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Author Zheng, G.; Chen, Z.; Sentosun, K.; Pérez-Juste, I.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Pastoriza-Santos, I.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Hong, M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Shape control in ZIF-8 nanocrystals and metal nanoparticles@ZIF-8 heterostructures Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 16645-16651  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Shape control in metal-organic frameworks still remains a challenge. We propose a strategy based on the capping agent modulator method to control the shape of ZIF-8 nanocrystals. This approach requires the use of a surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and a second capping agent, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS), to obtain ZIF-8 nanocrystals with morphology control in aqueous media. Semiempirical computational simulations suggest that both shape-inducing agents adsorb onto different surface facets of ZIF-8, thereby slowing down their crystal growth rates. While CTAB molecules preferentially adsorb onto the {100} facets, leading to ZIF-8 particles with cubic morphology, TRIS preferentially stabilizes the {111} facets, inducing the formation of octahedral crystals. Interestingly, the presence of both capping agents leads to nanocrystals with irregular shapes and higher index facets, such as hexapods and burr puzzles. Additionally, the combination of ZIF-8 nanocrystals with other materials is expected to impart additional properties due to the hybrid nature of the resulting nanocomposites. In the present case, the presence of CTAB and TRIS molecules as capping agents facilitates the synthesis of metal nanoparticle@ZIF-8 nanocomposites, due to synergistic effects which could be of use in a number of applications such as catalysis, gas sensing and storage.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000414960900015 Publication Date 2017-07-25  
  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 7.367 Times cited 109 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO, Spain), under the Grants MAT2013- 45168-R and MAT2016-77809-R. This study was also funded by the Xunta de Galicia/FEDER (ED431C 2016-048). We are grateful to the financial support from National Natural Science Foundation of China (21671010), Guangdong Science and Technology Program (2013A061401002), and Shenzhen Strategic Emerging Industries (KQCX2015032709315529, CXZZ20140419131807788). Approved Most recent IF: 7.367  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:145827UA @ admin @ c:irua:145827 Serial 4705  
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Author Li, W.; Tong, W.; Yadav, A.; Bladt, E.; Bals, S.; Funston, A.M.; Etheridge, J. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Shape control beyond the seeds in gold nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemistry Of Materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 33 Issue 23 Pages 9152-9164  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In typical seed-mediated syntheses of metal nanocrystals, the shape of the nanocrystal is determined largely by the seed nucleation environment and subsequent growth environment (where “environment” refers to the chemical environment, including the surfactant and additives). In this approach, crystallinity is typically determined by the seeds, and surfaces are controlled by the environment(s). However, surface energies, and crystallinity, are both influenced by the choice of environment(s). This limits the permutations of crystallinity and surface facets that can be mixed and matched to generate new nanocrystal morphologies. Here, we control post-seed growth to deliberately incorporate twin planes during the growth stage to deliver new final morphologies, including twinned cubes and bipyramids from single-crystal seeds. The nature and number of twin planes, together with surfactant control of facet growth, define the final nanoparticle morphology. Moreover, by breaking symmetry, the twin planes introduce new facet orientations. This additional mechanism opens new routes for the synthesis of different morphologies and facet orientations.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000753956100012 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756; 1520-5002 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 3 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes This work was supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Grants DP160104679 and CE170100026 and used microscopes at the Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy funded by ARC Grants LE0454166, LE110100223, and LE140100104. W.L. thanks the support of the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship. W.T. thanks the Australian Department of Education and Monash University for the IPRS and APA scholarships. E.B. acknowledges financial support and a post-doctoral grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium). The authors thank Dr. Matthew Weyland and Dr. Tim Peterson for helpful discussions. A.Y. thanks the support from Post Graduation Publication Award (PPA) scholarship from Monash University. Approved Most recent IF: 9.466  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187229 Serial 7065  
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Author Galván-Moya, J.E.; Altantzis, T.; Nelissen, K.; Peeters, F.M.; Grzelczak, M.; Liz-Marán, L.M.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Self-organization of highly symmetric nanoassemblies : a matter of competition Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano  
  Volume 8 Issue 4 Pages 3869-3875  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)  
  Abstract The properties and applications of metallic nanoparticles are inseparably connected not only to their detailed morphology and composition but also to their structural configuration and mutual interactions. As a result, the assemblies often have superior properties as compared to individual nanoparticles. Although it has been reported that nanoparticles can form highly symmetric clusters, if the configuration can be predicted as a function of the synthesis parameters, more targeted and accurate synthesis will be possible. We present here a theoretical model that accurately predicts the structure and configuration of self-assembled gold nanoclusters. The validity of the model is verified using quantitative experimental data extracted from electron tomography 3D reconstructions of different assemblies. The present theoretical model is generic and can in principle be used for different types of nanoparticles, providing a very wide window of potential applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000334990600084 Publication Date 2014-03-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1936-0851;1936-086X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 13.942 Times cited 34 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes FWO; Methusalem; 246791 COUNTATOMS; 335078 COLOURATOM; 262348 ESMI; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 13.942; 2014 IF: 12.881  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:116955 Serial 2977  
