“A practical method to determine the effective resolution in incoherent experimental electron tomography”. Heidari Mezerji H, van den Broek W, Bals S, Ultramicroscopy 111, 330 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2011.01.021
Abstract: It is not straightforward to determine resolution for a 3D reconstruction when performing an electron tomography experiment. Different contributions such as missing wedge and misalignment add up and often influence the final resolution in an anisotropic manner. The conventional resolution measures can not be used for all of the reconstruction techniques, especially for iterative techniques which are more commonly used for electron tomography in materials science. Here we define a quantitative resolution measure that determines the resolution in three orthogonal directions of the reconstruction. As an application we use this measure to determine the optimum number of simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT) iterations to reconstruct the gold nanoparticles, based on a high angle annular dark field STEM (HAADF-STEM) tilt series.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2011.01.021
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“Precision magnetometry on a submicron scale: magnetisation of superconducting quantum dots”. Geim AK, Grigorieva IV, Lok JGS, Maan JC, Dubonos SV, Li XQ, Peeters FM, Nazarov YV, Superlattices and microstructures 23, 151 (1998). http://doi.org/10.1006/spmi.1996.0199
Abstract: We report on magnetisation of individual superconducting particles with size down to 0.1 micron. The non-invasive access to properties of such small objects has become possible using submicron Hall probes which detect a local magnetic field and work effectively as micro-fluxmeters similar to, e.g., SQUIDs but with an effective detection loop of only about a square micron. We have found that the spatial confinement of superconductivity in a small volume gives rise to dramatic changes in thermodynamic properties of mesoscopic superconductors. (C) 1998 Academic Press Limited.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.123
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1006/spmi.1996.0199
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“Precision of three-dimensional atomic scale measurements from HRTEM images : what are the limits?”.Wang A, Van Aert S, Goos P, van Dyck D, Ultramicroscopy 114, 20 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2011.12.002
Abstract: In this paper, we investigate to what extent high resolution transmission electron microscopy images can be used to measure the mass, in terms of thickness, and surface profile, corresponding to the defocus offset, of an object at the atomic scale. Therefore, we derive an expression for the statistical precision with which these object parameters can be estimated in a quantitative analysis. Evaluating this expression as a function of the microscope settings allows us to derive the optimal microscope design. Acquiring three-dimensional structure information in terms of thickness turns out to be much more difficult than obtaining two-dimensional information on the projected atom column positions. The attainable precision is found to be more strongly affected by processes influencing the image contrast, such as phonon scattering, than by the specific choice of microscope settings. For a realistic incident electron dose, it is expected that atom columns can be distinguished with single atom sensitivity up to a thickness of the order of the extinction distance. A comparable thickness limit is determined to measure surface steps of one atom. An increase of the electron dose shifts the limiting thickness upward due to an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2011.12.002
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“Precursor phenomena in a quenched and aged Ni52Ti48 shape memory alloy”. Somsen C, Wassermann EF, Kästner J, Schryvers D, Journal de physique: 4
T2 –, 10th International Conference on Martensitic Transformations, JUN 10-14, 2002, ESPOO, FINLAND 112, 777 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:2003997
Abstract: We measured the electrical resistivity R(T) and specific heat C-p(T) between room temperature (RT) and 4.2 K as well as the microstructure by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of a Ni-52 Ti-48 SMA quenched from 1000degreesC (B2-Phase range) to RT and then annealed for 1h at T=380degreesC, 550degreesC and 650degreesC. In the “as quenched” and the “650degreesC annealed” state no martensitic transformations (MT's) occur. The diffraction patterns show faint reflections originating from coherent Ni4Ti3 precipitates in an early state of formation. Additional reflections of the type 1/2 <110>, 1/2 <111> and 1/3 <110> result from various lattice displacement waves, which are precursors of the MT's to the B19' and R-phase, respectively. Indeed, high resolution TEM micrographs of the [001] zone of the “as quenched” sample reveal transverse 1/2 <110> <110> lattice displacement waves, precursors of the B19' martensite. The coherent Ni4Ti3 precipitates, homogeneously distributed on a small length scale, binder the MT's in the “as quenched” and the “650degreesC annealed” state, and thus only the precursors appear. When annealed at T=380degreesC, however, coherent Ni4Ti3 precipitates with a length of 10nm are clearly visible in TEM. These precipitates trigger the NIT from the B2 to the R-phase on cooling, as evidenced also by anomalies in R(T) and C-p(T). Annealing at T-550degreesC leads to the well known two step MT's from the B2 to the R-phase and then into the B19'-phase. These martensitic transitions are clearly seen as additional peaks in the specific heat and anomalies in the resistance, while the “as quenched” and 650degreesC annealed samples show weak features in R(T) and C-p(T).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:2003997
