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“Interface-controlled magnetism and transport of ultrathin manganite films”. Shapoval O, Huehn S, Verbeeck J, Jungbauer M, Belenchuk A, Moshnyaga V, Journal of applied physics 113, 17c711 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4795422
Abstract: We report ferromagnetic, T-C = 240 K, and metallic, T-MI = 250 K, behaviors of a three unit cell thick interface engineered lanthanum manganite film, grown by metalorganic aerosol deposition technique on SrTiO3(100) substrates. Atomically resolved electron microscopy and chemical analysis show that ultrathin manganite films start to grow with La-O layer on a strongly Mn/Ti-intermixed interface, engineered by an additional deposition of 2 u.c. of Sr-Mn-O. Such interface engineering results in a hole-doped manganite layer and stabilizes ferromagnetism and metallic conductivity down to the thickness of d = 3 u.c. The films with d = 8 u.c. demonstrate a bulk-like transport behavior with T-MI similar to T-C = 310 – 330 K. (C) 2013 American Institute of Physics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1063/1.4795422
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“Site-specific mapping of transition metal oxygen coordination in complex oxides”. Turner S, Egoavil R, Batuk M, Abakumov AA, Hadermann J, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Applied physics letters 101, 241910 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4770512
Abstract: We demonstrate site-specific mapping of the oxygen coordination number for transition metals in complex oxides using atomically resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy in an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. Pb2Sr2Bi2Fe6O16 contains iron with a constant Fe3+ valency in both octahedral and tetragonal pyramidal coordination and is selected to demonstrate the principle of site-specific coordination mapping. Analysis of the site-specific Fe-L2,3 data reveals distinct variations in the fine structure that are attributed to Fe in a six-fold (octahedron) or five-fold (distorted tetragonal pyramid) oxygen coordination. Using these variations, atomic resolution coordination maps are generated that are in excellent agreement with simulations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1063/1.4770512
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“Atomic scale electron vortices for nanoresearch”. Verbeeck J, Schattschneider P, Lazar S, Stöger-Pollach M, Löffler S, Steiger-Thirsfeld A, Van Tendeloo G, Applied physics letters 99, 203109 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3662012
Abstract: Electron vortex beams were only recently discovered and their potential as a probe for magnetism in materials was shown. Here we demonstrate a method to produce electron vortex beams with a diameter of less than 1.2 Å. This unique way to prepare free electrons to a state resembling atomic orbitals is fascinating from a fundamental physics point of view and opens the road for magnetic mapping with atomic resolution in an electron microscope.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 90
DOI: 10.1063/1.3662012
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“Analytic treatment of vortex states in cylindrical superconductors in applied axial magnetic field”. Ludu A, Van Deun J, Milošević, MV, Cuyt A, Peeters FM, Journal of mathematical physics 51, 082903 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3470767
Abstract: We solve the linear GinzburgLandau (GL) equation in the presence of a uniform magnetic field with cylindrical symmetry and we find analytic expressions for the eigenfunctions in terms of the confluent hypergeometric functions. The discrete spectrum results from an implicit equation associated to the boundary conditions and it is resolved in analytic form using the continued fractions formalism. We study the dependence of the spectrum and the eigenfunctions on the sample size and the surface conditions for solid and hollow cylindrical superconductors. Finally, the solutions of the nonlinear GL formalism are constructed as expansions in the linear GL eigenfunction basis and selected by minimization of the free energy. We present examples of vortex states and their energies for different samples in enhancing/suppressing superconductivity surroundings.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.077
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1063/1.3470767
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“Band structure, density of states, and transmission in graphene bilayer superlattices”. Barbier M, Vasilopoulos P, Peeters FM, Pereira JM, AIP conference proceedings 1199, 547 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3295550
Abstract: The energy spectrum and density of states of graphene bilayer superlattices (SLs) are evaluated. We take into account doping and/or gating of the layers as well as tunnel coupling between them. In addition, we evaluate the transmission through such SLs and through single or double barriers. The transmission exhibits a strong dependence on the direction of the incident wave vector.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
DOI: 10.1063/1.3295550
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“Modeling of chemical processes in the low pressure capacitive radio frequency discharges in a mixture of Ar/C2H2”. Ariskin DA, Schweigert IV, Alexandrov AL, Bogaerts A, Peeters FM, Journal of applied physics 105, 063305 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3095760
