“Phase selection enabled formation of abrupt axial heterojunctions in branched oxide nanowires”. Gao J, Lebedev OI, Turner S, Li YF, Lu YH, Feng YP, Boullay P, Prellier W, Van Tendeloo G, Wu T, Nano letters 12, 275 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl2035089
Abstract: Rational synthesis of nanowires via the vaporliquidsolid (VLS) mechanism with compositional and structural controls is vitally important for fabricating functional nanodevices from bottom up. Here, we show that branched indium tin oxide nanowires can be in situ seeded in vapor transport growth using tailored AuCu alloys as catalyst. Furthermore, we demonstrate that VLS synthesis gives unprecedented freedom to navigate the ternary InSnO phase diagram, and a rare and bulk-unstable cubic phase can be selectively stabilized in nanowires. The stabilized cubic fluorite phase possesses an unusual almost equimolar concentration of In and Sn, forming a defect-free epitaxial interface with the conventional bixbyite phase of tin-doped indium oxide that is the most employed transparent conducting oxide. This rational methodology of selecting phases and making abrupt axial heterojunctions in nanowires presents advantages over the conventional synthesis routes, promising novel composition-modulated nanomaterials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1021/nl2035089
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“Hydrothermal synthesis of carbonate-free submicron-sized barium titanate from an amorphous precursor : synthesis and characterization”. Özen M, Mertens M, Luyten J, Snijkers F, d' Hondt H, Cool P, Ceramics international 38, 619 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2011.07.051
Abstract: In this paper, the amorphous barium titanate precursor was prepared by the peroxo-hydroxide method and post-treated by various drying procedures, such as: room temperature drying, room temperature vacuum drying and vacuum drying at 50 degrees C. The objective in the latter two treatments was to increase the Ti-O-Ba bonds of the precursor. The post-treated precursors were compared with the untreated (i.e., 'wet') precursor. Also, a barium titanate precursor was prepared by an alkoxide route. Afterwards, the precursors were hydrothermally treated at 200 degrees C in a 10 M NaOH solution. Vacuum drying of the precursor seemingly promoted the formation of Ti-O-Ti bonds in the hydrothermal end-product. The low Ba:Ti ratio (0.66) of the alkoxide-route prepared precursor lead to a multi-phase hydrothermal product with BaTiO(3) as the main phase. In contrast, phase pure BaTiO(3), i.e. without BaCO(3) contamination, was obtained for the precursor which was dried at room temperature. Cube-shaped and highly crystalline BaTiO(3) particles were observed by electron microscopy for the hydrothermally treated peroxo-hydroxide-route prepared precursor. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 2.986
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2011.07.051
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“TXM-NEXAFS of TiO2-based nanostructures”. Guttmann P, Bittencourt C, Ke X, Van Tendeloo G, Umek P, Arcon D, Ewels CP, Rehbein S, Heim S, Schneider G, AIP conference proceedings 1365, 437 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3625396
Abstract: In this work, electronic properties of individual TiOx-pristine nanoribbons (NR) prepared by hydrothermal treatment of anatase TiO(2) micro-particles were studied using the HZB transmission x-ray microscope (TXM) at the BESSY II undulator beamline U41-FSGM. NEXAFS is ideally suited to study TiO(2)-based materials because both the O K-edge and Ti L-edge features are very sensitive to the local bonding environment, providing diagnostic information about the crystal structures and oxidation states of various forms of titanium oxides and sub-oxides. TXM-NEXAFS combines full-field x-ray microscopy with spectroscopy, allowing the study of the electronic structure of individual nanostructures with spatial resolution better than 25 nm and a spectral resolution of up to E/Delta E = 10000. The typical image field in TXM-NEXAFS measurements is about 10 mu m. 10 mu m, which is large compared to the individual nanoparticle. Therefore, one image stack already contains statistically significant data. In addition, the directional electric field vector ((E) over bar) of the x-rays can be used as a “search tool” for the direction of chemical bonds of the atom selected by its absorption edge.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1063/1.3625396
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“Quantitative strain mapping of InAs/InP quantum dots with 1 nm spatial resolution using dark field electron holography”. Cooper D, Rouvière J-L, Béché, A, Kadkhodazadeh S, Semenova ES, Dunin-Borkowsk R, Applied physics letters 99, 261911 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3672194
