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“Observation of nanostripes and -clusters in (Nd, EuGd)Ba2Cu3Ox superconductors”. Koblischka MR, Winter M, Das P, Koblischka-Veneva A, Muralidhar M, Wolf T, Babu NH, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, Hartmann U, Physica: C : superconductivity 469, 168 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2009.01.007
Abstract: Nanostripes are observed in melt-textured and single-crystalline samples of the ternary light rare earth (LRE)-compound (Nd0.33Eu0.33Gd0.33)Ba2Cu3Ox (NEG) by means of atomic force microscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy at ambient conditions, combined with transmission electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. This enables the observation of several important features: The nanostripes are formed by chains of nanoclusters, representing the LRE/Ba substitution. The dimensions of the nanostripes are similar for both types of NEG samples. The periodicity of the nanostripes is found to range between 40 and 60 nm; the shape of the nanoclusters is elliptic with a major axis length between 300 and 500 nm and a minor axis length of about 30150 nm. The stripes are filling effectively the space in between the twin boundaries. Concerning the flux pinning, the nanoclusters are the important pinning sites, not the nanostripes themselves.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2009.01.007
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“Dielectric mismatch effect on coupled impurity states in a freestanding nanowire”. Li B, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Magnus W, Microelectronics journal 40, 446 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.mejo.2008.06.028
Abstract: We studied the coupled impurity states in a freestanding semiconductor nanowire (NW), within the effective mass approximation and including the effect of the dielectric mismatch, by using finite element method. Bonding and anti-bonding states are found and their energies converge with increasing distance di between the two impurities. The dependence of the binding energy on the wire radius R and the distance di between the two impurities is investigated, and we compare it with the result of a freestanding NW that contains a single impurity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.163
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/j.mejo.2008.06.028
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“Ground state configurations and melting of two-dimensional non-uniformly charged classical clusters”. Tomecka DM, Kamieniarz G, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 21, 155301 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/21/15/155301
Abstract: We consider classical two-dimensional (2D) Coulomb clusters consisting of two species containing five particles with charge q1 and five with charge q2, respectively. Using Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we investigated the ground state configurations as well as radial and angular displacements of particles as a function of temperature and their dependence on the ratio q = q2/q1. We found new configurations and a new multi-step melting behavior for q sufficiently different from the uniform charge limit q = 1.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/21/15/155301
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“Aqueous solubility calculation for petroleum mixtures in soil using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography analysis data”. Mao D, Lookman R, van de Weghe H, Vanermen G, de Brucker N, Diels L, Journal of chromatography : A 1216, 2873 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHROMA.2008.08.072
Abstract: An assessment of aqueous solubility (leaching potential) of soil contaminations with petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) is important in the context of the evaluation of (migration) risks and soil/groundwater remediation. Field measurements using monitoring wells often overestimate real TPH concentrations in case of presence of pure oil in the screened interval of the well. This paper presents a method to calculate TPH equilibrium concentrations in groundwater using soil analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography followed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (HPLCGCXGC). The oil in the soil sample is divided into 79 defined hydrocarbon fractions on two GCXGC color plots. To each of these fractions a representative water solubility is assigned. Overall equilibrium water solubility of the non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) present in the sample and the water phase's chemical composition (in terms of the 79 fractions defined) are then calculated using Raoult's law. The calculation method was validated using soil spiked with 13 different TPH mixtures and 1 field-contaminated soil. Measured water solubilities using a column recirculation equilibration experiment agreed well to calculated equilibrium concentrations and water phase TPH composition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHROMA.2008.08.072
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“Characterization of a degraded cadmium yellow (CdS) pigment in an oil painting by means of synchrotron radiation based X-ray techniques”. van der Snickt G, Dik J, Cotte M, Janssens K, Jaroszewicz J, de Nolf W, Groenewegen J, van der Loeff L, Analytical chemistry 81, 2600 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1021/AC802518Z
