“Multi-level molecular modelling for plasma medicine”. Bogaerts A, Khosravian N, Van der Paal J, Verlackt CCW, Yusupov M, Kamaraj B, Neyts EC, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 49, 054002 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0022-3727/49/5/054002
Abstract: Modelling at the molecular or atomic scale can be very useful for obtaining a better insight in plasma medicine. This paper gives an overview of different atomic/molecular scale modelling approaches that can be used to study the direct interaction of plasma species with biomolecules or the consequences of these interactions for the biomolecules on a somewhat longer time-scale. These approaches include density functional theory (DFT), density functional based tight binding (DFTB), classical reactive and non-reactive molecular dynamics (MD) and united-atom or coarse-grained MD, as well as hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) methods. Specific examples will be given for three important types of biomolecules, present in human cells, i.e. proteins, DNA and phospholipids found in the cell membrane. The results show that each of these modelling approaches has its specific strengths and limitations, and is particularly useful for certain applications. A multi-level approach is therefore most suitable for obtaining a global picture of the plasma–biomolecule interactions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/49/5/054002
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“Direct Imaging of ALD Deposited Pt Nanoclusters inside the Giant Pores of MIL-101”. Meledina M, Turner S, Filippousi M, Leus K, Lobato I, Ramachandran RK, Dendooven J, Detavernier C, Van Der Voort P, Van Tendeloo G, Particle and particle systems characterization 33, 382 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppsc.201500252
Abstract: MIL-101 giant-pore metal-organic framework (MOF) materials have been loaded with Pt nanoparticles using atomic layer deposition. The final structure has been investigated by aberration-corrected annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy under strictly controlled low dose conditions. By combining the acquired experimental data with image simulations, the position of the small clusters within the individual pores of a metal-organic framework has been determined. The embedding of the Pt nanoparticles is confirmed by electron tomography, which shows a distinct ordering of the highly uniform Pt nanoparticles. The results show that atomic layer deposition is particularly well-suited for the deposition of individual nanoparticles inside MOF framework pores and that, upon proper regulation of the incident electron dose, annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy is a powerful tool for the characterization of this type of materials at a local scale.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.474
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1002/ppsc.201500252
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“CVD diamond growth from nanodiamond seeds buried under a thin chromium layer”. Degutis G, Pobedinskas P, Turner S, Lu Y-G, Al Riyami S, Ruttens B, Yoshitake T, D'Haen J, Haenen K, Verbeeck J, Hardy A, Van Bael MK, Diamond and related materials 64, 163 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.diamond.2016.02.013
Abstract: This work presents a morphological and structural analysis of CVD diamond growth on silicon from nanodiamond seeds covered by a 50 nm thick chromium layer. The role of carbon diffusion as well as chromium and carbon silicide formation is analyzed. The local diamond environment is investigated by scanning transmission electron microscopy in combination with electron energy-loss spectroscopy. The evolution of the diamond phase composition (sp3/sp2) is evaluated by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Raman and X-ray diffraction analysis are used to identify the interfacial phases formed during CVD growth. Based upon the observed morphological and structural evolution, a diamond growth model from nanodiamond seeds buried beneath a thin Cr layer is proposed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.561
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1016/j.diamond.2016.02.013
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“Extension of the basis set of linearized augmented plane wave (LAPW) method by using supplemented tight binding basis functions”. Nikolaev AV, Lamoen D, Partoens B, The journal of chemical physics 145, 014101 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4954962
Abstract: In order to increase the accuracy of the linearized augmented plane wave (LAPW) method, we present a new approach where the plane wave basis function is augmented by two different atomic radial components constructed at two different linearization energies corresponding to two different electron bands (or energy windows). We demonstrate that this case can be reduced to the standard treatment within the LAPW paradigm where the usual basis set is enriched by the basis functions of the tight binding type, which go to zero with zero derivative at the sphere boundary. We show that the task is closely related with the problem of extended core states which is currently solved by applying the LAPW method with local orbitals (LAPW+LO). In comparison with LAPW+LO, the number of supplemented basis functions in our approach is doubled, which opens up a new channel for the extension of the LAPW and LAPW+LO basis sets. The appearance of new supplemented basis functions absent in the LAPW+LO treatment is closely related with the existence of the ul-component in the canonical LAPW method. We discuss properties of additional tight binding basis functions and apply the extended basis set for computation of electron energy bands of lanthanum (face and body centered structures) and hexagonal close packed lattice of cadmium. We demonstrate that the new treatment gives lower total energies in comparison with both canonical LAPW and LAPW+LO, with the energy difference more pronounced for intermediate and poor LAPW basis sets.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.965