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Author Kerkhofs, S.; Willhammar, T.; Van Den Noortgate, H.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Breynaert, E.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.; Martens, J.A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Self-Assembly of Pluronic F127—Silica Spherical Core–Shell Nanoparticles in Cubic Close-Packed Structures Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 27 Issue 27 Pages 5161-5169  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A new ordered mesoporous silica material (COK-19) with cubic symmetry is synthesized by silicate polycondensation in a citric acid/citrate buffered micellar solution of Pluronic F127 triblock copolymer near neutral pH. SAXS, nitrogen adsorption, TEM, and electron tomography reveal the final material has a cubic close packed symmetry (Fm3̅m) with isolated spherical mesopores interconnected through micropores. Heating of the synthesis medium from room temperature to 70 °C results in a mesopore size increase from 7.0 to 11.2 nm. Stepwise addition of the silicate source allows isolation of a sequence of intermediates that upon characterization with small-angle X-ray scattering uncovers the formation process via formation and aggregation of individual silica-covered Pluronic micelles.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000359499100003 Publication Date 2015-07-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 39 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes J.A.M. acknowledges the Flemish government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem, METH/08/04). The Belgian government is acknowledged for financing the interuniversity poles of attraction (IAP-PAI, P7/05 FS2). G.V.T., S.B. and T.W. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant no. 335078-COLOURATOMS). E.B. acknowledges financial support the Flemish FWO for a postdoctoral fellowship (1265013N). The authors gratefully thank Kristof Houthoofd for performing the NMR experiments.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2015 IF: 8.354  
  Call Number c:irua:127758 Serial 3977  
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Author Reguera, J.; Flora, T.; Winckelmans, N.; Rodriguez-Cabello, J.C.; Bals, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Self-assembly of Janus Au:Fe₃O₄ branched nanoparticles. From organized clusters to stimuli-responsive nanogel suprastructures Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Nanoscale Advances Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 2 Issue 6 Pages 2525-2530  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Janus nanoparticles offer enormous possibilities through a binary selective functionalization and dual properties. Their self-assembly has attracted strong interest due to their potential as building blocks to obtain molecular colloids, supracrystals and well-organized nanostructures that can lead to new functionalities. However, this self-assembly has been focused on relatively simple symmetrical morphologies, while for complex nanostructures this process has been unexplored. Here, we study the assembly of plasmonic-magnetic Janus nanoparticles with a branched (nanostar) – sphere morphology. The branched morphology enhances their plasmonic properties in the near-infrared region and therefore their applicability, but at the same time constrains their self-assembly capabilities to obtain more organized or functional suprastructures. We describe the self-assembly of these nanoparticles after amphiphilic functionalization. The role of the nanoparticle branching, as well as the size of the polymer-coating, is explored. We show how the use of large molecular weight stabilizing polymers can overcome the anisotropy of the nanoparticles producing a change in the morphology from small clusters to larger quasi-cylindrical nanostructures. Finally, the Janus nanoparticles are functionalized with a thermo-responsive elastin-like recombinamer. These nanoparticles undergo reversible self-assembly in the presence of free polymer giving rise to nanoparticle-stabilized nanogel-like structures with controlled size, providing the possibility to expand their applicability to multi-stimuli controlled self-assembly.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000543283200032 Publication Date 2020-04-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2516-0230 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.7 Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; J. R. acknowledges the.nancial support of Basque Country Elkartek-KK-2019/ 00101. T. F. and J. C. R-C acknowledge the funding from the European Commission (NMP-2014-646075), the Spanish Government (PCIN-2015-010 (FunBioPlas), MAT2016-78903-R), Junta de Castilla y Leon (VA317P18) and Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y Leon. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.7; 2020 IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:170773 Serial 6600  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Venturi, F.; Calizzi, M.; Bals, S.; Perkisas, T.; Pasquini, L. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Self-assembly of gas-phase synthesized magnesium nanoparticles on room temperature substrates Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Materials research express Abbreviated Journal Mater Res Express  
  Volume 2 Issue 2 Pages 015007  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Magnesium nanoparticles (NPs) with initial size in the 10-50 nmrange were synthesized by inert gas condensation under helium flow and deposited on room temperature substrates. The morphology and crystal structure of the NPs ensemble were investigated as a function of the deposition time by complementary electron microscopy techniques, including high resolution imaging and chemical mapping. With increasing amount of material, strong coarsening phenomena were observed at room temperature: small NPs disappeared while large faceted NPs developed, leading to a 5-fold increase of the average NPs size within a few minutes. The extent of coarsening and the final morphology depended also on the nature of the substrate. Furthermore, large single-crystal NPs were seen to arise from the self-organization of primary NPs units, providing a mechanism for crystal growth. The dynamics of the self-assembly process involves the basic steps of NPs sticking, diffusion on substrate, coordinated rotation and attachment/coalescence. Key features are the surface energy anisotropy, reflected by the faceted shape of the NPs, and the low melting point of the material. The observed phenomena have strong implications in relation to the synthesis and stability of nanostructures based on Mg or other elements with similar features.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher IOP Publishing Place of Publication Bristol Editor  
  Language Wos 000369978500007 Publication Date 2014-12-31  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2053-1591 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.068 Times cited 14 Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ; Financial support by COST Action MP1103 'Nanostructured Materials for Solid-State Hydrogen Storage' is gratefully acknowledged. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.068; 2015 IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:132275 Serial 4240  
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Author Borah, R.; Smets, J.; Ninakanti, R.; Tietze, M.L.; Ameloot, R.; Chigrin, D.N.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Self-assembled ligand-capped plasmonic Au nanoparticle films in the Kretschmann configuration for sensing of volatile organic compounds Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication ACS applied nano materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 5 Issue 8 Pages acsanm.2c02524-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Films of close-packed Au nanoparticles are coupled electrodynamically through their collective plasmon resonances. This collective optical response results in enhanced light–matter interactions, which can be exploited in various applications. Here, we demonstrate their application in sensing volatile organic compounds, using methanol as a test case. Ordered films over several cm2 were obtained by interfacial self-assembly of colloidal Au nanoparticles (∼10 nm diameter) through controlled evaporation of the solvent. Even though isolated nanoparticles of this size are inherently nonscattering, when arranged in a close-packed film the plasmonic coupling results in a strong reflectance and absorbance. The in situ tracking of vapor phase methanol concentration through UV–vis transmission measurements of the nanoparticle film is first demonstrated. Next, in situ ellipsometry of the self-assembled films in the Kretschmann (also known as ATR) configuration is shown to yield enhanced sensitivity, especially with phase difference measurements, Δ. Our study shows the excellent agreement between theoretical models of the spectral response of self-assembled films with experimental in situ sensing experiments. At the same time, the theoretical framework provides the basis for the interpretation of the various observed experimental trends. Combining periodic nanoparticle films with ellipsometry in the Kretschmann configuration is a promising strategy toward highly sensitive and selective plasmonic thin-film devices based on colloidal fabrication methods for volatile organic compound (VOC) sensing applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000834348300001 Publication Date 2022-07-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2574-0970 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.9 Times cited 11 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes R.B. acknowledges financial support from the University of Antwerp Special Research Fund (BOF) for a DOCPRO4 doctoral scholarship. J.S. acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) by a Ph.D. fellowship (11H8121N) . M.L.T. acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) by a senior postdoctoral fellowship (12ZK720N) . Approved Most recent IF: 5.9  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189295 Serial 7095  
