“Governing the morphology of PtAu heteronanocrystals with improved electrocatalytic performance”. Mourdikoudis S, Chirea M, Zanaga D, Altantzis T, Mitrakas M, Bals S, Marzán LM, Pérez-Juste J, Pastoriza-Santos I, Nanoscale 7, 8739 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/C4NR07481E
Abstract: Platinumgold heteronanostructures comprising either dimer (PtAu) or coresatellite (Pt@Au) configurations were synthesized by means of a seeded growth procedure using platinum nanodendrites as seeds. Careful control of the reduction kinetics of the gold precursor can be used to direct the nucleation and growth of gold nanoparticles on either one or multiple surface sites simultaneously, leading to the formation of either dimers or coresatellite nanoparticles, respectively, in high yields. Characterization by electron tomography and high resolution electron microscopy provided a better understanding of the actual three-dimensional particle morphology, as well as the AuPt interface, revealing quasi-epitaxial growth of Au on Pt. The prepared PtAu bimetallic nanostructures are highly efficient catalysts for ethanol oxidation in alkaline solution, showing accurate selectivity, high sensitivity, and improved efficiency by generating higher current densities than their monometallic counterparts.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 41
DOI: 10.1039/C4NR07481E
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“Atomic layer deposition-based tuning of the pore size in mesoporous thin films studied by in situ grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering”. Dendooven J, Devloo-Casier K, Ide M, Grandfield, Kurttepeli, Ludwig KF, Bals S, Van der Voort P, Detavernier C, Nanoscale 6, 14991 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4nr05049e
Abstract: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) enables the conformal coating of porous materials, making the technique suitable for pore size tuning at the atomic level, e.g., for applications in catalysis, gas separation and sensing. It is, however, not straightforward to obtain information about the conformality of ALD coatings deposited in pores with diameters in the low mesoporous regime (<10 nm). In this work, it is demonstrated that in situ synchrotron based grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) can provide valuable information on the change in density and internal surface area during ALD of TiO2 in a porous titania film with small mesopores (3-8 nm). The results are shown to be in good agreement with in situ X-ray fluorescence data representing the evolution of the amount of Ti atoms deposited in the porous film. Analysis of both datasets indicates that the minimum pore diameter that can be achieved by ALD is determined by the size of the Ti-precursor molecule.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 41
DOI: 10.1039/c4nr05049e
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“Thermodynamics at the nanoscale : phase diagrams of nickel-carbon nanoclusters and equilibrium constants for face transitions”. Engelmann Y, Bogaerts A, Neyts EC, Nanoscale 6, 11981 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/C4NR02354D
Abstract: Using reactive molecular dynamics simulations, the melting behavior of nickelcarbon nanoclusters is examined. The phase diagrams of icosahedral and Wulff polyhedron clusters are determined using both the Lindemann index and the potential energy. Formulae are derived for calculating the equilibrium constants and the solid and liquid fractions during a phase transition, allowing more rational determination of the melting temperature with respect to the arbitrary Lindemann value. These results give more insight into the properties of nickelcarbon nanoclusters in general and can specifically be very useful for a better understanding of the synthesis of carbon nanotubes using the catalytic chemical vapor deposition method.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; PLASMANT
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1039/C4NR02354D
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“Thermodynamics at the nanoscale: phase diagrams of nickel-carbon nanoclusters and equilibrium constants for phase transitions”. Engelmann, Bogaerts A, Neyts EC, Nanoscale 6, 11981 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4nr02354d
Abstract: Using reactive molecular dynamics simulations, the melting behavior of nickel-carbon nanoclusters is examined. The phase diagrams of icosahedral and Wulff polyhedron clusters are determined using both the Lindemann index and the potential energy. Formulae are derived for calculating the equilibrium constants and the solid and liquid fractions during a phase transition, allowing more rational determination of the melting temperature with respect to the arbitrary Lindemann value. These results give more insight into the properties of nickel-carbon nanoclusters in general and can specifically be very useful for a better understanding of the synthesis of carbon nanotubes using the catalytic chemical vapor deposition method.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1039/c4nr02354d
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“Synthesis of a 3D network of Pt nanowires by atomic layer deposition on a carbonaceous template”. Deng S, Kurttepeli M, Deheryan S, Cott DJ, Vereecken PM, Martens JA, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Detavernier C, Nanoscale 6, 6939 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4nr00982g
