how these strategies exactly induce strain as well as knowledge of the spatial extent over which these strains impact the material is crucial to optimize these approaches but is still lacking. Herein, we combine machine learning potential-based molecular dynamics simulations with our in silico strain engineering approach to accurately quantify strained large-scale atomic structures on a nanosecond time scale. To this end, we first model the strain fields introduced by atomic substitutions as they form the most elementary strain sources. We demonstrate that the magnitude of the induced strain fields decays exponentially with the distance from the strain source, following a decay rate that is largely independent of the specific substitution. Second, we show that the total strain field induced by multiple strain sources can be predicted to an excellent approximation by summing the strain fields of each individual source. Finally, through a case study, we illustrate how this additive character allows us to explain how complex strain fields, induced by spatially extended strain sources, can be predicted by adequately combining the strain fields caused by local strain sources. Hence, the strain additivity proposed here can be adopted to further our insight into the complex strain behavior in perovskites and to design strain from the atomic level onward to enhance their sought-after phase stability.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c05770
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“Atom counting from a combination of two ADF STEM images”. Şentürk DG, Yu CP, De Backer A, Van Aert S, Ultramicroscopy 255, 113859 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2023.113859
Abstract: To understand the structure–property relationship of nanostructures, reliably quantifying parameters, such as the number of atoms along the projection direction, is important. Advanced statistical methodologies have made it possible to count the number of atoms for monotype crystalline nanoparticles from a single ADF STEM image. Recent developments enable one to simultaneously acquire multiple ADF STEM images. Here, we present an extended statistics-based method for atom counting from a combination of multiple statistically independent ADF STEM images reconstructed from non-overlapping annular detector collection regions which improves the accuracy and allows one to retrieve precise atom-counts, especially for images acquired with low electron doses and multiple element structures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.2
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2023.113859
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“Effects of Nitro-Oxidative Stress on Biomolecules: Part 1—Non-Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulations”. Ghasemitarei M, Ghorbi T, Yusupov M, Zhang Y, Zhao T, Shali P, Bogaerts A, Biomolecules 13, 1371 (2023). http://doi.org/10.3390/biom13091371
Abstract: Plasma medicine, or the biomedical application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), is an expanding field within plasma research. CAP has demonstrated remarkable versatility in diverse biological applications, including cancer treatment, wound healing, microorganism inactivation, and skin disease therapy. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of CAP remain incompletely understood. The therapeutic effects of CAP are largely attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which play a crucial role in the biological responses induced by CAP. Specifically, RONS produced during CAP treatment have the ability to chemically modify cell membranes and membrane proteins, causing nitro-oxidative stress, thereby leading to changes in membrane permeability and disruption of cellular processes. To gain atomic-level insights into these interactions, non-reactive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have emerged as a valuable tool. These simulations facilitate the examination of larger-scale system dynamics, including protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the applications of non-reactive MD simulations in studying the effects of CAP on cellular components and interactions at the atomic level, providing a detailed overview of the potential of CAP in medicine. We also review the results of other MD studies that are not related to plasma medicine but explore the effects of nitro-oxidative stress on cellular components and are therefore important for a broader understanding of the underlying processes.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; plasma medicine; reactive oxygen and; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
DOI: 10.3390/biom13091371
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“Plasma‐driven<scp>CO2</scp>hydrogenation to<scp>CH3OH</scp>over<scp>Fe2O3</scp>/<scp>γ‐Al2O3</scp>catalyst”. Meng S, Wu L, Liu M, Cui Z, Chen Q, Li S, Yan J, Wang L, Wang X, Qian J, Guo H, Niu J, Bogaerts A, Yi Y, AIChE Journal 69, e18154 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/aic.18154
