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“Iron minerals within specific microfossil morphospecies of the 1.88 Ga Gunflint Formation”. Lepot K, Addad A, Knoll AH, Wang J, Troadec D, Béché, A, Javaux EJ, Nature communications 8, 14890 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms14890
Abstract: Problematic microfossils dominate the palaeontological record between the Great Oxidation Event 2.4 billion years ago (Ga) and the last Palaeoproterozoic iron formations, deposited 500–600 million years later. These fossils are often associated with iron-rich sedimentary rocks, but their affinities, metabolism, and, hence, their contributions to Earth surface oxidation and Fe deposition remain unknown. Here we show that specific microfossil populations of the 1.88 Ga Gunflint Iron Formation contain Fe-silicate and Fe-carbonate nanocrystal concentrations in cell interiors. Fe minerals are absent in/on all organically preserved cell walls. These features are consistent with in vivo intracellular Fe biomineralization, with subsequent in situ recrystallization, but contrast with known patterns of post-mortem Fe mineralization. The Gunflint populations that display relatively large cells (thick-walled spheres, filament-forming rods) and intra-microfossil Fe minerals are consistent with oxygenic photosynthesizers but not with other Fe-mineralizing microorganisms studied so far. Fe biomineralization may have protected oxygenic photosynthesizers against Fe2+ toxicity during the Palaeoproterozoic.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14890
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“Structure and vacancy distribution in copper telluride nanoparticles influence plasmonic activity in the near-infrared”. Willhammar T, Sentosun K, Mourdikoudis S, Goris B, Kurttepeli M, Bercx M, Lamoen D, Partoens B, Pastoriza-Santos I, Pérez-Juste J, Liz-Marzán LM, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Nature communications 8, 14925 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms14925
Abstract: Copper chalcogenides find applications in different domains including photonics, photothermal therapy and photovoltaics. CuTe nanocrystals have been proposed as an alternative to noble metal particles for plasmonics. Although it is known that deviations from stoichiometry are a prerequisite for plasmonic activity in the near-infrared, an accurate description of the material and its (optical) properties is hindered by an insufficient understanding of the atomic structure and the influence of defects, especially for materials in their nanocrystalline form. We demonstrate that the structure of Cu1.5±xTe nanocrystals canbe determined using electron diffraction tomography. Real-space high-resolution electron tomography directly reveals the three-dimensional distribution of vacancies in the structure. Through first-principles density functional theory, we furthermore demonstrate that the influence of these vacancies on the optical properties of the nanocrystals is determined. Since our methodology is applicable to a variety of crystalline nanostructured materials, it is expected to provide unique insights concerning structure–property correlations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 37
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14925
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“Real-space mapping of electronic orbitals”. Stefan Löffler, Matthieu Bugnet, Nicolas Gauquelin, Sorin Lazar, Elias Assmann, Karsten Held, Gianluigi A Botton, Peter Schattschneider, Ultramicroscopy 177, 26 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2017.01.018
Abstract: Electronic states are responsible for most material properties, including chemical bonds, electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as optical and magnetic properties. Experimentally, however, they remain mostly elusive. Here, we report the real-space mapping of selected transitions between p and d states on the Ångström scale in bulk rutile (TiO2) using electron energy-loss spectrometry (EELS), revealing information on individual bonds between atoms. On the one hand, this enables the experimental verification of theoretical predictions about electronic states. On the other hand, it paves the way for directly investigating electronic states under conditions that are at the limit of the current capabilities of numerical simulations such as, e.g., the electronic states at defects, interfaces, and quantum dots.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2017.01.018
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“Intergranular fracture in irradiated Inconel X-750 containing very high concentrations of helium and hydrogen”. Colin D Judge Nicolas Gauquelin Lori Walters Mike Wright James I Cole James Madden Gianluigi A Botton Malcolm Griffiths, Journal of Nuclear Materials 457, 165 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2014.10.008