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Author Borah, R.; Ninakanti, R.; Nuyts, G.; Peeters, H.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Nuti, S.; Vande Velde, C.; De Wael, K.; Lenaerts, S.; Bals, S.; Verbruggen, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Selectivity in ligand functionalization of photocatalytic metal oxide nanoparticles for phase transfer and self‐assembly applications Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemistry-A European Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem-Eur J  
  Volume Issue Pages chem.202100029-15  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)  
  Abstract Functionalization of photocatalytic metal oxide nanoparticles of TiO 2 , ZnO, WO 3 and CuO with amine‐terminated (oleylamine) and thiol‐terminated (1‐dodecanethiol) alkyl chained ligands was studied under ambient conditions. A high selectivity was observed in the binding specificity of a ligand towards nanoparticles of these different oxides. It was observed that oleylamine binds stably to only TiO 2 and WO 3 , while 1‐dodecanethiol binds stably only to ZnO and CuO. Similarly, polar to non‐polar solvent phase transfer of TiO 2 and WO 3 nanoparticles could be achieved by using oleylamine, but not by 1‐dodecanethiol, while the contrary holds for ZnO and CuO. The surface chemistry of ligand functionalized nanoparticles was probed by ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy, that enabled to elucidate the occupation of the ligands at the active sites. The photo‐stability of the ligands on the nanoparticle surface was determined by the photocatalytic self‐cleaning properties of the material. While TiO 2 and WO 3 degrade the ligands within 24 hours under both UV and visible light, ligands on ZnO and CuO remain unaffected. The gathered insights are also highly relevant from an application point of view. As an example, since the ligand functionalized nanoparticles are hydrophobic in nature, they can thus be self‐assembled at the air‐water interface, for obtaining nanoparticle films with demonstrated photocatalytic as well as anti‐fogging properties.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000652651400001 Publication Date 2021-04-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0947-6539 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.317 Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes R.B. and S.W.V. acknowledge financial support from the University of Antwerp Special Research Fund (BOF) for a DOCPRO4 doctoral scholarship. S.B. and A.P.-T. acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Program by means of the grant agreement no. 731019 EUSMI and the ERC Consolidator grant no. 815128 REALNANO.; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 5.317  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177495 Serial 6787  
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Author Bals, S.; Goris, B.; Altantzis, T.; Heidari, H.; Van Aert, S.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Seeing and measuring in 3D with electrons Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Comptes rendus : physique Abbreviated Journal Cr Phys  
  Volume 15 Issue 2-3 Pages 140-150  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Modern TEM enables the investigation of nanostructures at the atomic scale. However, TEM images are only two-dimensional (2D) projections of a three-dimensional (3D) object. Electron tomography can overcome this limitation. The technique is increasingly focused towards quantitative measurements and reaching atomic resolution in 3D has been the ultimate goal for many years. Therefore, one needs to optimize the acquisition of the data, the 3D reconstruction techniques as well as the quantification methods. Here, we will review a broad range of methodologies and examples. Finally, we will provide an outlook and will describe future challenges in the field of electron tomography.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Paris Editor  
  Language Wos 000334013600005 Publication Date 2014-01-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1631-0705; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.048 Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes (FWO;Belgium); European Research Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7); ERC grant No.246791 – COUNTATOMS; ERC grant No.335078 – COLOURATOMS; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 2.048; 2014 IF: 2.035  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:113855 Serial 2960  
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Author Angelomé, P.C.; Heidari Mezerji, H.; Goris, B.; Pastoriza-Santos, I.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Seedless synthesis of single crystalline Au nanoparticles with unusual shapes and tunable LSPR in the near-IR Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2012 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater  
  Volume 24 Issue 7 Pages 1393-1399  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The plasmonic properties of metal nanoparticles have acquired great importance because of their potential applications in very diverse fields. Metal nanoparticles with localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) in the near-infrared (NIR, 7501300 nm) are of particular interest because tissues, blood, and water display low absorption in this spectral range, thus facilitating biomedical applications. Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) was used to induce the seedless formation of highly anisotropic, twisted single crystalline Au nanoparticles in a single step. The LSPR of the obtained particles can be tuned from 600 nm up to 1400 nm by simply changing the reaction temperature or the reagents concentrations. The tunability of the LSPR is closely associated with significant changes in the final particle morphology, which was studied by advanced electron microscopy techniques (3D Tomography and HAADF-STEM). Kinetic experiments were carried out to establish the growth mechanism, suggesting that slow kinetics together with the complexation of the gold salt precursor to CTAC are key factors favoring the formation of these anisotropic particles.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor  
  Language Wos 000302487500020 Publication Date 2012-03-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0897-4756;1520-5002; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 42 Open Access  
