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Author Altantzis, T.; Coutino-Gonzalez, E.; Baekelant, W.; Martinez, G.T.; Abakumov, A.M.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Roeffaers, M.B.J.; Bals, S.; Hofkens, J.
  Title Direct Observation of Luminescent Silver Clusters Confined in Faujasite Zeolites Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal Acs Nano
  Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 7604-7611
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract One of the ultimate goals in the study of metal clusters is the correlation between the atomic-scale organization and their physicochemical properties. However, direct observation of the atomic organization of such minuscule metal clusters is heavily hindered by radiation damage imposed by the different characterization techniques. We present direct evidence of the structural arrangement, at an atomic level, of luminescent silver species stabilized in faujasite (FAU) zeolites using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. Two different silver clusters were identified in Ag-FAU zeolites, a trinuclear silver species associated with green emission and a tetranuclear silver species related to yellow emission. By combining direct imaging with complementary information obtained from X-ray powder diffraction and Rietveld analysis, we were able to elucidate the main differences at an atomic scale between luminescent (heat-treated) and nonluminescent (cation-exchanged) Ag-FAU zeolites. It is expected that such insights will trigger the directed synthesis of functional metal nanocluster-zeolite composites with tailored luminescent properties.
  Address RIES, Hokkaido University , N20W10, Kita-Ward Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language English Wos 000381959100043 Publication Date 2016-07-08
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 13.942 Times cited 57 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Belgian Federal government (Belspo through the IAP-VI/27 and IAP-VII/05 programs), the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013 under grant agreement no. 310651 SACS and no. 312483-ESTEEM2), the Flemish government in the form of long-term structural funding “Methusalem” grant METH/15/04 CASAS2, the Hercules foundation (HER/11/14), the “Strategisch Initiatief Materialen” SoPPoM program, and the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO) grants G.0349.12 and G.0B39.15. S.B. acknowledges funding from ERC Starting Grant COLOURATOMS (335078). The authors thank Prof. S. Van Aert for helpful discussions, Dr. T. De Baerdemaeker for XRD measurements, Mr. B. Dieu for the preparation of graphical material, and UOP Antwerp for the kind donation of zeolite samples.; esteem2jra4; ECASSara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 13.942
  Call Number c:irua:134576 c:irua:134576 Serial 4102
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kinnear, C.; Rodriguez-Lorenzo, L.; Clift, M.J.D.; Goris, B.; Bals, S.; Rothen, B.; Fink, A.S.
  Title Decoupling the shape parameter to assess gold nanorod uptake by mammalian cells Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Nanoscale Abbreviated Journal Nanoscale
  Volume 8 Issue 8 Pages 16416-16426
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract The impact of nanoparticles (NPs) upon biological systems can be fundamentally associated with their physicochemical parameters. A further often-stated tenet is the importance of NP shape on rates of endocytosis. However, given the convoluted parameters concerning the NP-cell interaction, it is experimentally challenging to attribute any findings to shape alone. Herein we demonstrate that shape, below a certain limit, which is specific to nanomedicine, is not important for the endocytosis of spherocylinders by either epithelial or macrophage cells in vitro. Through a systematic approach, we reshaped a single batch of gold nanorods into different aspect ratios resulting in near-spheres and studied their cytotoxicity, (pro-)inflammatory status, and endocytosis/exocytosis. It was found that on a length scale of ~10-90 nm and at aspect ratios less than 5, NP shape has little impact upon their entry into either macrophages or epithelial cells. Conversely, nanorods with an aspect ratio above 5 were preferentially endocytosed by epithelial cells, whereas there was a lack of shape dependent uptake following exposure to macrophages in vitro. These findings have implications both in the understanding of nanoparticle reshaping mechanisms, as well as in the future rational design of nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
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  Language Wos 000384531600036 Publication Date 2016-08-08
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2040-3364 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 7.367 Times cited 23 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes The authors would like to thank C. Endes for her help and technical assistance with all cell culture experiments. The work was supported by the Adolphe Merkle Foundation, the Swiss National Science Foundation (PP00P2123373), the Swiss National Science Foundation through the National Centre of Competence in Research Bio-Inspired Materials, the Flemish Fund for Scientific Research (FWO Vlaanderen) through a postdoctoral research grant, and the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors also appreciate financial support from the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative N. 262348 European Soft Matter Infrastructure, ESMI).; ECASSara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 7.367
  Call Number c:irua:135087 c:irua:135087 Serial 4109
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Author Hill, E.H.; Claes, N.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.
  Title Layered Silicate Clays as Templates for Anisotropic Gold Nanoparticle Growth Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
  Volume 28 Issue 28 Pages 5131-5139
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Clay minerals are abundant natural materials arising in the presence of water and are composed of small particles of different sizes and shapes. The interlamellar space between layered silicate clays can also be used to host a variety of different organic and inorganic guest molecules or particles. Recent studies of clay−metal hybrids formed by impregnation of nanoparticles into the interlayer spaces of the clays have not demonstrated the ability for templated growth following the shape of the particles. Following this line of interest, a method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles on the synthetic layered silicate clay laponite was developed. This approach can be used to make metal−clay nanoparticles with a variety of morphologies while retaining the molecular adsorption properties of the clay. The surface enhanced Raman scattering enhancement of these particles was also found to be greater than that obtained from other metal nanoparticles of a similar morphology, likely due to increased dye adsorption by the presence of the clay. The hybrid particles presented herein will contribute to further study of plasmonic

sensing, catalysis, dye aggregation, and novel composite materials.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000380576700031 Publication Date 2016-07-02
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 13 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes This work has been supported by the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant No. 267867, PLASMAQUO). E.H.H. thanks the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for providing a Juan de la Cierva Fellowship (FJCI-2014-22598). N.C. and S.B. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOM). We gratefully acknowledge A. B. Serrano-Montes for providing the seed-mediated Au nanostars.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466
  Call Number c:irua:135178 c:irua:135178 Serial 4117
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Author Goris, B.; Meledina, M.; Turner, S.; Zhong, Z.; Batenburg, K.J.; Bals, S.
  Title Three dimensional mapping of Fe dopants in ceria nanocrystals using direct spectroscopic electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
  Volume 171 Issue 171 Pages 55-62
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Electron tomography is a powerful technique for the 3D characterization of the morphology of nanostructures. Nevertheless, resolving the chemical composition of complex nanostructures in 3D remains challenging and the number of studies in which electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) is combined with tomography is limited. During the last decade, dedicated reconstruction algorithms have been developed for HAADF-STEM tomography using prior knowledge about the investigated sample. Here, we will use the prior knowledge that the experimental spectrum of each reconstructed voxel is a linear combination of a well-known set of references spectra in a so-called direct spectroscopic tomography technique. Based on a simulation experiment, it is shown that this technique provides superior results in comparison to conventional reconstruction methods for spectroscopic data, especially for spectrum images containing a relatively low signal to noise ratio. Next, this technique is used to investigate the spatial distribution of Fe dopants in Fe:Ceria nanoparticles in 3D. It is shown that the presence of the Fe2+ dopants is correlated with a reduction of the Ce atoms from Ce4+ towards Ce3+. In addition, it is demonstrated that most of the Fe dopants are located near the voids inside the nanoparticle.