Abstract: In recent years, it has been observed that Inconel X-750 spacers in CANDU reactors exhibits lower ductility with reduced load carrying capacity following irradiation in a reactor environment. The fracture behaviour of ex-service material was also found to be entirely intergranular at high doses. The thermalized flux spectrum in a CANDU reactor leads to transmutation of 58Ni to 59Ni. The 59Ni itself has unusually high thermal neutron reaction cross-sections of the type: (n, γ), (n, p), and (n, α). The latter two reactions, in particular, contribute to a significant enhancement of the atomic displacements in addition to creating high concentrations of hydrogen and helium within the material. Microstructural examinations by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have confirmed the presence of helium bubbles in the matrix and aligned along grain boundaries and matrix–precipitate interfaces. Helium bubble size and density are found to be highly dependent on the irradiation temperature and material microstructure; the bubbles are larger within grain boundary precipitates. TEM specimens extracted from fracture surfaces and crack tips provide information that is consistent with crack propagation along grain boundaries due to the presence of He bubbles.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1016/j.jnucmat.2014.10.008
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“Element Specific Monolayer Depth Profiling”. Macke S, Radi A, Hamann-Borrero JE, Verna A, Bluschke M, Brück S, Goering E, Sutarto R, He F, Cristiani G, Wu M, Benckiser E, Habermeier H-U, Logvenov G, Gauquelin N, Botton GA, Kajdos AP, Stemmer S, Sawatzky GA, Haverkort MW, Keimer B, Hinkov V, Advanced Materials 26, 6554 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201402028
Abstract: The electronic phase behavior and functionality of interfaces and surfaces in complex materials are strongly correlated to chemical composition profiles, stoichiometry and intermixing. Here a novel analysis scheme for resonant X-ray reflectivity maps is introduced to determine such profiles, which is element specific and non-destructive, and which exhibits atomic-layer resolution and a probing depth of hundreds of nanometers.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 19.791
Times cited: 34
DOI: 10.1002/adma.201402028
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“Atomic scale real-space mapping of holes in YBa2Cu3O6+δ”. N Gauquelin D G Hawthorn G A Sawatzky R X Liang D A Bonn W N Hardy &, GA Botton, Nature Communications 5, 4275 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms5275
Abstract: The high-temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3O6+δ consists of two main structural units—a bilayer of CuO2 planes that are central to superconductivity and a CuO2+δ chain layer. Although the functional role of the planes and chains has long been established, most probes integrate over both, which makes it difficult to distinguish the contribution of each. Here we use electron energy loss spectroscopy to directly resolve the plane and chain contributions to the electronic structure in YBa2Cu3O6 and YBa2Cu3O7. We directly probe the charge transfer of holes from the chains to the planes as a function of oxygen content, and show that the change in orbital occupation of Cu is large in the chain layer but modest in CuO2 planes, with holes in the planes doped primarily into the O 2p states. These results provide direct insight into the local electronic structure and charge transfers in this important high-temperature superconductor.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5275
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“Single-atom Catalysis Using Pt/Graphene Achieved through Atomic Layer Deposition”. Shuhui Sun Gaixia Zhang Nicolas Gauquelin Ning Chen Jigang Zhou Songlan Yang Weifeng Chen Xiangbo Meng Dongsheng Geng Mohammad N Banis Ruying Li Siyu Ye Shanna Knights Gianluigi A Botton Tsun-Kong Sham &, Xueliang Sun, Scientific Reports 3, 1775 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1038/srep01775
Abstract: Platinum-nanoparticle-based catalysts are widely used in many important chemical processes and
automobile industries. Downsizing catalyst nanoparticles to single atoms is highly desirable to maximize
their use efficiency, however, very challenging. Here we report a practical synthesis for isolated single Pt
atoms anchored to graphene nanosheet using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. ALD offers the
capability of precise control of catalyst size span from single atom, subnanometer cluster to nanoparticle.
The single-atom catalysts exhibit significantly improved catalytic activity (up to 10 times) over that of the
state-of-the-art commercial Pt/C catalyst. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analyses reveal that the
low-coordination and partially unoccupied densities of states of 5d orbital of Pt atoms are responsible for the
excellent performance. This work is anticipated to form the basis for the exploration of a next generation of
highly efficient single-atom catalysts for various applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Times cited: 345
DOI: 10.1038/srep01775
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“Atomically resolved EELS mapping of the interfacial structure of epitaxially strained LaNiO3/LaAlO3 superlattices”. N Gauquelin E Benckiser M K Kinyanjui M Wu Y Lu G Christiani G Logvenov H-U Habermeier U Kaiser B Keimer and G A Botton, Physical Review B 90, 195140 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.90.195140
Abstract: The interfacial atomic structure of a metallic LaNiO3/LaAlO3 superlattice grown on a LaSrAlO4 substrate was
investigated using a combination of atomically resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) at the Al K,
Al L2,3, Sr L2,3, Ni L2,3, La M4,5, and O K edges as well as hybridization mapping of selected features of the O
K-edge fine structure.We observe an additional La1−xSrxAl1−yNiyO3 layer at the substrate-superlattice interface,
possibly linked to diffusion of Al and Sr into the growing film or a surface reconstruction due to Sr segregation.