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“One-Step Microheterogeneous Formation of Rutile@Anatase Core–Shell Nanostructured Microspheres Discovered by Precise Phase Mapping”. Tarasov A, Hu Z-Y, Meledina M, Trusov G, Goodilin E, Van Tendeloo G, Dobrovolsky Y, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 121, 4443 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b12991
Abstract: Nanostructured core−shell microspheres with a rough rutile core and a thin anatase shell are synthesized via a one-step heterogeneous templated hydrolysis process of TiCl4 vapor on the aerosol water−air interface. The rutile-in-anatase core−shell structure has been evidenced by different electron microscopy techniques, including electron energy-loss spectroscopy and 3D electron tomography. A new mechanism for the formation of a crystalline rutile core inside the anatase shell is proposed based on a statistical evaluation of a large number of electron microscopy data. We found that the control over the TiCl4 vapor pressure, the ratio between TiCl4 and H2O aerosol, and the reaction conditions plays a crucial role in the formation of the core−shell morphology and increases the yield of nanostructured microspheres.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b12991
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“Predicted field-dependent increase of critical currents in asymmetric superconducting nanocircuits”. Clem JR, Mawatari Y, Berdiyorov GR, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 85, 144511 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.85.144511
Abstract: The critical current of a thin superconducting strip of width W much larger than the Ginzburg-Landau coherence length xi but much smaller than the Pearl length Lambda = 2 lambda(2)/d is maximized when the strip is straight with defect-free edges. When a perpendicular magnetic field is applied to a long straight strip, the critical current initially decreases linearly with H but then decreases more slowly with H when vortices or antivortices are forced into the strip. However, in a superconducting strip containing sharp 90 degrees or 180 degrees turns, the zero-field critical current at H = 0 is reduced because vortices or antivortices are preferentially nucleated at the inner corners of the turns, where current crowding occurs. Using both analytic London-model calculations and time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau simulations, we predict that in such asymmetric strips the resulting critical current can be increased by applying a perpendicular magnetic field that induces a current-density contribution opposing the applied current density at the inner corners. This effect should apply to all turns that bend in the same direction.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 40
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.85.144511
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“Preparation and characterization of melt textured NdBa2Cu3O7- bulk superconducting ceramics”. Tancret F, Monot I, Laffez P, Van Tendeloo G, Desgardin G, European physical journal: applied physics 1, 185 (1998). http://doi.org/10.1051/epjap:1998135
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 0.684
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1051/epjap:1998135
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“Preparation and luminescence of bulk oxyfluoride glasses doped with Ag nanoclusters”. Tikhomirov VK, Rodriguez VD, Kutznetsov D, Kirilenko D, Van Tendeloo G, Moshchalkov VV, Optics express 18, 22032 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1364/OE.18.022032
Abstract: Bulk oxyfluoride glasses doped with Ag nanoclusters have been prepared using the melt quenching technique. When pumped in the absorption band of Ag nanoclusters between 300 to 500 nm, these glasses emit a very broad luminescence band covering all the visible range with a weak tail extending into the near infrared. The maximum of the luminescence band and its color shifts to the blue with a shortening of the excitation wavelength and an increasing ratio of oxide to fluoride components, resulting in white color luminescence at a particular ratio of oxide to fluoride; with a quantum yield above 20%.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.307
Times cited: 74
DOI: 10.1364/OE.18.022032
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“Preparation and structural characterization of SnO2 and GeO2 methanol steam reforming thin film model catalysts by (HR)TEM”. Lorenz H, Zhao Q, Turner S, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Klötzer B, Rameshan C, Penner S, Materials chemistry and physics 122, 623 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2010.03.057
