“Polyhedral iron oxide coreshell nanoparticles in a biodegradable polymeric matrix : preparation, characterization and application in magnetic particle hyperthermia and drug delivery”. Filippousi M, Altantzis T, Stefanou G, Betsiou M, Bikiaris DN, Angelakeris M, Pavlidou E, Zamboulis D, Van Tendeloo G, RSC advances 3, 24367 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3ra43747g
Abstract: Polyhedral magnetic iron oxide nanocrystals with multiple facets have been embedded in biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric matrices in order to study their structural, magnetic features and alternating-current (AC) magnetic heating efficiency. The encapsulation of iron oxide nanoparticles into a polymer matrix was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and further corroborated by high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). HAADF-STEM tomography proved that the iron oxide nanocrystals consist of well-defined polyhedral structures with multiple facets. The magnetic features were found to be in good agreement with the structural and morphological features and are maintained even after encapsulation. Furthermore, the magnetic nanoparticles inside these matrices may be considered as good candidates for biomedical applications in hyperthermia treatments because of their high heating capacity exhibited under an alternating magnetic field. The anticancer Taxol drug was encapsulated in these nanoparticles and its physical state and release rate at 37 and 42 °C was studied.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.108
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1039/c3ra43747g
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“Polar and magnetic layered A-site and rock salt B-site-ordered NaLnFeWO6 (Ln = La, Nd) perovskites”. Retuerto M, Li MR, Ignatov A, Croft M, Ramanujachary KV, Chi S, Hodges JP, Dachraoui W, Hadermann J, Tran TT, Halasyamani PS, Grams CP, Hemberger J, Greenblatt M;, Inorganic chemistry 52, 12482 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/ic401491y
Abstract: We have expanded the double perovskite family of materials with the unusual combination of layered order in the A sublattice and rock salt order over the B sublattice to compounds NaLaFeWO6 and NaNdFeWO6. The materials have been synthesized and studied by powder X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, electron diffraction, magnetic measurements, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, dielectric measurements, and second harmonic generation. At room temperature, the crystal structures of both compounds can be defined in the noncentrosymmetric monoclinic P2(1) space group resulting from the combination of ordering both in the A and B sublattices, the distortion of the cell due to tilting of the octahedra, and the displacement of certain cations. The magnetic studies show that both compounds are ordered antiferromagnetically below T-N approximate to 25 K for NaLaFeWO6 and at similar to 21 K for NaNdFeWO6. The magnetic structure of NaNdFeWO6 has been solved with a propagation vector k = (1/2 0 1/2) as an antiferromagnetic arrangement of Fe and Nd moments. Although the samples are potential multiferroics, the dielectric measurements do not show a ferroelectric response.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1021/ic401491y
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“Thermal decomposition synthesis of Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles : an in-depth study”. Damm H, Kelchtermans A, Bertha A, Van den Broeck F, Elen K, Martins JC, Carleer R, D'Haen J, De Dobbelaere C, Hadermann J, Hardy A, Van Bael MK;, RSC advances 3, 23745 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3ra43328e
Abstract: Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized by means of a heating up solution based thermal decomposition method. The synthesis involves a reaction of zinc acetylacetonate hydrate, aluminium acetylacetonate and 1,2-hexadecanediol in the presence of oleic acid and oleyl amine. A proposed reaction mechanism from reagents to monomers is corroborated by analysis of the evolving gases using headspace GC-MS analysis. The Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized are dynamically stabilized by adsorbed oleate ions, after deprotonation of oleic acid by oleyl amine, as was found by NOESY proton NMR and complementary FTIR spectroscopy. Precession electron diffraction shows a simultaneous increase in lattice parameters with Al concentration. This, together with HAADF-STEM and EDX maps, indicates the incorporation of Al into the ZnO nanoparticles. By the combination of complementary characterization methods during all stages of the synthesis, it is concluded that Al is incorporated into the ZnO wurtzite lattice as a dopant.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.108
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1039/c3ra43328e
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“Synthesis and properties of charge-ordered thallium halide perovskites, CsTl0.5+Tl0.53+X3 (X = F or Cl) : theoretical precursors for superconductivity?”. Retuerto M, Emge T, Hadermann J, Stephens PW, Li MR, Yin ZP, Croft M, Ignatov A, Zhang SJ, Yuan Z, Jin C, Simonson JW, Aronson MC, Pan A, Basov DN, Kotliar G, Greenblatt M;, Chemistry of materials 25, 4071 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm402423x