Abstract: The formation of a 3D network composed of free standing and interconnected Pt nanowires is achieved by a two-step method, consisting of conformal deposition of Pt by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on a forest of carbon nanotubes and subsequent removal of the carbonaceous template. Detailed characterization of this novel 3D nanostructure was carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The characterization showed that this pure 3D nanostructure of platinum is self-supported and offers an enhancement of the electrochemically active surface area by a factor of 50.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1039/c4nr00982g
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“Colloidal nickel/gallium nanoalloys obtained from organometallic precursors in conventional organic solvents and in ionic liquids : noble-metal-free alkyne semihydrogenation catalysts”. Schütte K, Doddi A, Kroll C, Meyer H, Wiktor C, Gemel C, Van Tendeloo G, Fischer RA, Janiak C, Nanoscale 6, 5532 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4nr00111g
Abstract: Efforts to replace noble-metal catalysts by low-cost alternatives are of constant interest. The organometallic, non-aqueous wet-chemical synthesis of various hitherto unknown nanocrystalline Ni/Ga intermetallic materials and the use of NiGa for the selective semihydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes are reported. Thermal co-hydrogenolysis of the all-hydrocarbon precursors [Ni(COD)(2)] (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) and GaCp* (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) in high-boiling organic solvents mesitylene and n-decane in molar ratios of 1 : 1, 2 : 3 and 3 : 1 yields the nano-crystalline powder materials of the over-all compositions NiGa, Ni2Ga3 and Ni3Ga, respectively. Microwave induced co-pyrolysis of the same precursors without additional hydrogen in the ionic liquid [BMIm][BF4] (BMIm = 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium) selectively yields the intermetallic phases NiGa and Ni3Ga from the respective 1 : 1 and 3 : 1 molar ratios of the precursors. The obtained materials are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), IR, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The single-source precursor [Ni(GaCp*)(PMe3)(3)] with a fixed Ni : Ga stoichiometry of 1 : 1 was employed as well. In comparison with the co-hydrogenolytic dual precursor source approach it turned out to be less practical due to inefficient nickel incorporation caused by the parasitic formation of stable [Ni(PMe3)(4)]. The use of ionic liquid [BMIm][BF4] as a non-conventional solvent to control the reaction and stabilize the nanoparticles proved to be particularly advantageous and stable colloids of the nanoalloys NiGa and Ni3Ga were obtained. A phase-selective Ni/Ga colloid synthesis in conventional solvents and in the presence of surfactants such as hexadecylamine (HDA) was not feasible due to the undesired reactivity of HDA with GaCp* leading to inefficient gallium incorporation. Recyclable NiGa nanoparticles selectively semihydrogenate 1-octyne and diphenylacetylene (tolan) to 1-octene and diphenylethylene, respectively, with a yield of about 90% and selectivities of up to 94 and 87%. Ni-NPs yield alkanes with a selectivity of 97 or 78%, respectively, under the same conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 40
DOI: 10.1039/c4nr00111g
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“Full spectral XANES imaging using the Maia detector array as a new tool for the study of the alteration process of chrome yellow pigments in paintings by Vincent van Gogh”. Monico L, Janssens K, Alfeld M, Cotte M, Vanmeert F, Ryan CG, Falkenberg G, Howard DL, Brunetti BG, Miliani C, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 30, 613 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/C4JA00419A
Abstract: A combination of synchrotron radiation (SR) micro X-ray fluorescence (m-XRF) and XRF mode X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measurements at the Cr K-edge already allowed us to establish that the photo-reduction of chromates to Cr(III) compounds is the cause of darkening of chrome yellow pigments (PbCr1-xSxO4, 0 <= x <= 0.8) in a number of paintings by Vincent van Gogh and in corresponding artificially aged paint models. A silicon drift detector (SDD) was employed to record the Cr-K XRF radiation in these X-ray micro beam-based measurements. However, in view of the limited count rate capabilities and collection solid angle of a single device, m-XRF and m-XANES employing single element SDDs (or similar) are primarily suited for collection of spectral data from individual points. Additionally, collection of XRF maps via point-by-point scanning with relatively long dwell times per point is possible but is usually confined to small areas. The development of the 384 silicon-diode array Maia XRF detector has provided valuable solutions in terms of data acquisition rate, allowing for full spectral (FS) XANES imaging in XRF mode, i.e., where spectroscopic information is available at each pixel in the scanned map. In this paper, the possibilities of SR Cr K-edge FS-XANES imaging in XRF mode using the Maia detector are examined as a new data collection strategy to study the speciation and distribution of alteration products of lead chromate-based pigments in painting materials. The results collected from two micro-samples taken from two Van Gogh paintings and an aged paint model show the possibility to perform FS-XANES imaging in practical time frames (from several minutes to a few hours) by scanning regions of sample sizes of the same order (more than 500 mm). The sensitivity and capabilities of FS-XANES imaging in providing representative chemical speciation information at the microscale (spatial resolution from similar to 2 to 0.6 mm) over the entire scanned area are demonstrated by the identification of Cr(OH) 3, Cr(III) sulfates and/or Cr(III) organometallic compounds in the corresponding phase maps, as alteration products. Comparable Cr-speciation results were obtained by performing equivalent higher spatial resolution SR m-XRF/single-point m-XANES analysis using a more conventional SDD from smaller regions of interest of each sample. Thus, large-area XRF mode FS-XANES imaging (Maia detector) is here proposed as a valuable and complementary data collection strategy in relation to “ zoomed-in” high-resolution m-XRF mapping and single-point m-XANES analysis (SDD).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1039/C4JA00419A