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1063/1.4954962
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“Influence of defect distribution on the reducibility of CeO2-x nanoparticles”. Spadaro MC, Luches P, Bertoni G, Grillo V, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Valeri S, D'Addato S, Nanotechnology 27, 425705 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/27/42/425705
Abstract: Ceria nanoparticles (NPs) are fundamental in heterogeneous catalysis because of their ability to store or release oxygen depending on the ambient conditions. Their oxygen storage capacity is strictly related to the exposed planes, crystallinity, density and distribution of defects. In this work a study of ceria NPs produced with a ligand-free, physical synthesis method is presented. The NP films were grown by a magnetron sputtering based gas aggregation source and studied by high resolution- and scanning-transmission electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In particular, the influence of the oxidation procedure on the NP reducibility has been investigated. The different reducibility has been correlated to the exposed planes, crystallinity and density and distribution of structural defects. The results obtained in this work represent a basis to obtain cerium oxide NP with desired oxygen transport properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/27/42/425705
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“Engineering excitonic dynamics and environmental stability of post-transition metal chalcogenides by pyridine functionalization technique”. Meng X, Pant A, Cai H, Kang J, Sahin H, Chen B, Wu K, Yang S, Suslu A, Peeters FM, Tongay S;, Nanoscale 7, 17109 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5nr04879f
Abstract: http://cmt.ua.ac.be/hsahin/publishedpapers/46.pdf
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1039/c5nr04879f
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“Hexagonal-shaped monolayer-bilayer quantum disks in graphene : a tight-binding approach”. da Costa, Zarenia M, Chaves A, Pereira JM Jr, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Physical review B 94, 035415 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.94.035415
Abstract: Using the tight-binding approach, we investigate confined states in two different hybrid monolayer-bilayer systems: (i) a hexagonal monolayer area surrounded by bilayer graphene in the presence of a perpendicularly applied electric field and (ii) a hexagonal bilayer graphene dot surrounded by monolayer graphene. The dependence of the energy levels on dot size and external magnetic field is calculated. We find that the energy spectrum for quantum dots with zigzag edges consists of states inside the gap which range from dot-localized states, edge states, to mixed states coexisting together, whereas for dots with armchair edges, only dot-localized states are observed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.94.035415
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“Majorana zero-energy modes and spin current evolution in mesoscopic superconducting loop systems with spin-orbit interaction”. Zha G-Q, Covaci L, Peeters FM, Zhou S-P, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 92, 094516 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.92.094516
Abstract: The Majorana zero modes and persistent spin current in mesoscopic d-wave-superconducting loops with spin-orbit (SO) interaction are investigated by numerically solving the spin-generalized Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations self-consistently. For some appropriate strength of the SO coupling, Majorana zero-energy states and sharp jumps of the spin-polarized currents can be observed when the highest energy levels cross the Fermi energy in the spectrum, leading to spin currents with opposite chirality flowing near the inner and outer edges of the sample. When the threaded magnetic flux turns on, four flux-dependent patterns of the persistent spin current with step-like features show up, accompanied by Majorana edge modes at flux values where the energy gap closes. Moreover, the Majorana zero mode is highly influenced by the direction of the Zeeman field. A finite in-plane field can lead to the gap opening since the inversion symmetry is broken. Remarkably, multiple Majorana zero-energy states occur in the presence of an out-of-plane field h(z), and the number of steps in the spin current evolution can be effectively tuned by the field strength due to the shift of Majorana zero modes. Finally, when the loop sample contains surface indentation defects, zero-energy modes can always show up in the presence of an appropriate h(z). Interestingly, multiple Majorana states may be present in the system with a corner defect even if h(z) = 0.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.92.094516
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“Modeling surface roughness scattering in metallic nanowires”. Moors K, Sorée B, Magnus W, Journal of applied physics 118, 124307 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4931573