  Notes Fwo Approved Most recent IF: 9.466; 2012 IF: 8.238  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:97388 Serial 2959  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Xia, C.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Wang, D.; Meeldijk, J.D.; Gerritsen, H.C.; Bals, S.; de Donega, C.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Seeded growth combined with cation exchange for the synthesis of anisotropic Cu2-xS/ZnS, Cu2-xS, and CuInS2 nanorods Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 33 Issue 1 Pages 102-116  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Colloidal copper(I) sulfide (Cu2-xS) nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted much attention for a wide range of applications because of their unique optoelectronic properties, driving scientists to explore the potential of using Cu2-xS NCs as seeds in the synthesis of heteronanocrystals to achieve new multifunctional materials. Herein, we developed a multistep synthesis strategy toward Cu2-xS/ZnS heteronanorods. The Janus-type Cu2-xS/ZnS heteronanorods are obtained by the injection of hexagonal high-chalcocite Cu2-xS seed NCs in a hot zinc oleate solution in the presence of suitable surfactants, 20 s after the injection of sulfur precursors. The Cu2-xS seed NCs undergo rapid aggregation and coalescence in the first few seconds after the injection, forming larger NCs that act as the effective seeds for heteronucleation and growth of ZnS. The ZnS heteronucleation occurs on a single (100) facet of the Cu2-xS seed NCs and is followed by fast anisotropic growth along a direction that is perpendicular to the c-axis, thus leading to Cu2-xS/ZnS Janus-type heteronanorods with a sharp heterointerface. Interestingly, the high-chalcocite crystal structure of the injected Cu2-xS seed NCs is preserved in the Cu2-xS segments of the heteronanorods because of the highthermodynamic stability of this Cu2-xS phase. The Cu2-xS/ZnS heteronanorods are subsequently converted into single-component Cu2-xS and CuInS2 nanorods by postsynthetic topotactic cation exchange. This work expands the possibilities for the rational synthesis of colloidal multicomponent heteronanorods by allowing the design principles of postsynthetic heteroepitaxial seeded growth and nanoscale cation exchange to be combined, yielding access to a plethora of multicomponent heteronanorods with diameters in the quantum confinement regime.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000610984700009 Publication Date 2020-12-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes C.X. acknowledges China Scholarship Council (CSC) for the financial support (grant number 201406330055). C.d.M.D. acknowledges funding from the European Commission for access to the EMAT facilities (grant number EUSMI E180900184). D.W. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in Horizon 2020 program (grant 894254 SuprAtom). S.B. acknowledges support by means of the ERC Consolidator grant no. 815128 REALNANO. The authors thank Donglong Fu for XRD measurements.; sygma Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176587 Serial 6732  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vlasov, E.; Skorikov, A.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) 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.  
  Address  
  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 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Guerrero, R.M.; Lemir, I.D.; Carrasco, S.; Fernández-Ruiz, C.; Kavak, S.; Pizarro, P.; Serrano, D.P.; Bals, S.; Horcajada, P.; Pérez, Y. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Scaling-Up Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Highly Defective Pd@UiO-66-NH2Catalysts for Selective Olefin Hydrogenation under Ambient Conditions Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Abbreviated Journal ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract The need to develop green and cost-effective industrial catalytic processes has led to growing interest in preparing more robust, efficient, and selective heterogeneous catalysts at a large scale. In this regard, microwave-assisted synthesis is a fast method for fabricating heterogeneous catalysts (including metal oxides, zeolites, metal–organic frameworks, and supported metal nanoparticles) with enhanced catalytic properties, enabling synthesis scale-up. Herein, the synthesis of nanosized UiO-66-NH2 was optimized via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to obtain defective matrices essential for the stabilization of metal nanoparticles, promoting catalytically active sites for hydrogenation reactions (760 kg·m–3·day–1 space time yield, STY). Then, this protocol was scaled up in a multimodal microwave reactor, reaching 86% yield (ca. 1 g, 1450 kg·m–3·day–1 STY) in only 30 min. Afterward, Pd nanoparticles were formed in situ decorating the nanoMOF by an effective and fast microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, resulting in the formation of Pd@UiO-66-NH2 composites. Both the localization and oxidation states of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) in the MOF were achieved using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The optimal composite, loaded with 1.7 wt % Pd, exhibited an extraordinary catalytic activity (>95% yield, 100% selectivity) under mild conditions (1 bar H2, 25 °C, 1 h reaction time), not only in the selective hydrogenation of a variety of single alkenes (1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-tridecene, cyclohexene, and tetraphenyl ethylene) but also in the conversion of a complex mixture of alkenes (i.e., 1-hexene, 1-tridecene, and anethole). The results showed a powerful interaction and synergy between the active phase (Pd NPs) and the catalytic porous scaffold (UiO-66-NH2), which are essential for the selectivity and recyclability.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2024-04-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links  
  Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from “Comunidad de Madrid” and European Regional Development Fund-FEDER through the project HUB MADRID+CIRCULAR; the State Research Agency (MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033) through the grant with reference number CEX2019-000931-M received in the 2019 call for “Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence” and “María de Maeztu Units of Excellence” of the State Programme for Knowledge Generation and Scientific and Technological Strengthening of the R&D&I System; and MICIU through the project “NAPOLION” (PID2022-139956OB-I00). S.K. acknowledges the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen) through a PhD research grant (1181124N). Approved Most recent IF: 9.5; 2024 IF: 7.504  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 9126  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Cioni, M.; Delle Piane, M.; Polino, D.; Rapetti, D.; Crippa, M.; Arslan Irmak, E.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S.; Pavan, G.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Sampling real-time atomic dynamics in metal nanoparticles by combining experiments, simulations, and machine learning Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Advanced Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-13  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Even at low temperatures, metal nanoparticles (NPs) possess atomic dynamics that are key for their properties but challenging to elucidate. Recent experimental advances allow obtaining atomic-resolution snapshots of the NPs in realistic regimes, but data acquisition limitations hinder the experimental reconstruction of the atomic dynamics present within them. Molecular simulations have the advantage that these allow directly tracking the motion of atoms over time. However, these typically start from ideal/perfect NP structures and, suffering from sampling limits, provide results that are often dependent on the initial/putative structure and remain purely indicative. Here, by combining state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches, how it is possible to tackle the limitations of both approaches and resolve the atomistic dynamics present in metal NPs in realistic conditions is demonstrated. Annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy enables the acquisition of ten high-resolution images of an Au NP at intervals of 0.6 s. These are used to reconstruct atomistic 3D models of the real NP used to run ten independent molecular dynamics simulations. Machine learning analyses of the simulation trajectories allow resolving the real-time atomic dynamics present within the NP. This provides a robust combined experimental/computational approach to characterize the structural dynamics of metal NPs in realistic conditions. Experimental and computational techniques are bridged to unveil atomic dynamics in gold nanoparticles (NPs), using annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations informed by machine learning. The approach provides unprecedented insights into the real-time structural behaviors of NPs, merging state-of-the-art techniques to accurately characterize their dynamics under realistic conditions. image  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001206888000001 Publication Date 2024-04-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2198-3844 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205442 Serial 9171  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Velthoven, N.; Henrion, M.; Dallenes, J.; Krajnc, A.; Bugaev, A.L.; Liu, P.; Bals, S.; Soldatov, A.; Mali, G.; De Vos, D.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) S,O-functionalized metal-organic frameworks as heterogeneous single-site catalysts for the oxidative alkenylation of arenes via C- H activation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Acs Catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal  
