“Structural and luminescence investigation on gadolinium gallium garnet nanocrystalline powders prepared by solution combustion synthesis”. Krsmanovic R, Morozov VA, Lebedev OI, Polizzi S, Speghini A, Bettinelli M, Van Tendeloo G, Nanotechnology 18, 325604 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/18/32/325604
Abstract: Nanocrystalline powders of undoped and lanthanide (Pr3+, Tm3+)- doped gadolinium gallium garnet, Gd3Ga5O12 (GGG), were prepared by propellant synthesis and studied by x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), electron diffraction (ED), high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) and luminescence spectroscopy. The x-ray diffraction patterns of the GGG samples were analysed using the Rietveld method. The Rietveld refinement reveals the existence of two garnet-type phases: both are cubic (space group Ia $(3) over bar $d) with a slightly different lattice parameter and probably a slightly different composition. Electron diffraction and electron microscopy measurements confirm the x-ray diffraction results. EDX measurements for lanthanide-doped samples show that stable solid solutions with composition Gd(3-x)Ln(x)Ga(5)O(12), x approximate to 0.3 ( Ln = Pr; Tm) have been obtained. The luminescence properties of the Tm3+ -doped nanocrystalline GGG samples were measured and analysed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/18/32/325604
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“Nanoscale Characterization of Growth of Secondary Phases in Off-Stoichiometric CZTS Thin Films”. Vishwakarma M, Karakulina OM, Abakumov AM, Hadermann J, Mehta BR, Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology 18, 1688 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1166/jnn.2018.14261
Abstract: The presence of secondary phases is one of the main issues that hinder the growth of pure kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) based thin films with suitable electronic and junction properties for efficient solar cell devices. In this work, CZTS thin films with varied Zn and Sn content have been prepared by RF-power controlled co-sputtering deposition using Cu, ZnS and SnS targets and a subsequent sulphurization step. Detailed TEM investigations show that the film shows a layered structure with the majority of the top layer being the kesterite phase. Depending on the initial thin film composition, either about ~1 μm Cu-rich and Zn-poor kesterite or stoichiometric CZTS is formed as top layer. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy reveal the presence of Cu2−x S, ZnS and SnO2 minor secondary phases in the form of nanoinclusions or nanoparticles or intermediate layers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.483
DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2018.14261
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“Controllable synthesis of novel one-dimensional carbon nanomaterials on an alkali-element-modified Cu catalyst”. Tao XY, Zhang XB, Cheng J-P, Liu F, Li Y, Van Tendeloo G, Nanotechnology 17, 224 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/17/1/037
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/17/1/037
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“Structural characterization and luminescence properties of nanostructured lanthanide-doped Sc2O3 prepared by propellant synthesis”. Krsmanovic R, Lebedev OI, Speghini A, Bettinelli M, Polizzi S, Van Tendeloo G, Nanotechnology 17, 2805 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/17/11/013
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/17/11/013
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“Preparation and structure analysis of Gd(OH)3 nanorods”. Du G, Van Tendeloo G, Nanotechnology 16, 595 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/16/4/043
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/16/4/043
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“Polycyclodextrin and carbon nanotubes as composite for tyrosinase immobilization and its superior electrocatalytic activity towards butylparaben an endocrine disruptor”. Rather JA, Pilehvar S, De Wael K, Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology 15, 3365 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1166/JNN.2015.10210
Abstract: We developed a protocol for the immobilization of tyrosinase (Tyr) on the composite of polycyclodextrin polymer (CDP) and carbon nanotubes for the detection of an endocrine disruptor, i.e., butylparaben (BP). The formation of the CDP polymer was characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The conducting film of cross-linked CDP and carbon nanotubes, displays excellent matrix capabilities for Tyr immobilization. The host-guest chemical reaction ability of CD and the ππ stacking interaction assure the bioactivity of Tyr towards butylparaben. The developed biosensor was characterized electrochemically by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The enzyme-substrate kinetic parameters such as the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (K M app) was measured under saturated substrate concentration. The determination of butylparaben was carried out by using square wave voltammetry over the concentration range of 2.1 to 35.4 μM with a detection limit of 0.1 μM. The fabricated biosensor was successfully applied in real-life cosmetic samples with good recovery ranging from 98.5 to 102.8%.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1166/JNN.2015.10210