Abstract: Ando's model provides a rigorous quantum-mechanical framework for electron-surface roughness scattering, based on the detailed roughness structure. We apply this method to metallic nanowires and improve the model introducing surface roughness distribution functions on a finite domain with analytical expressions for the average surface roughness matrix elements. This approach is valid for any roughness size and extends beyond the commonly used Prange-Nee approximation. The resistivity scaling is obtained from the self-consistent relaxation time solution of the Boltzmann transport equation and is compared to Prange-Nee's approach and other known methods. The results show that a substantial drop in resistivity can be obtained for certain diameters by achieving a large momentum gap between Fermi level states with positive and negative momentum in the transport direction. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1063/1.4931573
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“Structural, electrochemical and magnetic properties of a novel KFeSO4F polymorph”. Lander L, Rousse G, Abakumov AM, Sougrati M, Van Tendeloo G, Tarascon J-M, Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability 3, 19754 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5ta05548b
Abstract: In the quest for sustainable and low-cost positive electrode materials for Li-ion batteries, we discovered, as reported herein, a new low temperature polymorph of KFeSO4F. Contrary to the high temperature phase crystallizing in a KTiOPO4-like structure, this new phase adopts a complex layer-like structure built on FeO4F2 octahedra and SO4 tetrahedra, with potassium cations located in between the layers, as solved using neutron and synchrotron diffraction experiments coupled with electron diffraction. The detailed analysis of the structure reveals an alternation of edge-and corner-shared FeO4F2 octahedra leading to a large monoclinic cell of 1771.774(7) angstrom(3). The potassium atoms are mobile within the structure as deduced by ionic conductivity measurements and confirmed by the bond valence energy landscape approach thus enabling a partial electrochemical removal of K+ and uptake of Li+ at an average potential of 3.7 V vs. Li+/Li-0. Finally, neutron diffraction experiments coupled with SQUID measurements reveal a long range antiferromagnetic ordering of the Fe2+ magnetic moments below 22 K with a possible magnetoelectric behavior.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.867
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1039/c5ta05548b
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“Texturing of hydrothermally synthesized BaTiO3 in a strong magnetic field by slip casting”. Özen M, Mertens M, Snijkers F, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Ceramics international 42, 5382 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2015.12.073
Abstract: Barium titanate powder was processed by slip casting in a rotating strong magnetic field of 9.4 T. The orientation factor of the sintered compact was analyzed by the X-ray diffraction technique and the microstructure (grain-size) was analyzed by scanning electron microscope. The hydrothermally prepared barium titanate was used as matrix material and the molten-salt synthesized barium titanate, with a larger particle-size, was used as template for the templated grain-growth process. Addition of large template particles was observed to increase the orientation factor of the sintered cast (5 vol% loading). Template particles acted as starting grains for the abnormal grain-growth process and the average grain-size was increased after sintering. Increasing the solid loading (15 vol%) resulted in a similar orientation factor with a decrease of the average grain size by more than half. However, addition of templates to the 15 vol% cast had a negative effect on the orientation factor. The impingement of growing particles was stated as the primary cause of particle misorientation resulting in a low orientation factor after sintering. Different heating conditions were tested and it was determined that a slow heating rate gave the highest orientation factor, the smallest average grain-size and the highest relative density. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 2.986
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2015.12.073
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“Transport properties of bilayer graphene in a strong in-plane magnetic field”. Van der Donck M, Peeters FM, Van Duppen B, Physical review B 93, 115423 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.93.115423
Abstract: A strong in-plane magnetic field drastically alters the low-energy spectrum of bilayer graphene by separating the parabolic energy dispersion into two linear Dirac cones. The effect of this dramatic change on the transport properties strongly depends on the orientation of the in-plane magnetic field with respect to the propagation direction of the charge carriers and the angle at which they impinge on the electrostatic potentials. For magnetic fields oriented parallel to the potential boundaries an additional propagating mode that results from the splitting into Dirac cones enhances the transmission probability for charge carriers tunneling through the potentials and increases the corresponding conductance. Our results show that the chiral suppression of transmission at normal incidence, reminiscent of bilayer graphene's 2 pi Berry phase, is turned into a chiral enhancement when the magnetic field increases, thus indicating a transition from a bilayer to a monolayer-like system at normal incidence. Further, we find that the typical transmission resonances stemming from confinement in a potential barrier are shifted to higher energy and are eventually transformed into antiresonances with increasing magnetic field. For magnetic fields oriented perpendicular to the potential boundaries we find a very pronounced transition from a bilayer system to two separated monolayer-like systems with Klein tunneling emerging at certain incident angles symmetric around 0, which also leaves a signature in the conductance. For both orientations of the magnetic field, the transmission probability is still correctly described by pseudospin conservation. Finally, to motivate the large in-plane magnetic field, we show that its energy spectrum can be mimicked by specific lattice deformations such as a relative shift of one of the layers. With this equivalence we introduce the notion of an in-plane pseudomagnetic field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.93.115423
