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“Designed multifunctional nanocomposites for biomedical applications”. Yiu HHP, Niu H-jun, Biermans E, Van Tendeloo G, Rosseinsky MJ, Advanced functional materials 20, 1599 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.200902117
Abstract: The assembly of multifunctional nanocomposite materials is demonstrated by exploiting the molecular sieving property of SBA-16 nanoporous silica and using it as a template material. The cages of the pore networks are used to host iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles, leaving a pore volume of 0.29 cm3 g-1 accessible for drug storage. This iron oxide-silica nanocomposite is then functionalized with amine groups. Finally the outside of the particle is decorated with antibodies. Since the size of many protein molecules, including that of antibodies, is too large to enter the pore system of SBA-16, the amine groups inside the pores are preserved for drug binding. This is proven using a fluorescent protein, fluorescein-isothiocyanate-labeled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA), with the unreacted amine groups inside the pores dyed with rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RITC). The resulting nanocomposite material offers a dual-targeting drug delivery mechanism, i.e., magnetic and antibody-targeting, while the functionalization approach is extendable to other applications, e.g., fluorescence-magnetic dual-imaging diagnosis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 56
DOI: 10.1002/adfm.200902117
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“Formation of a complete solid solution between the triphylite and fayalite olivine structures”. Recham N, Casas-Cabanas M, Cabana J, Grey CP, Jumas J-C, Dupont L, Armand M, Tarascon J-M, Chemistry of materials 20, 6798 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm801817n
Abstract: The recent infatuation for LiFePO4 as positive electrode material in Li-ion batteries has prompted a renewed interest in olivine-type structures, with a view to enhance their conduction proper-ties. We show that the dual substitution of Li for Fe and of P for Si in the olivine LiFePO4 phase leads to a complete solid solution Li1-xFe1+xP1-xSixO4 as deduced from combined X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer, and NMR experiments. Our findings challenge the common belief that the anionic network cannot be substituted. Moreover. it is found that such a substitution promotes Li intersite mixing between the olivine M1 and M2 sites. Such mixing, together with the worsening of the conducting properties of the dually substituted samples, is believed to be responsible for the poor electrochemical performances of the member's series. Beyond x = 0.20, the samples were electrochemically inactive. While the current materials are disappointing application-wise, such a study provides clues to the rich chemistry remaining to be unveiled with olivine-type structures in particular and polyanionic compounds in general.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 35
DOI: 10.1021/cm801817n
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“From polyester grafting onto POSS nanocage by ring-opening polymerization to high performance polyester/POSS nanocomposites”. Goffin A-L, Duquesne E, Raquez J-M, Miltner HE, Ke X, Alexandre M, Van Tendeloo G, van Mele B, Dubois P, Journal of materials chemistry 20, 9415 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1039/c0jm00283f
Abstract: Polyester-grafted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanohybrids selectively produced by ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and L,L-lactide (A.-L. Goffin, E. Duquesne, S. Moins, M. Alexandre, Ph. Dubois, Eur. Polym. Journal, 2007, 43, 4103) were studied as masterbatches by melt-blending within their corresponding commercial polymeric matrices, i.e., poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(L,L-lactide) (PLA). For the sake of comparison, neat POSS nanoparticles were also dispersed in PCL and PLA. The objective was to prepare aliphatic polyester-based nanocomposites with enhanced crystallization behavior, and therefore, enhanced thermo-mechanical properties. Wide-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy attested for the dispersion of individualized POSS nanoparticles in the resulting nanocomposite materials only when the polyester-grafted POSS nanohybrid was used as a masterbatch. The large impact of such finely dispersed (grafted) nanoparticles on the crystallization behavior for the corresponding polyester matrices was noticed, as evidenced by differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Indeed, well-dispersed POSS nanoparticles acted as efficient nucleating sites, significantly increasing the crystallinity degree of both PCL and PLA matrices. As a result, a positive impact on thermo-mechanical properties was highlighted by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 42
DOI: 10.1039/c0jm00283f
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“Intergrowth of components and ramps in coffin-shaped ZSM-5 zeolite crystals unraveled by focused ion beam-assisted transmission electron microscopy”. Lu J, Roeffaers MBJ, Bartholomeeusen E, Sels BF, Schryvers D, Microscopy and microanalysis 20, 42 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927613013731
