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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.
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 (down) 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 7248
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Author Vlasov, E.; Denisov, N.; Verbeeck, J.
Title Low-cost electron detector for scanning electron microscope Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication HardwareX Abbreviated Journal HardwareX
Volume 14 Issue Pages e00413
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Electron microscopy is an indispensable tool for the characterization of (nano) materials. Electron microscopes are typically very expensive and their internal operation is often shielded from the user. This situation can provide fast and high quality results for researchers focusing on e.g. materials science if they have access to the relevant instruments. For researchers focusing on technique development, wishing to test novel setups, however, the high entry price can lead to risk aversion and deter researchers from innovating electron microscopy technology further. The closed attitude of commercial entities about how exactly the different parts of electron microscopes work, makes it even harder for newcomers in this field. Here we propose an affordable, easy-to-build electron detector for use in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The aim of this project is to shed light on the functioning of such detectors as well as show that even a very modest design can lead to acceptable performance while providing high flexibility for experimentation and customization.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001042486000001 Publication Date 2023-03-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2468-0672 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) project SBO [Grant No. S000121N]. JV acknowledges funding from the HORIZON-INFRA-2022-TECH-01-01 project IMPRESS [Grant No. 101094299]. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:195886 Serial 7252
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Author Craig, T.M.; Kadu, A.A.; Batenburg, K.J.; Bals, S.
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.
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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 (down) 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 7260
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Author de la Encarnación, C.; Jungwirth, F.; Vila-Liarte, D.; Renero-Lecuna, C.; Kavak, S.; Orue, I.; Wilhelm, C.; Bals, S.; Henriksen-Lacey, M.; Jimenez de Aberasturi, D.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.
Title Hybrid core–shell nanoparticles for cell-specific magnetic separation and photothermal heating Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of materials chemistry B : materials for biology and medicine Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Hyperthermia, as the process of heating a malignant site above 42 °C to trigger cell death, has emerged as an effective and selective cancer therapy strategy. Various modalities of hyperthermia have been proposed, among which magnetic and photothermal hyperthermia are known to benefit from the use of nanomaterials. In this context, we introduce herein a hybrid colloidal nanostructure comprising plasmonic gold nanorods (AuNRs) covered by a silica shell, onto which iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are subsequently grown. The resulting hybrid nanostructures are responsive to both external magnetic fields and near-infrared irradiation. As a result, they can be applied for the targeted magnetic separation of selected cell populations – upon targeting by antibody functionalization – as well as for photothermal heating. Through this combined functionality, the therapeutic effect of photothermal heating can be enhanced. We demonstrate both the fabrication of the hybrid system and its application for targeted photothermal hyperthermia of human glioblastoma cells.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000968908400001 Publication Date 2023-04-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2050-750X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, PID2019-108854RA-I00 ; H2020 European Research Council, ERC AdG 787510, 4DBIOSERS ERC CoG 815128, REALNANO ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, PhD research grant 1181122N ; Approved Most recent IF: 7; 2023 IF: 4.543
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:195879 Serial 7261
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Author Miranda, L.P.; da Costa, D.R.; Peeters, F.M.; Costa Filho, R.N.
Title Vacancy clustering effect on the electronic and transport properties of bilayer graphene nanoribbons Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nanotechnology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 34 Issue 5 Pages 055706-55710
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Experimental realizations of two-dimensional materials are hardly free of structural defects such as e.g. vacancies, which, in turn, modify drastically its pristine physical defect-free properties. In this work, we explore effects due to point defect clustering on the electronic and transport properties of bilayer graphene nanoribbons, for AA and AB stacking and zigzag and armchair boundaries, by means of the tight-binding approach and scattering matrix formalism. Evident vacancy concentration signatures exhibiting a maximum amplitude and an universality regardless of the system size, stacking and boundary types, in the density of states around the zero-energy level are observed. Our results are explained via the coalescence analysis of the strong sizeable vacancy clustering effect in the system and the breaking of the inversion symmetry at high vacancy densities, demonstrating a similar density of states for two equivalent degrees of concentration disorder, below and above the maximum value.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000886630000001 Publication Date 2022-11-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0957-4484 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.5 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.5; 2023 IF: 3.44
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:192030 Serial 7350
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Author Andelkovic, M.; Rakhimov, K.Y.; Chaves, A.; Berdiyorov, G.R.; Milošević, M.V.
Title Wave-packet propagation in a graphene geometric diode Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Physica. E: Low-dimensional systems and nanostructures Abbreviated Journal
Volume 147 Issue Pages 115607-4
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Dynamics of electron wave-packets is studied using the continuum Dirac model in a graphene geometric diode where the propagation of the wave packet is favored in certain direction due to the presence of geometric constraints. Clear rectification is obtained in the THz frequency range with the maximum rectification level of 3.25, which is in good agreement with recent experiments on graphene ballistic diodes. The rectification levels are considerably higher for systems with narrower channels. In this case, the wave packet transmission probabilities and rectification rate also strongly depend on the energy of the incident wave packet, as a result of the quantum nature of energy levels along such channels. These findings can be useful for fundamental understanding of the charge carrier dynamics in graphene geometry diodes.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000903737000003 Publication Date 2022-12-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1386-9477 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.3 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.3; 2023 IF: 2.221
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:193497 Serial 7351
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Author Jain, N.; Hao, Y.; Parekh, U.; Kaltenegger, M.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Lazzaroni, R.; Resel, R.; Geerts, Y.H.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S.
