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Author Arenas Esteban, D.; Pacquets, L.; Choukroun, D.; Hoekx, S.; Kadu, A.A.; Schalck, J.; Daems, N.; Breugelmans, T.; Bals, S.
Title 3D characterization of the structural transformation undergone by Cu@Ag core-shell nanoparticles following CO₂ reduction reaction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 35 Issue 17 Pages 6682-6691
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract The increasing use of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is significantly advancing the field of electrocatalysis. In particular, Cu/Ag bimetallic interfaces are widely used to enhance the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO(2)RR) toward CO and, more recently, C-2 products. However, drastic changes in the product distribution and performance when Cu@Ag core-shell configurations are used can often be observed under electrochemical reaction conditions, especially during the first few minutes of the reaction. Possible structural changes that generate these observations remain underexplored; therefore, the structure-property relationship is hardly understood. In this study, we use electron tomography to investigate the structural transformation mechanism of Cu@Ag core-shells NPs during the critical first minutes of the eCO(2)RR. In this manner, we found that the crystallinity of the Cu seed determines whether the formation of a complete and homogeneous Ag shell is possible. Moreover, by tracking the particles' transformations, we conclude that modifications of the Cu-Ag interface and Cu2O enrichment at the surface of the NPs are key factors contributing to the product generation changes. These insights provide a better understanding of how bimetallic core-shell NPs transform under electrochemical conditions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001061530700001 Publication Date 2023-08-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756; 1520-5002 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes L.P. was supported through a PhD fellowship for strategicbasic research (1S56920N) of the Research Foundation – Flanders(FWO). S.H. was supported through a PhD fellowship for strategic basicresearch (1S42623N) of the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO).S.B., D.A.E., and A.A.K. acknowledge financial support from ERC Consolidator Grant Number 815128 REALNANO. This research was financed by the researchcouncil of the University of Antwerp (BOF-GOA 33928). Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2023 IF: 9.466
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199187 Serial 8825
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Author Kelly, S.; Mercer, E.; De Meyer, R.; Ciocarlan, R.-G.; Bals, S.; Bogaerts, A.
Title Microwave plasma-based dry reforming of methane: Reaction performance and carbon formation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of CO2 utilization Abbreviated Journal Journal of CO2 Utilization
Volume 75 Issue Pages 102564
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract e investigate atmospheric pressure microwave (MW) plasma (2.45 GHz) conversion in CO2 and CH4 mixtures (i.e., dry reforming of methane, DRM) focusing on reaction performance and carbon formation. Promising energy costs of ~2.8–3.0 eV/molecule or ~11.1–11.9 kJ/L are amongst the best performance to date considering the current state-of-the-art for plasma-based DRM for all types of plasma. The conversion is in the range of ~46–49% and ~55–67% for CO2 and CH4, respectively, producing primarily syngas (i.e., H2 and CO) with H2/CO ratios of ~0.6–1 at CH4 fractions ranging from 30% to 45%. Water is the largest byproduct with levels ranging ~7–14% in the exhaust. Carbon particles visibly impact the plasma at higher CH4 fractions (> 30%), where they become heated and incandescent. Particle luminosity increases with increasing CH4 fractions, with the plasma becoming unstable near a 1:1 mixture (i.e., > 45% CH4). Electron microscopy of the carbon material reveals an agglomerated morphology of pure carbon nanoparticles. The mean particle size is determined as ~20 nm, free of any metal contamination, consistent with the electrode-less MW design.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001065310000001 Publication Date 2023-08-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-9820 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.7 Times cited 6 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes We acknowledge financial support by a European Space Agency (ESA) Open Science Innovation Platform study (contract no. 4000137001/21/NL/GLC/ov), the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship ‘‘PENFIX’’ within Horizon 2020 (grant no. 838181), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program (grant no. 810182; SCOPE ERC Synergy project), the Excellence of Science FWOFNRS PLASyntH2 project (FWO grant no. G0I1822N and EOS no. 4000751) and the Methusalem project of the University of Antwerp Approved Most recent IF: 7.7; 2023 IF: 4.292
Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @c:irua:198155 Serial 8807
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Author Bercx, M.; Mayda, S.; Depla, D.; Partoens, B.; Lamoen, D.
Title Plasmonic effects in the neutralization of slow ions at a metallic surface Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Contributions to Plasma Physics Abbreviated Journal Contrib. Plasma Phys
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Secondary electron emission is an important process that plays a significant role in several plasma‐related applications. As measuring the secondary electron yield experimentally is very challenging, quantitative modelling of this process to obtain reliable yield data is critical as input for higher‐scale simulations. Here, we build upon our previous work combining density functional theory calculations with a model originally developed by Hagstrum to extend its application to metallic surfaces. As plasmonic effects play a much more important role in the secondary electron emission mechanism for metals, we introduce an approach based on Poisson point processes to include both surface and bulk plasmon excitations to the process. The resulting model is able to reproduce the yield spectra of several available experimental results quite well but requires the introduction of global fitting parameters, which describe the strength of the plasmon interactions. Finally, we use an in‐house developed workflow to calculate the electron yield for a list of elemental surfaces spanning the periodic table to produce an extensive data set for the community and compare our results with more simplified approaches from the literature.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001067651300001 Publication Date 2023-09-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0863-1042 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 1.6 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes We acknowledge the financial support of FWO-Vlaanderen through project G.0216.14N. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center) and the HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp (CalcUA), both funded by the FWO-Vlaanderen and the Flemish Government-department EWI. Approved Most recent IF: 1.6; 2023 IF: 1.44
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:200330 Serial 8962
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Author Hofer, C.; Pennycook, T.J.
Title Reliable phase quantification in focused probe electron ptychography of thin materials Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 254 Issue Pages 113829
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract Electron ptychography provides highly sensitive, dose efficient phase images which can be corrected for aberrations after the data has been acquired. This is crucial when very precise quantification is required, such as with sensitivity to charge transfer due to bonding. Drift can now be essentially eliminated as a major impediment to focused probe ptychography, which benefits from the availability of easily interpretable simultaneous Z-contrast imaging. However challenges have remained when quantifying the ptychographic phases of atomic sites. The phase response of a single atom has a negative halo which can cause atoms to reduce in phase when brought closer together. When unaccounted for, as in integrating methods of quantification, this effect can completely obscure the effects of charge transfer. Here we provide a new method of quantification that overcomes this challenge, at least for 2D materials, and is robust to experimental parameters such as noise, sample tilt.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001071608700001 Publication Date 2023-08-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes FWO, G013122N ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme; Horizon 2020; European Research Council, 802123-HDEM ; European Research Council; Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2023 IF: 2.843
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:200272 Serial 8987
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Author Ramesha, B.M.; Pawlak, B.; Arenas Esteban, D.; Reekmans, G.; Bals, S.; Marchal, W.; Carleer, R.; Adriaensens, P.; Meynen, V.