Abstract: We study the properties of a capacitive 13.56 MHz discharge with a mixture of Ar/C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub> taking into account the plasmochemistry and growth of heavy hydrocarbons. A hybrid model was developed to combine the kinetic description for electron motion and the fluid approach for negative and positive ion transports and plasmochemical processes. A significant change in plasma parameters related to injection of 5.8% portion of acetylene in argon was observed and analyzed. We found that the electronegativity of the mixture is about 30%. The densities of negatively and positively charged heavy hydrocarbons are sufficiently large to be precursors for the formation of nanoparticles in the discharge volume.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 21
DOI: 10.1063/1.3095760
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“Graphene: a perfect nanoballoon”. Leenaerts O, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Applied physics letters 93, 193107 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3021413
Abstract: We have performed a first-principles density functional theory investigation of the penetration of helium atoms through a graphene monolayer with defects. The relaxation of the graphene layer caused by the incoming helium atoms does not have a strong influence on the height of the energy barriers for penetration. For defective graphene layers, the penetration barriers decrease exponentially with the size of the defects but they are still sufficiently high that very large defects are needed to make the graphene sheet permeable for small atoms and molecules. This makes graphene a very promising material for the construction of nanocages and nanomembranes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 295
DOI: 10.1063/1.3021413
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“Catalytic upcycling of PVC waste-derived phthalate esters into safe, hydrogenated plasticizers”. Windels S, Diefenhardt T, Jain N, Marquez C, Bals S, Schlummer M, De Vos DE, Green chemistry : cutting-edge research for a greener sustainable future 24, 754 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1039/D1GC03864H
Abstract: Recycling of end-of-life polyvinyl chloride (PVC) calls for solutions to deal with the vast amounts of harmful phthalate plasticizers that have historically been incorporated in PVC. Here, we report on the upcycling of such waste-extracted phthalate esters into analogues of the much safer diisononyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate plasticizer (DINCH), via a catalytic one-pot (trans)esterification-hydrogenation process. For most of the virgin phthalates, Ru/Al2O3 is a highly effective hydrogenation catalyst, yielding >99% ring-hydrogenated products under mild reaction conditions (0.1 mol% Ru, 80 degrees C, 50 bar H-2). However, applying this reaction to PVC-extracted phthalates proved problematic, (1) as benzyl phthalates are hydrogenolyzed to benzoic acids that inhibit the Ru-catalyst, and (2) because impurities in the plasticizer extract (PVC, sulfur) further retard the hydrogenation. These complications were solved by coupling the hydrogenation to an in situ (trans)esterification with a higher alcohol, and by pretreating the extract with an activated carbon adsorbent. In this way, a real phthalate extract obtained from post-consumer PVC waste was eventually completely (>99%) hydrogenated to phthalate-free, cycloaliphatic plasticizers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.8
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1039/D1GC03864H
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“Strong dichroic emission in the pseudo one dimensional material ZrS3”. Pant A, Torun E, Chen B, Bhat S, Fan X, Wu K, Wright DP, Peeters FM, Soignard E, Sahin H, Tongay S, Nanoscale 8, 16259 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR05238J
Abstract: Zirconium trisulphide (ZrS3), a member of the layered transition metal trichalcogenides (TMTCs) family, has been studied by angle-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy (ARPLS). The synthesized ZrS3 layers possess a pseudo one-dimensional nature where each layer consists of ZrS3 chains extending along the b-lattice direction. Our results show that the optical properties of few-layered ZrS3 are highly anisotropic as evidenced by large PL intensity variation with the polarization direction. Light is efficiently absorbed when the E-field is polarized along the chain (b-axis), but the field is greatly attenuated and absorption is reduced when it is polarized vertical to the 1D-like chains as the wavelength of the exciting light is much longer than the width of each 1D chain. The observed PL variation with polarization is similar to that of conventional 1D materials, i.e., nanowires, and nanotubes, except for the fact that here the 1D chains interact with each other giving rise to a unique linear dichroism response that falls between the 2D (planar) and 1D (chain) limit. These results not only mark the very first demonstration of PL polarization anisotropy in 2D systems, but also provide novel insight into how the interaction between adjacent 1D-like chains and the 2D nature of each layer influences the overall optical anisotropy of pseudo-1D materials. Results are anticipated to have an impact on optical technologies such as polarized detectors, near-field imaging, communication systems, and bio-applications relying on the generation and detection of polarized light.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 54
DOI: 10.1039/C6NR05238J