The roughness of the LaNiO3/LaAlO3 interfaces is found to be on average around one pseudocubic unit cell. The
O K-edge EELS spectra revealed reduced spectral weight of the prepeak derived from Ni-O hybridized states in
the LaNiO3 layers. We rule out oxygen nonstoichiometry of the LaNiO3 layers and discuss changes in the Ni-O
hybridization due to heterostructuring as possible origin.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.90.195140
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“Local lattice distortion and anisotropic modulation in Epitaxially Strained LaNiO3/LaAlO3 hetero-structures”. M K Kinyanjui N Gauquelin E Benckiser H –U Habermeier B Keimer U Kaiser and GA Botton, Applied Physics Letters 104, 221909 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4881557
Abstract: Using a complementary combination of x-ray diffraction and atomically resolved imaging we investigated the lattice structure of epitaxial LaNiO3/LaAlO3 superlattices grown on a compressive-strain inducing LaSrAlO4 (001) substrate. A refinement of the structure obtained from the x-ray data revealed the monoclinic I 2/c 1 1 space group. The (Ni/Al)O6 octahedral rotation angle perpendicular to the superlattice plane is enhanced, and the one parallel to the plane is reduced with respect to the corresponding bulk values. High-angle annular dark field imaging was used to determine the lattice parameters within the superlattice unit cell. High-resolution electron microscopy images of the oxygen atoms are consistent with the x-ray results.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1063/1.4881557
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“Attenuation of superconductivity in manganite/cuprate heterostructures by epitaxially induced CuO intergrowths”. H Zhang N Gauquelin GA Botton and JYT Wei, Applied Physics Letters 103, 052606 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4813840
Abstract: We examine the effect of CuO intergrowths on the superconductivity in epitaxial
La 2/3 Ca 1/3 MnO 3 / YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ La2/3Ca1/3MnO3/YBa2Cu3O7−δ
(LCMO/YBCO) thin-film heterostructures. Scanning transmission electron microscopy on bilayer LCMO/YBCO thin films revealed double CuO-chain intergrowths which form regions with the 247 lattice structure in the YBCO layer. These nanoscale 247 regions do not appear in x-ray diffraction, but can physically account for the reduced critical temperature (Tc) of bilayer thin films relative to unilayer films with the same YBCO thickness, at least down to ∼25 nm. We attribute the CuO intergrowths to the bilayer heteroepitaxial mismatch and the Tc reduction to the generally lower Tc seen in bulk 247 samples. These epitaxially-induced CuO intergrowths provide a microstructural mechanism for the attenuation of superconductivity in LCMO/YBCO heterostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.4813840
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“Ti4O7 supported Ru@Pt core–shell catalyst for CO-tolerance in PEM fuel cell hydrogen oxidation reaction”. L Zhang J Kim J Zhang F Nan N Gauquelin GA Botton P He R Bashyam S Knights, Applied Energy 103, 507 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.10.017
Abstract: A new method is developed for synthesizing Ti4O7 supported Ru@Pt core–shell catalyst (Ru@Pt/Ti4O7) through pyrolysis followed by microwave irradiation. The purpose is to improve the Ru durability of PtRu from core–shell structure and strong bonding to Ti4O7 oxide. In this method, the first step is to co-reduce the mixture of ruthenium precursor and TiO2 in a H2 reducing atmosphere under heat-treatment to obtain a Ru core on Ti4O7 support, and the second step is to create a shell of platinum via microwave irradiation. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray Diffraction, High-resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy with the high-angle annular dark-field method and Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy are used to demonstrate that this catalyst with larger particles has a core–shell structure with a Ru core and a Pt shell. Electrochemical measurements show Ru@Pt/Ti4O7 catalyst has a higher CO-tolerance capability than that of PtRu/C alloy catalyst.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.10.017
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“Probing the symmetry of the potential of localized surface plasmon resonances with phase-shaped electron beams”. Guzzinati G, Béché, A, Lourenço-Martins H, Martin J, Kociak M, Verbeeck J, Nature communications 8, 14999 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms14999
Abstract: Plasmonics, the science and technology of the interaction of light with metallic objects, is fundamentally changing the way we can detect, generate and manipulate light. Although the field is progressing swiftly, thanks to the availability of nanoscale manufacturing and analysis methods, fundamental properties such as the plasmonic excitations’ symmetries cannot be accessed directly, leading to a partial, sometimes incorrect, understanding of their properties. Here we overcome this limitation by deliberately shaping the wave function of an electron beam to match a plasmonic excitations’ symmetry in a modified transmission electron microscope. We show experimentally and theoretically that this offers selective detection of specific plasmon modes within metallic nanoparticles, while excluding modes with other symmetries. This method resembles the widespread use of polarized light for the selective excitation of plasmon modes with the advantage of locally probing the response of individual plasmonic objects and a far wider range of symmetry selection criteria.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 84
