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“Valorization of stainless steel slag by selective chromium recovery and subsequent carbonation of the matrix material”. Kim E, Spooren J, Broos K, Nielsen P, Horckmans L, Geurts R, Vrancken KC, Quaghebeur M, Journal of cleaner production 117, 221 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2016.01.032
Abstract: This study focuses on the recycling of stainless steel (SS) slags containing about 1.2 wt% of chromium (Cr). The selective recovery of Cr from SS slag by a hydrometallurgical method (alkaline pressure leaching) was investigated. Leaching experiments were carried out based on 2(4-1) factorial design of experiment (DOE) with the following parameters: NaOH concentration, temperature, leaching time, and mechanical activation (MA). Results show that temperature and MA are the most influencing factors for an enhanced Cr leaching. The maximum Cr leaching was 46% at 1 M NaOH, 240 degrees C, 6 h, MA 30 min, while the matrix material was dissolved only to a limited extent (Al 2.88%, Si 0.12%, Ca 0.05%). After Cr leaching followed by alkali washing, a carbonation treatment is proposed to stabilize the remaining Cr in the matrix material and make the subsequent recycling of the matrix material as a construction material possible. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2016.01.032
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“Gate tunable layer selectivity of transport in bilayer graphene nanostructures”. Abdullah HM, Zarenia M, Bahlouli H, Peeters FM, Van Duppen B, Europhysics letters 113, 17006 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1209/0295-5075/113/17006
Abstract: Recently it was found that bilayer graphene may exhibit regions with and without van der Waals coupling between the two layers. We show that such structures can exhibit a strong layer selectivity when current flows through the coupled region and that this selectivity can be tuned by means of electrostatic gating. Analysing how this effect depends on the type of bilayer stacking, the potential on the gates and the smoothness of the boundary between the coupled and decoupled regions, we show that nearly perfect layer selectivity is achievable in these systems. This effect can be further used to realise a tunable layer switch.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.957
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1209/0295-5075/113/17006
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“Hollow Zn/Co Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (ZIF) and Yolk-Shell Metal@Zn/Co ZIF nanostructures”. Roesler C, Aijaz A, Turner S, Filippousi M, Shahabi A, Xia W, Van Tendeloo G, Muhler M, Fischer RA, Chemistry: a European journal 22, 3304 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201503619
Abstract: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) feature a great possibility for a broad spectrum of applications. Hollow MOF structures with tunable porosity and multifunctionality at the nanoscale with beneficial properties are desired as hosts for catalytically active species. Herein, we demonstrate the formation of well-defined hollow Zn/Co-based zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) by use of epitaxial growth of Zn-MOF (ZIF-8) on preformed Co-MOF (ZIF-67) nanocrystals that involve in situ self-sacrifice/excavation of the Co-MOF. Moreover, any type of metal nanoparticles can be accommodated in Zn/Co-ZIF shells to generate yolk-shell metal@ZIF structures. Transmission electron microscopy and tomography studies revealed the inclusion of these nanoparticles within hollow Zn/Co-ZIF with dominance of the Zn-MOF as shell. Our findings lead to a generalization of such hollow systems that are working effectively to other types of ZIFs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.317
Times cited: 43
DOI: 10.1002/chem.201503619
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“Bilayer SnS2 : tunable stacking sequence by charging and loading pressure”. Bacaksiz C, Cahangirov S, Rubio A, Senger RT, Peeters FM, Sahin H, Physical review B 93, 125403 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.93.125403
Abstract: Employing density functional theory-based methods, we investigate monolayer and bilayer structures of hexagonal SnS2, which is a recently synthesized monolayer metal dichalcogenide. Comparison of the 1H and 1T phases of monolayer SnS2 confirms the ground state to be the 1T phase. In its bilayer structure we examine different stacking configurations of the two layers. It is found that the interlayer coupling in bilayer SnS2 is weaker than that of typical transition-metal dichalcogenides so that alternative stacking orders have similar structural parameters and they are separated with low energy barriers. A possible signature of the stacking order in the SnS2 bilayer has been sought in the calculated absorbance and reflectivity spectra. We also study the effects of the external electric field, charging, and loading pressure on the characteristic properties of bilayer SnS2. It is found that (i) the electric field increases the coupling between the layers at its preferred stacking order, so the barrier height increases, (ii) the bang gap value can be tuned by the external E field and under sufficient E field, the bilayer SnS2 can become a semimetal, (iii) the most favorable stacking order can be switched by charging, and (iv) a loading pressure exceeding 3 GPa changes the stacking order. The E-field tunable band gap and easily tunable stacking sequence of SnS2 layers make this 2D crystal structure a good candidate for field effect transistor and nanoscale lubricant applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 38