  Volume 10 Issue 9 Pages 5077-5085  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Heterogeneous single-site catalysts can combine the R precise active site design of organometallic complexes with the efficient recovery of solid catalysts. Based on recent progress on homogeneous thioether ligands for Pd-catalyzed C-H activation reactions, we here develop a scalable metal-organic framework-based heterogeneous single-site catalyst containing S,O-moieties that increase the catalytic activity of Pd(II) for the oxidative alkenylation of arenes. The structure of the Pd@MOF-808-L1 catalyst was characterized in detail via solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, N-2 physisorption, and high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and the structure of the isolated palladium active sites could be identified by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. A turnover frequency (TOF) of 8.4 h(-1) was reached after 1 h of reaction time, which was 3 times higher than the TOF of standard Pd(OAc)(2), ranking Pd@MOF-808-L1 among the most active heterogeneous catalysts ever reported for the nondirected oxidative alkenylation of arenes. Finally, we showed that the single-site catalyst promotes the oxidative alkenylation of a broad range of electron-rich arenes, and the applicability of this heterogeneous system was demonstrated by the gram-scale synthesis of industrially relevant products.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000530090800026 Publication Date 2020-04-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2155-5435 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.9 Times cited 37 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; The research leading to these results has received funding from the NMBP-01-2016 Program of the European Union's Horizon 2020 Framework Program H2020/2014-2020/under grant agreement no [720996]. N.V.V. and D.E.D.V. thank the FWO for funding (1S32917N and G0F2320N). D.E.D.V. is grateful for KU Leuven's support in the frame of the CASAS Metusalem project and a C3 type project. A.K. and G.M. acknowledge the financial support from the Slovenian Research Agency (research core funding no. P1-0021 and project no. N1-0079). A.L.B and A.V.S. acknowledge Russian Science Foundation grant no. 20-43-01015 for financial support. We thank Alexander Trigub and Alexey Veligzhanin for their support during the beamtime at Kurchatov Institute. We are indebted to Elizaveta Kamyshova and Anna Pnevskaya for their valuable help during EXAFS measurements. P.L. and S.B. thank European Research Council for the ERC Consolidator Grant 815128, REALNANO. Kassem Amro and Guillaume Gracy from Sikemia are gratefully acknowledged for providing ; sygma Approved Most recent IF: 12.9; 2020 IF: 10.614  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:169530 Serial 6598  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Salluzzo, M.; Aruta, C.; Ausanio, G.; Bals, S.; d' Agostino, A.; Maglione, M.G. doi  openurl
  Title (down) Role of Nd/Ba substitution on the growth mode and on the structural properties of Nd-rich Re1(NdxBa2-x)Cu3O7-\delta (Re=Nd, Y) thin films Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2002 Publication Physica: C : superconductivity Abbreviated Journal Physica C  
  Volume 372-376 Issue 2 Pages 675-678  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Thin films of the superconducting Nd1+xBa2−xCu3O7−δ (NBCO) and Y1(NdxBa2−x)Cu3O7−δ (YNBCO) compounds have been deposited by dc magnetron sputtering and diode high pressure oxygen sputtering. Different techniques, including scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been used to study the film microstructures and the surface morphology. It is shown that the Nd/Ba exchange promotes a 2D heteroepitaxial growth in the case of the NBCO films deposited on (1 0 0) SrTiO3 substrates, with a suppression of the characteristic 3D spirals structures. On the contrary in YNBCO the Nd/Ba exchange does not provide a driving force for the suppression of screw-dislocations, since spirals or towers originated by screw and half loop dislocations are observed on the surface. TEM reveals that anti-phase boundaries are eliminated during the growth of NBCO films thanks to the Nd/Ba exchange while this mechanism is not operating in the case of YNBCO films.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000178018800024 Publication Date 2002-08-26  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0921-4534; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.404 Times cited 5 Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.404; 2002 IF: 0.912  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:87909 Serial 2917  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Claes, N.; Solís, D.M.; Taboada, J.M.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Grzelczak, M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Reversible Clustering of Gold Nanoparticles under Confinement Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English Abbreviated Journal Angew Chem Int Edit  
  Volume 57 Issue 57 Pages 3183-3186  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A limiting factor of solvent-induced nanoparticle self-assembly is the need for constant sample dilution in assembly/disassembly cycles. Changes in the nanoparticle concentration alter the kinetics of the subsequent assembly process, limiting optical signal recovery. Herein, we show that upon confining hydrophobic nanoparticles in permeable silica nanocapsules, the number of nanoparticles participating in cyclic aggregation remains constant despite bulk changes in solution, leading to highly reproducible plasmon band shifts at different solvent compositions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000426759900031 Publication Date 2018-02-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1433-7851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.994 Times cited 53 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes L.M.L.-M. and M.G. acknowledge funding from the Spanish MINECO (Grant #MAT2013-46101R). N.C. and S.B. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOM). D.M.S., and J.M.T, acknowledge funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Spanish MINECO (Projects TEC2017-85376-C2-1-R, TEC2017-85376-C2-2-R), and from the ERDF and the Galician Regional Government under agreement for funding the Atlantic Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (AtlantTIC). (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); ECAS_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 11.994  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:149558UA @ admin @ c:irua:149558 Serial 4911  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Monai, M.; Jenkinson, K.; Melcherts, A.E.M.; Louwen, J.N.; Irmak, E.A.; Van Aert, S.; Altantzis, T.; Vogt, C.; van der Stam, W.; Duchon, T.; Smid, B.; Groeneveld, E.; Berben, P.; Bals, S.; Weckhuysen, B.