Abstract: Recently, CsTlCl3 and CsTlF3 perovskites were theoretically predicted to be potential superconductors if they were optimally doped. The syntheses of these two compounds together with a complete characterization of the samples are reported. CsTlCl3 was obtained as orange crystals in two different polymorphs: a tetragonal phase (I4/m) and a cubic phase (Fm (3) over barm). CsTlF3 was formed as a light brown powder, and also as a double cubic perovskite (Fm (3) over barm). In all three CsTlX3 phases, Tl+ and Tl3+ were located in two different crystallographic positions that accommodate their different bond lengths. In CsTlCl3, some Tl vacancies were found in the Tl+ position. The charge ordering between Tl+ and Tl3+ was confirmed by X-ray absorption and Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectroscopy of CsTlCl3 at high pressure (58 GPa) did not indicate any phase transition to a possible single Tl2+ state. However, the highly insulating material became less resistive with an increasing high pressure, while it underwent a change in its optical properties, from transparent to deeply opaque red, indicative of a decrease in the magnitude of the band gap. The theoretical design and experimental validation of the existence of CsTlF3 and CsTlCl3 cubic perovskites are the necessary first steps in confirming the theoretical prediction of superconductivity in these materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1021/cm402423x
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“Effect of lone-electron-pair cations on the orientation of crystallographic shear planes in anion-deficient perovskites”. Batuk D, Batuk M, Abakumov AM, Tsirlin AA, McCammon CM, Dubrovinsky L, Hadermann J, Inorganic chemistry 52, 10009 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/ic4012845
Abstract: Factors affecting the structure and orientation of the crystallographic shear (CS) planes in anion-deficient perovskites are investigated using the (Pb1−zSrz)1−xFe1+xO3−y perovskites as a model system. The orientation of the CS planes in the system varies unevenly with z. A comparison of the structures with different CS planes revels that the orientation of the CS planes is governed mainly by the stereochemical activity of the lone-electron-pair cations inside the perovskite blocks.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.857
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1021/ic4012845
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“Energy-momentum dispersion relation of plasmarons in bilayer graphene”. Krstajie PM, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 88, 165420 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.88.165420
Abstract: The relation between the energy and momentum of plasmarons in bilayer graphene is investigated within the Overhauser approach, where the electron-plasmon interaction is described as a field theoretical problem. We find that the Dirac-like spectrum is shifted by Delta E(k) similar to 100 divided by 150 meV depending on the electron concentration n(e) and electron momentum. The shift increases with electron concentration as the energy of plasmons becomes larger. The dispersion of plasmarons is more pronounced than in the case of single layer graphene, which is explained by the fact that the energy dispersion of electrons is quadratic and not linear. We expect that these predictions can be verified using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.88.165420
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“Ferromagnetism in stacked bilayers of Pd/C60”. Ghosh S, Tongay S, Hebard AF, Sahin H, Peeters FM, Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials 349, 128 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmmm.2013.07.024
Abstract: We provide experimental evidence for the existence of ferromagnetism in bilayers of Pd/C-60 which is supported by theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). The observed ferromagnetism is surprising as C-60 and Pd films are both non-ferromagnetic in the non-interacting limit. Magnetization (M) versus applied field (H) data acquired at different temperatures (T) show magnetic hysteresis with typical coercive fields (H-c) on the order of 50 Oe. From the temperature-dependent magnetization M(T) we extract a Curie temperature (T-c >= 550 K) using Bloch-like power law extrapolations to high temperatures. Using DFT calculations we investigated all plausible scenarios for the interaction between the C-60 molecules and the Pd slabs, Pd single atoms and Pd clusters. DFT shows that while the C-60 molecules are nonmagnetic, Pd films have a degenerate ground state that subject to a weak perturbation, can become ferromagnetic. Calculations also show that the interaction of C-60 molecules with excess Pd atoms and with sharp edges of a Pd slab is the most likely configuration that render the system ferromagnetic Interestingly, the calculated charge transfer (0.016 e per surface Pd atom, 0.064 e per Pd for intimate contact region) between C-60 and Pd does not appear to play an important role. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.63
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2013.07.024
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“Mobile depth profiling and sub-surface imaging techniques for historical paintings : a review”. Alfeld M, Broekaert JAC, Spectrochimica acta: part B : atomic spectroscopy 88, 211 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAB.2013.07.009
