“Intrinsic control of interlayer exciton generation in Van der Waals materials via Janus layers”. Torun E, Paleari F, Milošević, MV, Wirtz L, Sevik C, Nano letters 23, 3159 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.2C04724
Abstract: We demonstrate the possibility of engineering the optical properties of transition metal dichalcogenide heterobilayers when one of the constitutive layers has a Janus structure. We investigate different MoS2@Janus layer combinations using first-principles methods including excitons and exciton-phonon coupling. The direction of the intrinsic electric field from the Janus layer modifies the electronic band alignments and, consequently, the energy separation between dark interlayer exciton states and bright in-plane excitons. We find that in-plane lattice vibrations strongly couple the two states, so that exciton-phonon scattering may be a viable generation mechanism for interlayer excitons upon light absorption. In particular, in the case of MoS2@WSSe, the energy separation of the low-lying interlayer exciton from the in-plane exciton is resonant with the transverse optical phonon modes (40 meV). We thus identify this heterobilayer as a prime candidate for efficient generation of charge-separated electron-hole pairs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 10.8
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.2C04724
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“Letter Chemical transformation of Au-tipped CdS nanorods into AuS/Cd core/shell particles by electron beam irradiation”. van Huis MA, Figuerola A, Fang C, Béché, A, Zandbergen HW, Manna L, Nano letters 11, 4555 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl2030823
Abstract: We demonstrate that electron irradiation of colloidal CdS nanorods carrying Au domains causes their evolution into AuS/Cd core/shell nanoparticles as a result of a concurrent chemical and morphological transformation. The shrinkage of the CdS nanorods and the growth of the Cd shell around the Au tips are imaged in real time, while the displacement of S atoms from the CdS nanorod to the Au domains is evidenced by high-sensitivity energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The various nanodomains display different susceptibility to the irradiation, which results in nanoconfigurations that are very different from those obtained after thermal annealing. Such physical manipulations of colloidal nanocrystals can be exploited as a tool to access novel nanocrystal heterostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1021/nl2030823
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“Low-dimensional semiconductor superlattices formed by geometric control over nanocrystal attachment”. Evers WH, Goris B, Bals S, Casavola M, de Graaf J, van Roij R, Dijkstra M, Vanmaekelbergh D, Nano letters 13, 2317 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl303322k
Abstract: Oriented attachment, the process in which nanometer-sized crystals fuse by atomic bonding of specific crystal facets, is expected to be more difficult to control than nanocrystal self-assembly that is driven by entropic factors or weak van der Waals attractions. Here, we present a study of oriented attachment of PbSe nanocrystals that counteract this tuition. The reaction was studied in a thin film of the suspension casted on an immiscible liquid at a given temperature. We report that attachment can be controlled such that it occurs with one type of facets exclusively. By control of the temperature and particle concentration we obtain one- or two-dimensional PbSe single crystals, the latter with a honeycomb or square superimposed periodicity in the nanometer range. We demonstrate the ability to convert these PbSe superstructures into other semiconductor compounds with the preservation of crystallinity and geometry.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 206
DOI: 10.1021/nl303322k
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“Magnetic drug targeting : preclinical in vivo studies, mathematical modeling, and extrapolation to humans”. Al-Jamal KT, Bai J, Wang JTW, Protti A, Southern P, Bogart L, Heidari H, Li X, Cakebread A, Asker D, Al-Jamal WT, Shah A, Bals S, Sosabowski J, Pankhurst QA;, Nano letters 16, 5652 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.6B02261
Abstract: A sound theoretical rationale for the design of a magnetic nanocarrier capable of magnetic capture in vivo after intravenous administration could help elucidate the parameters necessary for in vivo magnetic tumor targeting. In this work, we utilized our long-circulating polymeric magnetic nano carriers, encapsulating increasing amounts of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in a biocompatible oil carrier, to study the effects of SPION loading and of applied magnetic field strength on magnetic tumor targeting in CT26 tumor-bearing mice. Under controlled conditions, the in vivo magnetic targeting was quantified and found to be directly proportional to SPION loading and magnetic field strength. Highest SPION loading, however, resulted in a reduced blood circulation time and a plateauing of the magnetic targeting. Mathematical modeling was undertaken to compute the in vivo magnetic, viscoelastic, convective, and diffusive forces acting on the nanocapsules (NCs) in accordance with the Nacev-Shapiro construct, and this was then used to extrapolate to the expected behavior in humans. The model predicted that in the latter case, the NCs and magnetic forces applied here would have been sufficient to achieve successful targeting in humans. Lastly, an in vivo murine tumor growth delay study was performed using docetaxel (DTX)-encapsulated NCs. Magnetic targeting was found to offer enhanced therapeutic efficacy, and improve mice survival compared to passive targeting at drug doses of ca. 5-8 mg, of DTX/kg. This is,, to our knowledge, the first study that truly bridges the gap between preclinical experiments and clinical translation in the field of magnetic drug targeting.