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.93.125403
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“New family of graphene-based organic semiconductors : an investigation of photon-induced electronic structure manipulation in half-fluorinated graphene”. Walter AL, Sahin H, Kang J, Jeon KJ, Bostwick A, Horzum S, Moreschini L, Chang YJ, Peeters FM, Horn K, Rotenberg E;, Physical review B 93, 075439 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.93.075439
Abstract: The application of graphene to electronic and optoelectronic devices is limited by the absence of reliable semiconducting variants of this material. A promising candidate in this respect is graphene oxide, with a band gap on the order of similar to 5 eV, however, this has a finite density of states at the Fermi level. Here, we examine the electronic structure of three variants of half-fluorinated carbon on Sic(0001), i.e., the (6 root 3 x 6 root 3) R30 degrees C/SiC “buffer layer,” graphene on this (6 root 3 x 6 root 3) R30 degrees C/SiC buffer layer, and graphene decoupled from the SiC substrate by hydrogen intercalation. Using angle-resolved photoemission, core level photoemission, and x-ray absorption, we show that the electronic, chemical, and physical structure of all three variants is remarkably similar, exhibiting a large band gap and a vanishing density of states at the Fermi level. These results are explained in terms of first-principles calculations. This material thus appears very suitable for applications, even more so since it is prepared on a processing-friendly substrate. We also investigate two separate UV photon-induced modifications of the electronic structure that transform the insulating samples (6.2-eV band gap) into semiconducting (similar to 2.5-eV band gap) and metallic regions, respectively.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.93.075439
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“Predicting saturated hydraulic conductivity in a sandy grassland using proximally sensed apparent electrical conductivity”. Rezaei M, Saey T, Seuntjens P, Joris I, Boenne W, Van Meirvenne M, Cornelis W, Journal of applied geophysics 126, 35 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JAPPGEO.2016.01.010
Abstract: Finding a correspondence between soil hydraulic properties, such as saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) as an easily measurable parameter, may be a way forward to estimate the spatial distribution of hydraulic properties at the field scale. In this study, the spatial distributions of Ks, of soil ECa measured by a DUALEM-21S sensor and of soil physical properties were investigated in a sandy grassland. To predict field scale Ks, the statistical relationship between co-located soil Ks, and EMI-ECa was evaluated. Results demonstrated the large spatial variability of all studied properties with Ks being the most variable one (CV = 86.21%) followed by ECa (CV >= 53.77%). A significant negative correlation was found between In-transformed Ks and ECa (r = 0.83; P <= 0.01) at two depths of exploration (0-50 and 0-100 cm). This site specific relation between In Ks and ECa was used to predict saturated hydraulic conductivity over 0-50 cm depth for the whole field. The empirical relation was validated using an independent dataset of measured Ks. The statistical results demonstrate the robustness of this empirical relation with mean estimation error MEE = 0.46 (cm h(-1)), root-mean-square estimation errors RMSEE = 0.74 (cm h(-1)), coefficient of determination r(2) = 0.67 and coefficient of model efficiency Ce = 0.64. The relationship was then used to produce a detailed map of Ks for the whole field. The result will allow model predictions of spatially distributed water content in view of irrigation management. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JAPPGEO.2016.01.010
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“Switching between solid solution and two-phase regimes in the Li1-xFe1-yMnyPO4 cathode materials during lithium (de)insertion: combined PITT, in situ XRPD and electron diffraction tomography study”. Drozhzhin OA, Sumanov VD, Karakulina OM, Abakumov AM, Hadermann J, Baranov AN, Stevenson KJ, Antipov EV, Electrochimica acta 191, 149 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2016.01.018
Abstract: The electrochemical properties and phase transformations during (de)insertion of Li+ in LiFePO4, LiFe0.9Mn0.1PO4 and LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4 are studied by means of galvanostatic cycling, potential intermittent titration technique (PITT) and in situ X-ray powder diffraction. Different modes of switching between the solid solution and two-phase regimes are revealed which are influenced by the Mn content in Li1-xFe1-yMnyPO4. Additionally, an increase in electrochemical capacity with the Mn content is observed at high rates of galvanostatic cycling (10C, 20C), which is in good agreement with the numerically estimated contribution of the solid solution mechanism determined from PITT data. The observed asymmetric behavior of the phase transformations in Li1-xFe0.5Mn0.5PO4 during charge and discharge is discussed. For the first time, the crystal structures of electrochemically deintercalated Li1-xFe0.5Mn0.5PO4 with different Li content – LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4, Li0.5Fe0.5Mn0.5PO4 and Li0.1Fe0.5Mn0.5PO4 – are refined, including the occupancy factors of the Li position. This refinement is done using electron diffraction tomography data. The crystallographic analyses of Li1-xFe0.5Mn0.5PO4 reveal that at x = 0.5 and 0.9 the structure retains the Pnma symmetry and the main motif of the pristine x = 0 structure without noticeable short range order effects.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.798