Abstract: Structure, morphology and composition of different tin oxide and germanium oxide thin film catalysts for the methanol steam reforming (MSR) reaction have been studied by a combination of (high-resolution) transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, dark-field imaging and electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Deposition of the thin films on NaCl(0 0 1) cleavage faces has been carried out by thermal evaporation of the respective SnO2 and GeO2 powders in varying oxygen partial pressures and at different substrate temperatures. Preparation of tin oxide films in high oxygen pressures (10−1 Pa) exclusively resulted in SnO phases, at and above 473 K substrate temperature epitaxial growth of SnO on NaCl(0 0 1) leads to well-ordered films. For lower oxygen partial pressures (10−3 to 10−2 Pa), mixtures of SnO and β-Sn are obtained. Well-ordered SnO2 films, as verified by electron diffraction patterns and energy-loss spectra, are only obtained after post-oxidation of SnO films at temperatures T ≥ 673 K in 105 Pa O2. Preparation of GeOx films inevitably results in amorphous films with a composition close to GeO2, which cannot be crystallized by annealing treatments in oxygen or hydrogen at temperatures comparable to SnO/SnO2. Similarities and differences to neighbouring oxides relevant for selective MSR in the third group of the periodic system (In2O3 and Ga2O3) are also discussed with the aim of cross-correlation in formation of nanomaterials, and ultimately, also catalytic properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.084
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2010.03.057
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“Preparation and structure analysis of Gd(OH)3 nanorods”. Du G, Van Tendeloo G, Nanotechnology 16, 595 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/16/4/043
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/16/4/043
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“Preparation, electrical and thermal properties of new exfoliated graphite-based composites”. Afanasov IM, Morozov VA, Kepman AV, Ionov SG, Seleznev AN, Van Tendeloo G, Audeev VV, Carbon 47, 263 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2008.10.004
Abstract: Exfoliated graphite samples (EG) with different bulk densities were prepared by the exfoliation of expandable graphite under a thermal shock regime. As a conductive filler, EG has been incorporated successfully into the coal tar pitch matrix by mechanical mixing. The conducting behavior of the composite was interpreted based on the percolation theory. The percolation threshold of the EG/pitch conducting composites at room temperature was as low as 1.5 wt% and did not depend on the bulk density of the EG used. By means of thermogravimetry the improvement of thermal stability of the composites in comparison with pure pitches was detected. The phenomenon was ascribed to heat shielding effect of the EG particles evidenced by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.337
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2008.10.004
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“Preparation, microstructure characterization and catalytic performance of Cu/ZnO and ZnO/Cu composite nanoparticles for liquid phase methanol synthesis”. Sliem MA, Turner S, Heeskens D, Kalidindi SB, Van Tendeloo G, Muhler M, Fischer RA, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 14, 8170 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1039/c2cp40482f
Abstract: Stearate@Cu/ZnO nanocomposite particles with molar ratios of ZnO ∶ Cu = 2 and 5 are synthesized by reduction of the metalorganic Cu precursor [Cu{(OCH(CH3)CH2N(CH3)2)}2] in the presence of stearate@ZnO nanoparticles. In the case of ZnO ∶ Cu = 5, high-angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) combined with electron-energy-loss-spectroscopy (EELS) as well as attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy are used to localize the small amount of Cu deposited on the surface of 35 nm sized stearate@ZnO particles. For ZnO ∶ Cu = 2, the microstructure of the nanocomposites after catalytic activity testing is characterized by HAADF-STEM techniques. This reveals the construction of large Cu nanoparticles (2050 nm) decorated by small ZnO nanoparticles (35 nm). The catalytic activity of both composites for the synthesis of methanol from syn gas is evaluated.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1039/c2cp40482f
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“Preparation of hollow silica spheres with different mesostructures”. Liu S, Rao J, Sui X, Cool P, Vansant EF, Van Tendeloo G, Cheng X, Journal of non-crystalline solids 354, 826 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2007.08.026
Abstract: Hollow silica spheres were quickly synthesized by an octylamine (OA) templating method using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the silica source. N2-sorption results indicate that the hollow spheres have high surface areas and pore volumes. XRD and TEM measurements reveal that the structure of the hollow spheres depends on the amount of TEOS used in the synthesis. When low amount of TEOS is added, the template-containing precursor spheres depict an XRD pattern with two peaks, which can be indexed to a lamellar phase. After the removal of the template, the obtained hollow spheres show no diffraction peaks in the XRD pattern, suggesting that the nanopores in the silica shells are disordered. If increasing the amount of TEOS, either the uncalcined or the calcined sample gives an XRD pattern with a single diffraction peak. The mesostructure of these hollow silica spheres is typically as HMS materials. TGA analyses suggest that the interaction between the silica species and surfactant is stronger in the latter case.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.124