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  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000389106200007 Publication Date 2016-09-06
  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 2.843 Times cited 13 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes The work was supported by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen) by project funding (G038116N, 3G004613) and by a post-doctoral research grants to B.G. S.B. acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (Starting Grant no. COLOURATOMS 335078). K.J.B. acknowledges funding from The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) (program 639.072.005.). We would like to thank Dr. Hilde Poelman, Dr. Vladimir Galvita and Prof. Dr. Guy B. Marin for the synthesis of the investigated sample.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 2.843
  Call Number c:irua:135185 c:irua:135185 Serial 4123
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Author Van Aelst, J.; Verboekend, D.; Philippaerts, A.; Nuttens, N.; Kurttepeli, M.; Gobechiya, E.; Haouas, M.; Sree, S.P.; Denayer, J.F.M.; Martens, J.A.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; Taulelle, F.; Bals, S.; Baron, G.V.; Jacobs, P.A.; Sels, B.F.
  Title Catalyst design by NH4OH treatment of USY zeolite Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Advanced functional materials Abbreviated Journal Adv Funct Mater
  Volume 25 Issue 25 Pages 7130-7144
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Hierarchical zeolites are a class of superior catalysts which couples the intrinsic zeolitic properties to enhanced accessibility and intracrystalline mass transport to and from the active sites. The design of hierarchical USY (Ultra-Stable Y) catalysts is achieved using a sustainable postsynthetic room temperature treatment with mildly alkaline NH4OH ( 0.02(M)) solutions. Starting from a commercial dealuminated USY zeolite (Si/Al = 47), a hierarchical material is obtained by selective and tuneable creation of interconnected and accessible small mesopores (2- 6 nm). In addition, the treatment immediately yields the NH4+ form without the need for additional ion exchange. After NH4OH modification, the crystal morphology is retained, whereas the microporosity and relative crystallinity are decreased. The gradual formation of dense amorphous phases throughout the crystal without significant framework atom leaching rationalizes the very high material yields (>90%). The superior catalytic performance of the developed hierarchical zeolites is demonstrated in the acid-catalyzed isomerization of alpha-pinene and the metal-catalyzed conjugation of safflower oil. Significant improvements in activity and selectivity are attained, as well as a lowered susceptibility to deactivation. The catalytic performance is intimately related to the introduced mesopores, hence enhanced mass transport capacity, and the retained intrinsic zeolitic properties.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor
  Language Wos 000366503700003 Publication Date 2015-10-30
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1616-301x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 64 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes ; The authors thank Dr. M. Thommes and Dr. K. Cychosz for numerous and helpful discussions on the correct evaluation of the Ar isotherms. I. Cuppens is acknowledged for ICP-AES analyses. Research was funded through a PhD grant to J.V.A. of the Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT). D.V. and A.P. acknowledge F.W.O.-Vlaanderen (Research Foundation Flanders) for a postdoctoral fellowship. N.N. thanks the KU Leuven for financial support (FLOF). E.G., C.K., and J.M. acknowledge the long-term structural funding by the Flemish Government (Methusalem). S.B. acknowledges the European Research Council for funding under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013)/ERC grant agreement No. 335078-COLOURATOMS. The authors are grateful for financial support by the Belgian government through Interuniversity Attraction Poles (IAP-PAI). They also thank Oleon NV for supplying safflower oil. ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 12.124; 2015 IF: 11.805
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:130214 Serial 4147
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Author Chinchilla, L.E.; Olmos, C.; Kurttepeli, M.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Villa, A.; Prati, L.; Blanco, G.; Calvino, J.J.; Chen, X.; Hungría, A.B.
  Title Combined macroscopic, nanoscopic, and atomic-scale characterization of gold-ruthenium bimetallic catalysts for octanol oxidation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Particle and particle systems characterization Abbreviated Journal Part Part Syst Char
  Volume 33 Issue 33 Pages 419-437
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract A series of gold-ruthenium bimetallic catalysts of increasing Au:Ru molar ratios supported on a Ce0.62Zr0.38O2 mixed oxide are prepared and their structural and chemical features characterized by a combination of macroscopic and atomic-scale techniques based on scanning transmission electron microscopy. The influence of the temperature of the final reduction treatment used as activation step (350-700 degrees C range) is also investigated. The preparation method used allows catalysts to be successfully prepared where a major fraction of the metal nanoparticles is in the size range below 5 nm. The structural complexities characteristic of this type of catalysts are evidenced, as well as the capabilities and limitations of both the macroscopic and microscopic techniques in the characterization of the system of metal nanoparticles. A positive influence of the addition of Ru on both the resistance against sintering and the catalytic performance of the starting supported Au catalyst is evidenced.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Weinheim Editor
  Language Wos 000379970000011 Publication Date 2016-05-24
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0934-0866 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.474 Times cited 7 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes ; This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain/ FEDER Program of the EU (Project Nos.: MAT 2013-40823-R and CSD2009-00013), ESTEEM2 (FP7-INFRASTUCTURE-2012-1-312493), Junta de Andalucia (FQM334 and FQM110 and Project: FQM3994). S.B. acknowledges the European Research Council, ERC grant No. 335078 – Colouratom. M.K. is grateful to the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders. X.C. thanks the Ramon y Cajal Program. ; ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 4.474
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:134958 Serial 4150
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Author Huybrechts, W.; Mali, G.; Kuśtrowski, P.; Willhammar, T.; Mertens, M.; Bals, S.; Van Der Voort, P.; Cool, P.
  Title Post-synthesis bromination of benzene bridged PMO as a way to create a high potential hybrid material Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials Abbreviated Journal Micropor Mesopor Mat
  Volume 236 Issue 236 Pages 244-249
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
  Abstract Periodic mesoporous organosilicas provide the best of two worlds: the strength and porosity of an inorganic framework combined with the infinite possibilities created by the organic bridging unit. In this work we focus on post-synthetical modification of benzene bridged PMO, in order to create bromobenzene PMO. In the past, this proved to be very challenging due to unwanted structural deterioration. However, now we have found a way to brominate this material whilst keeping the structure intact. In-depth structural analysis by solid state NMR and XPS shows both vast progress over previous attempts as well as potential for improvement.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
  Language Wos 000385899600028 Publication Date 2016-09-10
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1387-1811 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 3.615 Times cited 7 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes ; The authors would like to thank financial support from the FWO-Flanders (project no G.0068.13). The authors further acknowledge financial support of the University of Antwerp through BOF GOA funding. S.B. acknowledges financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOM). ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 3.615
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:135274 Serial 4228
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Author Matsubara, M.; Saniz, R.; Partoens, B.; Lamoen, D.
  Title Doping anatase TiO2with group V-b and VI-b transition metal atoms: a hybrid functional first-principles study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Physical chemistry, chemical physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Chem Chem Phys
  Volume 19 Issue 19 Pages 1945-1952
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
  Abstract We investigate the role of transition metal atoms of group V-b (V, Nb, Ta) and VI-b (Cr, Mo, W) as n- or p-type dopants in anatase TiO$2$ using thermodynamic

principles and density functional theory with the Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof HSE06 hybrid functional. The HSE06 functional provides a realistic value for the band gap, which ensures a correct classification of dopants as shallow or deep donors or acceptors. Defect formation energies and thermodynamic transition levels are calculated taking into account the constraints imposed by the stability of TiO$
2$ and the solubility limit of the impurities.

Nb, Ta, W and Mo are identified as shallow donors. Although W provides two electrons, Nb and Ta show a considerable lower formation energy, in particular under O-poor conditions. Mo donates in principle one electron, but under specific conditions can turn into a double donor. V impurities are deep donors and Cr

shows up as an amphoteric defect, thereby acting as an electron trapping center in n-type TiO$_2$ especially under O-rich conditions. A comparison with the available experimental data yields excellent agreement.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000394426400027 Publication Date 2016-12-12
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1463-9076 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.123 Times cited 19 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes We gratefully acknowledge financial support from the IWTVlaanderenthrough projects G.0191.08 and G.0150.13, and the BOF-NOI of the University of Antwerp. This work was carried out using the HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp (CalcUA), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, which is funded by the Hercules foundation. M. M. acknowledges financial support from the GOA project ‘‘XANES meets ELNES’’ of the University of Antwerp. Approved Most recent IF: 4.123
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:140835 Serial 4421
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Author van der Stam, W.; Gradmann, S.; Altantzis, T.; Ke, X.; Baldus, M.; Bals, S.; de Mello Donega, C.