Abstract: Scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam (FIB), and transmission electron microscopy are combined to study the intergrowth of 90 degrees rotational components and of ramps in coffin-shaped ZSM-5 crystals. The 90 degrees rotational boundaries with local zig-zag features between different intergrowth components are observed in the main part of crystal. Also a new kind of displacement boundary is described. At the displacement boundary there is a shift of the unit cells along the boundary without a change in orientation. Based on lamellae prepared with FIB from different positions of the ramps and crystal, the orientation relationships between ramps and the main part of the crystal are studied and the three-dimensional morphology and growth mechanism of the ramp are illustrated.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.891
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1017/S1431927613013731
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“A layered iron-rich 2234-type with a mixed valence of iron: the ferrimagnetic Tl-doped Fe2(Sr2-\varepsilonTl\varepsilon)Sr3Fe4O14.65”. Lepoittevin C, Malo S, Nguyen N, Hebert S, Van Tendeloo G, Hervieu M, Chemistry of materials 20, 6468 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm8014385
Abstract: A new Tl-doped strontium ferrite Fe2(Sr2-Tl)Sr3Fe4O14.65, with an original structure, has been synthesized and structurally characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The TGA and Mssbauer studies evidence a mixed valence of iron. The structure exhibits a commensurate modulation, with a F-type subcell a ≈ b ≈ 5.4 Å (≈ ap√2), c ≈ 42 Å with a modulation vector q = αa* with α = 0.4. The supercell parameters have been refined as a= 27.1101(8) Å, b= 5.5187(2) Å and c= 42.0513(9) Å, in the space group Fmmm. The electron diffraction and electron microscopy data of this novel ferrite show that it can be described as a FeTl-2234-type structure corresponding to the intergrowth of a quadruple perovskite slice [(SrFeO2.8)4], with a complex rock salt related slice [Fe2(Sr2-Tl)O3.4]∞, built up of one double iron layer [Fe2O2.4] sandwiched between two [SrO] layers. The HRTEM images show that the oxygen atoms and vacancies are randomly distributed in the perovskite layers while the HAADF STEM images evidence the absence of Tl segregation in the matrix. Fe2(Sr2-Tl)Sr3Fe4O14.65 exhibits a very large value of χ (11emu/mol) at 5 K, which remains large at 400 K; the M(H) loop presents a shape characteristic of ferrimagnetism, with a large coercive field of 0.3 T. The value of magnetization saturates at 400 K at 0.68 μB/Fe. At 10 K, the value of magnetization reaches a maximum of 2 μB/Fe. The resistivity presents a semiconducting-like behavior, with ρ 800 Ω·cm at 300 K.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1021/cm8014385
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“Manipulation of two-electron states by the electric field in stacked self-assembled dots”. Nowak MP, Szafran B, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 20, 395225 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/20/39/395225
Abstract: A pair of electrons in vertically stacked self-assembled quantum dots is studied and the singlettriplet energy splitting is calculated in an external electric field using the configuration-interaction method. We show that for double quantum dots the dependence of the singlet energy levels on the electric field involves multiple avoided crossings of three energy levels. The exchange interaction, i.e., the energy difference of the lowest triplet and lowest singlet states, can be tuned by an electric field in a wide range of several tens of meV. For electric fields exceeding a threshold value the exchange interaction becomes a linear function of the field when the two electrons in the singlet state start to occupy the same dot. We also consider non-symmetric confinement, non-perfectly aligned dots, in horizontal as well as vertical field orientation. In a stack of three vertically coupled dots the depth of the confinement in the central dot can be used to enhance the exchange interaction. For a deeper central dot the dependence of the exchange interaction on the electric field is anomalousit initially decreases when the field is applied in both directions parallel and antiparallel to the axis of the stack. Such a behavior is never observed for a pair of quantum dots.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/20/39/395225
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“Monolayer graphene from graphite oxide”. Dideykin A, Aleksenskiy AE, Kirilenko D, Brunkov P, Goncharov V, Baidakova M, Sakseev D, Vul' AY, Diamond and related materials 20, 105 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.diamond.2010.10.007