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Restructuring of titanium oxide overlayers over nickel nanoparticles during catalysis Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 380 Issue 6645 Pages 644-651  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract Reducible supports can affect the performance of metal catalysts by the formation of suboxide overlayers upon reduction, a process referred to as the strong metal-support interaction (SMSI). A combination of operando electron microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy revealed that thin TiOx overlayers formed on nickel/titanium dioxide catalysts during 400 degrees C reduction were completely removed under carbon dioxide hydrogenation conditions. Conversely, after 600 degrees C reduction, exposure to carbon dioxide hydrogenation reaction conditions led to only partial reexposure of nickel, forming interfacial sites in contact with TiOx and favoring carbon-carbon coupling by providing a carbon species reservoir. Our findings challenge the conventional understanding of SMSIs and call for more-detailed operando investigations of nanocatalysts at the single-particle level to revisit static models of structure-activity relationships.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000999020900010 Publication Date 2023-05-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0036-8075; 1095-9203 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 56.9 Times cited 29 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by BASF and NWO CHIPP (research grant to B.M.W.); the MCEC NWO Gravitation Program (B.M.W.); the ARC-CBBC NWO Program (B.M.W.); the European Research Council (grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S.V.A.); and the European Research Council (grant 815128 REALNANO to S.B.). Approved Most recent IF: 56.9; 2023 IF: 37.205  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197432 Serial 8923  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Eyndhoven, G.; Batenburg, K.J.; van Oers, C.; Kurttepeli, M.; Bals, S.; Cool, P.; Sijbers, J. openurl 
  Title (down) Reliable pore-size measurements based on a procedure specifically designed for electron tomography measurements of nanoporous samples Type P3 Proceeding
  Year 2014 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords P3 Proceeding; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication S.l. Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:124548 Serial 2866  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Montoya, E.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Redeposition and differential sputtering of La in transmission electron microscopy samples of LaAIO3/SrTiO3 multilayers prepared by focused ion beam Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2008 Publication Journal of microscopy Abbreviated Journal J Microsc-Oxford  
  Volume 231 Issue 3 Pages 359-363  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor  
  Language Wos 000259611000001 Publication Date 2008-08-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-2720;1365-2818; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 1.692 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes The authors are grateful to M. Huijben and G. Rijnders of the MESA+ group at the University of Twente (NI) for the growth of the multilayers. This work has been performed under the Interuniversity Attraction Poles programme – Belgian State Belgian Science Policy. The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Union under the framework 6 program under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure initiative. Part of this work was performed with financial support from the European Union under the framework 6 programme, under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative (Reference No. 02601.9 ESTEEM). Approved Most recent IF: 1.692; 2008 IF: 1.409  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:76522 Serial 2849  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author van den Bos, K.H.W.; Altantzis, T.; De Backer, A.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Recent breakthroughs in scanning transmission electron microscopy of small species Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Advances in Physics: X Abbreviated Journal Advances in Physics: X  
  Volume 3 Issue 3 Pages 1480420  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Over the last decade, scanning transmission electron microscopy has become one of the most powerful tools to characterise nanomaterials at the atomic scale. Often, the ultimate goal is to retrieve the three-dimensional structure, which is very challenging since small species are typically sensitive to electron irradiation. Nevertheless, measuring individual atomic positions is crucial to understand the relation between the structure and physicochemical properties of these (nano)materials. In this review, we highlight the latest approaches that are available to reveal the 3D atomic structure of small species. Finally, we will provide an outlook and will describe future challenges where the limits of electron microscopy will be pushed even further.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000441619500001 Publication Date 2018-08-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2374-6149 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 8 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) under Grant G.0368.15N, G.0369.15N, and G.0267.18N, by personal FWO Grants to K. H. W. van den Bos, T. Altantzis, and A. De Backer, and the European Research Council under Grant 335078 COLOURATOM to S. Bals. The authors would like to thank the colleagues who have contributed to this work over the years, including A. M. Abakumov, K. J. Batenburg, E. Countiño-Gonzalez, C. de Mello Donega, R. Erni, J. J. Geuchies, B. Goris, J. Hofkens, L. Jones, P. Lievens, L. M. Liz-Marzán, I. Lobato, G. T. Martinez, P. D. Nellist, B. Partoens, M. B. J. Roeffaers, M.D. Rossell, B. Schoeters, M. J. Van Bael, W. van der Stam, M. van Huis, G. Van Tendeloo, D. Vanmaekelbergh, and N. Winckelmans. (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:can); saraecas; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:152820UA @ admin @ c:irua:152820 Serial 5007  
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Author Guzzinati, G.; Altantzis, T.; Batuk, M.; De Backer, A.; Lumbeeck, G.; Samaee, V.; Batuk, D.; Idrissi, H.; Hadermann, J.; Van Aert, S.; Schryvers, D.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Recent Advances in Transmission Electron Microscopy for Materials Science at the EMAT Lab of the University of Antwerp Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Materials Abbreviated Journal Materials  
  Volume 11 Issue 11 Pages 1304  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The rapid progress in materials science that enables the design of materials down to the nanoscale also demands characterization techniques able to analyze the materials down to the same scale, such as transmission electron microscopy. As Belgium’s foremost electron microscopy group, among the largest in the world, EMAT is continuously contributing to the development of TEM techniques, such as high-resolution imaging, diffraction, electron tomography, and spectroscopies, with an emphasis on quantification and reproducibility, as well as employing TEM methodology at the highest level to solve real-world materials science problems. The lab’s recent contributions are presented here together with specific case studies in order to highlight the usefulness of TEM to the advancement of materials science.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000444112800041 Publication Date 2018-07-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1996-1944 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.654 Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G.0502.18N, G.0267.18N, G.0120.12N, G.0365.15N, G.0934.17N, S.0100.18N AUHA13009 ; European Research Council, COLOURATOM 335078 ; Universiteit Antwerpen, GOA Solarpaint ; G. Guzzinati, T. Altantzis and A. De Backer have been supported by postdoctoral fellowship grants from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). Funding was also received from the European Research Council (starting grant no. COLOURATOM 335078), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 770887), the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0502.18N, G.0267.18N, G.0120.12N, G.0365.15N, G.0934.17N, S.0100.18N, G.0401.16N) and from the University of Antwerp through GOA project Solarpaint. Funding for the TopSPIN precession system under grant AUHA13009, as well as for the Qu-Ant-EM microscope, is acknowledged from the HERCULES Foundation. H. Idrissi is mandated by the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research (F.R.S.-FNRS). (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:can); saraecas; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 2.654  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:153737UA @ admin @ c:irua:153737 Serial 5064  
