|   | 
Details
   web
Records
Author Lander, L.; Rousse, G.; Abakumov, A.M.; Sougrati, M.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Tarascon, J.-M.
Title Structural, electrochemical and magnetic properties of a novel KFeSO4F polymorph Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A
Volume 3 Issue 3 Pages 19754-19764
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract In the quest for sustainable and low-cost positive electrode materials for Li-ion batteries, we discovered, as reported herein, a new low temperature polymorph of KFeSO4F. Contrary to the high temperature phase crystallizing in a KTiOPO4-like structure, this new phase adopts a complex layer-like structure built on FeO4F2 octahedra and SO4 tetrahedra, with potassium cations located in between the layers, as solved using neutron and synchrotron diffraction experiments coupled with electron diffraction. The detailed analysis of the structure reveals an alternation of edge-and corner-shared FeO4F2 octahedra leading to a large monoclinic cell of 1771.774(7) angstrom(3). The potassium atoms are mobile within the structure as deduced by ionic conductivity measurements and confirmed by the bond valence energy landscape approach thus enabling a partial electrochemical removal of K+ and uptake of Li+ at an average potential of 3.7 V vs. Li+/Li-0. Finally, neutron diffraction experiments coupled with SQUID measurements reveal a long range antiferromagnetic ordering of the Fe2+ magnetic moments below 22 K with a possible magnetoelectric behavior.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000362041300018 Publication Date 2015-08-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 11 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.867; 2015 IF: 7.443
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:132566 Serial 4253
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Neubert, S.; Mitoraj, D.; Shevlin, S.A.; Pulisova, P.; Heimann, M.; Du, Y.; Goh, G.K.L.; Pacia, M.; Kruczała, K.; Turner, S.; Macyk, W.; Guo, Z.X.; Hocking, R.K.; Beranek, R.;
Title Highly efficient rutile TiO2 photocatalysts with single Cu(II) and Fe(III) surface catalytic sites Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A
Volume 4 Issue 4 Pages 3127-3138
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Highly active photocatalysts were obtained by impregnation of nanocrystalline rutile TiO2 powders with small amounts of Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions, resulting in the enhancement of initial rates of photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol in water by factors of 7 and 4, compared to pristine rutile, respectively. Detailed structural analysis by EPR and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) revealed that Cu(II) and Fe(III) are present as single species on the rutile surface. The mechanism of the photoactivity enhancement was elucidated by a combination of DFT calculations and detailed experimental mechanistic studies including photoluminescence measurements, photocatalytic experiments using scavengers, OH radical detection, and photopotential transient measurements. The results demonstrate that the single Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions act as effective cocatalytic sites, enhancing the charge separation, catalyzing “dark” redox reactions at the interface, thus improving the normally very low quantum yields of UV light-activated TiO2 photocatalysts. The exact mechanism of the photoactivity enhancement differs depending on the nature of the cocatalyst. Cu(II)-decorated samples exhibit fast transfer of photogenerated electrons to Cu(II/I) sites, followed by enhanced catalysis of dioxygen reduction, resulting in improved charge separation and higher photocatalytic degradation rates. At Fe(III)-modified rutile the rate of dioxygen reduction is not improved and the photocatalytic enhancement is attributed to higher production of highly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals produced by alternative oxygen reduction pathways opened by the presence of catalytic Fe(III/II) sites. Importantly, it was demonstrated that excessive heat treatment (at 450 degrees C) of photocatalysts leads to loss of activity due to migration of Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions from TiO2 surface to the bulk, accompanied by formation of oxygen vacancies. The demonstrated variety of mechanisms of photoactivity enhancement at single site catalyst-modified photocatalysts holds promise for developing further tailored photocatalysts for various applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000371077300040 Publication Date 2015-12-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 44 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.867
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:132322 Serial 4191
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ying, J.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Yang, X.-Y.; Wei, H.; Xiao, Y.-X.; Janiak, C.; Mu, S.-C.; Tian, G.; Pan, M.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Su, B.-L.
Title High viscosity to highly dispersed PtPd bimetallic nanocrystals for enhanced catalytic activity and stability Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Chemical communications Abbreviated Journal Chem Commun
Volume 52 Issue 52 Pages 8219-8222
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract A facile high-viscosity-solvent method is presented to synthesize PtPd bimetallic nanocrystals highly dispersed in different mesostructures (2D and 3D structures), porosities (large and small pore sizes), and compositions (silica and carbon). Further, highly catalytic activity, stability and durability of the nanometals have been proven in different catalytic reactions.
Address State Key Laboratory Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, 122, Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, China. xyyang@whut.edu.cn
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Wos 000378715400006 Publication Date 2016-05-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1359-7345 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.319 Times cited 19 Open Access
Notes This work was supported by NFSC (51472190 and 51503166), ISTCP (2015DFE52870), PCSIRT (IRT15R52) of China, and the Integrated Infrastructure Initiative of EU (312483-ESTEEM2).; esteem2jra4 Approved Most recent IF: 6.319
Call Number c:irua:134660 c:irua:134660 Serial 4110
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mourdikoudis, S.; Altantzis, T.; Liz-Marzan, L.M.; Bals, S.; Pastoriza-Santos, I.; Perez-Juste, J.
Title Hydrophilic Pt nanoflowers: synthesis, crystallographic analysis and catalytic performance Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication CrystEngComm Abbreviated Journal Crystengcomm
Volume 18 Issue 18 Pages 3422-3427
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Water-soluble Pt nanoflowers (NFs) were prepared by a diethylene glycol-mediated reduction of Pt acetylacetonate

(Pt(acac)2) in the presence of polyethyleneimine. Advanced electron microscopy analysis showed that NFs consist of

multiple branches with truncated cubic morphology and different crystallographic orientations. We demonstrate that the

nature of the solvent strongly influences the resulting morphology. The catalytic performance of Pt NFs in 4–nitrophenol

reduction was found to be superior to that of other nanoparticle-based catalysts. Additionally, Pt NFs display good