Abstract: On several paintings of James Ensor (1860−1949), a gradual fading of originally bright yellow areas, painted with the pigment cadmium yellow (CdS), is observed. Additionally, in some areas exposed to light, the formation of small white-colored globules on top of the original paint surface is observed. In this paper the chemical transformation leading to the color change and to the formation of the globules is elucidated. Microscopic X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (ì-XANES) experiments show that sulfur, originally present in sulfidic form (S2−), is oxidized during the transformation to the sulfate form (S6+). Upon formation (at or immediately below the surface), the highly soluble cadmium sulfate is assumed to be transported to the surface in solution and reprecipitates there, forming the whitish globules. The presence of cadmium sulfate (CdSO4·2H2O) and ammonium cadmium sulfate [(NH4)2Cd(SO4)2] at the surface is confirmed by microscopic X-ray diffraction measurements, where the latter salt is suspected to result from a secondary reaction of cadmium sulfate with ammonia. Measurements performed on cross sections reveal that the oxidation front has penetrated into the yellow paint down to ca. 1−2 ìm. The morphology and elemental distribution of the paint and degradation product were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy-dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) and synchrotron radiation based micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (SR ì-XRF). In addition, ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence photography (UIVFP) revealed itself to be a straightforward technique for documenting the occurrence of this specific kind of degradation on a macroscale by painting conservators.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 6.32
Times cited: 91
DOI: 10.1021/AC802518Z
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“Modeling of chemical processes in the low pressure capacitive radio frequency discharges in a mixture of Ar/C2H2”. Ariskin DA, Schweigert IV, Alexandrov AL, Bogaerts A, Peeters FM, Journal of applied physics 105, 063305 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3095760
Abstract: We study the properties of a capacitive 13.56 MHz discharge with a mixture of Ar/C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub> taking into account the plasmochemistry and growth of heavy hydrocarbons. A hybrid model was developed to combine the kinetic description for electron motion and the fluid approach for negative and positive ion transports and plasmochemical processes. A significant change in plasma parameters related to injection of 5.8% portion of acetylene in argon was observed and analyzed. We found that the electronegativity of the mixture is about 30%. The densities of negatively and positively charged heavy hydrocarbons are sufficiently large to be precursors for the formation of nanoparticles in the discharge volume.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 21
DOI: 10.1063/1.3095760
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“Quantitative three-dimensional modeling of zeotile through discrete electron tomography”. Bals S, Batenburg KJ, Liang D, Lebedev O, Van Tendeloo G, Aerts A, Martens JA, Kirschhock CE, Journal of the American Chemical Society 131, 4769 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja8089125
Abstract: Discrete electron tomography is a new approach for three-dimensional reconstruction of nanoscale objects. The technique exploits prior knowledge of the object to be reconstructed, which results in an improvement of the quality of the reconstructions. Through the combination of conventional transmission electron microscopy and discrete electron tomography with a model-based approach, quantitative structure determination becomes possible. In the present work, this approach is used to unravel the building scheme of Zeotile-4, a silica material with two levels of structural order. The layer sequence of slab-shaped building units could be identified. Successive layers were found to be related by a rotation of 120°, resulting in a hexagonal space group. The Zeotile-4 material is a demonstration of the concept of successive structuring of silica at two levels. At the first level, the colloid chemical properties of Silicalite-1 precursors are exploited to create building units with a slablike geometry. At the second level, the slablike units are tiled using a triblock copolymer to serve as a mesoscale structuring agent.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 58
DOI: 10.1021/ja8089125
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“Contact sponge method : performance of a promising tool for measuring the initial water absorption”. Vandevoorde D, Pamplona M, Schalm O, Vanhellemont Y, Cnudde V, Verhaeven E, Journal of cultural heritage 10, 41 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CULHER.2008.10.002
Abstract: Porous limestone and mortar are able to absorb large quantities of water. This phenomenon will accelerate the deterioration of the material. In such cases, the material might be treated with a hydrophobic product, which creates a superficial layer that hampers the penetration of water. In order to decide if such a treatment should be applied or not, the water absorbing behaviour of the material should be measured. With the same measuring technique the efficiency of the hydrophobic barrier can be evaluated. Moreover, it allows the monitoring of such barriers as a function of time. At the same time, the water absorption of porous stone material is an indication of the degree of deterioration and its sensitivity to future deterioration. Up to now, two different measuring techniques exist, but one can only be used in laboratory and the other, which can be operated in laboratory as well as in situ, is not always reliable for in situ analyses. This article proposes an alternative method: the contact sponge method. This recently developed method was tested on non-treated porous stone materials in a laboratory environment in order to evaluate its performance in comparison with the two existing methods.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CULHER.2008.10.002