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“Strategies for processing mega-pixel X-ray fluorescence hyperspectral data: a case study on a version of Caravaggio's painting Supper at Emmaus”. Alfeld M, Janssens K, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 30, 777 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/C4JA00387J
Abstract: Technical progress in the fields of X-ray sources, optics and detectors is constantly enhancing the pace of data acquisition in XRF imaging. This enlarges the size of the hyperspectral datasets and the number of their sub-parts. This paper describes the challenges in processing large XRF datasets featuring several million pixels/spectra and the strategies developed to overcome them. During the investigation of historical paintings by scanning macro-XRF the main challenges are the correct identification of all spectral features in a dataset and its timely processing. For the identification of spectral features different approaches are discussed, i.e. the use of sum spectra, maximum pixel spectra and of chi(2)(r) maps. For the time-efficient, artefact-free evaluation of XRF imaging data, different software packages are evaluated and intercompared (AXIL, PyMCA, GeoPIXE and the in-house written datamuncher). The process of data evaluation is illustrated on a large dataset (3.4 MPixels) acquired during the investigation of a version of Caravaggio's Supper at Emmaus (143 x 199.5 cm(2)). This 17th century painting is currently the largest object entirely scanned with macroscopic XRF.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 67
DOI: 10.1039/C4JA00387J
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“Micro-XANES study on Mn browning: use of quantitative valence state maps”. Nuyts G, Cagno S, Bugani S, Janssens K, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 30, 642 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/C4JA00386A
Abstract: Historical glass, especially non-durable medieval glass, can undergo corrosion. This sometimes results in the formation of dark-coloured manganese-rich inclusions that reduce the transparency of the glass. While unaltered bulk glass contains manganese mainly present in the +II valence state, inside the inclusions Mn is present in higher valence states (+III to +IV). Two different strategies may be considered by conservators when aiming to improve the transparency. One is based on the reduction of highly oxidised black/brown compounds using mildly reducing solutions, while the other focuses more on the extraction of manganese from the inclusions by the application of chelating agents. In this paper, a method for quantitative mapping of the Mn speciation inside partially corroded historical windowpanes based on X-Ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy is discussed. The calibration of such Mn valence state maps based on the combo method, a fairly reliable way to determine the oxidation state, is described in more detail. This method is used to evaluate the effect of reducing treatments on historical glass, dated to the 14th century and originating from Sidney Sussex College (Cambridge, UK), suffering from Mn browning. Glasses were examined by means of Synchrotron Radiation (SR) based microscopic X-Ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (mXANES) spectroscopy and microscopic X-Ray Fluorescence (mXRF). X-Ray elemental distribution maps of glass cross-sections are recorded at different energies, while Mn K-edge spectra are used to convert these into Mn valence state (VS) maps. Such valence state maps will allow evaluation of a reducing treatment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1039/C4JA00386A
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“Thermodynamic and experimental study of the degradation of the red pigment mercury sulfide”. Radepont M, Coquinot Y, Janssens K, Ezrati J-J, de Nolf W, Cotte M, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 30, 599 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/C4JA00372A
Abstract: The red pigment mercury sulfide, called cinnabar or vermilion, is well known to suffer from an alteration giving rise to a grey, grey-white or black color at the surface of degraded works of art. This phenomenon can dramatically affect the esthetical value of artworks. This work aims at assessing the factors (light, halides) influencing the instability of red mercury sulfide and understanding (by combining thermodynamic and experimental approaches) the chemical equilibria governing the formation and evolution of the different degradation compounds. From the thermodynamic study of the Hg-S-Cl-H2O system, it was concluded that Hg(0), Hg3S2Cl2, and Hg2Cl2 can be formed from the reaction of alpha-HgS with ClO(g). In the second part, the artificial ageing experiments presented were carried out on model samples following the conditions assessed in the first part, in order to reproduce natural ageing observed on red mercury sulfide. Similarly to degradation compounds detected on original works of art, mercury chlorine compounds such as calomel (Hg2Cl2) and corderoite (alpha-Hg3S2Cl2) were identified on the surface of alpha-HgS model samples, when exposed to light and a sodium hypochlorite solution. Sulfates were detected as well, and more particularly gypsum (CaSO4 center dot 2H(2)O) when Ca was originally present in the model sample. The relationship between color and composition is discussed as well.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1039/C4JA00372A
