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Author Craig, T.M.; Kadu, A.A.; Batenburg, K.J.; Bals, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Real-time tilt undersampling optimization during electron tomography of beam sensitive samples using golden ratio scanning and RECAST3D Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 15 Issue 11 Pages 5391-5402  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Electron tomography is a widely used technique for 3D structural analysis of nanomaterials, but it can cause damage to samples due to high electron doses and long exposure times. To minimize such damage, researchers often reduce beam exposure by acquiring fewer projections through tilt undersampling. However, this approach can also introduce reconstruction artifacts due to insufficient sampling. Therefore, it is important to determine the optimal number of projections that minimizes both beam exposure and undersampling artifacts for accurate reconstructions of beam-sensitive samples. Current methods for determining this optimal number of projections involve acquiring and post-processing multiple reconstructions with different numbers of projections, which can be time-consuming and requires multiple samples due to sample damage. To improve this process, we propose a protocol that combines golden ratio scanning and quasi-3D reconstruction to estimate the optimal number of projections in real-time during a single acquisition. This protocol was validated using simulated and realistic nanoparticles, and was successfully applied to reconstruct two beam-sensitive metal–organic framework complexes.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000937908900001 Publication Date 2023-02-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.7 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes H2020 European Research Council, 815128 ; H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, 860942 ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.7; 2023 IF: 7.367  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:195235 Serial (down) 7260  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author van der Sluijs, M.M.; Salzmann, B.B.V.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Li, C.; Jannis, D.; Brafine, L.C.; Laning, T.D.; Reinders, J.W.C.; Hijmans, N.S.A.; Moes, J.R.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S.; Vanmaekelbergh, D. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Study of the Mechanism and Increasing Crystallinity in the Self-Templated Growth of Ultrathin PbS Nanosheets Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Colloidal 2D semiconductor nanocrystals, the analogue of solid-state quantum wells, have attracted strong interest in material science and physics. Molar quantities of suspended quantum objects with spectrally pure absorption and emission can be synthesized. For the visible region, CdSe nanoplatelets with atomically precise thickness and tailorable emission have been (almost) perfected. For the near-infrared region, PbS nanosheets (NSs) hold strong promise, but the photoluminescence quantum yield is low and many questions on the crystallinity, atomic structure, intriguing rectangular shape, and formation mechanism remain to be answered. Here, we report on a detailed investigation of the PbS NSs prepared with a lead thiocyanate single source precursor. Atomically resolved HAADF-STEM imaging reveals the presence of defects and small cubic domains in the deformed orthorhombic PbS crystal lattice. Moreover, variations in thickness are observed in the NSs, but only in steps of 2 PbS monolayers. To study the reaction mechanism, a synthesis at a lower temperature allowed for the study of reaction intermediates. Specifically, we studied the evolution of pseudo-crystalline templates towards mature, crystalline PbS NSs. We propose a self-induced templating mechanism based on an oleylamine-lead-thiocyanate (OLAM-Pb-SCN) complex with two Pb-SCN units as a building block; the interactions between the long-chain ligands regulate the crystal structure and possibly the lateral dimensions.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000959572100001 Publication Date 2023-03-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes H2020 Research Infrastructures, 731019 ; H2020 European Research Council, 692691 815128 ; Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 715.016.002 ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2023 IF: 9.466  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:195894 Serial (down) 7255  
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Author Daele, K.V.; Arenas‐Esteban, D.; Choukroun, D.; Hoekx, S.; Rossen, A.; Daems, N.; Pant, D.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Enhanced Pomegranate‐Structured SnO2Electrocatalysts for the Electrochemical CO2Reduction to Formate Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ChemElectroChem Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract Although most state-of-the-art Sn-based electrocatalysts yield promising results in terms of selectivity and catalyst activity, their stability remains insufficient to date. Here, we demonstrate the successful application of the recently developed pomegranate-structured SnO2 (Pom. SnO2) and SnO2@C (Pom. SnO2@C) nanocomposite electrocatalysts for the efficient electrochemical conversion of CO2 to formate. With an initial selectivity of 83 and 86% towards formate and an operating potential of -0.72 V and -0.64 V vs. RHE, respectively, these pomegranate SnO2 electrocatalysts are able to compete with most of the current state-of-the-art Sn-based electrocatalysts in terms of activity and selectivity. Given the importance of electrocatalyst stability, long-term experiments (24 h) were performed and a temporary loss in selectivity for the Pom. SnO2@C electrocatalyst was largely restored to its initial selectivity upon drying and exposure to air. Of all the used (24 h) electrocatalysts, the pomegranate SnO2@C had the highest selectivity over a time period of one hour, reaching an average recovered FE of 85%, while the commercial SnO2 and bare pomegranate SnO2 electrocatalysts reached an average of 79 and 80% FE towards formate, respectively. Furthermore, the pomegranate structure of Pom. SnO2@C was largely preserved due to the presence of the heterogeneous carbon shell, which acts as a protective layer, physically inhibiting particle segregation/pulverisation and agglomeration.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000936694800001 Publication Date 2023-02-15  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2196-0216 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes European Regional Development Fund, E2C 2S03-019 ; Approved Most recent IF: 4; 2023 IF: 4.136  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:195228 Serial (down) 7249  
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Author Chowdhury, M.S.; Rösch, E.L.; Esteban, D.A.; Janssen, K.-J.; Wolgast, F.; Ludwig, F.; Schilling, M.; Bals, S.; Viereck, T.; Lak, A. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Decoupling the Characteristics of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Ultrahigh Sensitivity Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 23 Issue 1 Pages 58-65  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  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.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000907816300001 Publication Date 2023-01-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG RTG 1952 ; Joachim Herz Stiftung; H2020 Research Infrastructures, 823717 ; Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:193406 Serial (down) 7248  
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Author Marchetti, A.; Gori, A.; Ferretti, A.M.; Esteban, D.A.; Bals, S.; Pigliacelli, C.; Metrangolo, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Templated Out‐of‐Equilibrium Self‐Assembly of Branched Au Nanoshells Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Small Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 2206712  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  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.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000914725800001 Publication Date 2023-01-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1613-6810 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 13.3 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes European Research Council, ERC‐2017‐PoC MINIRES 789815 ERC‐2012‐StG_20111012 FOLDHALO 307108 815128 ; Approved Most recent IF: 13.3; 2023 IF: 8.643  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:194299 Serial (down) 7247  