Abstract: Hidden, sub-surface paint layers and features contain valuable information for the art-historical investigation of a painting's past and for its conservation for coming generations. The number of techniques available for the study of these features has been considerably extended in the last decades and established techniques have been refined. This review focuses on mobile non-destructive subsurface imaging and depth profiling techniques, which allow for the in-situ investigation of easel paintings, i.e. paintings on a portable support. Among the techniques discussed are: X-ray radiography and infrared reflectography, which are long established methods and are in use for several decades. Their capabilities of element/species specific imaging have been extended by the introduction of energy/wavelength resolved measurements. Scanning macro-X-ray fluorescence analysis made it for the first time possible to acquire elemental distribution images in-situ and optical coherence tomography allows for the non-destructive study the surface paint layers in virtual cross-sections. These techniques and their variants are presented next to other techniques, such as Terahertz imaging, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance depth profiling and established techniques for non destructive testing (thermography, ultrasonic imaging and laser based interference methods) applied in the conservation of historical paintings. Next to selected case studies the capabilities and limitations of the techniques are discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.SAB.2013.07.009
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“Healthy environment : indoor air quality of Brazilian elementary schools nearby petrochemical industry”. Godoi RHM, Godoi AFL, Gonçalves jr SJ, Paralovo SL, Borillo GC, Gregório Barbosa CG, Arantes MG, Rosário Filho NA, Grassi MT, Yamamoto CI, Potgieter-Vermaak S, Rotondo GG, De Wael K, Van Grieken R, The science of the total environment 463, 639 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2013.06.043
Abstract: The mitigation of pollution released to the environment originating fromthe industrial sector has been the aimof all policy-makers and its importance is evident if the adverse health effects on the world population are considered. Although this concern is controversial, petroleum refinery has been linked to some adverse health effects for people living nearby. Apart from home, school is the most important indoor environment for children and there is increasing concern about the school environment and its impact on health, also in developing countries where the prevalence of pollution is higher. As most of the children spend more than 40% of their time in schools, it is critical to evaluate the pollution level in such environment. In the metropolitan region of Curitiba, South Brazil, five schools nearby industries and highways with high density traffic, were selected to characterize the aerosol and gaseous compounds indoor and outdoor of the classrooms, during 20092011. Size segregated aerosol samples were collected for analyses of bulk and single particle elemental profiles. They were analyzed by electron probe X-ray micro-analysis (EPXMA), and by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), to investigate the elemental composition of individual particles and bulk samples. The concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX); NO2; SO2; acetic acid; and formic acid were assessed indoor and outdoor using passive diffusion tubes. BTEX were analyzed by GCMS and other collected gasses by ion chromatography. Individual exposition of BTEX was assessed by personal passive diffusion tubes. Results are interpreted separately and as a whole with the specific aim of identifying compounds that could affect the health of the scholars. In view of the chemical composition and size distribution of the aerosol particles, local deposition efficiencies in the children's respiratory systems were calculated, revealing the deposition of particles at extrathoracic, tracheobronchial and pulmonary levels.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.9
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2013.06.043
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“Characterization of black volcanites from the Limay river basin, Patagonia, Argentina, using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry : an aid to infer human group mobility”. Palacios OM, van Meel K, Van Grieken R, Marcó, P L-M, Vázquez C, Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry 298, 1245 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10967-013-2600-1
Abstract: The investigation of hunter-gatherers archaeological sites in the Limay river basin, Patagonia, Argentina, raised questions concerning the lithic technology. The chemical characterization of artifacts, rocks and possible sources of provenances could help to elucidate the hunter-gatherer mobility. In three archaeological sitesRincón Chico 2 (RCh2/87; 14C 710 ± 60 BP), Cueva Traful I (CTI; 14C 9430 ± 230 BP) and Casa de Piedra de Ortega (CPO; 14C 2840 ± 80 BP), tools and debitage or discarded flakes made in black volcanic rock have been found. Nearby an extensive rock outcrop of black volcanite, Paso Limay quarry (CPL), with similar characteristics was located. Samples coming from these four sites were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. This characterization allowed the geochemical classification of the lithic material and to correlate the samples with the suspected source after a previous statistical analysis. The majority of the samples were classified as dacites and rhyolites. Only samples coming from CPO site, the closest place to CPL were made exclusively with the quarry rocks. A set of five samples from RCh2/87 and two samples from CTI appear to have same chemical composition as CPL in spite of this site is placed in the opposite bank of the Limay river suggesting that hunter-gatherers could accede to the quarry, eventually. Finally, only a set of five samples coming from RCh2/87 and CTI do not group with the quarry. This fact evidences the existence of secondary sources of supply. The information of this research allowed inferring ancient human mobility patterns in the region.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/S10967-013-2600-1
