Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ovidiu Cretu, Dai-Ming Tang, Da-Bao Lu, Bo Da, Yoshihiro Nemoto, Naoyuki Kawamoto, Masanori Mitome, Zejun Ding, Koji Kimoto
Summary: We have mapped the temperature distribution of suspended carbon nanotubes at the 5-nm level inside a transmission electron microscope using electron energy-loss plasmon spectroscopy. The results show that these nanotubes can withstand extremely high current densities and temperatures, confirming them as ideal candidates for interconnects.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruichun Luo, Meng Gao, Chunwen Wang, Juntong Zhu, Roger Guzman, Wu Zhou
Summary: This review provides an overview of the static and in situ investigation of functional structures, defects, and interfaces in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), primarily utilizing scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Recent advancements in in situ visualization and manipulation of 2D TMDs using electron beams are also highlighted.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alexander Vogel, Alicia Ruiz Caridad, Johanna Nordlander, Martin F. Sarott, Quintin N. Meier, Rolf Erni, Nicola A. Spaldin, Morgan Trassin, Marta D. Rossell
Summary: Recent studies have found that oxygen defects on the surface of improper ferroelectric thin films can result in the loss of ferroelectric response. We investigated hexagonal YMnO3 thin films and discovered that the polarization suppression in thinner films is due to oxygen vacancies. We demonstrated that these vacancies form on the film surfaces to screen the large internal electric field. Furthermore, by modifying the oxygen concentration, we can significantly tune the phase transition temperatures. These findings are expected to be applicable to other ferroelectric oxide films, highlighting the importance of controlling oxygen content and cation oxidation states for successful integration in nanoscale applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tomitsugu Taguchi, Shunya Yamamoto, Hironori Ohba
Summary: The study successfully synthesized double-thick-walled (DTW) silicon carbide (SiC) nanotubes with unique structures and properties. Experimental results showed that DTW SiC nanotubes with perfect structures can only be synthesized with an MWCNT wall thickness of at least 50 nm.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
I. C. Lin, M. H. Lee, P. C. Wu, S. C. Lin, J. W. Chen, C-C Li, G. Y. Guo, Y-H Chu, R. Sankar, M-W Chu
Summary: Thin oxide films offer vast opportunities for modern electronics, and this study demonstrates the twisting of metallic phases into distinct charge-lattice entangled states by epitaxial strains. The research reveals lattice instabilities and localized hole doping in LaNiO3, PrNiO3, and NdNiO3 films on SrTiO3. These findings indicate the existence of hidden orders in versatile oxide heterostructures with unexpected properties.
NEW JOURNAL OF PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peter Tieu, Xingxu Yan, Mingjie Xu, Phillip Christopher, Xiaoqing Pan
Summary: The development of single atom catalysts (SACs) with carefully controlled properties has been driven by the need for atom efficient catalysts. Advances in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, including aberration correction, spectroscopy, and in situ/operando observation, have enabled researchers to study SACs at an atomic scale, providing crucial information about their location, characteristics, and stability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Feng Tian, Liubin Ben, Hailong Yu, Hongxiang Ji, Wenwu Zhao, Zhongzhu Liu, Robson Monteiro, Rogerio M. Ribas, Yongming Zhu, Xuejie Huang
Summary: X-ray nano-computed tomography and deep learning were used to study the structural evolution of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 during cycling at 55 degrees C. Two types of intergranular cracks were observed, with the open cracks showing a significant increase in volume and a decrease in capacity retention. Further analysis revealed that migration of transition metal ions and reduction of these ions predominantly occurred in the open crack regions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrei Kudriashov, Ian Babich, Razmik A. Hovhannisyan, Andrey G. Shishkin, Sergei N. Kozlov, Alexander Fedorov, Denis V. Vyalikh, Ekaterina Khestanova, Mikhail Yu Kupriyanov, Vasily S. Stolyarov
Summary: This study reveals the presence of double critical current in the Josephson junctions based on topological insulator, which is attributed to the intrinsic superconductivity of the S-TI interface. The complex structure of this interface should be taken into account in the technological process.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yue Yu, Yifan Zhao, Shouheng Li, Chao Zhao, Weiming Liu, Shanshan Wang, Feng Ding, Jin Zhang
Summary: Developing a convenient method to determine the complete structure of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is important for achieving controlled growth of this nanomaterial. This study presents a simple strategy to discriminate chirality and characterize the handedness-selective growth of nanomaterials. By constructing artificially aligned SWNTs/graphene (Gr) vertical heterostructures, the 3D handedness information of SWNTs is transformed to projected 2D space using transmission electron microscopy. The work also explores the interfacial alignment between SWNTs and Gr and its effects on the electronic structures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kunyen Liao, Kiyou Shibata, Teruyasu Mizoguchi