Title Exploring the effects of graphene and temperature in reducing electron beam damage: A TEM and electron diffraction-based quantitative study on Lead Phthalocyanine (PbPc) crystals Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Micron Abbreviated Journal
Volume 169 Issue Pages 103444
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of organic crystals, such as Lead Phthalocyanine (PbPc), is very challenging since these materials are prone to electron beam damage leading to the breakdown of the crystal structure during investigation. Quantification of the damage is imperative to enable high-resolution imaging of PbPc crystals with minimum structural changes. In this work, we performed a detailed electron diffraction study to quantitatively measure degradation of PbPc crystals upon electron beam irradiation. Our study is based on the quantification of the fading intensity of the spots in the electron diffraction patterns. At various incident dose rates (e/Å2/s) and acceleration voltages, we experimentally extracted the decay rate (1/s), which directly correlates with the rate of beam damage. In this manner, a value for the critical dose (e/Å2) could be determined, which can be used as a measure to quantify beam damage. Using the same methodology, we explored the influence of cryogenic temperatures, graphene TEM substrates, and graphene encapsulation in prolonging the lifetime of the PbPc crystal structure during TEM investigation. The knowledge obtained by diffraction experiments is then translated to real space high-resolution TEM imaging of PbPc.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000965998800001 Publication Date 2023-03-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0968-4328 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.4 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work is supported by FWO and FNRS within the 2Dto3D network of the EOS (Excellence of Science) program (grant number 30489208) and ERC-CoGREALNANO-815128 (to Prof. Dr. Sara Bals). N.J. would like to thank Dr. Kunal S. Mali and Dr. Da Wang for useful and interesting discussions on sample preparation procedures. Approved Most recent IF: 2.4; 2023 IF: 1.98
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:196069 Serial 7379
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Author Faraji, F.; Neek-Amal, M.; Neyts, E.C.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Cation-controlled permeation of charged polymers through nanocapillaries Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Physical review E Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev E
Volume 107 Issue 3 Pages 034501-34510
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the effects of different cations on the permeation of charged polymers through flat capillaries with heights below 2 nm. Interestingly, we found that, despite being monovalent, Li+ , Na+ , and K+ cations have different effects on polymer permeation, which consequently affects their transmission speed throughout those capillaries. We attribute this phenomenon to the interplay of the cations' hydration free energies and the hydrodynamic drag in front of the polymer when it enters the capillary. Different alkali cations exhibit different surface versus bulk preferences in small clusters of water under the influence of an external electric field. This paper presents a tool to control the speed of charged polymers in confined spaces using cations.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000955986000006 Publication Date 2023-03-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2470-0053 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.4 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.4; 2023 IF: 2.366
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196089 Serial 7586
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Author Vlasov, E.; Skorikov, A.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S.
Title Secondary electron induced current in scanning transmission electron microscopy: an alternative way to visualize the morphology of nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ACS materials letters Abbreviated Journal ACS Materials Lett.
Volume Issue Pages 1916-1921
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Electron tomography (ET) is a powerful tool to determine the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanomaterials in a transmission electron microscope. However, the acquisition of a conventional tilt series for ET is a time-consuming process and can therefore not provide 3D structural information in a time-efficient manner. Here, we propose surface-sensitive secondary electron (SE) imaging as an alternative to ET for the investigation of the morphology of nanomaterials. We use the SE electron beam induced current (SEEBIC) technique that maps the electrical current arising from holes generated by the emission of SEs from the sample. SEEBIC imaging can provide valuable information on the sample morphology with high spatial resolution and significantly shorter throughput times compared with ET. In addition, we discuss the contrast formation mechanisms that aid in the interpretation of SEEBIC data.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001006191600001 Publication Date 2023-06-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2639-4979 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The funding for this project was provided by European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant 815128, REALNANO). J.V. acknowledges the eBEAM project, which is supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101017720 (FET-Proactive EBEAM). L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (grant # PID2020-117779RB-I00). Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:197004 Serial 8795
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Author Carrasco, S.; Orcajo, G.; Martínez, F.; Imaz, I.; Kavak, S.; Arenas-Esteban, D.; Maspoch, D.; Bals, S.; Calleja, G.; Horcajada, P.
Title Hf/porphyrin-based metal-organic framework PCN-224 for CO2 cycloaddition with epoxides Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Materials Today Advances Abbreviated Journal
Volume 19 Issue Pages 100390
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Herein, we describe for the first time the synthesis of the highly porous Hf-tetracarboxylate porphyrin-based metal-organic framework (MOF) (Hf)PCN-224(M) (M = H2, Co2+). (Hf)PCN-224(H2) was easily and efficiently prepared following a simple microwave-assisted procedure with good yields (56–67%; space-time yields: 1100–1270 kg m−3·day−1), high crystallinity and phase purity by using trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and benzoic acid as modulators in less than 30 min. By simply introducing a preliminary step (10 min), 5,10,15,20-(tetra-4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin linker (TCPP) was quantitatively metalated with Co2+ without additional purification and/or time consuming protection/deprotection steps to further obtain (Hf)PCN-224(Co). (Hf)PCN-224(Co) was then tested as catalyst in CO2 cycloaddition reaction with different epoxides to yield cyclic carbonates, showing the best catalytic performance described to date compared to other PCNs, under mild conditions (1 bar CO2, room temperature, 18–24 h). Twelve epoxides were tested, obtaining from moderate to excellent conversions (35–96%). Moreover, this reaction was gram scaled-up (x50) without significant loss of yield to cyclic carbonates. (Hf)PCN-224(Co) maintained its integrity and crystallinity even after 8 consecutive runs, and poisoning was efficiently reverted by a simple thermal treatment (175 °C, 6 h), fully recovering the initial catalytic activity.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001025764000001 Publication Date 2023-06-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2590-0498 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 10 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes S.C. acknowledges the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA-COFUND) grant agreement No 754382 (GOT Energy Talent). S.C. and P.H. acknowledge “Comunidad de Madrid” and European Regional Development Fund-FEDER 2014-2020-OE REACT-UE 1 for their financial support to VIRMOF-CM project associated to R&D projects in response to COVID-19. The authors acknowledge H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019 HeatNMof (ref. 860942), the M-ERA-NET C-MOF-cell (grant PCI2020-111998 funded by MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR) project, and Retos Investigación MOFSEIDON (grant PID2019-104228RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) project. This work has been also supported by the Regional Government of Madrid (Project ACES2030-CM, S2018/EMT-4319) and the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos IMPULSO Project (grant MATER M − 3000). S.K acknowledges the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen) through a PhD research grant (1181122 N). Approved Most recent IF: 10; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:197198 Serial 8800
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Author Vijayakumar, J.; Savchenko, T.M.; Bracher, D.M.; Lumbeeck, G.; Béché, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Vajda, Š.; Nolting, F.; Vaz, Ca.f.; Kleibert, A.