Title Partial hydrolysis of diphosphonate ester during the formation of hybrid Tio₂ nanoparticles : role of acid concentration Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ChemPhysChem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages e202300437-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Abstract In the present work, a method was utilized to control the in‐situ partial hydrolysis of a diphosphonate ester in presence of a titania precursor and in function of acid content and its impact on the hybrid nanoparticles was assessed. The hydrolysis degree of organodiphosphonate ester linkers during the formation of hybrid organic‐inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles, are relatively underexplored . Quantitative solution NMR spectroscopy revealed that during the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles, an increase in acid concentration introduces a higher degree of partial hydrolysis of the TEPD linker into diverse acid/ester derivatives of TEPD. Increasing the HCl/Ti ratio from 1 to 3, resulted in an increase in degree of partial hydrolysis of the TEPD linker in solution from 4% to 18.8% under the here applied conditions. As a result of the difference in partial hydrolysis, the linker‐TiO2 bonding was altered. Upon subsequent drying of the colloidal TiO2 solution, different textures, at nanoscale and macroscopic scale, were obtained dependent on the HCl/Ti ratio and thus the degree of hydrolysis of TEPD. Understanding such linker‐TiO2 nanoparticle surface dynamics is crucial for making hybrid organic‐inorganic materials (i.e. (porous) metal phosphonates) employed in applications such as electronic/photonic devices, separation technology and heterogeneous catalysts.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001071673900001 Publication Date 2023-09-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1439-4235; 1439-7641 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 2.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen) Project G.0121.17 N. The work was further supported by Hasselt University and the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen) via the Hercules project AUHL/15/2 – GOH3816 N. V. M. acknowledges the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for project K801621 N. B. M. R. acknowledges, Prof. Dr. Christophe Detavernier and Dr. Davy Deduystche (COCOON, Ghent University) for PXRD and VT-XRD measurements, Prof. Dr. Christophe Van De Velde (iPRACS, University of Antwerp) and Dr. Radu Ciocarlan (LADCA, University of Antwerp) for helpful discussions on PXRD measurements and Dr. Nick Gys (University of Antwerp and VITO) for ICP-OES measurements. Approved Most recent IF: 2.9; 2023 IF: 3.075
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198934 Serial 8911
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Author Cui, W.; Lin, W.; Lu, W.; Liu, C.; Gao, Z.; Ma, H.; Zhao, W.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Zhao, W.; Zhang, Q.; Sang, X.
Title Direct observation of cation diffusion driven surface reconstruction at van der Waals gaps Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal
Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 554-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Weak interlayer van der Waals (vdW) bonding has significant impact on the surface/interface structure, electronic properties, and transport properties of vdW layered materials. Unraveling the complex atomistic dynamics and structural evolution at vdW surfaces is therefore critical for the design and synthesis of the next-generation vdW layered materials. Here, we show that Ge/Bi cation diffusion along the vdW gap in layered GeBi2Te4 (GBT) can be directly observed using in situ heating scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The cation concentration variation during diffusion was correlated with the local Te-6 octahedron distortion based on a quantitative analysis of the atomic column intensity and position in time-elapsed STEM images. The in-plane cation diffusion leads to out-of-plane surface etching through complex structural evolutions involving the formation and propagation of a non-centrosymmetric GeTe2 triple layer surface reconstruction on fresh vdW surfaces, and GBT subsurface reconstruction from a septuple layer to a quintuple layer. Our results provide atomistic insight into the cation diffusion and surface reconstruction in vdW layered materials. Weak interlayer van der Waals (vdW) bonding has significant impact on the structure and properties of vdW layered materials. Here authors use in-situ aberration-corrected ADF-STEM for an atomistic insight into the cation diffusion in the vdW gaps and the etching of vdW surfaces at high temperatures.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001076227200001 Publication Date 2023-02-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2023 IF: 12.124
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201342 Serial 9021
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Author Nakazato, R.; Matsumoto, K.; Yamaguchi, N.; Cavallo, M.; Crocella, V.; Bonino, F.; Quintelier, M.; Hadermann, J.; Rosero-Navarro, N.C.; Miura, A.; Tadanaga, K.
Title CO2 Electrochemical Reduction with Zn-Al Layered Double Hydroxide-Loaded Gas-Diffusion Electrode (Supporting Information) Type Dataset
Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Dataset; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Carbon dioxide electrochemical reduction (CO2ER) has attracted considerable attention as a technology to recycle CO2 into raw materials for chemicals using renewable energies. We recently found that Zn-Al layered double hydroxides (Zn-Al LDH) have the CO-forming CO2ER activity. However, the activity was only evaluated by using the liquid-phase CO2ER. In this study, Ni-Al and Ni-Fe LDHs as well as Zn-Al LDH were synthesized using a facile coprecipitation process and the gas-phase CO2ER with the LDH-loaded gas-diffusion electrode (GDE) was examined. The products were characterized by XRD, STEM-EDX, BF-TEM and ATR-IR spectroscopy. In the ATR-IR results, the interaction of CO2 with Zn-Al LDH showed a different carbonates evolution with respect to other LDHs, suggesting a different electrocatalytic activity. The LDH-loaded GDE was prepared by simple drop-casting of a catalyst ink onto carbon paper. For gas-phase CO2ER, only Zn-Al LDH exhibited the CO2ER activity for carbon monoxide (CO) formation. By using different potassium salt electrolytes affording neutral to strongly basic conditions, such as KCl, KHCO3 and KOH, the gas-phase CO2ER with Zn-Al LDH-loaded GDE showed 1.3 to 2.1 times higher partial current density for CO formation than the liquid-phase CO2ER.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001079191200001 Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200933 Serial 9010
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Author Nakazato, R.; Matsumoto, K.; Yamaguchi, N.; Cavallo, M.; Crocella, V.; Bonino, F.; Quintelier, M.; Hadermann, J.; Rosero-navarro, N.C.; Miura, A.; Tadanaga, K.
Title CO₂ electrochemical reduction with Zn-Al layered double hydroxide-loaded gas-diffusion electrode Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Electrochemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 91 Issue 9 Pages 097003-97007
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Carbon dioxide electrochemical reduction (CO2ER) has attracted considerable attention as a technology to recycle CO2 into raw materials for chemicals using renewable energies. We recently found that Zn-Al layered double hydroxides (Zn-Al LDH) have the CO-forming CO2ER activity. However, the activity was only evaluated by using the liquid-phase CO2ER. In this study, Ni-Al and Ni-Fe LDHs as well as Zn-Al LDH were synthesized using a facile coprecipitation process and the gas-phase CO2ER with the LDH-loaded gas-diffusion electrode (GDE) was examined. The products were characterized by XRD, STEM-EDX, BF-TEM and ATR-IR spectroscopy. In the ATR-IR results, the interaction of CO2 with Zn-Al LDH showed a different carbonates evolution with respect to other LDHs, suggesting a different electrocatalytic activity. The LDH-loaded GDE was prepared by simple drop-casting of a catalyst ink onto carbon paper. For gas-phase CO2ER, only Zn-Al LDH exhibited the CO2ER activity for carbon monoxide (CO) formation. By using different potassium salt electrolytes affording neutral to strongly basic conditions, such as KCl, KHCO3 and KOH, the gas-phase CO2ER with Zn-Al LDH-loaded GDE showed 1.3 to 2.1 times higher partial current density for CO formation than the liquid-phase CO2ER.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001082818000001 Publication Date 2023-09-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200340 Serial 9009
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Author Şentürk, DG.; Yu, CP.; De Backer, A.; Van Aert, S.