catalytic reusability with no loss of activity after five consecutive cycles.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000375697800012 Publication Date 2016-04-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1466-8033 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.474 Times cited 30 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors would like to thank J. Millos for the XRD experiments and R. Lomba for ICP-OES elemental analysis measurements at the CACTI institute in Vigo. S. Rodal-Cedeira is acknowledged for the FTIR measurement. This research project was implemented within the framework of the Action «Supporting Postdoctoral Researchers» of the Operational Program “Education and Lifelong Learning” (Action’s Beneficiary: General Secretariat for Research and Technology of Greece) and is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Greek State [project code PE4(1546)]. This work has been also supported by the Spanish MINECO (grant MAT2013-45168-R) and by the Xunta de Galicia/FEDER (Grant No. GPC2013-006; INBIOMED/FEDER “Unha maneira de facer Europa”). S.B. acknowledges funding from the European Research Council under the Seventh Framework Program (FP7), ERC Grant No. 335078 COLOURATOMS.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 3.474
Call Number c:irua:133670 Serial 4067
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Aierken, Y.; Leenaerts, O.; Peeters, F.M.
Title A first-principles study of stable few-layer penta-silicene Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 18 Issue 18 Pages 18486-18492
Keywords A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Recently penta-graphene was proposed as a stable two-dimensional carbon allotrope consisting of a single layer of interconnected carbon pentagons [Zhang et al., PNAS, 2015, 112, 2372]. Its silicon counterpart, penta-silicene, however, is not stable. In this work, we show that multilayers of penta-silicene form stable materials with semiconducting or metallic properties, depending on the stacking mode. We demonstrate their dynamic stability through their phonon spectrum and using molecular dynamics. A particular type of bilayer penta-silicene is found to have lower energy than all of the known hexagonal silicene bilayers and forms therefore the most stable bilayer silicon material predicted so far. The electronic and mechanical properties of these new silicon allotropes are studied in detail and their behavior under strain is investigated. We demonstrate that strain can be used to tune its band gap.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000379486200077 Publication Date 2016-06-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 42 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO-Vl). The computational resources used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Hercules Foundation and the Flemish Government-department EWI. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:134942 Serial 4132
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bercx, M.; Sarmadian, N.; Saniz, R.; Partoens, B.; Lamoen, D.
Title First-principles analysis of the spectroscopic limited maximum efficiency of photovoltaic absorber layers for CuAu-like chalcogenides and silicon Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 18 Issue 18 Pages 20542-20549
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Chalcopyrite semiconductors are of considerable interest for application as absorber layers in thin-film photovoltaic cells. When growing films of these compounds, however, they are often found to contain CuAu-like domains, a metastable phase of chalcopyrite. It has been reported that for CuInS2, the presence of the CuAu-like phase improves the short circuit current of the chalcopyrite-based photovoltaic cell. We investigate the thermodynamic stability of both phases for a selected list of I-III-VI2 materials using a first-principles density functional theory approach. For the CuIn-VI2 compounds, the difference in formation energy between the chalcopyrite and CuAu-like phase is found to be close to 2 meV per atom, indicating a high likelihood of the presence of CuAu-like domains. Next, we calculate the spectroscopic limited maximum efficiency (SLME) of the CuAu-like phase and compare the results with those of the corresponding chalcopyrite phase. We identify several candidates with a high efficiency, such as CuAu-like CuInS2, for which we obtain an SLME of 29% at a thickness of 500 nm. We observe that the SLME can have values above the Shockley-Queisser (SQ) limit, and show that this can occur because the SQ limit assumes the absorptivity to be a step function, thus overestimating the radiative recombination in the detailed balance approach. This means that it is possible to find higher theoretical efficiencies within this framework simply by calculating the J-V characteristic with an absorption spectrum. Finally, we expand our SLME analysis to indirect band gap absorbers by studying silicon, and find that the SLME quickly overestimates the reverse saturation current of indirect band gap materials, drastically lowering their calculated efficiency.
Address EMAT & CMT groups, Department of Physics, University of Antwerp, Campus Groenenborger, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium. marnik.bercx@uantwerpen.be
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Wos 000381428600058 Publication Date 2016-07-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 34 Open Access
Notes We acknowledge financial support of FWO-Vlaanderen through projects G.0150.13N and G.0216.14N and ERA-NET RUS Plus/FWO, Grant G0D6515N. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center) and the HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp (CalcUA), both funded by the FWO FWOVlaanderen. Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number c:irua:135091 Serial 4112
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Matsubara, M.; Saniz, R.; Partoens, B.; Lamoen, D.
Title Doping anatase TiO2with group V-b and VI-b transition metal atoms: a hybrid functional first-principles study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 19 Issue 19 Pages 1945-1952
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We investigate the role of transition metal atoms of group V-b (V, Nb, Ta) and VI-b (Cr, Mo, W) as n- or p-type dopants in anatase TiO$2$ using thermodynamic

principles and density functional theory with the Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof HSE06 hybrid functional. The HSE06 functional provides a realistic value for the band gap, which ensures a correct classification of dopants as shallow or deep donors or acceptors. Defect formation energies and thermodynamic transition levels are calculated taking into account the constraints imposed by the stability of TiO$
2$ and the solubility limit of the impurities.

Nb, Ta, W and Mo are identified as shallow donors. Although W provides two electrons, Nb and Ta show a considerable lower formation energy, in particular under O-poor conditions. Mo donates in principle one electron, but under specific conditions can turn into a double donor. V impurities are deep donors and Cr