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“Temperature-dependent Debye-Waller factors for semiconductors with the wurtzite-type structure”. Schowalter M, Rosenauer A, Titantah JT, Lamoen D, Acta crystallographica: section A: foundations of crystallography 65, 227 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1107/S0108767309004966
Abstract: We computed Debye-Waller factors in the temperature range from 0.1 to 1000 K for AlN, GaN, InN, ZnO and CdO with the wurtzite-type structure. The Debye-Waller factors were derived from phonon densities of states obtained from Hellmann-Feynman forces computed within the density-functional-theory formalism. The temperature dependences of the Debye-Waller factors were fitted and fit parameters are given.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 5.725
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1107/S0108767309004966
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“Swift heavy ion irradiation of Cu-Zn-Al and Cu-Al-Ni alloys”. Zelaya E, Tolley A, Condo AM, Schumacher G, Journal of physics : condensed matter 21, 185009 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/21/18/185009
Abstract: The effects produced by swift heavy ions in the martensitic (18R) and austenitic phase (beta) of Cu based shape memory alloys were characterized. Single crystal samples with a surface normal close to [210](18R) and [001](beta) were irradiated with 200 MeV of Kr(15+), 230 MeV of Xe(15+), 350 and 600 MeV of Au(26+) and Au(29+). Changes in the microstructure were studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). It was found that swift heavy ion irradiation induced nanometer sized defects in the 18R martensitic phase. In contrast, a hexagonal close-packed phase formed on the irradiated surface of beta phase samples. HRTEM images of the nanometer sized defects observed in the 18R martensitic phase were compared with computer simulated images in order to interpret the origin of the observed contrast. The best agreement was obtained when the defects were assumed to consist of local composition modulations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/21/18/185009
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“Direct room-temperature synthesis of methyl-functionalized Ti-MCM-41 nanoparticles and their catalytic performance in epoxidation”. Lin K, Pescarmona PP, Houthoofd K, Liang D, Van Tendeloo G, Jacobs PA, Journal of catalysis 263, 75 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcat.2009.01.013
Abstract: Methyl-functionalized Ti-MCM-41 nanoparticles with a size of 80 to 160 nm (Me-Ti-MCM-41 NP) were directly prepared via a dilute solution route by the co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane and methylalkoxysilanes in sodium hydroxide medium at room temperature. The characterization results showed the existence of ordered hexagonal mesoporous structure and tetrahedral Ti species in the nanoparticles. In the epoxidation of cyclohexene with tert-butyl hydroperoxide and aqueous H2O2, Me-Ti-MCM-41 NP samples displayed higher turnover frequencies (TOFs) for cyclohexene and initial reaction rates compared to Ti-MCM-41 and methyl-functionalized Ti-MCM-41 with normal particle size and to non-functionalized Ti-MCM-41 nanoparticles. Simultaneously, a higher selectivity for cyclohexene epoxide was observed in the case of aqueous H2O2, suggesting that the hydrolysis of cyclohexene epoxide with water is reduced on Me-Ti-MCM-41 NP samples. The improved catalytic behavior of Me-Ti-MCM-41 NP is discussed both in terms of the nanosize and methylation of the surface of the catalyst particles. The regeneration of Me-Ti-MCM-41 NP with tert-butyl hydroperoxide solution was evaluated via washing and calcination approaches.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.844
Times cited: 89
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2009.01.013
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“Tomographic spectroscopic imaging, an experimental proof of concept”. van den Broek W, Verbeeck J, Schryvers D, de Backer S, Scheunders P, Ultramicroscopy 109, 296 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2008.11.022
Abstract: Recording the electron energy loss spectroscopy data cube with a series of energy filtered images is a dose inefficient process because the energy slit blocks most of the electrons. When recording the data cube by scanning an electron probe over the sample, perfect dose efficiency is attained; but due to the low current in nanoprobes, this often is slower, with a smaller field of view. In W. Van den Broek et al. [Ultramicroscopy, 106 (2006) 269], we proposed a new method to record the data cube, which is more dose efficient than an energy filtered series. It produces a set of projections of the data cube and then tomographically reconstructs it. In this article, we demonstrate these projections in practice, we present a simple geometrical model that allows for quantification of the projection angles and we present the first successful experimental reconstruction, all on a standard post-column instrument.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2008.11.022
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“Image simulation of high resolution energy filtered TEM images”. Verbeeck J, Sc hattschneider P, Rosenauer A, Ultramicroscopy 109, 350 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2009.01.003