Title Atom counting from a combination of two ADF STEM images Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
Volume 255 Issue Pages 113859
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract To understand the structure–property relationship of nanostructures, reliably quantifying parameters, such as the number of atoms along the projection direction, is important. Advanced statistical methodologies have made it possible to count the number of atoms for monotype crystalline nanoparticles from a single ADF STEM image. Recent developments enable one to simultaneously acquire multiple ADF STEM images. Here, we present an extended statistics-based method for atom counting from a combination of multiple statistically independent ADF STEM images reconstructed from non-overlapping annular detector collection regions which improves the accuracy and allows one to retrieve precise atom-counts, especially for images acquired with low electron doses and multiple element structures.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001089064200001 Publication Date 2023-09-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S. Van Aert). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G034621N, G0A7723N, and EOS 40007495) and a postdoctoral grant to A. De Backer. S. Van Aert acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2024 IF: 2.843
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:201008 Serial 8964
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Author Van Gordon, K.; Baúlde, S.; Mychinko, M.; Heyvaert, W.; Obelleiro-Liz, M.; Criado, A.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Mosquera, J.
Title Tuning the Growth of Chiral Gold Nanoparticles Through Rational Design of a Chiral Molecular Inducer Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Nano Letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett.
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The bottom-up production of chiral gold nanomaterials holds great potential for the advancement of biosensing and nano-optics, among other applications. Reproducible preparations of colloidal nanomaterials with chiral morphology have been reported, using cosurfactants or chiral inducers such as thiolated amino acids. However, the underlying growth mechanisms for these nanomaterials remain insufficiently understood. We introduce herein a purposely devised chiral inducer, a cysteine modified with a hydrophobic chain, as a versatile chiral inducer. The amphiphilic and chiral features of this molecule provide control over the chiral morphology and the chiroptical signature of the obtained nanoparticles by simply varying the concentration of chiral inducer. These results are supported by circular dichroism and electromagnetic modeling as well as electron tomography to analyze structural evolution at the facet scale. Our observations suggest complex roles for the factors involved in chiral synthesis: the chemical nature of the chiral inducers and the influence of cosurfactants.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001092787000001 Publication Date 2023-10-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 10.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes J.M. Taboada and F. Obelleiro are thanked for support with electromagnetic simulations. The authors acknowledge financial support by the European Research Council (ERC CoG No. 815128 REALNANO to S. Bals; ERC AdG No. 787510, 4DbioSERS to L.M.L.-M.) and from MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “ESF Investing in your future” (Grant PID2020-117779RB-I00 to L.M.L.-M., Grant RYC2020-030183-I to A.C., and Grants RYC2019-027842-I, PID2020-117885GA-I00 to J.M.). Approved Most recent IF: 10.8; 2023 IF: 12.712
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:200590 Serial 8963
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Author Ulu Okudur, F.; Batuk, M.; Hadermann, J.; Safari, M.; De Sloovere, D.; Kumar Mylavarapu, S.; Joos, B.; D'Haen, J.; Van Bael, M.K.; Hardy, A.
Title Solution-gel-based surface modification of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ with amorphous Li-Ti-O coating Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication RSC advances Abbreviated Journal
Volume 13 Issue 47 Pages 33146-33158
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract LNMO (LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-delta) is a high-energy density positive electrode material for lithium ion batteries. Unfortunately, it suffers from capacity loss and impedance rise during cycling due to electrolyte oxidation and electrode/electrolyte interface instabilities at high operating voltages. Here, a solution-gel synthesis route was used to coat 0.5-2.5 mu m LNMO particles with amorphous Li-Ti-O (LTO) for improved Li conduction, surface structural stability and cyclability. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) analysis coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) showed Ti-rich amorphous coatings/islands or Ti-rich spinel layers on many of the LTO-modified LNMO facets, with a thickness varying from about 1 to 10 nm. The surface modification in the form of amorphous islands was mostly possible on high-energy crystal facets. Physicochemical observations were used to propose a molecular mechanism for the surface modification, combining insights from metalorganic chemistry with the crystallographic properties of LNMO. The improvements in functional properties were investigated in half cells. The cell impedance increased faster for the bare LNMO compared to amorphous LTO modified LNMO, resulting in R-ct values as high as 1247 Omega (after 1000 cycles) for bare LNMO, against 216 Omega for the modified material. At 10C, the modified material boosted a 15% increase in average discharge capacity. The improvements in electrochemical performance were attributed to the increase in electrochemically active surface area, as well as to improved HF-scavenging, resulting in the formation of protective byproducts, generating a more stable interface during prolonged cycling.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001102666700001 Publication Date 2023-11-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2046-2069 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.9; 2023 IF: 3.108
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202091 Serial 9096
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Author Van Daele, S.; Hintjens, L.; Hoekx, S.; Bohlen, B.; Neukermans, S.; Daems, N.; Hereijgers, J.; Breugelmans, T.
Title How flue gas impurities affect the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to CO and formate Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal
Volume 341 Issue Pages 123345-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The electrochemical CO2 reduction offers a promising solution to convert waste CO2 into valuable products like CO and formate. However, CO2 capture and purification remains an energy intensive process and therefore the direct usage of industrially available waste CO2 streams containing SO2, NO and O2 impurities becomes more interesting. This work demonstrates an efficient (Faradaic efficiency > 90 %) and stable performance over 20 h with 200 ppm SO2 or NO in the feed gas stream. However, the addition of 1 % O2 to the CO2 feed causes a significant drop in Faradaic efficiency to C-products due to the competitive oxygen reduction reaction. A potential mitigation strategy is to operate at higher total current density to firstly reduce most O2 and achieve sufficient product output from CO2 reduction. These results aid in understanding the impact of flue gas impurities during CO2 electrolysis which is crucial for potentially bypassing the CO2 purification step.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001102999000001 Publication Date 2023-10-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 22.1 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 22.1; 2024 IF: 9.446
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199490 Serial 9044
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Author de la Croix, T.; Claes, N.; Eyley, S.; Thielemans, W.; Bals, S.; De Vos, D.