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.01.018
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“BCS-BEC crossover in quantum confined superconductors”. Guidini A, Flammia L, Milošević, MV, Perali A, Journal of superconductivity and novel magnetism 29, 711 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/s10948-015-3308-y
Abstract: Ultranarrow superconductors are in the strong quantum confinement regime with formation of multiple coherent condensates associated with the many subbands of the electronic structure. Here, we analyze the multiband BCS-BEC crossover induced by the chemical potential tuned close to a subband bottom, in correspondence of a superconducting shape resonance. The evolution of the condensate fraction and of the pair correlation length in the ground state as functions of the chemical potential demonstrates the tunability of the BCS-BEC crossover for the condensate component of the selected subband. The extension of the crossover regime increases when the pairing strength and/or the characteristic energy of the interaction get larger. Our results indicate the coexistence of large and small Cooper pairs in the crossover regime, leading to the optimal parameter configuration for high transition temperature superconductivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.18
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1007/s10948-015-3308-y
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“Influence of disorder on superconducting correlations in nanoparticles”. Croitoru MD, Shanenko AA, Vagov A, Vasenko AS, Milošević, MV, Axt VM, Peeters FM, Journal of superconductivity and novel magnetism 29, 605 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/s10948-015-3319-8
Abstract: We investigate how the interplay of quantum confinement and level broadening caused by disorder affects superconducting correlations in ultra-small metallic grains. We use the electron-phonon interaction-induced electron mass renormalization and the reduced static-path approximation of the BCS formalism to calculate the critical temperature as a function of the grain size. We show how the strong electron-impurity scattering additionally smears the peak structure in the electronic density of states of a metallic grain and imposes additional limits on the critical temperature under strong quantum confinement.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.18
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1007/s10948-015-3319-8
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“Highly efficient rutile TiO2 photocatalysts with single Cu(II) and Fe(III) surface catalytic sites”. Neubert S, Mitoraj D, Shevlin SA, Pulisova P, Heimann M, Du Y, Goh GKL, Pacia M, Kruczała K, Turner S, Macyk W, Guo ZX, Hocking RK, Beranek R;, Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability 4, 3127 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5ta07036h
Abstract: Highly active photocatalysts were obtained by impregnation of nanocrystalline rutile TiO2 powders with small amounts of Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions, resulting in the enhancement of initial rates of photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol in water by factors of 7 and 4, compared to pristine rutile, respectively. Detailed structural analysis by EPR and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) revealed that Cu(II) and Fe(III) are present as single species on the rutile surface. The mechanism of the photoactivity enhancement was elucidated by a combination of DFT calculations and detailed experimental mechanistic studies including photoluminescence measurements, photocatalytic experiments using scavengers, OH radical detection, and photopotential transient measurements. The results demonstrate that the single Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions act as effective cocatalytic sites, enhancing the charge separation, catalyzing “dark” redox reactions at the interface, thus improving the normally very low quantum yields of UV light-activated TiO2 photocatalysts. The exact mechanism of the photoactivity enhancement differs depending on the nature of the cocatalyst. Cu(II)-decorated samples exhibit fast transfer of photogenerated electrons to Cu(II/I) sites, followed by enhanced catalysis of dioxygen reduction, resulting in improved charge separation and higher photocatalytic degradation rates. At Fe(III)-modified rutile the rate of dioxygen reduction is not improved and the photocatalytic enhancement is attributed to higher production of highly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals produced by alternative oxygen reduction pathways opened by the presence of catalytic Fe(III/II) sites. Importantly, it was demonstrated that excessive heat treatment (at 450 degrees C) of photocatalysts leads to loss of activity due to migration of Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions from TiO2 surface to the bulk, accompanied by formation of oxygen vacancies. The demonstrated variety of mechanisms of photoactivity enhancement at single site catalyst-modified photocatalysts holds promise for developing further tailored photocatalysts for various applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.867
Times cited: 44
DOI: 10.1039/c5ta07036h
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“Electrochemical fingerprint of street samples for fast on-site screening of cocaine in seized drug powders”. De Jong M, Sleegers N, Kim J, Van Durme F, Samyn N, Wang J, De Wael K, Chemical science , 1 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/C5SC04309C