Abstract: We report a plasma‐assisted CO<sub>2</sub>hydrogenation to CH<sub>3</sub>OH over Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/γ‐Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>catalysts, achieving 12% CO<sub>2</sub>conversion and 58% CH<sub>3</sub>OH selectivity at a temperature of nearly 80°C atm pressure. We investigated the effect of various supports and loadings of the Fe‐based catalysts, as well as optimized reaction conditions. We characterized catalysts by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), hydrogen temperature programmed reduction (H<sub>2</sub>‐TPR), CO<sub>2</sub>and CO temperature programmed desorption (CO<sub>2</sub>/CO‐TPD), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Mössbauer, and Fourier transform infrared<bold>(</bold>FTIR). The XPS results show that the enhanced CO<sub>2</sub>conversion and CH<sub>3</sub>OH selectivity are attributed to the chemisorbed oxygen species on Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/γ‐Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>. Furthermore, the diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTs) and TPD results illustrate that the catalysts with stronger CO<sub>2</sub>adsorption capacity exhibit a higher reaction performance.<italic>In situ</italic>DRIFTS gain insight into the specific reaction pathways in the CO<sub>2</sub>/H<sub>2</sub>plasma. This study reveals the role of chemisorbed oxygen species as a key intermediate, and inspires to design highly efficient catalysts and expand the catalytic systems for CO<sub>2</sub>hydrogenation to CH<sub>3</sub>OH.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; chemisorbed oxygen, CO2 hydrogenation, iron-based catalyst, methanol production, plasma catalysis; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1002/aic.18154
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“Templated Out‐of‐Equilibrium Self‐Assembly of Branched Au Nanoshells (Small 12/2023)”. Marchetti A, Gori A, Ferretti AM, Esteban DA, Bals S, Pigliacelli C, Metrangolo P, Small 19 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202370074
Abstract: Out-of-equilibrium self-assembly of metal nanoparticles (NPs) has been devised using different
types of strategies and fuels, but the achievement of finite 3D structures with a controlled
morphology through this assembly mode is still rare. Here we used a spherical peptide-gold
superstructure (PAuSS) as a template to control the out-of-equilibrium self-assembly of Au NPs,
obtaining a transient 3D branched Au-nanoshell (BAuNS) stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulphate
(SDS). The BAuNS dismantled upon concentration gradient equilibration over time in the solution,
leading to NPs disassembly. Notably, BAuNS assembly and disassembly favoured temporary
interparticle plasmonic coupling, leading to a remarkable oscillation of their optical properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 13.3
DOI: 10.1002/smll.202370074
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“Convexity constraints on linear background models for electron energy-loss spectra”. Van den Broek W, Jannis D, Verbeeck J, Ultramicroscopy 254, 113830 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2023.113830
Abstract: In this paper convexity constraints are derived for a background model of electron energy loss spectra (EELS) that is linear in the fitting parameters. The model outperforms a power-law both on experimental and simulated backgrounds, especially for wide energy ranges, and thus improves elemental quantification results. Owing to the model’s linearity, the constraints can be imposed through fitting by quadratic programming. This has important advantages over conventional nonlinear power-law fitting such as high speed and a guaranteed unique solution without need for initial parameters. As such, the need for user input is significantly reduced, which is essential for unsupervised treatment of large datasets. This is demonstrated on a demanding spectrum image of a semiconductor device sample with a high number of elements over a wide energy range.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 2.2
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2023.113830
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“Plasmonic effects in the neutralization of slow ions at a metallic surface”. Bercx M, Mayda S, Depla D, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Contributions to Plasma Physics (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/ctpp.202300054
Abstract: Secondary electron emission is an important process that plays a significant role in several plasma‐related applications. As measuring the secondary electron yield experimentally is very challenging, quantitative modelling of this process to obtain reliable yield data is critical as input for higher‐scale simulations. Here, we build upon our previous work combining density functional theory calculations with a model originally developed by Hagstrum to extend its application to metallic surfaces. As plasmonic effects play a much more important role in the secondary electron emission mechanism for metals, we introduce an approach based on Poisson point processes to include both surface and bulk plasmon excitations to the process. The resulting model is able to reproduce the yield spectra of several available experimental results quite well but requires the introduction of global fitting parameters, which describe the strength of the plasmon interactions. Finally, we use an in‐house developed workflow to calculate the electron yield for a list of elemental surfaces spanning the periodic table to produce an extensive data set for the community and compare our results with more simplified approaches from the literature.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 1.6