Title Heterogeneous Pt-catalyzed transfer dehydrogenation of long-chain alkanes with ethylene Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Catalysis Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Catal. Sci. Technol.
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The dehydrogenation of long-chain alkanes to olefins and alkylaromatics is a challenging endothermic reaction, typically requiring harsh conditions which can lead to low selectivity and coking. More favorable thermodynamics can be achieved by using a hydrogen acceptor, such as ethylene. In this work, the potential of heterogeneous platinum catalysts for the transfer dehydrogenation of long-chain alkanes is investigated, using ethylene as a convenient hydrogen acceptor. Pt/C and Pt–Sn/C catalysts were prepared<italic>via</italic>a simple polyol method and characterized with CO pulse chemisorption, HAADF-STEM, and EDX measurements. Conversion of ethylene was monitored<italic>via</italic>gas-phase FTIR, and distribution of liquid products was analyzed<italic>via</italic>GC-FID, GC-MS, and 1H-NMR. Compared to unpromoted Pt/C, Sn-promoted catalysts show lower initial reaction rates, but better resistance to catalyst deactivation, while increasing selectivity towards alkylaromatics. Both reaction products and ethylene were found to inhibit the reaction significantly. At 250 °C for 22 h, TON up to 28 and 86 mol per mol Pt were obtained for Pt/C and PtSn<sub>2</sub>/C, respectively, with olefin selectivities of 94% and 53%. The remaining products were mainly unbranched alkylaromatics. These findings show the potential of simple heterogeneous catalysts in alkane transfer dehydrogenation, for the preparation of valuable olefins and alkylaromatics, or as an essential step in various tandem reactions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001104905100001 Publication Date 2023-11-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2044-4753 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes T. de la Croix gratefully acknowledges the support of the Flanders Research Foundation (FWO) under project 11F6622N. D. De Vos is grateful to FWO for support of project G0D3721N, and to KU Leuven for the iBOF project 21/016/C3. S. Bals and N. Claes acknowledge funding from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (ERC Consolidator Grant No. 815128- REALNANO). W. Thielemans and S. Eyley thank KU Leuven (grant C14/18/061) and FWO (G0A1219N) for financial support. Approved Most recent IF: 5; 2023 IF: 5.773
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:201010 Serial 8968
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Author Jenkinson, K.; Spadaro, M.C.; Golovanova, V.; Andreu, T.; Morante, J.R.; Arbiol, J.; Bals, S.
Title Direct operando visualization of metal support interactions induced by hydrogen spillover during CO₂ hydrogenation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Advanced materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 35 Issue 51 Pages 2306447-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The understanding of catalyst active sites is a fundamental challenge for the future rational design of optimized and bespoke catalysts. For instance, the partial reduction of Ce4+ surface sites to Ce3+ and the formation of oxygen vacancies are critical for CO2 hydrogenation, CO oxidation, and the water gas shift reaction. Furthermore, metal nanoparticles, the reducible support, and metal support interactions are prone to evolve under reaction conditions; therefore a catalyst structure must be characterized under operando conditions to identify active states and deduce structure-activity relationships. In the present work, temperature-induced morphological and chemical changes in Ni nanoparticle-decorated mesoporous CeO2 by means of in situ quantitative multimode electron tomography and in situ heating electron energy loss spectroscopy, respectively, are investigated. Moreover, operando electron energy loss spectroscopy is employed using a windowed gas cell and reveals the role of Ni-induced hydrogen spillover on active Ce3+ site formation and enhancement of the overall catalytic performance.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001106139400001 Publication Date 2023-10-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0935-9648 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 29.4 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 29.4; 2023 IF: 19.791
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201143 Serial 9022
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Author Manzaneda-Gonzalez, V.; Jenkinson, K.; Pena-Rodriguez, O.; Borrell-Grueiro, O.; Trivino-Sanchez, S.; Banares, L.; Junquera, E.; Espinosa, A.; Gonzalez-Rubio, G.; Bals, S.; Guerrero-Martinez, A.
Title From multi- to single-hollow trimetallic nanocrystals by ultrafast heating Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 35 Issue 22 Pages 9603-9612
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Metal nanocrystals (NCs) display unique physicochemical features that are highly dependent on nanoparticle dimensions, anisotropy, structure, and composition. The development of synthesis methodologies that allow us to tune such parameters finely emerges as crucial for the application of metal NCs in catalysis, optical materials, or biomedicine. Here, we describe a synthetic methodology to fabricate hollow multimetallic heterostructures using a combination of seed-mediated growth routes and femtosecond-pulsed laser irradiation. The envisaged methodology relies on the coreduction of Ag and Pd ions on gold nanorods (Au NRs) to form Au@PdAg core-shell nanostructures containing small cavities at the Au-PdAg interface. The excitation of Au@PdAg NRs with low fluence femtosecond pulses was employed to induce the coalescence and growth of large cavities, forming multihollow anisotropic Au@PdAg nanostructures. Moreover, single-hollow alloy AuPdAg could be achieved in high yield by increasing the irradiation energy. Advanced electron microscopy techniques, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) tomography, X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, and finite differences in the time domain (FDTD) simulations allowed us to characterize the morphology, structure, and elemental distribution of the irradiated NCs in detail. The ability of the reported synthesis route to fabricate multimetallic NCs with unprecedented hollow nanostructures offers attractive prospects for the fabrication of tailored high-entropy alloy nanoparticles.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001110623500001 Publication Date 2023-11-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756; 1520-5002 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited 2 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2023 IF: 9.466
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202144 Serial 9040
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Author Delfino, C.L.; Hao, Y.; Martin, C.; Minoia, A.; Gopi, E.; Mali, K.S.; Van der Auweraer, M.; Geerts, Y.H.; Van Aert, S.; Lazzaroni, R.; De Feyter, S.
Title Conformation-Dependent Monolayer and Bilayer Structures of an Alkylated TTF Derivative Revealed using STM and Molecular Modeling Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication The Journal of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J. Phys. Chem. C
Volume 127 Issue 47 Pages 23023-23033
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract In this study, the multi-layer self-assembled molecular network formation of an alkylated tetrathiafulvalene compound is studied at the liquid-solid interface between 1-phenyloctane and graphite. A combined theoretical/experimental approach associating force-field and quantum-chemical calculations with scanning tunnelling microscopy is used to determine the two-dimensional self-assembly beyond the monolayer, but also to further the understanding of the molecular adsorption conformation and its impact on the molecular packing within the assemblies at the monolayer and bilayer level.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001111637100001 Publication Date 2023-11-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Financial support from the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO G081518N, G0A3220N) and KU Leuven–Internal Funds (C14/19/079) is acknowledged. This work was in part supported by FWO and F. R. S.-FNRS under the Excellence of Science EOS program (project 30489208 and 40007495). C.M. acknowledges the financial support: Grants PID2021-128761OA-C22 and CNS2022-136052 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 by the “European Union” and SBPLY/21/180501/000127 funded by JCCM and by the EU through “Fondo Europeo de Desarollo Regional” (FEDER). Research in Mons is also supported by the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research (FRS-FNRS) within the Consortium des Équipements de Calcul Intensif – CÉCI, under Grant 2.5020.11, and by the Walloon Region (ZENOBE Tier-1 supercomputer, under grant 1117545). Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 4.536
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:201671 Serial 8974
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Author Gao, C.; Hofer, C.; Pennycook, T.J.