Abstract: We report on a wearable fingertip sensor for on-the-spot identification of cocaine and its cutting agents in street samples. Traditionally, on-site screening is performed by means of colour tests which are difficult to interpret and lack selectivity. By presenting the distinct voltammetric response of cocaine, cutting agents, binary mixtures of cocaine and street samples in solution and powder street samples, we were able to elucidate the electrochemical fingerprint of all these compounds. The new electrochemical concept holds considerable promise as an on-site screening method.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 8.668
Times cited: 37
DOI: 10.1039/C5SC04309C
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“Multilayer MoS2 growth by metal and metal oxide sulfurization”. Heyne MH, Chiappe D, Meersschaut J, Nuytten T, Conard T, Bender H, Huyghebaert C, Radu IP, Caymax M, de Marneffe JF, Neyts EC, De Gendt S;, Journal of materials chemistry C : materials for optical and electronic devices 4, 1295 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5tc04063a
Abstract: We investigated the deposition of MoS2 multilayers on large area substrates. The pre-deposition of metal or metal oxide with subsequent sulfurization is a promising technique to achieve layered films. We distinguish a different reaction behavior in metal oxide and metallic films and investigate the effect of the temperature, the H2S/H-2 gas mixture composition, and the role of the underlying substrate on the material quality. The results of the experiments suggest a MoS2 growth mechanism consisting of two subsequent process steps. At first, the reaction of the sulfur precursor with the metal or metal oxide occurs, requiring higher temperatures in the case of metallic film compared to metal oxide. At this stage, the basal planes assemble towards the diffusion direction of the reaction educts and products. After the sulfurization reaction, the material recrystallizes and the basal planes rearrange parallel to the substrate to minimize the surface energy. Therefore, substrates with low roughness show basal plane assembly parallel to the substrate. These results indicate that the substrate character has a significant impact on the assembly of low dimensional MoS2 films.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 5.256
DOI: 10.1039/c5tc04063a
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“Large pinning forces and matching effects in YBa2Cu3O7-&delta, thin films with Ba2Y(Nb/Ta)O6 nano-precipitates”. Opherden L, Sieger M, Pahlke P, Hühne R, Schultz L, Meledin A, Van Tendeloo G, Nast R, Holzapfel B, Bianchetti M, MacManus-Driscoll JL, Hänisch J, Scientific reports 6, 21188 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1038/srep21188
Abstract: The addition of mixed double perovskite Ba2Y(Nb/Ta)O6 (BYNTO) to YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) thin films leads to a large improvement of the in-field current carrying capability. For low deposition rates, BYNTO grows as well-oriented, densely distributed nanocolumns. We achieved a pinning force density of 25 GN/m3 at 77 K at a matching field of 2.3 T, which is among the highest values reported for YBCO. The anisotropy of the critical current density shows a complex behavior whereby additional maxima are developed at field dependent angles. This is caused by a matching effect of the magnetic fields c-axis component. The exponent N of the current-voltage characteristics (inversely proportional to the creep rate S) allows the depinning mechanism to be determined. It changes from a double-kink excitation below the matching field to pinning-potential-determined creep above it.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 39
DOI: 10.1038/srep21188
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“Comparison of short-channel effects in monolayer MoS2 based junctionless and inversion-mode field-effect transistors”. Agarwal T, Sorée B, Radu I, Raghavan P, Fiori G, Iannaccone G, Thean A, Heyns M, Dehaene W, Applied physics letters 108, 023506 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4939933
Abstract: Conventional junctionless (JL) multi/gate (MuG) field-effect transistors (FETs) require extremely scaled channels to deliver high on-state current with low short-channel effect related leakage. In this letter, using ultra-thin 2D materials (e.g., monolayer MoS2), we present comparison of short-channel effects in JL, and inversion-mode (IM) FETs. We show that JL FETs exhibit better sub-threshold slope (S.S.) and drain-induced-barrier-lowering (DIBL) in comparison to IM FETs due to reduced peak electric field at the junctions. But, threshold voltage (VT) roll-off with channel length downscaling is found to be significantly higher in JL FETs than IM FETs, due to higher source/drain controlled charges (dE/dx) in the channel. Further, we show that although VT roll-off in JL FETs improves by increasing the gate control, i.e., by scaling the oxide, or channel thickness, the sensitivity of threshold voltage on structural parameters is found out to be high. (C) 2016 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1063/1.4939933
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“Thermal Stability of CoAu13Binary Nanoparticle Superlattices under the Electron Beam”. Altantzis T, Yang Z, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Pileni M-P, Chemistry of materials 28, 716 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b04898