shows up as an amphoteric defect, thereby acting as an electron trapping center in n-type TiO$_2$ especially under O-rich conditions. A comparison with the available experimental data yields excellent agreement.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000394426400027 Publication Date 2016-12-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 19 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We gratefully acknowledge financial support from the IWTVlaanderenthrough projects G.0191.08 and G.0150.13, and the BOF-NOI of the University of Antwerp. This work was carried out using the HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp (CalcUA), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, which is funded by the Hercules foundation. M. M. acknowledges financial support from the GOA project ‘‘XANES meets ELNES’’ of the University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:140835 Serial 4421
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Reguera, J.; Jiménez de Aberasturi, D.; Naomi Winckelmans, N.; Langer, J.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzan, L.M.
Title Synthesis of Janus plasmonic-magnetic, star-sphere nanoparticles, and their application in SERS detection Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Faraday discussions Abbreviated Journal Faraday Discuss
Volume 191 Issue 191 Pages 47-59
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Multicomponent nanoparticles are of particular interest due to a unique combination of properties at the nanoscale, which make them suitable for a wide variety of applications. Among them, Janus nanoparticles, presenting two distinct surface regions, can lead to specific interactions with interfaces, biomolecules, membranes etc. We report the synthesis of Janus nanoparticles comprising iron oxide nanospheres and gold nanostars, through two consecutive seed-mediated-growth steps. Electron tomography combining HAADF-STEM and EDX mapping has been performed to evaluate the spatial distribution of the two components of the nanoparticle, showing their clear separation in a Janus morphology. Additionally, SERS measurements assisted by magnetic separation were carried out to assess the application of combined plasmonic and magnetic properties for sensing.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000385257300003 Publication Date 2016-03-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1359-6640 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.588 Times cited 53 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work has been funded by the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant #267867, Plasmaquo). N.W. and S.B. acknowledge funding by the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078, Colouratom).; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 3.588
Call Number c:irua:132891 Serial 4060
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bogaerts, A.; Aghaei, M.
Title Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry: insights through computer modeling Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry Abbreviated Journal J Anal Atom Spectrom
Volume 32 Issue 32 Pages 233-261
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract In this tutorial review paper, we illustrate how computer modeling can contribute to a better insight in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We start with a brief overview on previous efforts, studying the fundamentals of the ICP and ICP-MS, with main focus on previous modeling activities. Subsequently, we explain in detail the model that we developed in previous years, and we show typical calculation results, illustrating the plasma characteristics, gas flow patterns and the sample transport, evaporation and ionization. We also present the effect of various experimental parameters, such as operating conditions, geometrical aspects and sample characteristics, to illustrate how modeling can help to elucidate the optimal conditions for improved analytical performance.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000395529800002 Publication Date 2016-12-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0267-9477 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.379 Times cited 14 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors are very grateful to H. Lindner for the initial model development and for the many interesting discussions. They also gratefully acknowledge nancial support from the Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO; Grant number 6713). The calculations were carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UAntwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 3.379
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:140074 Serial 4416
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kinnear, C.; Rodriguez-Lorenzo, L.; Clift, M.J.D.; Goris, B.; Bals, S.; Rothen, B.; Fink, A.S.
Title Decoupling the shape parameter to assess gold nanorod uptake by mammalian cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 8 Issue 8 Pages 16416-16426
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The impact of nanoparticles (NPs) upon biological systems can be fundamentally associated with their physicochemical parameters. A further often-stated tenet is the importance of NP shape on rates of endocytosis. However, given the convoluted parameters concerning the NP-cell interaction, it is experimentally challenging to attribute any findings to shape alone. Herein we demonstrate that shape, below a certain limit, which is specific to nanomedicine, is not important for the endocytosis of spherocylinders by either epithelial or macrophage cells in vitro. Through a systematic approach, we reshaped a single batch of gold nanorods into different aspect ratios resulting in near-spheres and studied their cytotoxicity, (pro-)inflammatory status, and endocytosis/exocytosis. It was found that on a length scale of ~10-90 nm and at aspect ratios less than 5, NP shape has little impact upon their entry into either macrophages or epithelial cells. Conversely, nanorods with an aspect ratio above 5 were preferentially endocytosed by epithelial cells, whereas there was a lack of shape dependent uptake following exposure to macrophages in vitro. These findings have implications both in the understanding of nanoparticle reshaping mechanisms, as well as in the future rational design of nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000384531600036 Publication Date 2016-08-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 23 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes The authors would like to thank C. Endes for her help and technical assistance with all cell culture experiments. The work was supported by the Adolphe Merkle Foundation, the Swiss National Science Foundation (PP00P2123373), the Swiss National Science Foundation through the National Centre of Competence in Research Bio-Inspired Materials, the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen) through a postdoctoral research grant, and the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors also appreciate financial support from the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative N. 262348 European Soft Matter Infrastructure, ESMI).; ECASSara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number c:irua:135087 c:irua:135087 Serial 4109
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Albrecht, W.; Goris, B.; Bals, S.; Hutter, E.M.; Vanmaekelbergh, D.; van Huis, M.A.; van Blaaderen, A.
Title Morphological and chemical transformations of single silica-coated CdSe/CdS nanorods upon fs-laser excitation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 4810-4818