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14999
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“A Comprehensive Study of the Electrodeposition of Nickel Nanostructures from Deep Eutectic Solvents: Self-Limiting Growth by Electrolysis of Residual Water”. Mernissi Cherigui EA, Sentosun K, Bouckenooge P, Vanrompay H, Bals S, Terryn H, Ustarroz J, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 121, 9337 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b01104
Abstract: The electrodeposition of nickel nanostructures on glassy carbon was investigated in 1:2 choline chloride – urea (1:2 ChCl-U) deep eutectic solvent (DES). By combining electrochemical techniques with ex-situ FE-SEM, XPS, HAADF-STEM and EDX, the electrochemical processes occurring during nickel deposition were better understood. Special attention was given to the interaction between the solvent and the growing nickel nanoparticles. The application of a suffciently negative potential results into the electrocatlytic hydrolisis of residual water in the DES, which leads to the formation of a mixed layer of Ni/Ni(OH)2(ads). In addition, hydrogen bonds between hydroxide species and the DES components could be formed, quenching the growth of the nickel clusters favouring their aggregation. Due to these processes, a highly dense distribution of nickel nanostructures can be obtained within a wide potential range. Understanding the role of residual water and the interactions at the interface during metal electrodeposition from DESs is essential to produce supported nanostructures in a controllable way for a broad range of applications and technologies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 66
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.7b01104
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“Electrodeposition of Highly Porous Pt Nanoparticles Studied by Quantitative 3D Electron Tomography: Influence of Growth Mechanisms and Potential Cycling on the Active Surface Area”. Ustarroz J, Geboes B, Vanrompay H, Sentosun K, Bals S, Breugelmans T, Hubin A, ACS applied materials and interfaces 9, 16168 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.7b01619
Abstract: Nanoporous Pt nanoparticles (NPs) are promising fuel cell catalysts due to their large surface area and increased electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we report on the infuence of the growth mechanisms on the surface properties of electrodeposited Pt dendritic NPs with large surface areas. The electrochemically active surface was studied by hydrogen underpotential deposition (HUPD) and compared for the rst time to high angle annular dark eld scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) quantitative 3D electron tomography of individual nanoparticles. Large nucleation overpotential leads to a large surface coverage of Pt roughened spheroids, which provide large roughness factor (Rf ) but low mass-specic electrochemically active surface area (EASA). Lowering the nucleation overpotential leads to highly porous Pt NPs with pores protruding to the center of the structure. At the expense of smaller Rf , the obtained EASA values of these structures are in the range of these of large surface area supported fuel cell catalysts. The active surface area of the Pt dendritic NPs was measured by electron tomography and it was found that the potential cycling in the H adsorption/desorption and Pt oxidation/reduction region, which is generally performed to determine the EASA, leads to a signicant reduction of that surface area due to a partial collapse of their dendritic and porous morphology. Interestingly, the extrapolation of the microscopic tomography results to macroscopic electrochemical parameters indicated that the surface properties measured by H UPD are comparable to the values measured on individual NPs by electron tomography after the degradation caused by the H UPD measurement. These results highlight that the combination of electrochemical and quantitative 3D surface analysis techniques is essential to provide insights into the surface properties, the electrochemical stability and, hence, the applicability of these materials. Moreover, it indicates that care must be taken with widely used electrochemical methods of surface area determination, especially in the case of large surface area and possibly unstable nanostructures, since the measured surface can be strongly aected by the measurement itself.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 7.504
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b01619
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“Energy Level Alignment and Cation Charge States at the LaFeO3/LaMnO3(001) Heterointerface”. Smolin SY, Choquette AK, Wilks RG, Gauquelin N, Félix R, Gerlach D, Ueda S, Krick AL, Verbeeck J, Bär M, Baxter JB, May SJ, Advanced Materials Interfaces 4, 1700183 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201700183
Abstract: The electronic properties of LaFeO 3 /LaMnO 3 epitaxial heterojunctions are investigated to determine the valence and conduction band offsets and the nominal Mn and Fe valence states at the interface. Studying a systematic series of (LaFeO 3 ) n /(LaMnO 3 ) m bilayers (m ≈ 50) epitaxially grown in the (001) orientation using molecular beam epitaxy, layer-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy reveals a lack of significant interfacial charge transfer, with a nominal 3+ valence state observed for both Mn and Fe across the interface. Through a combination of variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, type I energy level alignments are obtained at the LaFeO 3 /LaMnO 3 interface with positive valence and conduction band offsets of (1.20 ± 0.07) eV and (0.5–0.7 ± 0.3) eV, respectively, with minimal band bending. Variable temperature resistivity measurements reveal that the bilayers remain insulating and that the presence of the heterojunction does not result in a conducting interface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.279