Abstract: Graphene, a new carbon material, is attracting presently an increasing research interest. It stems from the unique electrical and mechanical properties of graphene predicted by theory. Experimental studies of graphene are, however, severely curtailed by a lack of an appropriate technique for its preparation. Mechanical cleavage of graphite proved to be ineffective, since it yields only very small (a few microns in size) particles of monolayer graphene. The rapidly developing approach based on chemical exfoliation of graphite produces large-area coatings composed primarily of arbitrarily oriented multilayer graphene particles. We have developed a technique for preparation of monolayer graphene sheets involving liquid exfoliation of crystalline graphite, which includes synthesis of graphite oxide by deep oxidation as an intermediate stage. Electron diffraction traces, as well as the variation of diffracted intensities with local orientation of graphene sheets, AFM, and HRTEM images testify to a remarkably good monolayer structure of the graphite oxide particles obtained by our technique. These results open a way to setting up high-efficiency production of monolayer graphene sheets appropriate for electrical and optical measurements and fabrication of structures for use in the field of applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.561
Times cited: 48
DOI: 10.1016/j.diamond.2010.10.007
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“Oxygen vacancy ordering in the double-layered Ruddlesden-Popper cobaltite Sm2BaCo2O7-\delta”. Gillie LJ, Hadermann J, Hervieu M, Maignan A, Martin C, Chemistry of materials 20, 6231 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm8010138
Abstract: A new oxygen-deficient Ruddlesden−Popper (RP) cobaltite Sm2BaCo2O7−δ (δ ≈ 1.0) has been synthesized and the crystal structure elucidated by Rietveld analysis of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) data and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The phase crystallizes in a primitive orthorhombic unit cell, with lattice parameters a = 5.4371(4) Å; b = 5.4405(4) Å and c = 19.8629(6) Å, and space group Pnnm. Contrary to other oxygen-deficient cobalt RP phases, the oxygen vacancies are located in the equatorial positions of the [CoO] layers to give an intralayer structure similar to Sr2Mn2O5, which is not usually observed for cobalt-containing materials. The Sm3+ and Ba2+ cations show a strong preference for distinct sites, with the majority of the larger Ba2+ cations situated in the perovskite block layers and Sm3+ cations predominantly in the rock salt layers. Magnetic susceptibility data demonstrate the strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) character of Sm2BaCo2O7−δ.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1021/cm8010138
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“Resonant tunneling through S- and U-shaped graphene nanoribbons”. Zhang ZZ, Wu ZH, Chang K, Peeters FM, Nanotechnology 20, 415203 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/20/41/415203
Abstract: We theoretically investigate resonant tunneling through S- and U-shaped nanostructured graphene nanoribbons. A rich structure of resonant tunneling peaks is found emanating from different quasi-bound states in the middle region. The tunneling current can be turned on and off by varying the Fermi energy. Tunability of resonant tunneling is realized by changing the width of the left and/or right leads and without the use of any external gates.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/20/41/415203
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“Superspace description, crystal structures, and electric conductiof the Ba4In6-xMgxO13-x/2 solid solutions”. Abakumov AM, Rossell MD, Gutnikova OY, Drozhzhin OA, Leonova LS, Dobrovolsky YA, Istomin SY, Van Tendeloo G, Antipov EV, Chemistry of materials 20, 4457 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm8004216
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1021/cm8004216
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“Tetrahedral chain order in the Sr2Fe2O5 brownmillerite”. d' Hondt H, Abakumov AM, Hadermann J, Kalyuzhnaya AS, Rozova MG, Antipov EV, Van Tendeloo G, Chemistry of materials 20, 7188 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm801723b
Abstract: The crystal structure of the Sr2Fe2O5 brownmillerite has been investigated using electron diffraction and high resolution electron microscopy. The Sr2Fe2O5 structure demonstrates two-dimensional order: the tetrahedral chains with two mirror-related configurations (L and R) are arranged within the tetrahedral layers according to the −L−R−L−R− sequence, and the layers themselves are displaced with respect to each other over 1/2[111] or 1/2[11] vectors of the brownmillerite unit cell, resulting in different ordered stacking variants. A unified superspace model is constructed for ordered stacking sequences in brownmillerites based on the average brownmillerite structure with a = 5.5298(4)Å, b = 15.5875(12)Å, c = 5.6687(4)Å, and (3 + 1)-dimensional superspace group I2/m(0βγ)0s, q = βb* + γc*, 0 ≤ β ≤ 1/2, 0 ≤ γ ≤ 1.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 64
DOI: 10.1021/cm801723b
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“Trace-elemental anomalies in surface water near a small lead-zinc mineralization at Menez-Albot (Brittany, France)”. Vandelannoote R, Blommaert W, Sadurski A, Van 'T Dack L, Gijbels R, Van Grieken R, Bosch B, Leleu M, Rochon J, Sarcia C, Sureau JF;, Journal of geochemical exploration 20, 33 (1984). http://doi.org/10.1016/0375-6742(84)90088-8