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“Composition-dependent charge transfer and phase separation in the V1-xRexO2 solid solution”. Mikhailova D, Kuratieva NN, Utsumi Y, Tsirlin AA, Abakumov AM, Schmidt M, Oswald S, Fuess H, Ehrenberg H, Journal of the Chemical Society : Dalton transactions 46, 1606 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C6DT04389E
Abstract: The substitution of vanadium in vanadium dioxide VO2 influences the critical temperatures of structural and metal-to-insulator transitions in different ways depending on the valence of the dopant. Rhenium adopts valence states between + 4 and + 7 in an octahedral oxygen surrounding and is particularly interesting in this context. Structural investigation of V1-xRexO2 solid solutions (0.01 <= x <= 0.30) between 80 and 1200 K using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction revealed only two polymorphs that resemble VO2: the low-temperature monoclinic MoO2-type form (space group P2(1)/c), and the tetragonal rutile-like form (space group P4(2)/mnm). However, for compositions with 0.03 < x <= 0.15 a phase separation in the solid solution was observed below 1000 K upon cooling down from 1200 K, giving rise to two isostructural phases with slightly different lattice parameters. This is reflected in the appearance of two metal-toinsulator transition temperatures detected by magnetization and specific heat measurements. Comprehensive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies showed that an increased amount of Re leads to a change in the Re valence state from solely Re6+ at a low doping level (<= 3 at% Re) via mixed-valence states Re4+/Re6+ for at least 0.03 < x <= 0.10, up to nearly pure Re4+ in V0.70Re0.30O2. Thus, compositions V1-xRexO2 with only one valence state of Re in the material (Re6+ or Re4+) can be obtained as a single phase, while intermediate compositions are subjected to a phase separation, presumably due to different valence states of Re.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.029
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1039/C6DT04389E
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“One-pot synthesis of Pt catalysts based on layered double hydroxides: an application in propane dehydrogenation”. Filez M, Redekop EA, Poelman H, Galvita VV, Meledina M, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Detavernier C, Marin GB, Catalysis science &, technology 6, 1863 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/C5CY01274K
Abstract: Simple methods for producing noble metal catalysts with well-defined active sites and improved performance are highly desired in the chemical industry. However, the development of such methods still presents a formidable synthetic challenge. Here, we demonstrate a one-pot synthesis route for the controlled production of bimetallic Pt–In catalysts based on the single-step formation of Mg,Al,Pt,In-containing layered double hydroxides (LDHs). Besides their simple synthesis, these Pt–In catalysts exhibit superior propane dehydrogenation activity compared to their multi-step synthesized analogs. The presented material serves as a showcase for the one-pot synthesis of a broader class of LDH-derived mono- and multimetallic Pt catalysts. The compositional flexibility provided by LDH materials can pave the way towards highperforming Pt-based catalysts with tunable physicochemical properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.773
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1039/C5CY01274K
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“Solution-derived YBa2Cu3O7-\delta (YBCO) superconducting films with BaZrO3 (BZO) nanodots based on reverse micelle stabilized nanoparticles”. Bretos I, Schneller T, Falter M, Baecker M, Hollmann E, Woerdenweber R, Molina-Luna L, Van Tendeloo G, Eibl O, Journal of materials chemistry C : materials for optical and electronic devices 3, 3971 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4tc02543a
Abstract: Superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-delta (YBCO) films with artificial BaZrO3 (BZO) nanodots were prepared using a chemical solution deposition method involving hybrid solutions composed of trifluoroacetate-based YBCO precursors and reverse micelle stabilized BZO nanoparticle dispersions. Microemulsion-mediated synthesis was used to obtain nano-sized (similar to 12 nm) and mono-dispersed BZO nanoparticles that preserve their features once introduced into the YBCO solution, as revealed by dynamic light scattering. Phase pure, epitaxial YBCO films with randomly oriented BZO nanodots distributed over their whole microstructure were grown from the hybrid solutions on (100) LaAlO3 substrates. The morphology of the YBCO-BZO nanocomposite films was strongly influenced by the amount of nanoparticles incorporated into the system, with contents ranging from 5 to 40 mol%. Scanning electron microscopy showed a high density of isolated second-phase defects consisting of BZO nanodots in the nanocomposite film with 10 mol% of BZO. Furthermore, a direct observation and quantitative analysis of lattice defects in the form of interfacial edge dislocations directly induced by the BZO nanodots was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy. The superconducting properties (77 K) of the YBCO films improved considerably by the presence of such nanodots, which seem to enhance the morphology of the sample and therefore the intergranular critical properties. The incorporation of preformed second-phase defects (here, BZO) during the growth of the superconducting phase is the main innovation of this novel approach for the all-solution based low-cost fabrication of long-length coated conductors.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.256
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1039/c4tc02543a