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1002/admi.201700183
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“Homogeneous flow and size dependent mechanical behavior in highly ductile Zr 65 Ni 35 metallic glass films”. Ghidelli M, Idrissi H, Gravier S, Blandin J-J, Raskin J-P, Schryvers D, Pardoen T, Acta materialia 131, 246 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2017.03.072
Abstract: Motivated by recent studies demonstrating a high strength – high ductility potential of nano-scale metallic glass samples, the mechanical response of freestanding Zr65Ni35 film with sub-micron thickness has been investigated by combining advanced on-chip tensile testing and electron microscopy. Large deformation up to 15% is found for specimen thicknesses below 500 nm with variations depending on specimen size and frame compliance. The deformation is homogenous until fracture, with no evidence of shear banding. The yield stress is doubled when decreasing the specimen cross-section, reaching ~3 GPa for small cross-sections. The fracture strain variation is related to both the stability of the test device and to the specimen size. The study concludes on clear disconnect between the mechanisms controlling the onset of plasticity and the fracture process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2017.03.072
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“Dissolution corrosion of 316L austenitic stainless steels in contact with static liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) at 500 °C”. Lambrinou K, Charalampopoulou E, Van der Donck T, Delville R, Schryvers D, Journal of nuclear materials 490, 9 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2017.04.004
Abstract: This work addresses the dissolution corrosion behaviour of 316L austenitic stainless steels. For this purpose, solution-annealed and cold-deformed 316L steels were simultaneously exposed to oxygen-poor (<10-8 mass%) static liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) for 253e3282 h at 500 °C. Corrosion was consistently more severe for the cold-drawn steels than the solution-annealed steel, indicating the importance of the steel thermomechanical state. The thickness of the dissolution-affected zone was nonuniform, and sites of locally-enhanced dissolution were occasionally observed. The progress of LBE dissolution attack was promoted by the interplay of certain steel microstructural features (grain boundaries, deformation twin laths, precipitates) with the dissolution corrosion process. The identified dissolution mechanisms were selective leaching leading to steel ferritization, and non-selective leaching; the latter was mainly observed in the solution-annealed steel. The maximum corrosion rate decreased with exposure time and was found to be inversely proportional to the depth of dissolution attack.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.048
Times cited: 24
DOI: 10.1016/j.jnucmat.2017.04.004
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“Electronic Coupling between Graphene and Topological Insulator Induced Anomalous Magnetotransport Properties”. Zhang L, Lin B-C, Wu Y-F, Wu H, Huang T-W, Chang C-R, Ke X, Kurttepeli M, Tendeloo GV, Xu J, Yu D, Liao Z-M, ACS nano 11, 6277 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.7b02494
Abstract: It has been theoretically proposed that the spin textures of surface states in a topological insulator can be directly transferred to graphene by means of the proximity effect, which is very important for realizing the two-dimensional topological insulator based on graphene. Here we report the anomalous magnetotransport properties of graphene-topological insulator Bi2Se3 heterojunctions, which are sensitive to the electronic coupling between graphene and the topological surface state. The coupling between the p_z orbitals of graphene and the p orbitals of the surface states on the Bi2Se3 bottom surface can be enhanced by applying a perpendicular negative magnetic field, resulting in a giant negative magnetoresistance at the Dirac point up to about -91%. Obvious resistances dip in the transfer curve at the Dirac point is also observed in the hybrid devices, which is consistent with theoretical predictions of the distorted Dirac bands with nontrivial spin textures inherited from the Bi2Se3 surface states.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.942
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b02494
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“Ligand-Induced Shape Transformation of PbSe Nanocrystals”. Peters JL, van den Bos KHW, Van Aert S, Goris B, Bals S, Vanmaekelbergh D, Chemistry of materials 29, 4122 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.7b01103