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2007.08.026
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“Preparation of nanocrystalline titania powder via aerosol pyrolysis of titanium tetrabutoxide”. Ahonen PP, Kauppinen EI, Joubert JC, Deschanvres JL, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of materials research 14, 3938 (1999). http://doi.org/10.1557/JMR.1999.0533
Abstract: Nanocrystalline titanium dioxide was prepared via aerosol pyrolysis of titanium alkoxide precursor at 200-580 degrees C in air and in nitrogen atmospheres. Powders were characterized by x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, x-ray fluorescence, Raman and infrared spectroscopy, and Berner-type low-pressure impactor. The anatase phase transition was initiated at 500 degrees C in nitrogen and at 580 degrees C in air. Under other conditions amorphous powders were observed and transformed to nanocrystalline TiO2 via thermal postannealing. In air, smooth and spherical particles with 2-4-mu m diameter were formed with an as-expected tendency to convert to rutile in the thermal postannealings. In nitrogen, a fraction of the titanium tetrabutoxide precursor evaporated and formed ultrafine particles via the gas-to-particle conversion. At 500 degrees C thermally stable anatase phase was formed in nitrogen. A specific surface area as high as 280 m(2) g(-1) was observed for an as-prepared powder.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.673
Times cited: 38
DOI: 10.1557/JMR.1999.0533
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“Preparation of sulfonated ordered mesoporous carbon and its use for the esterification of fatty acids”. Peng L, Philippaerts A, Ke X, van Noyen J, de Cleppel F, Van Tendeloo G, Jacobs PA, Sels BF, Catalysis today 150, 140 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2009.07.066
Abstract: Mesoporous carbon, which can be replicated from mesoporous silica and whose surface is hydrophobic, can be an ideal catalyst for the esterification of fatty acids. Here we report an easy and low cost way to prepare sulfonic acid group-functionalized mesoporous carbon. A sample of calcined mesoporous silica SBA-15 was added to an aqueous sucrose solution followed by drying and calcination at different temperatures. In contrast to existing procedures, the obtained hybrid Si/C material was then first sulfonated in H2SO4, before the final removal of the silica template in order to stabilize the porous structure towards the liquid phase sulfonation treatment. Thus the silicacarbon composites, instead of the mesoporous carbon, were successfully sulfonated to introduce SO3H groups, while keeping the ordered mesoporous structure intact. The influence of carbonization temperature was investigated, suggesting an optimum temperature of 873 K. The SO3H group-functionalized mesoporous carbon, denoted as CMK-3-873-SO3H, was characterized by means of XRD, N2 physisorption, SEM, FT-IR, elemental analysis and TEM. It followed that a uniform mesoporous carbon was obtained with an average pore size of 3.89 nm, a specific surface of 807 m2/g and a SO3H group loading of 0.39 meq/g of dry material. Compared with other solid acid catalysts, the resulting material shows enhanced activity in the acid-catalyzed esterification of oleic acid with methanol, and can be used repeatedly. The increased catalytic performance is attributed to the hydrophobic surface and larger pore size of the new catalyst. It can effectively accommodate long chain fatty acids and reject formed water, making the active sites easily accessible.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.636
Times cited: 132
DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2009.07.066
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“Preparation, structural and optical characterization of nanocrystalline ZnO doped with luminescent Ag-nanoclusters”. Kuznetsov AS, Lu Y-G, Turner S, Shestakov MV, Tikhomirov VK, Kirilenko D, Verbeeck J, Baranov AN, Moshchalkov VV, Optical materials express 2, 723 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1364/OME.2.000723
Abstract: Nanocrystalline ZnO doped with Ag-nanoclusters has been synthesized by a salt solid state reaction. Three overlapping broad emission bands due to the Ag nanoclusters have been detected at about 570, 750 and 900 nm. These emission bands are excited by an energy transfer from the exciton state of the ZnO host when pumped in the wavelength range from 250 to 400 nm. The 900 nm emission band shows characteristic orbital splitting into three components pointing out that the anisotropic crystalline wurtzite host of ZnO is responsible for this feature. Heat-treatment and temperature dependence studies confirm the origin of these emission bands. An energy level diagram for the emission process and a model for Ag nanoclusters sites are suggested. The emission of nanocrystalline ZnO doped with Ag nanoclusters may be applied for white light generation, displays driven by UV light, down-convertors for solar cells and luminescent lamps.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.591
DOI: 10.1364/OME.2.000723