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 128
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.6B02261
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“Measuring lattice strain in three dimensions through electron microscopy”. Goris B, de Beenhouwer J, de Backer A, Zanaga D, Batenburg KJ, Sánchez-Iglesias A, Liz-Marzán LM, Van Aert S, Bals S, Sijbers J, Van Tendeloo G, Nano letters 15, 6996 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b03008
Abstract: The three-dimensional (3D) atomic structure of nanomaterials, including strain, is crucial to understand their properties. Here, we investigate lattice strain in Au nanodecahedra using electron tomography. Although different electron tomography techniques enabled 3D characterizations of nanostructures at the atomic level, a reliable determination of lattice strain is not straightforward. We therefore propose a novel model-based approach from which atomic coordinates are measured. Our findings demonstrate the importance of investigating lattice strain in 3D.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 87
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b03008
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“Measuring porosity at the nanoscale by quantitative electron tomography”. Biermans E, Molina L, Batenburg KJ, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Nano letters 10, 5014 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl103172r
Abstract: Quantitative electron tomography is proposed to characterize porous materials at a nanoscale. To achieve reliable three-dimensional (3D) quantitative information, the influence of missing wedge artifacts and segmentation methods is investigated. We are presenting the Discrete Algebraic Reconstruction Algorithm as the most adequate tomography method to measure porosity at the nanoscale. It provides accurate 3D quantitative information, regardless the presence of a missing wedge. As an example, we applied our approach to nanovoids in La2Zr2O7 thin films.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 79
DOI: 10.1021/nl103172r
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“Monitoring galvanic replacement through three-dimensional morphological and chemical mapping”. Goris B, Polavarapu L, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Liz-Marzán LM, Nano letters 14, 3220 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl500593j
Abstract: Galvanic replacement reactions on metal nanoparticles are often used for the preparation of hollow nanostructures with tunable porosity and chemical composition, leading to tailored optical and catalytic properties. However, the precise interplay between the three-dimensional (3D) morphology and chemical composition of nanostructures during galvanic replacement is not always well understood as the 3D chemical imaging of nanoscale materials is still challenging. It is especially far from straightforward to obtain detailed information from the inside of hollow nanostructures using electron microscopy techniques such as SEM or TEM. We demonstrate here that a combination of state-of-the-art EDX mapping with electron tomography results in the unambiguous determination of both morphology transformation and elemental composition of nanostructures in 3D, during galvanic replacement of Ag nanocubes. This work provides direct and unambiguous experimental evidence toward understanding the galvanic replacement reaction. In addition, the powerful approach presented here can be applied to a wide range of nanoscale transformation processes, which will undoubtedly guide the development of novel nanostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 120
DOI: 10.1021/nl500593j
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“Morphological transformations and fusion of PbSe nanocrystals studied using atomistic simulations”. Schapotschnikow P, van Huis MA, Zandbergen HW, Vanmaekelbergh D, Vlugt TJH, Nano letters 10, 3966 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl101793b
Abstract: Molecular dynamics simulations are performed on capped and uncapped PbSe nanocrystals, employing newly developed classical interaction potentials. Here, we show that two uncapped nanocrystals fuse efficiently via direct surface attachment, even if they are initially misaligned. In sharp contrast to the general belief, interparticle dipole interactions do not play a significant role in this oriented attachment process. Furthermore, it is shown that presumably polar, capped PbSe{111} facets are never fully Pb- or Se-terminated.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 59