Abstract: One primary goal of self-assembly in nanoscale regime is to implement multifunctional binary nanoparticle superlattices into practical use. In the last decade, considerable effort has been put into the fabrication of binary nanoparticle superlattices with controllable structure and stoichiometry. However, limited effort has been made in order to improve the stability of these binary nanoparticle superlattices, which is a prerequisite for their potential application. In this work, we demonstrate that the carbon deposition from specimen contamination can play an auxiliary role during the heat treatment of binary nanoparticle superlattices. With the in-situ carbon matrix formation, the thermal stability of CoAu 13 binary nanoparticle superlattices is unambiguously enhanced.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b04898
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“Self-assembly of gas-phase synthesized magnesium nanoparticles on room temperature substrates”. Venturi F, Calizzi M, Bals S, Perkisas T, Pasquini L, Materials research express 2, 015007 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/2/1/015007
Abstract: Magnesium nanoparticles (NPs) with initial size in the 10-50 nmrange were synthesized by inert gas condensation under helium flow and deposited on room temperature substrates. The morphology and crystal structure of the NPs ensemble were investigated as a function of the deposition time by complementary electron microscopy techniques, including high resolution imaging and chemical mapping. With increasing amount of material, strong coarsening phenomena were observed at room temperature: small NPs disappeared while large faceted NPs developed, leading to a 5-fold increase of the average NPs size within a few minutes. The extent of coarsening and the final morphology depended also on the nature of the substrate. Furthermore, large single-crystal NPs were seen to arise from the self-organization of primary NPs units, providing a mechanism for crystal growth. The dynamics of the self-assembly process involves the basic steps of NPs sticking, diffusion on substrate, coordinated rotation and attachment/coalescence. Key features are the surface energy anisotropy, reflected by the faceted shape of the NPs, and the low melting point of the material. The observed phenomena have strong implications in relation to the synthesis and stability of nanostructures based on Mg or other elements with similar features.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.068
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1088/2053-1591/2/1/015007
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“Characterization of the size and position of electron-hole puddles at a graphene p-n junction”. Milovanovic SP, Peeters FM, Nanotechnology 27, 105203 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/27/10/105203
Abstract: The effect of an electron-hole puddle on the electrical transport when governed by snake states in a bipolar graphene structure is investigated. Using numerical simulations we show that information on the size and position of the electron-hole puddle can be obtained using the dependence of the conductance on magnetic field and electron density of the gated region. The presence of the scatterer disrupts snake state transport which alters the conduction pattern. We obtain a simple analytical formula that connects the position of the electron-hole puddle with features observed in the conductance. The size of the electron-hole puddle is estimated from the magnetic field and gate potential that maximizes the effect of the puddle on the electrical transport.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/27/10/105203
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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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“Unusual dimensionality effects and surface charge density in 2D Mg(OH)2”. Suslu A, Wu K, Sahin H, Chen B, Yang S, Cai H, Aoki T, Horzum S, Kang J, Peeters FM, Tongay S;, Scientific reports 6, 20525 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1038/srep20525
Abstract: We present two-dimensional Mg(OH)(2) sheets and their vertical heterojunctions with CVD-MoS2 for the first time as flexible 2D insulators with anomalous lattice vibration and chemical and physical properties. New hydrothermal crystal growth technique enabled isolation of environmentally stable monolayer Mg(OH)(2) sheets. Raman spectroscopy and vibrational calculations reveal that the lattice vibrations of Mg(OH)(2) have fundamentally different signature peaks and dimensionality effects compared to other 2D material systems known to date. Sub-wavelength electron energy-loss spectroscopy measurements and theoretical calculations show that Mg(OH)(2) is a 6 eV direct-gap insulator in 2D, and its optical band gap displays strong band renormalization effects from monolayer to bulk, marking the first experimental confirmation of confinement effects in 2D insulators. Interestingly, 2D-Mg(OH)(2) sheets possess rather strong surface polarization (charge) effects which is in contrast to electrically neutral h-BN materials. Using 2D-Mg(OH)(2) sheets together with CVD-MoS2 in the vertical stacking shows that a strong change transfer occurs from n-doped CVD-MoS2 sheets to Mg(OH)(2), naturally depleting the semiconductor, pushing towards intrinsic doping limit and enhancing overall optical performance of 2D semiconductors. Results not only establish unusual confinement effects in 2D-Mg(OH)(2), but also offer novel 2D-insulating material with unique physical, vibrational, and chemical properties for potential applications in flexible optoelectronics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 39
DOI: 10.1038/srep20525
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“The role of hydrogen during Pt-Ga nanocatalyst formation”. Filez M, Redekop EA, Galvita VV, Poelman H, Meledina M, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Bell AT, Marin GB, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 18, 3234 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5cp07344h