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“Preparation, structure, and electrochemistry of layered polyanionic hydroxysulfates : LiMSO4OH (M = Fe, Co, Mn) electrodes for Li-Ion batteries”. Subban CV, Ati M, Rousse G, Abakumov AM, Van Tendeloo G, Janot R, Tarascon J-M, Journal of the American Chemical Society 135, 3653 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja3125492
Abstract: The Li-ion rechargeable battery, due to its high energy density, has driven remarkable advances in portable electronics. Moving toward more sustainable electrodes could make this technology even more attractive to large-volume applications. We present here a new family of 3d-metal hydroxysulfates of general formula LiMSO4OH (M = Fe, Co, and Mn) among which (i) LiFeSO4OH reversibly releases 0.7 Li+ at an average potential of 3.6 V vs Li+/Li-0, slightly higher than the potential of currently lauded LiFePO4 (3.45 V) electrode material, and (ii) LiCoSO4OH shows a redox activity at 4.7 V vs Li+/Li-0. Besides, these compounds can be easily made at temperatures near 200 degrees C via a synthesis process that enlists a new intermediate phase of composition M-3(SO4)(2)(OH)(2) (M = Fe, Co, Mn, and Ni), related to the mineral caminite. Structurally, we found that LiFeSO4OH is a layered phase unlike the previously reported 3.2 V tavorite LiFeSO4OH. This work should provide an impetus to experimentalists for designing better electrolytes to fully tap the capacity of high-voltage Co-based hydroxysulfates, and to theorists for providing a means to predict the electrochemical redox activity of two polymorphs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 53
DOI: 10.1021/ja3125492
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“Preparing polymer films doped with magnetic nanoparticles by spin-coating and melt-processing can induce an in-plane magnetic anisotropy”. Wouters J, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Yamada H, Sato N, Vanacken J, Moshchalkov VV, Verbiest T, Valev VK, Journal of applied physics 109, 076105 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3572048
Abstract: Faraday rotation has been used to investigate a series of polymer films doped with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. The films have been prepared by spin-coating and melt-processing. In each case, upon varying the angle of optical incidence on the films, an in-plane magnetic anisotropy is observed. The effect of such an anisotropy on the Faraday rotation as a function of the angle of optical incidence is verified by comparison with magnetically poled films. These results demonstrate that care should be taken upon analyzing the magnetic behavior of such films on account of the sample preparation techniques themselves being able to affect the magnetization.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1063/1.3572048
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“Present state of the composition evaluation of ternary semiconductor nanostructures by lattice fringe analysis”. Rosenauer A, Gerthsen D, Van Aert S, van Dyck D, den Dekker AJ, Institute of physics conference series , 19 (2003)
Abstract: Semiconductor heterostructures are used for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices. Performance of such devices is governed by their chemical morphology. The composition distribution of quantum wells and dots is influenced by kinetic growth processes which are not understood completely at present. To obtain more information about these effects, methods for composition determination with a spatial resolution at a near atomic scale are necessary. In this paper we focus on the present state of the composition evaluation by the lattice fringe analysis (CELFA) technique and explain the basic ideas, optimum imaging conditions, precision and accuracy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
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“Pressure-Collapsed Amorphous Mg(BH4)(2): An Ultradense Complex Hydride Showing a Reversible Transition to the Porous Framework”. Ban V, Soloninin AV, Skripov AV, Hadermann J, Abakumov A, Filinchuk Y, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 118, 23402 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp507286m
Abstract: Hydrogen-storage properties of complex hydrides depend of their form, such as a polymorphic form or an eutectic mixture. This Paper reports on an easy and reproducible way to synthesize a new stable form of magnesium borohydride by pressure-induced collapse of the porous gamma-Mg(BH4)(2). This amorphous complex hydride was investigated by temperature-programmed synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, and Raman spectroscopy, and the dynamics of the BH4 reorientation was studied by spinlattice relaxation NMR spectroscopy. No long-range order is observed in the lattice region by Raman spectroscopy, while the internal vibration modes of the BH4 groups are the same as in the crystalline state. A hump at 4.9 angstrom in the SXRD pattern suggests the presence of nearly linear MgBH4 Mg fragments constituting all the known crystalline polymorphs of Mg(BH4)(2), which are essentially frameworks built of tetrahedral Mg nodes and linear BH4 linkers. TEM shows that the pressure-collapsed phase is amorphous down to the nanoscale, but surprisingly, SXRD reveals a transition at similar to 90 degrees C from the dense amorphous state (density of 0.98 g/cm(3)) back to the porous ? phase having only 0.55 g/cm(3) crystal density. The crystallization is slightly exothermic, with the enthalpy of -4.3 kJ/mol. The volumetric hydrogen density of the amorphous form is 145 g/L, one of the highest among hydrides. Remarkably, this form of Mg(BH4)2 has different reactivity compared to the crystalline forms. The parameters of the reorientational motion of BH4 groups in the amorphous Mg(BH4)(2) found from NMR measurements differ significantly from those in the known crystalline forms. The behavior of the nuclear spinlattice relaxation rates can be described in terms of a Gaussian distribution of the activation energies centered on 234 +/- 9 meV with the dispersion of 100 +/- 10 meV.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1021/jp507286m