Abstract: The optical properties of semiconductor quantum dots are greatly influenced by their strain state. Dark field electron holography has been used to measure the strain in InAsquantum dotsgrown in InP with a spatial resolution of 1 nm. A strain value of 5.4% ± 0.1% has been determined which is consistent with both measurements made by geometrical phase analysis of high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images and with simulations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1063/1.3672194
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“Well-organized zeolite nanocrystal aggregates with interconnected hierarchically micro-meso-macropore systems showing enhanced catalytic performance”. Yang X-Y, Tian G, Chen L-H, Li Y, Rooke JC, Wei Y-X, Liu Z-M, Deng Z, Van Tendeloo G, Su B-L, Chemistry: a European journal 17, 14987 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201101594
Abstract: Preparation and characterization of well-organized zeolitic nanocrystal aggregates with an interconnected hierarchically micromesomacro porous system are described. Amorphous nanoparticles in bimodal aluminosilicates were directly transformed into highly crystalline nanosized zeolites, as well as acting as scaffold template. All pores on three length scales incorporated in one solid body are interconnected with each other. These zeolitic nanocrystal aggregates with hierarchically micromesomacroporous structure were thoroughly characterized. TEM images and 29Si NMR spectra showed that the amorphous phase of the initial material had been completely replaced by nanocrystals to give a micromesomacroporous crystalline zeolitic structure. Catalytic testing demonstrated their superiority due to the highly active sites and the presence of interconnected micromesomacroporosity in the cracking of bulky 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene (TIPB) compared to traditional zeolite catalysts. This synthesis strategy was extended to prepare various zeolitic nanocrystal aggregates (ZSM-5, Beta, TS-1, etc.) with well-organized hierarchical micromesomacroporous structures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.317
Times cited: 61
DOI: 10.1002/chem.201101594
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“Nanoscale spectroscopy with polarized X-rays by NEXAFS-TXM”. Guttmann P, Bittencourt C, Rehbein S, Umek P, Ke X, Van Tendeloo G, Ewels CP, Schneider G, Nature photonics 6, 25 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1038/NPHOTON.2011.268
Abstract: Near-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (NEXAFS)1 is an essential analytical tool in material science. Combining NEXAFS with scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) adds spatial resolution and the possibility to study individual nanostructures2, 3. Here, we describe a full-field transmission X-ray microscope (TXM) that generates high-resolution, large-area NEXAFS data with a collection rate two orders of magnitude faster than is possible with STXM. The TXM optical design combines a spectral resolution of E/ΔE = 1 × 104 with a spatial resolution of 25 nm in a field of view of 1520 µm and a data acquisition time of ~1 s. As an example, we present image stacks and polarization-dependent NEXAFS spectra from individual anisotropic sodium and protonated titanate nanoribbons. Our NEXAFS-TXM technique has the advantage that one image stack visualizes a large number of nanostructures and therefore already contains statistical information. This new high-resolution NEXAFS-TXM technique opens the way to advanced nanoscale science studies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 37.852
Times cited: 76
DOI: 10.1038/NPHOTON.2011.268
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“Defect controlled room temperature ferromagnetism in Co-doped barium titanate nanocrystals”. Ray S, Kolen'ko YV, Kovnir KA, Lebedev OI, Turner S, Chakraborty T, Erni R, Watanabe T, Van Tendeloo G, Yoshimura M, Itoh M, Nanotechnology 23, 025702 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/23/2/025702
Abstract: Defect mediated high temperature ferromagnetism in oxide nanocrystallites is the central feature of this work. Here, we report the development of room temperature ferromagnetism in nanosized Co-doped barium titanate particles with a size of around 14 nm, synthesized by a solvothermal drying method. A combination of x-ray diffraction with state-of-the-art electron microscopy techniques confirms the intrinsic doping of Co into BaTiO3. The development of the room temperature ferromagnetism was tracked down to the different donor defects, namely hydroxyl groups at the oxygen site (\mathrm {OH}\mathrm {(O)}