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“Vortex states in nanoscale superconducting squares : the influence of quantum confinement”. Zhang L-F, Covaci L, Milošević, MV, Berdiyorov GR, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 88, 144501 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.88.144501
Abstract: Bogoliubov-de Gennes theory is used to investigate the effect of the size of a superconducting square on the vortex states in the quantum confinement regime. When the superconducting coherence length is comparable to the Fermi wavelength, the shape resonances of the superconducting order parameter have strong influence on the vortex configuration. Several unconventional vortex states, including asymmetric ones, giant-multivortex combinations, and states comprising giant antivortices, were found as ground states and their stability was found to be very sensitive on the value of k(F)xi(0), the size of the sample W, and the magnetic flux Phi. By increasing the temperature and/or enlarging the size of the sample, quantum confinement is suppressed and the conventional mesoscopic vortex states as predicted by the Ginzburg-Laudau (GL) theory are recovered. However, contrary to the GL results we found that the states containing symmetry-induced vortex-antivortex pairs are stable over the whole temperature range. It turns out that the inhomogeneous order parameter induced by quantum confinement favors vortex-antivortex molecules, as well as giant vortices with a rich structure in the vortex core-unattainable in the GL domain.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.88.144501
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“Doping effect on the adsorption of NH3 molecule onto graphene quantum dot : from the physisorption to the chemisorption”. Seyed-Talebi SM, Beheshtian J, Neek-Amal M, Journal of applied physics 114, 124307 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4822165
Abstract: The adsorption of ammonia molecule onto a graphene hexagonal flake, aluminum (Al) and boron (B) doped graphene flakes (graphene quantum dots, GQDs) are investigated using density functional theory. We found that NH3 molecule is absorbed to the hollow site through the physisorption mechanism without altering the electronic properties of GQD. However, the adsorption energy of NH3 molecule onto the Al- and B-doped GQDs increases with respect GQD resulting chemisorption. The adsorption of NH3 onto the Al-doped and B-doped GQDs makes graphene locally buckled, i.e., B-doped and Al-doped GQDs are not planar. The adsorption mechanism onto a GQD is different than that of graphene. This study reveals important features of the edge passivation and doping effects of the adsorption mechanism of external molecules onto the graphene quantum dots. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1063/1.4822165
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“Discovery of a superhard iron tetraboride superconductor”. Gou H, Dubrovinskaia N, Bykova E, Tsirlin AA, Kasinathan D, Schnelle W, Richter A, Merlini M, Hanfland M, Abakumov AM, Batuk D, Van Tendeloo G, Nakajima Y, Kolmogorov AN, Dubrovinsky L;, Physical review letters 111, 157002 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.157002
Abstract: Single crystals of novel orthorhombic (space group Pnnm) iron tetraboride FeB4 were synthesized at pressures above 8 GPa and high temperatures. Magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements demonstrate bulk superconductivity below 2.9 K. The putative isotope effect on the superconducting critical temperature and the analysis of specific heat data indicate that the superconductivity in FeB4 is likely phonon mediated, which is rare for Fe-based superconductors. The discovered iron tetraboride is highly incompressible and has the nanoindentation hardness of 62(5) GPa; thus, it opens a new class of highly desirable materials combining advanced mechanical properties and superconductivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 127
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.157002
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“Perovskite transparent conducting oxides : an ab initio study”. Dabaghmanesh S, Saniz R, Amini MN, Lamoen D, Partoens B, Journal of physics : condensed matter 25, 415503 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/25/41/415503
Abstract: We present an ab initio study of the electronic structure and of the formation energies of various point defects in BaSnO3 and SrGeO3. We show that La and Y impurities substituting Ba or Sr are shallow donors with a preferred 1 + charge state. These defects have a low formation energy within all the suitable equilibrium growth conditions considered. Oxygen vacancies behave as shallow donors as well, preferring the 2 + charge state. Their formation energies, however, are higher in most growth conditions, indicating a limited contribution to conductivity. The calculated electron effective mass in BaSnO3, with a value of 0.21 me, and the very high mobility reported recently in La-doped BaSnO3 single-crystals, suggest that remarkably low scattering rates can be achieved in the latter. In the case of SrGeO3, our results point to carrier density and mobility values in the low range for typical polycrystalline TCOs, in line with experiment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/25/41/415503