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Radiation-induced modifications of nanostructures are of fundamental interest and constitute a viable out-of-equilibrium approach to the development of novel nanomaterials. Herein, we investigated the structural transformation of silica-coated CdSe/CdS nanorods (NRs) under femtosecond (fs) illumination. By comparing the same nanorods before and after illumination with different fluences we found that the silica-shell did not only enhance the stability of the NRs but that the confinement of the NRs also led to novel morphological and chemical transformations. Whereas uncoated CdSe/CdS nanorods were found to sublimate under such excitations the silica-coated nanorods broke into fragments which deformed towards a more spherical shape. Furthermore, CdS decomposed which led to the formation of metallic Cd, confirmed by high-resolution electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), whereby an epitaxial interface with the remaining CdS lattice was formed. Under electron beam exposure similar transformations were found to take place which we followed in situ.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000398954800022 Publication Date 2017-03-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Research Council under the European Unions Seventh Framework Programme (FP-2007-2013)/ERC Advanced Grant Agreement 291667 HierarSACol. The authors furthermore acknowledge financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant 335078-COLOURATOMS and ERC Consolidator Grant 683076 NANO-INSITU). The authors also appreciate financial support from the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative No. 262348 European Soft Matter Infrastructure, ESMI). This work was supported by the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen) through a postdoctoral research grant to B. G. The authors furthermore thank Dave J. van den Heuvel and Hans C. Gerritsen for use of the Thorlabs powermeter. We furthermore thank Ernest van der Wee for the simulation of the confocal point spread functions. ; ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:142384UA @ admin @ c:irua:142384 Serial 4670
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wee, L.H.; Meledina, M.; Turner, S.; Custers, K.; Kerkhofs, S.; Sree, S.P.; Gobechiya, E.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Martens, J.A.
Title Anatase TiO2nanoparticle coating on porous COK-12 platelets as highly active and reusable photocatalysts Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication RSC advances Abbreviated Journal Rsc Adv
Volume 6 Issue 6 Pages 46678-46685
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Nanoscale TiO2 photocatalysts are widely used for biomedical applications, self-cleaning processes and wastewater treatments. The impregnation/deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles is indispensable for facile handling and separation as well as the improvement of their photocatalytic performance. In the present study, ordered mesoporous COK-12 silica thin platelets with a high-aspect-ratio and rough surfaces are demonstrated as a potential nanoporous support for homogeneous TiO2 nanoparticle coatings with high loading up to 16.7 wt%. The photocatalytic composite of COK-12 platelets and TiO2 nanoparticles is characterized in detail by HRSEM, SAXS, XRD, N2 physisorption analysis, solid-state UV-vis spectroscopy, HAADF-STEM, EDX analysis, and electron tomography. HAADF-STEM-EDX and electron tomography studies reveal a homogeneous dispersion of nanosized TiO2 nanoparticles over COK-12 platelets. The final composite material with anatase TiO2 nanoparticles that demonstrate a blueshifted semiconductor band gap energy of 3.2 eV coated on a highly porous COK-12 support shows exceptional photocatalytic catalytic activity for photodegradation of organic dyes (rhodamine 6G and methylene blue) and an organic pollutant (1-adamantanol) under UV light radiation, outperforming the commercial P25 TiO2 (Degussa) catalyst.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000377254800070 Publication Date 2016-05-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2046-2069 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.108 Times cited 6 Open Access
Notes L. H. W. and S. T. thanks the FWO-Vlaanderen for a postdoctoral research fellowships under contract number (12M1415N) and (G004613N), respectively. J. A.Mgratefully acknowledge nancial supports from Flemish Government (Long-term structural funding-Methusalem). Collaboration among universities was supported by the Belgium Government (IAP-PAI networking). Approved Most recent IF: 3.108
Call Number c:irua:133775 Serial 4074
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Yu, W.-B.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Yi, M.; Huang, S.-Z.; Chen, D.-S.; Jin, J.; Li, Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Su, B.-L.
Title Probing the electrochemical behavior of {111} and {110} faceted hollow Cu2O microspheres for lithium storage Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication RSC advances Abbreviated Journal Rsc Adv
Volume 6 Issue 6 Pages 97129-97136
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Transition metal oxides with exposed highly active facets have become of increasing interest as anode materials for lithium ion batteries, because more dangling atoms exposed at the active surface facilitate the reaction between the transition metal oxides and lithium. In this work, we probed the electrochemical behavior of hollow Cu2O microspheres with {111} and {110} active facets on the polyhedron surface as anodes for lithium storage. Compared to commercial Cu2O nanoparticles, hollow Cu2O microspheres with {111} and {110} active facets show a rising specific capacity at 30 cycles which then decreases after 110 cycles during the cycling process. Via advanced electron microscopy characterization, we reveal that this phenomenon can be attributed to the highly active {111} and {110} facets with dangling “Cu” atoms facilitating the conversion reaction of Cu2O and Li, where part of the Cu2O is oxidized to CuO during the charging process. However, as the reaction proceeds, more and more formed Cu nanoparticles cannot be converted to Cu2O or CuO. This leads to a decrease of the specific capacity. We believe that our study here sheds some light on the progress of the electrochemical behavior of transition metal oxides with respect to their increased specific capacity and the subsequent decrease via a conversion reaction mechanism. These results will be helpful to optimize the design of transition metal oxide micro/nanostructures for high performance lithium storage.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000386242500084 Publication Date 2016-10-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2046-2069 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.108 Times cited 5 Open Access
Notes Z. Y. Hu and G. Van Tendeloo acknowledge support from the EC Framework 7 program ESTEEM2 (Reference 312483). Approved Most recent IF: 3.108
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:138199 Serial 4322
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kolchina, L. M.; Lyskov, N.V.; Kuznetsov, A.N.; Kazakov, S.M.; Galin, M.Z.; Meledin, A.; Abakumov, A.M.; Bredikhin, S.I.; Mazo, G.N.; Antipov, E.V.
Title Evaluation of Ce-doped Pr2CuO4for potential application as a cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication RSC advances Abbreviated Journal Rsc Adv
Volume 6 Issue 6 Pages 101029-101037
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Pr2−xCexCuO4 (x = 0.05; 0.1; 0.15) samples were synthesized and systematically characterized towards application as a cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). High-temperature electrical conductivity, thermal expansion, and electrocatalytic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were examined. The electrical conductivity of Pr2−xCexCuO4 oxides demonstrates semiconducting behavior up to 900 °C. Small Ce-doping (2.5 at%) allows an increase in electrical conductivity from 100 to 130 S cm−1 in air at 500–800 °C. DFT calculations revealed that the density of states directly below the Fermi level, comprised mainly of Cu 3d and O 2p states, is significantly affected by atoms in rare earth positions, which might give an indication of a correlation between calculated electronic structures and measured conducting properties. Ce-doping in Pr2−xCexCuO4 slightly increases TEC from 11.9 × 10−6 K−1 for x = 0 to 14.2 × 10−6 K−1 for x = 0.15. Substitution of 2.5% of Pr atoms in Pr2CuO4 by Ce is effective to enhance the electrochemical performance of the material as a SOFC cathode in the ORR (ASR of Pr1.95Ce0.05CuO4 electrode applied on Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 electrolyte is 0.39 Ω cm2 at 750 °C in air). The peak power density achieved for the electrolyte-supported fuel cell with the Pr1.95Ce0.05CuO4 cathode is 150 mW cm−2 at 800 °C
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000387427700044 Publication Date 2016-10-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2046-2069 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.108 Times cited 7 Open Access
Notes his work was partially supported by Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant no. 153820247), Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Center of electrochemical energy), and MSUdevelopment Program up to 2020. K.L.M. is grateful to Haldor Topsøe A/S for the financial support. Approved Most recent IF: 3.108
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:136441 Serial 4296