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“Quantitative in-situ TEM nanotensile testing of single crystal Ni facilitated by a new sample preparation approach”. Samaeeaghmiyoni V, Idrissi H, Groten J, Schwaiger R, Schryvers D, Micron 94, 66 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.micron.2016.12.005
Abstract: Twin-jet electro-polishing and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) were combined to produce small size Nickel single crystal specimens for quantitative in-situ nanotensile experiments in the transmission electron microscope. The combination of these techniques allows producing samples with nearly defect-free zones in the centre in contrast to conventional FIB-prepared samples. Since TEM investigations can be performed on the electro-polished samples prior to in-situ TEM straining, specimens with desired crystallographic orientation and initial microstructure can be prepared. The present results reveal a dislocation nucleation controlled plasticity, in which small loops induced by FIB near the edges of the samples play a central role.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.98
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2016.12.005
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“Atomic scale behavior of oxygen-based radicals in water”. Verlackt CCW, Neyts EC, Bogaerts A, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 50, 11LT01 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6463/aa5c60
Abstract: Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas in and in contact with liquids represent a growing field of research for various applications. Understanding the interactions between the plasma generated species and the liquid is crucial. In this work we perform molecular dynamics (MD) simulations based on a quantum mechanical method, i.e. density-functional based tight-binding (DFTB), to examine the interactions of OH radicals and O atoms in bulk water. Our calculations reveal that the transport of OH radicals through water is not only governed by diffusion, but also by an equilibrium reaction of H-abstraction with water molecules. Furthermore, when two OH radicals encounter each other, they either form a stable cluster, or react, resulting in the formation of a new water molecule and an O atom. In addition,
the O atoms form either oxywater (when in singlet configuration) or they remain stable in solution (when in triplet configuration), stressing the important role that O atoms can play in aqueous solution, and in contact with biomolecules. Our observations are in line with both experimental and ab initio results from the literature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/aa5c60
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“Shape-Resonant Superconductivity in Nanofilms: from Weak to Strong Coupling”. Cariglia M, Vargas-Paredes A, Doria MM, Bianconi A, Milošević, MV, Perali A, Journal of superconductivity and novel magnetism 29, 3081 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10948-016-3673-1
Abstract: Ultrathin superconductors of different materials are becoming a powerful platform to find mechanisms for enhancement of superconductivity, exploiting shape resonances in different superconducting properties. Here, we evaluate the superconducting gap and its spatial profile, the multiple gap components, and the chemical potential, of generic superconducting nanofilms, considering the pairing attraction and its energy scale as tunable parameters, from weak to strong coupling, at fixed electron density. Superconducting properties are evaluated at mean field level as a function of the thickness of the nanofilm, in order to characterize the shape resonances in the superconducting gap. We find that the most pronounced shape resonances are generated for weakly coupled superconductors, while approaching the strong coupling regime the shape resonances are rounded by a mixing of the subbands due to the large energy gaps extending over large energy scales. Finally, we find that the spatial profile, transverse to the nanofilm, of the superconducting gap acquires a flat behavior in the shape resonance region, indicating that a robust and uniform multigap superconducting state can arise at resonance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.18
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1007/S10948-016-3673-1
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“Calculation of binary and ternary metallic immiscible clusters with icosahedral structures”. Dzhurakhalov AA, Atanasov I, Hou M, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics , 115415 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.77.115415