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“Atomically thin micas as proton-conducting membranes”. Mogg L, Hao G-P, Zhang S, Bacaksiz C, Zou Y, Haigh SJ, Peeters FM, Geim AK, Lozada-Hidalgo M, Nature nanotechnology 14, 962 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41565-019-0536-5
Abstract: Monolayers of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are highly permeable to thermal protons1,2. For thicker two-dimensional (2D) materials, proton conductivity diminishes exponentially, so that, for example, monolayer MoS2 that is just three atoms thick is completely impermeable to protons1. This seemed to suggest that only one-atom-thick crystals could be used as proton-conducting membranes. Here, we show that few-layer micas that are rather thick on the atomic scale become excellent proton conductors if native cations are ion-exchanged for protons. Their areal conductivity exceeds that of graphene and hBN by one to two orders of magnitude. Importantly, ion-exchanged 2D micas exhibit this high conductivity inside the infamous gap for proton-conducting materials3, which extends from ∼100 °C to 500 °C. Areal conductivity of proton-exchanged monolayer micas can reach above 100 S cm−2 at 500 °C, well above the current requirements for the industry roadmap4. We attribute the fast proton permeation to ~5-Å-wide tubular channels that perforate micas’ crystal structure, which, after ion exchange, contain only hydroxyl groups inside. Our work indicates that there could be other 2D crystals5 with similar nanometre-scale channels, which could help close the materials gap in proton-conducting applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 38.986
Times cited: 44
DOI: 10.1038/S41565-019-0536-5
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“Transport of hydrogen isotopes through interlayer spacing in van der Waals crystals”. Hu S, Gopinadhan K, Rakowski A, Neek-Amal M, Heine T, Grigorieva IV, Haigh SJ, Peeters FM, Geim AK, Lozada-Hidalgo M, Nature nanotechnology 13, 468 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41565-018-0088-0
Abstract: Atoms start behaving as waves rather than classical particles if confined in spaces commensurate with their de Broglie wavelength. At room temperature this length is only about one angstrom even for the lightest atom, hydrogen. This restricts quantum-confinement phenomena for atomic species to the realm of very low temperatures(1-5). Here, we show that van der Waals gaps between atomic planes of layered crystals provide angstrom-size channels that make quantum confinement of protons apparent even at room temperature. Our transport measurements show that thermal protons experience a notably higher barrier than deuterons when entering van der Waals gaps in hexagonal boron nitride and molybdenum disulfide. This is attributed to the difference in the de Broglie wavelengths of the isotopes. Once inside the crystals, transport of both isotopes can be described by classical diffusion, albeit with unexpectedly fast rates comparable to that of protons in water. The demonstrated angstrom-size channels can be exploited for further studies of atomistic quantum confinement and, if the technology can be scaled up, for sieving hydrogen isotopes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 38.986
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1038/S41565-018-0088-0
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“Transport of magnetic edge states in a quantum wire exposed to a non-homogeneous magnetic field”. Badalyan SM, Peeters FM, Nanotechnology 12, 570 (2001). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/12/4/340
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/12/4/340
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“Tuning a circular p-n junction in graphene from quantum confinement to optical guiding”. Jiang Y, Mao J, Moldovan D, Masir MR, Li G, Watanabe K, Taniguchi T, Peeters FM, Andrei EY, Nature nanotechnology 12, 1045 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/NNANO.2017.181
Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('The photon-like propagation of the Dirac electrons in graphene, together with its record-high electronic mobility(1-3), can lead to applications based on ultrafast electronic response and low dissipation(4-6). However, the chiral nature of the charge carriers that is responsible for the high mobility also makes it difficult to control their motion and prevents electronic switching. Here, we show how to manipulate the charge carriers by using a circular p-n junction whose size can be continuously tuned from the nanometre to the micrometre scale(7,8). The junction size is controlled with a dual-gate device consisting of a planar back gate and a point-like top gate made by decorating a scanning tunnelling microscope tip with a gold nanowire. The nanometre-scale junction is defined by a deep potential well created by the tip-induced charge. It traps the Dirac electrons in quantum-confined states, which are the graphene equivalent of the atomic collapse states (ACSs) predicted to occur at supercritically charged nuclei(9-13). As the junction size increases, the transition to the optical regime is signalled by the emergence of whispering-gallery modes(14-16), similar to those observed at the perimeter of acoustic or optical resonators, and by the appearance of a Fabry-Perot interference pattern(17-20) for junctions close to a boundary.'));
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 38.986
Times cited: 65
DOI: 10.1038/NNANO.2017.181
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“VEGF-targeted magnetic nanoparticles for MRI visualization of brain tumor”. Abakumov MA, Nukolova NV, Sokolsky-Papkov M, Shein SA, Sandalova TO, Vishwasrao HM, Grinenko NF, Gubsky IL, Abakumov AM, Kabanov AV, Chekhonin VP;, Nanomedicine: nanotechnology, biology and medicine 11, 825 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.nano.2014.12.011
Abstract: This work is focused on synthesis and characterization of targeted magnetic nanoparticles as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents for in vivo visualization of gliomas. Ferric oxide (Fe3O4) cores were synthesized by thermal decomposition and coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to form nanoparticles with D-eff of 53 +/- 9 nm. The BSA was further cross-linked to improve colloidal stability. Monoclonal antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor (mAbVEGF) were covalently conjugated to BSA through a polyethyleneglycol linker. Here we demonstrate that 1) BSA coated nanoparticles are stable and non-toxic to different cells at concentration up to 2.5 mg/mL; 2) conjugation of monoclonal antibodies to nanoparticles promotes their binding to VEGF-positive glioma C6 cells in vitro; 3) targeted nanoparticles are effective in MRI visualization of the intracranial glioma. Thus, mAbVEGF-targeted BSA-coated magnetic nanoparticles are promising MRI contrast agents for glioma visualization. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.72
Times cited: 62
DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2014.12.011
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“Asymmetric dyes align inside carbon nanotubes to yield a large nonlinear optical response”. Cambré, S, Campo J, Beirnaert C, Verlackt C, Cool P, Wenseleers W, Nature nanotechnology 10, 248 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2015.1
Abstract: Asymmetric dye molecules have unusual optical and electronic properties1, 2, 3. For instance, they show a strong second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) response that has attracted great interest for potential applications in electro-optic modulators for optical telecommunications and in wavelength conversion of lasers2, 3. However, the strong Coulombic interaction between the large dipole moments of these molecules favours a pairwise antiparallel alignment that cancels out the NLO response when incorporated into bulk materials. Here, we show that by including an elongated dipolar dye (p,p′-dimethylaminonitrostilbene, DANS, a prototypical asymmetric dye with a strong NLO response4) inside single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)5, 6, an ideal head-to-tail alignment in which all electric dipoles point in the same sense is naturally created. We have applied this concept to synthesize solution-processible DANS-filled SWCNTs that show an extremely large total dipole moment and static hyperpolarizability (β0 = 9,800 × 10−30 e.s.u.), resulting from the coherent alignment of arrays of ∼70 DANS molecules.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Nanostructured and organic optical and electronic materials (NANOrOPT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 38.986
Times cited: 46
DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2015.1
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“Multistep loading of titania nanoparticles in the mesopores of SBA-15 for enhanced photocatalytic activity”. de Witte K, Cool P, de Witte I, Ruys L, Rao J, Van Tendeloo G, Vansant EF, Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology 7, 2511 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1166/jnn.2007.445
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.483
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2007.445