  Title Shape Control of Colloidal Cu2-x S Polyhedral Nanocrystals by Tuning the Nucleation Rates Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
  Volume 28 Issue 28 Pages 6705-6715
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Synthesis protocols for colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) with narrow size and shape distributions are of particular interest for the successful implementation of these nanocrystals into devices. Moreover, the preparation of NCs with well-defined crystal phases is of key importance. In this work, we show that Sn(IV)-thiolate complexes formed in situ strongly influence the nucleation and growth rates of colloidal Cu2-x S polyhedral NCs, thereby dictating their final size, shape, and crystal structure. This allowed us to successfully synthesize hexagonal bifrustums and hexagonal bipyramid NCs with low-chalcocite crystal structure, and hexagonal nanoplatelets with various thicknesses and aspect ratios with the djurleite crystal structure, by solely varying the concentration of Sn(IV)-additives (namely, SnBr4) in the reaction medium. Solution and solid-state 119Sn NMR measurements show that SnBr4 is converted in situ to Sn(IV)-thiolate complexes, which increase the Cu2-x S nucleation barrier without affecting the precursor conversion rates. This influences both the nucleation and growth rates in a concentration-dependent fashion and leads to a better separation between nucleation and growth. Our approach of tuning the nucleation and growth rates with in situ-generated Sn-thiolate complexes might have a more general impact due to the availability of various metal-thiolate complexes, possibly resulting in polyhedral NCs of a wide variety of metal-sulfide compositions.
  Address Condensed Matter and Interfaces, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University , P.O. Box 80000, 3508 TA Utrecht, The Netherlands
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language English Wos 000384399000037 Publication Date 2016-09-02
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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  ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 27 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes W.v.d.S. and C.d.M.D. acknowledge financial support from the division of Chemical Sciences (CW) of The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) under grant number ECHO.712.012.001. M.B. also gratefully acknowledges NWO for funding the NMR infrastructure (Middle Groot program, grant number 700.58.102). S.B. acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant # 335078-COLOURATOMS).; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.466
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:135928 Serial 4285
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Author Geuchies, J.J.; van Overbeek, C.; Evers, W.H.; Goris, B.; de Backer, A.; Gantapara, A.P.; Rabouw, F.T.; Hilhorst, J.; Peters, J.L.; Konovalov, O.; Petukhov, A.V.; Dijkstra, M.; Siebbeles, L.D.A.; van Aert, S.; Bals, S.; Vanmaekelbergh, D.
  Title In situ study of the formation mechanism of two-dimensional superlattices from PbSe nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Nature materials Abbreviated Journal Nat Mater
  Volume 15 Issue 15 Pages 1248-1254
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Oriented attachment of PbSe nanocubes can result in the formation of two-dimensional (2D) superstructures with long-range nanoscale and atomic order. This questions the applicability of classic models in which the superlattice grows by first forming a nucleus, followed by sequential irreversible attachment of nanocrystals, as one misaligned attachment would disrupt the 2D order beyond repair. Here, we demonstrate the formation mechanism of 2D PbSe superstructures with square geometry by using in situ grazing-incidence X-ray scattering (small angle and wide angle), ex situ electron microscopy, and Monte Carlo simulations. We observed nanocrystal adsorption at the liquid/gas interface, followed by the formation of a hexagonal nanocrystal monolayer. The hexagonal geometry transforms gradually through a pseudo-hexagonal phase into a phase with square order, driven by attractive interactions between the {100} planes perpendicular to the liquid substrate, which maximize facet-to-facet overlap. The nanocrystals then attach atomically via a necking process, resulting in 2D square superlattices.
  Address Condensed Matter and Interfaces, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CC Utrecht, The Netherlands
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language English Wos 000389104400011 Publication Date 2016-09-05
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1476-1122 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 39.737 Times cited 182 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes This research is part of the programme ‘Designing Dirac Carriers in semiconductor honeycomb superlattices (DDC13),’ which is supported by the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM), which is part of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). J.J.G. acknowledges funding from the Debye and ESRF Graduate Programs. The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (G.036915 G.037413 and funding of postdoctoral grants to B.G. and A.d.B). S.B. acknowledges the European Research Council, ERC grant No 335078—Colouratom. The authors gratefully acknowledge I. Swart and M. van Huis for fruitful discussions. We acknowledge funding from NWO-CW TOPPUNT ‘Superficial Superstructures’. The X-ray scattering measurements were performed at the ID10 beamline at ESRF under proposal numbers SC-4125 and SC-3786. The authors thank G. L. Destri and F. Zontone for their support during the experiments.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 39.737
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:136165 Serial 4289
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Author Jany, B.R.; Gauquelin, N.; Willhammar, T.; Nikiel, M.; van den Bos, K.H.W.; Janas, A.; Szajna, K.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Aert, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Krok, F.
  Title Controlled growth of hexagonal gold nanostructures during thermally induced self-assembling on Ge(001) surface Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Scientific reports Abbreviated Journal Sci Rep-Uk
  Volume 7 Issue 7 Pages 42420
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Nano-sized gold has become an important material in various fields of science and technology, where control over the size and crystallography is desired to tailor the functionality. Gold crystallizes in the face-centered cubic (fcc) phase, and its hexagonal closed packed (hcp) structure is a very unusual and rare phase. Stable Au hcp phase has been reported to form in nanoparticles at the tips of some Ge nanowires. It has also recently been synthesized in the form of thin graphene-supported sheets which are unstable under electron beam irradiation. Here, we show that stable hcp Au 3D nanostructures with well-defined crystallographic orientation and size can be systematically created in a process of thermally induced self-assembly of thin Au layer on Ge(001) monocrystal. The Au hcp crystallite is present in each Au nanostructure and has been characterized by different electron microscopy techniques. We report that a careful heat treatment above the eutectic melting temperature and a controlled cooling is required to form the hcp phase of Au on a Ge single crystal. This new method gives scientific prospects to obtain stable Au hcp phase for future applications in a rather simple manner as well as redefine the phase diagram of Gold with Germanium.
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  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000393940700001 Publication Date 2017-02-14
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2045-2322 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.259 Times cited 25 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the Polish National Science Center, grant no. DEC-2012/07/B/ST5/00906. N.G., G.V.T. and J.V. acknowledge the European Union (EU) Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7) ERC Starting Grant 278510 VORTEX for support. The Research Foundation Flanders is acknowledged through project fundings (G.0374.13N, G.0368.15N, G.0369.15N) and for a Ph.D. research grant to K.H.W.v.d.B. The microscope was partly funded by the Hercules Fund from the Flemish Government. T.W. acknowledges the Swedish Research Council for an international postdoc grant. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme under Grant Agreement 312483–ESTEEM2 (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative–I3). Part of the research was carried out with equipment purchased with financial support from the European Regional Development Fund in the framework of the Polish Innovation Economy Operational Program (Contract No. POIG.02.01.00-12-023/08). Approved Most recent IF: 4.259
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:140846UA @ admin @ c:irua:140846 Serial 4423
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Author Alania, M.; Altantzis, T.; De Backer, A.; Lobato, I.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S.