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Author De Backer, A.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title A decade of atom-counting in STEM: From the first results toward reliable 3D atomic models from a single projection Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 113702  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Quantitative structure determination is needed in order to study and understand nanomaterials at the atomic scale. Materials characterisation resulting in precise structural information is a crucial point to understand the structure–property relation of materials. Counting the number of atoms and retrieving the 3D atomic structure of nanoparticles plays an important role here. In this paper, an overview will be given of the atom-counting methodology and its applications over the past decade. The procedure to count the number of atoms will be discussed in detail and it will be shown how the performance of the method can be further improved. Furthermore, advances toward mixed element nanostructures, 3D atomic modelling based on the atom-counting results, and quantifying the nanoparticle dynamics will be highlighted.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000953765800001 Publication Date 2023-02-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S. Van Aert, Grant 815128 REALNANO to S. Bals, and Grant 823717 ESTEEM3). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0267.18N, G.0502.18N, G.0346.21N, and EOS 30489208) and a postdoctoral grant to A. De Backer. S. Van Aert acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF) . The authors also thank the colleagues who have contributed to this work over the years, including T. Altantzis, E. Arslan Irmak, K.J. Batenburg, E. Bladt, A. De wael, R. Erni, C. Faes, B. Goris, L. Jones, L.M. Liz-Marzán, I. Lobato, G.T. Martinez, P.D. Nellist, M.D. Rosell, A. Rosenauer, K.H.W. van den Bos, A. Varambhia, and Z. Zhang.; esteem3reported; esteem3JRA Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2023 IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:195896 Serial (down) 7236  
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Author Wang, J.; Zhang, K.; Kavak, S.; Bals, S.; Meynen, V. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Modifying the Stöber Process: Is the Organic Solvent Indispensable? Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2022 Publication Chemistry-A European Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem-Eur J  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract The Stöber method is one of the most important and fundamental processes for the synthesis of inorganic (nano)materials but has the drawback of using a large amount of organic solvent. Herein, ethanol was used as an example to explore if the organic solvent in a typical Stöber method can be omitted. It was found that ethanol increases the particle size of the obtained silica spheres and aids the formation of uniform silica particles rather than forming a gel. Nevertheless, the results indicated that an organic solvent in the initial synthesis mixture is not indispensable. An initially immiscible synthesis method was discovered, which can replace the organic solvent-based Stöber method to successfully synthesize silica particles with the same size ranges as the original Stöber process without addition of organic solvents. Moreover, this process can be of further value for the extension to synthesis processes of other materials based on the Stöber process.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000898283500001 Publication Date 2022-12-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0947-6539 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.3 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors are grateful to Alexander Vansant and Dr. Steven Mullens of VITO for their contributions to the DLS measurements in this paper. J.W acknowledges the State Scholarship funded by the China Scholarship Council (201806060123). K.Z acknowledges the EASiCHEM project funded by the Flemish Strategic Basic Research Program of the Catalisti cluster and Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (HBC.2018.0484). S.K acknowledges the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Flanders) through a PhD research grant (1181122N). Approved Most recent IF: 4.3  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:191646 Serial (down) 7233  
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Author Martin, É.; Gossuin, Y.; Bals, S.; Kavak, S.; Vuong, Q.L. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Monte Carlo simulations of the magnetic behaviour of iron oxide nanoparticle ensembles: taking size dispersion, particle anisotropy, and dipolar interactions into account Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication European physical journal : B : condensed matter and complex systems Abbreviated Journal Eur Phys J B  
  Volume 95 Issue 12 Pages 201  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In this work, the magnetic properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) submitted to an external magnetic field are studied using a Metropolis algorithm. The influence on the M(B) curves of the size distribution of the nanoparticles, of uniaxial anisotropy, and of dipolar interaction between the cores are examined, as well as the influence of drying the samples under a zero or non-zero magnetic field. It is shown that the anisotropy impacts the shape of the magnetization curves, which then deviate from a pure Langevin behaviour, whereas the dipolar interaction has no influence on the curves at 300 K for small particles (with a radius of 3 nm). The fitting of the magnetization curves of particles with magnetic anisotropy to a Langevin model (including a size distribution of the particles) can then lead to erroneous values of the distribution parameters. The simulation results are qualitatively compared to experimental results obtained for iron oxide nanoparticles (with a 3.21 nm median radius).  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000901937400001 Publication Date 2022-12-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1434-6028 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 1.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors would like to thank Sophie Laurent from the University of Mons for the access to the Dynamic Light Scattering equipment. Computational resources have been provided by the Consortium des Equipements de Calcul Intensif (C ´ ECI), funded by the ´ Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique de Belgique (F.R.S.- FNRS) under Grant No. 2.5020.11 and by the Walloon Region. Approved Most recent IF: 1.6  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:192706 Serial (down) 7232  
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Author Parastaev, A.; Muravev, V.; Osta, E.H.; Kimpel, T.F.; Simons, J.F.M.; van Hoof, A.J.F.; Uslamin, E.; Zhang, L.; Struijs, J.J.C.; Burueva, D.B.; Pokochueva, E.V.; Kovtunov, K.V.; Koptyug, I.V.; Villar-Garcia, I.J.; Escudero, C.; Altantzis, T.; Liu, P.; Béché, A.; Bals, S.; Kosinov, N.; Hensen, E.J.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Breaking structure sensitivity in CO2 hydrogenation by tuning metal–oxide interfaces in supported cobalt nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Nature Catalysis Abbreviated Journal Nat Catal  
  Volume 5 Issue 11 Pages 1051-1060  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract A high dispersion of the active metal phase of transition metals on oxide supports is important when designing efficient heterogeneous catalysts. Besides nanoparticles, clusters and even single metal atoms can be attractive for a wide range of reactions. However, many industrially relevant catalytic transformations suffer from structure sensitivity, where reducing the size of the metal particles below a certain size substantially lowers catalytic performance. A case in point is the low activity of small cobalt nanoparticles in the hydrogenation of CO and CO2. Here we show how engineering of catalytic sites at the metal–oxide interface in cerium oxide–zirconium dioxide (ceria–zirconia)-supported cobalt can overcome this structure sensitivity. Few-atom cobalt clusters dispersed on 3 nm cobalt(II)-oxide particles stabilized by ceria–zirconia yielded a highly active CO2 methanation catalyst with a specific activity higher than that of larger particles under the same conditions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000884939300006 Publication Date 2022-11-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2520-1158 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 37.8 Times cited 32 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This research was supported by the Applied and Engineering Sciences division of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research through the Alliander (now Qirion) Perspective program on Plasma Conversion of CO2. We acknowledge Diamond Light Source for time on beamline B18 under proposal SP20715-1. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3. S.B. acknowledges support from the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant #815128 REALNANO) and T.A. acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). A.B. received funding from the European Union under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3. The authors acknowledge funding through the Hercules grant (FWO, University of Antwerp) I003218N “Infrastructure for imaging nanoscale processes in gas/vapour or liquid environments”. I.V.K., D.B.B., and E.V.P. acknowledge the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education (contract 075-15-2021-580) for financial support of parahydrogen-based studies. Experiments using synchrotron radiation XPS were performed at the CIRCE beamline at ALBA Synchrotron with the collaboration of ALBA staff. F. Oropeza Palacio and Rim C.J. van de Poll are acknowledged for the help with RPES measurements.; esteem3reported; esteem3jra Approved Most recent IF: 37.8  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:192068 Serial (down) 7230  
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Author Yang, S.; An, H.; Anastasiadou, D.; Xu, W.; Wu, L.; Wang, H.; de Ruiter, J.; Arnouts, S.; Figueiredo, M.C.; Bals, S.; Altantzis, T.; van der Stam, W.; Weckhuysen, B.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Waste-derived copper-lead electrocatalysts for CO₂ reduction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication ChemCatChem Abbreviated Journal Chemcatchem  