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“Pulsed laser deposition of SrTiO3 on a H-terminated Si substrate”. Spreitzer M, Egoavil R, Verbeeck J, Blank DHA, Rijnders G, Journal of materials chemistry C : materials for optical and electronic devices 1, 5216 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3tc30913d
Abstract: Interfacing oxides with silicon is a long-standing problem related to the integration of multifunctional oxides with semiconductor devices and the replacement of SiO2 with high-k gate oxides. In our study, pulsed laser deposition was used to prepare a SrTiO3 (STO) thin film on a H-terminated Si substrate. The main purpose of our work was to verify the ability of H-termination against the oxidation of Si during the PLD process and to analyze the resulting interfaces. In the first part of the study, the STO was deposited directly on the Si, leading to the formation of a preferentially textured STO film with a (100) orientation. In the second part, SrO was used as a buffer layer, which enabled the partial epitaxial growth of STO with STO(110)parallel to Si(100) and STO[001]parallel to Si[001]. The change in the growth direction induced by the application of a SrO buffer was governed by the formation of a SrO(111) intermediate layer and subsequently by the minimization of the lattice misfit between the STO and the SrO. Under the investigated conditions, approximately 10 nm thick interfacial layers formed between the STO and the Si due to reactions between the deposited material and the underlying H-terminated Si. In the case of direct STO deposition, SiOx formed at the interface with the silicon, while in the case when SrO was used as a buffer, strontium silicate grew directly on the silicon, which improves the growth quality of the uppermost STO.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.256
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1039/c3tc30913d
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“ELNES study of carbon K-edge spectra of plasma deposited carbon films”. Hamon A-L, Verbeeck J, Schryvers D, Benedikt J, van den Sanden RMCM, Journal of materials chemistry 14, 2030 (2004). http://doi.org/10.1039/b406468m
Abstract: Electron energy loss spectroscopy was used to investigate the bonding of plasma deposited carbon films. The experimental conditions include the use of a specific collection angle for which the shape of the spectra is free of the orientation dependency usually encountered in graphite due to its anisotropic structure. The first quantification process of the energy loss near-edge structure was performed by a standard fit of the collected spectrum, corrected for background and multiple scattering, with three Gaussian functions followed by a comparison with the graphite spectrum obtained under equivalent experimental conditions. In a second approach a fitting model directly incorporating the background subtraction and multiple scattering removal was applied. The final numerical results are interpreted in view of the deposition conditions of the films and the actual fitting procedure with the related choice of parameters.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.626
Times cited: 61
DOI: 10.1039/b406468m
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“Realization of a tunable artificial atom at a supercritically charged vacancy in graphene”. Mao J, Jiang Y, Moldovan D, Li G, Watanabe K, Taniguchi T, Masir MR, Peeters FM, Andrei EY, Nature physics 12, 545 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1038/nphys3665
Abstract: Graphene’s remarkable electronic properties have fuelled the vision of a graphene-based platform for lighter, faster and smarter electronics and computing applications. One of the challenges is to devise ways to tailor graphene’s electronic properties and to control its charge carriers. Here we show that a single-atom vacancy in graphene can stably host a local charge and that this charge can be gradually built up by applying voltage pulses with the tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope. The response of the conduction electrons in graphene to the local charge is monitored with scanning tunnelling and Landau level spectroscopy, and compared to numerical simulations. As the charge is increased, its interaction with the conduction electrons undergoes a transition into a supercritical regime where itinerant electrons are trapped in a sequence of quasi-bound states which resemble an artificial atom. The quasi-bound electron states are detected by a strong enhancement of the density of states within a disc centred on the vacancy site which is surrounded by halo of hole states. We further show that the quasi-bound states at the vacancy site are gate tunable and that the trapping mechanism can be turned on and off, providing a mechanism to control and guide electrons in graphene.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 22.806
Times cited: 93
DOI: 10.1038/nphys3665
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“Direct observation of Josephson vortex cores”. Roditchev D, Brun C, Serrier-Garcia L, Cuevas JC, Bessa VHL, Milošević, MV, Debontridder F, Stolyarov V, Cren T, Nature physics 11, 332 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1038/nphys3240