  Title Depth sectioning combined with atom-counting in HAADF STEM to retrieve the 3D atomic structure Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy
  Volume 177 Issue 177 Pages 36-42
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Aberration correction in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) has greatly improved the lateral and depth resolution. When using depth sectioning, a technique during which a series of images is recorded at different defocus values, single impurity atoms can be visualised in three dimensions. In this paper, we investigate new possibilities emerging when combining depth sectioning and precise atom-counting in order to reconstruct nanosized particles in three dimensions. Although the depth resolution does not allow one to precisely locate each atom within an atomic column, it will be shown that the depth location of an atomic column as a whole can be measured precisely. In this manner, the morphology of a nanoparticle can be reconstructed in three dimensions. This will be demonstrated using simulations and experimental data of a gold nanorod.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000401219800006 Publication Date 2016-11-09
  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 2.843 Times cited 13 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative. Reference No. 312483-ESTEEM2. S. Bals acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (Starting Grant No. COLOURATOMS 335078). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0374.13N, G.0369.15N and G.0368.15N) and a post-doctoral grant to A. De Backer and T. Altantzis. The authors are grateful to Professor Luis M. Liz-Marzán for providing the sample.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 2.843
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:138015UA @ admin @ c:irua:138015 Serial 4316
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zalfani, M.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Yu, W.-B.; Mahdouani, M.; Bourguig, R.; Wu, M.; Li, Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Djoued, Y.; Su, B.-L.
  Title BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites: Effect of BiVO4 as highly efficient visible light sensitizer for highly improved visible light photocatalytic activity in the degradation of dye pollutants Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Applied Catalysis B-Environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ
  Volume 205 Issue 205 Pages 121-132
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract A series of BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites have been synthesized and their photocatalytic activity was investigated under visible light irradiation using the RhB dye as model pollutant molecule in an aqueous solution. The effect of the amount of BiVO4 as visible light sensitizer on the photocatalytic activity of BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites was highlighted. The heterostructured composite system leads to much higher photocatalytic efficiencies than bare 3DOM TiO2 and BiVO4 nanoparticles. As the proportion of BiVO4 in BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites increases from 0.04 to 0.6, the photocatalytic performance of the BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites increases and then decreases after reaching a maximum at 0.2. This improvement in photocatalytic perfomance is related to 1) the interfacial electron transfer efficiency between the coupled materials, 2) the 3DOM TiO2 inverse opal structure with interconnected pores providing an easy mass transfer of the reactant molecules and high accessibility to the active sites and large surface area and 3) the effect of light sensitizer of BiVO4. Intensive studies on structural, textural, optical and surface properties reveal that the electronic interactions between BiVO4 and TiO2 lead to an improved charge separation of the coupled BiVO4/TiO2 system. The photogenerated charge carrier densities increase with increasing the BiVO4 content, which acts as visible light sensitizer to the TiO2 and is responsible for the enhancement in the rate of photocatalytic degradation. However, the photocatalytic activity is reduced when the BiVO4 amount is much higher than that of 3DOM TiO2. Two reasons could account for this behavior. First, with increasing BiVO4 content, the photogenerated electron/hole pairs are accumulated at the surface of the BiVO4 nanoparticles and the recombination rate increases as shown by the PL results. Second, decreasing the amount of 3DOM TiO2 in the nanocomposite decreases the surface area as shown by the BET results. Moreover, the poor adsorptive properties of the BiVO4 photocatalyst also affect the photocatalytic performance, in particular at higher BiVO4 content. The present work demonstrates that BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 is a very promising heterojunction system for visible light photocatalytic applications.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000393931000013 Publication Date 2016-12-08
  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 9.446 Times cited 52 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes Z. Y. Hu and G. Van Tendeloo acknowledge support from the EC Framework 7 program ESTEEM2 (Reference 312483). Approved Most recent IF: 9.446
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ Serial 4323
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Polavarapu, L.; Zanaga, D.; Altantzis, T.; Rodal-Cedeira, S.; Pastoriza-Santos, I.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Bals, S.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.
  Title Galvanic Replacement Coupled to Seeded Growth as a Route for Shape-Controlled Synthesis of Plasmonic Nanorattles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Journal of the American Chemical Society Abbreviated Journal J Am Chem Soc
  Volume 138 Issue 138 Pages 11453-11456
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) requires mechanistic understanding toward the development of modern nanoscience and nanotechnology. We demonstrate here an unconventional shape transformation of Au@Ag core−shell NPs (nanorods and nanocubes) into octahedral nanorattles via roomtemperature galvanic replacement coupled with seeded growth. The corresponding morphological and chemical transformations were investigated in three dimensions, using state-of-the-art X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS) tomography. The addition of a reducing agent (ascorbic acid) plays a key role in this unconventional mechanistic path, in which galvanic replacement is found to dominate initially when the shell is made of Ag, while seeded growth suppresses transmetalation when a composition of Au:Ag (∼60:40) is reached in the shell, as revealed by quantitative XEDS tomography. This work not only opens new avenues toward the shape control of hollow NPs beyond the morphology of sacrificial templates, but also expands our understanding of chemical transformations in nanoscale galvanic replacement reactions. The XEDS electron tomography study presented here can be generally applied to investigate a wide range of nanoscale morphological and chemical transformations.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000383410700008 Publication Date 2016-09-14
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0002-7863 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 13.858 Times cited 75 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes This work has been funded by the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant No. 267867- PLASMAQUO, ERC Starting Grant No. 335078-COLOURATOMS) and Spanish MINECO (Grants MAT2013-45168-R and MAT2013-46101-R); ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 13.858
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:137123 Serial 4329
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Winckelmans, N.; Altantzis, T.; Bals, S.; Grzelczak, M.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.
  Title High-Yield Seeded Growth of Monodisperse Pentatwinned Gold Nanoparticles through Thermally Induced Seed Twinning Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Journal of the American Chemical Society Abbreviated Journal J Am Chem Soc
  Volume 139 Issue 139 Pages 107-110
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract We show here that thermal treatment of small seeds results in extensive twinning and a subsequent drastic yield improvement (>85%) in the formation of pentatwinned nanoparticles, with pre-selected morphology (nanorods, bipyramids and decahedra) and aspect ratio. The “quality” of the seeds thus defines the yield of the obtained nanoparticles, which in the case of nanorods avoids the need for additives such as Ag+ ions. This modified seeded growth method also improves reproducibility, as the seeds can be stored for extended periods of time without compromising the quality of the final nanoparticles. Additionally, minor modification of the seeds with Pd allows their localization within the final particles, which opens new avenues toward mechanistic studies. All together, these results represent a paradigm shift in anisotropic gold nanoparticle synthesis.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000392036900025 Publication Date 2016-12-29
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0002-7863 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 13.858 Times cited 267 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes Financial support is acknowledged from the European Research Council through ERC Advanced Grant Plasmaquo and the ERC Starting Grant COLOURATOM. T.A. acknowledges financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through a postdoctoral grant. (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); ECAS_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 13.858
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:139018UA @ admin @ c:irua:139018 Serial 4339
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Author Garzia Trulli, M.; Claes, N.; Pype, J.; Bals, S.; Baert, K.; Terryn, H.; Sardella, E.; Favia, P.; Vanhulsel, A.