Abstract: Recently, core-shell Ag-Co, Ag-Cu, and “onionlike” Cu-Co equilibrium configurations were predicted in the case of isolated face centered cubic (fcc) bimetallic clusters, and three shell onionlike configurations were predicted in the case of ternary metallic clusters with spherical and truncated octahedral morphologies. In the present paper, immiscible binary CuCo and ternary AgCuCo clusters with icosahedral structures are studied as functions of their size and composition. Clusters studied are formed by 13, 55, 147, 309, and 561 atoms corresponding to the five smallest possible closed shell icosahedral structures. An embedded atom model potential is used to describe their cohesion. Equilibrium configurations are investigated by means of Metropolis Monte Carlo free energy minimization in the (NPT) canonical ensemble. Most simulations are achieved at 10 and 300 K. The effect of temperature on segregation ordering is systematically investigated. Selected cases are used to identify the effect of size and composition on melting. In contrast with fcc clusters, homogeneous onionlike configurations of binary clusters are not predicted. When it is allowed by the composition, a complete outer shell is formed by Cu in binary Cu-Co clusters and by Ag in ternary Ag-Cu-Co clusters. Depending on temperature, Co may precipitate into decahedral groups under the Cu vertices of the icosahedra in binary clusters, while the Co-Cu configuration in ternary clusters drastically depends on the Ag coating. Despite the multicomponent character of the clusters and the immiscibility of the species forming them, for most compositions and sizes, equilibrium structures remain close to perfectly icosahedral at 10 K as well as at 300 K.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.77.115415
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“Investigations of discharge and post-discharge in a gliding arc: a 3D computational study”. Sun SR, Kolev S, Wang HX, Bogaerts A, Plasma sources science and technology 26, 055017 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6595/aa670a
Abstract: In this study we quantitatively investigate for the first time the plasma characteristics of an argon gliding arc with a 3D model. The model is validated by comparison with available experimental data from literature and a reasonable agreement is obtained for the calculated gas temperature and electron density. A complete arc cycle is modeled from initial ignition to arc decay. We investigate how the plasma characteristics, i.e., the electron temperature, gas temperature,
reduced electric field, and the densities of electrons, Ar+ and Ar2+ ions and Ar(4s) excited states, vary over one complete arc cycle, including their behavior in the discharge and post-discharge. These plasma characteristics exhibit a different evolution over one arc cycle, indicating that either the active discharge stage or the post-discharge stage can be beneficial for certain applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.302
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6595/aa670a
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“Graphene membrane as a pressure gauge”. Milovanović, SP, Tadic MZ, Peeters FM, Applied physics letters 111, 043101 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4995983
Abstract: Straining graphene results in the appearance of a pseudo-magnetic field which alters its local electronic properties. Applying a pressure difference between the two sides of the membrane causes it to bend/bulge resulting in a resistance change. We find that the resistance changes linearly with pressure for bubbles of small radius while the response becomes non-linear for bubbles that stretch almost to the edges of the sample. This is explained as due to the strong interference of propagating electronic modes inside the bubble. Our calculations show that high gauge factors can be obtained in this way which makes graphene a good candidate for pressure sensing. Published by AIP Publishing.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1063/1.4995983
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“Ballistic electron channels including weakly protected topological states in delaminated bilayer graphene”. Lane TLM, Andelkovic M, Wallbank JR, Covaci L, Peeters FM, Fal'ko VI, Physical review B 97, 045301 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.97.045301
Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('We show that delaminations in bilayer graphene (BLG) with electrostatically induced interlayer symmetry can provide one with ballistic channels for electrons with energies inside the electrostatically induced BLG gap. These channels are formed by a combination of valley-polarized evanescent states propagating along the delamination edges (which persist in the presence of a strong magnetic field) and standing waves bouncing between them inside the delaminated region (in a strong magnetic field, these transform into Landau levels in the monolayers). For inverted stackings in BLGs on the left and right of the delamination (AB-2ML-BA or BA-2ML-AB, where 2ML indicates two decoupled monolayers of graphene), the lowest-energy ballistic channels are gapless, have linear dispersion, and appear to be weakly topologically protected. When BLG stackings on both sides of the delamination are the same (AB-2ML-AB or BA-2ML-BA), the lowest-energy ballistic channels are gapped, with a gap epsilon(g) scaling as epsilon(g) alpha W-1 with delamination width and epsilon(g) alpha delta(-1) with the on-layer energy difference in the delaminated part of the structure. Depending on the width, delaminations may also support several \u0022higher-energy\u0022 waveguide modes. Our results are based on both the analytical study of the wave matching of Dirac states and tight-binding model calculations, and we analyze in detail the dependence of the delamination spectrum on the electrostatic conditions in the structure, such as the vertical displacement field.'));