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“Pd-catalyzed decarboxylation of glutamic acid and pyroglutamic acid to bio-based 2-pyrrolidone”. De Schouwer F, Claes L, Claes N, Bals S, Degrève J, De Vos DE, Green chemistry : cutting-edge research for a greener sustainable future 17, 2263 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4gc02194k
Abstract: In order to recycle nitrogen from nitrogen-rich waste streams, particularly protein waste, we studied the decarboxylation of pyroglutamic acid and glutamic acid in a one-pot reaction to bio-based 2-pyrrolidone. After the screening of a wide range of supported Pd and Pt catalysts, 5 wt% Pd/Al2O3 displayed the highest yield (70%) and selectivity (81%) for the decarboxylation of pyroglutamic acid in water at 250 °C and under an inert atmosphere. Side products originate from consecutive reactions of 2-pyrrolidone; different reaction pathways are proposed to explain the presence of degradation products like propionic acid, γ-hydroxybutyric acid, γ-butyrolactone and methylamine. An extensive study of the reaction parameters was performed to check their influence on selectivity and conversion. This heterogeneous catalytic system was successfully extended to the conversion of glutamic acid.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.125
Times cited: 47
DOI: 10.1039/c4gc02194k
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“{110}-Layered B-cation ordering in the anion-deficient perovskite Pb2.4Ba2.6Fe2Sc2TiO13 with the crystallographic shear structure”. Tyablikov OA, Batuk D, Tsirlin AA, Batuk M, Verchenko VY, Filimonov DS, Pokholok KV, Sheptyakov DV, Rozova MG, Hadermann J, Antipov EV, Abakumov AM;, Journal of the Chemical Society : Dalton transactions 44, 10753 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4dt03867c
Abstract: A novel anion-deficient perovskite-based compound, Pb2.4Ba2.6Fe2Sc2TiO13, was synthesized via the citrate-based route. This compound is an n = 5 member of the A(n)B(n)O(3n-2) homologous series with unit-cell parameters related to the perovskite subcell a(p) approximate to 4.0 angstrom as a(p)root 2 x a(p) x 5a(p)root 2. The crystal structure of Pb2.4Ba2.6Fe2Sc2TiO13 consists of quasi-2D perovskite blocks with a thickness of three octahedral layers separated by the 1/2[110]((1) over bar 01)(p) crystallographic shear (CS) planes, which are parallel to the {110} plane of the perovskite subcell. The CS planes transform the corner-sharing octahedra into chains of edge-sharing distorted tetragonal pyramids. Using a combination of neutron powder diffraction, Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy and atomic resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy we demonstrate that the B-cations in Pb2.4Ba2.6Fe2Sc2TiO13 are ordered along the {110} perovskite layers with Fe3+ in distorted tetragonal pyramids along the CS planes, Ti4+ preferentially in the central octahedra of the perovskite blocks and Sc3+ in the outer octahedra of the perovskite blocks. Magnetic susceptibility and Mossbauer spectroscopy indicate a broadened magnetic transition around T-N similar to 45 K and the onset of local magnetic fields at low temperatures. The magnetic order is probably reminiscent of that in other A(n)B(n)O(3n-2) homologues, where G-type AFM order within the perovskite blocks has been observed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.029
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1039/c4dt03867c
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“Direct-synthesis method towards copper-containing periodic mesoporous organosilicas : detailed investigation of the copper distribution in the material”. Lin F, Meng, Kukueva E, Altantzis T, Mertens M, Bals S, Cool P, Van Doorslaer S, Journal of the Chemical Society : Dalton transactions 44, 9970 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4dt03719g
Abstract: Three-dimensional cubic Fm (3) over barm mesoporous copper-containing ethane-bridged PMO materials have been prepared through a direct-synthesis method at room temperature in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as surfactant. The obtained materials have been unambiguously characterized in detail by several sophisticated techniques, including XRD, UV-Vis-Dr, TEM, elemental mapping, continuous- wave and pulsed EPR spectroscopy. The results show that at lower copper loading, the Cu2+ species are well dispersed in the Cu-PMO materials, and mainly exist as mononuclear Cu2+ species. At higher copper loading amount, Cu2+ clusters are observed in the materials, but the distribution of the Cu2+ species is still much better in the Cu-PMO materials prepared through the direct-synthesis method than in a Cu-containing PMO material prepared through an impregnation method. Moreover, the evolution of the copper incorporation during the PMO synthesis has been followed by EPR. The results show that the immobilization of the Cu2+ ion/complex and the formation of the PMO materials are taking place simultaneously. The copper ions are found to be situated on the inner surface of the mesopores of the materials and are accessible, which will be beneficial for the catalytic applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 4.029
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1039/c4dt03719g
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“The role of the VZn-NO-H complex in the p-type conductivity in ZnO”. Amini MN, Saniz R, Lamoen D, Partoens B, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 17, 5485 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4cp05894a