Abstract: Sensitive multi-element analysis techniques were applied to water samples collected in the vicinity of a small Zn-Pb-Cu sulfide mineralization in the region of Menez-Albot (Finistère, France). The variation of the trace-element content along a local stream shows the presence of the mineralization, mainly through a simultaneous positive anomaly in solution for a group of about 10 elements (e.g. Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sb) which are connected with this type of mineralization. The anomaly decreases steeply due to the influx of swamp water rich in Fe, Mn and organic matter. The precipitation barrier is reflected in the stream sediment composition. Contamination from fertilizers was observed in some samples.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 2.747
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/0375-6742(84)90088-8
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“Wet-STEM tomography : principles, potentialities and limitations”. Masenelli-Varlot K, Malchere A, Ferreira J, Heidari Mezerji H, Bals S, Messaoudi C, Garrido SM, Microscopy and microanalysis 20, 366 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927614000105
Abstract: The characterization of biological and inorganic materials by determining their three-dimensional structure in conditions closer to their native state is a major challenge of technological research. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) provides access to the observation of hydrated samples in water environments. Here, we present a specific device for ESEM in the scanning transmission electron microscopy mode, allowing the acquisition of tilt-series suitable for tomographic reconstructions. The resolution which can be obtained with this device is first determined. Then, we demonstrate the feasibility of tomography on wet materials. The example studied here is hydrophilic mesoporous silica (MCM-41). Finally, the minimum thickness of water which can be detected is calculated from Monte Carlo simulations and compared with the resolution expected in the tomograms.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.891
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1017/S1431927614000105
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“Modelling molecular adsorption on charged or polarized surfaces: a critical flaw in common approaches”. Bal KM, Neyts EC, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 20, 8456 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7CP08209F
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1039/C7CP08209F
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“Diversified vortex phase diagram for a rotating trapped two-band Fermi gas in the BCS-BEC crossover”. Klimin SN, Tempere J, Milošević, MV, New journal of physics 20, 025010 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/AAACEB
Abstract: We report the equilibrium vortex phase diagram of a rotating two-band Fermi gas confined to a cylindrically symmetric parabolic trapping potential, using the recently developed finite-temperature effective field theory (Klimin et al 2016 Phys. Rev. A 94 023620). A non-monotonic resonant dependence of the free energy as a function of the temperature and the rotation frequency is revealed for a two-band superfluid. We particularly focus on novel features that appear as a result of interband interactions and can be experimentally resolved. The resonant dependence of the free energy is directly manifested in vortex phase diagrams, where areas of stability for both integer and fractional vortex states are found. The study embraces the BCS-BEC crossover regime and the entire temperature range below the critical temperature T-c. Significantly different behavior of vortex matter as a function of the interband coupling is revealed in the BCS and BEC regimes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Theory of quantum systems and complex systems; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.786
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/AAACEB
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“Enhanced electrochemical performance of Li-rich cathode materials through microstructural control”. Serrano-Sevillano J, Reynaud M, Saracibar A, Altantzis T, Bals S, van Tendeloo G, Casas-Cabanas M, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 20, 23112 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1039/C8CP04181D
Abstract: The microstructural complexity of Li-rich cathode materials has so far hampered understanding the critical link between size, morphology and structural defects with both capacity and voltage fadings that this family of materials exhibits. Li2MnO3 is used here as a model material to extract reliable structure–property
relationships that can be further exploited for the development of high-performing and long-lasting Li-rich oxides. A series of samples with microstructural variability have been prepared and thoroughly characterized using the FAULTS software, which allows quantification of planar defects and extraction of