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bal, K.M.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Direct observation of realistic-temperature fuel combustion mechanisms in atomistic simulations Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Chemical science Abbreviated Journal Chem Sci
Volume 7 Issue 7 Pages 5280-5286
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Atomistic simulations can in principle provide an unbiased description of all mechanisms, intermediates, and products of complex chemical processes. However, due to the severe time scale limitation of conventional simulation techniques, unrealistically high simulation temperatures are usually applied, which are a poor approximation of most practically relevant low-temperature applications. In this work, we demonstrate the direct observation at the atomic scale of the pyrolysis and oxidation of n-dodecane at temperatures as low as 700 K through the use of a novel simulation technique, collective variable-driven hyperdynamics (CVHD). A simulated timescale of up to 39 seconds is reached. Product compositions and dominant mechanisms are found to be strongly temperature-dependent, and are consistent with experiments and kinetic models. These simulations provide a first atomic-level look at the full dynamics of the complicated fuel combustion process at industrially relevant temperatures and time scales, unattainable by conventional molecular dynamics simulations.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000380893900059 Publication Date 2016-05-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2041-6520 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.668 Times cited 22 Open Access
Notes K. M. B. is funded as PhD fellow (aspirant) of the FWO-Flanders (Fund for Scientic Research-Flanders), Grant 11V8915N. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center) and the HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp (CalcUA), funded by the Hercules Foundation and the Flemish Government – department EWI. The authors would also like to thank S. Banerjee for assisting with the interpretation of the experimental results. Approved Most recent IF: 8.668
Call Number c:irua:134577 c:irua:135670 Serial 4105
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bueken, B.; Van Velthoven, N.; Willhammar, T.; Stassin, T.; Stassen, I.; Keen, D.A.; Baron, G.V.; Denayer, J.F.M.; Ameloot, R.; Bals, S.; De Vos, D.; Bennett, T.D.
Title Gel-based morphological design of zirconium metal-organic frameworks Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Chemical science Abbreviated Journal Chem Sci
Volume 8 Issue 8 Pages 3939-3948
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The ability of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to gelate under specific synthetic conditions opens up new opportunities in the preparation and shaping of hierarchically porous MOF monoliths, which could be directly implemented for catalytic and adsorptive applications. In this work, we present the first examples of xero-or aerogel monoliths consisting solely of nanoparticles of several prototypical Zr4+-based MOFs: UiO-66-X (X – H, NH2, NO2, (OH)(2)), UiO-67, MOF-801, MOF-808 and NU-1000. High reactant and water concentrations during synthesis were observed to induce the formation of gels, which were converted to monolithic materials by drying in air or supercritical CO2. Electron microscopy, combined with N-2 physisorption experiments, was used to show that irregular nanoparticle packing leads to pure MOF monoliths with hierarchical pore systems, featuring both intraparticle micropores and interparticle mesopores. Finally, UiO-66 gels were shaped into monolithic spheres of 600 mm diameter using an oil-drop method, creating promising candidates for packed-bed catalytic or adsorptive applications, where hierarchical pore systems can greatly mitigate mass transfer limitations.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Royal Society of Chemistry Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000400553000077 Publication Date 2017-03-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2041-6520 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.668 Times cited 168 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; B. B., T. S. and I. S. acknowledge the FWO Flanders (doctoral and post-doctoral grants). T. W. acknowledges a post-doctoral grant from the Swedish Research Council. T. D. B. acknowledges the Royal Society (University Research Fellowship) and Trinity Hall (University of Cambridge) for funding. S. B. and D. D. V. are grateful for funding by Belspo (IAP 7/05 P6/27) and by the FWO Flanders. D. D. V. further acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (project H-CCAT). S. B. acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors acknowledge Arnau Carne and Shuhei Furukawa for assistance with supercritical CO<INF>2</INF> extraction, and Charles Ghesquiere for assistance in synthesis. ; Ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 8.668
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:152643UA @ admin @ c:irua:152643 Serial 5143
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Berdiyorov, G.R.; Neek-Amal, M.; Hussein, I.A.; Madjet, M.E.; Peeters, F.M.
Title Large CO2 uptake on a monolayer of CaO Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability Abbreviated Journal J Mater Chem A
Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 2110-2114
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Density functional theory calculations are used to study gas adsorption properties of a recently synthesized CaO monolayer, which is found to be thermodynamically stable in its buckled form. Due to its topology and strong interaction with the CO2 molecules, this material possesses a remarkably high CO2 uptake capacity (similar to 0.4 g CO2 per g adsorbent). The CaO + CO2 system shows excellent thermal stability (up to 1000 K). Moreover, the material is highly selective towards CO2 against other major greenhouse gases such as CH4 and N2O. These advantages make this material a very promising candidate for CO2 capture and storage applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000395074300035 Publication Date 2016-12-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2050-7488; 2050-7496 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.867 Times cited 2 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.867
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:142034 Serial 4556
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author González-Rubio, G.; de Oliveira, T.M.; Altantzis, T.; La Porta, A.; Guerrero-Martínez, A.; Bals, S.; Scarabelli, L.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.
Title Disentangling the effect of seed size and crystal habit on gold nanoparticle seeded growth Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Chemical communications Abbreviated Journal Chem Commun
Volume 53 Issue 53 Pages 11360-11363
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Oxidative etching was used to produce gold seeds of different sizes and crystal habits. Following detailed characterization, the seeds were grown under different conditions. Our results bring new insights toward understanding the effect of size and crystallinity on the growth of anisotropic particles, whilst identifying guidelines for the optimisation of new synthetic protocols of predesigned seeds.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000412814900019 Publication Date 2017-09-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1359-7345 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.319 Times cited 29 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was funded by the Spanish MINECO (grant # MAT2013-46101-R, Ramon y Cajal fellowship to A. G.-M. and FPI fellowship to G. G.-R.). Financial support is acknowledged from the European Commission (EUSMI, 731019). S. B. acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant # 335078-COLOURATOMS). T. A. acknowledges a postdoctoral grant from Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium). ECAS_Sara (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 6.319
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:146101UA @ admin @ c:irua:146101 Serial 4734
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Momot, A.; Amini, M.N.; Reekmans, G.; Lamoen, D.; Partoens, B.; Slocombe, D.R.; Elen, K.; Adriaensens, P.; Hardy, A.; Van Bael, M.K.
Title A novel explanation for the increased conductivity in annealed Al-doped ZnO: an insight into migration of aluminum and displacement of zinc Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 19 Issue 40 Pages 27866-27877
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract A combined experimental and first-principles study is performed to study the origin of conductivity in