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/23/2/025702
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“Two-fold emission from the S-shell of PbSe/CdSe core/shell quantum dots”. Grodzińska D, Evers WH, Dorland R, van Rijssel J, van Huis MA, Meijerink A, de Mello Donegá, C, Vanmaekelbergh D, Small 7, 3493 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1002/smll.201101819
Abstract: The optical properties of PbSe/CdSe core/shell quantum dots with core sizes smaller than 4 nm in the 5300 K range are reported. The photoluminescence spectra show two peaks, which become increasingly separated in energy as the core diameter is reduced below 4 nm. It is shown that these peaks are due to intrinsic exciton transitions in each quantum dot, rather than emission from different quantum dot sub-ensembles. Most likely, the energy separation between the peaks is due to inter-valley coupling between the L-points of PbSe. The temperature dependence of the relative intensities of the peaks implies that the two emitting states are not in thermal equilibrium and that dark exciton states must play an important role.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.643
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1002/smll.201101819
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“Iron catalysts for the growth of carbon nanofibers : Fe, Fe3C or both?”.He Z, Maurice J-L, Gohier A, Lee CS, Pribat D, Cojocaru CS, Chemistry of materials 23, 5379 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm202315j
Abstract: Iron is a widely used catalyst for the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or carbon nanofibers (CNFs) by catalytic chemical vapor deposition. However, both Fe and FeC compounds (generally, Fe3C) have been found to catalyze the growth of CNTs/CNFs, and a comparison study of their respective catalytic activities is still missing. Furthermore, the control of the crystal structure of iron-based catalysts, that is α-Fe or Fe3C, is still a challenge, which not only obscures our understanding of the growth mechanisms of CNTs/CNFs, but also complicates subsequent procedures, such as the removal of catalysts for better industrial applications. Here, we show a partial control of the phase of iron catalysts (α-Fe or Fe3C), obtained by varying the growth temperatures during the synthesis of carbon-based nanofibers/nanotubes in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition reactor. We also show that the structure of CNFs originating from Fe3C is bamboo-type, while that of CNFs originating from Fe is not. Moreover, we directly compare the growth rates of carbon-based nanofibers/nanotubes during the same experiments and find that CNFs/CNTs grown by α-Fe nanoparticles are longer than CNFs grown from Fe3C nanoparticles. The influence of the type of catalyst on the growth of CNFs is analyzed and the corresponding possible growth mechanisms, based on the different phases of the catalysts, are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 91
DOI: 10.1021/cm202315j
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“Smart heating profiles for the synthesis of benzene bridged periodic mesoporous organosilicas”. Smeulders G, van Oers C, Van Havenbergh K, Houthoofd K, Mertens M, Martens JA, Bals S, Maes BUW, Meynen V, Cool P, Chemical engineering journal 175, 585 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2011.09.116
Abstract: In this study the effects of the heating rate and heating time on the formation of crystal-like benzene bridged periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) are investigated. The time needed to heat up an autoclave during the hydrothermal treatment has shown to be crucial in the synthesis of PMOs, while the total duration of heating gave rise to only minor differences. By choosing a smart heating profile, superior PMO materials can be obtained in a short time. Different heating profiles in a range from one minute to one hour are adopted by microwave equipment and compared with conventional heating methods. The heating rate has a large influence on the porosity characteristics and the uniformity of the obtained particles. Moreover, two new alternative synthetic strategies to adopt the smart heating profile are presented, in order to give some possible solutions for the expensive microwave equipment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Organic synthesis (ORSY)
Impact Factor: 6.216
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2011.09.116
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“Point defect clusters and dislocations in FIB irradiated nanocrystalline aluminum films : an electron tomography and aberration-corrected high-resolution ADF-STEM study”. Idrissi H, Turner S, Mitsuhara M, Wang B, Hata S, Coulombier M, Raskin J-P, Pardoen T, Van Tendeloo G, Schryvers D, Microscopy and microanalysis 17, 983 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1017/S143192761101213X