  Title Deposition of aminosilane coatings on porous Al2O3microspheres by means of dielectric barrier discharges Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Plasma processes and polymers Abbreviated Journal Plasma Process Polym
  Volume 14 Issue 14 Pages 1600211
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
  Abstract Advances in the synthesis of porous microspheres and in their functionalization are increasing the interest in applications of alumina. This paper deals with coatings plasma deposited from 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane by means of dielectric barrier discharges on alumina porous microspheres, shaped by a vibrational droplet coagulation technique. Aims of the work are the functionalization of the particles with active amino groups, as well as the evaluation of their surface coverage and of the penetration of the coatings into their pores. A multi-diagnostic approach was used for the chemical/morphological characterization of the particles. It was found that 5 min exposure to plasma discharges promotes the deposition of homogeneous coatings onto the microspheres and within their pores, down to 1 μm.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000410773200003 Publication Date 2017-01-05
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1612-8850 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 2.846 Times cited 8 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes The technical assistance of the VITO staff (Materials Dpt.) is gratefully acknowledged, especially D. Havermans, E. Van Hoof, R. Kemps (SEM-EDX), and A. De Wilde (Hg Porosimetry). Drs. S. Mullens and G. Scheltjens are kindly acknowledged for constructive discussions. Strategic Initiative Materials in Flanders (SIM) is gratefully acknowledged for its financial support. This research was carried out in the framework of the SIM-TRAP program (Tools for rational processing of nano-particles: controlling and tailoring nanoparticle based or nanomodified particle based materials). N. Claes and S. Bals acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOM). (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); saraecas; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 2.846
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:139511UA @ admin @ c:irua:139511 Serial 4342
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Author Shirazi, M.; Neyts, E.C.; Bogaerts, A.
  Title DFT study of Ni-catalyzed plasma dry reforming of methane Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ
  Volume 205 Issue 205 Pages 605-614
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
  Abstract tWe investigated the plasma-assisted catalytic reactions for the production of value-added chemicalsfrom Ni-catalyzed plasma dry reforming of methane by means of density functional theory (DFT). Weinspected many activation barriers, from the early stage of adsorption of the major chemical fragmentsderived fromCH4andCO2molecules up to the formation of value-added chemicals at the surface, focusingon the formation of methanol, as well as the hydrogenation of C1and C2hydrocarbon fragments. Theactivation barrier calculations show that the presence of surface-bound H atoms and in some cases alsoremaining chemical fragments at the surface facilitates the formation of products. This implies that thehydrogenation of a chemical fragment on the hydrogenated crystalline surface is energetically favouredcompared to the simple hydrogenation of the chemical fragment at the bare Ni(111) surface. Indeed, thepresence of hydrogen modifies the electronic structure of the surface and the course of the reactions.We therefore conclude that surface-bound H atoms, and to some extent also the remaining chemicalfragments at the crystalline surface, induce the following effects: they facilitate associative desorption ofmethanol and ethane by increasing the rate of H-transfer to the adsorbed fragments while they impedehydrogenation of ethylene to ethane, thus promoting again the desorption of ethylene. Overall, they thusfacilitate the catalytic conversion of the formed fragments from CH4and CO2, into value-added chemicals.Finally, we believe that the retention of methane fragments, especially CH3, in the presence of surface-boundHatoms (as observed here for Ni) can be regarded as an identifier for the proper choice of a catalystfor the production of value-added chemicals.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000393931000063 Publication Date 2017-01-05
  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 9.446 Times cited 26 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes Financial support from the Reactive Atmospheric Plasmaprocessing –eDucation network (RAPID), through the EU 7thFramework Programme (grant agreement no. 606889) is grate-fully acknowledged. The calculations were performed using theTuring HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Univer-siteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer CenterVSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Approved Most recent IF: 9.446
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:139514 Serial 4343
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Author Rodal-Cedeira, S.; Montes-García, V.; Polavarapu, L.; Solís, D.M.; Heidari, H.; La Porta, A.; Angiola, M.; Martucci, A.; Taboada, J.M.; Obelleiro, F.; Bals, S.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Pastoriza-Santos, I.
  Title Plasmonic Au@Pd Nanorods with Boosted Refractive Index Susceptibility and SERS Efficiency: A Multifunctional Platform for Hydrogen Sensing and Monitoring of Catalytic Reactions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
  Volume 28 Issue 28 Pages 9169-9180
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Palladium nanoparticles (NPs) have received tremendous attention over the years due to their high catalytic activity for various chemical reactions. However, unlike other noble metal nanoparticles such as Au and Ag NPs, they exhibit poor plasmonic properties with broad extinction spectra and less scattering efficiency, and thus limiting their applications in the field of plasmonics. Therefore, it has been challenging to integrate tunable and strong plasmonic properties into catalytic Pd nanoparticles. Here we show that plasmonic Au@Pd nanorods (NRs) with relatively narrow and remarkably tunable optical responses in the NIR region can be obtained by directional growth of Pd on penta-twinned Au NR seeds. We found the presence of bromide ions facilitates the stabilization of facets for the directional growth of Pd shell to obtain Au@Pd nanorods (NR) with controlled length scales. Interestingly, it turns out the Au NR supported Pd NRs exhibit much narrow extinction compared to pure Pd NRs, which makes them suitable for plasmonic sensing applications. Moreover, these nanostructures display, to the best of our knowledge, one of the highest ensemble refractive index sensitivity values reported to date (1067 nm per refractive index unit, RIU). Additionally, we showed the application of such plasmonic Au@Pd NRs for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-based sensing of hydrogen both in solution as well as on substrate. Finally, we demonstrate the integration of excellent plasmonic properties in catalytic palladium enables the in situ monitoring of a reaction progress by surface-enhanced Raman scattering. We postulate the proposed approach to boost the plasmonic properties of Pd nanoparticles will ignite the design of complex shaped plasmonic Pd NPs to be used in various plasmonic applications such as sensing and in situ monitoring of various chemical reactions.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000391080900036 Publication Date 2016-12-27
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 80 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes Funding from Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Grants MAT2013-45168-R and MAT2016-77809-R) is gratefully acknowledge. A.L.P. and S.B. acknowledge support by the European Research Council through an ERC Starting Grant (#335078-COLOURATOMS). L. P. acknowledges the financial support from by the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung. V. M.-G. acknowledges the financial support from FPU scholarship from the Spanish MINECO. (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); ECAS_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 9.466
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:139513 Serial 4344
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Yusupov, M.; Van der Paal, J.; Neyts, E.C.; Bogaerts, A.
  Title Synergistic effect of electric field and lipid oxidation on the permeability of cell membranes Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Biochimica et biophysica acta : G : general subjects Abbreviated Journal Bba-Gen Subjects
  Volume 1861 Issue 1861 Pages 839-847
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
  Abstract Background: Strong electric fields are knownto affect cell membrane permeability,which can be applied for therapeutic purposes, e.g., in cancer therapy. A synergistic enhancement of this effect may be accomplished by the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as generated in cold atmospheric plasmas. Little is known about the synergy between lipid oxidation by ROS and the electric field, nor on howthis affects the cell membrane permeability.

Method: We here conduct molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the dynamics of the permeation process under the influence of combined lipid oxidation and electroporation. A phospholipid bilayer (PLB), consisting of di-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine molecules covered with water layers, is used as a model system for the plasma membrane.

Results and conclusions:Weshow howoxidation of the lipids in the PLB leads to an increase of the permeability of the bilayer to ROS, although the permeation free energy barriers still remain relatively high. More importantly, oxidation of the lipids results in a drop of the electric field threshold needed for pore formation (i.e., electroporation) in the PLB. The created pores in the membrane facilitate the penetration of reactive plasma species deep into the cell interior, eventually causing oxidative damage.

General significance: This study is of particular interest for plasma medicine, as plasma generates both ROS and electric fields, but it is also of more general interest for applications where strong electric fields and ROS both come into play.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000397366200012 Publication Date 2017-01-27
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0304-4165 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.702 Times cited Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes This work is financially supported by the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO; grant numbers: 1200216N and 11U5416N). The work was carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure of the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen, a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flem Approved Most recent IF: 4.702
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:140095 Serial 4413
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bogaerts, A.; Aghaei, M.