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“Heterometal nanoparticles from Ru-based molecular clusters covalently anchored onto functionalized carbon nanotubes and nanofibers”. Vidick D, Ke X, Devillers M, Poleunis C, Delcorte A, Moggi P, Van Tendeloo G, Hermans S, Beilstein journal of nanotechnology 6, 1287 (2015). http://doi.org/10.3762/bjnano.6.133
Abstract: Heterometal clusters containing Ru and Au, Co and/or Pt are anchored onto carbon nanotubes and nanofibers functionalized with chelating phosphine groups. The cluster anchoring yield is related to the amount of phosphine groups available on the nanocarbon surface. The ligands of the anchored molecular species are then removed by gentle thermal treatment in order to form nanoparticles. In the case of Au-containing clusters, removal of gold atoms from the clusters and agglomeration leads to a bimodal distribution of nanoparticles at the nanocarbon surface. In the case of Ru-Pt species, anchoring occurs without reorganization through a ligand exchange mechanism. After thermal treatment, ultrasmall (1-3 nm) bimetal Ru-Pt nanoparticles are formed on the surface of the nanocarbons. Characterization by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) confirms their bimetal nature on the nanoscale. The obtained bimetal nanoparticles supported on nanocarbon were tested as catalysts in ammonia synthesis and are shown to be active at low temperature and atmospheric pressure with very low Ru loading.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.127
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.6.133
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“Possibilities and limitations of advanced transmission electron microscopy for carbon-based nanomaterials”. Ke X, Bittencourt C, Van Tendeloo G, Beilstein journal of nanotechnology 6, 1541 (2015). http://doi.org/10.3762/bjnano.6.158
Abstract: A major revolution for electron microscopy in the past decade is the introduction of aberration correction, which enables one to increase both the spatial resolution and the energy resolution to the optical limit. Aberration correction has contributed significantly to the imaging at low operating voltages. This is crucial for carbon-based nanomaterials which are sensitive to electron irradiation. The research of carbon nanomaterials and nanohybrids, in particular the fundamental understanding of defects and interfaces, can now be carried out in unprecedented detail by aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (AC-TEM). This review discusses new possibilities and limits of AC-TEM at low voltage, including the structural imaging at atomic resolution, in three dimensions and spectroscopic investigation of chemistry and bonding. In situ TEM of carbon-based nanomaterials is discussed and illustrated through recent reports with particular emphasis on the underlying physics of interactions between electrons and carbon atoms.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.127
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.6.158
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“Unity quantum yield of photogenerated charges and band-like transport in quantum-dot solids”. Talgorn E, Gao Y, Aerts M, Kunneman LT, Schins JM, Savenije TJ, van Huis MA, van der Zant HSJ, Houtepen AJ, Siebbeles LDA, Nature nanotechnology 6, 733 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1038/NNANO.2011.159
Abstract: Solid films of colloidal quantum dots show promise in the manufacture of photodetectors and solar cells. These devices require high yields of photogenerated charges and high carrier mobilities, which are difficult to achieve in quantum-dot films owing to a strong electronhole interaction and quantum confinement. Here, we show that the quantum yield of photogenerated charges in strongly coupled PbSe quantum-dot films is unity over a large temperature range. At high photoexcitation density, a transition takes place from hopping between localized states to band-like transport. These strongly coupled quantum-dot films have electrical properties that approach those of crystalline bulk semiconductors, while retaining the size tunability and cheap processing properties of colloidal quantum dots.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 38.986
Times cited: 129
DOI: 10.1038/NNANO.2011.159
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“Surface processes during purification of InP quantum dots”. Mordvinova N, Emelin P, Vinokurov A, Dorofeev S, Abakumov A, Kuznetsova T, Beilstein journal of nanotechnology 5, 1220 (2014). http://doi.org/10.3762/bjnano.5.135