Abstract: Superconducting correlations may propagate between two superconductors separated by a tiny insulating or metallic barrier, allowing a dissipationless electric current to flow(1,2). In the presence of a magnetic field, the maximum supercurrent oscillates(3) and each oscillation corresponding to the entry of one Josephson vortex into the barrier(4). Josephson vortices are conceptual blocks of advanced quantum devices such as coherent terahertz generators(5) or qubits for quantum computing(6), in which on-demand generation and control is crucial. Here, we map superconducting correlations inside proximity Josephson junctions(7) using scanning tunnelling microscopy. Unexpectedly, we find that such Josephson vortices have real cores, in which the proximity gap is locally suppressed and the normal state recovered. By following the Josephson vortex formation and evolution we demonstrate that they originate from quantum interference of Andreev quasiparticles(8), and that the phase portraits of the two superconducting quantum condensates at edges of the junction decide their generation, shape, spatial extent and arrangement. Our observation opens a pathway towards the generation and control of Josephson vortices by applying supercurrents through the superconducting leads of the junctions, that is, by purely electrical means without any need for a magnetic field, which is a crucial step towards high-density on-chip integration of superconducting quantum devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 22.806
Times cited: 102
DOI: 10.1038/nphys3240
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“Rayleigh instability of confined vortex droplets in critical superconductors”. Lukyanchuk I, Vinokur VM, Rydh A, Xie R, Milošević, MV, Welp U, Zach M, Xiao ZL, Crabtree GW, Bending SJ, Peeters FM, Kwok WK, Nature physics 11, 21 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1038/NPHYS3146
Abstract: Depending on the Ginzburg-Landau parameter kappa, superconductors can either be fully diamagnetic if kappa < 1/root 2 (type I superconductors) or allow magnetic flux to penetrate through Abrikosov vortices if kappa > 1/root 2 (type II superconductors; refs 1,2). At the Bogomolny critical point, kappa = kappa(c) = 1/root 2, a state that is infinitely degenerate with respect to vortex spatial configurations arises(3,4). Despite in-depth investigations of conventional type I and type II superconductors, a thorough understanding of the magnetic behaviour in the near-Bogomolny critical regime at kappa similar to kappa(c) remains lacking. Here we report that in confined systems the critical regime expands over a finite interval of kappa forming a critical superconducting state. We show that in this state, in a sample with dimensions comparable to the vortex core size, vortices merge into a multi-quanta droplet, which undergoes Rayleigh instability(5) on increasing kappa and decays by emitting single vortices. Superconducting vortices realize Nielsen-Olesen singular solutions of the Abelian Higgs model, which is pervasive in phenomena ranging from quantum electrodynamics to cosmology(6-9). Our study of the transient dynamics of Abrikosov-Nielsen-Olesen vortices in systems with boundaries promises access to non-trivial effects in quantum field theory by means of bench-top laboratory experiments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 22.806
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1038/NPHYS3146
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“Electronically coupled complementary interfaces between perovskite band insulators”. Huijben M, Rijnders G, Blank DHA, Bals S, Van Aert S, Verbeeck J, Van Tendeloo G, Brinkman A, Hilgenkamp H, Nature materials 5, 556 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1038/nmat1675
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 39.737
Times cited: 315
DOI: 10.1038/nmat1675
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“Phase transitions in individual sub-micrometre superconductors”. Geim AK, Grigorieva IV, Dubonos SV, Lok JGS, Maan JC, Filippov AE, Peeters FM, Nature 390, 259 (1997). http://doi.org/10.1038/36797
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 40.137
Times cited: 370
DOI: 10.1038/36797
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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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“Novel complex stacking of fully-ordered transition metal layers in Li4FeSbO6 materials”. McCalla E, Abakumov A, Rousse G, Reynaud M, Sougrati MT, Budic B, Mahmoud A, Dominko R, Van Tendeloo G, Hermann RP, Tarascon JM;, Chemistry of materials 27, 1699 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm504500a
Abstract: As part of a broad project to explore Li4MM'O-6 materials (with M and M' being selected from a wide variety of metals) as positive electrode materials for Li-ion batteries, the structures of Li4FeSbO6 materials with both stoichiometric and slightly deficient lithium contents are studied here. For lithium content varying from 3.8 to 4.0, the color changes from yellow to black and extra superstructure peaks are seen in the XRD patterns. These extra peaks appear as satellites around the four superstructure peaks affected by the stacking of the transition metal atoms. Refinements of both XRD and neutron scattering patterns show a nearly perfect ordering of Li, Fe, and Sb in the transition metal layers of all samples, although these refinements must take the stacking faults into account in order to extract information about the structure of the TM layers. The structure of the most lithium rich sample, where the satellite superstructure peaks are seen, was determined with the help of HRTEM, XRD, and neutron scattering. The satellites arise due to a new stacking sequence where not all transition metal layers are identical but instead two slightly different compositions stack in an AABB sequence giving a unit cell that is four times larger than normal for such monoclinic layered materials. The more lithium deficient samples are found to contain metal site vacancies based on elemental analysis and Mossbauer spectroscopy results. The significant changes in physical properties are attributed to the presence of these vacancies. This study illustrates the great importance of carefully determining the final compositions in these materials, as very small differences in compositions may have large impacts on structures and properties.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1021/cm504500a