Abstract: Inelastic image simulation software is presented, implementing the double channeling approximation which takes into account the combination of multiple elastic and single inelastic scattering in a crystal. The approach is described with a density matrix formalism. Two applications in high resolution energy filtered (EFTEM) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images are presented: thickness-defocus maps for SrTiO3 and exit plane intensities for an (LaAlO3)3(SrTiO3)3 multilayer system. Both systems show a severe breakdown in direct interpretability which becomes worse for higher acceleration voltages, thicker samples and lower excitation edge energies. Since this effect already occurs in the exit plane intensity, it is a fundamental limit and image simulations in EFTEM are indispensable just as they are indispensable for elastic high resolution TEM images.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2009.01.003
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“Is there a relationship between the stacking fault character and the activated mode of plasticity of FeMn-based austenitic steels?”.Idrissi H, Ryelandt L, Veron M, Schryvers D, Jacques PJ, Scripta materialia 60, 941 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2009.01.040
Abstract: By changing the testing temperature, an austenitic FeMnAlSi alloy presents either å-martensite transformation or mechanical twinning during straining. In order to understand the nucleation and growth mechanisms involved in both phenomena, defects and particularly stacking faults, were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. It is observed that the character of the stacking faults also changes (from extrinsic to intrinsic) together with the temperature and the activated mode of plasticity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.747
Times cited: 84
DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2009.01.040
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“One-pot synthesis of catalytically stable and active nanoreactors: encapsulation of size-controlled nanoparticles within a hierarchically macroporous core@ordered mesoporous shell system”. Yang X-Y, Li Y, Van Tendeloo G, Xiao F-S, Su B-L, Advanced materials 21, 1368 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1002/adma.200802914
Abstract: Size-controlled, catalytically active nanoparticles are successfully encapsulated in a one-pot synthesis to form novel hierarchical macroporous core@mesoporous shell structures, where macroporous cores are connected by uniform and ordered mesoporous channels. Most importantly, the encapsulated nanoparticles can be used as nanoreactors, with high activities and excellent long-term recycling stability.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 19.791
Times cited: 61
DOI: 10.1002/adma.200802914
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“Spectroscopy and defect identification for fluorinated carbon nanotubes”. Bittencourt C, van Lier G, Ke X, Suarez-Martinez I, Felten A, Ghijsen J, Van Tendeloo G, Ewels CO, ChemPhysChem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry 10, 920 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1002/cphc.200800851
Abstract: Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were exposed to a CF4 radio-frequency (rf) plasma. High-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the treatment effectively grafts fluorine atoms onto the MWCNTs, altering the valence electronic states. Fluorine surface concentration can be tuned by varying the exposure time. Evaporation of gold onto MWCNTs is used to mark active site formation. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled with density functional theory (DFT) modelling is used to characterise the surface defects formed, indicating that the plasma treatment does not etch the tube surface. We suggest that this combination of theory and microscopy of thermally evaporated gold atoms onto the CNT surface may be a powerful approach to characterise both surface defect density as well as defect type.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.075
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1002/cphc.200800851
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“Orientational ordering in solid C60 fullerene-cubane”. Verberck B, Vliegenthart GA, Gompper G, The journal of chemical physics 130, 154510 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3098550
Abstract: We study the structure and phase behavior of fullerene-cubane C60·C8H8 by Monte Carlo simulation. Using a simple potential model capturing the icosahedral and cubic symmetries of its molecular constituents, we reproduce the experimentally observed phase transition from a cubic to an orthorhombic crystal lattice and the accompanying rotational freezing of the C60 molecules. We elaborate a scheme to identify the low-temperature orientations of individual molecules and to detect a pattern of orientational ordering similar to the arrangement of C60 molecules in solid C60. Our configuration of orientations supports a doubled periodicity along one of the crystal axes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.965
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1063/1.3098550
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“Probing the interaction between gold nanoparticles and oxygen functionalized carbon nanotubes”. Suarez-Martinez I, Bittencourt C, Ke X, Felten A, Pireaux JJ, Ghijsen J, Drube W, Van Tendeloo G, Ewels CP, Carbon 47, 1549 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2009.02.002
Abstract: The interaction between evaporated gold and pristine or oxygen plasma treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is investigated. Experimental and theoretical results indicate that gold nucleation occurs at defect sites, whether initially present or introduced by oxygen plasma treatment. Uniform gold cluster dispersion is observed on plasma treated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and associated with the presence of uniformly dispersed oxidized vacancy centres on the CNT surface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.337