Abstract: Hydrogen plays an essential role during the in situ assembly of tailored catalytic materials, and serves as key ingredient in multifarious chemical reactions promoted by these catalysts. Despite intensive debate for several decades, the existence and nature of hydrogen-involved mechanisms – such as hydrogen-spillover, surface migration – have not been unambiguously proven and elucidated up to date. Here, Pt-Ga alloy formation is used as a probe reaction to study the behavior and atomic transport of H and Ga, starting from Pt nanoparticles on hydrotalcite-derived Mg(Ga)(Al)Ox supports. In situ XANES spectroscopy, time-resolved TAP kinetic experiments, HAADF-STEM imaging and EDX mapping are combined to probe Pt, Ga and H in a series of H2 reduction experiments up to 650 degrees C. Mg(Ga)(Al)Ox by itself dissociates hydrogen, but these dissociated hydrogen species do not induce significant reduction of Ga3+ cations in the support. Only in the presence of Pt, partial reduction of Ga3+ into Gadelta+ is observed, suggesting that different reaction mechanisms dominate for Pt- and Mg(Ga)(Al)Ox-dissociated hydrogen species. This partial reduction of Ga3+ is made possible by Pt-dissociated H species which spillover onto non-reducible Mg(Al)Ox or partially reducible Mg(Ga)(Al)Ox and undergo long-range transport over the support surface. Moderately mobile Gadelta+Ox migrates towards Pt clusters, where Gadelta+ is only fully reduced to Ga0 on condition of immediate stabilization inside Pt-Ga alloyed nanoparticles.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1039/c5cp07344h
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“Nitrogenated, phosphorated and arsenicated monolayer holey graphenes”. Yagmurcukardes M, Horzum S, Torun E, Peeters FM, Senger RT, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 18, 3144 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1039/c5cp05538e
Abstract: Motivated by a recent experiment that reported the synthesis of a new 2D material nitrogenated holey graphene (C2N) [Mahmood et al., Nat. Commun., 2015, 6, 6486], the electronic, magnetic, and mechanical properties of nitrogenated (C2N), phosphorated (C2P) and arsenicated (C2As) monolayer holey graphene structures are investigated using first-principles calculations. Our total energy calculations indicate that, similar to the C2N monolayer, the formation of the other two holey structures are also energetically feasible. Calculated cohesive energies for each monolayer show a decreasing trend going from the C2N to C2As structure. Remarkably, all the holey monolayers considered are direct band gap semiconductors. Regarding the mechanical properties (in-plane stiffness and Poisson ratio), we find that C2N has the highest in-plane stiffness and the largest Poisson ratio among the three monolayers. In addition, our calculations reveal that for the C2N, C2P and C2As monolayers, creation of N and P defects changes the semiconducting behavior to a metallic ground state while the inclusion of double H impurities in all holey structures results in magnetic ground states. As an alternative to the experimentally synthesized C2N, C2P and C2As are mechanically stable and flexible semiconductors which are important for potential applications in optoelectronics.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1039/c5cp05538e
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“Texturing of hydrothermally synthesized BaTiO3 in a strong magnetic field by slip casting”. Özen M, Mertens M, Snijkers F, Van Tendeloo G, Cool P, Ceramics international 42, 5382 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2015.12.073
Abstract: Barium titanate powder was processed by slip casting in a rotating strong magnetic field of 9.4 T. The orientation factor of the sintered compact was analyzed by the X-ray diffraction technique and the microstructure (grain-size) was analyzed by scanning electron microscope. The hydrothermally prepared barium titanate was used as matrix material and the molten-salt synthesized barium titanate, with a larger particle-size, was used as template for the templated grain-growth process. Addition of large template particles was observed to increase the orientation factor of the sintered cast (5 vol% loading). Template particles acted as starting grains for the abnormal grain-growth process and the average grain-size was increased after sintering. Increasing the solid loading (15 vol%) resulted in a similar orientation factor with a decrease of the average grain size by more than half. However, addition of templates to the 15 vol% cast had a negative effect on the orientation factor. The impingement of growing particles was stated as the primary cause of particle misorientation resulting in a low orientation factor after sintering. Different heating conditions were tested and it was determined that a slow heating rate gave the highest orientation factor, the smallest average grain-size and the highest relative density. (C) 2015 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: 11
DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2015.12.073
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“Magnetic field dependence of energy levels in biased bilayer graphene quantum dots”. da Costa DR, Zarenia M, Chaves A, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Physical review B 93, 085401 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.93.085401