Summary: Grain boundaries significantly affect the coefficient of thermal expansion in polycrystals. This study used EELS to directly measure CTE in different types of grain boundaries, revealing variations in thermodynamic properties and demonstrating the potential of EELS for probing local thermal properties at nanometer-scale resolution.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alice Apponi, Domenica Convertino, Neeraj Mishra, Camilla Coletti, Mauro Iodice, Franco Frasconi, Federico Pilo, Narcis Silviu Blaj, Daniele Paoloni, Ilaria Rago, Giovanni De Bellis, Gianluca Cavoto, Alessandro Ruocco
Summary: In this study, accurate transmission measurements of electrons below 1 keV through suspended monolayer graphene were reported. The monolayer graphene was grown using chemical vapor deposition and transferred onto transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grids. The transparency of graphene was obtained by measuring the direct beam current and transmitted current. The experimental results showed a transmission rate ranging from about 20% to about 80% for monolayer graphene within the experimental electron energy range. The high quality and grid coverage of the suspended graphene were confirmed through various characterization techniques. Additionally, evidence of suspended monolayer graphene was observed after annealing the samples in vacuum at 550 degrees C.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thomas Blum, Jeffery Graves, Michael J. Zachman, Felipe Polo-Garzon, Zili Wu, Ramakrishnan Kannan, Xiaoqing Pan, Miaofang Chi
Summary: Forming an ultra-thin, permeable encapsulation oxide-support layer on a metal catalyst surface is considered an effective strategy for achieving a balance between high stability and high activity in heterogenous catalysts, but identifying such a trace layer has been challenging. A new robust, unsupervised machine learning data analysis method has been developed to accurately reveal trace encapsulation layers in STEM-EELS datasets that are otherwise overlooked, providing a reliable tool for analyzing catalyst encapsulation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kevin M. Roccapriore, Shin-Hum Cho, Andrew R. Lupini, Delia J. Milliron, Sergei Kalinin
Summary: The spatial confinement of matter in functional nanostructures has positioned them at the forefront of nanoscience, serving as playgrounds for exotic physics and quantum phenomena as well as finding applications in various fields. Through modern synthesis processes and precise sculpting, the plasmonic response of nanoparticles can be effectively modified, offering a wide range of possibilities for nanophotonic design.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jong Hyeok Seo, Ji-Hwan Kwon
Summary: In this study, the electronic structure of Co(OH)2 was investigated using low current electron energy loss spectroscopy. The results showed that electron beam irradiation caused a transformation in the electronic structure of Co(OH)2 and led to the formation of Co3O4.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mattias Flygare, Krister Svensson
Summary: Electrical characterization of nanostructures is essential for future applications of nanomaterials. Reliable measurement methods and standards are needed for accurate analysis. This study focuses on a two-probe method performed inside a transmission electron microscope to determine the electrical conductivity of carbon nanotubes. The results show that this method can accurately determine the linear resistance of the outermost nanotube wall, even for high crystallinity materials.
MATERIALS RESEARCH EXPRESS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Simon C. Boehme, Maryna I. Bodnarchuk, Max Burian, Federica Bertolotti, Ihor Cherniukh, Caterina Bernasconi, Chenglian Zhu, Rolf Erni, Heinz Amenitsch, Denys Naumenko, Hordii Andrusiv, Nazar Semkiv, Rohit Abraham John, Alan Baldwin, Krzysztof Galkowski, Norberto Masciocchi, Samuel D. Stranks, Gabriele Raino, Antonietta Guagliardi, Maksym V. Kovalenko
Summary: The success of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) is due to the precise control of QD size, shape, and composition, which has enabled the development of well-defined functional nanomaterials. Although the strong confinement regime has been extensively explored for InP or CdSe QDs, it has not been thoroughly investigated for lead-halide perovskite QDs. This is mainly due to the limited chemical stability and size monodispersity of perovskite QDs smaller than 7 nm.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reza J. J. Kashtiban, Christopher E. E. Patrick, Quentin Ramasse, Richard I. I. Walton, Jeremy Sloan
Summary: Halide perovskite structures formed at the quantum scale are revolutionizing optoelectronic materials design, such as solar cells and light-emitting diodes. Four sub-nanometer halide perovskite structures were successfully created inside single-walled carbon nanotubes, demonstrating unique properties and bandgap widening compared to bulk forms. These structures show promise in the development of advanced optoelectronic devices.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Walid Dachraoui, Rolf Erni