Times cited: 38
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2009.02.002
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“Investigation of etching and deposition processes of Cl2/O2/Ar inductively coupled plasmas on silicon by means of plasmasurface simulations and experiments”. Tinck S, Boullart W, Bogaerts A, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 42, 095204 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1088/0022-3727/42/9/095204
Abstract: In this paper, a simulation method is described to predict the etching behaviour of Cl2/O2/Ar inductively coupled plasmas on a Si substrate, as used in shallow trench isolation for the production of electronic devices. The hybrid plasma equipment model (HPEM) developed by Kushner et al is applied to calculate the plasma characteristics in the reactor chamber and two additional Monte Carlo simulations are performed to predict the fluxes, angles and energy of the plasma species bombarding the Si substrate, as well as the resulting surface processes such as etching and deposition. The simulations are performed for a wide variety of operating conditions such as gas composition, chamber pressure, power deposition and substrate bias. It is predicted by the simulations that when the fraction of oxygen in the gas mixture is too high, the oxidation of the Si substrate is superior to the etching of Si by chlorine species, resulting in an etch rate close to zero as is also observed in the experiments.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/42/9/095204
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“Addition of yttrium into HfO2 films: microstructure and electrical properties”. Dubourdieu C, Rauwel E, Roussel H, Ducroquet F, Hollaender B, Rossell M, Van Tendeloo G, Lhostis S, Rushworth S, Journal of vacuum science and technology: A: vacuum surfaces and films 27, 503 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1116/1.3106627
Abstract: The cubic phase of HfO2 was stabilized by addition of yttrium in thin films grown on Si/SiO2 by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The cubic phase was obtained for contents of 6.5 at. % Y or higher at a temperature as low as 470 °C. The complete compositional range (from 1.5 to 99.5 at. % Y) was investigated. The crystalline structure of HfO2 was determined from x-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, and attenuated total-reflection infrared spectroscopy. For cubic films, the continuous increase in the lattice parameter indicates the formation of a solid-solution HfO2Y2O3. As shown by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, yttrium silicate is formed at the interface with silicon; the interfacial layer thickness increases with increasing yttrium content and increasing film thickness. The dependence of the intrinsic relative permittivity r as a function of Y content was determined. It exhibits a maximum of ~30 for ~8.8 at. % Y. The cubic phase is stable upon postdeposition high-temperature annealing at 900 °C under NH3.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.374
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1116/1.3106627
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“Advanced electron microscopy and its possibilities to solve complex structures: application to transition metal oxides”. Van Tendeloo G, Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Antipov EV, Journal of materials chemistry 19, 2660 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1039/b817914j
Abstract: Design and optimization of materials properties can only be performed through a thorough knowledge of the structure of the compound. In this feature article we illustrate the possibilities of advanced electron microscopy in materials science and solid state chemistry. The different techniques are briefly discussed and several examples are given where the structures of complex oxides, often with a modulated structure, have been solved using electron microscopy.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1039/b817914j
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“Determination of fluorine in uranium oxyfluoride particles as an indicator of particle age”. Kips R, Pidduck AJ, Houlton MR, Leenaers A, Mace JD, Marie O, Pointurier F, Stefaniak EA, Taylor PDP, van den Berghe S, van Espen P, Van Grieken R, Wellum R, Spectrochimica acta: part B : atomic spectroscopy 64, 199 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAB.2008.12.001
Abstract: As swipe samples from enrichment activities typically contain uranium particles with a detectable amount of fluorine, the question was raised whether the analysis of fluorine in particles could complement the information on the uranium isotope ratios. For this, uranium oxyfluoride particles were prepared from the controlled hydrolysis of uranium hexafluoride (UF6). The relative amount of fluorine was characterized by scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX), as well as ion-microprobe secondary ion mass spectrometry (IM-SIMS). Of particular interest was the assessment of the reduction of the amount of fluorine over time, and after exposure to UV-light and high temperatures. Micro-Raman spectrometry (MRS) was applied to look for differences in molecular structure between these various sample types. Both SEM-EDX and IM-SIMS showed a general reduction of the fluorine-to-uranium ratio after 12 years of storage. The exposure to UV-light and high temperatures was found to have accelerated the loss of fluorine. A distinct peak at 865 cm− 1 Raman shift was detected for the majority of particles analyzed by MRS. For the particles that were heat-treated, the Raman spectra were similar to the spectrum of U3O8. Although often large variations were observed between particles from the same sample, the three particle measurement techniques (IM-SIMS, SEM-EDX and MRS) showed some consistent trends. They therefore appear promising in terms of the ability to place bounds on particle age, as well as shedding light on the complex processes involved in UO2F2 particle ageing.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Chemometrics (Mitac 3)