DOI: 10.1002/ctpp.202300054
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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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“Plasma-Assisted Dry Reforming of CH4: How Small Amounts of O2Addition Can Drastically Enhance the Oxygenate Production─Experiments and Insights from Plasma Chemical Kinetics Modeling”. Li S, Sun J, Gorbanev Y, van’t Veer K, Loenders B, Yi Y, Kenis T, Chen Q, Bogaerts A, ACS Sustainable Chemistry &, Engineering 11, 15373 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c04352
Abstract: Plasma-based dry reforming of methane (DRM) into
high-value-added oxygenates is an appealing approach to enable
otherwise thermodynamically unfavorable chemical reactions at
ambient pressure and near room temperature. However, it suffers
from coke deposition due to the deep decomposition of CH4. In this
work, we assess the DRM performance upon O2 addition, as well as
varying temperature, CO2/CH4 ratio, discharge power, and gas
residence time, for optimizing oxygenate production. By adding O2,
the main products can be shifted from syngas (CO + H2) toward
oxygenates. Chemical kinetics modeling shows that the improved
oxygenate production is due to the increased concentration of
oxygen-containing radicals, e.g., O, OH, and HO2, formed by electron
impact dissociation [e + O2 → e + O + O/O(1D)] and subsequent
reactions with H atoms. Our study reveals the crucial role of oxygen-coupling in DRM aimed at oxygenates, providing practical
solutions to suppress carbon deposition and at the same time enhance the oxygenates production in plasma-assisted DRM.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c04352
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“NH3 decomposition for H2 production by thermal and plasma catalysis using bimetallic catalysts”. Meng S, Li S, Sun S, Bogaerts A, Liu Y, Yi Y, Chemical engineering science 283, 119449 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2023.119449
Abstract: Plasma catalysis has emerged as a promising approach for driving thermodynamically unfavorable chemical
reactions. Nevertheless, comprehending the mechanisms involved remains a challenge, leading to uncertainty
about whether the optimal catalyst in plasma catalysis aligns with that in thermal catalysis. In this research, we
explore this question by studying monometallic catalysts (Fe, Co, Ni and Mo) and bimetallic catalysts (Fe-Co, Mo-
Co, Fe-Ni and Mo-Ni) in both thermal catalytic and plasma catalytic NH3 decomposition. Our findings reveal that
the Fe-Co bimetallic catalyst exhibits the highest activity in thermal catalysis, the Fe-Ni bimetallic catalyst
outperforms others in plasma catalysis, indicating a discrepancy between the optimal catalysts for the two
catalytic modes in NH3 decomposition. Comprehensive catalyst characterization, kinetic analysis, temperature
program surface reaction experiments and plasma diagnosis are employed to discuss the key factors influencing
NH3 decomposition performance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.7
DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2023.119449
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“Heterogeneous Pt-catalyzed transfer dehydrogenation of long-chain alkanes with ethylene”. de la Croix T, Claes N, Eyley S, Thielemans W, Bals S, De Vos D, Catalysis Science &, Technology (2023). http://doi.org/10.1039/D3CY00370A
Abstract: The dehydrogenation of long-chain alkanes to olefins and alkylaromatics is a challenging endothermic reaction, typically requiring harsh conditions which can lead to low selectivity and coking. More favorable thermodynamics can be achieved by using a hydrogen acceptor, such as ethylene. In this work, the potential of heterogeneous platinum catalysts for the transfer dehydrogenation of long-chain alkanes is investigated, using ethylene as a convenient hydrogen acceptor. Pt/C and Pt–Sn/C catalysts were prepared<italic>via</italic>a simple polyol method and characterized with CO pulse chemisorption, HAADF-STEM, and EDX measurements. Conversion of ethylene was monitored<italic>via</italic>gas-phase FTIR, and distribution of liquid products was analyzed<italic>via</italic>GC-FID, GC-MS, and 1H-NMR. Compared to unpromoted Pt/C, Sn-promoted catalysts show lower initial reaction rates, but better resistance to catalyst deactivation, while increasing selectivity towards alkylaromatics. Both reaction products and ethylene were found to inhibit the reaction significantly. At 250 °C for 22 h, TON up to 28 and 86 mol per mol Pt were obtained for Pt/C and PtSn<sub>2</sub>/C, respectively, with olefin selectivities of 94% and 53%. The remaining products were mainly unbranched alkylaromatics. These findings show the potential of simple heterogeneous catalysts in alkane transfer dehydrogenation, for the preparation of valuable olefins and alkylaromatics, or as an essential step in various tandem reactions.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 5
DOI: 10.1039/D3CY00370A
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“Decoupled DFT-1/2 method for defect excitation energies”. Claes J, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Physical Review B 108, 125306 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.108.125306