Abstract: We present a study of the relation between the surface chemistry and nanocrystal shape of PbSe nanocrystals with a variable Pb-to-Se stoichiometry and density of oleate ligands. The oleate ligand density and binding configuration are monitored by nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared absorbance spectroscopy, allowing us to quantify the number of surface-attached ligands per NC and the nature of the surface−Pb−oleate configuration. The three-dimensional shape of the PbSe nanocrystals is obtained from high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with an atom counting method. We show that the enhanced oleate capping results in a stabilization and extension of the {111} facets, and a crystal shape transformation from a truncated nanocube to a truncated octahedron.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 45
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.7b01103
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“Heterogeneous TiO2/V2O5/Carbon Nanotube Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries”. Kurttepeli M, Deng S, Mattelaer F, Cott DJ, Vereecken P, Dendooven J, Detavernier C, Bals S, ACS applied materials and interfaces 9, 8055 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.6b12759
Abstract: Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is proposed and investigated as a cathode material for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. However, the dissolution of V2O5 during the charge/discharge remains as an issue at the V2O5–electrolyte interface. In this work, we present a heterogeneous nanostructure with carbon nanotubes supported V2O5/titanium dioxide (TiO2) multilayers as electrodes for thin-film Li-ion batteries. Atomic layer deposition of V2O5 on carbon nanotubes provides enhanced Li storage capacity and high rate performance. An additional TiO2 layer leads to increased morphological stability and in return higher electrochemical cycling performance of V2O5/carbon nanotubes. The physical and chemical properties of TiO2/V2O5/carbon nanotubes are characterized by cyclic voltammetry and charge/discharge measurements as well as electron microscopy. The detailed mechanism of the protective TiO2 layer to improve the electrochemical cycling stability of the V2O5 is unveiled.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.504
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b12759
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“Theory and applications of free-electron vortex states”. Bliokh KY, Ivanov IP, Guzzinati G, Clark L, Van Boxem R, Béché, A, Juchtmans R, Alonso MA, Schattschneider P, Nori F, Verbeeck J, Physics reports 690, 1 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physrep.2017.05.006
Abstract: Both classical and quantum waves can form vortices: with helical phase fronts and azimuthal current densities. These features determine the intrinsic orbital angular momentum carried by localized vortex states. In the past 25 years, optical vortex beams have become an inherent part of modern optics, with many remarkable achievements and applications. In the past decade, it has been realized and demonstrated that such vortex beams or wavepackets can also appear in free electron waves, in particular, in electron microscopy. Interest in free-electron vortex states quickly spread over different areas of physics: from basic aspects of quantum mechanics, via applications for fine probing of matter (including individual atoms), to high-energy particle collision and radiation processes. Here we provide a comprehensive review of theoretical and experimental studies in this emerging field of research. We describe the main properties of electron vortex states, experimental achievements and possible applications within transmission electron microscopy, as well as the possible role of vortex electrons in relativistic and high-energy processes. We aim to provide a balanced description including a pedagogical introduction, solid theoretical basis, and a wide range of practical details. Special attention is paid to translate theoretical insights into suggestions for future experiments, in electron microscopy and beyond, in any situation where free electrons occur.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 17.425
Times cited: 210
DOI: 10.1016/j.physrep.2017.05.006
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“Structural and electronic properties of defects at grain boundaries in CuInSe2”. Saniz R, Bekaert J, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 19, 14770 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7CP02033C
Abstract: We report on a first-principles study of the structural and electronic properties of a Sigma3 (112) grain boundary model in CuInSe2. The study focuses on a coherent, stoichiometry preserving, cation–Se terminated grain boundary, addressing the properties of the grain boundary as such, as well as the effect
of well known defects in CuInSe2. We show that in spite of its apparent simplicity, such a grain boundary exhibits a very rich phenomenology, providing an explanation for several of the experimentally observed properties of grain boundaries in CuInSe2 thin films. In particular, we show that the combined effect of Cu vacancies and cation antisites can result in the observed Cu depletion with no In enrichment at the grain boundaries. Furthermore, Cu vacancies are unlikely to produce a hole barrier at the grain boundaries, but Na may indeed have such an effect. We find that Na-on-Cu defects will tend to form abundantly at
the grain boundaries, and can provide a mechanism for the carrier depletion and/or type inversion experimentally reported.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1039/C7CP02033C
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“Crystal structure study of manganese and titanium substituted BaLaFe2O6-δ”. Ben Hafsia A, Hendrickx M, Batuk M, Khitouni M, Hadermann J, Greneche J-M, Rammeh N, Journal of solid state chemistry 251, 186 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2017.04.019