average crystallite sizes. Together with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and density functional theory (DFT) results, the successful application of FAULTS analysis to Li2MnO3 has allowed rationalizing the synthesis conditions and identifying the individual impact of concurrent microstructural features on
both voltage and capacity fadings, a necessary step for the development of high-capacity Li-ion cathode materials with enhanced cycle life.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1039/C8CP04181D
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“Effects of a constructional intervention on airborne and deposited particulate matter in the Portuguese National Tile Museum, Lisbon”. Anaf W, Horemans B, Madeira TI, Carvalho ML, De Wael K, Van Grieken R, Environmental Science and Pollution Research 20, 1849 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11356-012-1086-7
Abstract: In the 1970s, a large ambulatory of the National Tile Museum, Lisbon, was closed with glass panes on both ground and first floor. Although this design was meant to protect the museum collection from ambient air pollutants, small openings between the glass panes remain, creating a semi-enclosed corridor. The effects of the glass panes on the indoor air quality were evaluated in a comparative study by monitoring the airborne particle concentration and the extent of particle deposition at the enclosed corridor as well as inside the museum building. Comparison of the indoor/outdoor ratio of airborne particle concentration demonstrated a high natural ventilation rate in the enclosed corridor as well as inside the museum building. PM10 deposition velocities on vertical surfaces were estimated in the order of 3 × 10−4 m s−1 for both indoor locations. Also, the deposition rates of dark-coloured and black particles in specific were very similar at both indoor locations, causing visual degradation. The effectiveness of the glass panes in protecting the museum collection is discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 2.741
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-012-1086-7
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“Double moiré, with a twist : supermoiré, in encapsulated graphene”. Andelkovic M, Milovanović, SP, Covaci L, Peeters FM, Nano Letters 20, 979 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.9B04058
Abstract: A periodic spatial modulation, as created by a moire pattern, has been extensively studied with the view to engineer and tune the properties of graphene. Graphene encapsulated by hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) when slightly misaligned with the top and bottom hBN layers experiences two interfering moire patterns, resulting in a so-called supermoire (SM). This leads to a lattice and electronic spectrum reconstruction. A geometrical construction of the nonrelaxed SM patterns allows us to indicate qualitatively the induced changes in the electronic properties and to locate the SM features in the density of states and in the conductivity. To emphasize the effect of lattice relaxation, we report band gaps at all Dirac-like points in the hole doped part of the reconstructed spectrum, which are expected to be enhanced when including interaction effects. Our result is able to distinguish effects due to lattice relaxation and due to the interfering SM and provides a clear picture on the origin of recently experimentally observed effects in such trilayer heterostuctures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 10.8
Times cited: 48
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.9B04058
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“Enhanced superconductivity in few-layer TaS₂, due to healing by oxygenation”. Bekaert J, Khestanova E, Hopkinson DG, Birkbeck J, Clark N, Zhu M, Bandurin DA, Gorbachev R, Fairclough S, Zou Y, Hamer M, Terry DJ, Peters JJP, Sanchez AM, Partoens B, Haigh SJ, Milošević, MV, Grigorieva I V, Nano Letters 20, 3808 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.0C00871
Abstract: When approaching the atomically thin limit, defects and disorder play an increasingly important role in the properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials. While defects are generally thought to negatively affect superconductivity in 2D materials, here we demonstrate the contrary in the case of oxygenation of ultrathin tantalum disulfide (TaS2). Our first-principles calculations show that incorporation of oxygen into the TaS2 crystal lattice is energetically favorable and effectively heals sulfur vacancies typically present in these crystals, thus restoring the electronic band structure and the carrier density to the intrinsic characteristics of TaS2. Strikingly, this leads to a strong enhancement of the electron-phonon coupling, by up to 80% in the highly oxygenated limit. Using transport measurements on fresh and aged (oxygenated) few-layer TaS2, we found a marked increase of the superconducting critical temperature (T-c) upon aging, in agreement with our theory, while concurrent electron microscopy and electron-energy loss spectroscopy confirmed the presence of sulfur vacancies in freshly prepared TaS2 and incorporation of oxygen into the crystal lattice with time. Our work thus reveals the mechanism by which certain atomic-scale defects can be beneficial to superconductivity and opens a new route to engineer T-c in ultrathin materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 10.8