Abstract: The DFT-1/2 method is a band-gap correction with GW precision at a density functional theory (DFT) computational cost. The method was also extended to correct the gap between defect levels, allowing for the calculation of optical transitions. However, this method fails when the atomic character of the occupied and unoccupied defect levels is similar as we illustrate by two examples, the tetrahedral hydrogen interstitial and the negatively charged vacancy in diamond. We solve this problem by decoupling the effect of the occupied and unoccupied defect levels and call this the decoupled DFT-1/2 method for defects.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.108.125306
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“Special Issue on “Dielectric Barrier Discharges and their Applications&rdquo, in Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of Dr. Ulrich Kogelschatz’s Work”. Bogaerts A, Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing 43, 1281 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1007/s11090-023-10431-x
Abstract: n/a
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.6
DOI: 10.1007/s11090-023-10431-x
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“Characterization of Non-Thermal Dielectric Barrier Discharges for Plasma Medicine: From Plastic Well Plates to Skin Surfaces”. Lin A, Gromov M, Nikiforov A, Smits E, Bogaerts A, Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing 43, 1587 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1007/s11090-023-10389-w
Abstract: technologies have been expanding, and one of the most exciting and rapidly growing
applications is in biology and medicine. Most biomedical studies with DBD plasma systems are performed in vitro, which include cells grown on the surface of plastic well plates, or in vivo, which include animal research models (e.g. mice, pigs). Since many DBD systems use the biological target as the secondary electrode for direct plasma generation and treatment, they are sensitive to the surface properties of the target, and thus can be altered based on the in vitro or in vivo system used. This could consequently affect biological response from plasma treatment. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the DBD plasma behavior both in vitro (i.e. 96-well flat bottom plates, 96-well U-bottom plates, and 24-well flat bottom plates), and in vivo (i.e. mouse skin). Intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) imaging was performed and the plasma discharges were visually distinguishable between the different systems. The geometry of the wells did not affect DBD plasma generation for low application distances (≤ 2 mm), but differentially affected plasma uniformity on the bottom of the well at greater distances. Since DBD plasma treatment in vitro is rarely performed in dry wells for plasma medicine experiments, the effect of well wetness was also investigated. In all in vitro cases, the uniformity of the DBD plasma was affected when comparing wet versus dry wells, with the plasma in the wide-bottom wells appearing the most similar to plasma generated on mouse skin. Interestingly, based on quantification of ICCD images, the DBD plasma intensity per surface area demonstrated an exponential one-phase decay with increasing application distance, regardless of the in vitro or in vivo system. This trend is similar to that of the energy per pulse of plasma, which is used to determine the total plasma treatment energy for biological systems. Optical emission spectroscopy performed on the plasma revealed similar trends in radical species generation between the plastic well plates and mouse skin. Therefore, taken together, DBD plasma intensity per surface area may be a valuable parameter to be used as a simple method for in situ monitoring during biological treatment and active plasma treatment control, which can be applied for in vitro and in vivo systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Non-thermal plasma · Plasma medicine · Dielectric barrier discharge · Plasma diagnostics · Plasma surface interaction · In situ plasma monitoring; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.6
DOI: 10.1007/s11090-023-10389-w
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“Plasma-based dry reforming of CH4: Plasma effects vs. thermal conversion”. Slaets J, Loenders B, Bogaerts A, Fuel 360, 130650 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.130650
Abstract: In this work we evaluate the chemical kinetics of dry reforming of methane in warm plasmas (1000–4000 K) using modelling with a newly developed chemistry set, for a broad range of parameters (temperature, power density and CO2/CH4 ratio). We compare the model against thermodynamic equilibrium concentrations, serving as validation of the thermal chemical kinetics. Our model reveals that plasma-specific reactions (i.e., electron impact collisions) accelerate the kinetics compared to thermal conversion, rather than altering the overall kinetics pathways and intermediate products, for gas temperatures below 2000 K. For higher temperatures, the kinetics are dominated by heavy species collisions and are strictly thermal, with negligible influence of the electrons and ions on the overall kinetics. When studying the effects of different gas mixtures on the kinetics, we identify important intermediate species, side reactions and side products. The use of excess CO2 leads to H2O formation, at the expense of H2 formation, and the CO2 conversion itself is limited, only approaching full conversion near 4000 K. In contrast, full conversion of both reactants is only kinetically limited for mixtures with excess CH4, which also gives rise to the formation of C2H2, alongside syngas. Within the given parameter space, our model predicts the 30/70 ratio of CO2/CH4 to be the most optimal for syngas formation with a H2/CO ratio of 2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 7.4
DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2023.130650
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“Achieving High Moisture Tolerance in Pseudohalide Perovskite Nanocrystals for Light-Emitting Diode Application”. Bhatia H, Keshavarz M, Martin C, Van Gaal L, Zhang Y, de Coen B, Schrenker NJ, Valli D, Ottesen M, Bremholm M, Van de Vondel J, Bals S, Hofkens J, Debroye E, ACS Applied Optical Materials 1, 1184 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsaom.3c00096
Abstract: The addition of potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) to the FAPbBr3 structure and subsequent post-treatment of nanocrystals (NCs) lead to high quantum confinement, resulting in a photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) approaching unity and microsecond decay times. This synergistic approach demonstrated exceptional stability under humid conditions, retaining 70% of the PLQY for over a month, while the untreated NCs degrade within 24 h. Additionally, the devices incorporating the post-treated NCs displayed 1.5% external quantum efficiency (EQE), a 5-fold improvement over untreated devices. These results provide promising opportunities for the use of perovskites in moisture-stable optoelectronics.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
DOI: 10.1021/acsaom.3c00096
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“Conformation-Dependent Monolayer and Bilayer Structures of an Alkylated TTF Derivative Revealed using STM and Molecular Modeling”. Delfino CL, Hao Y, Martin C, Minoia A, Gopi E, Mali KS, Van der Auweraer M, Geerts YH, Van Aert S, Lazzaroni R, De Feyter S, The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 127, 23023 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c04913
Abstract: In this study, the multi-layer self-assembled molecular network formation of an alkylated tetrathiafulvalene compound is studied at the liquid-solid interface between 1-phenyloctane and graphite. A combined theoretical/experimental approach associating force-field and quantum-chemical calculations with scanning tunnelling microscopy is used to determine the two-dimensional self-assembly beyond the monolayer, but also to further the understanding of the molecular adsorption conformation and its impact on the molecular packing within the assemblies at the monolayer and bilayer level.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 3.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c04913
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“In Situ Plasma Studies Using a Direct Current Microplasma in a Scanning Electron Microscope”. Grünewald L, Chezganov D, De Meyer R, Orekhov A, Van Aert S, Bogaerts A, Bals S, Verbeeck J, Advanced Materials Technologies (2024). http://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202301632
Abstract: Microplasmas can be used for a wide range of technological applications and to improve the understanding of fundamental physics. Scanning electron microscopy, on the other hand, provides insights into the sample morphology and chemistry of materials from the mm‐ down to the nm‐scale. Combining both would provide direct insight into plasma‐sample interactions in real‐time and at high spatial resolution. Up till now, very few attempts in this direction have been made, and significant challenges remain. This work presents a stable direct current glow discharge microplasma setup built inside a scanning electron microscope. The experimental setup is capable of real‐time in situ imaging of the sample evolution during plasma operation and it demonstrates localized sputtering and sample oxidation. Further, the experimental parameters such as varying gas mixtures, electrode polarity, and field strength are explored and experimental<italic>V</italic>–<italic>I</italic>curves under various conditions are provided. These results demonstrate the capabilities of this setup in potential investigations of plasma physics, plasma‐surface interactions, and materials science and its practical applications. The presented setup shows the potential to have several technological applications, for example, to locally modify the sample surface (e.g., local oxidation and ion implantation for nanotechnology applications) on the µm‐scale.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 6.8
DOI: 10.1002/admt.202301632
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“Element specific atom counting for heterogeneous nanostructures: Combining multiple ADF STEM images for simultaneous thickness and composition determination”. Şentürk DG, De Backer A, Van Aert S, Ultramicroscopy 259, 113941 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2024.113941