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“Nanoscale ordering in oxygen deficient quintuple perovskite Sm2-\epsilonBa3+\epsilonFe5O15-\delta : implication for magnetism and oxygen stoichiometry”. Volkova NE, Lebedev OI, Gavrilova LY, Turner S, Gauquelin N, Seikh MM, Caignaert V, Cherepanov VA, Raveau B, Van Tendeloo G, Chemistry of materials 26, 6303 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm503276p
Abstract: The investigation of the system SmBaFe-O in air has allowed an oxygen deficient perovskite Sm2-epsilon Ba3+epsilon Fe5O15-delta (delta = 0.75, epsilon = 0.125) to be synthesized. In contrast to the XRPD pattern which gives a cubic symmetry (a(p) = 3.934 angstrom), the combined HREM/EELS study shows that this phase is nanoscale ordered with a quintuple tetragonal cell, a(p) X a(p) X 5(ap). The nanodomains exhibit a unique stacking sequence of the A-site cationic layers along the crystallographic c-axis, namely SmBaBa/SmBa/SmBaSm, and are chemically twinned in the three crystallographic directions. The nanoscale ordering of this perovskite explains its peculiar magnetic properties on the basis of antiferromagnetic interactions with spin blockade at the boundary between the nanodomains. The variation of electrical conductivity and oxygen content of this oxide versus temperature suggest potential SOFC applications. They may be related to the particular distribution of oxygen vacancies in the lattice and to the 3d(5)(L) under bar configuration of iron.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1021/cm503276p
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“Wearable Electrochemical Sensors for the Monitoring and Screening of Drugs”. Teymourian H, Parrilla M, Sempionatto JR, Montiel NF, Barfidokht A, Van Echelpoel R, De Wael K, Wang J, Acs Sensors 5, 2679 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/acssensors.0c01318
Abstract: Wearable electrochemical sensors capable of noninvasive monitoring of chemical markers represent a rapidly emerging digital-health technology. Recent advances toward wearable continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have ignited tremendous interest in expanding such sensor technology to other important fields. This article reviews for the first time wearable electrochemical sensors for monitoring therapeutic drugs and drugs of abuse. This rapidly emerging class of drug-sensing wearable devices addresses the growing demand for personalized medicine, toward improved therapeutic outcomes while minimizing the side effects of drugs and the related medical expenses. Continuous, noninvasive monitoring of therapeutic drugs within bodily fluids empowers clinicians and patients to correlate the pharmacokinetic properties with optimal outcomes by realizing patient-specific dose regulation and tracking dynamic changes in pharmacokinetics behavior while assuring the medication adherence of patients. Furthermore, wearable electrochemical drug monitoring devices can also serve as powerful screening tools in the hands of law enforcement agents to combat drug trafficking and support on-site forensic investigations. The review covers various wearable form factors developed for noninvasive monitoring of therapeutic drugs in different body fluids and toward on-site screening of drugs of abuse. The future prospects of such wearable drug monitoring devices are presented with the ultimate goals of introducing accurate real-time drug monitoring protocols and autonomous closed-loop platforms toward precise dose regulation and optimal therapeutic outcomes. Finally, current unmet challenges and existing gaps are discussed for motivating future technological innovations regarding personalized therapy. The current pace of developments and the tremendous market opportunities for such wearable drug monitoring platforms are expected to drive intense future research and
commercialization efforts.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 8.9
DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.0c01318
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“Grain boundaries as a diffusion-limiting factor in lithium-rich NMC cathodes for high-energy lithium-ion batteries”. Abakumov AM, Li C, Boev A, Aksyonov DA, Savina AA, Abakumova TA, Van Tendeloo G, Bals S, ACS applied energy materials 4, 6777 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSAEM.1C00872
Abstract: High-energy lithium-rich layered transition metal oxides are capable of delivering record electrochemical capacity and energy density as positive electrodes for Li-ion batteries. Their electrochemical behavior is extremely complex due to sophisticated interplay between crystal structure, electronic structure, and defect structure. Here we unravel an extra level of this complexity by revealing that the most typical representative Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 material, prepared by a conventional coprecipitation technique with Na2CO3 as a precipitating agent, contains abundant coherent (001) grain boundaries with a Na-enriched P2-structured block due to segregation of the residual sodium traces. The trigonal prismatic oxygen coordination of Na triggers multiple nanoscale twinning, giving rise to incoherent (104) boundaries. The cationic layers at the (001) grain boundaries are filled with transition metal cations being Mn-depleted and Co-enriched; this makes them virtually not permeable for the Li+ cations, and therefore they negatively influence the Li diffusion in and out of the spherical agglomerates. These results demonstrate that besides the mechanisms intrinsic to the crystal and electronic structure of Li-rich cathodes, their rate capability might also be depreciated by peculiar microstructural aspects. Dedicated engineering of grain boundaries opens a way for improving inherently sluggish kinetics of these materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1021/ACSAEM.1C00872