DOI: 10.1021/nl101793b
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“Networks of quantum nanorings : programmable spintronic devices”. Földi P, Kálmán O, Benedict MG, Peeters FM, Nano letters 8, 2556 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl801858a
Abstract: An array of quantum rings with local (ring by ring) modulation of the spin orbit interaction (SOI) can lead to novel effects in spin state transformation of electrons. It is shown that already small (3 x 3, 5 x 5) networks are remarkably versatile from this point of view: Working in a given network geometry, the input current can be directed to any of the output ports, simply by changing the SOI strengths by external gate voltages. Additionally, the same network with different SOI strengths can be completely analogous to the Stern-Gerlach device, exhibiting spatial-spin entanglement.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 76
DOI: 10.1021/nl801858a
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“Nonlinear light mixing by graphene plasmons”. Kundys D, Van Duppen B, Marshall OP, Rodriguez F, Torre I, Tomadin A, Polini M, Grigorenko AN, Nano letters 18, 282 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.7B04114
Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('Graphene is known to possess strong optical nonlinearity which turned out to be suitable for creation of efficient saturable absorbers in mode locked fiber lasers. Nonlinear response of graphene can be further enhanced by the presence of graphene plasmons. Here, we report a novel nonlinear effect observed in nanostructured graphene which comes about due to excitation of graphene plasmons. We experimentally detect and theoretically explain enhanced mixing of near-infrared and mid-infrared light in arrays of graphene nanoribbons. Strong compression of light by graphene plasmons implies that the described effect of light mixing is nonlocal in nature and orders of magnitude larger than the conventional local graphene nonlinearity. Both second and third order nonlinear effects were observed in our experiments with the recalculated third-order nonlinearity coefficient reaching values of 4.5 x 10(-6) esu. The suggested effect could be used in variety of applications including nonlinear light modulators, light multiplexers, light logic, and sensing devices.'));
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.7B04114
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“Pattern Formation by Electric-Field Quench in a Mott Crystal”. Gauquelin N, Forte F, Jannis D, Fittipaldi R, Autieri C, Cuono G, Granata V, Lettieri M, Noce C, Miletto-Granozio F, Vecchione A, Verbeeck J, Cuoco M, Nano letters (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c00574
Abstract: The control of Mott phase is intertwined with the spatial reorganization of the electronic states. Out-of-equilibrium driving forces typically lead to electronic patterns that are absent at equilibrium, whose nature is however often elusive. Here, we unveil a nanoscale pattern formation in the Ca2 RuO4 Mott insulator. We demonstrate how an applied electric field spatially reconstructs the insulating phase that, uniquely after switching off the electric field, exhibits nanoscale stripe domains. The stripe pattern has regions with inequivalent octahedral distortions that we directly observe through high-resolution scanning transmission electron
microscopy. The nanotexture depends on the orientation of the electric field, it is non-volatile and rewritable. We theoretically simulate the charge and orbital reconstruction induced by a quench dynamics of the applied electric field providing clear-cut mechanisms for the stripe phase formation. Our results open the path for the design of non-volatile electronics based on voltage-controlled nanometric phases.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 10.8
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c00574
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“Phase selection enabled formation of abrupt axial heterojunctions in branched oxide nanowires”. Gao J, Lebedev OI, Turner S, Li YF, Lu YH, Feng YP, Boullay P, Prellier W, Van Tendeloo G, Wu T, Nano letters 12, 275 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl2035089
Abstract: Rational synthesis of nanowires via the vaporliquidsolid (VLS) mechanism with compositional and structural controls is vitally important for fabricating functional nanodevices from bottom up. Here, we show that branched indium tin oxide nanowires can be in situ seeded in vapor transport growth using tailored AuCu alloys as catalyst. Furthermore, we demonstrate that VLS synthesis gives unprecedented freedom to navigate the ternary InSnO phase diagram, and a rare and bulk-unstable cubic phase can be selectively stabilized in nanowires. The stabilized cubic fluorite phase possesses an unusual almost equimolar concentration of In and Sn, forming a defect-free epitaxial interface with the conventional bixbyite phase of tin-doped indium oxide that is the most employed transparent conducting oxide. This rational methodology of selecting phases and making abrupt axial heterojunctions in nanowires presents advantages over the conventional synthesis routes, promising novel composition-modulated nanomaterials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1021/nl2035089