Abstract: Focused ion beam (FIB) induced damage in nanocrystalline Al thin films has been characterized using advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques. Electron tomography was used to analyze the three-dimensional distribution of point defect clusters induced by FIB milling, as well as their interaction with preexisting dislocations generated by internal stresses in the Al films. The atomic structure of interstitial Frank loops induced by irradiation, as well as the core structure of Frank dislocations, has been resolved with aberration-corrected high-resolution annular dark-field scanning TEM. The combination of both techniques constitutes a powerful tool for the study of the intrinsic structural properties of point defect clusters as well as the interaction of these defects with preexisting or deformation dislocations in irradiated bulk or nanostructured materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.891
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1017/S143192761101213X
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“Atomic scale electron vortices for nanoresearch”. Verbeeck J, Schattschneider P, Lazar S, Stöger-Pollach M, Löffler S, Steiger-Thirsfeld A, Van Tendeloo G, Applied physics letters 99, 203109 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3662012
Abstract: Electron vortex beams were only recently discovered and their potential as a probe for magnetism in materials was shown. Here we demonstrate a method to produce electron vortex beams with a diameter of less than 1.2 Å. This unique way to prepare free electrons to a state resembling atomic orbitals is fascinating from a fundamental physics point of view and opens the road for magnetic mapping with atomic resolution in an electron microscope.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 90
DOI: 10.1063/1.3662012
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“Measuring the corrugation amplitude of suspended and supported graphene”. Kirilenko DA, Dideykin AT, Van Tendeloo G, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 84, 235417 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.235417
Abstract: Nanoscale corrugation is a fundamental property of graphene arising from its low-dimensional nature. It places a fundamental limit to the conductivity of graphene and influences its properties. However the degree of the influence of the corrugation has not been well established because of the little knowledge about its spectrum in suspended graphene. We present a transmission electron microscopy technique that enables us to measure the average corrugation height and length. We applied the technique also to measure the temperature dependence of the corrugation. The difference in corrugation between suspended and supported graphene has been illustrated.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.235417
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“Synthesis, crystal structure and physico-chemical properties of the new quaternary oxide Sr5BiNi2O9.6”. Novitskaya M, Makhnach L, Ivashkevich L, Pankov V, Klein H, Regeau A, David J, Gemmi M, Hadermann J, Strobel P, Journal of solid state chemistry 184, 3262 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2011.10.020
Abstract: A new black quaternary oxide Sr5BiNi2O9.6 was synthesized by solid state reaction at 1200 °C. Its structure was solved by electron crystallography and X-ray powder refinement, yielding a tetragonal structure with space group I4/mmm, a=5.3637 (2) Å, c=17.5541(5) Å, Z=4. The structure can be described as a stacking of (Bi,Sr)O rocksalt slabs and SrNiO3−δ perovskite slabs. The initial nickel valence is close to +3.1. Thermogravimetry and high-temperature oxygen coulometry showed that this compound has variable oxygen content as a function of temperature and oxygen pressure, and ultimately decomposes when heated in low oxygen pressure above 800 °C. It is a metallic conductor with n-type conduction. Its thermoelectric power was determined and found to be −20 and −38 μV/K at 300 and 650 °C, respectively. Magnetic measurements confirm the nickel valence close to +3 and show evidence of magnetic ordering at 20 K.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.299
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2011.10.020
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“Pb2.85Ba2.15Fe4SnO13 : a new member of the AnBnO3n-2 anion-deficient perovskite-based homologous series”. Korneychik OE, Batuk M, Abakumov AM, Hadermann J, Rozova MG, Sheptyakov DV, Pokholok KV, Filimonov DS, Antipov EV, Journal of solid state chemistry 184, 3150 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2011.09.029