Title Absence of a pressure gap and atomistic mechanism of the oxidation of pure Co nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun
Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 174
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Understanding chemical reactivity and magnetism of 3<italic>d</italic>transition metal nanoparticles is of fundamental interest for applications in fields ranging from spintronics to catalysis. Here, we present an atomistic picture of the early stage of the oxidation mechanism and its impact on the magnetism of Co nanoparticles. Our experiments reveal a two-step process characterized by (i) the initial formation of small CoO crystallites across the nanoparticle surface, until their coalescence leads to structural completion of the oxide shell passivating the metallic core; (ii) progressive conversion of the CoO shell to Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>and void formation due to the nanoscale Kirkendall effect. The Co nanoparticles remain highly reactive toward oxygen during phase (i), demonstrating the absence of a pressure gap whereby a low reactivity at low pressures is postulated. Our results provide an important benchmark for the development of theoretical models for the chemical reactivity in catalysis and magnetism during metal oxidation at the nanoscale.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000955726400021 Publication Date 2023-01-12
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 (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, 200021160186 2002153540 ; EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, 810310 823717 ; University of Basel | Swiss Nanoscience Institute, P1502 ; This work is funded by Swiss National Foundation (SNF) (Grants. No 200021160186 and 2002153540) and the Swiss Nanoscience Institut (SNI) (Grant No. SNI P1502). S.V. acknowledges support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 810310, which corresponds to the J. Heyrovsky Chair project (“ERA Chair at J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry AS CR – The institutional approach towards ERA”). The funders had no role in the preparation of the article. Part of this work was performed at the Surface/Interface: Microscopy (SIM) beamline of the Swiss Light Source (SLS), Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland. We kindly acknowledge Anja Weber and Elisabeth Müller from PSI for their help in fabricating the sample markers. A.B. and J. Verbeeck received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research Infrastructure – Integrating Activities for Advanced Communities under grant agreement No. 823717 – ESTEEM3 reported Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2023 IF: 12.124
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:196738 Serial 8804
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Author Arteaga Cardona, F.; Jain, N.; Popescu, R.; Busko, D.; Madirov, E.; Arús, B.A.; Gerthsen, D.; De Backer, A.; Bals, S.; Bruns, O.T.; Chmyrov, A.; Van Aert, S.; Richards, B.S.; Hudry, D.
Title Preventing cation intermixing enables 50% quantum yield in sub-15 nm short-wave infrared-emitting rare-earth based core-shell nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun
Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 4462
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Short-wave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence could become the new gold standard in optical imaging for biomedical applications due to important advantages such as lack of autofluorescence, weak photon absorption by blood and tissues, and reduced photon scattering coefficient. Therefore, contrary to the visible and NIR regions, tissues become translucent in the SWIR region. Nevertheless, the lack of bright and biocompatible probes is a key challenge that must be overcome to unlock the full potential of SWIR fluorescence. Although rare-earth-based core-shell nanocrystals appeared as promising SWIR probes, they suffer from limited photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). The lack of control over the atomic scale organization of such complex materials is one of the main barriers limiting their optical performance. Here, the growth of either homogeneous (α-NaYF<sub>4</sub>) or heterogeneous (CaF<sub>2</sub>) shell domains on optically-active α-NaYF<sub>4</sub>:Yb:Er (with and without Ce<sup>3+</sup>co-doping) core nanocrystals is reported. The atomic scale organization can be controlled by preventing cation intermixing only in heterogeneous core-shell nanocrystals with a dramatic impact on the PLQY. The latter reached 50% at 60 mW/cm<sup>2</sup>; one of the highest reported PLQY values for sub-15 nm nanocrystals. The most efficient nanocrystals were utilized for in vivo imaging above 1450 nm.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001037058500022 Publication Date 2023-07-25
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 (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes D.H. would like to thank Dominique Ectors (Bruker AXS GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany) for assistance and discussion on the PXRD data and TOPAS evaluations. The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by the Helmholtz Association via: i) the Professorial Recruitment Initiative Funding (B.S.R.); ii) the Research Field Energy – Program Materials and Technologies for the Energy Transition – Topic 1 Photovoltaics (F.A.C., D.B., E.M., B.S.R., D.H.). This project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 innovation programme under grant agreement 823717. This work was supported by the European Research Council (grant 770887-PICOMETRICS to S.V.A. and Grant 815128-REALNANO to S.B.). The authors acknowledge financial support from the ResearchFoundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0346.21 N to S.V.A. and S.B.) and a postdoctoral grant (A.D.B.). The authors (B.A.A., O.T.B. and A.C.) acknowledge funding from the Helmholtz Zentrum München, the DFG-Emmy Noether program (BR 5355/2-1) and from the CZI Deep Tissue Imaging (DTI-0000000248). The authors (O.T.B. and D.H.) would like to thank the Helmholtz Imaging (ZT-I-PF-4-038-BENIGN). Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2023 IF: 12.124
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:198158 Serial 8808
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Author Conti, S.; Chaves, A.; Pandey, T.; Covaci, L.; Peeters, F.M.; Neilson, D.; Milošević, M.V.