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“Preventing the reconstruction of the polar discontinuity at oxide heterointerfaces”. Boschker H, Verbeeck J, Egoavil R, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Huijben M, Houwman EP, Koster G, Blank DHA, Rijnders G, Advanced functional materials 22, 2235 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201102763
Abstract: Perovskite oxide heteroepitaxy receives much attention because of the possibility to combine the diverse functionalities of perovskite oxide building blocks. A general boundary condition for the epitaxy is the presence of polar discontinuities at heterointerfaces. These polar discontinuities result in reconstructions, often creating new functionalities at the interface. However, for a significant number of materials these reconstructions are unwanted as they alter the intrinsic materials properties at the interface. Therefore, a strategy to eliminate this reconstruction of the polar discontinuity at the interfaces is required. We show that the use of compositional interface engineering can prevent the reconstruction at the La0.67Sr0.33MnO3/SrTiO3 (LSMO/STO) interface. The polar discontinuity at this interface can be removed by the insertion of a single La0.33Sr0.67O layer, resulting in improved interface magnetization and electrical conductivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 72
DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201102763
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“The primary energy dependence of backscattered electron images up to 100 keV”. Geuens I, Nys B, Naudts J, Gijbels R, Jacob W, van Espen P, Scanning microscopy 5, 339 (1991)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Chemometrics (Mitac 3)
Times cited: 3
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“Probing of the electron-phonon interaction using high magnetic fields”. Peeters FM, Physicalia magazine 19, 187 (1997)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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“Probing the dynamic response of antivortex, interstitial and trapped vortex lattices on magnetic periodic pinning potentials”. Gomez A, Gonzalez EM, Gilbert DA, Milošević, MV, Liu K, Vicent JL, Superconductor science and technology 26, 085018 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/26/8/085018
Abstract: The dynamics of the pinned vortex, antivortex and interstitial vortex have been studied in superconducting/magnetic hybrids consisting of arrays of Co/Pd multilayer nanodots embedded in Nb films. The magnetic nanodots show out-of-plane magnetization at the remanent state. This magnetic state allows for superconducting vortex lattices of different types in an applied homogeneous magnetic field. We experimentally and theoretically show three such lattices: (i) a lattice containing only antivortices; (ii) a vortex lattice entirely pinned on the dots; and (iii) a vortex lattice with pinned and interstitial vortices. Between the flux creep (low vortex velocity) and the free flux flow (high vortex velocity) regimes the interaction between the magnetic array and the vortex lattice governs the vortex dynamics, which in turn enables distinguishing experimentally the type of vortex lattice which governs the dissipation. We show that the vortex lattice with interstitial vortices has the highest onset velocity where the lattice becomes ordered, whereas the pinned vortex lattice has the smallest onset velocity. Further, for this system, we directly estimate that the external force needed to depin vortices is 60% larger than the one needed to depin antivortices; therefore we are able to decouple the antivortex-vortex motion.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/26/8/085018
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“Probing the interaction between gold nanoparticles and oxygen functionalized carbon nanotubes”. Suarez-Martinez I, Bittencourt C, Ke X, Felten A, Pireaux JJ, Ghijsen J, Drube W, Van Tendeloo G, Ewels CP, Carbon 47, 1549 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2009.02.002
Abstract: The interaction between evaporated gold and pristine or oxygen plasma treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is investigated. Experimental and theoretical results indicate that gold nucleation occurs at defect sites, whether initially present or introduced by oxygen plasma treatment. Uniform gold cluster dispersion is observed on plasma treated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and associated with the presence of uniformly dispersed oxidized vacancy centres on the CNT surface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.337
Times cited: 38
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2009.02.002