Abstract: Pb2.85Ba2.15Fe4SnO13, a new n=5 member of the anion-deficient perovskite based AnBnO3n−2 (A=Pb, Ba, B=Fe, Sn) homologous series, was synthesized by the solid state method. The crystal structure of Pb2.85Ba2.15Fe4SnO13 was investigated using a combination of neutron powder diffraction, electron diffraction, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy. It crystallizes in the Ammm space group with unit cell parameters a=5.7990(1) Å, b=4.04293(7) Å and c=26.9561(5) Å. The Pb2.85Ba2.15Fe4SnO13 structure consists of quasi two-dimensional perovskite blocks separated by 1/2[110](1̄01)p crystallographic shear (CS) planes. The corner-sharing FeO6 octahedra at the CS planes are transformed into edge-sharing FeO5 distorted tetragonal pyramids. The octahedral positions in the perovskite blocks between the CS planes are jointly taken up by Fe and Sn, with a preference of Sn towards the position at the center of the perovskite block. The chains of FeO5 pyramids and (Fe,Sn)O6 octahedra of the perovskite blocks delimit six-sided tunnels at the CS planes occupied by double chains of Pb atoms. The compound is antiferromagnetically ordered below TN=368±15 K.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.299
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2011.09.029
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“F-doped Co3O4 photocatalysts for sustainable H2 generation from water/ethanol”. Gasparotto A, Barreca D, Bekermann D, Devi A, Fischer RA, Fornasiero P, Gombac V, Lebedev OI, Maccato C, Montini T, Van Tendeloo G, Tondello E, Journal of the American Chemical Society 133, 19362 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja210078d
Abstract: p-Type Co3O4 nanostructured films are synthesized by a plasma-assisted process and tested in the photocatalytic production of H2 from water/ethanol solutions under both near-UV and solar irradiation. It is demonstrated that the introduction of fluorine into p-type Co3O4 results in a remarkable performance improvement with respect to the corresponding undoped oxide, highlighting F-doped Co3O4 films as highly promising systems for hydrogen generation. Notably, the obtained yields were among the best ever reported for similar semiconductor-based photocatalytic processes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 114
DOI: 10.1021/ja210078d
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“Diagnostic mirrors with transparent protection layer for ITER”. Razdobarin AG, Mukhin EE, Semenov VV, Tolstyakov SY, Kochergin MM, Kurskiev GS, Podushnikova KA, Kirilenko DA, Sitnikova AA, Konovalov VG, Solodovchenko SI, Nekhaieva OM, Skorik OA, Bondarenko VN, Voitsenya VS;, Fusion engineering and design 86, 1341 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fusengdes.2011.02.052
Abstract: Fast degradation of in-vessel optics is one of the most serious problems for all optical diagnostics in ITER. To provide the resistance to mechanical and thermal stresses along with a high stability of optical characteristics under deposition-dominated conditions we suggest using high-reflective metallic (Ag or Al) film mirrors coated on silicon substrate and protected with thin oxide film in the divertor Thomson Scattering (TS) diagnostics. The mirrors coated with Al2O3 and ZrO2 films were tested under irradiation by deuterium ions. The experimental results on the oxide films sputtering are discussed in the context of their applicability for the first mirror protection in ITER.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.319
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2011.02.052
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“The beneficial effect of CO2 in the low temperature synthesis of high quality carbon nanofibers and thin multiwalled carbon nanotubes from CH_{4} over Ni catalysts”. Corthals S, van Noyen J, Geboers J, Vosch T, Liang D, Ke X, Hofkens J, Van Tendeloo G, Jacobs P, Sels B, Carbon 50, 372 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2011.08.047
Abstract: A low temperature chemical vapor deposition method is described for converting CH4 into high-quality carbon nanofibers (CNFs) using a Ni catalyst supported on either spinel or perovskite oxides in the presence of CO2. The addition of CO2 has a significant influence on CNF purity and stability, while the CNF diameter distribution is significantly narrowed. Ultimately, the addition of CO2 changes the CNF structure from fishbone fibers to thin multiwalled carbon nanotubes. A new in situ cooling principle taking into account dry reforming chemistry and thermodynamics is introduced to account for the structural effects of CO2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.337