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“Asymmetric Modulation on Exchange Field in a Graphene/BiFeO3Heterostructure by External Magnetic Field”. Song H-D, Wu Y-F, Yang X, Ren Z, Ke X, Kurttepeli M, Tendeloo GV, Liu D, Wu H-C, Yan B, Wu X, Duan C-G, Han G, Liao Z-M, Yu D, Nano letters 18, 2435 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b05480
Abstract: Graphene, having all atoms on its surface, is favorable to extend the functions by introducing the spin–orbit coupling and magnetism through proximity effect. Here, we report the tunable interfacial exchange field produced by proximity coupling in graphene/BiFeO3 heterostructures. The exchange field has a notable dependence with external magnetic field, and it is much larger under negative magnetic field than that under positive magnetic field. For negative external magnetic field, interfacial exchange coupling gives rise to evident spin splitting for N ≠ 0 Landau levels and a quantum Hall metal state for N = 0 Landau level. Our findings suggest graphene/BiFeO3 heterostructures are promising for spintronics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b05480
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“Capillary Condensation of Water in Graphene Nanocapillaries”. Faraji F, Neyts EC, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Nano Letters 24, 5625 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01088
Abstract: Recent experiments have revealed that the macroscopic Kelvin equation remains surprisingly accurate even for nanoscale capillaries. This phenomenon was so far explained by the oscillatory behavior of the solid−liquid interfacial free energy. We here demonstrate thermodynamic and capillarity inconsistencies with this explanation. After revising the Kelvin equation, we ascribe its validity at nanoscale confinement to the effect of disjoining pressure.
To substantiate our hypothesis, we employed molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate interfacial heat transfer and wetting properties. Our assessments unveil a breakdown in a previously established proportionality between the work of adhesion and the Kapitza conductance at capillary heights below 1.3 nm, where the dominance of the work of adhesion shifts primarily from energy to entropy. Alternatively, the peak density of the initial water layer can effectively probe the work of adhesion. Unlike under bulk conditions, high confinement renders the work of adhesion entropically unfavorable.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; CMT
Impact Factor: 10.8
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01088
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“Tetramethylbenzidine-TetrafluoroTCNQ (TMB-TCNQF(4)) : a narrow-gap semiconducting salt with room-temperature relaxor ferroelectric behavior”. Canossa S, Ferrari E, Sippel P, Fischer JKH, Pfattner R, Frison R, Masino M, Mas-Torrent M, Lunkenheimer P, Rovira C, Girlando A, Journal Of Physical Chemistry C 125, 25816 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JPCC.1C07131
Abstract: We present an extension and revision of the spectroscopic and structural data of the mixed-stack charge-transfer (CT) crystal 3,3 ',5,5 '-tetramethylbenzidine-tetrafluorotetracyano-quinodimethane (TMB-TCNQF4), associated with new electric and dielectric measurements. Refinement of synchrotron structural data at low temperature has led to revise the previously reported C2/m structure. The revised structure is P2(1)/m, with two dimerized stacks per unit cell, and is consistent with the low temperature vibrational data. However, polarized Raman data in the low-frequency region also indicate that by increasing temperature above 200 K, the structure presents an increasing degree of disorder, mainly along the stack axis. X-ray diffraction data at room temperature have confirmed that the correct structure is P2(1)/ m -no phase transitions -but did not allow substantiating the presence of disorder. On the other hand, dielectric measurements have evidenced a typical relaxor ferroelectric behavior already at room temperature, with a peak in the real part of dielectric constant epsilon'(T,v) around 200 K and 0.1 Hz. The relaxor behavior is explained in terms of the presence of spin solitons separating domains of opposite polarity that yield to ferroelectric nanodomains. TMB-TCNQF(4) is confirmed to be a narrow-gap band semiconductor (Ea similar to 0.3 eV) with a room-temperature conductivity of similar to 10(-4) Omega(-1) cm(-1).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPCC.1C07131
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“Complex Microstructure and Magnetism in Polymorphic CaFeSeO”. Cassidy SJ, Batuk M, Batuk D, Hadermann J, Woodruff DN, Thompson AL, Clarke SJ, Inorganic chemistry 55, 10714 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.6b01951