Abstract: Barium lanthanum ferrite and four Mn/Ti substituted materials were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The crystal structure of the materials was studied by a combination of X-ray powder diffraction, electron diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy and 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry. BaLaFe2O6-δ has a cubic perovskite structure and Ba0.7La1.3FeMnO6-δ is distorted perovskite with the R-3c symmetry, both from electron diffraction and X-ray powder diffraction. However, according to transmission electron microscopy, the crystals of BaLaFeTiO6-δ, BaLaFeTi0.5Mn0.5O6-δ, and BaLaFe0.5Ti0.5MnO6-δ consist of nanodomains with different symmetries (Pm3m next to R-3c due to octahedral tilts), whereas the bulk X-ray powder diffraction patterns for these compounds correspond to the simple cubic structure. 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry confirms that all materials contain high spin state Fe3+ ions which are strongly influenced by the chemical disorder
resulting from various cationic environments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.299
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2017.04.019
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“P-N Junction Passivation in Kesterite Solar Cells by Use of Solution-Processed TiO2 Layer”. Ranjbar S, Hadipour A, Vermang B, Batuk M, Hadermann J, Garud S, Sahayaraj S, Meuris M, Brammertz G, da Cunha AF, Poortmans J, IEEE journal of photovoltaics 7, 1130 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1109/JPHOTOV.2017.2692208
Abstract: In this work, we used a solution-processed TiO2 layer between Cu2ZnSnSe4 and CdS buffer layer to reduce the recombination at the p–n junction. Introducing the TiO2 layer showed a positive impact on VOC but fill factor and efficiency decreased. Using a KCN treatment, we could create openings in the TiO2 layer, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy measurements. Formation of these openings in the TiO2 layer led to the improvement of the short-circuit current, fill factor, and the efficiency of the modified solar cells.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.712
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1109/JPHOTOV.2017.2692208
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“Three-dimensional atomic models from a single projection using Z-contrast imaging: verification by electron tomography and opportunities”. De Backer A, Jones L, Lobato I, Altantzis T, Goris B, Nellist PD, Bals S, Van Aert S, Nanoscale 9, 8791 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR02656K
Abstract: In order to fully exploit structure–property relations of nanomaterials, three-dimensional (3D) characterization at the atomic scale is often required. In recent years, the resolution of electron tomography has reached the atomic scale. However, such tomography typically requires several projection images demanding substantial electron dose. A newly developed alternative circumvents this by counting the number of atoms across a single projection. These atom counts can be used to create an initial atomic model with which an energy minimization can be applied to obtain a relaxed 3D reconstruction of the nanoparticle. Here, we compare, at the atomic scale, this single projection reconstruction approach with tomography and find an excellent agreement. This new approach allows for the characterization of beam-sensitive materials or where the acquisition of a tilt series is impossible. As an example, the utility is illustrated by the 3D atomic scale characterization of a nanodumbbell on an in situ heating holder of limited tilt range.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1039/C7NR02656K
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“How precise can atoms of a nanocluster be located in 3D using a tilt series of scanning transmission electron microscopy images?”.Alania M, De Backer A, Lobato I, Krause FF, Van Dyck D, Rosenauer A, Van Aert S, Ultramicroscopy 181, 134 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2016.12.013
Abstract: In this paper, we investigate how precise atoms of a small nanocluster can ultimately be located in three dimensions (3D) from a tilt series of images acquired using annular dark field (ADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Therefore, we derive an expression for the statistical precision with which the 3D atomic position coordinates can be estimated in a quantitative analysis. Evaluating this statistical precision as a function of the microscope settings also allows us to derive the optimal experimental design. In this manner, the optimal angular tilt range, required electron dose, optimal detector angles, and number of projection images can be determined.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2016.12.013
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“Ni cluster formation in low temperature annealed Ni50.6Ti49.4”. Pourbabak S, Wang X, Van Dyck D, Verlinden B, Schryvers D, Functional materials letters 10, 1740005 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1142/S1793604717400057
Abstract: Various low temperature treatments of Ni50.6Ti49.4 have shown an unexpected effect on the martensitic start temperature. Periodic diffuse intensity distributions in reciprocal space indicate the formation of short pure Ni strings along the <111> directions in the B2 ordered lattice, precursing the formation of Ni4Ti3 precipitates formed at higher annealing temperatures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 1.234