Title On central focusing for contrast optimization in direct electron ptychography of thick samples Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 256 Issue Pages 113879-7
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Ptychography provides high dose efficiency images that can reveal light elements next to heavy atoms. However, despite ptychography having an otherwise single signed contrast transfer function, contrast reversals can occur when the projected potential becomes strong for both direct and iterative inversion ptychography methods. It has recently been shown that these reversals can often be counteracted in direct ptychography methods by adapting the focus. Here we provide an explanation of why the best contrast is often found with the probe focused to the middle of the sample. The phase contribution due to defocus at each sample slice above and below the central plane in this configuration effectively cancels out, which can prevent contrast reversals when dynamical scattering effects are not overly strong. In addition we show that the convergence angle can be an important consideration for removal of contrast reversals in relatively thin samples.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001112166400001 Publication Date 2023-11-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2024 IF: 2.843
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202029 Serial 9066
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Author Yu, CP.; Vega Ibañez, F.; Béché, A.; Verbeeck, J.
Title Quantum wavefront shaping with a 48-element programmable phase plate for electrons Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication SciPost Physics Abbreviated Journal SciPost Phys.
Volume 15 Issue Pages 223
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT)
Abstract We present a 48-element programmable phase plate for coherent electron waves produced by a combination of photolithography and focused ion beam. This brings the highly successful concept of wavefront shaping from light optics into the realm of electron optics and provides an important new degree of freedom to prepare electron quantum states. The phase plate chip is mounted on an aperture rod placed in the C2 plane of a transmission electron microscope operating in the 100-300 kV range. The phase plate's behavior is characterized by a Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm, showing a phase sensitivity of 0.075 rad/mV at 300 kV, with a phase resolution of approximately 3x10e−3π. In addition, we provide a brief overview of possible use cases and support it with both simulated and experimental results.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher SciPost Place of Publication Editor
Language English Wos (up) 001116838500002 Publication Date 2023-12-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2542-4653 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.5 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes This project is the result of a long-term effort involving many differ- ent sources of funding: JV acknowledges funding from an ERC proof of concept project DLV- 789598 ADAPTEM, as well as a University IOF proof of concept project towards launching the AdaptEM spin-off and the eBEAM project, supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program FETPROACT-EIC-07-2020: emerging paradigms and com- munities. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 823717 – ESTEEM3 and via The IMPRESS project from the HORIZON EUROPE framework program for research and innovation under grant agreement n. 101094299. FV, JV, and AB acknowledge funding from G042820N ‘Explor- ing adaptive optics in transmission electron microscopy.’ CPY acknowledges funding from a TOP-BOF project from the University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 5.5; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202037 Serial 8984
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Author Teunissen, J.L.; Braeckevelt, T.; Skvortsova, I.; Guo, J.; Pradhan, B.; Debroye, E.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.; Hofkens, J.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S.; Rogge, S.M.J.; Van Speybroeck, V.
Title Additivity of Atomic Strain Fields as a Tool to Strain-Engineering Phase-Stabilized CsPbI3Perovskites Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication The Journal of Physical Chemistry C Abbreviated Journal J. Phys. Chem. C
Volume 127 Issue 48 Pages 23400-23411
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract CsPbI3 is a promising perovskite material for photovoltaic applications in its photoactive perovskite or black phase. However, the material degrades to a photovoltaically inactive or yellow phase at room temperature. Various mitigation strategies are currently being developed to increase the lifetime of the black phase, many of which rely on inducing strains in the material that hinder the black-to-yellow phase transition. Physical insight into how these strategies exactly induce strain as well as knowledge of the spatial extent over which these strains impact the material is crucial to optimize these approaches but is still lacking. Herein, we combine machine learning potential-based molecular dynamics simulations with our in silico strain engineering approach to accurately quantify strained large-scale atomic structures on a nanosecond time scale. To this end, we first model the strain fields introduced by atomic substitutions as they form the most elementary strain sources. We demonstrate that the magnitude of the induced strain fields decays exponentially with the distance from the strain source, following a decay rate that is largely independent of the specific substitution. Second, we show that the total strain field induced by multiple strain sources can be predicted to an excellent approximation by summing the strain fields of each individual source. Finally, through a case study, we illustrate how this additive character allows us to explain how complex strain fields, induced by spatially extended strain sources, can be predicted by adequately combining the strain fields caused by local strain sources. Hence, the strain additivity proposed here can be adopted to further our insight into the complex strain behavior in perovskites and to design strain from the atomic level onward to enhance their sought-after phase stability.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001116862000001 Publication Date 2023-12-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-7447 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by iBOF-21-085 PERsist (Special Research Fund of Ghent University, KU Leuven Research Fund, and the Research Fund of the University of Antwerp). S.M.J.R., T.B., and B.P. acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO) through two postdoctoral fellow- ships [grant nos. 12T3522N (S.M.J.R.) and 1275521N (B.P.)] and an SB-FWO fellowship [grant no. 1SC1319 (T.B.)]. E.D., M.B.J.R., and J.H. acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO, grant nos. G.0B39.15, G.0B49.15, G098319N, S002019N, S004322N, and ZW15_09- GOH6316). J.H. acknowledges support from the Flemish government through long-term structural funding Methusalem (CASAS2, Meth/15/04) and the MPI as an MPI fellow. S.V.A. and S.B. acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO, grant no. G0A7723N). S.M.J.R. and V.V.S. acknowledge funding from the Research Board of Ghent University (BOF). The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center), funded by the Research Foundation- Flanders (FWO) and the Flemish Government�department EWI.; KU Leuven, iBOF-21-085 PERsist ; Universiteit Antwerpen, iBOF-21-085 PERsist ; Universiteit Gent, iBOF-21-085 PERsist ; Vlaamse regering, CASAS2, Meth/15/04 ; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G.0B39.15 G098319N G.0B49.15 1SC1319 12T3522N ZW15 09-GOH6316 G0A7723N 1275521N S004322N S002019N ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2023 IF: 4.536
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202124 Serial 8985
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Author Johnson, G.; Yang, M.Y.; Liu, C.; Zhou, H.; Zuo, X.; Dickie, D.A.; Wang, S.; Gao, W.; Anaclet, B.; Perras, F.A.; Ma, F.; Zeng, C.; Wang, D.; Bals, S.; Dai, S.; Xu, Z.; Liu, G.; Goddard III, W.A.; Zhang, S.