Abstract: Past research efforts aiming at obtaining stable p-type ZnO have been based on complexes involving nitrogen doping. A recent experiment by (J. G. Reynolds et al., Appl. Phys. Lett., 2013, 102, 152114) demonstrated a significant ([similar]1018 cm−3) p-type behavior in N-doped ZnO films after appropriate annealing. The p-type conductivity was attributed to a VZnNOH shallow acceptor complex, formed by a Zn vacancy (VZn), N substituting O (NO), and H interstitial (Hi). We present here a first-principles hybrid functional study of this complex compared to the one without hydrogen. Our results confirm that the VZnNOH complex acts as an acceptor in ZnO. We find that H plays an important role, because it lowers the formation energy of the complex with respect to VZnNO, a complex known to exhibit (unstable) p-type behavior. However, this additional H atom also occupies the hole level at the origin of the shallow behavior of VZnNO, leaving only two states empty higher in the band gap and making the VZnNOH complex a deep acceptor. Therefore, we conclude that the cause of the observed p-type conductivity in experiment is not the presence of the VZnNOH complex, but probably the formation of the VZnNO complex during the annealing process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1039/c4cp05894a
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“Native point defects in CuIn1-xGaxSe2 : hybrid density functional calculations predict the origin of p- and n-type conductivity”. Bekaert J, Saniz R, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 16, 22299 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4cp02870h
Abstract: We have performed a first-principles study of the p- and n-type conductivity in CuIn1−xGaxSe2 due to native point defects, based on the HSE06 hybrid functional. Band alignment shows that the band gap becomes larger with x due to the increasing conduction band minimum, rendering it hard to establish n-type conductivity in CuGaSe2. From the defect formation energies, we find that In/GaCu is a shallow donor, while VCu, VIn/Ga and CuIn/Ga act as shallow acceptors. Using the total charge neutrality of ionized defects and intrinsic charge carriers to determine the Fermi level, we show that under In-rich growth conditions InCu causes strongly n-type conductivity in CuInSe2. Under increasingly In-poor growth conditions, the conductivity type in CuInSe2 alters to p-type and compensation of the acceptors by InCu reduces, as also observed in photoluminescence experiments. In CuGaSe2, the native acceptors pin the Fermi level far away from the conduction band minimum, thus inhibiting n-type conductivity. On the other hand, CuGaSe2 shows strong p-type conductivity under a wide range of Ga-poor growth conditions. Maximal p-type conductivity in CuIn1−xGaxSe2 is reached under In/Ga-poor growth conditions, in agreement with charge concentration measurements on samples with In/Ga-poor stoichiometry, and is primarily due to the dominant acceptor CuIn/Ga.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 43
DOI: 10.1039/c4cp02870h
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“Heat-induced transformation of CdSe-CdS-ZnS coremultishell quantum dots by Zn diffusion into inner layers”. Yalcin AO, Goris B, van Dijk-Moes RJA, Fan Z, Erdamar AK, Tichelaar FD, Vlugt TJH, Van Tendeloo G, Bals S, Vanmaekelbergh D, Zandbergen HW, van Huis MA;, Chemical communications 51, 3320 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1039/C4CC08647C
Abstract: In this work, we investigate the thermal evolution of CdSeCdSZnS coremultishell quantum dots (QDs) in situ using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Starting at a temperature of approximately 250 °C, Zn diffusion into inner layers takes place together with simultaneous evaporation of particularly Cd and S. As a result of this transformation, CdxZn1−xSeCdyZn1−yS coreshell QDs are obtained.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.319
Times cited: 21
DOI: 10.1039/C4CC08647C
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“Band structure quantization in nanometer sized ZnO clusters”. Schouteden K, Zeng Y-J, Lauwaet K, Romero CP, Goris B, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Lievens P, Van Haesendonck C, Nanoscale 5, 3757 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3nr33989k
Abstract: Nanometer sized ZnO clusters are produced in the gas phase and subsequently deposited on clean Au(111) surfaces under ultra-high vacuum conditions. The zinc blende atomic structure of the approximately spherical ZnO clusters is resolved by high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The large band gap and weak n-type conductivity of individual clusters are determined by scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures. The conduction band is found to exhibit clear quantization into discrete energy levels, which can be related to finite-size effects reflecting the zero-dimensional confinement. Our findings illustrate that gas phase cluster production may provide unique possibilities for the controlled fabrication of high purity quantum dots and heterostructures that can be size selected prior to deposition on the desired substrate under controlled ultra-high vacuum conditions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1039/c3nr33989k
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“Dimethylformamide-mediated synthesis of water-soluble platinum nanodendrites for ethanol oxidation electrocatalysis”. Mourdikoudis S, Chirea M, Altantzis T, Pastoriza-Santos I, Perez-Juste J, Silva F, Bals S, Liz-Marzan LM, Nanoscale 5, 4776 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3nr00924f