ZnO:Al nanoparticles synthesized under controlled conditions via a reflux route using benzylamine as a

solvent. The experimental characterization of the samples by Raman, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

and conductivity measurements indicates that upon annealing in nitrogen, the Al atoms at interstitial

positions migrate to the substitutional positions, creating at the same time Zn interstitials. We provide

evidence for the fact that the formed complex of AlZn and Zni corresponds to the origin of the Knight

shifted peak (KS) we observe in 27Al NMR. As far as we know, the role of this complex has not been

discussed in the literature to date. However, our first-principles calculations show that such a complex is

indeed energetically favoured over the isolated Al interstitial positions. In our calculations we also

address the charge state of the Al interstitials. Further, Zn interstitials can migrate from Al_Zn and possibly

also form Zn clusters, leading to the observed increased conductivity.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000413290500073 Publication Date 2017-10-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 26 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We want to thank the Interuniversity Attraction Poles Programme (P7/05) initiated by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO) for the financial support. We also acknowledge the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen) for support via the MULTIMAR WOG project and under project No. G018914. The computational parts were carried out using the HPC infrastructure at the University of Antwerp (CalcUA), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, supported financially by the Hercules foundation and the Flemish Government (EWI Department). Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:146878 Serial 4760
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Shirazi, M.; Bogaerts, A.; Neyts, E.C.
Title A DFT study of H-dissolution into the bulk of a crystalline Ni(111) surface: a chemical identifier for the reaction kinetics Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 19 Issue 19 Pages 19150-19158
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract In this study, we investigated the diffusion of H-atoms to the subsurface and their further diffusion into the bulk of a Ni(111) crystal by means of density functional theory calculations in the context of thermal and plasma-assisted catalysis. The H-atoms at the surface can originate from the dissociative adsorption of H2 or CH4 molecules, determining the surface H-coverage. When a threshold H-coverage is passed, corresponding to 1.00 ML for the crystalline Ni(111) surface, the surface-bound H-atoms start to diffuse to the subsurface. A similar threshold coverage is observed for the interstitial H-coverage. Once the interstitial sites are filled up with a coverage above 1.00 ML of H, dissolution of interstitial H-atoms to the layer below the interstitial sites will be initiated. Hence, by applying a high pressure or inducing a reactive plasma and high temperature, increasing the H-flux to the surface, a large amount of hydrogen can diffuse in a crystalline metal like Ni and can be absorbed. The formation of metal hydride may modify the entire reaction kinetics of the system. Equivalently, the H-atoms in the bulk can easily go back to the surface and release a large amount of heat. In a plasma process, H-atoms are formed in the plasma, and therefore the energy barrier for dissociative adsorption is dismissed, thus allowing achievement of the threshold coverage without applying a high pressure as in a thermal process. As a result, depending on the crystal plane and type of metal, a large number of H-atoms can be dissolved (absorbed) in the metal catalyst, explaining the high efficiency of plasma-assisted catalytic reactions. Here, the mechanism of H-dissolution is established as a chemical identifier for the investigation of the reaction kinetics of a chemical process.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000406334300034 Publication Date 2017-06-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 10 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Financial support from the Reactive Atmospheric Plasma processIng – eDucation (RAPID) network, through the EU 7th Framework Programme (grant agreement no. 606889), is gratefully acknowledged. The calculations were performed using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government department (EWI) and the Universiteit Antwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:144794 Serial 4633
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sanchez-Barriga, J.; Ogorodnikov, I.I.; Kuznetsov, M.V.; Volykhov, A.A.; Matsui, F.; Callaert, C.; Hadermann, J.; Verbitskiy, N.I.; Koch, R.J.; Varykhalov, A.; Rader, O.; Yashina, L.V.
Title Observation of hidden atomic order at the interface between Fe and topological insulator Bi2Te3 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 19 Issue 45 Pages 30520-30532
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('To realize spintronic devices based on topological insulators (TIs), well-defined interfaces between magnetic metals and TIs are required. Here, we characterize atomically precisely the interface between the 3d transition metal Fe and the TI Bi2Te3 at different stages of its formation. Using photoelectron diffraction and holography, we show that after deposition of up to 3 monolayers Fe on Bi2Te3 at room temperature, the Fe atoms are ordered at the interface despite the surface disorder revealed by our scanning-tunneling microscopy images. We find that Fe occupies two different sites: a hollow adatom deeply relaxed into the Bi2Te3 quintuple layers and an interstitial atom between the third (Te) and fourth (Bi) atomic layers. For both sites, our core-level photoemission spectra and density-functional theory calculations demonstrate simultaneous chemical bonding of Fe to both Te and Bi atoms. We further show that upon deposition of Fe up to a thickness of 20 nm, the Fe atoms penetrate deeper into the bulk forming a 2-5 nm interface layer containing FeTe. In addition, excessive Bi is pushed down into the bulk of Bi2Te3 leading to the formation of septuple layers of Bi3Te4 within a distance of similar to 25 nm from the interface. Controlling the magnetic properties of the complex interface structures revealed by our work will be of critical importance when optimizing the efficiency of spin injection in TI-based devices.'));
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000416054400023 Publication Date 2017-10-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076; 1463-9084 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; The authors acknowledge financial support within the bilateral program “Russian-German Laboratory at BESSY II” and thank Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin for granting access to the beamlines RGBL, UE112-PGM2a and U49-PGM1. The Supercomputing Center of Lomonosov Moscow State University is gratefully acknowledged for granting access to the “Lomonosov” supercomputer. The work was partially supported by DFG priority program SPP 1666, Impuls- und Vernetzungsfonds der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft (Grant No. HRJRG-408) and Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Grants No. 13-02-91327 and No. 16-29-06410). C. C. acknowledges support from the University of Antwerp through the BOF grant 31445. The authors thank Dr Vera Neudachina, Daria Tsukanova, Dr Elmar Kataev and Dr Maria Batuk for their support during the XPS and TEM experiments. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:147659 Serial 4888
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bal, K.M.; Neyts, E.C.
Title Modelling molecular adsorption on charged or polarized surfaces: a critical flaw in common approaches Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
Volume 20 Issue 13 Pages 8456-8459