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2011.08.047
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“Mn(I) in an extended oxide : the synthesis and characterization of La1-xCaxMnO2+\delta (0.6\leq x\leq1)”. Dixon E, Hadermann J, Ramos S, Goodwin AL, Hayward MA, Journal of the American Chemical Society 133, 18397 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja207616c
Abstract: Reduction of La1xCaxMnO3 (0.6 ≤ x ≤ 1) perovskite phases with sodium hydride yields materials of composition La1xCaxMnO2+δ. The calcium-rich phases (x = 0.9, 1) adopt (La0.9Ca0.1)0.5Mn0.5O disordered rocksalt structures. However local structure analysis using reverse Monte Carlo refinement of models against pair distribution functions obtained from neutron total scattering data reveals lanthanum-rich La1xCaxMnO2+δ (x = 0.6, 0.67, 0.7) phases adopt disordered structures consisting of an intergrowth of sheets of MnO6 octahedra and sheets of MnO4 tetrahedra. X-ray absorption data confirm the presence of Mn(I) centers in La1xCaxMnO2+δ phases with x < 1. Low-temperature neutron diffraction data reveal La1xCaxMnO2+δ (x = 0.6, 0.67, 0.7) phases become antiferromagnetically ordered at low temperature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1021/ja207616c
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“Plasma-assisted synthesis of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites : first example of photo-induced H2 production and sensing”. Simon Q, Barreca D, Bekermann D, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Comini E, Gombac V, Fornasiero P, Lebedev OI, Turner S, Devi A, Fischer RA, Van Tendeloo G, International journal of hydrogen energy 36, 15527 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.09.045
Abstract: Ag/ZnO nanocomposites were developed by a plasma-assisted approach. The adopted strategy exploits the advantages of Plasma Enhanced-Chemical Vapor Deposition (PE-CVD) for the growth of columnar ZnO arrays on Si(100) and Al2O3 substrates, in synergy with the infiltration power of the Radio Frequency (RF)-sputtering technique for the subsequent dispersion of different amounts of Ag nanoparticles (NPs). The resulting composites, both as-prepared and after annealing in air, were thoroughly characterized with particular attention on their morphological organization, structure and composition. For the first time, the above systems have been used as catalysts in the production of hydrogen by photo-reforming of alcoholic solutions, yielding a stable H2 evolution even by the sole use of simulated solar radiation. In addition, Ag/ZnO nanocomposites presented an excellent response in the gas-phase detection of H2, opening attractive perspectives for advanced technological applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.582
Times cited: 62
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.09.045
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“New anion-conducting solid solutions Bi1-xTex(O,F)2+\delta (x >, 0.5) and glassceramic material on their base”. Prituzhalov VA, Ardashnikova EI, Vinogradov AA, Dolgikh VA, Videau J-J, Fargin E, Abakumov AM, Tarakina NV, Van Tendeloo G, Journal of fluorine chemistry 132, 1110 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfluchem.2011.06.042
Abstract: The anion-excess fluorite-like solid solutions with general composition Bi1−xTex(O,F)2+δ (x > 0.5) have been synthesized by a solid state reaction of TeO2, BiF3 and Bi2O3 at 873 K with following quenching. The homogeneity areas and polymorphism of the I ↔ IV Bi1−xTex(O,F)2+δ phases were investigated. The crystal structure of the low temperature IV-Bi1−xTex(O,F)2+δ phase has been solved using electron diffraction and X-ray powder diffraction (a = 11.53051(9) Å, S.G. Ia-3, RI = 0.046, RP = 0.041). Glass formation area in the Bi2O3BiF3TeO2 (10% TiO2) system was investigated. IVBi1−xTex(O,F)2+δ phase starts to crystallize at short-time (0.53 h) annealing of oxyfluoride glasses at temperatures above Tg (600615 K). The ionic conductivity of the crystalline Bi1−xTex(O,F)2+δ phase and corresponding glass-ceramics was investigated. Activation energy of conductivity Ea = 0.41(2) eV for the IV-Bi1−xTex(O,F)2+δ crystalline samples and Ea = 0.73 eV for the glass-ceramic samples were obtained. Investigation of the oxyfluoride samples with a constant cation ratio demonstrates essential influence of excess fluorine anions on the ionic conductivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.101
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfluchem.2011.06.042
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“Nickel/carbon composite materials based on expanded graphite”. Afanasov IM, Lebedev OI, Kolozhvary BA, Smirnov AV, Van Tendeloo G, New carbon materials 26, 335 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1872-5805(11)60085-1