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.97.045301
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“Crystal growth of the Nowotny chimney ladder phase Fe2Ge3 : exploring new Fe-based narrow-gap semiconductor with promising thermoelectric performance”. Verchenko VY, Wei Z, Tsirlin AA, Callaert C, Jesche A, Hadermann J, Dikarev EV, Shevelkov AV, Chemistry of materials 29, 9954 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.7B03300
Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('A new synthetic approach based on chemical transport reactions has been introduced to obtain the Nowotny chimney ladder phase Fe2Ge3 in the form of single crystals and polycrystalline powders. The single crystals possess the stoichiometric composition and the commensurate chimney ladder structure of the Ru2Sn3 type in contrast to the polycrystalline samples that are characterized by a complex microstructure. In compliance with the 18-n electron counting rule formulated for T-E intermetallics, electronic structure calculations reveal a narrow-gap semiconducting behavior of Fe2Ge3 favorable for high thermoelectric performance. Measurements of transport and thermoelectric properties performed on the polycrystalline samples confirm the formation of a narrow band gap of similar to 30 meV and reveal high absolute values of the Seebeck coefficient at elevated temperatures. Low glass-like thermal conductivity is observed in a wide temperature range that might be caused by the underlying complex microstructure.'));
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.7B03300
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“Designing diameter-modulated heterostructure nanowires of PbTe/Te by controlled dewetting”. Kumar A, Kundu S, Samantaray D, Kundu P, Zanaga D, Bals S, Ravishankar N, Nano letters 17, 7226 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.7B02442
Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('Heterostructures consisting of semiconductors with controlled morphology and interfaces find applications in many fields. A range of axial, radial, and diameter-modulated nanostructures have been synthesized primarily using vapor phase methods. Here, we present a simple wet chemical routine to synthesize heterostructures of PbTe/Te using Te nanowires as templates. A morphology evolution study for the formation of these heterostructures has been performed. On the basis of these control experiments, a pathway for the formation of these nanostructures is proposed. Reduction of a Pb precursor to Pb on Te nanowire templates followed by interdiffusion of Pb/Te leads to the formation of a thin shell of PbTe on the Te wires. Controlled dewetting of the thin shell leads to the formation of cube-shaped PbTe that is periodically arranged on the Te wires. Using control experiments, we show that different reactions parameters like rate of addition of the reducing agent, concentration of Pb precursor and thickness of initial Te nanowire play a critical role in controlling the spacing between the PbTe cubes on the Te wires. Using simple surface energy arguments, we propose a mechanism for the formation of the hybrid. The principles presented are general and can be exploited for the synthesis of other nanoscale heterostructures.'));
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.7B02442
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“Single-walled carbon nanotube reactor for redox transformation of mercury dichloride”. Fedoseeva YV, Orekhov AS, Chekhova GN, Koroteev VO, Kanygin MA, Seovskiy BV, Chuvilin A, Pontiroli D, Ricco M, Bulusheva LG, Okotrub AV, ACS nano 11, 8643 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSNANO.7B04361
Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) possessing a confined inner space protected by chemically resistant shells are promising for delivery, storage, and desorption of various compounds, as well as carrying out specific reactions. Here, we show that SWCNTs interact with molten mercury dichloride (HgCl2) and guide its transformation into dimercury dichloride (Hg2Cl2) in the cavity. The chemical state of host SWCNTs remains almost unchanged except for a small p-doping from the guest Hg2Cl2 nanocrystals. The density functional theory calculations reveal that the encapsulated HgCl2 molecules become negatively charged and start interacting via chlorine bridges when local concentration increases. This reduces the bonding strength in HgCl2, which facilitates removal of chlorine, finally leading to formation of Hg2Cl2 species. The present work demonstrates that SWCNTs not only serve as a template for growing nanocrystals but also behave as an electron-transfer catalyst in the spatially confined redox reaction by donation of electron density for temporary use by the guests.'));
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.942
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1021/ACSNANO.7B04361
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“Characterization of silver-polymer core–shell nanoparticles using electron microscopy”. Claes N, Asapu R, Blommaerts N, Verbruggen SW, Lenaerts S, Bals S, Nanoscale 10, 9186 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR09517A