Abstract: Recently, a new simple and fast method for the synthesis of InP quantum dots by using phosphine as phosphorous precursor and myristic acid as surface stabilizer was reported. Purification after synthesis is necessary to obtain samples with good optical properties. Two methods of purification were compared and the surface processes which occur during purification were studied. Traditional precipitation with acetone is accompanied by a small increase in photoluminescence. It occurs that during the purification the hydrolysis of the indium precursor takes place, which leads to a better surface passivation. The electrophoretic purification technique does not increase luminescence efficiency but yields very pure quantum dots in only a few minutes. Additionally, the formation of In(OH)(3) during the low temperature synthesis was explained. Purification of quantum dots is a very significant part of post-synthetical treatment that determines the properties of the material. But this subject is not sufficiently discussed in the literature. The paper is devoted to the processes that occur at the surface of quantum dots during purification. A new method of purification, electrophoresis, is investigated and described in particular.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.127
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.5.135
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“Low-dose patterning of platinum nanoclusters on carbon nanotubes by focused-electron-beam-induced deposition as studied by TEM”. Ke X, Bittencourt C, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Beilstein journal of nanotechnology 4, 77 (2013). http://doi.org/10.3762/bjnano.4.9
Abstract: Focused-electron-beam-induced deposition (FEBID) is used as a direct-write approach to decorate ultrasmall Pt nanoclusters on carbon nanotubes at selected sites in a straightforward maskless manner. The as-deposited nanostructures are studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in 2D and 3D, demonstrating that the Pt nanoclusters are well-dispersed, covering the selected areas of the CNT surface completely. The ability of FEBID to graft nanoclusters on multiple sides, through an electron-transparent target within one step, is unique as a physical deposition method. Using high-resolution TEM we have shown that the CNT structure can be well preserved thanks to the low dose used in FEBID. By tuning the electron-beam parameters, the density and distribution of the nanoclusters can be controlled. The purity of as-deposited nanoclusters can be improved by low-energy electron irradiation at room temperature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.127
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.4.9
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“Classification and control of the origin of photoluminescence from Si nanocrystals”. Godefroo S, Hayne M, Jivanescu M, Stesmans A, Zacharias M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Moshchalkov VV, Nature nanotechnology 3, 174 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2008.7
Abstract: Silicon dominates the electronics industry, but its poor optical properties mean that III-V compound semiconductors are preferred for photonics applications. Photoluminescence at visible wavelengths was observed from porous Si at room temperature in 1990, but the origin of these photons (do they arise from highly localized defect states or quantum confinement effects?) has been the subject of intense debate ever since. Attention has subsequently shifted from porous Si to Si nanocrystals, but the same fundamental question about the origin of the photoluminescence has remained. Here we show, based on measurements in high magnetic fields, that defects are the dominant source of light from Si nanocrystals. Moreover, we show that it is possible to control the origin of the photoluminescence in a single sample: passivation with hydrogen removes the defects, resulting in photoluminescence from quantum-confined states, but subsequent ultraviolet illumination reintroduces the defects, making them the origin of the light again.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 38.986
Times cited: 426
DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2008.7
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“Identification of substitutional nitrogen and surface paramagnetic centers in nanodiamond of dynamic synthesis by electron paramagnetic resonance”. Orlinskii SB, Bogomolov RS, Kiyamova AM, Yavkin BV, Mamin GM, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Shiryaev AA, Vlasov II, Shenderova O, Nanoscience and nanotechnology letters 3, 63 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1166/nnl.2011.1121
Abstract: Production of nanodiamond particles containing substitutional nitrogen is important for a wide variety of advanced applications. In the current work nanodiamond particles synthesized from a mixture of graphite and hexogen were analyzed to determine the presence of substitutional nitrogen using pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Nitrogen paramagnetic centers in the amount of 1.2 ppm have been identified. The spin relaxation characteristics for both nitrogen and surface defects are also reported. A new approach for efficient depletion of the strong non-nitrogen EPR signal in nanodiamond material by immersing nanodiamond particles into ice matrix is suggested. This approach allows an essential decrease of the spin relaxation time of the dominant non-nitrogen defects, while preserving the substitutional nitrogen spin relaxation time.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.889