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Author Vanrompay, H.; Buurlage, J.‐W.; Pelt, D.M.; Kumar, V.; Zhuo, X.; Liz‐Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S.; Batenburg, K.J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Real‐Time Reconstruction of Arbitrary Slices for Quantitative and In Situ 3D Characterization of Nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Particle & Particle Systems Characterization Abbreviated Journal Part Part Syst Char  
  Volume 37 Issue 37 Pages 2000073  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A detailed 3D investigation of nanoparticles at a local scale is of great importance to connect their structure and composition to their properties. Electron tomography has therefore become an important tool for the 3D characterization of nanomaterials. 3D investigations typically comprise multiple steps, including acquisition, reconstruction, and analysis/quantification. Usually, the latter two steps are performed offline, at a dedicated workstation. This sequential workflow prevents on-the-fly control of experimental parameters to improve the quality of the 3D reconstruction, to select a relevant nanoparticle for further characterization or to steer an in-situ tomography experiment. Here, we present an efficient approach to overcome these limitations, based on the real-time reconstruction of arbitrary 2D reconstructed slices through a 3D object. Implementation of this method may lead to generalized implementation of electron tomography for routine nanoparticle characterization in 3D.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000536357100001 Publication Date 2020-05-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0934-0866 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.7 Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 1S32617N ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G026718N ; Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 639.073.506 016.Veni.192.235 ; H.V. acknowledges financial support by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO grant 1S32617N). S.B acknowledges financial support by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO grant G026718N). Financial support was provided by The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), project numbers 639.073.506 and 016.Veni.192.235. This project received funding as well from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 731019 (EUSMI) and No 815128 (REALNANO). H.V. and J.-W.B contributed equally to this work.; sygma Approved Most recent IF: 2.7; 2020 IF: 4.474  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:169704 Serial 6371  
Permanent link to this record
 

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

 
Author Wang, Y.; Sztranyovszky, Z.; Zilli, A.; Albrecht, W.; Bals, S.; Borri, P.; Langbein, W. url  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Quantitatively linking morphology and optical response of individual silver nanohedra Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale  
  Volume 14 Issue 30 Pages 11028-11037  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The optical response of metal nanoparticles is governed by plasmonic resonances, which are dictated by the particle morphology. A thorough understanding of the link between morphology and optical response requires quantitatively measuring optical and structural properties of the same particle. Here we present such a study, correlating electron tomography and optical micro-spectroscopy. The optical measurements determine the scattering and absorption cross-section spectra in absolute units, and electron tomography determines the 3D morphology. Numerical simulations of the spectra for the individual particle geometry, and the specific optical set-up used, allow for a quantitative comparison including the cross-section magnitude. Silver nanoparticles produced by photochemically driven colloidal synthesis, including decahedra, tetrahedra and bi-tetrahedra are investigated. A mismatch of measured and simulated spectra is found in some cases when assuming pure silver particles, which is explained by the presence of a few atomic layers of tarnish on the surface, not evident in electron tomography. The presented method tightens the link between particle morphology and optical response, supporting the predictive design of plasmonic nanomaterials.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000828704000001 Publication Date 2022-07-15  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2040-3364; 2040-3372 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.7 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Z.S. acknowledges the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for his Ph.D. studentship award (grant EP/R513003/1). Y.W. acknowledges Iwan Moreels (University of Ghent) for training in nanoparticle synthesis. Y.W. acknowledges the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for his Ph.D. studentship award (grant BB/L015889/1). This work was supported by the UK EPSRC (grants EP/I005072/1 and EP/M028313/1), and by the European Commission (EUSMI E191000350). W.A. acknowledges an Individual Fellowship from the Marie Skodowska-Curie actions (MSCA) under the EU's Horizon 2020 program (Grant 797153, SOPMEN). We thank Lukas Payne and Iestyn Pope for contributions to the development of the hardware and software used for the optical measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 6.7  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189578 Serial 7092  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pfannmöller, M.; Heidari, H.; Nanson, L.; Lozman, O.R.; Chrapa, M.; Offermans, T.; Nisato, G.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Quantitative Tomography of Organic Photovoltaic Blends at the Nanoscale Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 15 Issue 15 Pages 6634-6642  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The success of semiconducting organic materials has enabled green technologies for electronics, lighting, and photovoltaics. However, when blended together, these materials have also raised novel fundamental questions with respect to electronic, optical, and thermodynamic properties. This is particularly important for organic photovoltaic cells based on the bulk heterojunction. Here, the distribution of nanoscale domains plays a crucial role depending on the specific device structure. Hence, correlation of the aforementioned properties requires 3D nanoscale imaging of materials domains, which are embedded in a multilayer device. Such visualization has so far been elusive due to lack of contrast, insufficient signal, or resolution limits. In this Letter, we introduce spectral scanning transmission electron tomography for reconstruction of entire volume plasmon spectra from rod-shaped specimens. We provide 3D structural correlations and compositional mapping at a resolution of approximately 7 nm within advanced organic photovoltaic tandem cells. Novel insights that are obtained from quantitative 3D analyses reveal that efficiency loss upon thermal annealing can be attributed to subtle, fundamental blend properties. These results are invaluable in guiding the design and optimization of future devices in plastic electronics applications and provide an empirical basis for modeling and simulation of organic solar cells.  