  Title Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry: insights through computer modeling Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry Abbreviated Journal J Anal Atom Spectrom
  Volume 32 Issue 32 Pages 233-261
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
  Abstract In this tutorial review paper, we illustrate how computer modeling can contribute to a better insight in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We start with a brief overview on previous efforts, studying the fundamentals of the ICP and ICP-MS, with main focus on previous modeling activities. Subsequently, we explain in detail the model that we developed in previous years, and we show typical calculation results, illustrating the plasma characteristics, gas flow patterns and the sample transport, evaporation and ionization. We also present the effect of various experimental parameters, such as operating conditions, geometrical aspects and sample characteristics, to illustrate how modeling can help to elucidate the optimal conditions for improved analytical performance.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000395529800002 Publication Date 2016-12-07
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0267-9477 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 3.379 Times cited 14 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes The authors are very grateful to H. Lindner for the initial model development and for the many interesting discussions. They also gratefully acknowledge nancial support from the Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO; Grant number 6713). The calculations were carried out using the Turing HPC infrastructure at the CalcUA core facility of the Universiteit Antwerpen (UAntwerpen), a division of the Flemish Supercomputer Center VSC, funded by the Hercules Foundation, the Flemish Government (department EWI) and the UAntwerpen. Approved Most recent IF: 3.379
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:140074 Serial 4416
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kurttepeli, M.; Locus, R.; Verboekend, D.; de Clippel, F.; Breynaert, E.; Martens, J.; Sels, B.; Bals, S.
  Title Synthesis of aluminum-containing hierarchical mesoporous materials with columnar mesopore ordering by evaporation induced self assembly Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Microporous and mesoporous materials: zeolites, clays, carbons and related materials Abbreviated Journal Micropor Mesopor Mat
  Volume 234 Issue 234 Pages 186-195
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract The incorporation of aluminum into the silica columns of hierarchical mesoporous materials (HMMs) was studied. The HMMs were synthesized by a combination of hard and soft templating methods, forming mesoporous SBA-15-type silica columns inside the pores of anodic aluminum oxide membranes via evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA). By adding Al-isopropoxide to the EISA-mixture a full tetrahedral incorporation of Al and thus the creation of acid sites was achieved, which was proved by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Electron microscopy showed that the use of Al-isopropoxide as an Al source for the HMMs led to a change in the mesopore ordering of silica material from circular hexagonal (donut-like) to columnar hexagonal and a 37% increase in specific surface (BET surface). These results were confirmed by a combination of nitrogen physisorption and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments and can be attributed to a swelling of the P123 micelles with isopropanol. The columnar mesopore ordering of silica is advantageous towards the pore accessibility and therefore preferential for many possible applications including catalysis and adsorption on the acid tetrahedral Al-sites. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
  Language Wos 000383291400020 Publication Date 2016-07-09
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1387-1811 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 3.615 Times cited 5 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes ; The Belgian government (Belgian Science Policy Office, Belspo) is acknowledged for financing the Interuniversity Attraction Poles (IAP-PAI). S. B. acknowledges the financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). D. V. acknowledges the Flanders Research Foundation (FWO). ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 3.615
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:137108 Serial 4404
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Author Zalfani, M.; Hu, Z.-Y.; Yu, W.-B.; Mahdouani, M.; Bourguiga, R.; Wu, M.; Li, Y.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Djoued, Y.; Su, B.-L.
  Title BiVo4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites : effect of BiVO4 as highly efficient visible light sensitizer for highly improved visible light photocatalytic activity in the degradation of dye pollutants Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ
  Volume 205 Issue 205 Pages 121-132
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract A series of BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites have been synthesized and their photocatalytic activity was investigated under visible light irradiation using the RhB dye as model pollutant molecule in an aqueous solution. The effect of the amount of BiVO4 as visible light sensitizer on the photocatalytic activity of BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites was highlighted. The heterostructured composite system leads to much higher photocatalytic efficiencies than bare 3DOM TiO2 and BiVO4 nanoparticles. As the proportion of BiVO4 in BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites increases from 0.04 to 0.6, the photocatalytic performance of the BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 nanocomposites increases and then decreases after reaching a maximum at 0.2. This improvement in photocatalytic perfomance is related to 1) the interfacial electron transfer efficiency between the coupled materials, 2) the 3DOM TiO2 inverse opal structure with interconnected pores providing an easy mass transfer of the reactant molecules and high accessibility to the active sites and large surface area and 3) the effect of light sensitizer of BiVO4. Intensive studies on structural, textural, optical and surface properties reveal that the electronic interactions between BiVO4 and TiO2 lead to an improved charge separation of the coupled BiVO4/TiO2 system. The photogenerated charge carrier densities increase with increasing the BiVO4 content, which acts as visible light sensitizer to the TiO2 and is responsible for the enhancement in the rate of photocatalytic degradation. However, the photocatalytic activity is reduced when the BiVO4 amount is much higher than that of 3DOM TiO2. Two reasons could account for this behavior. First, with increasing BiVO4 content, the photogenerated electron/hole pairs are accumulated at the surface of the BiVO4 nanoparticles and the recombination rate increases as shown by the PL results. Second, decreasing the amount of 3DOM TiO2 in the nanocomposite decreases the surface area as shown by the BET results. Moreover, the poor adsorptive properties of the BiVO4 photocatalyst also affect the photocatalytic performance, in particular at higher BiVO4 content. The present work demonstrates that BiVO4/3DOM TiO2 is a very promising heterojunction system for visible light photocatalytic applications.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
  Language Wos 000393931000013 Publication Date 2016-12-08
  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 9.446 Times cited 52 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes ; This work was realized with the financial support of Chinese Ministry of Education in a framework of the Changjiang Scholar Innovative Research Team Program (IRT_15R52). B. L. Su acknowledges the Chinese Central Government for an “Expert of the State” position in the Program of the “Thousand Talents” and a Clare Hall Life Member, University of Cambridge. Y. Li acknowledges Hubei Provincial Department of Education for the “Chutian Scholar” program. This work is also supported by PhD Programs Foundation (20120143120019) of Chinese Ministry of Education, the Wuhan Youth Chenguang Program of Science and Technology (2013070104010003), Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation (2014CFB160, 2015CFB516), the National Science Foundation for Young Scholars of China (No. 51502225) and Self-determined and Innovative Research Funds of the SKLWUT (2015-ZD-7). MZ thanks the scholarship support from the Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry ay the University of Namur. Z. Y. Hu and G. Van Tendeloo acknowledge support from the EC Framework 7 program ESTEEM2 (Reference 312483). This research used resources of the Electron Microscopy Service located at the University of Namur. This Service is member of the “Plateforme Technologique Morphologie – Imagerie”. The XPS analyses were made in the LISE, Department of Physics of University of Namur thanks to Dr. P. Louette. XRD measurements, UV-vis and photoluminescent spectroscopic analyses and N<INF>2</ INF> adsorption-desorption measurements were made with the facility of the “Plateforme Technologique Physico-Chimique”. ; Approved Most recent IF: 9.446
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:138601 Serial 4405
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Verduyckt, J.; Van Hoof, M.; De Schouwer, F.; Wolberg, M.; Kurttepeli, M.; Eloy, P.; Gaigneaux, E.M.; Bals, S.; Kirschhock, C.E.A.; De Vos, D.E.