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“Bilayer graphene Hall bar with a pn-junction”. Milovanovic SP, Masir MR, Peeters FM, Journal of applied physics 114, 113706 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4821264
Abstract: We investigate the magnetic field dependence of the Hall and the bend resistances for a ballistic Hall bar structure containing a pn-junction sculptured from a bilayer of graphene. The electric response is obtained using the billiard model, and we investigate the cases of bilayer graphene with and without a band gap. Two different conduction regimes are possible: (i) both sides of the junction have the same carrier type and (ii) one side of the junction is n-type while the other one is p-type. The first case shows Hall plateau-like features in the Hall resistance that fade away as the band gap opens. The second case exhibits a bend resistance that is asymmetric in magnetic field as a consequence of snake states along the pn-interface, where the maximum is shifted away from zero magnetic field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1063/1.4821264
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“Low-dimensional confining structures on the surface of helium films suspended on designed cavities”. Dantas DS, Chaves A, Farias GA, Ramos ACA, Peeters FM, Journal of low temperature physics 173, 207 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1007/s10909-013-0895-5
Abstract: We investigate the formation of quantum confined structures on the surface of a liquid helium film suspended on a nanostructured substrate. We show theoretically that, by nanostructuring the substrate, it is possible to change the geometry of the liquid helium surface, opening the possibility of designing and controlling the formation of valleys with different shapes. By applying an external electric field perpendicular to the substrate plane, surface electrons can be trapped into these valleys, as in a quantum dot. We investigate how the external parameters, such as the electric field strength and the height of the liquid helium bath, can be tuned to control the energy spectrum of the trapped surface electrons.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.3
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1007/s10909-013-0895-5
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“Electronic structure of a hexagonal graphene flake subjected to triaxial stress”. Neek-Amal M, Covaci L, Shakouri K, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 88, 115428 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.88.115428
Abstract: The electronic properties of a triaxially strained hexagonal graphene flake with either armchair or zigzag edges are investigated using molecular dynamics simulations and tight-binding calculations. We found that (i) the pseudomagnetic field in strained graphene flakes is not uniform neither in the center nor at the edge of zigzag terminated flakes, (ii) the pseudomagnetic field is almost zero in the center of armchair terminated flakes but increases dramatically near the edges, (iii) the pseudomagnetic field increases linearly with strain, for strains lower than 15% but increases nonlinearly beyond it, (iv) the local density of states in the center of the zigzag hexagon exhibits pseudo-Landau levels with broken sublattice symmetry in the zeroth pseudo-Landau level, and in addition there is a shift in the Dirac cone due to strain induced scalar potentials, and (v) there is size effect in pseudomagnetic field. This study provides a realistic model of the electronic properties of inhomogeneously strained graphene where the relaxation of the atomic positions is correctly included together with strain induced modifications of the hopping terms up to next-nearest neighbors.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 46
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.88.115428
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“Soft vortex matter in a type-I/type-II superconducting bilayer”. Komendová, L, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 88, 094515 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.88.094515
Abstract: Magnetic flux patterns are known to strongly differ in the intermediate state of type-I and type-II superconductors. Using a type-I/type-II bilayer we demonstrate hybridization of these flux phases into a plethora of unique new ones. Owing to a complicated multibody interaction between individual fluxoids, many different intriguing patterns are possible under applied magnetic field, such as few-vortex clusters, vortex chains, mazes, or labyrinthal structures resembling the phenomena readily encountered in soft-matter physics. However, in our system the patterns are tunable by sample parameters, magnetic field, current, and temperature, which reveals transitions from short-range clustering to long-range ordered phases such as parallel chains, gels, glasses, and crystalline vortex lattices, or phases where lamellar type-I flux domains in one layer serve as a bedding potential for type-II vortices in the other, configurations clearly beyond the soft-matter analogy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.88.094515
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“Epitaxial chemical vapor deposition of silicon on an oxygen monolayer on Si(100) substrates”. Delabie A, Jayachandran S, Caymax M, Loo R, Maggen J, Pourtois G, Douhard B, Conard T, Meersschaut J, Lenka H, Vandervorst W, Heyns M;, ECS solid state letters 2, P104 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1149/2.009311ssl