  Volume 14 Issue 18 Pages e202200754-11  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract It remains a real challenge to control the selectivity of the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (eCO(2)R) reaction to valuable chemicals and fuels. Most of the electrocatalysts are made of non-renewable metal resources, which hampers their large-scale implementation. Here, we report the preparation of bimetallic copper-lead (CuPb) electrocatalysts from industrial metallurgical waste. The metal ions were extracted from the metallurgical waste through simple chemical treatment with ammonium chloride, and CuxPby electrocatalysts with tunable compositions were fabricated through electrodeposition at varying cathodic potentials. X-ray spectroscopy techniques showed that the pristine electrocatalysts consist of Cu-0, Cu1+ and Pb2+ domains, and no evidence for alloy formation was found. We found a volcano-shape relationship between eCO(2)R selectivity toward two electron products, such as CO, and the elemental ratio of Cu and Pb. A maximum Faradaic efficiency towards CO was found for Cu9.00Pb1.00, which was four times higher than that of pure Cu, under the same electrocatalytic conditions. In situ Raman spectroscopy revealed that the optimal amount of Pb effectively improved the reducibility of the pristine Cu1+ and Pb2+ domains to metallic Cu and Pb, which boosted the selectivity towards CO by synergistic effects. This work provides a framework of thinking to design and tune the selectivity of bimetallic electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction through valorization of metallurgical waste.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000853941300001 Publication Date 2022-06-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1867-3880; 1867-3899 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.5 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes S.Y and B.M.W. acknowledge support from the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020 (SOCRATES-721385; project website: http://etn-socrates.eu/). W.v.d.S., M.C.F. and B.M.W. acknowledge support from the Strategic UU-TU/e Alliance project 'Joint Centre for Chemergy Research'. S.B. acknowledges support from the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant #815128 REALNANO). S.A. and T.A. acknowledge funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). The Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (1W1B, BSRF) is acknowledged for the beamtime. We are grateful to Annelies van der Bok and Bas Salzmann (Condensed Matter and Interfaces, Utrecht University, UU) for the support with the ICP-OES measurements. The authors thank dr. Robin Geitenbeek, Nikos Nikolopoulos, Ioannis Nikolopoulos, Jochem Wijten and Joris Janssens (Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, UU) for helpful discussions and technical support. The authors also thank Yuang Piao (Materials Chemistry and Catalysis, UU) for the help in the preparation of the figures of the article. Approved Most recent IF: 4.5  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190703 Serial (down) 7226  
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Author Wang, D.; Hermes, M.; Najmr, S.; Tasios, N.; Grau-Carbonell, A.; Liu, Y.; Bals, S.; Dijkstra, M.; Murray, C.B.; van Blaaderen, A. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Structural diversity in three-dimensional self-assembly of nanoplatelets by spherical confinement Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun  
  Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 6001-6012  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Nanoplatelets offer many possibilities to construct advanced materials due to new properties associated with their (semi)two-dimensional shapes. However, precise control of both positional and orientational order of the nanoplatelets in three dimensions, which is required to achieve emerging and collective properties, is challenging to realize. Here, we combine experiments, advanced electron tomography and computer simulations to explore the structure of supraparticles self-assembled from nanoplatelets in slowly drying emulsion droplets. We demonstrate that the rich phase behaviour of nanoplatelets, and its sensitivity to subtle changes in shape and interaction potential can be used to guide the self-assembly into a wide range of different structures, offering precise control over both orientation and position order of the nanoplatelets. Our research is expected to shed light on the design of hierarchically structured metamaterials with distinct shape- and orientation- dependent properties. Nanoplatelets can be used as anisotropic building blocks for constructing novel optoelectronic materials. Here, Wang et al. show a route of assembling nanoplatelets with controllable positional and orientational order in three dimensions facilitated by the surface tension of drying emulsion droplets.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000867312100031 Publication Date 2022-10-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited 7 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes We thank A. Kadu, M. Chiappini, F. Rabouw, S. Paliwal, X. Xie, C. Xia and Z. Wang for fruitful discussions. D.W. and A.v.B. acknowledge partial financial support from the European Research Council under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP-2007-2013)/ERC Advanced Grant Agreement 291667 HierarSACol. M.H. was supported by the Netherlands Center for Multiscale Catalytic Energy Conversion (MCEC). D.W. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020 program (grant 894254 SuprAtom). Y.L. acknowledges the Sustainability project between the faculties of Science and Geosciences of Utrecht University. M.D. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (Grant No. ERC-2019-ADV-H2020 884902 SoftML). S.B. acknowledges financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant No. 815128 REALNANO. C.B.M. acknowledges support for materials synthesis from the Office of Naval Research Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative Award ONR N00014-18-1-2497. The authors acknowledge the EM square center at Utrecht University for the access to the microscopes. Approved Most recent IF: 16.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191387 Serial (down) 7214  
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Author Borah, R.; Ninakanti, R.; Bals, S.; Verbruggen, S.W. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Plasmon resonance of gold and silver nanoparticle arrays in the Kretschmann (attenuated total reflectance) vs. direct incidence configuration Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Scientific reports Abbreviated Journal Sci Rep-Uk  
  Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 15738-19  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract While the behaviour of plasmonic solid thin films in the Kretschmann (also known as Attenuated Total Reflection, ATR) configuration is well-understood, the use of discrete nanoparticle arrays in this optical configuration is not thoroughly explored. It is important to do so, since close packed plasmonic nanoparticle arrays exhibit exceptionally strong light-matter interactions by plasmonic coupling. The present work elucidates the optical properties of plasmonic Au and Ag nanoparticle arrays in both the direct normal incidence and Kretschmann configuration by numerical models, that are validated experimentally. First, hexagonal close packed Au and Ag nanoparticle films/arrays are obtained by air–liquid interfacial assembly. The numerical models for the rigorous solution of the Maxwell’s equations are validated using experimental optical spectra of these films before systematically investigating various parameters. The individual far-field/near-field optical properties, as well as the plasmon relaxation mechanism of the nanoparticles, vary strongly as the packing density of the array increases. In the Kretschmann configuration, the evanescent fields arising from p – and s -polarized (or TM and TE polarized) incidence have different directional components. The local evanescent field intensity and direction depends on the polarization, angle of incidence and the wavelength of incidence. These factors in the Kretschmann configuration give rise to interesting far-field as well as near-field optical properties. Overall, it is shown that plasmonic nanoparticle arrays in the Kretschmann configuration facilitate strong broadband absorptance without transmission losses, and strong near-field enhancement. The results reported herein elucidate the optical properties of self-assembled nanoparticle films, pinpointing the ideal conditions under which the normal and the Kretschmann configuration can be exploited in multiple light-driven applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000858344700048 Publication Date 2022-09-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2045-2322 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.6 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes R.B. acknowledges financial support from the University of Antwerp Special Research Fund (BOF) for a DOCPRO4 doctoral scholarship (Grant FN541100001). Approved Most recent IF: 4.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190864 Serial (down) 7194  