Abstract: Using the tight-binding approach, we study the influence of a perpendicular magnetic field on the energy levels of hexagonal, triangular, and circular bilayer graphene (BLG) quantum dots (QDs) with zigzag and armchair edges. We obtain the energy levels for AB (Bernal)-stacked BLG QDs in both the absence and the presence of a perpendicular electric field (i.e., biased BLG QDs). We find different regions in the spectrum of biased QDs with respect to the crossing point between the lowest-electron and -hole Landau levels of a biased BLG sheet. Those different regions correspond to electron states that are localized at the center, edge, or corner of the BLG QD. Quantum Hall corner states are found to be absent in circular BLG QDs. The spatial symmetry of the carrier density distribution is related to the symmetry of the confinement potential, the position of zigzag edges, and the presence or absence of interlayer inversion symmetry.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.93.085401
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“Optical properties of GaS-Ca(OH)2 bilayer heterostructure”. Torun E, Sahin H, Peeters FM, Physical review B 93, 075111 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.93.075111
Abstract: Finding novel atomically thin heterostructures and understanding their characteristic properties are critical for developing better nanoscale optoelectronic devices. In this study, we investigate the electronic and optical properties of a GaS-Ca(OH)(2) heterostructure using first-principle calculations. The band gap of the GaS-Ca(OH)(2) heterostructure is significantly reduced when compared to those of the isolated constituent layers. Our calculations showthat the GaS-Ca(OH)(2) heterostructure is a type-II heterojunction which can be used to separate photoinduced charge carriers where electrons are localized in GaS and holes in the Ca(OH)(2) layer. This leads to spatially indirect excitons which are important for solar energy and optoelectronic applications due to their long lifetime. By solving the Bethe-Salpeter equation on top of a single shot GW calculation (G(0)W(0)), the dielectric function and optical oscillator strength of the constituent monolayers and the heterostructure are obtained. The oscillator strength of the optical transition for the GaS monolayer is an order of magnitude larger than the Ca(OH)(2) monolayer. We also found that the calculated optical spectra of different stacking types of the heterostructure show dissimilarities, although their electronic structures are rather similar. This prediction can be used to determine the stacking type of ultrathin heterostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.93.075111
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“Bi(3n+1)Ti7Fe(3n-3)O(9n+11) Homologous Series: Slicing Perovskite Structure with Planar Interfaces Containing Anatase-like Chains”. Batuk D, Tsirlin AA, Filimonov DS, Zakharov KV, Volkova OS, Vasiliev A, Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Inorganic chemistry 55, 1245 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.5b02465
Abstract: The n = 3-6 members of a new perovskite-based homologous series Bi(3n+1)Ti7Fe(3n-3)O(9n+11) are reported. The crystal structure of the n = 3 Bi10Ti7Fe6O38 member is refined using a combination of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data (a = 11.8511(2) A, b = 3.85076(4) A, c = 33.0722(6) A, S.G. Immm), unveiling the partially ordered distribution of Ti(4+) and Fe(3+) cations and indicating the presence of static random displacements of the Bi and O atoms. All Bi(3n+1)Ti7Fe(3n-3)O(9n+11) structures are composed of perovskite blocks separated by translational interfaces parallel to the (001)p perovskite planes. The thickness of the perovskite blocks increases with n, while the atomic arrangement at the interfaces remains the same. The interfaces comprise chains of double edge-sharing (Fe,Ti)O6 octahedra connected to the octahedra of the perovskite blocks by sharing edges and corners. This configuration shifts the adjacent perovskite blocks relative to each other over a vector (1/2)[110]p and creates S-shaped tunnels along the [010] direction. The tunnels accommodate double columns of the Bi(3+) cations, which stabilize the interfaces owing to the stereochemical activity of their lone electron pairs. The Bi(3n+1)Ti7Fe(3n-3)O(9n+11) structures can be formally considered either as intergrowths of perovskite modules and polysynthetically twinned modules of the Bi2Ti4O11 structure or as intergrowths of the 2D perovskite and 1D anatase fragments. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on Bi10Ti7Fe6O38 reveals that static atomic displacements of Bi and O inside the perovskite blocks are not completely random; they are cooperative, yet only short-range ordered. According to TEM, the interfaces can be laterally shifted with respect to each other over +/-1/3a, introducing an additional degree of disorder. Bi10Ti7Fe6O38 is paramagnetic in the 1.5-1000 K temperature range due to dilution of the magnetic Fe(3+) cations with nonmagnetic Ti(4+). The n = 3, 4 compounds demonstrate a high dielectric constant of 70-165 at room temperature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.5b02465
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“Vortical versus skyrmionic states in mesoscopic p-wave superconductors”. Fernández Becerra V, Sardella E, Peeters FM, Milošević, MV, Physical review B 93, 014518 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.93.014518