Summary: This study utilizes in situ liquid cell scanning transmission electron microscopy to track the growth of Pd nanoparticles at the atomic scale. The results reveal that the formation of Pd nanoparticles involves multiple steps, including nonclassical nucleation and multi-step growth processes. These findings confirm the importance of element-specific interactions in determining the pathway of crystalline nanoparticle formation, even under identical synthesis conditions.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jack W. Jordan, Alexander Chernov, Graham A. Rance, E. Stephen Davies, Anabel E. Lanterna, Jesum Alves Fernandes, Alexander Gruneis, Quentin Ramasse, Graham N. Newton, Andrei N. Khlobystov
Summary: Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are highly effective nanocontainers for polyoxometalate (POM) molecules, with spontaneous encapsulation from aqueous solution and Lewis acid-base interactions likely driving the process. Extensive investigation of the guest-molecules revealed energy and electron transfer processes between BNNTs and POMs, leading to various phenomena such as quenching of BNNT photoluminescence, emergence of new photoluminescence emissions, photochromic response, and paramagnetic signals from guest-POMs. These findings provide a fresh perspective on nanoscale host-guest interactions and open pathways for harnessing the functional properties of hybrid systems.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kenneth J. T. Livi, Mario Villalobos, Quentin Ramasse, Rik Brydson, Hugo Slavko Salazar-Rivera
Summary: The capacity for crystals to adsorb elements and molecules depends on the structures of their crystal faces and their proportions. This study reveals that the surface structure of crystal faces is influenced by surface roughness, which is the main factor controlling the absorption site density. By examining synthetic goethites with different crystal size distributions, it is found that crystal size affects their shape, atomic-scale surface roughness, and total surface site density. The results show that surface roughness increases with the size of synthetic goethites and this leads to an increase in the total site density compared to ideal smooth crystals.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Neeru Mittal, Alazne Ojanguren, Dipan Kundu, Erlantz Lizundia, Markus Niederberger
Summary: This study presents the design of a fully transient zinc-ion battery made of nontoxic and abundant materials, which can lessen the environmental impact of traditional batteries. The battery exhibits stable cycling performance, high capacity, and biodegradable characteristics.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huifang Hu, Ying Kong, Menglong Liu, Viliam Kolivoska, Alexander V. Rudnev, Yuhui Hou, Rolf Erni, Soma Vesztergom, Peter Broekmann
Summary: The application of gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to value-added products has the potential to achieve high current densities. However, maintaining stable operation at such high reaction rates is challenging due to the flooding of the GDE. The chemical composition of the applied catalyst inks, particularly the excessive presence of polymeric capping agents, can lead to the blockage of micropores and hinder effective electrolyte perspiration inside the GDE structure.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Samira Sang Bastian, Felix Rechberger, Sabrina Zellmer, Markus Niederberger, Georg Garnweitner
Summary: In this study, ITO aerogels were synthesized through two different methods and then dried using liquid CO2. The synthesis of ITO aerogels was achieved by a one-pot sol-gel process in benzylamine (BnNH2) or by controlled destabilization of a concentrated dispersion in benzyl alcohol (BnOH). The electrical conductivity of the synthesized ITO aerogels was improved significantly through annealing, and the aerogels showed potential for various applications in energy storage and optoelectronic devices.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thaylan Pinheiro Araujo, Jordi Morales-Vidal, Georgios Giannakakis, Cecilia Mondelli, Henrik Eliasson, Rolf Erni, Joseph A. Stewart, Sharon Mitchell, Nuria Lopez, Javier Perez-Ramirez
Summary: Ternary Pd-In2O3/ZrO2 catalysts prepared by wet impregnation exhibit selective and stable architecture under CO2 hydrogenation conditions, irrespective of the order of addition of Pd and In phases on the zirconia carrier. The rapid restructuring of the catalysts is driven by the metal-metal oxide interaction energetics. The presence of InPdx alloy particles decorated by InOx layers prevents performance losses associated with Pd sintering.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Huu-Quang Nguyen, My-Chi Thi Nguyen, Hyojin Kang, Hongxia Chen, David Kiwic, Fabian Matter, Elena Tervoort, Markus Niederberger, Jaebeom Lee
Summary: This study demonstrates the fabrication of chiral active structures from achiral nanoscale components by controlling the handedness and absorptive characteristics of chiral materials. The self-assembly of magnetoplasmonic nanowires into chiral active superstructures is achieved through the effect of an externally applied magnetic field. This concept can be applied to the design of optically active chiral 3D superstructures for optical filters, sensing devices, and chiral photocatalysts.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Alexander Vogel, Alicia Ruiz-Caridad, Johanna Nordlander, Rolf Erni, Morgan Trassin, Marta D. Rossell