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.0C00871
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“Real-time wood behaviour : the use of strain gauges for preventive conservation applications”. Anaf W, Cabal A, Robbe M, Schalm O, Sensors 20, 305 (2020). http://doi.org/10.3390/S20010305
Abstract: Within the heritage field, the application of strain gauges on wood surfaces is a little-explored but inexpensive and effective method to analyse the environmental appropriateness of rooms for the wooden heritage collections they contain. This contribution proposes a wood sensor connected to a data logger to identify short moments with an elevated risk of harm. Two experiments were performed to obtain insights pertaining to the applicability of wood sensors to evaluate preservation conditions. (1) The representativeness of strain gauges on dummies was tested for their use in evaluating the preservation conditions of a range of wooden objects exposed to the same environment. For this, three situations were mimicked: a bare wood surface, a wood surface covered with a preparation layer, and a wood surface covered with a preparation and varnish layer. (2) The usability of strain gauges to monitor the wood behaviour in real-time measurements was tested with a monitoring campaign of almost two years in a church where a new heating system was installed. The results of both experiments are promising, and the authors encourage a broader application of strain gauges in the heritage field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)
DOI: 10.3390/S20010305
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“Spatial heterojunction in nanostructured TiO₂, and its cascade effect for efficient photocatalysis”. Lu Y, Liu X-L, He L, Zhang Y-X, Hu Z-Y, Tian G, Cheng X, Wu S-M, Li Y-Z, Yang X-H, Wang L-Y, Liu J-W, Janiak C, Chang G-G, Li W-H, Van Tendeloo G, Yang X-Y, Su B-L, Nano Letters 20, 3122 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.9B05121
Abstract: A highly efficient photoenergy conversion is strongly dependent on the cumulative cascade efficiency of the photogenerated carriers. Spatial heterojunctions are critical to directed charge transfer and, thus, attractive but still a challenge. Here, a spatially ternary titanium-defected TiO2@carbon quantum dots@reduced graphene oxide (denoted as V-Ti@CQDs@rGO) in one system is shown to demonstrate a cascade effect of charges and significant performances regarding the photocurrent, the apparent quantum yield, and photocatalysis such as H-2 production from water splitting and CO2 reduction. A key aspect in the construction is the technologically irrational junction of Ti-vacancies and nanocarbons for the spatially inside-out heterojunction. The new “spatial heterojunctions” concept, characteristics, mechanism, and extension are proposed at an atomic- nanoscale to clarify the generation of rational heterojunctions as well as the cascade electron transfer.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 10.8
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.9B05121
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“Blue energy conversion from holey-graphene-like membranes with a high density of subnanometer pores”. Wang H, Su L, Yagmurcukardes M, Chen J, Jiang Y, Li Z, Quan A, Peeters FM, Wang C, Geim AK, Hu S, Nano Letters 20, 8634 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.0C03342
Abstract: Blue energy converts the chemical potential difference from salinity gradients into electricity via reverse electrodialysis and provides a renewable source of clean energy. To achieve high energy conversion efficiency and power density, nanoporous membrane materials with both high ionic conductivity and ion selectivity are required. Here, we report ion transport through a network of holey-graphene-like sheets made by bottom-up polymerization. The resulting ultrathin membranes provide controlled pores of <10 angstrom in diameter with an estimated density of about 10(12) cm(-2). The pores' interior contains NH2 groups that become electrically charged with varying pH and allow tunable ion selectivity. Using the holey-graphene-like membranes, we demonstrate power outputs reaching hundreds of watts per square meter. The work shows a viable route toward creating membranes with high-density angstrom-scale pores, which can be used for energy generation, ion separation, and related technologies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 10.8
Times cited: 43
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.NANOLETT.0C03342
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“Towards ductilization of high strength 7XXX aluminium alloys via microstructural modifications obtained by friction stir processing and heat treatments”. Lezaack MB, Hannard F, Zhao L, Orekhov A, Adrien J, Miettinen A, Idrissi H, Simar A, Materialia 20, 101248 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MTLA.2021.101248