Abstract: Herein we describe the synthesis of water-soluble platinum nanodendrites in dimethylformamide (DMF), in the presence of polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a stabilizing agent. The average size of the dendrites is in the range of 20-25 nm while their porosity can be tuned by modifying the concentration of the metal precursor. Electron tomography revealed different crystalline orientations of nanocrystallites in the nanodendrites and allowed a better understanding of their peculiar branching and porosity. The high surface area of the dendrites (up to 22 m(2) g(-1)) was confirmed by BET measurements, while X-ray diffraction confirmed the abundance of high-index facets in the face-centered-cubic crystal structure of Pt. The prepared nanodendrites exhibit excellent performance in the electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol in alkaline solution. Sensing, selectivity, cycleability and great tolerance toward poisoning were demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry measurements.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 50
DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00924f
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“Stability of Si epoxide defects in Si nanowires : a mixed reactive force field/DFT study”. Schoeters B, Neyts EC, Khalilov U, Pourtois G, Partoens B, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 15, 15091 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3cp51621k
Abstract: Modeling the oxidation process of silicon nanowires through reactive force field based molecular dynamics simulations suggests that the formation of Si epoxide defects occurs both at the Si/SiOx interface and at the nanowire surface, whereas for flat surfaces, this defect is experimentally observed to occur only at the interface as a result of stress. In this paper, we argue that the increasing curvature stabilizes the defect at the nanowire surface, as suggested by our density functional theory calculations. The latter can have important consequences for the opto-electronic properties of thin silicon nanowires, since the epoxide induces an electronic state within the band gap. Removing the epoxide defect by hydrogenation is expected to be possible but becomes increasingly difficult with a reduction of the diameter of the nanowires.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1039/c3cp51621k
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“A protecting group approach toward synthesis of Au-silica Janus nanostars”. Rodríguez-Fernández D, Altantzis T, Heidari H, Bals S, Liz-Marzan LM, Chemical communications 50, 79 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3cc47531j
Abstract: The concept of protecting groups, widely used in organic chemistry, has been applied for the synthesis of Au-silica Janus stars, in which gold branches protrude from one half of Au-silica Janus spheres. This configuration opens up new possibilities to apply the plasmonic properties of gold nanostars, as well as a variety of chemical functionalizations on the silica component.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.319
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1039/c3cc47531j
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“Local boron environment in B-doped nanocrystalline diamond films”. Turner S, Lu Y-G, Janssens SD, da Pieve F, Lamoen D, Verbeeck J, Haenen K, Wagner P, Van Tendeloo G, Nanoscale 4, 5960 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1039/c2nr31530k
Abstract: Thin films of heavily B-doped nanocrystalline diamond (B:NCD) have been investigated by a combination of high resolution annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy performed on a state-of-the-art aberration corrected instrument to determine the B concentration, distribution and the local B environment. Concentrations of [similar]1 to 3 at.% of boron are found to be embedded within individual grains. Even though most NCD grains are surrounded by a thin amorphous shell, elemental mapping of the B and C signal shows no preferential embedding of B in these amorphous shells or in grain boundaries between the NCD grains, in contrast with earlier work on more macroscopic superconducting polycrystalline B-doped diamond films. Detailed inspection of the fine structure of the boron K-edge and comparison with density functional theory calculated fine structure energy-loss near-edge structure signatures confirms that the B atoms present in the diamond grains are substitutional atoms embedded tetrahedrally into the diamond lattice.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 39
DOI: 10.1039/c2nr31530k
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“Thermally induced atomic reconstruction of PbSe/CdSe core/shell quantum dots into PbSe/CdSe bi-hemisphere hetero-nanocrystals”. Grodzinska D, Pietra F, van Huis MA, Vanmaekelbergh D, de Mello Donegá, C, Journal of materials chemistry 21, 11556 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1039/c0jm04458j
Abstract: The properties of hetero-nanocrystals (HNCs) depend strongly on the mutual arrangement of the nanoscale components. In this work we have investigated the structural and morphological evolution of colloidal PbSe/CdSe core/shell quantum dots upon annealing under vacuum. Prior to annealing the PbSe core has an approximately octahedral morphology with eight {111} facets, and the CdSe shell has zinc-blende crystal structure. Thermal annealing under vacuum at temperatures between 150 °C and 200 °C induces a structural and morphological reconstruction of the HNCs whereby the PbSe core and the CdSe shell are reorganized into two hemispheres joined by a common {111} Se plane. This thermally induced reconstruction leads to considerable changes in the optical properties of the colloidal PbSe/CdSe HNCs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 44
DOI: 10.1039/c0jm04458j