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“Phonon band structure of Si nanowires: a stability analysis”. Peelaers H, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Nano letters 9, 107 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl802613p
Abstract: We present full ab initio calculations of the phonon band structure of thin Si nanowires oriented along the [110] direction. Using these phonon dispersion relations, we investigate the structural stability of these wires. We found that all studied wires were stable also when doped with either B or P, if the unit cell was taken sufficiently large along the wire axis. The evolution of the phonon dispersion relations and of the sound velocities with respect to the wire diameters is discussed. Softening is observed for acoustic modes and hardening for optical phonon modes with increasing wire diameters.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 51
DOI: 10.1021/nl802613p
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“Photoaccelerated water dissociation across one-atom-thick electrodes”. Cai J, Griffin E, Guarochico-Moreira V, Barry D, Xin B, Huang S, Geim AK, Peeters FM, Lozada-Hidalgo M, Nano letters 22, 9566 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.2C03701
Abstract: Recent experiments demonstrated that interfacial water dissociation (H2O ⇆ H+ + OH-) could be accelerated exponentially by an electric field applied to graphene electrodes, a phenomenon related to the Wien effect. Here we report an order-of-magnitude acceleration of the interfacial water dissociation reaction under visible-light illumination. This process is accompanied by spatial separation of protons and hydroxide ions across one-atom-thick graphene and enhanced by strong interfacial electric fields. The found photoeffect is attributed to the combination of graphene's perfect selectivity with respect to protons, which prevents proton-hydroxide recombination, and to proton transport acceleration by the Wien effect, which occurs in synchrony with the water dissociation reaction. Our findings provide fundamental insights into ion dynamics near atomically thin proton-selective interfaces and suggest that strong interfacial fields can enhance and tune very fast ionic processes, which is of relevance for applications in photocatalysis and designing reconfigurable materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 10.8
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.2C03701
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“Quantitative three-dimensional reconstruction of catalyst particles for bamboo-like carbon nanotubes”. Bals S, Batenburg J, Verbeeck J, Sijbers J, Van Tendeloo G, Nano letters 7, 3669 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl071899m
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 78
DOI: 10.1021/nl071899m
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“Quantitative Tomography of Organic Photovoltaic Blends at the Nanoscale”. Pfannmöller M, Heidari H, Nanson L, Lozman OR, Chrapa M, Offermans T, Nisato G, Bals S, Nano letters 15, 6634 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b02437
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b02437
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“Real-time atomic scale imaging of nanostructural evolution in aluminum alloys”. Malladi SK, Xu Q, van Huis MA, Tichelaar FD, Batenburg KJ, Yucelen E, Dubiel B, Czyrska-Filemonowicz A, Zandbergen HW, Nano Letters 14, 384 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl404565j
Abstract: We present a new approach to study the three-dimensional compositional and structural evolution of metal alloys during heat treatments such as commonly used for improving overall material properties. It relies on in situ heating in a high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The approach is demonstrated using a commercial Al alloy AA2024 at 100-240 degrees C, showing in unparalleled detail where and how precipitates nucleate, grow,or dissolve. The observed size evolution of individual precipitates enables a separation between nucleation and growth phenomena, necessary for the development of refined growth models. We conclude that the in situ heating STEM approach opens a route to a much faster determination of the interplay between local compositions, heat treatments, microstructure, and mechanical properties of new alloys.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/nl404565j
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“Rings of double-walled carbon nanotube bundles”. Colomer J-F, Henrard L, Flahaut E, Van Tendeloo G, Lucas AA, Lambin P, Nano letters 3, 685 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl034159w
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 59
DOI: 10.1021/nl034159w
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“Self-limiting growth of two-dimensional palladium between graphene oxide layers”. Su Y, Prestat E, Hu C, Puthiyapura VK, Neek-Amal M, Xiao H, Huang K, Kravets VG, Haigh SJ, Hardacre C, Peeters FM, Nair RR, Nano letters 19, 4678 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.9B01733