Abstract: We investigate the superconducting states that arise as a consequence of mesoscopic confinement and a multicomponent order parameter in the Ginzburg-Landau model for p-wave superconductivity. Conventional vortices, but also half-quantum vortices and skyrmions, are found as the applied magnetic field and the anisotropy parameters of the Fermi surface are varied. The solutions are well differentiated by a topological charge that for skyrmions is given by the Hopf invariant and for vortices by the circulation of the superconducting velocity. We revealed several unique states combining vortices and skyrmions, their possible reconfiguration with varied magnetic field, as well as temporal and field-induced transitions between vortical and skyrmionic states.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.93.014518
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“Sustainability indicators of irans developmental plans : application of the sustainability compass theory”. Mahdei KN, Pouya M, Taheri F, Azadi H, Van Passel S, Sustainability 7, 14647 (2015). http://doi.org/10.3390/SU71114647
Abstract: The main purpose of this study was to analyze Irans developmental plans in order to examine and compare their direction and conformity with the sustainable development theory via the compass of sustainability. The approach involves a content analysis used in line with qualitative research methodologies. The results indicated that, in the first developmental plans, there was no direct reference to sustainable development. In the second to fifth plans, the main focus was on the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of development; which were common elements seen in the policies of all the plans. An analysis of the fourth plan revealed that expressions related to sustainable development appeared more frequently, indicating a stronger emphasis on sustainable development by decision-makers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 1.789
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.3390/SU71114647
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“Insertion compounds and composites made by ball milling for advanced sodium-ion batteries”. Zhang B, Dugas R, Rousse G, Rozier P, Abakumov AM, Tarascon J-M, Nature communications 7, 10308 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms10308
Abstract: Sodium-ion batteries have been considered as potential candidates for stationary energy storage because of the low cost and wide availability of Na sources. However, their future commercialization depends critically on control over the solid electrolyte interface formation, as well as the degree of sodiation at the positive electrode. Here we report an easily scalable ball milling approach, which relies on the use of metallic sodium, to prepare a variety of sodium-based alloys, insertion layered oxides and polyanionic compounds having sodium in excess such as the Na4V2(PO4)(2)F-3 phase. The practical benefits of preparing sodium-enriched positive electrodes as reservoirs to compensate for sodium loss during solid electrolyte interphase formation are demonstrated by assembling full C/P'2-Na-1[Fe0.5Mn0.5]O-2 and C/'Na3+xV2(PO4)(2)F-3' sodium-ion cells that show substantial increases (>10%) in energy storage density. Our findings may offer electrode design principles for accelerating the development of the sodium-ion technology.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 104
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10308
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“AVPO4F (A = Li, K): A 4 V Cathode Material for High-Power Rechargeable Batteries”. Fedotov SS, Khasanova NR, Samarin AS, Drozhzhin OA, Batuk D, Karakulina OM, Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Antipov EV, Chemistry of materials 28, 411 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b04065
Abstract: A novel potassium-based fluoride-phosphate, KVPO4F, with a KTiOPO4 (KTP) type structure is synthesized and characterized. About 85% of potassium has been electrochemically extracted on oxidation producing a cathode material with attractive performance for Li-ion batteries. The material operates at the electrode potential near 4V vs Li/Li+ exhibiting a sloping voltage profile, extremely low polarization, small volume change of about 2% and excellent rate capability, maintaining more than 75% of the initial capacity at 40C discharge rate without significant fading.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 46
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b04065
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“Multi-level molecular modelling for plasma medicine”. Bogaerts A, Khosravian N, Van der Paal J, Verlackt CCW, Yusupov M, Kamaraj B, Neyts EC, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 49, 054002 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/0022-3727/49/5/054002
Abstract: Modelling at the molecular or atomic scale can be very useful for obtaining a better insight in plasma medicine. This paper gives an overview of different atomic/molecular scale modelling approaches that can be used to study the direct interaction of plasma species with biomolecules or the consequences of these interactions for the biomolecules on a somewhat longer time-scale. These approaches include density functional theory (DFT), density functional based tight binding (DFTB), classical reactive and non-reactive molecular dynamics (MD) and united-atom or coarse-grained MD, as well as hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) methods. Specific examples will be given for three important types of biomolecules, present in human cells, i.e. proteins, DNA and phospholipids found in the cell membrane. The results show that each of these modelling approaches has its specific strengths and limitations, and is particularly useful for certain applications. A multi-level approach is therefore most suitable for obtaining a global picture of the plasma–biomolecule interactions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/49/5/054002
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