Title Flattening conduction and valence bands for interlayer excitons in a moire MoS₂/WSe₂ heterobilayer Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We explore the flatness of conduction and valence bands of interlayer excitons in MoS2/WSe2 van der Waals heterobilayers, tuned by interlayer twist angle, pressure, and external electric field. We employ an efficient continuum model where the moire pattern from lattice mismatch and/or twisting is represented by an equivalent mesoscopic periodic potential. We demonstrate that the mismatch moire potential is too weak to produce significant flattening. Moreover, we draw attention to the fact that the quasi-particle effective masses around the Gamma-point and the band flattening are reduced with twisting. As an alternative approach, we show (i) that reducing the interlayer distance by uniform vertical pressure can significantly increase the effective mass of the moire hole, and (ii) that the moire depth and its band flattening effects are strongly enhanced by accessible electric gating fields perpendicular to the heterobilayer, with resulting electron and hole effective masses increased by more than an order of magnitude – leading to record-flat bands. These findings impose boundaries on the commonly generalized benefits of moire twistronics, while also revealing alternative feasible routes to achieve truly flat electron and hole bands to carry us to strongly correlated excitonic phenomena on demand.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001047512300001 Publication Date 2023-07-25
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 (down) 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 25.01.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.7; 2023 IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198290 Serial 8819
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Author Pandey, T.; Peeters, F.M.; Milošević, M.V.
Title High thermoelectric figure of merit in p-type Mg₃Si₂Te₆: role of multi-valley bands and high anharmonicity Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of materials chemistry C : materials for optical and electronic devices Abbreviated Journal
Volume 11 Issue 33 Pages 11185-11194
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Silicon-based materials are attractive for thermoelectric applications due to their thermal stability, chemical inertness, and natural abundance of silicon. Here, using a combination of first-principles and Boltzmann transport calculations we report the thermoelectric properties of the recently synthesized compound Mg3Si2Te6. Our analysis reveals that Mg3Si2Te6 is a direct bandgap semiconductor with a bandgap of 1.6 eV. The combination of heavy and light valence bands, along with a high valley degeneracy, results in a large power factor under p-type doping. We also find that Mg is weakly bonded both within and between the layers, leading to low phonon group velocities. The vibrations of the Mg atoms are localized and make a significant contribution to phonon-phonon scattering. This high anharmonicity, coupled with low phonon group velocity, results in a low lattice thermal conductivity of & kappa;(l) = 0.5 W m(-1) K-1 at room temperature, along the cross-plane direction. Combining excellent electronic transport properties and low & kappa;(l), p-type Mg3Si2Te6 achieves figure-of-merit (zT) values greater than 1 at temperatures above 600 K. Specifically, a zT of 2.0 is found at 900 K along the cross-plane direction. Our findings highlight the importance of structural complexity and chemical bonding in electronic and phonon transport, providing guiding insights for further design of Si-based thermoelectrics.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001041124900001 Publication Date 2023-07-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2050-7526; 2050-7534 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 6.4 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.4; 2023 IF: 5.256
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198296 Serial 8821
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Author Ahmadkhani, S.; Alihosseini, M.; Ghasemi, S.; Ahmadabadi, I.; Hassani, N.; Peeters, F.M.; Neek-Amal, M.
Title Multiband flattening and linear Dirac band structure in graphene with impurities Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Physical review B Abbreviated Journal
Volume 107 Issue 7 Pages 075401-75408
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Flat bands in the energy spectrum have attracted a lot of attention in recent years because of their unique properties and promising applications. Special arrangement of impurities on monolayer graphene are proposed to generate multiflat bands in the electronic band structure. In addition to the single midgap states in the spectrum of graphene with low hydrogen density, we found closely spaced bands around the Fermi level with increasing impurity density, which are similar to discrete lines in the spectrum of quantum dots, as well as the unusual Landau-level energy spectrum of graphene in the presence of a strong magnetic field. The presence of flat bands crucially depends on whether or not there are odd or even electrons of H(F) atoms bound to graphene. Interestingly, we found that a fully hydrogenated (fluoridated) of a hexagon of graphene sheet with six hydrogen (fluorine) atoms sitting on top and bottom in consecutive order exhibits Dirac cones in the electronic band structure with a 20% smaller Fermi velocity as compared to the pristine graphene. Functionalizing graphene introduces various C-C bond lengths resulting in nonuniform strains. Such a nonuniform strain may induce a giant pseudomagnetic field in the system, resulting in quantum Hall effect.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000994364500006 Publication Date 2023-02-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2469-9969; 2469-9950 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 3.836
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197431 Serial 8822
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Author Arenas Esteban, D.; Pacquets, L.; Choukroun, D.; Hoekx, S.; Kadu, A.A.; Schalck, J.; Daems, N.; Breugelmans, T.; Bals, S.
Title 3D characterization of the structural transformation undergone by Cu@Ag core-shell nanoparticles following CO₂ reduction reaction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 35 Issue 17 Pages 6682-6691
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract The increasing use of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is significantly advancing the field of electrocatalysis. In particular, Cu/Ag bimetallic interfaces are widely used to enhance the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO(2)RR) toward CO and, more recently, C-2 products. However, drastic changes in the product distribution and performance when Cu@Ag core-shell configurations are used can often be observed under electrochemical reaction conditions, especially during the first few minutes of the reaction. Possible structural changes that generate these observations remain underexplored; therefore, the structure-property relationship is hardly understood. In this study, we use electron tomography to investigate the structural transformation mechanism of Cu@Ag core-shells NPs during the critical first minutes of the eCO(2)RR. In this manner, we found that the crystallinity of the Cu seed determines whether the formation of a complete and homogeneous Ag shell is possible. Moreover, by tracking the particles' transformations, we conclude that modifications of the Cu-Ag interface and Cu2O enrichment at the surface of the NPs are key factors contributing to the product generation changes. These insights provide a better understanding of how bimetallic core-shell NPs transform under electrochemical conditions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001061530700001 Publication Date 2023-08-31
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 8.6 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes L.P. was supported through a PhD fellowship for strategicbasic research (1S56920N) of the Research Foundation – Flanders(FWO). S.H. was supported through a PhD fellowship for strategic basicresearch (1S42623N) of the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO).S.B., D.A.E., and A.A.K. acknowledge financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO. This research was financed by the researchcouncil of the University of Antwerp (BOF-GOA 33928). Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2023 IF: 9.466
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199187 Serial 8825
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Author Mangnus, M.J.J.; de Wit, J.W.; Vonk, S.J.W.; Geuchies, J.J.; Albrecht, W.; Bals, S.; Houtepen, A.J.; Rabouw, F.T.