Abstract: The ability of different materials to display self-limiting growth has recently attracted an enormous amount of attention because of the importance of nanoscale materials in applications for catalysis, energy conversion, (opto)-electronics, and so forth. Here, we show that the electrochemical deposition of palladium (Pd) between graphene oxide (GO) sheets result in the self-limiting growth of 5-nm-thick Pd nanosheets. The self-limiting growth is found to be a consequence of the strong interaction of Pd with the confining GO sheets, which results in the bulk growth of Pd being energetically unfavorable for larger thicknesses. Furthermore, we have successfully carried out liquid exfoliation of the resulting Pd-GO laminates to isolate Pd nanosheets and have demonstrated their high efficiency in continuous flow catalysis and electrocatalysis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.9B01733
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“Single Particle Deformation and Analysis of Silica-Coated Gold Nanorods before and after Femtosecond Laser Pulse Excitation”. Albrecht W, Deng T-S, Goris B, van Huis MA, Bals S, van Blaaderen A, Nano letters 16, 1818 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b04851
Abstract: We performed single particle deformation experiments on silica-coated gold nanorods under femtosecond (fs) illumination. Changes in the particle shape were analyzed by electron microscopy and associated changes in the plasmon resonance by electron energy loss spectroscopy. Silica-coated rods were found to be more stable compared to uncoated rods but could still be deformed via an intermediate bullet-like shape for silica shell thicknesses of 14 nm. Changes in the size ratio of the rods after fs-illumination resulted in blue-shifting of the longitudinal plasmon resonances. Two-dimensional spatial mapping of the plasmon resonances revealed that the flat side of the bullet-like particles showed a less pronounced longitudinal plasmonic electric field enhancement. These findings were confirmed by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. Furthermore, at higher laser fluences size reduction of the particles was found as well as for particles that were not completely deformed yet.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 55
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b04851
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“Spatial heterojunction in nanostructured TiO₂, and its cascade effect for efficient photocatalysis”. Lu Y, Liu X-L, He L, Zhang Y-X, Hu Z-Y, Tian G, Cheng X, Wu S-M, Li Y-Z, Yang X-H, Wang L-Y, Liu J-W, Janiak C, Chang G-G, Li W-H, Van Tendeloo G, Yang X-Y, Su B-L, Nano Letters 20, 3122 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.9B05121
Abstract: A highly efficient photoenergy conversion is strongly dependent on the cumulative cascade efficiency of the photogenerated carriers. Spatial heterojunctions are critical to directed charge transfer and, thus, attractive but still a challenge. Here, a spatially ternary titanium-defected TiO2@carbon quantum dots@reduced graphene oxide (denoted as V-Ti@CQDs@rGO) in one system is shown to demonstrate a cascade effect of charges and significant performances regarding the photocurrent, the apparent quantum yield, and photocatalysis such as H-2 production from water splitting and CO2 reduction. A key aspect in the construction is the technologically irrational junction of Ti-vacancies and nanocarbons for the spatially inside-out heterojunction. The new “spatial heterojunctions” concept, characteristics, mechanism, and extension are proposed at an atomic- nanoscale to clarify the generation of rational heterojunctions as well as the cascade electron transfer.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 10.8
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.9B05121
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“Spatially controlled octahedral rotations and metal-insulator transitions in nickelate superlattices”. Chen B, Gauquelin N, Green RJ, Lee JH, Piamonteze C, Spreitzer M, Jannis D, Verbeeck J, Bibes M, Huijben M, Rijnders G, Koster G, Nano Letters 21, 1295 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.0C03850
Abstract: The properties of correlated oxides can be manipulated by forming short-period superlattices since the layer thicknesses are comparable with the typical length scales of the involved correlations and interface effects. Herein, we studied the metal-insulator transitions (MITs) in tetragonal NdNiO3/SrTiO3 superlattices by controlling the NdNiO3 layer thickness, n in the unit cell, spanning the length scale of the interfacial octahedral coupling. Scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals a crossover from a modulated octahedral superstructure at n = 8 to a uniform nontilt pattern at n = 4, accompanied by a drastically weakened insulating ground state. Upon further reducing n the predominant dimensionality effect continuously raises the MIT temperature, while leaving the antiferromagnetic transition temperature unaltered down to n = 2. Remarkably, the MIT can be enhanced by imposing a sufficiently large strain even with strongly suppressed octahedral rotations. Our results demonstrate the relevance for the control of oxide functionalities at reduced dimensions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.0C03850