Abstract: High strength 7XXX aluminium series reach exceptional strength, higher than all other industrial aluminium alloys. However, they suffer from a lack of ductility compared to softer series. This work presents a procedure to improve the ductility of 7475 Al alloy in high strength condition, reaching a true fracture strain of 70% at full 500 MPa T6 yield strength. Using friction stir processing (FSP) and post-FSP heat treatments, 100% of industrial rolled material T6 yield stress is maintained but a 180% increase in fracture strain is measured for the processed material. This ductility improvement is studied by in-situ synchrotron X-ray tomography and is explained by the reduction of intermetallic particles size and the homogenization of their spatial distribution. Furthermore, the microstructure after FSP shows equiaxed refined grains which favour crack deviation as opposed to large cracks parallel to the elongated coarse grains in rolled plate. These results are paving the way to better formability and crashworthiness of 7XXX alloys.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
DOI: 10.1016/J.MTLA.2021.101248
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“Ion exchange in atomically thin clays and micas”. Zou Y-C, Mogg L, Clark N, Bacaksiz C, Milanovic S, Sreepal V, Hao G-P, Wang Y-C, Hopkinson DG, Gorbachev R, Shaw S, Novoselov KS, Raveendran-Nair R, Peeters FM, Lozada-Hidalgo M, Haigh SJ, Nature Materials 20, 1677 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41563-021-01134-9
Abstract: The physical properties of clays and micas can be controlled by exchanging ions in the crystal lattice. Atomically thin materials can have superior properties in a range of membrane applications, yet the ion-exchange process itself remains largely unexplored in few-layer crystals. Here we use atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy to study the dynamics of ion exchange and reveal individual ion binding sites in atomically thin and artificially restacked clays and micas. We find that the ion diffusion coefficient for the interlayer space of atomically thin samples is up to 10(4) times larger than in bulk crystals and approaches its value in free water. Samples where no bulk exchange is expected display fast exchange at restacked interfaces, where the exchanged ions arrange in islands with dimensions controlled by the moire superlattice dimensions. We attribute the fast ion diffusion to enhanced interlayer expandability resulting from weaker interlayer binding forces in both atomically thin and restacked materials. This work provides atomic scale insights into ion diffusion in highly confined spaces and suggests strategies to design exfoliated clay membranes with enhanced performance. Layered clays are of interest for membranes and many other applications but their ion-exchange dynamics remain unexplored in atomically thin materials. Here, using electron microscopy, it is found that the ion diffusion for few-layer two-dimensional clays approaches that of free water and that superlattice cation islands can form in twisted and restacked materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 39.737
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1038/S41563-021-01134-9
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“Characterization of airborne particulate matter collected over the North Sea”. Rojas CM, Otten PM, Van Grieken RE, Journal of aerosol science 20, 1257 (1989). http://doi.org/10.1016/0021-8502(89)90811-2
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0021-8502(89)90811-2
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“Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis of geological materials in borax beads using Tertian's binary coefficient approach combined with internal standard addition”. Muia LM, Van Grieken R, X-ray spectrometry 20, 179 (1991)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Field demonstration and evaluation of the passive flux meter on a CAH groundwater plume”. Verreydt G, Annable MD, Kaskassian S, van Keer I, Bronders J, Diels L, Vanderauwera P, Environmental Science and Pollution Research 20, 4621 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11356-012-1417-8
Abstract: This study comprises the first application of the Passive Flux Meter (PFM) for the measurement of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon (CAH) mass fluxes and Darcy water fluxes in groundwater at a European field site. The PFM was originally developed and applied to measurements near source zones. The focus of the PFM is extended from near source to plume zones. For this purpose, 48 PFMs of 1.4 m length were constructed and installed in eight different monitoring wells in the source and plume zone of a CAH-contaminated field site located in France. The PFMs were retrieved, sampled, and analyzed after 3 to 11 weeks of exposure time, depending on the expected contaminant flux. PFM evaluation criteria include analytical, technical, and practical aspects as well as conditions and applicability. PFM flux data were compared with so-called traditional soil and groundwater concentration data obtained using active sampling methods. The PFMs deliver reasonable results for