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1166/nnl.2011.1121
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“Towards atomic resolution in sodium titanate nanotubes using near-edge X-ray-absorption fine-structure spectromicroscopy combined with multichannel multiple-scattering calculations”. Bittencourt C, Krüger P, Lagos MJ, Ke X, Van Tendeloo G, Ewels C, Umek P, Guttmann P, Beilstein journal of nanotechnology 3, 789 (2012). http://doi.org/10.3762/bjnano.3.88
Abstract: Recent advances in near-edge X-ray-absorption fine-structure spectroscopy coupled with transmission X-ray microscopy (NEXAFS-TXM) allow large-area mapping investigations of individual nano-objects with spectral resolution up to E/Delta E = 104 and spatial resolution approaching 10 nm. While the state-of-the-art spatial resolution of X-ray microscopy is limited by nanostructuring process constrains of the objective zone plate, we show here that it is possible to overcome this through close coupling with high-level theoretical modelling. Taking the example of isolated bundles of hydrothermally prepared sodium titanate nanotubes ((Na,H)TiNTs) we are able to unravel the complex nanoscale structure from the NEXAFS-TXM data using multichannel multiple-scattering calculations, to the extent of being able to associate specific spectral features in the O K-edge and Ti L-edge with oxygen atoms in distinct sites within the lattice. These can even be distinguished from the contribution of different hydroxyl groups to the electronic structure of the (Na,H)TiNTs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.127
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.3.88
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“X-ray absorption spectroscopy by full-field X-ray microscopy of a thin graphite flake: Imaging and electronic structure via the carbon K-edge”. Bittencourt C, Hitchock AP, Ke X, Van Tendeloo G, Ewels CP, Guttmann P, Beilstein journal of nanotechnology 3, 345 (2012). http://doi.org/10.3762/bjnano.3.39
Abstract: We demonstrate that near-edge X-ray-absorption fine-structure spectra combined with full-field transmission X-ray microscopy can be used to study the electronic structure of graphite flakes consisting of a few graphene layers. The flake was produced by exfoliation using sodium cholate and then isolated by means of density-gradient ultracentrifugation. An image sequence around the carbon K-edge, analyzed by using reference spectra for the in-plane and out-of-plane regions of the sample, is used to map and spectrally characterize the flat and folded regions of the flake. Additional spectral features in both π and σ regions are observed, which may be related to the presence of topological defects. Doping by metal impurities that were present in the original exfoliated graphite is indicated by the presence of a pre-edge signal at 284.2 eV.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.127
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.3.39
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“Strain, electric-field and functionalization induced widely tunable electronic properties in MoS2/BC3, /C3N and / C3N4 van der Waals heterostructures”. Bafekry A, Stampfl C, Ghergherehchi M, Nanotechnology (Bristol. Print) , 295202 pp (2020). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6528/AB884E
Abstract: In this paper, the effect of BC3, C3N and C3N4BC(3) and MoS2/C(3)N4 heterostructures are direct semiconductors with band gaps of 0.4 and 1.74 eV, respectively, while MoS2/C3N is a metal. Furthermore, the influence of strain and electric field on the electronic structure of these van der Waals heterostructures is investigated. The MoS2/BC3 heterostructure, for strains larger than -4%, transforms it into a metal where the metallic character is maintained for strains larger than -6%. The band gap decreases with increasing strain to 0.35 eV (at +2%), while for strain (>+6%) a direct-indirect band gap transition is predicted to occur. For the MoS2/C3N heterostructure, the metallic character persists for all strains considered. On applying an electric field, the electronic properties of MoS2/C3N4 are modified and its band gap decreases as the electric field increases. Interestingly, the band gap reaches 30 meV at +0.8 V/angstrom, and with increase above +0.8 V/angstrom, a semiconductor-to-metal transition occurs. Furthermore, we investigated effects of semi- and full-hydrogenation of MoS2/C3N and we found that it leads to a metallic and semiconducting character, respectively.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/AB884E
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