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“Steric hindrance induces crosslike self-assembly of gold nanodumbbells”. Grzelczak M, Sánchez-Iglesias A, Heidari Mezerji H, Bals S, Pérez-Juste J, Liz-Marzán LM, Nano letters 12, 4380 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl3021957
Abstract: In the formation of colloidal molecules, directional interactions are crucial for controlling the spatial distribution of the building blocks. Anisotropic nanoparticles facilitate directional clustering via steric constraints imposed by each specific shape, thereby restricting assembly along certain directions. We show in this Letter that the combination of patchiness (attraction) and shape (steric hindrance) allows assembling gold nanodumbbell building blocks into crosslike dimers with well-controlled interparticle distance and relative orientation. Steric hindrance between interacting dumbbell-like particles opens up a new synthetic approach toward low-symmetry plasmonic clusters, which may significantly contribute to understand complex plasmonic phenomena.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 85
DOI: 10.1021/nl3021957
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“Three-dimensional atomic imaging of colloidal core-shell nanocrystals”. Bals S, Casavola M, van Huis MA, Van Aert S, Batenburg KJ, Van Tendeloo G, Vanmaekelbergh D, Nano letters 11, 3420 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl201826e
Abstract: Colloidal coreshell semiconductor nanocrystals form an important class of optoelectronic materials, in which the exciton wave functions can be tailored by the atomic configuration of the core, the interfacial layers, and the shell. Here, we provide a trustful 3D characterization at the atomic scale of a free-standing PbSe(core)CdSe(shell) nanocrystal by combining electron microscopy and discrete tomography. Our results yield unique insights for understanding the process of cation exchange, which is widely employed in the synthesis of coreshell nanocrystals. The study that we present is generally applicable to the broad range of colloidal heteronanocrystals that currently emerge as a new class of materials with technological importance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 121
DOI: 10.1021/nl201826e
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“Three-dimensional elemental mapping at the atomic scale in bimetallic nanocrystals”. Goris B, de Backer A, Van Aert S, Gómez-Graña S, Liz-Marzán LM, Van Tendeloo G, Bals S, Nano letters 13, 4236 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl401945b
Abstract: A thorough understanding of the three-dimensional (3D) atomic structure and composition of coreshell nanostructures is indispensable to obtain a deeper insight on their physical behavior. Such 3D information can be reconstructed from two-dimensional (2D) projection images using electron tomography. Recently, different electron tomography techniques have enabled the 3D characterization of a variety of nanostructures down to the atomic level. However, these methods have all focused on the investigation of nanomaterials containing only one type of chemical element. Here, we combine statistical parameter estimation theory with compressive sensing based tomography to determine the positions and atom type of each atom in heteronanostructures. The approach is applied here to investigate the interface in coreshell Au@Ag nanorods but it is of great interest in the investigation of a broad range of nanostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 90
DOI: 10.1021/nl401945b
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“Three-Dimensional Quantification of the Facet Evolution of Pt Nanoparticles in a Variable Gaseous Environment”. Altantzis T, Lobato I, De Backer A, Béché, A, Zhang Y, Basak S, Porcu M, Xu Q, Sánchez-Iglesias A, Liz-Marzán LM, Van Tendeloo G, Van Aert S, Bals S, Nano letters 19, 477 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b04303
Abstract: Pt nanoparticles play an essential role in a wide variety of catalytic reactions. The activity of the particles strongly depends on their three-dimensional (3D) structure and exposed facets, as well as on the reactive environment. High-resolution electron microscopy has often been used to characterize nanoparticle catalysts but unfortunately most observations so far have been either performed in vacuum and/or using conventional (2D) in situ microscopy. The latter however does not provide direct 3D morphological information. We have implemented a quantitative methodology to measure variations of the 3D atomic structure of nanoparticles under the flow of a selected gas. We were thereby able to quantify refaceting of Pt nanoparticles with atomic resolution during various oxidation−reduction cycles. In a H2 environment, a more faceted surface morphology of the particles was observed with {100} and {111} planes being dominant. On the other hand, in O2 the percentage of {100} and {111} facets decreased and a significant increase of higher order facets was found, resulting in a more rounded morphology. This methodology opens up new opportunities toward in situ characterization of catalytic nanoparticles because for the first time it enables one to directly measure 3D morphology variations at the atomic scale in a specific gaseous reaction environment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 82