Abstract: Silver-polymer core–shell nanoparticles show interesting optical properties, making them widely applicable in the field of plasmonics. The uniformity, thickness and homogeneity of the polymer shell will affect the properties of the system which makes a thorough structural characterization of these core–shell silver-polymer nanoparticles of great importance. However, visualizing the shell and the particle simultaneously is far from straightforward due to the sensitivity of the polymer shell towards the electron beam. In this study, we use different 2D and 3D electron microscopy techniques to investigate different structural aspects of the polymer coating.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1039/C7NR09517A
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“Evidence from quantum Monte Carlo simulations of large-gap superfluidity and BCS-BEC crossover in double electron-hole layers”. Rios PL, Perali A, Needs RJ, Neilson D, Physical review letters 120, 177701 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.120.177701
Abstract: We report quantum Monte Carlo evidence of the existence of large gap superfluidity in electron-hole double layers over wide density ranges. The superfluid parameters evolve from normal state to BEC with decreasing density, with the BCS state restricted to a tiny range of densities due to the strong screening of Coulomb interactions, which causes the gap to rapidly become large near the onset of superfluidity. The superfluid properties exhibit similarities to ultracold fermions and iron-based superconductors, suggesting an underlying universal behavior of BCS-BEC crossovers in pairing systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.120.177701
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“Terahertz magneto-optical properties of bi- and tri-layer graphene”. Mei H, Xu W, Wang C, Yuan H, Zhang C, Ding L, Zhang J, Deng C, Wang Y, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 30, 175701 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-648X/AAB81D
Abstract: Magneto-optical (MO) properties of bi- and tri-layer graphene are investigated utilizing terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz TDS) in the presence of a strong magnetic field at room-temperature. In the Faraday configuration and applying optical polarization measurements, we measure the real and imaginary parts of the longitudinal and transverse MO conductivities of different graphene samples. The obtained experimental data fits very well with the classical MO Drude formula. Thus, we are able to obtain the key sample and material parameters of bi- and tri-layer graphene, such as the electron effective mass, the electronic relaxation time and the electron density. It is found that in high magnetic fields the electronic relaxation time tau for bi- and tri-layer graphene increases with magnetic field B roughly in a form tau similar to B-2. Most importantly, we obtain the electron effective mass for bi- and tri-layer graphene at room-temperature under non-resonant conditions. This work shows how the advanced THz MO techniques can be applied for the investigation into fundamental physics properties of atomically thin 2D electronic systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1088/1361-648X/AAB81D
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“Enhancement of plasma generation in catalyst pores with different shapes”. Zhang Y-R, Neyts EC, Bogaerts A, Plasma sources science and technology 27, 055008 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6595/aac0e4
Abstract: Plasma generation inside catalyst pores is of utmost importance for plasma catalysis, as the existence of plasma species inside the pores affects the active surface area of the catalyst available to the plasma species for catalytic reactions. In this paper, the electric field enhancement, and thus the plasma production inside catalyst pores with different pore shapes is studied with a two-dimensional fluid model. The results indicate that the electric field will be significantly enhanced near tip-like structures. In a conical pore with small opening, the strongest electric field appears at the opening and bottom corners of the pore, giving rise to a prominent ionization rate throughout the pore. For a cylindrical pore, the electric field is only enhanced at the bottom corners of the pore, with lower absolute value, and thus the ionization rate inside the pore is only slightly enhanced. Finally, in a conical pore with large opening, the electric field is characterized by a maximum at the bottom of the pore, yielding a similar behavior for the ionization rate. These results demonstrate that the shape of the pore has a significantly influence on the electric field enhancement, and thus modifies the plasma properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.302
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6595/aac0e4
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“Monitoring the effect of asymmetrical vertical strain on Janus single layers of MoSSe via spectrum”. Kandemir A, Peeters FM, Sahin H, The journal of chemical physics 149, 084707 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.5043207
Abstract: Using first principles calculations, we study the structural and phononic properties of the recently synthesized Janus type single layers of molybdenum dichalcogenides. The Janus MoSSe single layer possesses 2H crystal structure with two different chalcogenide sides that lead to out-of-plane anisotropy. By virtue of the asymmetric structure of the ultra-thin Janus type crystal, we induced the out-of-plane anisotropy to show the distinctive vertical pressure effect on the vibrational properties of the Janus material. It is proposed that for the corresponding Raman active optical mode of the Janus structure, the phase modulation and the magnitude ratio of the strained atom and its first neighbor atom adjust the distinctive change in the eigen-frequencies and Raman activity. Moreover, a strong variation in the Raman activity of the Janus structure is obtained under bivertical and univertical strains. Not only eigen-frequency shifts but also Raman activities of the optical modes of the Janus structure exhibit distinguishable features. This study reveals that the vertical anisotropic feature of the Janus structure under Raman measurement allows us to distinguish which side of the Janus crystal interacts with the externals (substrate, functional adlayers, or dopants). Published by AIP Publishing.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.965