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“The afterglow mystery of pulsed glow discharges and the role of dissociative electron-ion recombination”. Bogaerts A, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 22, 502 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1039/b618035c
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 56
DOI: 10.1039/b618035c
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“Production of differently shaped multi-wall carbon nanotubes using various cobalt supported catalysts”. Piedigrosso P, Konya Z, Colomer J-F, Fonseca A, Van Tendeloo G, Nagy JB, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 2, 163 (2000). http://doi.org/10.1039/a905622j
Abstract: Catalytic synthesis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of multi-wall carbon nanotubes are presented. Silica, zeolite and alumina supported cobalt catalysts were prepared by different methods (impregnation and ion-adsorption precipitation) and were used to produce nanotubes. The synthesis was carried out in a fixed bed flow reactor and the process was optimized in order to produce carbon nanotubes on a gram scale. The influence of various parameters such as the method of catalyst preparation, the nature of the support, cobalt concentration and reaction conditions on the formation of nanotubes was investigated. The carbon deposits were measured and the quality of nanotubes was determined by low and high resolution TEM. Multi-wall straight and coiled nanotubes were found to be fairly regular with an average inner (outer) diameter of 4-7 nm (8-23 nm) and with lengths up to 0.1 mm.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 53
DOI: 10.1039/a905622j
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“Inverse heavy-atom effect in near infrared photoluminescent gold nanoclusters”. Pramanik G, Kvakova K, Thottappali MA, Rais D, Pfleger J, Greben M, El-Zoka A, Bals S, Dracinsky M, Valenta J, Cigler P, Nanoscale 13, 10462 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR02440J
Abstract: Fluorophores functionalized with heavy elements show enhanced intersystem crossing due to increased spin–orbit coupling, which in turn shortens the fluorescence decay lifetime (<italic>τ</italic><sup>PL</sup>). This phenomenon is known as the heavy-atom effect (HAE). Here, we report the observation of increased<italic>τ</italic><sup>PL</sup>upon functionalisation of near-infrared photoluminescent gold nanoclusters with iodine. The heavy atom-mediated increase in<italic>τ</italic><sup>PL</sup>is in striking contrast with the HAE and referred to as inverse HAE. Femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed overcompensation of a slight decrease in lifetime of the transition associated with the Au core (ps) by a large increase in the long-lived triplet state lifetime associated with the Au shell, which contributed to the observed inverse HAE. This unique observation of inverse HAE in gold nanoclusters provides the means to enhance the triplet excited state lifetime.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 7.367
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1039/D1NR02440J
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“Sustainable NOxproduction from air in pulsed plasma: elucidating the chemistry behind the low energy consumption”. Vervloessem E, Gorbanev Y, Nikiforov A, De Geyter N, Bogaerts A, Green Chemistry 24, 916 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1039/D1GC02762J
Abstract: N-Based fertilisers are paramount to support our still-growing world population. Current industrial N<sub>2</sub>fixation is heavily fossil fuel-dependent, therefore, a lot of work is put into the development of fossil-free pathways. Plasma technology offers a fossil-free and flexible method for N<sub>2</sub>fixation that is compatible with renewable energy sources. We present here a pulsed plasma jet for direct NO<sub><italic>x</italic></sub>production from air. The pulsed power allows for a record-low energy consumption (EC) of 0.42 MJ (mol N)<sup>−1</sup>. This is the lowest reported EC in plasma-based N<sub>2</sub>fixation at atmospheric pressure thus far. We compare our experimental data with plasma chemistry modelling, and obtain very good agreement. Hence, we can use our model to explain the underlying mechanisms responsible for this low EC. The pulsed power and the corresponding pulsed gas temperature are the reason for the very low EC: they provide a strong vibrational–translational non-equilibrium and promote the non-thermal Zeldovich mechanism. This insight is important for the development of the next generation of plasma sources for energy-efficient NO<sub><italic>x</italic></sub>production.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 9.8
DOI: 10.1039/D1GC02762J
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“A pseudo-tetragonal tungsten bronze superstructure: a combined solution of the crystal structure of K6.4(Nb,Ta)36.3O94 with advanced transmission electron microscopy and neutron diffraction”. Paria Sena R, Babaryk AA, Khainakov S, Garcia-Granda S, Slobodyanik NS, Van Tendeloo G, Abakumov AM, Hadermann J, Journal of the Chemical Society : Dalton transactions 45, 973 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5dt03479e
Abstract: The crystal structure of the K6.4Nb28.2Ta8.1O94 pseudo-tetragonal tungsten bronze-type oxide was determined using a combination of X-ray powder diffraction, neutron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques, including electron diffraction, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), annular bright field STEM (ABF-STEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray compositional mapping (STEM-EDX). The compound crystallizes in the space group Pbam with unit cell parameters a = 37.468(9) A, b = 12.493(3) A, c = 3.95333(15) A. The structure consists of corner sharing (Nb,Ta)O6 octahedra forming trigonal, tetragonal and pentagonal tunnels. All tetragonal tunnels are occupied by K(+) ions, while 1/3 of the pentagonal tunnels are preferentially occupied by Nb(5+)/Ta(5+) and 2/3 are occupied by K(+) in a regular pattern. A fractional substitution of K(+) in the pentagonal tunnels by Nb(5+)/Ta(5+) is suggested by the analysis of the HAADF-STEM images. In contrast to similar structures, such as K2Nb8O21, also parts of the trigonal tunnels are fractionally occupied by K(+) cations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.029