DOI: 10.1016/J.SAB.2008.12.001
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“Study of the variability in upper and lower airway morphology in Sprague-Dawley rats using modern micro-CT scan-based segmentation techniques”. de Backer JW, Vos WG, Burnell P, Verhulst SL, Salmon P, de Clerck N, de Backer W, The anatomical record: advances in integrative anatomy and evolutionary biology 292, 720 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1002/ar.20877
Abstract: Animal models are being used extensively in pre-clinical and safety assessment studies to assess the effectiveness and safety of new chemical entities and delivery systems. Although never entirely replacing the need for animal testing, the use of computer simulations could eventually reduce the amount of animals needed for research purposes and refine the data acquired from the animal studies. Computational fluid dynamics is a powerful tool that makes it possible to simulate flow and particle behavior in animal or patient-specific respiratory models, for purposes of inhaled delivery. This tool requires an accurate representation of the respiratory system, respiration and dose delivery attributes. The aim of this study is to develop a representative airway model of the Sprague-Dawley rat using static and dynamic micro-CT scans. The entire respiratory tract was modeled, from the snout and nares down to the central airways at the point where no distinction could be made between intraluminal air and the surrounding tissue. For the selection of the representative model, variables such as upper airway movement, segmentation length, airway volume and size are taken into account. Dynamic scans of the nostril region were used to illustrate the characteristic morphology of this region in anaesthetized animals. It could be concluded from this study that it was possible to construct a highly detailed representative model of a Sprague-Dawley rat based on imaging modalities such as micro-CT scans
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
Impact Factor: 1.431
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1002/ar.20877
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“Comment on ALaMn2O6-y (A = K, Rb): novel ferromagnetic manganites exhibiting negative giant magnetoresistance”. Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Van Rompaey S, Mankevich AS, Korsakov IE, Chemistry of materials 21, 2000 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1021/cm900298a
Keywords: Editorial; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1021/cm900298a
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“3D imaging of nanomaterials by discrete tomography”. Batenburg KJ, Bals S, Sijbers J, Kübel C, Midgley PA, Hernandez JC, Kaiser U, Encina ER, Coronado EA, Van Tendeloo G, Ultramicroscopy 109, 730 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2009.01.009
Abstract: The field of discrete tomography focuses on the reconstruction of samples that consist of only a few different materials. Ideally, a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of such a sample should contain only one grey level for each of the compositions in the sample. By exploiting this property in the reconstruction algorithm, either the quality of the reconstruction can be improved significantly, or the number of required projection images can be reduced. The discrete reconstruction typically contains fewer artifacts and does not have to be segmented, as it already contains one grey level for each composition. Recently, a new algorithm, called discrete algebraic reconstruction technique (DART), has been proposed that can be used effectively on experimental electron tomography datasets. In this paper, we propose discrete tomography as a general reconstruction method for electron tomography in materials science. We describe the basic principles of DART and show that it can be applied successfully to three different types of samples, consisting of embedded ErSi2 nanocrystals, a carbon nanotube grown from a catalyst particle and a single gold nanoparticle, respectively.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 220
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2009.01.009
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“Neutral shallow donors near a metallic interface”. Slachmuylders AF, Partoens B, Magnus W, Peeters FM, Microelectronics journal 40, 753 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.mejo.2008.11.010
Abstract: The effect of a metallic gate on the bound states of a shallow donor located near the gate is studied. We calculate the energy spectrum as a function of the distance between the metallic gate and the donor and find an anti-crossing behavior in the energy levels for certain distances. We show how a transverse electric field can tune the average position of the electron with respect to the metallic gate and the impurity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.163
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/j.mejo.2008.11.010
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“Adsorption of small molecules on graphene”. Leenaerts O, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Microelectronics journal 40, 860 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.mejo.2008.11.022