Abstract: Crystalline superlattices consisting of alternating periods of Si layers and O-atomic layers are potential new channel materials for scaled CMOS devices. In this letter, we investigate Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) for the controlled deposition of O-atoms with O-3 as precursor on Si(100) substrates and Si epitaxy on the O-layer. The O-3 reaction at 50 degrees C on the H-terminated Si results in the formation of Si-OH and/or Si-O-Si-H surface species with monolayer O-content. Defect-free epitaxial growth of Si on an O-layer containing 6.4E+14 O-atoms/cm(2) is achieved from SiH4 at 500 degrees C. (C) 2013 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.184
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1149/2.009311ssl
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“Nanostructures in LuFe2O4+\delta”. Hervieu M, Damay F, Poienar M, Elkaim E, Rouquette J, Abakumov AM, Van Tendeloo G, Maignan A, Martin C, Solid state sciences 23, 26 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2013.05.015
Abstract: A LuFe2O4+delta sample, previously characterized by X-ray synchrotron and neutron diffraction, has been studied by electron microscopy techniques, in order to get a precise description of its micro- and nanostructures at room temperature. The X-ray synchrotron data vs. temperature show that the monoclinic distortion is associated with the charge ordering; this distortion results in elongated twinning domains, which enhance the complexity of the microstructural state at room temperature. The structural modulation associated with oxygen excess is observed in large domains inside a non modulated matrix, in contrast with the modulations associated with the charge ordering of the Fe2+ and Fe3+ species, which are mostly short-range. The investigation of the nature and density of defects in the sample shows that they are nano-scaled, preserving the regularity of the layer stacking mode, and limited to the formation of one- or two-units large stacking faults, associated with gliding mechanisms. Based on these observations, an original description of the LuFe2O4 ferrite structure, through puckered [LuO4](infinity) sandwiching [Fe-2](infinity) layers, is proposed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.811
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2013.05.015
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“Effect of spin-orbit couplings in graphene with and without potential modulation”. Shakouri K, Masir MR, Jellal A, Choubabi EB, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 88, 115408 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.88.115408
Abstract: We investigate the effect of Rashba and intrinsic spin-orbit couplings on the electronic properties and spin configurations of Dirac fermions confined in: (i) a flat graphene sheet, (ii) a graphene wire with p-n-p structure, and (iii) a superlattice of graphene wires. The interplay between the spin-orbit interaction mechanisms breaks the electron-hole symmetry and the spin configuration induced by Rashba spin-orbit coupling lacks inversion symmetry in k space. We show that the Rashba spin-orbit interaction doubles the Fabry-Perot resonant modes in the transmission spectrum of a graphene wire and opens new channels for the electron transmission. Moreover, it leads to the appearance of spin split extra Dirac cones in the energy spectrum of a graphene superlattice. It is shown that the spin of the electrons and holes confined in a flat graphene sheet is always perpendicular to their motion while this is not the case for the other nanostructures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.88.115408
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“The use of synchrotron radiation for the characterization of artists' pigments and paintings”. Janssens K, Alfeld M, van der Snickt G, de Nolf W, Vanmeert F, Radepont M, Monico L, et al, Annual review of analytical chemistry 6, 399 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1146/ANNUREV-ANCHEM-062012-092702
Abstract: We review methods and recent studies in which macroscopic to (sub)microscopic X-ray beams were used for nondestructive analysis and characterization of pigments, paint microsamples, and/or entire paintings. We discuss the use of portable laboratory- and synchrotron-based instrumentation and describe several variants of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis used for elemental analysis and imaging and combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Macroscopic and microscopic (μ-)XRF variants of this method are suitable for visualizing the elemental distribution of key elements in paint multilayers. Technical innovations such as multielement, large-area XRF detectors have enabled such developments. The use of methods limited to elemental analysis or imaging usually is not sufficient to elucidate the chemical transformations that take place during natural pigment alteration processes. However, synchrotron-based combinations of μ-XRF, μ-XAS, and μ-XRD are suitable for such studies.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 7.435
Times cited: 46
DOI: 10.1146/ANNUREV-ANCHEM-062012-092702
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“The size and structure of Ag particles responsible for surface plasmon effects and luminescence in Ag homogeneously doped bulk glass”. Shestakov MV, Meledina M, Turner S, Tikhomirov VK, Verellen N, Rodríguez VD, Velázquez JJ, Van Tendeloo G, Moshchalkov VV, Journal of applied physics 114, 073102 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4818830