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1039/c5dt03479e
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“Nitrous oxide production in a granule-based partial nitritation reactor : a model-based evaluation”. Peng L, Sun J, Liu Y, Dai X, Ni B-J, Scientific reports 7, 45609 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/SREP45609
Abstract: Sustainable wastewater treatment has been attracting increasing attentions over the past decades. However, the production of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent GHG, from the energy-efficient granule-based autotrophic nitrogen removal is largely unknown. This study applied a previously established N2O model, which incorporated two N2O production pathways by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) (AOB denitrification and the hydroxylamine (NH2OH) oxidation). The two-pathway model was used to describe N2O production from a granule-based partial nitritation (PN) reactor and provide insights into the N2O distribution inside granules. The model was evaluated by comparing simulation results with N2O monitoring profiles as well as isotopic measurement data from the PN reactor. The model demonstrated its good predictive ability against N2O dynamics and provided useful information about the shift of N2O production pathways inside granules for the first time. The simulation results indicated that the increase of oxygen concentration and granule size would significantly enhance N2O production. The results further revealed a linear relationship between N2O production and ammonia oxidation rate (AOR) (R-2 = 0.99) under the conditions of varying oxygen levels and granule diameters, suggesting that bulk oxygen and granule size may exert an indirect effect on N2O production by causing a change in AOR.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1038/SREP45609
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“Controlled growth of hexagonal gold nanostructures during thermally induced self-assembling on Ge(001) surface”. Jany BR, Gauquelin N, Willhammar T, Nikiel M, van den Bos KHW, Janas A, Szajna K, Verbeeck J, Van Aert S, Van Tendeloo G, Krok F, Scientific reports 7, 42420 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/srep42420
Abstract: Nano-sized gold has become an important material in various fields of science and technology, where control over the size and crystallography is desired to tailor the functionality. Gold crystallizes in the face-centered cubic (fcc) phase, and its hexagonal closed packed (hcp) structure is a very unusual and rare phase. Stable Au hcp phase has been reported to form in nanoparticles at the tips of some Ge nanowires. It has also recently been synthesized in the form of thin graphene-supported sheets which are unstable under electron beam irradiation. Here, we show that stable hcp Au 3D nanostructures with well-defined crystallographic orientation and size can be systematically created in a process of thermally induced self-assembly of thin Au layer on Ge(001) monocrystal. The Au hcp crystallite is present in each Au nanostructure and has been characterized by different electron microscopy techniques. We report that a careful heat treatment above the eutectic melting temperature and a controlled cooling is required to form the hcp phase of Au on a Ge single crystal. This new method gives scientific prospects to obtain stable Au hcp phase for future applications in a rather simple manner as well as redefine the phase diagram of Gold with Germanium.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1038/srep42420
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“Hampering Effect of Cholesterol on the Permeation of Reactive Oxygen Species through Phospholipids Bilayer: Possible Explanation for Plasma Cancer Selectivity”. Van der Paal J, Verheyen C, Neyts EC, Bogaerts A, Scientific reports 7, 39526 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/srep39526
Abstract: In recent years, the ability of cold atmospheric pressure plasmas (CAPS) to selectively induce cell death in cancer cells has been widely established. This selectivity has been assigned to the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) created in CAPs. To provide new insights in the search for an explanation
for the observed selectivity, we calculate the transfer free energy of multiple ROS across membranes containing a varying amount of cholesterol. The cholesterol fraction is investigated as a selectivity parameter because membranes of cancer cells are known to contain lower fractions of cholesterol compared to healthy cells. We find that cholesterol has a significant effect on the permeation of
reactive species across a membrane. Indeed, depending on the specific reactive species, an increasing cholesterol fraction can lead to (i) an increase of the transfer free energy barrier height and width, (ii) the formation of a local free energy minimum in the center of the membrane and (iii) the creation of extra free energy barriers due to the bulky sterol rings. In the context of plasma oncology, these observations suggest that the increased ingress of RONS in cancer cells can be explained by the decreased cholesterol fraction of their cell membrane.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1038/srep39526
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