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Author Zhuo, X.; Mychinko, M.; Heyvaert, W.; Larios, D.; Obelleiro-Liz, M.; Taboada, J.M.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Morphological and Optical Transitions during Micelle-Seeded Chiral Growth on Gold Nanorods Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Chiral plasmonics is a rapidly developing field where breakthroughs and unsolved problems coexist. We have recently reported binary surfactant-assisted seeded growth of chiral gold nanorods (Au NRs) with high chiroptical activity. Such a seeded-growth process involves the use of a chiral cosurfactant that induces micellar helicity, in turn driving the transition from achiral to chiral Au NRs, from both the morphological and the optical points of view. We report herein a detailed study on both transitions, which reveals intermediate states that were hidden so far. The correlation between structure and optical response is carefully analyzed, including the (linear and CD) spectral evolution over time, electron tomography, the impact of NR dimensions on their optical response, the variation of the absorption-to-scattering ratio during the evolution from achiral to chiral Au NRs, and the near-field enhancement related to chiral plasmon modes. Our findings provide further understanding of the growth process of chiral Au NRs and the associated optical changes, which will facilitate further study and applications of chiral nanomaterials.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000878324400001 Publication Date 2022-10-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited 17 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (ERC-AdG-4DbioSERS-787510 to L.M.L.-M. and ERC-CoG-REALNANO-815128 to S.B.) and the MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grant PID2020-117779RB-I00). X.Z. acknowledges funding from the Juan de la Cierva fellowship (FJC2018-036104-I) and the University Development Fund (UDF01002665, CUHK-Shenzhen). D.L., M.O.-L., and J.M.T. acknowledge funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, under Projects PID2020-116627RB-C21 and PID2020-116627RB-C22, as well as from the ERDF/Galician Regional Government as part of the agreement for funding the Atlantic Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (atlanTTic) and ERDF/Extremadura Regional Government under Projects IB18073 and GR18055. This work was performed in the framework of the Maria de Maeztu Units of Excellence Program from the Spanish State Research Agency (Grant No. MDM-2017-0720). The authors acknowledge Dr. Guillermo González-Rubio for providing suggestions for synthesis and Dr. Irantzu Llarena for assisting with the CD measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 17.1  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:191815 Serial (down) 7116  
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Author Ni, B.; Mychinko, M.; Gómez‐Graña, S.; Morales‐Vidal, J.; Obelleiro‐Liz, M.; Heyvaert, W.; Vila‐Liarte, D.; Zhuo, X.; Albrecht, W.; Zheng, G.; González‐Rubio, G.; Taboada, J.M.; Obelleiro, F.; López, N.; Pérez‐Juste, J.; Pastoriza‐Santos, I.; Cölfen, H.; Bals, S.; Liz‐Marzán, L.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Chiral Seeded Growth of Gold Nanorods Into 4‐Fold Twisted Nanoparticles with Plasmonic Optical Activity Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Advanced materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Mater  
  Volume Issue Pages 2208299  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A robust and reproducible methodology to prepare stable inorganic nanoparticles with chiral morphology might hold the key to the practical utilization of these materials. We describe herein an optimized chiral growth method to prepare 4-fold twisted gold nanorods, where the amino acid cysteine is used as a dissymmetry inducer. Four tilted ridges were found to develop on the surface of single-crystal nanorods upon repeated reduction of HAuCl4, in the presence of cysteine as the chiral inducer and ascorbic acid as a reducing agent. From detailed electron microscopy analysis of the crystallographic structures, we propose that dissymmetry results from the development of chiral facets in the form of protrusions (tilted ridges) on the initial nanorods, eventually leading to a twisted shape. The role of cysteine is attributed to assisting enantioselective facet evolution, which is supported by density functional theory simulations of the surface energies, modified upon adsorption of the chiral molecule. The development of R-type and S-type chiral structures (small facets, terraces, or kinks) would thus be non-equal, removing the mirror symmetry of the Au NR and in turn resulting in a markedly chiral morphology with high plasmonic optical activity.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000888886000001 Publication Date 2022-10-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0935-9648 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 29.4 Times cited 35 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grants PID2019-108954RB-I00, PID2020-117371RA-I00, PID2020-117779RB-I00, and Maria de Maeztu Units of Excellence Program from the Spanish State Research Agency Grant No. MDM-2017-0720), Xunta de Galicia/FEDER (Grant GRC ED431C 2020/09) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). M.M., W.H. and S.B. acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme by ERC Consolidator grant no. 815128 (REALNANO). W.A. acknowledges financial support from the research program of AMOLF, which is partly financed by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). J. M.-V. and N. L. thank the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation for financial support (RTI2018- 101394-B-I00 and Severo Ochoa Grant MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 CEX2019-000925-S) and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center-MareNostrum (BSC-RES) for providing generous computer resources. S.G.-G. acknowledges the MCIN. B. N. acknowledges a postdoctoral fellowship of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. G. G.-R. acknowledges the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (GO 3526/1-1) for financial support. H.C. thanks Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) SFB 1214 project B1 for funding. G.C-Z. acknowledges National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 21902148). Approved Most recent IF: 29.4  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:191808 Serial (down) 7115  
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Author De Backer, A.; Zhang, Z.; van den Bos, K.H.W.; Bladt, E.; Sánchez‐Iglesias, A.; Liz‐Marzán, L.M.; Nellist, P.D.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Element Specific Atom Counting at the Atomic Scale by Combining High Angle Annular Dark Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Small methods Abbreviated Journal Small Methods  
  Volume Issue Pages 2200875  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A new methodology is presented to count the number of atoms in multimetallic nanocrystals by combining energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF STEM). For this purpose, the existence of a linear relationship between the incoherent HAADF STEM and EDX images is exploited. Next to the number of atoms for each element in the atomic columns, the method also allows quantification of the error in the obtained number of atoms, which is of importance given the noisy nature of the acquired EDX signals. Using experimental images of an Au@Ag core–shell nanorod, it is demonstrated that 3D structural information can be extracted at the atomic scale. Furthermore, simulated data of an Au@Pt core–shell nanorod show the prospect to characterize heterogeneous nanostructures with adjacent atomic numbers.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000862072700001 Publication Date 2022-09-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2366-9608 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.4 Times cited 5 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S.V.A., Grant 815128 REALNANO to S.B., and Grant 823717 ESTEEM3). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0267.18N, G.0502.18N, G.0346.21N) and a postdoctoral grant to A.D.B.; esteem3reported; esteem3JRA Approved Most recent IF: 12.4  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:191570 Serial (down) 7109  