Abstract: Monolithic nickel/carbon (Ni/C) composites were prepared from coal tar pitch-impregnated compressed expanded graphite pre-decorated with NiO particles (EGNiO) by pyrolysis at 550 °C and subsequent steam activation at 800 °C. The microstructural arrangement of the Ni-comprising nanoparticles in the composites was investigated using transmission electron microscopy. The specific surface area and porosity of the composites were analyzed by nitrogen adsorption. The catalytic activity of the composites was compared with the material obtained by the conventional H2 treatment of EGNiO using hydrocracking of 2,2,3-trimethylpentane as a model reaction.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(11)60085-1
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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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“Field mapping with nanometer-scale resolution for the next generation of electronic devices”. Cooper D, de la Peña F, Béché, A, Rouvière J-L, Servanton G, Pantel R, Morin P, Nano letters 11, 4585 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/NL201813W
Abstract: In order to improve the performance of todays nanoscaled semiconductor devices, characterization techniques that can provide information about the position and activity of dopant atoms and the strain fields are essential. Here we demonstrate that by using a modern transmission electron microscope it is possible to apply multiple techniques to advanced materials systems in order to provide information about the structure, fields, and composition with nanometer-scale resolution. Off-axis electron holography has been used to map the active dopant potentials in state-of-the-art semiconductor devices with 1 nm resolution. These dopant maps have been compared to electron energy loss spectroscopy maps that show the positions of the dopant atoms. The strain fields in the devices have been measured by both dark field electron holography and nanobeam electron diffraction.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/NL201813W
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“Letter Chemical transformation of Au-tipped CdS nanorods into AuS/Cd core/shell particles by electron beam irradiation”. van Huis MA, Figuerola A, Fang C, Béché, A, Zandbergen HW, Manna L, Nano letters 11, 4555 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl2030823
Abstract: We demonstrate that electron irradiation of colloidal CdS nanorods carrying Au domains causes their evolution into AuS/Cd core/shell nanoparticles as a result of a concurrent chemical and morphological transformation. The shrinkage of the CdS nanorods and the growth of the Cd shell around the Au tips are imaged in real time, while the displacement of S atoms from the CdS nanorod to the Au domains is evidenced by high-sensitivity energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The various nanodomains display different susceptibility to the irradiation, which results in nanoconfigurations that are very different from those obtained after thermal annealing. Such physical manipulations of colloidal nanocrystals can be exploited as a tool to access novel nanocrystal heterostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 25
DOI: 10.1021/nl2030823
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“Multimodal zeolite-beta-based catalysts with a hierarchical, three-level pore structure”. Chen L-H, Li X-Y, Tian G, Li Y, Tan H-Y, Van Tendeloo G, Zhu G-S, Qiu S-L, Yang X-Y, Su B-L, Chemsuschem 4, 1452 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.201100181
Abstract: Hole diggers: The hierarchically structured porous solid-acid catalyst described in this report possess a remarkable pore system, encompassing well-defined macrochannels, interconnected mesopores, intracrystalline mesopores, and tunable zeolite micropores. Importantly, the catalyst exhibits very strong acidity and superior catalytic activity for esterification reactions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 7.226
Times cited: 33
DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201100181
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“A cyclic catalyst pretreatment in CO2 for high yield production of Carbon nanofibers with narrow diameter distribution”. Corthals S, van Noyen J, Liang D, Ke X, Van Tendeloo G, Jacobs P, Sels B, Catalysis letters 141, 1621 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1007/s10562-011-0690-3