  Title PdPb-catalyzed decarboxylation of proline to pyrrolidine : highly selective formation of a biobased amine in water Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication ACS catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal
  Volume 6 Issue 6 Pages 7303-7310
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Amino acids have huge potential as platform chemicals in the biobased industry. Pd-catalyzed decarboxylation is a very promising route for the valorization of these natural compounds derived from protein waste or fermentation. We report that the highly abundant and nonessential amino acid L-proline is very reactive in the Pd-catalyzed decarboxylation. Full conversions are obtained with Pd/C and different Pd/MeOx catalysts; this allowed the identification of the different side reactions and the mapping of the reaction network. Due to the high reactivity of pyrrolidine, the selectivity for pyrrolidine was initially low. By carefully modifying Pd/ZrO2 with Pb in a controlled manner-via two incipient wetness impregnation steps-the selectivity increased remarkably. Finally, a thorough investigation of the reaction parameters resulted in an increased activity of this modified catalyst and an even further enhanced selectivity under a low H-2 pressure of 4 bar at 235 degrees C in water. This results in a very selective and sustainable production route for the highly interesting pyrrolidine.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000387306100005 Publication Date 2016-09-16
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2155-5435 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 10.614 Times cited 27 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes ; J.V. and F.D.S. thank Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO) and Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology (IWT) for doctoral fellowships. D.D.V. acknowledges IWT and FWO for research project funding. D.D.V. and C.E.A.K. acknowledge the Flemish government for long-term structural funding through Methusalem. D.D.V. and S.B. acknowledge Belspo (IAP-PAI 7/05) for financial support. S.B. is grateful for funding by the European Research Council (ERC starting grant no. 335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors also thank the Department of Chemistry, University of Cologne, Germany for use of their XRD equipment. Finally, the assistance of Karel Duerinckx, Werner Wouters, Walter Vermandel, Ivo Stassen, Dries Jonckheere, Sabina Accardo and Bart Bueken with 11-1 NMR, pressure reactors, CO chemisorption, N<INF>2</INF> physisorption, SEM, gas phase FTIR and high-throughput XRD, respectively, is very much appreciated. ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 10.614
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:139171 Serial 4445
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Author Grzelczak, M.; Sanchez-Iglesias, A.; Heidari, H.; Bals, S.; Pastoriza-Santos, I.; Perez-Juste, J.; Liz-Marzan, L.M.
  Title Silver Ions Direct Twin-Plane Formation during the Overgrowth of Single-Crystal Gold Nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication ACS Omega Abbreviated Journal
  Volume 1 Issue 1 Pages 177-181
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract It is commonly agreed that the crystalline structure of seeds dictates the crystallinity of final nanoparticles in a seeded-growth process. Although the formation of monocrystalline particles does require the use of single-crystal seeds, twin planes may stem from either single-or polycrystalline seeds. However, experimental control over twin-plane formation remains difficult to achieve synthetically. Here, we show that a careful interplay between kinetics and selective surface passivation offers a unique handle over the emergence of twin planes (in decahedra and triangles) during the growth over single-crystalline gold nanoparticles of quasi-spherical shape. Twinning can be suppressed under conditions of slow kinetics in the presence of silver ions, yielding single-crystalline particles with high-index facets.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000391203300002 Publication Date 2016-08-03
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2470-1343;2470-1343; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor Times cited 18 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes ; This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad MINECO (grants: MAT2013-46101-R, MAT2013-49375-EXP, MAT2013-45168-R). Financial support is acknowledged by the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant # 267867, PLASMAQUO; ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOM). ; ecas_Sara Approved Most recent IF: NA
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:140398 Serial 4446
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Author D'Olieslaeger, L.; Pfannmöller, M.; Fron, E.; Cardinaletti, I.; Van der Auweraer, M.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S.; Maes, W.; Vanderzande, D.; Manca, J.; Ethirajan, A.
  Title Tuning of PCDTBT : PC71BM blend nanoparticles for eco-friendly processing of polymer solar cells Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Solar energy materials and solar cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
  Volume 159 Issue 159 Pages 179-188
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract We report the controlled preparation of water processable nanoparticles (NPs) employing the push-pull polymer PCDTBT and the fullerene acceptor PC71BM in order to enable solar cell processing using eco-friendly solvent (i.e. water). The presented method provides the possibility to separate the formation of the active layer blend and the deposition of the active layer into two different processes. For the first time, the benefits of aqueous processability for the high-potential class of push-pull polymers, generally requiring high boiling solvents, are made accessible. With our method we demonstrate excellent control over the blend stoichiometry and efficient mixing. Furthermore, we provide visualization of the nano morphology of the different NPs to obtain structural information down to similar to 2 nm resolution using advanced analytical electron microscopy. The imaging directly reveals very small compositional demixing in the PCDTBT:PC71BM blend NPs, in the size range of about <5 nm, indicating fine mixing at the molecular level. The suitability of the proposed methodology and materials towards the aspects of eco-friendly processing of organic solar cells is demonstrated through a processing of lab scale NPs solar cell prototypes reaching a power conversion efficiency of 1.9%. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
  Language Wos 000388053600021 Publication Date 2016-09-19
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 32 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes ; This work was supported by BOF funding of Hasselt University, the Interreg project Organext, and the IAP 7/05 project FS2 (Functional Supramolecular Systems), granted by the Science Policy Office of the Belgian Federal Government (BELSPO). A.E. is a post-doctoral fellow of the Flanders Research Foundation (FWO). M.P. gratefully acknowledges the SIM NanoForce program for financial support. S.B. further acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078-COLOURATOMS). The authors are thankful for technical support by J. Smits, T. Vangerven, and J. Baccus. ; ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 4.784
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:139157UA @ admin @ c:irua:139157 Serial 4450
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Author Heyne, M.H.; de Marneffe, J.-F.; Delabie, A.; Caymax, M.; Neyts, E.C.; Radu, I.; Huyghebaert, C.; De Gendt, S.
  Title Two-dimensional WS2 nanoribbon deposition by conversion of pre-patterned amorphous silicon Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Nanotechnology Abbreviated Journal Nanotechnology
  Volume 28 Issue 28 Pages 04LT01
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
  Abstract We present a method for area selective deposition of 2D WS2 nanoribbons with tunable thickness on a dielectric substrate. The process is based on a complete conversion of a prepatterned, H-terminated Si layer to metallic W by WF6, followed by in situ sulfidation by H2S. The reaction process, performed at 450 degrees C, yields nanoribbons with lateral dimension down to 20 nm and with random basal plane orientation. The thickness of the nanoribbons is accurately controlled by the thickness of the pre-deposited Si layer. Upon rapid thermal annealing at 900 degrees C under inert gas, the WS2 basal planes align parallel to the substrate.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Bristol Editor
  Language Wos 000391445100001 Publication Date 2016-12-15
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0957-4484 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 3.44 Times cited 13 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.44
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:140382 Serial 4471
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Author Benetti, G.; Cavaliere, E.; Canteri, A.; Landini, G.; Rossolini, G.M.; Pallecchi, L.; Chiodi, M.; Van Bael, M.J.; Winckelmans, N.; Bals, S.; Gavioli, L.