source as well as plume zones. The limiting factor in the PFM applicability is the exposure time together with the groundwater flux. Measured groundwater velocities at the field site range from 2 to 41 cm/day. Measured contaminant flux data raise up to 13 g/m(2)/day for perchloroethylene in the plume zone. Calculated PFM flux averaged concentration data and traditional concentration data were of similar magnitude for most wells. However, both datasets need to be compared with reservation because of the different sampling nature and time. Two important issues are the PFM tracer loss during installation/extraction and the deviation of the groundwater flow field when passing the monitoring well and PFM. The demonstration of the PFM at a CAH-contaminated field site in Europe confirmed the efficiency of the flux measurement technique for source as well as plume zones. The PFM can be applied without concerns in monitoring wells with European standards. The acquired flux data are of great value for the purpose of site characterization and mass discharge modeling, and can be used in combination with traditional soil and groundwater sampling methods.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-012-1417-8
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“Penetration of atmospheric aerosols during collection in cellulose filters, studied by secondary ion mass spectrometry”. Rojas CM, Goossens D, Van Grieken R, Journal of aerosol science 20, 569 (1989). http://doi.org/10.1016/0021-8502(89)90103-1
Abstract: The penetration of aerosol particles in a Whatman-41 cellulose filter has been studied via the depth profiles of different elements present in the aerosol. Depth profiles were obtained by analyzing both fine and coarse fractions from a dichotomous sampler by secondary ion mass spectrometry. The fine particles had an aerodynamic diameter dae of less than 2.5 μm, whereas the coarse fraction had 2.5 ≤ dae ≤ 15 μm. Elements such as Al, Si, Ca, Ti and Fe were associated with coarse airborne particles, while S, Cl, Zn, and Br were more abundant in the fine fraction. Results showed that particle size plays an important role in the distribution of particulate matter throughout the filter. SiTi-containing particles were mostly deposited near the surface of the filter, and their profiles can be estimated using a polynomial function, whereas the profile of AlCaFe-containing particles can be approached by an exponential decay function. Elements associated with fine fraction aerosols mainly originating from combustion processes, can penetrate up to about 25% of the total filter thickness, and their profiles are better represented by a diffusion function.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0021-8502(89)90103-1
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“Sensitivity of water stress in a two-layered sandy grassland soil to variations in groundwater depth and soil hydraulic parameters”. Rezaei M, Seuntjens P, Joris I, Boenne W, Van Hoey S, Campling P, Cornelis WM, Hydrology and earth system sciences 20, 487 (2016). http://doi.org/10.5194/HESS-20-487-2016
Abstract: Monitoring and modelling tools may improve irrigation strategies in precision agriculture. We used non-invasive soil moisture monitoring, a crop growth and a soil hydrological model to predict soil water content fluctuations and crop yield in a heterogeneous sandy grassland soil under supplementary irrigation. The sensitivity of the soil hydrological model to hydraulic parameters, water stress, crop yield and lower boundary conditions was assessed after integrating models. Free drainage and incremental constant head conditions were implemented in a lower boundary sensitivity analysis. A time-dependent sensitivity analysis of the hydraulic parameters showed that changes in soil water content are mainly affected by the soil saturated hydraulic conductivity K-s and the Mualem-van Genuchten retention curve shape parameters n and alpha. Results further showed that different parameter optimization strategies (two-, three-, four- or six-parameter optimizations) did not affect the calculated water stress and water content as significantly as does the bottom boundary. In this case, a two-parameter scenario, where K-s was optimized for each layer under the condition of a constant groundwater depth at 135-140 cm, performed best. A larger yield reduction, and a larger number and longer duration of stress conditions occurred in the free drainage condition as compared to constant boundary conditions. Numerical results showed that optimal irrigation scheduling using the aforementioned water stress calculations can save up to 12-22 % irrigation water as compared to the current irrigation regime. This resulted in a yield increase of 4.5-6.5 %, simulated by the crop growth model.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.5194/HESS-20-487-2016
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“Ab initio spectroscopy and thermochemistry of the BN molecule”. Martin JML, François JP, Gijbels R, Zeitschrift für Physik : D : atoms, molecules and clusters 21, 47 (1991)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Times cited: 17
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