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1063/1.5043207
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“Clustering behavior during natural aging and artificial aging in Al-Mg-Si alloys with different Ag and Cu addition”. Weng Y, Jia Z, Ding L, Muraishi S, Liu Q, Microstructure And Processing 732, 273 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MSEA.2018.07.018
Abstract: The effect of Ag and Cu addition on clustering behavior of Al-Mg-Si alloys during natural aging (NA) and artificial aging (AA) was investigated by hardness measurement, tensile test and atom probe tomography analysis. The results show that both Ag and Cu atoms could enter clusters and GP-zones, change the Mg/Si ratio and increase their volume fractions. Compared with the Al base alloy, the clusters in the Ag/Cu-added alloys more easily transform to beta" phases for size and compositional similarity, and the strengthening ability of these particles is enhanced by the increased volume fraction and shear modulus. In NA condition, Cu is greater in improving the volume fraction of clusters than Ag and thus produces higher T4 temper hardness. In AA condition, in contrary, Ag is more effective in facilitating the formation and growth of particles than Cu due to the stronger Ag-Mg interaction and the high diffusivity of Ag atoms in Al matrix, leading to highest hardening response. Compared to the Cu-added alloy, the Ag-added alloy shows higher precipitation kinetics during AA treatment and maintains a lower T4 temper hardness.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.094
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1016/J.MSEA.2018.07.018
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“Effect of zinc oxide modification by indium oxide on microstructure, adsorbed surface species, and sensitivity to CO”. Marikutsa A, Rumyantseva M, Gaskov A, Batuk M, Hadermann J, Sarmadian N, Saniz R, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Frontiers in materials 6 (2019). http://doi.org/10.3389/FMATS.2019.00043
Abstract: Additives in semiconductor metal oxides are commonly used to improve sensing behavior of gas sensors. Due to complicated effects of additives on the materials microstructure, adsorption sites and reactivity to target gases the sensing mechanism with modified metal oxides is a matter of thorough research. Herein, we establish the promoting effect of nanocrystalline zinc oxide modification by 1-7 at.% of indium on the sensitivity to CO gas due to improved nanostructure dispersion and concentration of active sites. The sensing materials were synthesized via an aqueous coprecipitation route. Materials composition, particle size and BET area were evaluated using X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption isotherms, high-resolution electron microscopy techniques and EDX-mapping. Surface species of chemisorbed oxygen, OH-groups, and acid sites were characterized by probe molecule techniques and infrared spectroscopy. It was found that particle size of zinc oxide decreased and the BET area increased with the amount of indium oxide. The additive was observed as amorphous indium oxide segregated on agglomerated ZnO nanocrystals. The measured concentration of surface species was higher on In2O3-modified zinc oxide. With the increase of indium oxide content, the sensor response of ZnO/In2O3 to CO was improved. Using in situ infrared spectroscopy, it was shown that oxidation of CO molecules was enhanced on the modified zinc oxide surface. The effect of modifier was attributed to promotion of surface OH-groups and enhancement of CO oxidation on the segregated indium ions, as suggested by DFT in previous work.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.3389/FMATS.2019.00043
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“Experimental observation of electron-phonon coupling enhancement in Sn nanowires caused by phonon confinement effects”. Lozano DP, Couet S, Petermann C, Hamoir G, Jochum JK, Picot T, Menendez E, Houben K, Joly V, Antohe VA, Hu MY, Leu BM, Alatas A, Said AH, Roelants S, Partoens B, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Piraux L, Van de Vondel J, Vantomme A, Temst K, Van Bael MJ, Physical review B 99, 064512 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.99.064512
Abstract: Reducing the size of a superconductor below its characteristic length scales can either enhance or suppress its critical temperature (T-c). Depending on the bulk value of the electron-phonon coupling strength, electronic and phonon confinement effects will play different roles in the modification of T-c. Experimentally disentangling each contribution has remained a challenge. We have measured both the phonon density of states and T-c of Sn nanowires with diameters of 18, 35, and 100 nm in order to quantify the effects of phonon confinement on superconductivity. We observe a shift of the phonon frequency towards the low-energy region and an increase in the electron-phonon coupling constant that can account for the measured increase in T-c.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.99.064512
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