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“Procedure to count atoms with trustworthy single-atom sensitivity”. Van Aert S, de Backer A, Martinez GT, Goris B, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Rosenauer A, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 87, 064107 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.87.064107
Abstract: We report a method to reliably count the number of atoms from high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images. A model-based analysis of the experimental images is used to measure scattering cross sections at the atomic level. The high sensitivity of these measurements in combination with a thorough statistical analysis enables us to count atoms with single-atom sensitivity. The validity of the results is confirmed by means of detailed image simulations. We will show that the method can be applied to nanocrystals of arbitrary shape, size, and atom type without the need for a priori knowledge about the atomic structure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 106
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.87.064107
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“Producing photoluminescent species from Sp2 carbons”. Hens SC, Shenderova O, Turner S, Fullerenes, nanotubes, and carbon nanostructures 20, 502 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1080/1536383X.2012.655667
Abstract: The treatment of sp2 carbon materials, including micrographite, nanographite, HOPG, onion-like-carbon, and single-walled carbon nanotubes, in a 3:1 sulfuric to nitric acid mixture produced photoluminescent reaction solutions. These colloidal, aqueous solutions appeared photoluminescently stable under a UV lamp and ranged in color from red to blue. The photoluminescent wavelength shifted to shorter wavelength with increasing reaction time or increasing reaction temperature. Raman spectroscopy showed evidence of defect structures in graphitic residue, and transmission electron microscopy showed unusual structures present in the supernatant including graphitic balls.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.35
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1080/1536383X.2012.655667
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“Production and application of electron vortex beams”. Verbeeck J, Tian H, Schattschneider P, Nature 467, 301 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1038/nature09366
Abstract: Vortex beams (also known as beams with a phase singularity) consist of spiralling wavefronts that give rise to angular momentum around the propagation direction. Vortex photon beams are widely used in applications such as optical tweezers to manipulate micrometre-sized particles and in micro-motors to provide angular momentum1, 2, improving channel capacity in optical3 and radio-wave4 information transfer, astrophysics5 and so on6. Very recently, an experimental realization of vortex beams formed of electrons was demonstrated7. Here we describe the creation of vortex electron beams, making use of a versatile holographic reconstruction technique in a transmission electron microscope. This technique is a reproducible method of creating vortex electron beams in a conventional electron microscope. We demonstrate how they may be used in electron energy-loss spectroscopy to detect the magnetic state of materials and describe their properties. Our results show that electron vortex beams hold promise for new applications, in particular for analysing and manipulating nanomaterials, and can be easily produced.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 40.137
Times cited: 626
DOI: 10.1038/nature09366
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“Production and structure of exfoliated graphite/coke composites modified by ZrO2 nanoparticles”. Afanasov IM, Van Tendeloo G, Mateev AT, New carbon materials 25, 255 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1872-5805(09)60032-9
Abstract: Exfoliated graphite/coke composites modified by ZrO2 nanoparticles were produced using two different techniques and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In the first, low-density exfoliated graphite/coke blocks were dipped repeatedly and alternately in ZrO(NO3)2 and NH4OH solutions and subsequently heat treated at 1200°C in nitrogen to deposit thin layers of ZrO2 nanoparticles on the free surfaces of the carbon matrix. In the second, a mixture of expandable graphite, phenol-formaldehyde resin powder, and ZrOC2O4-modified fibrous cellulose in a sealed container was submitted to thermal shock at 900 °C followed by heat treatment at 1 200 °C in nitrogen to obtain the modified composites. The ZrO2 nanoparticles formed in the second technique were incorporated into the composites in three length scales: 6-30 nm-isolated nanoparticles and small blobs, 200-1000 nm-lengthy dendrite-like structures, and thin layer adhering to the surface of the 1-40 μm long cellulose carbon fibers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(09)60032-9
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“Production of carbon nanotubes with marine manganese nodule as a versatile catalyst”. Cheng J-P, Zhang XB, Ye Y, Tu JP, Liu F, Tao XY, Geise HJ, Van Tendeloo G, Microporous and mesoporous materials 81, 73 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2004.11.014
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.615
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2004.11.014
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