Title High-throughput characterization of single-quantum-dot emission spectra and spectral diffusion by multiparticle spectroscopy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ACS Photonics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue 8 Pages 2688-2698
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract In recent years, quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as bright,color-tunablelight sources for various applications such as light-emitting devices,lasing, and bioimaging. One important next step to advance their applicabilityis to reduce particle-to-particle variations of the emission propertiesas well as fluctuations of a single QD's emission spectrum,also known as spectral diffusion (SD). Characterizing SD is typicallyinefficient as it requires time-consuming measurements at the single-particlelevel. Here, however, we demonstrate multiparticle spectroscopy (MPS)as a high-throughput method to acquire statistically relevant informationabout both fluctuations at the single-particle level and variationsat the level of a synthesis batch. In MPS, we simultaneously measureemission spectra of many (20-100) QDs with a high time resolution.We obtain statistics on single-particle emission line broadening fora batch of traditional CdSe-based core-shell QDs and a batchof the less toxic InP-based core-shell QDs. The CdSe-basedQDs show significantly narrower homogeneous line widths, less SD,and less inhomogeneous broadening than the InP-based QDs. The timescales of SD are longer in the InP-based QDs than in the CdSe-basedQDs. Based on the distributions and correlations in single-particleproperties, we discuss the possible origins of line-width broadeningof the two types of QDs. Our experiments pave the way to large-scale,high-throughput characterization of single-QD emission propertiesand will ultimately contribute to facilitating rational design offuture QD structures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001009443500001 Publication Date 2023-06-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2330-4022 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by The Netherlands Center for Multiscale Catalytic Energy Conversion (MCEC), an NWO Gravitation Programme funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the government of The Netherlands. The electron microscopy experiments at EMAT were supported by the European Commission (EUSMI grant E210100474). Approved Most recent IF: 7; 2023 IF: 6.756
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197337 Serial 8879
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Author Friedrich, T.; Yu, C.-P.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Aert, S.
Title Phase object reconstruction for 4D-STEM using deep learning Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Microscopy and microanalysis Abbreviated Journal
Volume 29 Issue 1 Pages 395-407
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract In this study, we explore the possibility to use deep learning for the reconstruction of phase images from 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) data. The process can be divided into two main steps. First, the complex electron wave function is recovered for a convergent beam electron diffraction pattern (CBED) using a convolutional neural network (CNN). Subsequently, a corresponding patch of the phase object is recovered using the phase object approximation. Repeating this for each scan position in a 4D-STEM dataset and combining the patches by complex summation yields the full-phase object. Each patch is recovered from a kernel of 3x3 adjacent CBEDs only, which eliminates common, large memory requirements and enables live processing during an experiment. The machine learning pipeline, data generation, and the reconstruction algorithm are presented. We demonstrate that the CNN can retrieve phase information beyond the aperture angle, enabling super-resolution imaging. The image contrast formation is evaluated showing a dependence on the thickness and atomic column type. Columns containing light and heavy elements can be imaged simultaneously and are distinguishable. The combination of super-resolution, good noise robustness, and intuitive image contrast characteristics makes the approach unique among live imaging methods in 4D-STEM.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001033590800038 Publication Date 2023-01-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1431-9276 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.8 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We acknowledge funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement no. 770887 PICOMETRICS) and funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 823717 ESTEEM3. J.V. and S.V.A acknowledge funding from the University of Antwerp through a TOP BOF project. The direct electron detector (Merlin, Medipix3, Quantum Detectors) was funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. This work was supported by the FWO and FNRS within the 2Dto3D project of the EOS program (grant number 30489208). Approved Most recent IF: 2.8; 2023 IF: 1.891
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198221 Serial 8912
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Author Moggia, G.; Hoekx, S.; Daems, N.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T.
Title Synthesis and characterization of a highly electroactive composite based on Au nanoparticles supported on nanoporous activated carbon for electrocatalysis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ChemElectroChem Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract A facile, “one-pot”, chemical approach to synthesize gold-based nanoparticles finely dispersed on porous activated carbon (Norit) was demonstrated in this work. The pH of the synthesis bath played a critical role in determining the optimal gold-carbon interaction, which enabled a successful deposition of the gold nanoparticles onto the carbon matrix with a maximized metal utilization of 93 %. The obtained AuNP/C nanocomposite was characterized using SEM, HAADF-STEM electron tomography and electrochemical techniques. It was found that the Au nanoparticles, with diameters between 5 and 20 nm, were evenly distributed over the carbon matrix, both inside and outside the pores. Electrochemical characterization indicated that the composite had a very large electroactive surface area (EASA), as high as 282.4 m2 gAu-1. By exploiting its very high EASA, the catalyst was intended to boost the productivity of glucaric acid in the electrooxidation of its precursor, gluconic acid. However, cyclic voltammetry experiments revealed a very limited reactivity towards gluconic acid oxidation, due to the spacial hindrance of gluconic acid molecule which prevented diffusion inside the catalyst nanopores. On the other hand, the as-synthesized nanocomposite promises to be effective towards the ORR, and might thus find potential application as anode catalyst for fuel cells as well as for the scalability of all those electrochemical reactions involving small molecules with high diffusivity and catalysed by noble metals (i. e. CO2, CH4, N2, etc..). Electrocatalysis: Gold nanoparticles with diameter between 5 and 20 nm evenly distributed onto porous activated carbon (Norit) were obtained using a facile “one-pot” chemical synthesis technique with very high metal utilization. The AuNP/C nanocomposite was characterized using SEM, HAADF-STEM electron tomography and electrochemical techniques, revealing a very large electroactive surface area (EASA). The figure shows the HAADF-STEM image (a) and the respective EDX elemental distribution (b) for the AuNP/C composite with 9.3 % Au-loading developed in this work (Au is marked in red and C in green).image
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001060398900001 Publication Date 2023-09-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2196-0216 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The research described in this article has not been supported by the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency of the European Commission. The views expressed in this article have not been adopted or in any way approved by the European Commission and do not constitute a statement of the European Commission & apos;s views.r S. Hoekx was supported by Research Foundation Flanders (FWO 1S42623N). The authors would like to thank Prof. Dr. Christophe Vande Velde, University of Antwerp, for the XRD analysis. Approved Most recent IF: 4; 2023 IF: 4.136
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199210 Serial 8941
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Author Yu, CP.; Vega Ibañez, F.; Béché, A.; Verbeeck, J.