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract A number of recent computational material design studies based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations have put forward a new class of materials with electrically switchable chemical characteristics that can be exploited in the development of tunable gas storage and electrocatalytic applications. We find systematic flaws in almost every computational study of gas adsorption on polarized or charged surfaces, stemming from an improper and unreproducible treatment of periodicity, leading to very large errors of up to 3 eV in some cases. Two simple corrective procedures that lead to consistent results are proposed, constituting a crucial course correction to the research in the field.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000428779700007 Publication Date 2018-03-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 8 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes K. M. B. is funded as PhD fellow (aspirant) of the FWO-Flanders (Research Foundation – Flanders), Grant 11V8915N. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the FWO and the Flemish Government – department EWI. Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:150357 Serial 4916
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kertik, A.; Wee, L.H.; Pfannmöller, M.; Bals, S.; Martens, J.A.; Vankelecom, I.F.J.
Title Highly selective gas separation membrane using in situ amorphised metal-organic frameworks Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Energy & environmental science Abbreviated Journal Energ Environ Sci
Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 2342-2351
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Conventional carbon dioxide (CO2) separation in the petrochemical industry via cryogenic distillation is energy intensive and environmentally unfriendly. Alternatively, polymer membrane-based separations are of significant interest owing to low production cost, low-energy consumption and ease of upscaling. However, the implementation of commercial polymeric membranes is limited by their permeability and selectivity trade-off and the insufficient thermal and chemical stability. Herein, a novel type of amorphous mixed matrix membrane (MMM) able to separate CO2/CH4 mixtures with the highest selectivities ever reported for MOF based MMMs is presented. The MMM consists of an amorphised metal-organic framework (MOF) dispersed in an oxidatively cross-linked matrix achieved by fine tuning of the thermal treatment temperature in air up to 350 degrees C which drastically boosts the separation properties of the MMM. Thanks to the protection of the surrounding polymer, full oxidation of this MOF (i.e. ZIF-8) is prevented, and amorphisation of the MOF is realized instead, thus in situ creating a molecular sieve network. In addition, the treatment also improves the filler-polymer adhesion and induces an oxidative cross-linking of the polyimide matrix, resulting in MMMs with increased stability or plasticization resistance at high pressure up to 40 bar, marking a new milestone as new molecular sieve MOF MMMs for challenging natural gas purification applications. A new field for the use of amorphised MOFs and a variety of separation opportunities for such MMMs are thus opened.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000414774500007 Publication Date 2017-08-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1754-5692; 1754-5706 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 29.518 Times cited 122 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; A.K. acknowledges financial support from the Erasmus-Mundus Doctorate in Membrane Engineering (EUDIME) Programme. L.H.W. thanks the FWO-Vlaanderen for a postdoctoral research fellowship (12M1415N). M. P. acknowledges financial support by the FP7 European project SUNFLOWER (FP7 #287594). S. B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant # 335078-COLOURATOMS). J. A. M. gratefully acknowledges financial supports from the Flemish Government for long-term Methusalem funding. J. A. M. and I. F. J. V. acknowledge the Belgian Government for IAP-PAI networking. A. K. would also like to thank Frank Mathijs for the mechanical tests, Roy Bernstein for the XPS analysis and Lien Telen and Bart Goderis for the DSC measurements. We thank Verder Scientific Benelux for providing the service of ZIF-8 ball milling. ; ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 29.518
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:147399UA @ admin @ c:irua:147399 Serial 4879
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vermeulen, M.; Sanyova, J.; Janssens, K.; Nuyts, G.; De Meyer, S.; De Wael, K.
Title The darkening of copper- or lead-based pigments explained by a structural modification of natural orpiment : a spectroscopic and electrochemical study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry Abbreviated Journal J Anal Atom Spectrom
Volume 32 Issue 7 Pages 1331-1341
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract A combined Raman and electrochemical study of natural orpiment (As2S3), an arsenic sulfide pigment, was used to assess the quick formation of oxidized species such as arsenic oxide (As2O3) upon exposing the pigment to 405 nm or 532 nm monochromatic light while simultaneously recording the Raman spectra of the exposed sample. During this process, a distortion of the main band at 355 cm−1, associated with the stretching of the AsS3/2 pyramids of natural orpiment, was observed as well as an increased intensity of the 359 cm−1 band, corresponding to covalent AsAs bonds in natural orpiment. The distortion was accompanied by an overall decrease of the global Raman signal for natural orpiment, which could be explained by a loss in the crystal structure. The same phenomena were recorded in reference natural orpiment model paint samples stored for a long time together with verdigris (Cu(OH)2·(CH3COO)2·5H2O) and minium (Pb3O4) paints, the latter two appearing darkened on their sides closest to the orpiment sample as well as in several historical samples containing natural orpiment mixed with various blue pigments. By SEM-EDX and XRPD analysis, respectively on loose material and cast thin-sections of model paint samples, the darkening was identified as dark sulfide species such as chalcocite (Cu2S) and galena (PbS), suggesting the release of volatile sulfide or related species by the natural orpiment paint. XANES analyses of paint samples presenting AsAs bond increase indicated the presence of sulfur species most likely identified as organosulfur compounds formed upon the AsAs bond formation and explained the darkening of the Cu- and Pb-based pigments. To the best of our knowledge, this article reports for the first time the light-induced formation of AsAs bonds in natural orpiment used as an artists' pigment and objectively demonstrates the incompatibility between orpiment and (arsenic) sulfide-sensitive pigments.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000404998500007 Publication Date 2017-05-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0267-9477 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.379 Times cited 10 Open Access
Notes ; This research is made possible with the support of the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO, Brussels) through the research program Science for a Sustainable Development – SDD, “Long-term role and fate of metal-sulfides in painted works of art – S2ART” (SD/RI/04A). We gratefully acknowledge Julie Arslanoglu (Conservation and Scientific Research Department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA) for providing us the orpiment, verdigris and minium mock-up samples. We gratefully acknowledge the Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland and the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY) for provision of synchrotron radiation beamtimes at respectively beamlines of the SLS and Petra III. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.379
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:144384 Serial 5564
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Schnepf, M.J.; Mayer, M.; Kuttner, C.; Tebbe, M.; Wolf, D.; Dulle, M.; Altantzis, T.; Formanek, P.; Förster, S.; Bals, S.; König, T.A.F.; Fery, A.
Title Nanorattles with tailored electric field enhancement Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 9376-9385
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Nanorattles are metallic core–shell particles with core and shell separated by a dielectric spacer. These