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1142/S1793604717400057
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“Determining oxygen relaxations at an interface: A comparative study between transmission electron microscopy techniques”. Gauquelin N, van den Bos KHW, Béché, A, Krause FF, Lobato I, Lazar S, Rosenauer A, Van Aert S, Verbeeck J, Ultramicroscopy 181, 178 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2017.06.002
Abstract: Nowadays, aberration corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a popular method to characterise nanomaterials at the atomic scale. Here, atomically resolved images of nanomaterials are acquired, where the contrast depends on the illumination, imaging and detector conditions of the microscope. Visualization of light elements is possible when using low angle annular dark field (LAADF) STEM, annular bright field (ABF) STEM, integrated differential phase contrast (iDPC) STEM, negative spherical aberration imaging (NCSI) and imaging STEM (ISTEM). In this work, images of a NdGaO3-La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (NGO-LSMO) interface are quantitatively evaluated by using statistical parameter estimation theory. For imaging light elements, all techniques are providing reliable results, while the techniques based on interference contrast, NCSI and ISTEM, are less robust in terms of accuracy for extracting heavy column locations. In term of precision, sample drift and scan distortions mainly limits the STEM based techniques as compared to NCSI. Post processing techniques can, however, partially compensate for this. In order to provide an outlook to the future, simulated images of NGO, in which the unavoidable presence of Poisson noise is taken into account, are used to determine the ultimate precision. In this future counting noise limited scenario, NCSI and ISTEM imaging will provide more precise values as compared to the other techniques, which can be related to the mechanisms behind the image recording.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 34
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2017.06.002
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“One step toward a new generation of C-MOS compatible oxide p-n junctions: Structure of the LSMO/ZnO interface elucidated by an experimental and theoretical synergic work”. Pullini D, Sgroi M, Mahmoud A, Gauquelin N, Maschio L, Lorenzo-Ferrari AM, Groenen R, Damen C, Rijnders G, van den Bos KHW, Van Aert S, Verbeeck J, ACS applied materials and interfaces 9, 20974 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.7b04089
Abstract: Heterostructures formed by La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/ZnO (LSMO/ZnO) interfaces exhibit extremely interesting electronic properties making them promising candidates for novel oxide p–n junctions, with multifunctional features. In this work, the structure of the interface is studied through a combined experimental/theoretical approach. Heterostructures were grown epitaxially and homogeneously on 4″ silicon wafers, characterized by advanced electron microscopy imaging and spectroscopy and simulated by ab initio density functional theory calculations. The simulation results suggest that the most stable interface configuration is composed of the (001) face of LSMO, with the LaO planes exposed, in contact with the (112̅0) face of ZnO. The ab initio predictions agree well with experimental high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images and confirm the validity of the suggested structural model. Electron energy loss spectroscopy confirms the atomic sharpness of the interface. From statistical parameter estimation theory, it has been found that the distances between the interfacial planes are displaced from the respective ones of the bulk material. This can be ascribed to the strain induced by the mismatch between the lattices of the two materials employed
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.504
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b04089
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“Quantitative determination of residual silver distribution in nanoporous gold and its influence on structure and catalytic performance”. Mahr C, Kundu P, Lackmann A, Zanaga D, Thiel K, Schowalter M, Schwan M, Bals S, Wittstock A, Rosenauer A, Journal of catalysis 352, 52 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcat.2017.05.002
Abstract: Large efforts have been made trying to understand the origin of the high catalytic activity of dealloyed nanoporous gold as a green catalyst for the selective promotion of chemical reactions at low temperatures. Residual silver, left in the sample after dealloying of a gold-silver alloy, has been shown to have a strong influence on the activity of the catalyst. But the question of how the silver is distributed within the porous structure has not finally been answered yet. We show by quantitative energy dispersive X-ray tomography measurements that silver forms clusters that are distributed irregularly, both on the surface and inside the ligaments building up the porous structure. Furthermore, we find that the role of the residual silver is ambiguous. Whereas CO oxidation is supported by more residual silver, methanol oxidation to methyl formate is hindered. Structural characterisation reveals larger ligaments and pores for decreasing residual silver concentration.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.844
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2017.05.002
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