Abstract: In this paper, a methodology is presented to count the number of atoms in heterogeneous nanoparticles based on the combination of multiple annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) images. The different non-overlapping annular detector collection regions are selected based on the principles of optimal statistical experiment design for the atom-counting problem. To count the number of atoms, the total intensities of scattered electrons for each atomic column, the so-called scattering cross-sections, are simultaneously compared with simulated library values for the different detector regions by minimising the squared differences. The performance of the method is evaluated for simulated Ni@Pt and Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles. Our approach turns out to be a dose efficient alternative for the investigation of beam-sensitive heterogeneous materials as compared to the combination of ADF STEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 2.2
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2024.113941
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“Incommensurate Modulations and Perovskite Growth in LaxSr2–xMnO4−δAffecting Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Conductivity”. Vandemeulebroucke D, Batuk M, Hajizadeh A, Wastiaux M, Roussel P, Hadermann J, Chemistry of Materials (2024). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c03199
Abstract: Ruddlesden-Popper La????Sr2−????MnO4−???? materials are interesting symmetric solid oxide
fuel cell electrodes due to their good redox stability, mixed ionic and electronic conducting behavior and thermal expansion that matches well with common electrolytes. In reducing environments – as at a solid oxide fuel cell anode – the x = 0.5 member, i.e. La0.5Sr1.5MnO4−????, has a much higher total conductivity than compounds with a different La/Sr ratio, although all those compositions have the same K2NiF4-type I4/mmm structure. The origin for this conductivity difference is not yet known in literature. Now, a combination of in-situ and ex-situ 3D electron diffraction, high-resolution imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and electron energy-loss spectroscopy uncovered clear differences between x=0.25 and x=0.5 in the pristine structure, as well as in the transformations upon high-temperature reduction. In La0.5Sr1.5MnO4−????, Ruddlesden-Popper n=2 layer defects and an amorphous surface layer are present, but not in La0.25Sr1.75MnO4−????. After annealing at 700°C in 5% H2/Ar, La0.25Sr1.75MnO4−???? transforms to a tetragonal 2D incommensurately modulated structure with modulation vectors ⃗????1 = 0.2848(1) · (⃗????* +⃗????*) and ⃗????2 =0.2848(1) · (⃗????* – ⃗????*), whereas La0.5Sr1.5MnO4−???? only partially transforms to an orthorhombic 1D incommensurately modulated structure,
with ⃗???? = 0.318(2) · ⃗????*. Perovskite domains grow at the crystal edge at 700°C in 5%
H2 or vacuum, due to the higher La concentration on the surface compared to the bulk, which leads to a different thermodynamic equilibrium. Since it is known that a lower degree of oxygen vacancy ordering and a higher amount of perovskite blocks enhance oxygen mobility, those differences in defect structure and structural transformation upon reduction, might all contribute to the higher conductivity of La0.5Sr1.5MnO4−???? in solid oxide fuel cell anode conditions compared to other La/Sr ratios.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 8.6
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c03199
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“Accurate Reaction Probabilities for Translational Energies on Both Sides of the Barrier of Dissociative Chemisorption on Metal Surfaces”. Gerrits N, Jackson B, Bogaerts A, The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters 15, 2566 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c03408
Abstract: Molecular dynamics simulations are essential for a better understanding of dissociative chemisorption on metal surfaces, which is often the rate-controlling step in heterogeneous and plasma catalysis. The workhorse quasi-classical trajectory approach ubiquitous in molecular dynamics is able to accurately predict reactivity only for high translational and low vibrational energies. In contrast, catalytically relevant conditions generally involve low translational and elevated vibrational energies. Existing quantum dynamics approaches are intractable or approximate as a result of the large number of degrees of freedom present in molecule−metal surface reactions. Here, we extend a ring polymer molecular dynamics approach to fully include, for the first time, the degrees of freedom of a moving metal surface. With this approach, experimental sticking probabilities for the dissociative chemisorption of methane on Pt(111) are reproduced for a large range of translational and vibrational energies by including nuclear quantum effects and employing full-dimensional simulations.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 5.7
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c03408
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“Importance of plasma discharge characteristics in plasma catalysis: Dry reforming of methane vs. ammonia synthesis”. De Meyer R, Gorbanev Y, Ciocarlan R-G, Cool P, Bals S, Bogaerts A, Chemical Engineering Journal 488, 150838 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.150838