Abstract: This paper presents a cyclic catalyst pretreatment process to improve the CNF yield with narrow size distribution by sequentially feeding the CVD reactor with CH4/CO2 mixtures (carbon deposition) and CO2 (carbon removal) prior to the actual growth process. A mechanism based on a break-up of large Ni particles tentatively explains the beneficial effect of the cyclic carbon deposition/removal CVD procedure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.799
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1007/s10562-011-0690-3
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“Characterization of NbC and (Nb, Ti)N nanoprecipitates in TRIP assisted multiphase steels”. Tirumalasetty GK, van Huis MA, Fang CM, Xu Q, Tichelaar FD, Hanlon DN, Sietsma J, Zandbergen HW, Acta materialia 59, 7406 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2011.08.012
Abstract: Multiphase steels utilising composite strengthening may be further strengthened via grain refinement or precipitation by the addition of microalloying elements. In this study a Nb microalloyed steel comprising martensite, bainite and retained austenite has been studied. By means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) we have investigated the size distribution and the structural properties of (Nb, Ti)N and NbC precipitates, their occurrence in the various steel phases, and their relationship with the Fe matrix. (Nb, Ti)N precipitates were found in ferrite, martensite, and bainite, while NbC precipitates were found only in ferrite. All NbC precipitates were found to be small (520 nm in size) and to have a face centred cubic (fcc) crystal structure with lattice parameter a = 4.36 ± 0.05 Å. In contrast, the (Nb, Ti)N precipitates were found to have a broader size range (5150 nm) and to have a fcc crystal structure with lattice parameter a = 8.09 ± 0.05 Å. While the NbC precipitates were found to be randomly oriented, the (Nb, Ti)N precipitates have a well-defined NishiyamaWasserman orientation relationship with the ferrite matrix. An analysis of the lattice mismatch suggests that the latter precipitates have a high potential for effective strengthening. Density functional theory calculations were performed for various stoichiometries of NbCx and NbxTiyNz phases and the comparison with experimental data indicates that both the carbides and nitrides are deficient in C and N content.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.301
Times cited: 58
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2011.08.012
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“Stability and structures of the CFCC-TmC phases : a first-principles study”. Fang CM, van Huis MA, Zandbergen HW, Computational materials science 51, 146 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.commatsci.2011.07.017
Abstract: The η-M6C, γ-M23C6, and π-M11C2 phases (M = Cr, Mn and Fe) have complex cubic lattices with lattice parameters of approximately 1.0 nm. They belong to the CFCC-TmC family (complex face-centered cubic transition metal carbides), display a rich variety of crystal structures, and play in important role in iron alloys and steels. Here we show that first-principles calculations predict high stability for the γ-M23C6 and η-M6C phases, and instability for the π-M11C2 phases, taking into account various compositional and structural possibilities. The calculations also show a wide variety in magnetic properties. The Cr-containing phases were found to be non-magnetic and the Fe-phases to be ferromagnetic, while the Mn-containing phases were found to be either ferrimagnetic or non-magnetic. Details of the local atomic structures, and the formation and stability of these precipitates in alloys are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.292
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1016/j.commatsci.2011.07.017
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“Atomic oxygen functionalization of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes”. Bittencourt C, Navio C, Nicolay A, Ruelle B, Godfroid T, Snyders R, Colomer J-F, Lagos MJ, Ke X, Van Tendeloo G, Suarez-Martinez I, Ewels CP, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 115, 20412 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp2057699
Abstract: Vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (v-MWCNTs) are functionalized using atomic oxygen generated in a microwave plasma. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profile analysis shows that the plasma treatment effectively grafts oxygen exclusively at the v-MWCNT tips. Electron microscopy shows that neither the vertical alignment nor the structure of v-MWCNTs were affected by the plasma treatment. Density functional calculations suggest assignment of XPS C 1s peaks at 286.6 and 287.5 eV, to epoxy and carbonyl functional groups, respectively.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 31
DOI: 10.1021/jp2057699
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