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Author Pacquets, L.; Van den Hoek, J.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Cool, P.; Baert, K.; Hauffman, T.; Daems, N.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Use of nanoscale carbon layers on Ag-based gas diffusion electrodes to promote CO production Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication ACS applied nano materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 5 Issue 6 Pages 7723-7732  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract A promising strategy for the inhibition of the hydrogen evolution reaction along with the stabilization of the electrocatalyst in electrochemical CO2 reduction cells involves the application of a nanoscale amorphous carbon layer on top of the active catalyst layer in a gas diffusion electrode. Without modifying the chemical nature of the electrocatalyst itself, these amorphous carbon layers lead to the stabilization of the electrocatalyst, and a significant improvement with respect to the inhibition of the hydrogen evolution reaction was also obtained. The faradaic efficiencies of hydrogen could be reduced from 31.4 to 2.1% after 1 h of electrolysis with a 5 nm thick carbon layer. Furthermore, the impact of the carbon layer thickness (5–30 nm) on this inhibiting effect was investigated. We determined an optimal thickness of 15 nm where the hydrogen evolution reaction was inhibited and a decent stability was obtained. Next, a thickness of 15 nm was selected for durability measurements. Interestingly, these durability measurements revealed the beneficial impact of the carbon layer already after 6 h by suppressing the hydrogen evolution such that an increase of only 37.9% exists compared to 56.9% without the use of an additional carbon layer, which is an improvement of 150%. Since carbon is only applied afterward, it reveals its great potential in terms of electrocatalysis in general.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000818507900001 Publication Date 2022-05-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2574-0970 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.9 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes L.P. was supported through a Ph.D. fellowship strategic basic research (1S56920N) of the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO). S.B. acknowledges financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO. This research was financed by the Research Council of the University of Antwerp (BOF-GOA 33928). P.C. and R.-G.C. acknowledge financial support by FWO Flanders (project no. G038215N). The authors recognize the contribution of S. Pourbabak and T. Derez for the assistance with the Ag and carbon coating, Indah Prihatiningtyas and Bart Van der Bruggen for the assistance with the contact angle measurements, Daniel Choukroun for the use of the in-house-made hybrid flow cell, and Stijn Van den Broeck for his assistance with the FIB measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 5.9  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188887 Serial (down) 7099  
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Author Borah, R.; Smets, J.; Ninakanti, R.; Tietze, M.L.; Ameloot, R.; Chigrin, D.N.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Self-assembled ligand-capped plasmonic Au nanoparticle films in the Kretschmann configuration for sensing of volatile organic compounds Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication ACS applied nano materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 5 Issue 8 Pages acsanm.2c02524-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Films of close-packed Au nanoparticles are coupled electrodynamically through their collective plasmon resonances. This collective optical response results in enhanced light–matter interactions, which can be exploited in various applications. Here, we demonstrate their application in sensing volatile organic compounds, using methanol as a test case. Ordered films over several cm2 were obtained by interfacial self-assembly of colloidal Au nanoparticles (∼10 nm diameter) through controlled evaporation of the solvent. Even though isolated nanoparticles of this size are inherently nonscattering, when arranged in a close-packed film the plasmonic coupling results in a strong reflectance and absorbance. The in situ tracking of vapor phase methanol concentration through UV–vis transmission measurements of the nanoparticle film is first demonstrated. Next, in situ ellipsometry of the self-assembled films in the Kretschmann (also known as ATR) configuration is shown to yield enhanced sensitivity, especially with phase difference measurements, Δ. Our study shows the excellent agreement between theoretical models of the spectral response of self-assembled films with experimental in situ sensing experiments. At the same time, the theoretical framework provides the basis for the interpretation of the various observed experimental trends. Combining periodic nanoparticle films with ellipsometry in the Kretschmann configuration is a promising strategy toward highly sensitive and selective plasmonic thin-film devices based on colloidal fabrication methods for volatile organic compound (VOC) sensing applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000834348300001 Publication Date 2022-07-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2574-0970 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.9 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes R.B. acknowledges financial support from the University of Antwerp Special Research Fund (BOF) for a DOCPRO4 doctoral scholarship. J.S. acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) by a Ph.D. fellowship (11H8121N) . M.L.T. acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) by a senior postdoctoral fellowship (12ZK720N) . Approved Most recent IF: 5.9  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189295 Serial (down) 7095  
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Author Wang, Y.; Sztranyovszky, Z.; Zilli, A.; Albrecht, W.; Bals, S.; Borri, P.; Langbein, W. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Quantitatively linking morphology and optical response of individual silver nanohedra Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 14 Issue 30 Pages 11028-11037  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The optical response of metal nanoparticles is governed by plasmonic resonances, which are dictated by the particle morphology. A thorough understanding of the link between morphology and optical response requires quantitatively measuring optical and structural properties of the same particle. Here we present such a study, correlating electron tomography and optical micro-spectroscopy. The optical measurements determine the scattering and absorption cross-section spectra in absolute units, and electron tomography determines the 3D morphology. Numerical simulations of the spectra for the individual particle geometry, and the specific optical set-up used, allow for a quantitative comparison including the cross-section magnitude. Silver nanoparticles produced by photochemically driven colloidal synthesis, including decahedra, tetrahedra and bi-tetrahedra are investigated. A mismatch of measured and simulated spectra is found in some cases when assuming pure silver particles, which is explained by the presence of a few atomic layers of tarnish on the surface, not evident in electron tomography. The presented method tightens the link between particle morphology and optical response, supporting the predictive design of plasmonic nanomaterials.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000828704000001 Publication Date 2022-07-15  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364; 2040-3372 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.7 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Z.S. acknowledges the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for his Ph.D. studentship award (grant EP/R513003/1). Y.W. acknowledges Iwan Moreels (University of Ghent) for training in nanoparticle synthesis. Y.W. acknowledges the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for his Ph.D. studentship award (grant BB/L015889/1). This work was supported by the UK EPSRC (grants EP/I005072/1 and EP/M028313/1), and by the European Commission (EUSMI E191000350). W.A. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship from the Marie Skodowska-Curie actions (MSCA) under the EU's Horizon 2020 program (Grant 797153, SOPMEN). We thank Lukas Payne and Iestyn Pope for contributions to the development of the hardware and software used for the optical measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 6.7  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189578 Serial (down) 7092  
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Author Ding, Y.; Maitra, S.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Bals, S.; Vrielinck, H.; Barakat, T.; Roy, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Liu, J.; Li, Y.; Vlad, A.; Su, B.-L. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Photochemical production of hydrogen peroxide by digging pro-superoxide radical carbon vacancies in carbon nitride Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Cell reports physical science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 3 Issue 5 Pages 100874-17  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Artificial photosynthesis of H2O2, an environmentally friendly oxidant and a clean fuel, holds great promise. However, improving its efficiency and stability for industrial implementation remains highly challenging. Here, we report the visible-light H2O2 artificial photosynthesis by digging pro-superoxide radical carbon vacancies in three-dimensional hierarchical porous g-C3N4 through a simple hydrolysis-freeze-drying-thermal treatment. A significant electronic structure change is revealed upon the implantation of carbon vacancies, broadening visible-light absorption and facilitating the photogenerated charge separation. The strong electron affinity of the carbon vacancies promotes superoxide radical (O-center dot(2)-) formation, significantly boosting the H2O2 photocatalytic production. The developed photocatalyst shows an H2O2 evolution rate of 6287.5 mM g(-1) h(-1) under visible-light irradiation with a long cycling stability being the best-performing photocatalyst among all reported g-C3N4-based systems. Our work provides fundamental insight into highly active and stable photocatalysts with great potential for safe industrial H2O2 production.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000805830100006 Publication Date 2022-04-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 12 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Y.D. thanks the China Scholarship Council (201808310127) for financial support. This work is financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U1663225) , Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University (IRT_15R52) of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities-Plan 111 (grant no. B20002) from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education of China, and the National Key R&D Program of China (2016YFA0202602) . This research was also supported by the European Commission Interreg V France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen project “DepollutAir”. Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189706 Serial (down) 7090  