nanorattles have been identified as a promising class of nanoparticles, due to their extraordinary high

electric-field enhancement inside the cavity. Limiting factors are reproducibility and loss of axial symmetry

owing to the movable metal core; movement of the core results in fluctuation of the nanocavity dimensions

and commensurate variations in enhancement factor. We present a novel synthetic approach for

the robust fixation of the central gold rod within a well-defined box, which results in an axisymmetric

nanorattle. We determine the structure of the resulting axisymmetric nanorattles by advanced transmission

electron microscopy (TEM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Optical absorption and scattering

cross-sections obtained from UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy quantitatively agree with finite-difference

time-domain (FDTD) simulations based on the structural model derived from SAXS. The predictions of

high and homogenous field enhancement are evidenced by scanning TEM electron energy loss spectroscopy

(STEM-EELS) measurement on single-particle level. Thus, comprehensive understanding of

structural and optical properties is achieved for this class of nanoparticles, paving the way for photonic

applications where a defined and robust unit cell is crucial.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000405387100015 Publication Date 2017-06-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 69 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This study was funded by the European Research Council under grant Template-assisted assembly of METAmaterials using MECHanical instabilities (METAMECH) ERC-2012-StG 306686. This work was also supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) within the Cluster of Excellence ‘Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden’ (cfaed). M. T. wants to acknowledge funding by the Elite Network of Bavaria, the Bavarian Ministry of State according to the Bavarian elite promotion act (BayEFG), as well as the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for a Feodor-Lynen Research Fellowship. S. B. acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (Starting Grant No. COLOURATOM 335078) and T. A. acknowledges funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through a postdoctoral grant. We thank Ken Harris from the National Research Council Canada for valuable discussion of the manuscript. (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); saraecas; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:144797UA @ admin @ c:irua:144797 Serial 4631
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zheng, G.; Chen, Z.; Sentosun, K.; Pérez-Juste, I.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Pastoriza-Santos, I.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Hong, M.
Title Shape control in ZIF-8 nanocrystals and metal nanoparticles@ZIF-8 heterostructures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 16645-16651
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Shape control in metal-organic frameworks still remains a challenge. We propose a strategy based on the capping agent modulator method to control the shape of ZIF-8 nanocrystals. This approach requires the use of a surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and a second capping agent, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS), to obtain ZIF-8 nanocrystals with morphology control in aqueous media. Semiempirical computational simulations suggest that both shape-inducing agents adsorb onto different surface facets of ZIF-8, thereby slowing down their crystal growth rates. While CTAB molecules preferentially adsorb onto the {100} facets, leading to ZIF-8 particles with cubic morphology, TRIS preferentially stabilizes the {111} facets, inducing the formation of octahedral crystals. Interestingly, the presence of both capping agents leads to nanocrystals with irregular shapes and higher index facets, such as hexapods and burr puzzles. Additionally, the combination of ZIF-8 nanocrystals with other materials is expected to impart additional properties due to the hybrid nature of the resulting nanocomposites. In the present case, the presence of CTAB and TRIS molecules as capping agents facilitates the synthesis of metal nanoparticle@ZIF-8 nanocomposites, due to synergistic effects which could be of use in a number of applications such as catalysis, gas sensing and storage.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000414960900015 Publication Date 2017-07-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 109 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO, Spain), under the Grants MAT2013- 45168-R and MAT2016-77809-R. This study was also funded by the Xunta de Galicia/FEDER (ED431C 2016-048). We are grateful to the financial support from National Natural Science Foundation of China (21671010), Guangdong Science and Technology Program (2013A061401002), and Shenzhen Strategic Emerging Industries (KQCX2015032709315529, CXZZ20140419131807788). Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:145827UA @ admin @ c:irua:145827 Serial 4705
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Pramanik, G.; Humpolickova, J.; Valenta, J.; Kundu, P.; Bals, S.; Bour, P.; Dracinsky, M.; Cigler, P.
Title Gold nanoclusters with bright near-infrared photoluminescence Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 3792-3798
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The increase in nonradiative pathways with decreasing emission energy reduces the luminescence quantum yield (QY) of near-infrared photoluminescent (NIR PL) metal nanoclusters. Efficient surface ligand chemistry can significantly improve the luminescence QY of NIR PL metal nanoclusters. In contrast to the widely reported but modestly effective thiolate ligand-to-metal core charge transfer, we show that metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) can be used to greatly enhance the luminescence QY of NIR PL gold nanoclusters (AuNCs). We synthesized water-soluble and colloidally stable NIR PL AuNCs with unprecedentedly high QY (similar to 25%) upon introduction of triphenylphosphonium moieties into the surface capping layer. By using a combination of spectroscopic and theoretical methods, we provide evidence for gold core-to-ligand charge transfer occurring in AuNCs. We envision that this work can stimulate the development of these unusually bright AuNCs for promising optoelectronic, bioimaging, and other applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000426148500026 Publication Date 2018-01-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 97 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; The authors acknowledge support from the GACR project Nr. 18-12533S. J. V. acknowledges funding from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic via the V4+Japan project No. 8F15001 (cofinanced by the International Visegrad Fund). P. B. acknowledges GACR project No. 16-05935S and Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic project No. LTC17012. ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:149901UA @ admin @ c:irua:149901 Serial 4935
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lombardo, J.; Jelić, Ž.L.; Baumans, X.D.A.; Scheerder, J.E.; Nacenta, J.P.; Moshchalkov, V.V.; Van de Vondel, J.; Kramer, R.B.G.; Milošević, M.V.; Silhanek, A.V.
Title In situ tailoring of superconducting junctions via electro-annealing Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 10 Issue 4 Pages 1987-1996
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract We demonstrate the in situ engineering of superconducting nanocircuitry by targeted modulation of material properties through high applied current densities. We show that the sequential repetition of such customized electro-annealing in a niobium (Nb) nanoconstriction can broadly tune the superconducting critical temperature T-c and the normal-state resistance R-n in the targeted area. Once a sizable R-n is reached, clear magneto-resistance oscillations are detected along with a Fraunhofer-like field dependence of the critical current, indicating the formation of a weak link but with further adjustable characteristics. Advanced Ginzburg-Landau simulations fully corroborate this picture, employing the detailed parametrization from the electrical characterization and high resolution electron microscope images of the region within the constriction where the material has undergone amorphization by electro-annealing.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000423355300049 Publication Date 2017-12-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 23 Open Access
Notes ; The authors thank the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique – FNRS, the ARC grant 13/18-08 for Concerted Research Actions, financed by the French Community of Belgium (Wallonia-Brussels Federation), the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen) and the COST action NanoCoHybri (CA16218). The work is also suppported by Methusalem Funding by the Flemish Government. J. Lombardo acknowledges support from F. R. S.-FNRS (FRIA Research Fellowship). The LANEF framework (ANR-10-LABX-51-01) and the Nanoscience Foundation are acknowledged for their support with mutualized infrastructure. The work of A. V. Silhanek is partially supported by PDR T.0106.16 of the F. R. S.-FNRS. The authors thank the ULg Microscopy facility CAREM for part of the SEM investigations. ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:149315UA @ admin @ c:irua:149315 Serial 4937
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rizzo, F.; Augieri, A.; Kursumovic, A.; Bianchetti, M.; Opherden, L.; Sieger, M.; Huehne, R.; Haenisch, J.; Meledin, A.; Van Tendeloo, G.; MacManus-Driscoll, J.L.; Celentano, G.
Title Pushing the limits of applicability of REBCO coated conductor films through fine chemical tuning and nanoengineering of inclusions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
Volume 10 Issue 17 Pages 8187-8195
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract An outstanding current carrying performance (namely critical current density, J(c)) over a broad temperature range of 10-77 K for magnetic fields up to 12 T is reported for films of YBa2Cu3O7-x with Ba2Y(Nb,Ta)O-6 inclusion pinning centres (YBCO-BYNTO) and thicknesses in the range of 220-500 nm. J(c) values of 10 MA cm(-2) were measured at 30 K – 5 T and 10 K – 9 T with a corresponding maximum of the pinning force density at 10 K close to 1 TN m(-3). The system is very flexible regarding properties and microstructure tuning, and the growth window for achieving a particular microstructure is wide, which is very important for industrial processing. Hence, the dependence of J(c) on the magnetic field angle was readily controlled by fine tuning the pinning microstructure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis highlighted that higher growth rates induce more splayed and denser BYNTO nanocolumns with a matching field as high as 5.2 T. Correspondingly, a strong peak at the B||c-axis is noticed when the density of vortices is lower than the nanocolumn density. YBCO-BYNTO is a very robust and reproducible composite system for high-current coated conductors over an extended range of magnetic fields and temperatures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Wos 000432261400037 Publication Date 2018-03-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 9 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; This work was partially financially supported by EUROTAPES, a collaborative project funded by the European Commission's Seventh Framework Program (FP7/ 2007-2013) under Grant Agreement No. 280432. This work has been partially carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium and has received funding from the Euratom research and training programme 2014-2018 under grant agreement no. 633053. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission. ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:151520 Serial 5038
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ata, I.; Ben Dkhil, S.; Pfannmoeller, M.; Bals, S.; Duche, D.; Simon, J.-J.; Koganezawa, T.; Yoshimoto, N.; Videlot-Ackermann, C.; Margeat, O.; Ackermann, J.; Baeuerle, P.
Title The influence of branched alkyl side chains in A-D-A oligothiophenes on the photovoltaic performance and morphology of solution-processed bulk-heterojunction solar cells Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication Organic chemistry frontiers : an international journal of organic chemistry Abbreviated Journal Org Chem Front
Volume 4 Issue 4 Pages 1561-1573
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Besides providing sufficient solubility, branched alkyl chains also affect the film-forming and packing properties of organic semiconductors. In order to avoid steric hindrance as it is present in wide-spread alkyl chains comprising a branching point position at the C2-position, i.e., 2-ethylhexyl, the branching point can be moved away from the pi-conjugated backbone. In this report, we study the influence of the modification of the branching point position from the C2-position in 2-hexyldecylamine (1) to the C4-position in 4-hexyldecylamine (2) connected to the central dithieno[3,2-b: 2', 3'-d] pyrrole (DTP) moiety in a well-studied A-D-A oligothiophene on the optoelectronic properties and photovoltaic performance in solution- processed bulk heterojunction solar cells (BHJSCs) with [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as the acceptor material. Post-treatment of the photoactive layers is performed via solvent vapor annealing (SVA) in order to improve the film microstructure of the bulk heterojunction. The time evolution of nanoscale morphological changes is followed by combining scanning transmission electron microscopy with low-energy-loss spectroscopic imaging (STEM-SI), solid-state absorption spectroscopy, and two-dimensional grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (2D-GIXRD). Our results show an improvement of the photovoltaic performance that is dependent on the branching point position in the donor oligomer. Optical spacers are utilized to increase light absorption inside the co-oligomer 2-based BHJSCs leading to increased power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 8.2% when compared to the corresponding co-oligomer 1-based devices. A STEM-SI analysis of the respective device cross-sections of active layers containing 1 and 2 as donor materials indeed reveals significant differences in their respective active layer morphologies.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher RSC Publishing Place of Publication London Editor
Language Wos 000406374800013 Publication Date 2017-05-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2052-4129 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.955 Times cited 24 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes ; We acknowledge financial support by the European Commission under the project “SUNFLOWER” (FP7-ICT-2011-7, grant number: 287594) and S.B. acknowledges the ERC Starting Grant Colouratoms (335078). ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.955
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:145176UA @ admin @ c:irua:145176 Serial 4727
Permanent link to this record