Title Quantum wavefront shaping with a 48-element programmable phase plate for electrons Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication SciPost Physics Abbreviated Journal SciPost Phys.
Volume 15 Issue Pages 223
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT)
Abstract We present a 48-element programmable phase plate for coherent electron waves produced by a combination of photolithography and focused ion beam. This brings the highly successful concept of wavefront shaping from light optics into the realm of electron optics and provides an important new degree of freedom to prepare electron quantum states. The phase plate chip is mounted on an aperture rod placed in the C2 plane of a transmission electron microscope operating in the 100-300 kV range. The phase plate's behavior is characterized by a Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm, showing a phase sensitivity of 0.075 rad/mV at 300 kV, with a phase resolution of approximately 3x10e−3π. In addition, we provide a brief overview of possible use cases and support it with both simulated and experimental results.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher SciPost Place of Publication Editor
Language English Wos 001116838500002 Publication Date 2023-12-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2542-4653 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.5 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access
Notes This project is the result of a long-term effort involving many differ- ent sources of funding: JV acknowledges funding from an ERC proof of concept project DLV- 789598 ADAPTEM, as well as a University IOF proof of concept project towards launching the AdaptEM spin-off and the eBEAM project, supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program FETPROACT-EIC-07-2020: emerging paradigms and com- munities. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3 and via The IMPRESS project from the HORIZON EUROPE framework program for research and innovation under grant agreement n. 101094299. FV, JV, and AB acknowledge funding from G042820N ‘Explor- ing adaptive optics in transmission electron microscopy.’ CPY acknowledges funding from a TOP-BOF project from the University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 5.5; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202037 Serial 8984
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Author Zhou, S.; Xu, W.; Xiao, Y.; Xiao, H.; Zhang, J.; Wang, Z.; He, G.; Liu, J.; Li, Y.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Influence of neutron irradiation on X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrum and photoluminescence from pyrolytic and hot-pressed hexagonal boron nitride Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of luminescence Abbreviated Journal
Volume 263 Issue Pages 120118-8
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is considered as an ideal semiconductor material for solid-state neutron detector, owing to its large neutron scattering section because of the low atomic number of B and excellent physical properties. Here we study the influence of neutron irradiation on crystal structure and on intermediate energy state (IMES) levels induced by the presence of impurities and defects in hBN. Large-size and thick pyrolytic and hot-pressed hBN (PBN and HBN) samples, which can be directly applied for neutron detector devices, are prepared and bombarded by neutrons with different irradiation fluences. The SEM and TEM are used to observe the sample difference of PBN and HBN. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy are applied to examine the influence of neutron irradiation on lattice structures along different crystal directions of PBN and HBN samples. Photoluminescence (PL) is employed to study the effect of neutron irradiation on IMESs in these samples. We find that the neutron irradiation does not alter the in-plane lattice structures of both PBN and HBN samples, but it can release the inter-layer tensions induced by sample growth of the PBN samples. Interestingly and surprisingly, the neutron irradiation does not affect the IMES levels responsible for PL generation, where PL is attributed mainly from phonon-assisted radiative electron-hole coupling for both PBN and HBN samples. Furthermore, the results indicate that the neutron irradiation can weaken the effective carrier-phonon coupling and exciton transitions in PBN and HBN samples. Overall, both PBN and HBN samples show some degree of the resistance to neutron irradiation in terms of these basic physical properties. The interesting and important findings from this work can help us to gain an in-depth understanding of the influence of neutron irradiation on basic physical properties of hBN materials. These effects can be taken into account when designing and applying the hBN materials for neutron detectors.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001077086300001 Publication Date 2023-08-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-2313 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.6 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.6; 2023 IF: 2.686
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200393 Serial 9047
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Author Xiang, F.; Gupta, A.; Chaves, A.; Krix, Z.E.; Watanabe, K.; Taniguchi, T.; Fuhrer, M.S.; Peeters, F.M.; Neilson, D.; Milošević, M.V.; Hamilton, A.R.
Title Intra-zero-energy Landau level crossings in bilayer graphene at high electric fields Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume 23 Issue 21 Pages 9683-9689
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract The highly tunable band structure of the zero-energy Landau level (zLL) of bilayer graphene makes it an ideal platform for engineering novel quantum states. However, the zero-energy Landau level at high electric fields has remained largely unexplored. Here we present magnetotransport measurements of bilayer graphene in high transverse electric fields. We observe previously undetected Landau level crossings at filling factors nu = -2, 1, and 3 at high electric fields. These crossings provide constraints for theoretical models of the zero-energy Landau level and show that the orbital, valley, and spin character of the quantum Hall states at high electric fields is very different from low electric fields. At high E, new transitions between states at nu = -2 with different orbital and spin polarization can be controlled by the gate bias, while the transitions between nu = 0 -> 1 and nu = 2 -> 3 show anomalous behavior.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001102148900001 Publication Date 2023-10-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201200 Serial 9052
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Author Lima, I.L.C.; Milošević, M.V.; Peeters, F.M.; Chaves, A.