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Author Jenkinson, K.; Liz-Marzan, L.M.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Multimode electron tomography sheds light on synthesis, structure, and properties of complex metal-based nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Advanced materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Mater  
  Volume 34 Issue 36 Pages 2110394-19  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Electron tomography has become a cornerstone technique for the visualization of nanoparticle morphology in three dimensions. However, to obtain in-depth information about a nanoparticle beyond surface faceting and morphology, different electron microscopy signals must be combined. The most notable examples of these combined signals include annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF-STEM) with different collection angles and the combination of ADF-STEM with energy-dispersive X-ray or electron energy loss spectroscopies. Here, the experimental and computational development of various multimode tomography techniques in connection to the fundamental materials science challenges that multimode tomography has been instrumental to overcoming are summarized. Although the techniques can be applied to a wide variety of compositions, the study is restricted to metal and metal oxide nanoparticles for the sake of simplicity. Current challenges and future directions of multimode tomography are additionally discussed.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000831332200001 Publication Date 2022-04-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0935-9648 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 29.4 Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors thank the financial support of the European Research Council (ERC-AdG-2017 787510, ERC-CoG-2019 815128) and of the European Commission (EUSMI, Grant 731019 and ESTEEM3, Grant 823717). Approved Most recent IF: 29.4  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189616 Serial (down) 7087  
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Author Toso, S.; Imran, M.; Mugnaioli, E.; Moliterni, A.; Caliandro, R.; Schrenker, N.J.; Pianetti, A.; Zito, J.; Zaccaria, F.; Wu, Y.; Gemmi, M.; Giannini, C.; Brovelli, S.; Infante, I.; Bals, S.; Manna, L. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Halide perovskites as disposable epitaxial templates for the phase-selective synthesis of lead sulfochloride nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun  
  Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 3976-10  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Colloidal chemistry grants access to a wealth of materials through simple and mild reactions. However, even few elements can combine in a variety of stoichiometries and structures, potentially resulting in impurities or even wrong products. Similar issues have been long addressed in organic chemistry by using reaction-directing groups, that are added to a substrate to promote a specific product and are later removed. Inspired by such approach, we demonstrate the use of CsPbCl3 perovskite nanocrystals to drive the phase-selective synthesis of two yet unexplored lead sulfochlorides: Pb3S2Cl2 and Pb4S3Cl2. When homogeneously nucleated in solution, lead sulfochlorides form Pb3S2Cl2 nanocrystals. Conversely, the presence of CsPbCl3 triggers the formation of Pb4S3Cl2/CsPbCl3 epitaxial heterostructures. The phase selectivity is guaranteed by the continuity of the cationic subnetwork across the interface, a condition not met in a hypothetical Pb3S2Cl2/CsPbCl3 heterostructure. The perovskite domain is then etched, delivering phase-pure Pb4S3Cl2 nanocrystals that could not be synthesized directly. Phase-selective approaches, such using reaction-directing groups, are often seen in traditional organic chemistry and catalysis. Here authors use perovskite nanocrystals as disposable templates to drive the phase-selective synthesis of two colloidal nanomaterials, the lead sulfohalides Pb3S2Cl2 and Pb4S3Cl2.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000825867200003 Publication Date 2022-07-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Joka Buha for the help with preliminary tests preceding this project, and Dr. B. M. Aresta and Dr. L. Cassano for their administrative support. The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) through a postdoctoral fellowship to N.J.S. (FWO Grant No. 1238622N, N.J.S). S.B. acknowledges financial support from the European Commission by ERC Consolidator grant REALNANO (No. 815128, S.B.). L.M. acknowledges financial support from the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) through the Flag-Era JTC2019 project “Solution-Processed Perovskite/Graphene Nanocomposites for SelfPowered Gas Sensors” (PeroGaS, L.M.). The access to the National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory, was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, under Contract No. DE-AC0298CH10886 (NSLS-II Proposal Number 307441). Approved Most recent IF: 16.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189684 Serial (down) 7085  
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Author Otero-Martinez, C.; Imran, M.; Schrenker, N.J.; Ye, J.; Ji, K.; Rao, A.; Stranks, S.D.; Hoye, R.L.Z.; Bals, S.; Manna, L.; Perez-Juste, J.; Polavarapu, L. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Fast A-site cation cross-exchange at room temperature : single-to double- and triple-cation halide perovskite nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English Abbreviated Journal Angew Chem Int Edit  
  Volume 61 Issue 34 Pages e202205617-11  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract We report here fast A-site cation cross-exchange between APbX(3) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) made of different A-cations (Cs (cesium), FA (formamidinium), and MA (methylammonium)) at room temperature. Surprisingly, the A-cation cross-exchange proceeds as fast as the halide (X=Cl, Br, or I) exchange with the help of free A-oleate complexes present in the freshly prepared colloidal perovskite NC solutions. This enabled the preparation of double (MACs, MAFA, CsFA)- and triple (MACsFA)-cation perovskite NCs with an optical band gap that is finely tunable by their A-site composition. The optical spectroscopy together with structural analysis using XRD and atomically resolved high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and integrated differential phase contrast (iDPC) STEM indicates the homogeneous distribution of different cations in the mixed perovskite NC lattice. Unlike halide ions, the A-cations do not phase-segregate under light illumination.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000823857300001 Publication Date 2022-06-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1433-7851; 0570-0833 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited 28 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes L.P. acknowledges the support from the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion through Ramon y Cajal grant (RYC2018-026103-I) and the Spanish State Research Agency (Grant No. PID2020-117371RA-I00), the grant from the Xunta de Galicia (ED431F2021/05). N.J.S. acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation-Flanders via a postdoctoral fellowship (FWO Grant No. 1238622N). S.B. thanks the financial support of the European Research Council (ERC-CoG-2019815128) and of the European Commission (EUSMI, Grant 731019). R.L.Z.H. thanks the Royal Academy of Engineering through the Research Fellowships scheme (No.: RF\201718\1701). S.D.S. and K.J. acknowledge the Royal Society for funding. S.D.S. acknowledges the Royal Society and Tata Group (UF150033). The work has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (HYPERION -grant agreement no. 756962). The authors acknowledge the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for funding (EP/R023980/1). M.I. and L.M. acknowledge financial support from the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) through the Flag-Era JTC2019 project “Solution-Processed Perovskite/Graphene Nanocomposites for Self-Powered Gas Sensors” (PeroGaS). The authors acknowledge the Universidade de Vigo/CISUG for open access funding. Approved Most recent IF: 16.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189675 Serial (down) 7083  
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Author Savina, A.A.; Saiutina, V.V.; Morozov, A.V.; Boev, A.O.; Aksyonov, D.A.; Dejoie, C.; Batuk, M.; Bals, S.; Hadermann, J.; Abakumov, A.M. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Chemistry, local molybdenum clustering, and electrochemistry in the Li2+xMo1-xO3 solid solutions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Inorganic chemistry Abbreviated Journal Inorg Chem  