Abstract: As-prepared and heat-treated oxyfluoride glasses, co-doped with Ag nanoclusters/nanoparticles, are prepared at 0.15 at. % Ag concentration. The as-prepared glass shows an absorption band in the UV/violet attributed to the presence of amorphous Ag nanoclusters with an average size of 1.1 nm. The luminescence spectra of the untreated glass can also be ascribed to these Ag nanoclusters. Upon heat-treatment, the clusters coalesce into Ag nanoparticles with an average size of 2.3 nm, and the glasses show an extra surface plasmon absorption band in the visible. These particles, however, cease to emit due to ascribing plasmonic properties of bulk silver.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1063/1.4818830
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“Dynamics of self-organized driven particles with competing range interaction”. Zhao HJ, Misko VR, Peeters FM, Physical review : E : statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics 88, 022914 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.88.022914
Abstract: Nonequilibrium self-organized patterns formed by particles interacting through competing range interaction are driven over a substrate by an external force. We show that, with increasing driving force, the preexisted static patterns evolve into dynamic patterns either via disordered phase or depinned patterns or via the formation of nonequilibrium stripes. Strikingly, the stripes are formed either in the direction of the driving force or in the transverse direction, depending on the pinning strength. The revealed dynamical patterns are summarized in a dynamical phase diagram.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.88.022914
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“Graphane- and fluorographene-based quantum dots”. Amini MN, Leenaerts O, Partoens B, Lamoen D, The journal of physical chemistry: C : nanomaterials and interfaces 117, 16242 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1021/jp405079r
Abstract: With the help of first-principles calculations, we investigate graphane/fluorographene heterostructures with special attention for graphane and fluorographene-based quantum dots. Graphane and fluorographene have large electronic band gaps, and we show that their band structures exhibit a strong type-II alignment. In this way, it is possible to obtain confined electron states in fluorographene nanostructures by embedding them in a graphane crystal. Bound hole states can be created in graphane domains embedded in a fluorographene environment. For circular graphane/fluorographene quantum dots, localized states can be observed in the band gap if the size of the radii is larger than approximately 4 to 5 Å.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.536
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1021/jp405079r
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“The effect of the sampling cone position and diameter on the gas flow dynamics in an ICP”. Aghaei M, Lindner H, Bogaerts A, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 28, 1485 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3ja50107h
Abstract: An inductively coupled plasma, connected to a sampling cone of a mass spectrometer, is computationally investigated. The effects of the sampler orifice diameter (ranging from 1 to 2 mm) and distance of the sampler cone from the load coil (ranging from 7 to 17 mm) are studied. An increase in sampler orifice diameter leads to a higher central plasma temperature at the place of the sampler, as well as more efficient gas transfer through the sampler, by reducing the interaction of the plasma gas with the sampling cone. However, the flow velocity at the sampler position is found to be independent of the sampler orifice diameter. Moreover, by changing the sampler orifice diameter, we can control whether only the central gas or also the auxiliary gas can exit through the sampler. Finally, with the increasing distance of the sampler from the load coil, the plasma temperature at the place of the sampler decreases slightly, which might also have consequences for the ion generation and transport through the sampling cone.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.379
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1039/c3ja50107h
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“Exploiting lens aberrations to create electron-vortex beams”. Clark L, Béché, A, Guzzinati G, Lubk A, Mazilu M, Van Boxem R, Verbeeck J, Physical review letters 111, 064801 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.064801
Abstract: A model for a new electron-vortex beam production method is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The technique calls on the controlled manipulation of the degrees of freedom of the lens aberrations to achieve a helical phase front. These degrees of freedom are accessible by using the corrector lenses of a transmission electron microscope. The vortex beam is produced through a particular alignment of these lenses into a specifically designed astigmatic state and applying an annular aperture in the condenser plane. Experimental results are found to be in good agreement with simulations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 66
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.064801
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“Pulsed laser deposition of SrTiO3 on a H-terminated Si substrate”. Spreitzer M, Egoavil R, Verbeeck J, Blank DHA, Rijnders G, Journal of materials chemistry C : materials for optical and electronic devices 1, 5216 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1039/c3tc30913d