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b04303
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“Topological surface state enhanced photothermoelectric effect in Bi2Se3 nanoribbons”. Yan Y, Liao ZM, Ke X, Van Tendeloo G, Wang Q, Sun D, Yao W, Zhou S, Zhang L, Wu HC, Yu DP;, Nano letters 14, 4389 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl501276e
Abstract: The photothermoelectric effect in topological insulator Bi2Se3 nanoribbons is studied. The topological surface states are excited to be spin-polarized by circularly polarized light. Because the direction of the electron spin is locked to its momentum for the spin-helical surface states, the photothermoelectric effect is significantly enhanced as the oriented motions of the polarized spins are accelerated by the temperature gradient. The results are explained based on the microscopic mechanisms of a photon induced spin transition from the surface Dirac cone to the bulk conduction band. The as-reported enhanced photothermoelectric effect is expected to have potential applications in a spin-polarized power source.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 51
DOI: 10.1021/nl501276e
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“Tunable quantum dots in bilayer graphene”. Milton Pereira J, Vasilopoulos P, Peeters FM, Nano letters 7, 946 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl062967s
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 167
DOI: 10.1021/nl062967s
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“Tuning the Growth of Chiral Gold Nanoparticles Through Rational Design of a Chiral Molecular Inducer”. Van Gordon K, Baúlde S, Mychinko M, Heyvaert W, Obelleiro-Liz M, Criado A, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, Mosquera J, Nano Letters (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02800
Abstract: The bottom-up production of chiral gold nanomaterials holds great potential for the advancement of biosensing and nano-optics, among other applications. Reproducible preparations of colloidal nanomaterials with chiral morphology have been reported, using cosurfactants or chiral inducers such as thiolated amino acids. However, the underlying growth mechanisms for these nanomaterials remain insufficiently understood. We introduce herein a purposely devised chiral inducer, a cysteine modified with a hydrophobic chain, as a versatile chiral inducer. The amphiphilic and chiral features of this molecule provide control over the chiral morphology and the chiroptical signature of the obtained nanoparticles by simply varying the concentration of chiral inducer. These results are supported by circular dichroism and electromagnetic modeling as well as electron tomography to analyze structural evolution at the facet scale. Our observations suggest complex roles for the factors involved in chiral synthesis: the chemical nature of the chiral inducers and the influence of cosurfactants.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 10.8
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02800
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“Tuning the optical, magnetic, and electrical properties of ReSe2 by nanoscale strain engineering”. Yang S, Wang C, Sahin H, Chen H, Li Y, Li SS, Suslu A, Peeters FM, Liu Q, Li J, Tongay S;, Nano letters 15, 1660 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl504276u
Abstract: Creating materials with ultimate control over their physical properties is vital for a wide range of applications. From a traditional materials design perspective, this task often requires precise control over the atomic composition and structure. However, owing to their mechanical properties, low-dimensional layered materials can actually withstand a significant amount of strain and thus sustain elastic deformations before fracture. This, in return, presents a unique technique for tuning their physical properties by strain engineering. Here, we find that local strain induced on ReSe2, a new member of the transition metal dichalcogenides family, greatly changes its magnetic, optical, and electrical properties. Local strain induced by generation of wrinkle (1) modulates the optical gap as evidenced by red-shifted photoluminescence peak, (2) enhances light emission, (3) induces magnetism, and (4) modulates the electrical properties. The results not only allow us to create materials with vastly different properties at the nanoscale, but also enable a wide range of applications based on 2D materials, including strain sensors, stretchable electrodes, flexible field-effect transistors, artificial-muscle actuators, solar cells, and other spintronic, electromechanical, piezoelectric, photonic devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 314
DOI: 10.1021/nl504276u
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