  Volume 61 Issue 14 Pages 5637-5652  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A broad range of cationic nonstoichiometry has been demonstratedfor the Li-rich layered rock-salt-type oxide Li2MoO3, which has generally been considered as a phase with a well-defined chemical composition. Li2+xMo1-xO3(-0.037 <= x <= 0.124) solid solutions were synthesized via hydrogen reduction ofLi2MoO4in the temperature range of 650-1100 degrees C, withxdecreasing with theincrease of the reduction temperature. The solid solutions adopt a monoclinicallydistorted O3-type layered average structure and demonstrate a robust localordering of the Li cations and Mo3triangular clusters within the mixed Li/Mocationic layers. The local structure was scrutinized in detail by electron diffractionand aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microcopy (STEM),resulting in an ordering model comprising a uniform distribution of the Mo3clusters compatible with local electroneutrality and chemical composition. The geometry of the triangular clusters with their oxygenenvironment (Mo3O13groups) has been directly visualized using differential phase contrast STEM imaging. The established localstructure was used as input for density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations; they support the proposed atomic arrangementand provide a plausible explanation for the staircase galvanostatic charge profiles upon electrochemical Li+extraction fromLi2+xMo1-xO3in Li cells. According to DFT, all electrochemical capacity in Li2+xMo1-xO3solely originates from the cationic Moredox process, which proceeds via oxidation of the Mo3triangular clusters into bent Mo3chains where the electronic capacity of the clusters depends on the initial chemical composition and Mo oxidation state defining the width of the first charge low-voltageplateau. Further oxidation at the high-voltage plateau proceeds through decomposition of the Mo3chains into Mo2dimers and further into individual Mo6+cations  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000789034200023 Publication Date 2022-04-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0020-1669 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.6 Times cited 3 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes The authors acknowledge Russian Science Foundation (grant 20-43-01012) and Research Foundation Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen, project number G0F1320N) for financial support. The authors are grateful to AICF of Skoltech for providing access to electron microscopy equipment. The authors are grateful to Prof. G. Van Tendeloo for discussing the results. Approved Most recent IF: 4.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188631 Serial (down) 7079  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Fatermans, J.; Romolini, G.; Altantzis, T.; Hofkens, J.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Atomic-scale detection of individual lead clusters confined in Linde Type A zeolites Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract Structural analysis of metal clusters confined in nanoporous materials is typically performed by X-ray-driven techniques. Although X-ray analysis has proved its strength in the characterization of metal clusters, it provides averaged structural information. Therefore, we here present an alternative workflow for bringing the characterization of confined metal clusters towards the local scale. This workflow is based on the combination of aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TEM image simulations, and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) with advanced statistical techniques. In this manner, we were able to characterize the clustering of Pb atoms in Linde Type A (LTA) zeolites with Pb loadings as low as 5 wt%. Moreover, individual Pb clusters could be directly detected. The proposed methodology thus enables a local-scale characterization of confined metal clusters in zeolites. This is important for further elucidation of the connection between the structure and the physicochemical properties of such systems.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000809619900001 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.7 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge the Research Foundation Flanders through project fundings (FWO, G026718N, G050218N, ZW15_09-G0H6316N, and W002221N) and through a PhD scholarship to G.R. (grant 11C6920N), as well as iBOF-21-085 PERSIST. T.A. and S.V.A. acknowledge funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). J.H. acknowledges the Flemish government through long-term structural funding Methusalem (CASAS2, Meth/15/04) and the MPI as MPI fellow. M.R. acknowledges funding by the KU Leuven Research Fund (C14/19/079). S.B. and S.V.A. acknowledge funding from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (ERC Consolidator Grants No. 815128−REALNANO and No. 770887−PICOMETRICS). The authors thank Dr. D. Chernyshov for the collection of XRD measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 6.7  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:189061 Serial (down) 7076  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Arslan Irmak, E.; Kumar, V.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Chen, Q.; Wirix, M.; Freitag, B.; Albrecht, W.; Van Aert, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Thermal Activation of Gold Atom Diffusion in Au@Pt Nanorods Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Understanding the thermal stability of bimetallic nanoparticles is of vital importance to preserve their functionalities during their use in a variety of applications. In contrast to well-studied bimetallic systems such as Au@Ag, heat-induced morphological and compositional changes in Au@Pt nanoparticles are insufficiently understood, even though Au@Pt is an important material for catalysis. To investigate the thermal instability of Au@Pt nanorods at temperatures below their bulk melting point, we combined in situ heating with two- and three-dimensional electron microscopy techniques, including three-dimensional energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The experimental results were used as input for molecular dynamics simulations, to unravel the mechanisms behind the morphological transformation of Au@Pt core–shell nanorods. We conclude that thermal stability is influenced not only by the degree of coverage of Pt on Au but also by structural details of the Pt shell.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000819246800001 Publication Date 2022-06-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited 8 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes S.B., S.V.A., L.M.L.-M. and A.P.-T. acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme by grant nos. 731019 (EUSMI) and 823717 (ESTEEM3) and ERC Consolidator grant nos. 815128 (REALNANO) and 770887 (PICOMETRICS). L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 through grants no. PID2020-117779RB-I00 and Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence no. MDM-2017-0720. The authors acknowledge the resources and services used for the simulations in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government.; esteem3reported; esteem3JRA Approved Most recent IF: 17.1  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:188540 Serial (down) 7072  
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Author Li, W.; Tong, W.; Yadav, A.; Bladt, E.; Bals, S.; Funston, A.M.; Etheridge, J. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Shape control beyond the seeds in gold nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemistry Of Materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 33 Issue 23 Pages 9152-9164  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In typical seed-mediated syntheses of metal nanocrystals, the shape of the nanocrystal is determined largely by the seed nucleation environment and subsequent growth environment (where “environment” refers to the chemical environment, including the surfactant and additives). In this approach, crystallinity is typically determined by the seeds, and surfaces are controlled by the environment(s). However, surface energies, and crystallinity, are both influenced by the choice of environment(s). This limits the permutations of crystallinity and surface facets that can be mixed and matched to generate new nanocrystal morphologies. Here, we control post-seed growth to deliberately incorporate twin planes during the growth stage to deliver new final morphologies, including twinned cubes and bipyramids from single-crystal seeds. The nature and number of twin planes, together with surfactant control of facet growth, define the final nanoparticle morphology. Moreover, by breaking symmetry, the twin planes introduce new facet orientations. This additional mechanism opens new routes for the synthesis of different morphologies and facet orientations.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000753956100012 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756; 1520-5002 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 3 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes This work was supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Grants DP160104679 and CE170100026 and used microscopes at the Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy funded by ARC Grants LE0454166, LE110100223, and LE140100104. W.L. thanks the support of the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship. W.T. thanks the Australian Department of Education and Monash University for the IPRS and APA scholarships. E.B. acknowledges financial support and a post-doctoral grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium). The authors thank Dr. Matthew Weyland and Dr. Tim Peterson for helpful discussions. A.Y. thanks the support from Post Graduation Publication Award (PPA) scholarship from Monash University. Approved Most recent IF: 9.466  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187229 Serial (down) 7065  