Title Nanocluster superstructures assembled via surface ligand switching at high temperature Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Nature synthesis Abbreviated Journal
Volume 2 Issue 9 Pages 828-837
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Superstructures with nanoscale building blocks, when coupled with precise control of the constituent units, open opportunities in rationally designing and manufacturing desired functional materials. Yet, synthetic strategies for the large-scale production of superstructures are scarce. We report a scalable and generalized approach to synthesizing superstructures assembled from atomically precise Ce24O28(OH)8 and other rare-earth metal-oxide nanoclusters alongside a detailed description of the self-assembly mechanism. Combining operando small-angle X-ray scattering, ex situ molecular and structural characterizations, and molecular dynamics simulations indicates that a high-temperature ligand-switching mechanism, from oleate to benzoate, governs the formation of the nanocluster assembly. The chemical tuning of surface ligands controls superstructure disassembly and reassembly, and furthermore, enables the synthesis of multicomponent superstructures. This synthetic approach, and the accurate mechanistic understanding, are promising for the preparation of superstructures for use in electronics, plasmonics, magnetics and catalysis. Synthesizing superstructures with precisely controlled nanoscale building blocks is challenging. Here the assembly of superstructures is reported from atomically precise Ce24O28(OH)8 and other rare-earth metal-oxide nanoclusters and their multicomponent combinations. A high-temperature ligand-switching mechanism controls the self-assembly.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001124824000001 Publication Date 2023-05-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 2 Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202180 Serial 9060
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Author Mary Joy, R.; Pobedinskas, P.; Baule, N.; Bai, S.; Jannis, D.; Gauquelin, N.; Pinault-Thaury, M.-A.; Jomard, F.; Sankaran, K.J.; Rouzbahani, R.; Lloret, F.; Desta, D.; D’Haen, J.; Verbeeck, J.; Becker, M.F.; Haenen, K.
Title The effect of microstructure and film composition on the mechanical properties of linear antenna CVD diamond thin films Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Acta materialia Abbreviated Journal Acta Materialia
Volume 264 Issue Pages 119548
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract This study reports the impact of film microstructure and composition on the Young’s modulus and residual stress in nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films ( thick) grown on silicon substrates using a linear antenna microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. Combining laser acoustic wave spectroscopy to determine the elastic properties with simple wafer curvature measurements, a straightforward method to determine the intrinsic stress in NCD films is presented. Two deposition parameters are varied: (1) the substrate temperature from 400 °C to 900 °C, and (2) the [P]/[C] ratio from 0 ppm to 8090 ppm in the H2/CH4/CO2/PH3 diamond CVD plasma. The introduction of PH3 induces a transition in the morphology of the diamond film, shifting from NCD with larger grains to ultra-NCD with a smaller grain size, concurrently resulting in a decrease in Young’s modulus. Results show that the highest Young’s modulus of (113050) GPa for the undoped NCD deposited at 800 °C is comparable to single crystal diamond, indicating that NCD with excellent mechanical properties is achievable with our process for thin diamond films. Based on the film stress results, we propose the origins of tensile intrinsic stress in the diamond films. In NCD, the tensile intrinsic stress is attributed to larger grain size, while in ultra-NCD films the tensile intrinsic stress is due to grain boundaries and impurities.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001126632800001 Publication Date 2023-11-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1359-6454 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This work was financially supported by the Special Research Fund (BOF) via Methusalem NANO network, the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) via Project G0D4920N, and the CORNET project nr 263-EN “ULTRAHARD: Ultrahard optical diamond coatings” (2020–2021). Approved Most recent IF: 9.4; 2024 IF: 5.301
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202169 Serial 8989
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Author Calogiuri, T.; Hagens, M.; Van Groenigen, J.W.; Corbett, T.; Hartmann, J.; Hendriksen, R.; Janssens, I.; Janssens, I.A.; Ledesma Dominguez, G.; Loescher, G.; Mortier, S.; Neubeck, A.; Niron, H.; Poetra, R.P.; Rieder, L.; Struyf, E.; Van Tendeloo, M.; De Schepper, T.; Verdonck, T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Vicca, S.; Vidal, A.
Title Design and construction of an experimental setup to enhance mineral weathering through the activity of soil organisms Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of visualized experiments Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 201 Pages e65563-30
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Internet Data Lab (IDLab); Applied mathematics; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change
Abstract Enhanced weathering (EW) is an emerging carbon dioxide (CO2) removal technology that can contribute to climate change mitigation. This technology relies on accelerating the natural process of mineral weathering in soils by manipulating the abiotic variables that govern this process, in particular mineral grain size and exposure to acids dissolved in water. EW mainly aims at reducing atmospheric CO2 concentrations by enhancing inorganic carbon sequestration. Until now, knowledge of EW has been mainly gained through experiments that focused on the abiotic variables known for stimulating mineral weathering, thereby neglecting the potential influence of biotic components. While bacteria, fungi, and earthworms are known to increase mineral weathering rates, the use of soil organisms in the context of EW remains underexplored. This protocol describes the design and construction of an experimental setup developed to enhance mineral weathering rates through soil organisms while concurrently controlling abiotic conditions. The setup is designed to maximize weathering rates while maintaining soil organisms' activity. It consists of a large number of columns filled with rock powder and organic material, located in a climate chamber and with water applied via a downflow irrigation system. Columns are placed above a fridge containing jerrycans to collect the leachate. Representative results demonstrate that this setup is suitable to ensure the activity of soil organisms and quantify their effect on inorganic carbon sequestration. Challenges remain in minimizing leachate losses, ensuring homogeneous ventilation through the climate chamber, and avoiding flooding of the columns. With this setup, an innovative and promising approach is proposed to enhance mineral weathering rates through the activity of soil biota and disentangle the effect of biotic and abiotic factors as drivers of EW.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001127854400015 Publication Date 2023-11-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1940-087x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 1.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.2; 2023 IF: 1.232
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200770 Serial 9019
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Author Mayda, S.; Monico, L.; Krishnan, D.; De Meyer, S.; Cotte, M.; Garrevoet, J.; Falkenberg, G.; Sandu, I.C.A.; Partoens, B.; Lamoen, D.; Romani, A.; Miliani, C.; Verbeeck, J.; Janssens, K.