Abstract: Plasma catalysis is a rapidly growing field, often employing a packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor. Such dielectric barrier discharges are complex, especially when a packing material (e.g., a catalyst) is introduced in the discharge volume. Catalysts are known to affect the plasma discharge, though the underlying mechanisms influencing the plasma physics are not fully understood. Moreover, the effect of the catalysts on the plasma discharge and its subsequent effect on the overall performance is often overlooked. In this work, we deliberately design and synthesize catalysts to affect the plasma discharge in different ways. These Ni or Co alumina-based catalysts are used in plasma-catalytic dry reforming of methane and ammonia synthesis. Our work shows that introducing a metal to the dielectric packing can affect the plasma discharge, and that the distribution of the metal is crucial in this regard. Further, the altered discharge can greatly influence the overall performance. In an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge reactor, this apparently more uniform plasma yields a significantly better performance for ammonia synthesis compared to the more conventional filamentary discharge, while it underperforms in dry reforming of methane. This study stresses the importance of analyzing the plasma discharge in plasma catalysis experiments. We hope this work encourages a more critical view on the plasma discharge characteristics when studying various catalysts in a plasma reactor.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Gas conversion Dry reforming of methane Ammonia Microdischarges Dielectric barrier discharge; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 15.1
DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.150838
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“Comment on “Misinterpretation of the Shuttleworth equation””. Faraji F, Neyts EC, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Scripta Materialia 250, 116186 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2024.116186
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; CMT
Impact Factor: 6
DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2024.116186
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“Plasma catalysis in ammonia production and decomposition: Use it, or lose it?”.Gorbanev Y, Fedirchyk I, Bogaerts A, Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 47, 100916 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogsc.2024.100916
Abstract: The combination of plasma with catalysis for the synthesis and decomposition of NH3 is an attractive route to the production of carbon-neutral fertiliser and energy carriers and its conversion into H2. Recent years have seen fast developments in the field of plasma-catalytic NH3 life cycle. This work summarises the most recent advances in plasma-catalytic and related NH3-focussed processes, identifies some of the most important discoveries, and addresses plausible strategies for future developments in plasma-based NH3 technology.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Plasma Nitrogen fixation Ammonia Plasma catalysis Production and decomposition; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Impact Factor: 9.3
DOI: 10.1016/j.cogsc.2024.100916
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“Decoding Excimer Formation in Covalent–Organic Frameworks Induced by Morphology and Ring Torsion”. Chakraborty J, Chatterjee A, Molkens K, Nath I, Arenas Esteban D, Bourda L, Watson G, Liu C, Van Thourhout D, Bals S, Geiregat P, Van der Voort P, Advanced Materials (2024). http://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202314056
Abstract: A thorough and quantitative understanding of the fate of excitons in covalent–organic frameworks (COFs) after photoexcitation is essential for their augmented optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications via precise structure tuning. The synthesis of a library of COFs having identical chemical backbone with impeded conjugation, but varied morphology and surface topography to study the effect of these physical properties on the photophysics of the materials is herein reported. The variation of crystallite size and surface topography substantified different aggregation pattern in the COFs, which leads to disparities in their photoexcitation and relaxation properties. Depending on aggregation, an inverse correlation between bulk luminescence decay time and exciton binding energy of the materials is perceived. Further transient absorption spectroscopic analysis confirms the presence of highly localized, immobile, Frenkel excitons (of diameter 0.3–0.5 nm) via an absence of annihilation at high density, most likely induced by structural torsion of the COF skeletons, which in turn preferentially relaxes via long‐lived (nanosecond to microsecond) excimer formation (in femtosecond scale) over direct emission. These insights underpin the importance of structural and topological design of COFs for their targeted use in photocatalysis.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 29.4
DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314056
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