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Author Rogolino, A.; Claes, N.; Cizaurre, J.; Marauri, A.; Jumbo-Nogales, A.; Lawera, Z.; Kruse, J.; Sanroman-Iglesias, M.; Zarketa, I.; Calvo, U.; Jimenez-Izal, E.; Rakovich, Y.P.; Bals, S.; Matxain, J.M.; Grzelczak, M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Metal-polymer heterojunction in colloidal-phase plasmonic catalysis Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication The journal of physical chemistry letters Abbreviated Journal J Phys Chem Lett  
  Volume 13 Issue 10 Pages 2264-2272  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Plasmonic catalysis in the colloidal phase requires robust surface ligands that prevent particles from aggregation in adverse chemical environments and allow carrier flow from reagents to nanoparticles. This work describes the use of a water-soluble conjugated polymer comprising a thiophene moiety as a surface ligand for gold nanoparticles to create a hybrid system that, under the action of visible light, drives the conversion of the biorelevant NAD+ to its highly energetic reduced form NADH. A combination of advanced microscopy techniques and numerical simulations revealed that the robust metal-polymer heterojunction, rich in sulfonate functional groups, directs the interaction of electron-donor molecules with the plasmonic photocatalyst. The tight binding of polymer to the gold surface precludes the need for conventional transition-metal surface cocatalysts, which were previously shown to be essential for photocatalytic NAD(+) reduction but are known to hinder the optical properties of plasmonic nanocrystals. Moreover, computational studies indicated that the coating polymer fosters a closer interaction between the sacrificial electron-donor triethanolamine and the nanoparticles, thus enhancing the reactivity.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000776518000001 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1948-7185 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.7 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by grant PID2019-111772RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and grant IT 1254-19 funded by Basque Government. The authors acknowledge the financial support of the European Commission (EUSMI, Grant 731019). S.B. is grateful to the European Research Council (ERC-CoG-2019 815128). The authors acknowledge the contributions by Dr. Adrian Pedrazo Tardajos related to sample support and electron microscopy experiments.; realnano;sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 5.7  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188008 Serial (down) 7062  
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Author Locardi, F.; Samoli, M.; Martinelli, A.; Erdem, O.; Vale Magalhaes, D.; Bals, S.; Hens, Z. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Cyan emission in two-dimensional colloidal Cs2CdCl4:SB3+ Ruddlesden-Popper phase nanoplatelets Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Acs Nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano  
  Volume 15 Issue 11 Pages 17729-17737  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Metal halide perovskites are one of the most investigated materials in optoelectronics, with their lead-based counterparts being renowned for their enhanced optoelectronic performance. The 3D CsPbX3 structure has set the standard with many studies currently attempting to substitute lead with other metals while retaining the properties of this material. This effort has led to the fabrication of metal halides with lower dimensionality, wherein particular 2D layered perovskite structures have captured attention as inspiration for the next generation of colloidal semiconductors. Here we report the synthesis of the Ruddlesden-Popper Cs2CdCl4:Sb3+ phase as colloidal nanoplatelets (NPs) using a facile hot injection approach under atmospheric conditions. Through strict adjustment of the synthesis parameters with emphasis on the ligand ratio, we obtained NPs with a relatively uniform size and good morphological control. The particles were characterized through transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and pair distribution function analysis. The spectroscopic characterization revealed most strikingly an intense cyan emission under UV excitation with a measured PLQY of similar to 20%. The emission was attributed to the Sb3+-doping within the structure.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000747115200053 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 13.942 Times cited 34 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility for provision of synchrotron radiation facilities and they would like to thank Andrew Fitch for assistance in using beamline ID22 (proposal HC-4098). Z.H. and S.B acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation − Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen under the SBO − PROCEED project (No: S0002019N). Z.H. acknowledges Ghent University for funding (BOF-GOA 01G01019). S.B. is grateful to the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant 815128, REALNANO). F.L. thanks Emanuela Sartori and Stefano Toso for the fruitful discussions. M.S. would like to thank Olivier Janssens for collecting XRPD data and Gabriele Pippia for helpful insights and discussions. Approved Most recent IF: 13.942  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:186465 Serial (down) 7059  
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Author Choo, P.; Arenas-Esteban, D.; Jung, I.; Chang, W.J.; Weiss, E.A.; Bals, S.; Odom, T.W. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Investigating Reaction Intermediates during the Seedless Growth of Gold Nanostars Using Electron Tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano  
  Volume 16 Issue 3 Pages 4408-4414  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  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.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000780214300084 Publication Date 2022-03-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited 12 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under award NSF CHE-1808502 (P.C. and I.J.). This work made use of the EPIC facility of Northwestern University’s NUANCE Center, which has received support from the SHyNE Resource (NSF ECCS-2025633), the IIN, and Northwestern’s MRSEC program (NSF DMR-1720139). D.A E. and S.B. acknowledge funding from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (ERC Consolidator Grants No. 815128 REALNANO and Grant Agreement No. 731019 EUSMI).; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 17.1  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:187930 Serial (down) 7055  
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Author Windels, S.; Diefenhardt, T.; Jain, N.; Marquez, C.; Bals, S.; Schlummer, M.; De Vos, D.E. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Catalytic upcycling of PVC waste-derived phthalate esters into safe, hydrogenated plasticizers Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Green chemistry : cutting-edge research for a greener sustainable future Abbreviated Journal Green Chem  
  Volume 24 Issue 2 Pages 754-766  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Recycling of end-of-life polyvinyl chloride (PVC) calls for solutions to deal with the vast amounts of harmful phthalate plasticizers that have historically been incorporated in PVC. Here, we report on the upcycling of such waste-extracted phthalate esters into analogues of the much safer diisononyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate plasticizer (DINCH), via a catalytic one-pot (trans)esterification-hydrogenation process. For most of the virgin phthalates, Ru/Al2O3 is a highly effective hydrogenation catalyst, yielding >99% ring-hydrogenated products under mild reaction conditions (0.1 mol% Ru, 80 degrees C, 50 bar H-2). However, applying this reaction to PVC-extracted phthalates proved problematic, (1) as benzyl phthalates are hydrogenolyzed to benzoic acids that inhibit the Ru-catalyst, and (2) because impurities in the plasticizer extract (PVC, sulfur) further retard the hydrogenation. These complications were solved by coupling the hydrogenation to an in situ (trans)esterification with a higher alcohol, and by pretreating the extract with an activated carbon adsorbent. In this way, a real phthalate extract obtained from post-consumer PVC waste was eventually completely (>99%) hydrogenated to phthalate-free, cycloaliphatic plasticizers.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000726865200001 Publication Date 2021-11-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1463-9262; 1463-9270 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited 8 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement no. 821366 (programma acronym: Circular Flooring). D. E. D. V. thanks FWO for project funding (SBO project S001819N Triple Cycle); N. J. and S. B. acknowledge the financial support from FWO and FNRS (EOS 30489208). Finally, the authors also thank S. Smolders for assistance with the TGA-MS experiments and D. Paredaens for his experimental contribution Approved Most recent IF: 9.8  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184746 Serial (down) 6958  
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