  Title Direct synthesis of antimicrobial coatings based on tailored bi-elemental nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication APL materials Abbreviated Journal Apl Mater
  Volume 5 Issue 5 Pages 036105
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract Ultrathin coatings based on bi-elemental nanoparticles (NPs) are very promising to limit the surface-related spread of bacterial pathogens, particularly in nosocomial environments. However, tailoring the synthesis, composition, adhesion to substrate, and antimicrobial spectrum of the coating is an open challenge. Herein, we report on a radically new nanostructured coating, obtained by a one-step gas-phase deposition technique, and composed of bi-elemental Janus type Ag/Ti NPs. The NPs are characterized by a cluster-in-cluster mixing phase with metallic Ag nano-crystals embedded in amorphous TiO2 and present a promising antimicrobial activity including also multidrug resistant strains. We demonstrate the flexibility of the method to tune the embedded Ag nano-crystals dimension, the total relative composition of the coating, and the substrate type, opening the possibility of tailoring the dimension, composition, antimicrobial spectrum, and other physical/chemical properties of such multi-elemental systems. This work is expected to significantly spread the range of applications of NPs coatings, not only as an effective tool in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections but also in other technologically relevant fields like sensors or nano-/micro joining.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000398951000014 Publication Date 2017-03-20
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 2166-532X ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.335 Times cited 21 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes We thank Urs Gfeller for the XRF measurements, Francesco Banfi for valuable discussions on the manuscript and Giulio Viano for his valuable support in the microbiological analysis. The authors acknowledge the financial support of Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore through D.2.2 and D.3.1 grants and from the European Union through the 7th Framework Program (FP7) under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative (Reference No. 312483 ESTEEM2). REFERENCES Approved Most recent IF: 4.335
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:141723UA @ admin @ c:irua:141723 Serial 4479
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Author Tunca, B.; Lapauw, T.; Karakulina, O.M.; Batuk, M.; Cabioc’h, T.; Hadermann, J.; Delville, R.; Lambrinou, K.; Vleugels, J.
  Title Synthesis of MAX Phases in the Zr-Ti-Al-C System Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Inorganic chemistry Abbreviated Journal Inorg Chem
  Volume 56 Issue 56 Pages 3489-3498
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
  Abstract This study reports on the synthesis and characterization of MAX phases in the (Zr,Ti)n+1AlCn system. The MAX phases were synthesized by reactive hot pressing and pressureless sintering in the 1350–1700 °C temperature range. The produced ceramics contained large fractions of 211 and 312 (n = 1, 2) MAX phases, while strong evidence of a 413 (n = 3) stacking was found. Moreover, (Zr,Ti)C, ZrAl2, ZrAl3, and Zr2Al3 were present as secondary phases. In general, the lattice parameters of the hexagonal 211 and 312 phases followed Vegard’s law over the complete Zr-Ti solid solution range, but the 312 phase showed a non-negligible deviation from Vegard’s law around the (Zr0.33,Ti0.67)3Al1.2C1.6 stoichiometry. High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with X-ray diffraction demonstrated ordering of the Zr and Ti atoms in the 312 phase, whereby Zr atoms occupied preferentially the central position in the close-packed M6X octahedral layers. The same ordering was also observed in 413 stackings present within the 312 phase. The decomposition of the secondary (Zr,Ti)C phase was attributed to the miscibility gap in the ZrC-TiC system.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000397171100045 Publication Date 2017-03-20
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 0020-1669 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 4.857 Times cited 26 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G.0431.10N.F ; Agentschap voor Innovatie door Wetenschap en Technologie, 131081 ; European Atomic Energy Community, 604862 ; SCK-CEN Academy for Nuclear Science and Technology; Hercules Foundation, Project/Award no: AKUL/1319 Project/Award no: ZW09-09 ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.857
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:141794 Serial 4491
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Author Martens, J.A.; Bogaerts, A.; De Kimpe, N.; Jacobs, P.A.; Marin, G.B.; Rabaey, K.; Saeys, M.; Verhelst, S.
  Title The Chemical Route to a Carbon Dioxide Neutral World Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Chemsuschem Abbreviated Journal Chemsuschem
  Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 1039-1055
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
  Abstract Excessive CO2 emissions in the atmosphere from anthropogenic activity can be divided into point sources and diffuse sources. The capture of CO2 from flue gases of large industrial installations and its conversion into fuels and chemicals with fast catalytic processes seems technically possible. Some emerging technologies are already being demonstrated on an industrial scale. Others are still being tested on a laboratory or pilot scale. These emerging chemical technologies can be implemented in a time window ranging from 5 to 20 years. The massive amounts of energy needed for capturing processes and the conversion of CO2 should come from low-carbon energy sources, such as tidal, geothermal, and nuclear energy, but also, mainly, from the sun. Synthetic methane gas that can be formed from CO2 and hydrogen gas is an attractive renewable energy carrier with an existing distribution system. Methanol offers advantages as a liquid fuel and is also a building block for the chemical industry. CO2 emissions from diffuse sources is a difficult problem to solve, particularly for CO2 emissions from road, water, and air transport, but steady progress in the development of technology for capturing CO2 from air is being made. It is impossible to ban carbon from the entire energy

supply of mankind with the current technological knowledge, but a transition to a mixed carbon–hydrogen economy can reduce net CO2 emissions and ultimately lead to a CO2-neutral world.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000398182800002 Publication Date 2017-02-24
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition
  ISSN 1864-5631 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
  Impact Factor 7.226 Times cited 75 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes This paper is written by members of the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts (KVAB) and external experts. KVAB is acknowledged for supporting the writing and publishing of this viewpoint. Valuable suggestions made by colleagues Jan Kretzschmar, Stan Ulens, and Luc Sterckx are highly appreciated. Special thanks go to Mr. Bert Seghers and Mrs. N. Boelens of KVAB for practical assistance. Mr. Tim Lacoere is acknowledged for graphic design and layout of the figures, and Steven Heylen and Elke Verheyen are acknowledged for data collection and editorial assistance. Approved Most recent IF: 7.226
  Call Number PLASMANT @ plasmant @ c:irua:141916 Serial 4532
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Author Willhammar, T.; Sentosun, K.; Mourdikoudis, S.; Goris, B.; Kurttepeli, M.; Bercx, M.; Lamoen, D.; Partoens, B.; Pastoriza-Santos, I.; Pérez-Juste, J.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.
  Title Structure and vacancy distribution in copper telluride nanoparticles influence plasmonic activity in the near-infrared Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun
  Volume 8 Issue 8 Pages 14925
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
  Abstract Copper chalcogenides find applications in different domains including photonics, photothermal therapy and photovoltaics. CuTe nanocrystals have been proposed as an alternative to noble metal particles for plasmonics. Although it is known that deviations from stoichiometry are a prerequisite for plasmonic activity in the near-infrared, an accurate description of the material and its (optical) properties is hindered by an insufficient understanding of the atomic structure and the influence of defects, especially for materials in their nanocrystalline form. We demonstrate that the structure of Cu1.5±xTe nanocrystals canbe determined using electron diffraction tomography. Real-space high-resolution electron tomography directly reveals the three-dimensional distribution of vacancies in the structure. Through first-principles density functional theory, we furthermore demonstrate that the influence of these vacancies on the optical properties of the nanocrystals is determined. Since our methodology is applicable to a variety of crystalline nanostructured materials, it is expected to provide unique insights concerning structure–property correlations.
  Address
  Corporate Author Thesis
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor
  Language Wos 000397799700001 Publication Date 2017-03-30
  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 12.124 Times cited 37 Open Access (down) OpenAccess
  Notes The work was financially supported by the European Research Council through an ERC Starting Grant (#335078-COLOURATOMS). T.W. acknowledges the Swedish Research Council for an international postdoc grant. We acknowledge financial support of FWO-Vlaanderen through project G.0216.14N, G.0369.15N and a postdoctoral research grant to B.G. 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. The work was further supported by the Spanish MINECO (MAT2013-45168-R). S.M. thanks the Action ooSupporting Postdoctoral Researchers44 of the Operational Program ‘Education and Lifelong Learning’ (Action’s Beneficiary: General Secretariat for Research and Technology of Greece), which was co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Greek State. (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:can); ECAS_Sara Approved Most recent IF: 12.124
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:142203UA @ admin @ c:irua:142203 Serial 4538
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