Title A combined experimental and computational approach to understanding CdS pigment oxidation in a renowned early 20th century painting Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 35 Issue 24 Pages 10403-10415
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Abstract Cadmium sulfide (CdS)-based yellow pigments have been used in a number of early 20th century artworks, including The Scream series painted by Edvard Munch. Some of these unique paintings are threatened by the discoloration of these CdS-based yellow oil paints because of the oxidation of the original sulfides to sulfates. The experimental data obtained here prove that moisture and cadmium chloride compounds play a key role in promoting such oxidation. To clarify how these two factors effectively prompt the process, we studied the band alignment between CdS, CdCl2, and Cd-(OH)Cl as well as the radicals center dot OH and H3O center dot by density functional theory (DFT) methods. Our results show that a stack of several layers of Cd-(OH)Cl creates a pocket of positive holes at the Cl-terminated surface and a pocket of electrons at the OH-terminated surface by leading in a difference in ionization energy at both surfaces. The resulting band alignment indicates that Cd-(OH)Cl can indeed play the role of an oxidative catalyst for CdS in a moist environment, thus providing an explanation for the experimental evidence.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001133000900001 Publication Date 2023-12-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756; 1520-5002 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited Open Access
Notes The experimental research on the cadmium yellow powders/paint mock-ups and The Scream (ca. 1910) was financially supported by the European Union, research projects IPERION-CH (H2020-INFRAIA-2014-2015, GA no. 654028) and IPERION-HS (H2020-INFRAIA-2019-1, GA no. 871034) and the project AMIS within the program Dipartimenti di Eccellenza 2018-2022 (funded by MUR and the University of Perugia). For the beamtime grants received, the authors thank the ESRF-ID21 beamline (experiments HG64 and HG95), the DESY-P06 beamline, a member of the Helmholtz Association HGF (experiments I-20130221 EC and I-20160126 EC), and the project CALIPSOplus under the GA no. 730872 from the E.U. Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020. All of the staff of the MUNCH Museum (Conservation Department) is acknowledged for their collaboration. The computational resources and services used in this work were provided by the VSC (Flemish Supercomputer Center) and the HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp (CalcUA), both funded by the FWO – Vlaanderen and the Flemish Government, Department EWI. Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2023 IF: 9.466
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202836 Serial 8999
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Author Bagherpour, A.; Baral, P.; Colla, M.-S.; Orekhov, A.; Idrissi, H.; Haye, E.; Pardoen, T.; Lucas, S.
Title Tailoring Mechanical Properties of a-C:H:Cr Coatings Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Coatings Abbreviated Journal Coatings
Volume 13 Issue 12 Pages 2084
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Abstract The development of coatings with tunable performances is critical to meet a wide range of technological applications each one with different requirements. Using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process, scientists can create hydrogenated amorphous carbon coatings doped with metal (a-C:H:Me) with a broad range of mechanical properties, varying from those resembling polymers to ones resembling diamond. These diverse properties, without clear relations between the different families, make the material selection and optimization difficult but also very rich. An innovative approach is proposed here based on projected performance indices related to fracture energy, strength, and stiffness in order to classify and optimize a-C:H:Me coatings. Four different a-C:H:Cr coatings deposited by PECVD with Ar/C2H2 discharge under different bias voltage and pressures are investigated. A path is found to produce coatings with a selective critical energy release rate between 5–125 J/m2 without compromising yield strength (1.6–2.7 GPa) and elastic limit (≈0.05). Finally, fine-tuned coatings are categorized to meet desired applications under different testing conditions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001136013600001 Publication Date 2023-12-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2079-6412 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Walloon region under the PDR FNRS, C 62/5—PDR/OL 33677636 ; Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research, CDR—J.0113.20 ; National Fund for Scientific Reaserch; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202390 Serial 8982
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Author Liang, Z.; Batuk, M.; Orlandi, F.; Manuel, P.; Hadermann, J.; Hayward, M.A.
Title Disproportionation of Co2+ in the topochemically reduced oxide LaSrCoRuO₅ Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English Abbreviated Journal
Volume 63 Issue 6 Pages e202313067-5
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Complex transition-metal oxides exhibit a wide variety of chemical and physical properties which are a strong function the local electronic states of the transition-metal centres, as determined by a combination of metal oxidation state and local coordination environment. Topochemical reduction of the double perovskite oxide, LaSrCoRuO6, using Zr, yields LaSrCoRuO5. This reduced phase contains an ordered array of apex-linked square-based pyramidal Ru3+O5, square-planar Co1+O4 and octahedral Co3+O6 units, consistent with the coordination-geometry driven disproportionation of Co2+. Coordination-geometry driven disproportionation of d(7) transition-metal cations (e.g. Rh2+, Pd3+, Pt3+) is common in complex oxides containing 4d and 5d metals. However, the weak ligand field experienced by a 3d transition-metal such as cobalt leads to the expectation that d(7+) Co2+ should be stable to disproportionation in oxide environments, so the presence of Co1+O4 and Co3+O6 units in LaSrCoRuO5 is surprising. Low-temperature measurements indicate LaSrCoRuO5 adopts a ferromagnetically ordered state below 120 K due to couplings between S=(1)/(2) Ru3+ and S=1 Co1+.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001136579700001 Publication Date 2023-12-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1433-7851; 0570-0833 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2024 IF: 11.994
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202801 Serial 9023
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Author Lobato, I.; Friedrich, T.; Van Aert, S.
Title Deep convolutional neural networks to restore single-shot electron microscopy images Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication N P J Computational Materials Abbreviated Journal npj Comput Mater
Volume 10 Issue 1 Pages 10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Advanced electron microscopy techniques, including scanning electron microscopes (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEM), and transmission electron microscopes (TEM), have revolutionized imaging capabilities. However, achieving high-quality experimental images remains a challenge due to various distortions stemming from the instrumentation and external factors. These distortions, introduced at different stages of imaging, hinder the extraction of reliable quantitative insights. In this paper, we will discuss the main sources of distortion in TEM and S(T)EM images, develop models to describe them, and propose a method to correct these distortions using a convolutional neural network. We validate the effectiveness of our method on a range of simulated and experimental images, demonstrating its ability to significantly enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. This improvement leads to a more reliable extraction of quantitative structural information from the images. In summary, our findings offer a robust framework to enhance the quality of electron microscopy images, which in turn supports progress in structural analysis and quantification in materials science and biology.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001138183000001 Publication Date 2024-01-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2057-3960 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S.V.A.). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G034621N, G0A7723N and EOS 40007495). S.V.A. acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research Fund (BOF). The authors thank Lukas Grünewald for data acquisition and support for Fig. 7. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202714 Serial 8994
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Author Hugenschmidt, M.; Jannis, D.; Kadu, A.A.; Grünewald, L.; De Marchi, S.; Perez-Juste, J.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S.