Abstract: We investigate the adsorption process of small molecules on graphene through first-principles calculations and show the presence of two main charge transfer mechanisms. Which mechanism is the dominant one depends on the magnetic properties of the adsorbing molecules. We explain these mechanisms through the density of states of the system and the molecular orbitals of the adsorbates, and demonstrate the possible difficulties in calculating the charge transfer from first principles between a graphene sheet and a molecule. Our results are in good agreement with experiment.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.163
Times cited: 116
DOI: 10.1016/j.mejo.2008.11.022
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“CVD of copper oxides from a \beta-diketonate diamine precursor: tailoring the nano-organization”. Barreca D, Gasparotto A, Maccato C, Tondello E, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Crystal growth &, design 9, 2470 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1021/cg801378x
Abstract: A copper(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate (1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionate, hfa) adduct with N,N,N¡ä,N¡ä-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) [Cu(hfa)2¡¤TMEDA] is used for the first time as precursor for the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of copper oxide nanosystems. The syntheses are carried out under both O2 and O2+H2O reaction atmospheres on Si(100) substrates, at temperatures ranging between 250 and 550 ¡ãC. Subsequently, the interrelations between the preparative conditions and the system composition, nanostructure, and morphology are elucidated by means of complementary analytical techniques [Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron and X-ray excited auger electron spectroscopies (XPS and XE-AES), glancing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)]. The obtained data revealed a gradual transformation from Cu2O, to Cu2O + CuO, to CuO nanosystems upon increasing the deposition temperature from 250 to 550 ¡ãC under both growth atmospheres. Such a phenomenon was accompanied by a progressive morphological evolution from continuous films to 1D hyperbranched nanostructures. Water vapor introduction in the deposition environment enabled to lower the deposition temperature and resulted in a higher aggregate interconnection, attributed to a higher density of nucleation centers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.055
Times cited: 60
DOI: 10.1021/cg801378x
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“Synthesis and magnetic properties of rare earth ruthenates, Ln5Ru2O12 (Ln=Pr, Nd, SmTb)”. Bharathy M, Gemmill WR, Fox AH, Darriet J, Smith MD, Hadermann J, Remy MS, zur Loye H-C, Journal of solid state chemistry 182, 1164 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2009.02.013
Abstract: Single crystals of Ln5Ru2O12 (Ln=Pr, Nd, SmTb) were grown out of either NaOH or KOH fluxes in sealed silver tubes. The crystals of all the phases were observed to be twinned as confirmed by TEM studies. The series crystallize in the C2/m monoclinic system with lattice parameters, a=12.4049(4)12.7621(6) Å, b=5.8414(2)5.9488(3) Å, c=7.3489(2)7.6424(4) Å, β=107.425(3)107.432(2)° and Z=2. The crystal structure is isotypic with the defect/disorder model of Ln5Re2O12 (Ln = Y, Gd) and consists of one dimensional edge shared RuO6 octahedral chains separated by a two dimensional LnOx polyhedral framework. Magnetic measurements indicate paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic behavior for Ln=Nd, SmGd and Ln=Tb, respectively.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.299
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2009.02.013
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“Rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of benzene bridged periodic mesoporous organosilicas”. Smeulders G, Meynen V, van Baelen G, Mertens M, Lebedev OI, Van Tendeloo G, Maes BUW, Cool P, Journal of materials chemistry 19, 3042 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1039/b820792e
Abstract: Following extended use in organic chemistry, microwave-assisted synthesis is gaining more importance in the field of inorganic chemistry, especially for the synthesis of nanoporous materials. It offers some major advantages such as a significant shortening of the synthesis time and an improved promotion of nucleation. In the research here reported, microwave technology is applied for the synthesis of benzene bridged PMOs (periodic mesoporous organosilicas). PMOs are one of the latest innovations in the field of hybrid ordered mesoporous materials and have attracted much attention because of their feasibility in electronics, catalysis, separation and sorption applications. The different synthesis steps (stirring, aging and extraction) of the classical PMO synthesis are replaced by microwave-assisted synthesis steps. The characteristics of the as-synthesized materials are evaluated by X-ray diffraction, N2-sorption, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy. The microwave-assisted synthesis drastically reduces the synthesis time by more than 40 hours without any loss in structural properties, such as mesoscale and molecular ordering. The porosity of the PMO materials has even been improved by more than 25%. Moreover, the number of handling/transfer steps and amounts of chemicals and waste are drastically reduced. The study also shows that there is a clear time (1 to 3 hours) and temperature frame (373 K to 403 K) wherein synthesis of benzene bridged PMO is optimal. In conclusion, the microwave-assisted synthesis pathway allows an improved material to be obtained in a more economical way i.e. a much shorter time with fewer chemicals and less waste.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Organic synthesis (ORSY)
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1039/b820792e
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