Title Tuning of exciton type by environmental screening Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Physical review B Abbreviated Journal
Volume 108 Issue 11 Pages 115303-115308
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We theoretically investigate the binding energy and electron-hole (e-h) overlap of excitonic states confined at the interface between two-dimensional materials with type-II band alignment, i.e., with lowest conduction and highest valence band edges placed in different materials, arranged in a side-by-side planar heterostructure. We propose a variational procedure within the effective mass approximation to calculate the exciton ground state and apply our model to a monolayer MoS2/WS2 heterostructure. The role of nonabrupt interfaces between the materials is accounted for in our model by assuming a WxMo1-xS2 alloy around the interfacial region. Our results demonstrate that (i) interface-bound excitons are energetically favorable only for small interface thickness and/or for systems under high dielectric screening by the materials surrounding the monolayer, and that (ii) the interface exciton binding energy and its e-h overlap are controllable by the interface width and dielectric environment.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001077758300002 Publication Date 2023-09-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2469-9969; 2469-9950 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited (down) 1 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 3.836
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200356 Serial 9110
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Author Biondo, O.; van Deursen, C.F.A.M.; Hughes, A.; van de Steeg, A.; Bongers, W.; van de Sanden, M.C.M.; van Rooij, G.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Avoiding solid carbon deposition in plasma-based dry reforming of methane Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Green Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Green Chem.
Volume 25 Issue 24 Pages 10485-10497
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Solid carbon deposition is a persistent challenge in dry reforming of methane (DRM), affecting both classical and plasma-based processes. In this work, we use a microwave plasma in reverse vortex flow configuration to overcome this issue in CO<sub>2</sub>/CH<sub>4</sub>plasmas. Indeed, this configuration efficiently mitigates carbon deposition, enabling operation even with pure CH<sub>4</sub>feed gas, in contrast to other configurations. At the same time, high reactor performance is achieved, with CO<sub>2</sub>and CH<sub>4</sub>conversions reaching 33% and 44% respectively, at an energy cost of 14 kJ L<sup>−1</sup>for a CO<sub>2</sub> : CH<sub>4</sub>ratio of 1 : 1. Laser scattering and optical emission imaging demonstrate that the shorter residence time in reverse vortex flow lowers the gas temperature in the discharge, facilitating a shift from full to partial CH<sub>4</sub>pyrolysis. This underscores the pivotal role of flow configuration in directing process selectivity, a crucial factor in complex chemistries like CO<sub>2</sub>/CH<sub>4</sub>mixtures and very important for industrial applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001110100100001 Publication Date 2023-11-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9262 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.8 Times cited (down) Open Access
Notes Universiteit Antwerpen; Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek; HORIZON EUROPE Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, 813393 ; Approved Most recent IF: 9.8; 2023 IF: 9.125
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:202138 Serial 8978
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Author Živanić, M.; Espona‐Noguera, A.; Verswyvel, H.; Smits, E.; Bogaerts, A.; Lin, A.; Canal, C.
Title Injectable Plasma‐Treated Alginate Hydrogel for Oxidative Stress Delivery to Induce Immunogenic Cell Death in Osteosarcoma Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Advanced functional materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Materials
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Abstract Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a source of cell‐damaging oxidant molecules that may be used as low‐cost cancer treatment with minimal side effects. Liquids treated with cold plasma and enriched with oxidants are a modality for non‐invasive treatment of internal tumors with cold plasma via injection. However, liquids are easily diluted with body fluids which impedes high and localized delivery of oxidants to the target. As an alternative, plasma‐treated hydrogels (PTH) emerge as vehicles for the precise delivery of oxidants. This study reports an optimal protocol for the preparation of injectable alginate PTH that ensures the preservation of plasma‐generated oxidants. The generation, storage, and release of oxidants from the PTH are assessed. The efficacy of the alginate PTH in cancer treatment is demonstrated in the context of cancer cell cytotoxicity and immunogenicity–release of danger signals and phagocytosis by immature dendritic cells, up to now unexplored for PTH. These are shown in osteosarcoma, a hard‐to‐treat cancer. The study aims to consolidate PTH as a novel cold plasma treatment modality for non‐invasive or postoperative tumor treatment. The results offer a rationale for further exploration of alginate‐based PTHs as a versatile platform in biomedical engineering.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001129424500001 Publication Date 2023-12-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1616-301X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 19 Times cited (down) Open Access
Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1S67621N ; European Cooperation in Science and Technology, COST Action CA20114 ; Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca, SGR2022‐1368 ; Agencia Estatal de Investigación, PID2019‐ 103892RB‐I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 ; Instituto de Salud Carlos III, IHRC22/00003 ; Approved Most recent IF: 19; 2023 IF: 12.124
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:202030 Serial 8979
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Author Hofer, C.; Pennycook, T.J.
Title Reliable phase quantification in focused probe electron ptychography of thin materials Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 254 Issue Pages 113829
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Electron ptychography provides highly sensitive, dose efficient phase images which can be corrected for aberrations after the data has been acquired. This is crucial when very precise quantification is required, such as with sensitivity to charge transfer due to bonding. Drift can now be essentially eliminated as a major impediment to focused probe ptychography, which benefits from the availability of easily interpretable simultaneous Z-contrast imaging. However challenges have remained when quantifying the ptychographic phases of atomic sites. The phase response of a single atom has a negative halo which can cause atoms to reduce in phase when brought closer together. When unaccounted for, as in integrating methods of quantification, this effect can completely obscure the effects of charge transfer. Here we provide a new method of quantification that overcomes this challenge, at least for 2D materials, and is robust to experimental parameters such as noise, sample tilt.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001071608700001 Publication Date 2023-08-18
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 (down) Open Access
Notes FWO, G013122N ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme; Horizon 2020; European Research Council, 802123-HDEM ; European Research Council; Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2023 IF: 2.843
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:200272 Serial 8987
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Author Rouwenhorst, K.H.R.; Jardali, F.; Bogaerts, A.; Lefferts, L.
Title Correction: From the Birkeland–Eyde process towards energy-efficient plasma-based NOXsynthesis: a techno-economic analysis Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Energy & Environmental Science Abbreviated Journal Energy Environ. Sci.