Title Low-dose 4D-STEM tomography for beam-sensitive nanocomposites Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication ACS materials letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume 6 Issue 1 Pages 165-173
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Electron tomography is essential for investigating the three-dimensional (3D) structure of nanomaterials. However, many of these materials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), are extremely sensitive to electron radiation, making it difficult to acquire a series of projection images for electron tomography without inducing electron-beam damage. Another significant challenge is the high contrast in high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy that can be expected for nanocomposites composed of a metal nanoparticle and an MOF. This strong contrast leads to so-called metal artifacts in the 3D reconstruction. To overcome these limitations, we here present low-dose electron tomography based on four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) data sets, collected using an ultrafast and highly sensitive direct electron detector. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the applicability of the method for an Au nanostar embedded in a ZIF-8 MOF, which is of great interest for applications in various fields, including drug delivery.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001141178500001 Publication Date 2023-12-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2639-4979 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 815128 REALNANO to S.B., Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S.V.A.). J.P.-J. and S.M. acknowledge financial support from the MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Grants No. PID2019-108954RB-I00) and EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 883390 (SERSing). J.V., S.B., S.V.A., and L.G. acknowledge funding from the Flemish government (iBOF-21-085 PERsist). Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202771 Serial 9053
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Author Ding, L.; Zhao, M.; Ehlers, F.J.H.; Jia, Z.; Zhang, Z.; Weng, Y.; Schryvers, D.; Liu, Q.; Idrissi, H.
Title “Branched” structural transformation of the L12-Al3Zr phase manipulated by Cu substitution/segregation in the Al-Cu-Zr alloy system Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Journal of materials science & technology Abbreviated Journal Journal of Materials Science & Technology
Volume 185 Issue Pages 186-206
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract The effect of Cu on the evolution of the Al3Zr phase in an Al-Cu-Zr cast alloy during solution treatment at 500 °C has been thoroughly studied by combining atomic resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and first-principles cal- culations. The heat treatment initially produces a pure L12-Al3Zr microstructure, allowing for about 13 % Cu to be incorporated in the dispersoid. Cu incorporation increases the energy barrier for anti-phase boundary (APB) activation, thus stabilizing the L12 structure. Additional heating leads to a Cu-induced “branched”path for the L12 structural transformation, with the latter process accelerated once the first APB has been created. Cu atoms may either (i) be repelled by the APBs, promoting the transformation to a Cu-poor D023 phase, or (ii) they may segregate at one Al-Zr layer adjacent to the APB, promoting a transformation to a new thermodynamically favored phase, Al4CuZr, formed when these segregation layers are periodically arranged. Theoretical studies suggest that the branching of the L12 transformation path is linked to the speed at which an APB is created, with Cu attraction triggered by a comparatively slow process. This unexpected transformation behavior of the L12-Al3Zr phase opens a new path to understanding, and potentially regulating the Al3Zr dispersoid evolution for high temperature applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001154261100001 Publication Date 2023-12-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1005-0302 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 10.9 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program (No. 2020YFA0405900), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52371111 and U2141215 ), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (No. BE2022159 ). We are grateful to the High Performance Computing Center of Nanjing Tech University for supporting the computational resources. H. Idrissi is mandated by the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research (FSR- FNRS). Approved Most recent IF: 10.9; 2024 IF: 2.764
Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:202392 Serial 8981
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Author Van den Hoek, J.; Daems, N.; Arnouts, S.; Hoekx, S.; Bals, S.; Breugelmans, T.
Title Improving stability of CO₂ electroreduction by incorporating Ag NPs in N-doped ordered mesoporous carbon structures Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication ACS applied materials and interfaces Abbreviated Journal
Volume 16 Issue 6 Pages 6931-6947
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Abstract The electroreduction of carbon dioxide (eCO2RR) to CO using Ag nanoparticles as an electrocatalyst is promising as an industrial carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technique to mitigate CO2 emissions. Nevertheless, the long-term stability of these Ag nanoparticles has been insufficient despite initial high Faradaic efficiencies and/or partial current densities. To improve the stability, we evaluated an up-scalable and easily tunable synthesis route to deposit low-weight percentages of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on and into the framework of a nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (NOMC) structure. By exploiting this so-called nanoparticle confinement strategy, the nanoparticle mobility under operation is strongly reduced. As a result, particle detachment and agglomeration, two of the most pronounced electrocatalytic degradation mechanisms, are (partially) blocked and catalyst durability is improved. Several synthesis parameters, such as the anchoring agent, the weight percentage of Ag NPs, and the type of carbonaceous support material, were modified in a controlled manner to evaluate their respective impact on the overall electrochemical performance, with a strong emphasis on operational stability. The resulting powders were evaluated through electrochemical and physicochemical characterization methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2-physisorption, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), STEM-EDS, electron tomography, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The optimized Ag/soft-NOMC catalysts showed both a promising selectivity (∼80%) and stability compared with commercial Ag NPs while decreasing the loading of the transition metal by more than 50%. The stability of both the 5 and 10 wt % Ag/soft-NOMC catalysts showed considerable improvements by anchoring the Ag NPs on and into a NOMC framework, resulting in a 267% improvement in CO selectivity after 72 h (despite initial losses) compared to commercial Ag NPs. These results demonstrate the promising strategy of anchoring Ag NPs to improve the CO selectivity during prolonged experiments due to the reduced mobility of the Ag NPs and thus enhanced stability.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001158812100001 Publication Date 2023-12-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 21.06.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.5; 2024 IF: 7.504
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202309 Serial 9045
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Author Wang, G.; Xie, C.; Wang, H.; Li, Q.; Xia, F.; Zeng, W.; Peng, H.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Tan, G.; Tian, J.; Wu, J.
Title Mitigated oxygen loss in lithium-rich manganese-based cathode enabled by strong Zr-O affinity Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Advanced functional materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 2313672
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Oxygen loss is a serious problem of lithium-rich layered oxide (LLO) cathodes, as the high capacity of LLO relies on reversible oxygen redox. Oxygen release can occur at the surface leading to the formation of spinel or rock salt structures. Also, the lattice oxygen will usually become unstable after long cycling, which remains a major roadblock in the application of LLO. Here, it is shown that Zr doping is an effective strategy to retain lattice oxygen in LLO due to the high affinity between Zr and O. A simple sol-gel method is used to dope Zr4+ into the LLOs to adjust the local electronic structure and inhibit the diffusion of oxygen anions to the surface during cycling. Compared with untreated LLOs, LLO-Zr cathodes exhibit a higher cycling stability, with 94% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 0.4 C, up to 223 mAh g-1 at 1 C, and 88% capacity retention after 300 cycles. Theoretical calculations show that due to the strong Zr-O covalent bonding, the formation energy of oxygen vacancies has effectively increased and the loss of lattice oxygen under high voltage can be suppressed. This study provides a simple method for developing high-capacity and cyclability Li-rich cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Oxygen release can occur at the cathode surface leading to the formation of spinel or rock salt structures. Here, it is shown that Zr doping is an effective strategy to retain lattice oxygen in lithium-rich layered oxides (LLO) due to the high affinity between Zr and O. LLO-Zr exhibit higher cycling stability, with 88% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 1 C. image
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 001159843800001 Publication Date 2024-02-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1616-301x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 19 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 19; 2024 IF: 12.124
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:203812 Serial 9161
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