Summary: In this study, the crystal and electronic structure of YMnO3 thin films were investigated using scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. The phase transition and changes in the electronic structure were observed and analyzed. The study demonstrated the sensitivity of the O-K near-edge structure to structural distortions in YMnO3 polymorphs, providing important insights for future research on polymorphic phase transformations in improper ferroelectrics.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Neeru Mittal, Tae-Min Jang, Suk-Won Hwang, Markus Niederberger
Summary: Progress in transient electronics relies on the availability of components and materials that can decompose in water. A new water-soluble polymer composite has been developed as a packaging material that releases a chemical etchant to decompose copper and aluminum. The dissolution behavior of copper and aluminum films can be adjusted by varying the composition of the composite, making it a promising approach for transient electronic devices.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xianwei Wang, Jiangtao Zhao, Henrik Eliasson, Rolf Erni, Abolfazl Ziarati, Siobhan Mckeown Walker, Thomas Burgi
Summary: Depositing Au-25 nanoclusters onto a manganese oxide support produces a stable and highly active catalyst. By optimizing the pretreatment temperature, the performance of the Au-25/MnO2 catalyst in low-temperature CO oxidation can be significantly enhanced.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chiara Ricca, Elizabeth Skoropata, Marta D. Rossell, Rolf Erni, Urs Staub, Ulrich Aschauer
Summary: A highly ordered Moire dislocation lattice has been discovered recently, and the structure and defect chemistry of these dislocations have been investigated through experimental characterization and computational calculations. The results show the presence of undercoordinated light metal cations and oxygen vacancies at the dislocation cores, which may affect the properties of complex multifunctional heterostructures and result in the reduction of Ti ions through electron doping.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Henrik Eliasson, Yubiao Niu, Richard E. Palmer, Henrik Gronbeck, Rolf Erni
Summary: Based on scanning transmission electron microscopy, direct evidence is provided to show how the metal-support interaction affects the structure of supported nanoparticles. It is found that Pt nanoparticles on CeO2 exhibit facet-dependent support interaction, which determines the dimensionality of the particles. Pt particles consisting of less than approximately 130 atoms prefer a 3D shape on CeO2(111) facets, while 2D raft structures are favored on CeO2(100) facets.
Article
Microscopy
Shengli Zhang, Ying Wang, Bowei Wang, Yi Zeng, Jiani Li, Xingyue Wang, Cuihua Hu, Zhankun Weng, Zuobin Wang
Summary: Curcumin was found to have effects on the activity, migration, and mitochondrial membrane potential of malignant hepatocytes and their mitochondria. The findings from both optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies confirm these effects on cell morphology and biomechanics.
Article
Microscopy
Rutika Sansaria, Krishanu Dey Das, Alwin Poulose
Summary: This paper presents a method for quantifying Golgi dispersion images and classifying them using machine learning models. By applying automated image processing and segmentation, extracting features, and using different classifiers, accurate classification of Golgi images is achieved.
Article
Microscopy
Marjorie da Silva, Cintia Eleonora Lopes Justino, Fernando Henrique Carnimeo, Fernando Barbosa Noll, Johan Billen
Summary: This article describes the secretory glands in females of two species of Myzinum and discusses their homology with other glands in the Hymenoptera order. The study finds that the three glands, instead of the commonly believed two, are present in Myzinum species. However, the limited research on the structure, function, and evolution of female accessory glands in Hymenoptera prevents conclusive statements.
Article
Microscopy
Ping Hao, Wen Yin, Xi Chen, Shuangshuang Qin, Yue Yu, Yuan Yuan, Xiaoyu Quan, Bing Hu, Shouhai Chen, Yi Wu
Summary: This study confirmed the secretion of nano-scale exosomes-multivesicular bodies and the interaction of high endothelial cells (HECs) with lysosomes and mitochondria in the small intestine of laying birds. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results showed the strong immunoreactivity of exosome-related proteins and autophagic-related proteins in the lamina propria of the small intestine. These findings reveal an innovative communication method among HECs in the small intestine.
Article
Microscopy
Stefan Talu, Robert S. Matos, Henrique Duarte da Fonseca Filho, Daniela Predoi, Simona Liliana Iconaru, Carmen Steluta Ciobanu, Liliana Ghegoiu
Summary: This study developed composite layers based on magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite and chitosan, and demonstrated their good biocompatibility and antifungal effects against osteosarcoma cells. The attachment and growth of the cells on the composite layers were promoted, while the growth of Candida albicans was inhibited. The morphological analysis revealed complex 3D patterns on the cancer cell surfaces on the magnesium-containing composite layers.