Abstract: The structural complexity of the antiferromagnetic oxide selenide CaFeSeO is described. The compound contains puckered FeSeO layers composed of FeSe2O2 tetrahedra sharing all their vertexes. Two polymorphs coexist that can be derived from an archetype BaZnSO structure by cooperative tilting of the FeSe2O2 tetrahedra. The polymorphs differ in the relative arrangement of the puckered layers of vertex-linked FeSe2O2 tetrahedra. In a noncentrosymmetric Cmc21 polymorph (a = 3.89684(2) A, b = 13.22054(8) A, c = 5.93625(2) A) the layers are related by the C-centering translation, while in a centrosymmetric Pmcn polymorph, with a similar cell metric (a = 3.89557(6) A, b = 13.2237(6) A, c = 5.9363(3) A), the layers are related by inversion. The compound shows long-range antiferromagnetic order below a Neel temperature of 159(1) K with both polymorphs showing antiferromagnetic coupling via Fe-O-Fe linkages and ferromagnetic coupling via Fe-Se-Fe linkages within the FeSeO layers. The magnetic susceptibility also shows evidence for weak ferromagnetism which is modeled in the refinements of the magnetic structure as arising from an uncompensated spin canting in the noncentrosymmetric polymorph. There is also a spin glass component to the magnetism which likely arises from the disordered regions of the structure evident in the transmission electron microscopy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.6b01951
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“Bi(3n+1)Ti7Fe(3n-3)O(9n+11) Homologous Series: Slicing Perovskite Structure with Planar Interfaces Containing Anatase-like Chains”. Batuk D, Tsirlin AA, Filimonov DS, Zakharov KV, Volkova OS, Vasiliev A, Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Inorganic chemistry 55, 1245 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.5b02465
Abstract: The n = 3-6 members of a new perovskite-based homologous series Bi(3n+1)Ti7Fe(3n-3)O(9n+11) are reported. The crystal structure of the n = 3 Bi10Ti7Fe6O38 member is refined using a combination of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data (a = 11.8511(2) A, b = 3.85076(4) A, c = 33.0722(6) A, S.G. Immm), unveiling the partially ordered distribution of Ti(4+) and Fe(3+) cations and indicating the presence of static random displacements of the Bi and O atoms. All Bi(3n+1)Ti7Fe(3n-3)O(9n+11) structures are composed of perovskite blocks separated by translational interfaces parallel to the (001)p perovskite planes. The thickness of the perovskite blocks increases with n, while the atomic arrangement at the interfaces remains the same. The interfaces comprise chains of double edge-sharing (Fe,Ti)O6 octahedra connected to the octahedra of the perovskite blocks by sharing edges and corners. This configuration shifts the adjacent perovskite blocks relative to each other over a vector (1/2)[110]p and creates S-shaped tunnels along the [010] direction. The tunnels accommodate double columns of the Bi(3+) cations, which stabilize the interfaces owing to the stereochemical activity of their lone electron pairs. The Bi(3n+1)Ti7Fe(3n-3)O(9n+11) structures can be formally considered either as intergrowths of perovskite modules and polysynthetically twinned modules of the Bi2Ti4O11 structure or as intergrowths of the 2D perovskite and 1D anatase fragments. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on Bi10Ti7Fe6O38 reveals that static atomic displacements of Bi and O inside the perovskite blocks are not completely random; they are cooperative, yet only short-range ordered. According to TEM, the interfaces can be laterally shifted with respect to each other over +/-1/3a, introducing an additional degree of disorder. Bi10Ti7Fe6O38 is paramagnetic in the 1.5-1000 K temperature range due to dilution of the magnetic Fe(3+) cations with nonmagnetic Ti(4+). The n = 3, 4 compounds demonstrate a high dielectric constant of 70-165 at room temperature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.5b02465
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“Synthesis of Li-Rich NMC : a comprehensive study”. Pimenta V, Sathiya M, Batuk D, Abakumov AM, Giaume D, Cassaignon S, Larcher D, Tarascon J-M, Chemistry of materials 29, 9923 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.7B03230
Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('Li-rich NMC are considered nowadays as one of the most promising candidates for high energy density cathodes. One significant challenge is nested in adjusting their synthesis conditions to reach optimum electrochemical performance, but no consensus has been reached yet on the ideal synthesis protocol. Herein, we revisited the elaboration of Li-rich NMC electrodes by focusing on the science involved through each synthesis steps using carbonate Ni0.1625Mn0.675Co0.1625CO3 precursor coprecipitation combined with solid state synthesis. We demonstrated the effect of precursors concentration on the kinetics of the precipitation reaction and provided clues to obtain spherically agglomerated NMC carbonates of different sizes. Moreover, we highlighted the strong impact of the Li2CO3/NMC carbonate ratio on the morphology and particles size of Li-rich NMC and subsequently on their electrochemical performance. Ratio of 1.35 was found to reproducibly give the best performance with namely a first discharge capacity of 269 mAh g(-1) and capacity retention of 89.6% after 100 cycles. We hope that our results, which reveal how particle size, morphology, and phase composition affect the materials electrochemical performance, will help in reconciling literature data while providing valuable fundamental information for up scaling approaches.'));
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.CHEMMATER.7B03230
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