Volume 16 Issue 12 Pages 6170-6173
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract Correction for ‘From the Birkeland–Eyde process towards energy-efficient plasma-based NO<sub><italic>X</italic></sub>synthesis: a techno-economic analysis’ by Kevin H. R. Rouwenhorst<italic>et al.</italic>,<italic>Energy Environ. Sci.</italic>, 2021,<bold>14</bold>, 2520–2534, https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EE03763J.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2023-11-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1754-5692 ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor 32.5 Times cited (down) Open Access
Notes H2020 European Research Council; Horizon 2020, 810182 ; Ministerie van Economische Zaken en Klimaat; Approved Most recent IF: 32.5; 2023 IF: 29.518
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ Serial 8980
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Author Bagherpour, A.; Baral, P.; Colla, M.-S.; Orekhov, A.; Idrissi, H.; Haye, E.; Pardoen, T.; Lucas, S.
Title Tailoring Mechanical Properties of a-C:H:Cr Coatings Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Coatings Abbreviated Journal Coatings
Volume 13 Issue 12 Pages 2084
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The development of coatings with tunable performances is critical to meet a wide range of technological applications each one with different requirements. Using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process, scientists can create hydrogenated amorphous carbon coatings doped with metal (a-C:H:Me) with a broad range of mechanical properties, varying from those resembling polymers to ones resembling diamond. These diverse properties, without clear relations between the different families, make the material selection and optimization difficult but also very rich. An innovative approach is proposed here based on projected performance indices related to fracture energy, strength, and stiffness in order to classify and optimize a-C:H:Me coatings. Four different a-C:H:Cr coatings deposited by PECVD with Ar/C2H2 discharge under different bias voltage and pressures are investigated. A path is found to produce coatings with a selective critical energy release rate between 5–125 J/m2 without compromising yield strength (1.6–2.7 GPa) and elastic limit (≈0.05). Finally, fine-tuned coatings are categorized to meet desired applications under different testing conditions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001136013600001 Publication Date 2023-12-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2079-6412 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited (down) Open Access
Notes Walloon region under the PDR FNRS, C 62/5—PDR/OL 33677636 ; Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research, CDR—J.0113.20 ; National Fund for Scientific Reaserch; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202390 Serial 8982
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Author Ivanov, V.; Paunska, T.; Lazarova, S.; Bogaerts, A.; Kolev, S.
Title Gliding arc/glow discharge for CO2 conversion: Comparing the performance of different discharge configurations Type A1 Journal Article;CO2 conversion
Year 2023 Publication Journal of CO2 Utilization Abbreviated Journal
Volume 67 Issue Pages 102300
Keywords A1 Journal Article;CO2 conversion; CO2 dissociation; Low current gliding arc; Magnetic stabilization; Magnetically stabilized discharge; Gliding glow discharge; Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling Antwerp (PLASMANT) ;
Abstract We studied the use of low current (hundreds of milliamperes) gliding arc/glow discharges for CO2 dissociation, at atmospheric pressure, in three different configurations. All of these are based on the gliding arc design with flat diverging electrodes. The discharge is mainly in the normal glow regime with contracted positive column. The CO2 gas is injected from a nozzle, at the closest separation between the electrodes. A pair of quartz glasses is placed on both sides of the electrodes, so that the gas flow is restricted to the active plasma area, between the electrodes. For two of the tested configurations, an external magnetic field was applied, to create a magnetic force, both in the direction of the gas flow, and opposite to the gas flow. In the first case, the arc is accelerated, shortening the period between ignition and extinction, while in the second case, it is stabilized (magneticallystabilized). We studied two quantities, namely the CO2 conversion and the energy efficiency of the conversion. Generally, the CO2 conversion decreases with increasing flow rate and increases with power. The energy effi­ciency increases with the flow rate, for all configurations. The magnetically-stabilized configuration is more stable and efficient at low gas flow rates, but has poor performance at high flow rates, while the non-stabilized configurations exhibit good conversion for a larger range of flow rates, but they are generally more unstable and less efficient.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000891249700001 Publication Date 0000-00-00
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-9820 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.7 Times cited (down) Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This work was supported by the Bulgarian National Science Fund, Ministry of Education and Science, research grant KP-06-OPR 04/4 from 14.12.2018 and by the European Regional Development Fund within the Operational Programme “Science and Education for Smart Growth 2014 – 2020″ under the Project CoE “National center of mechatronics and clean technologies” BG05M2OP001-1.001-0008. Approved Most recent IF: 7.7; 2023 IF: 4.292
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:191816 Serial 7117
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Author Verheyen, C.; van ’t Veer, K.; Snyders, R.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Atomic oxygen assisted CO2 conversion: A theoretical analysis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of CO2 utilization Abbreviated Journal
Volume 67 Issue Pages 102347
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract With climate change still a pressing issue, there is a great need for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)

methods. We propose a novel concept where CO2 conversion is accomplished by O2 splitting followed by the

addition of O atoms to CO2. The latter is studied here by means of kinetic modelling. In the first instance, we

study various CO2/O ratios, and we observe an optimal CO2 conversion of around 30–40% for 50% O addition.

Gas temperature also has a large influence, with a minimum temperature of around 1000 K to a maximum of

2000 K for optimal conversion. In the second instance, we study various CO2/O/O2 ratios, due to O2 being a

starting gas. Also here we define optimal regions for CO2 conversion, which reach maximum conversion for a

CO2 fraction of 50% and an O/O2 ratio bigger than 1. Those can be expanded by heating on one hand, for low

atomic oxygen availability, and by quenching after reaction on the other hand, for cases where the temperatures

are too high. Our model predictions can serve as a guideline for experimental research in this domain.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000908384000005 Publication Date 0000-00-00
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-9820 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.7 Times cited (down) Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This research was supported by FWO – PhD fellowship-aspirant, Grant 1184820N. We also want to thank Bj¨orn Loenders and Joachim Slaets. Approved Most recent IF: 7.7; 2023 IF: 4.292
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:192321 Serial 7231
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