Abstract: Interfacing oxides with silicon is a long-standing problem related to the integration of multifunctional oxides with semiconductor devices and the replacement of SiO2 with high-k gate oxides. In our study, pulsed laser deposition was used to prepare a SrTiO3 (STO) thin film on a H-terminated Si substrate. The main purpose of our work was to verify the ability of H-termination against the oxidation of Si during the PLD process and to analyze the resulting interfaces. In the first part of the study, the STO was deposited directly on the Si, leading to the formation of a preferentially textured STO film with a (100) orientation. In the second part, SrO was used as a buffer layer, which enabled the partial epitaxial growth of STO with STO(110)parallel to Si(100) and STO[001]parallel to Si[001]. The change in the growth direction induced by the application of a SrO buffer was governed by the formation of a SrO(111) intermediate layer and subsequently by the minimization of the lattice misfit between the STO and the SrO. Under the investigated conditions, approximately 10 nm thick interfacial layers formed between the STO and the Si due to reactions between the deposited material and the underlying H-terminated Si. In the case of direct STO deposition, SiOx formed at the interface with the silicon, while in the case when SrO was used as a buffer, strontium silicate grew directly on the silicon, which improves the growth quality of the uppermost STO.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.256
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1039/c3tc30913d
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“The economics of enhanced landfill mining : private and societal performance drivers”. Van Passel S, Dubois M, Eyckmans J, de Gheldere S, Ang F, Jones PT, Van Acker K, Journal Of Cleaner Production 55, 92 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2012.03.024
Abstract: This paper addresses the economics of Enhanced Landfill Mining (ELFM) both from a private point of view as well as from a society perspective. The private potential is assessed using a case study for which an investment model is developed to identify the impact of a broad range of parameters on the profitability of ELFM. We found that especially variations in Waste-to-Energy (WtE efficiency, electricity price, CO2-price, WtE investment and operational costs) and ELFM support explain the variation in economic profitability measured by the Internal Rate of Return. To overcome site-specific parameters we also evaluated the regional ELFM potential for the densely populated and industrial region of Flanders (north of Belgium). The total number of potential ELFM sites was estimated using a 5-step procedure and a simulation tool was developed to trade-off private costs and benefits. The analysis shows that there is a substantial economic potential for ELFM projects on the wider regional level. Furthermore, this paper also reviews the costs and benefits from a broader perspective. The carbon footprint of the case study was mapped in order to assess the project's net impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Also the impacts of nature restoration, soil remediation, resource scarcity and reduced import dependence were valued so that they can be used in future social cost-benefit analysis. Given the complex trade-off between economic, social and environmental issues of ELFM projects, we conclude that further refinement of the methodological framework and the development of the integrated decision tools supporting private and public actors, are necessary. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 5.715
Times cited: 65
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2012.03.024
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“Enhanced landfill mining in view of multiple resource recovery : a critical review”. Jones PT, Geysen D, Tielemans Y, Van Passel S, Pontikes Y, Blanpain B, Quaghebeur M, Hoekstra N, Journal Of Cleaner Production 55, 45 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2012.05.021
Abstract: In a circular economy material loops are closed by recycling of pre-consumer manufacturing scrap/residues, urban mining of End-of-Life products and landfill mining of historic (and future) urban waste streams. However, in the past landfill mining was not performed with a focus on resource recovery. This paper addresses this gap by introducing the concept of Enhanced Landfill Mining, defined as the safe conditioning, excavation and integrated valorization of landfilled waste streams as both materials and energy, using innovative transformation technologies and respecting the most stringent social and ecological criteria. The feasibility of ELFM is studied by synthesizing the research on the Closing the Circle project, the first ELFM project targeting the 18 million metric ton landfill in Houthalen-Helchteren in the East of Belgium. It is argued that Environmental Impact Assessments of ELFM projects should be wide in scope and time. Embedded in a broad resource management perspective, the worldwide potential of ELFM is highlighted, in terms of climate gains, materials and energy utilization, job creation and land reclamation. The potential is quantified for the EU-27 with its 150,000-500,000 landfills. However, for ELFM to reach its full potential, strategic policy decisions and tailored support systems, including combined incentives for material recycling, energy utilization and nature restoration, are required. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 5.715
Times cited: 144
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2012.05.021
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