  Address EMAT-University of Antwerp , Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000363003100052 Publication Date 2015-09-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984;1530-6992; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 26 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the FP7 European collaborative project SUNFLOWER (FP7-ICT-2011-7-contract num. 287594). S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). M.P. gratefully acknowledges the SIM NanoForce program for their financial support. We acknowledge AGFA for providing the neutral PEDOT:PSS and GenesInk for the ZnO nanoparticles. We would like to thank Stijn Van den broeck for extensive support on FIB sample preparation. M.P. and H.H. thank Daniele Zanaga for the many fruitful discussions.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 12.712; 2015 IF: 13.592  
  Call Number c:irua:129423 c:irua:129423 Serial 3973  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bals, S.; Batenburg, J.; Verbeeck, J.; Sijbers, J.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Quantitative three-dimensional reconstruction of catalyst particles for bamboo-like carbon nanotubes Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2007 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 7 Issue 12 Pages 3669-3674  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract The three-dimensional (3D) structure and chemical composition of bamboo-like carbon nanotubes including the catalyst particles that are. used during their growth are studied by discrete electron tomography in combination with energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy. It is found that cavities are present in the catalyst particles. Furthermore, only a small percentage of the catalyst particles consist of pure Cu, since a large volume fraction of the particles is oxidized to CU(2)0. These volume fractions are determined quantitatively from 3D reconstructions obtained by discrete tomography.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington Editor  
  Language Wos 000251581600022 Publication Date 2007-11-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984;1530-6992; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 78 Open Access  
  Notes Fwo; Esteem Approved Most recent IF: 12.712; 2007 IF: 9.627  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:66762UA @ admin @ c:irua:66762 Serial 2768  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bals, S.; Batenburg, K.J.; Liang, D.; Lebedev, O.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Aerts, A.; Martens, J.A.; Kirschhock, C.E. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title (down) Quantitative three-dimensional modeling of zeotile through discrete electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2009 Publication Journal of the American Chemical Society Abbreviated Journal J Am Chem Soc  
  Volume 131 Issue 13 Pages 4769-4773  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract Discrete electron tomography is a new approach for three-dimensional reconstruction of nanoscale objects. The technique exploits prior knowledge of the object to be reconstructed, which results in an improvement of the quality of the reconstructions. Through the combination of conventional transmission electron microscopy and discrete electron tomography with a model-based approach, quantitative structure determination becomes possible. In the present work, this approach is used to unravel the building scheme of Zeotile-4, a silica material with two levels of structural order. The layer sequence of slab-shaped building units could be identified. Successive layers were found to be related by a rotation of 120°, resulting in a hexagonal space group. The Zeotile-4 material is a demonstration of the concept of successive structuring of silica at two levels. At the first level, the colloid chemical properties of Silicalite-1 precursors are exploited to create building units with a slablike geometry. At the second level, the slablike units are tiled using a triblock copolymer to serve as a mesoscale structuring agent.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington, D.C. Editor  
  Language Wos 000264806300050 Publication Date 2009-03-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0002-7863;1520-5126; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 13.858 Times cited 58 Open Access  
  Notes Fwo; Iap; Esteem 026019 Approved Most recent IF: 13.858; 2009 IF: 8.580  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:76393 Serial 2767  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Altantzis, T.; Goris, B.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Grzelczak, M.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Quantitative structure determination of large three-dimensional nanoparticle assemblies Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Particle and particle systems characterization Abbreviated Journal Part Part Syst Char  
  Volume 30 Issue 1 Pages 84-88  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Thumbnail image of graphical abstract To investigate nanoassemblies in three dimensions, electron tomography is an important tool. For large nanoassemblies, it is not straightforward to obtain quantitative results in three dimensions. An optimized acquisition technique, incoherent bright field scanning transmission electron microscopy, is combined with an advanced 3D reconstruction algorithm. The approach is applied to quantitatively analyze large nanoassemblies in three dimensions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor  
  Language Wos 000310806000008 Publication Date 2012-11-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0934-0866; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.474 Times cited 23 Open Access  
  Notes Goa; Fwo; 267867 Plasmaquo; 262348 Esmi Approved Most recent IF: 4.474; 2013 IF: 0.537  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:101776 Serial 2763  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Heidari, H.; van den Broek, W.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title (down) Quantitative electron tomography : the effect of the three-dimensional point spread function Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 135 Issue Pages 1-5  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract The intensity levels in a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, obtained by electron tomography, can be influenced by several experimental imperfections. Such artifacts will hamper a quantitative interpretation of the results. In this paper, we will correct for artificial intensity variations by determining the 3D point spread function (PSF) of a tomographic reconstruction based on high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The large tails of the PSF cause an underestimation of the intensity of smaller particles, which in turn hampers an accurate radius estimate. Here, the error introduced by the PSF is quantified and corrected a posteriori.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000326941500001 Publication Date 2013-06-21  
  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 2.843 Times cited 6 Open Access  
  Notes Esteem2; Sunflower; esteem2_jra4 Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2013 IF: 2.745  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:111397 Serial 2756  
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