1
|
Krämer M, Favelukis B, Sokol M, Rosen BA, Eliaz N, Kim SH, Gault B. Facilitating Atom Probe Tomography of 2D MXene Films by In Situ Sputtering. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2024:ozae035. [PMID: 38767284 DOI: 10.1093/mam/ozae035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
2D materials are emerging as promising nanomaterials for applications in energy storage and catalysis. In the wet chemical synthesis of MXenes, these 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides are terminated with a variety of functional groups, and cations such as Li+ are often used to intercalate into the structure to obtain exfoliated nanosheets. Given the various elements involved in their synthesis, it is crucial to determine the detailed chemical composition of the final product, in order to better assess and understand the relationships between composition and properties of these materials. To facilitate atom probe tomography analysis of these materials, a revised specimen preparation method is presented in this study. A colloidal Ti3C2Tz MXene solution was processed into an additive-free free-standing film and specimens were prepared using a dual beam scanning electron microscope/focused ion beam. To mechanically stabilize the fragile specimens, they were coated using an in situ sputtering technique. As various 2D material inks can be processed into such free-standing films, the presented approach is pivotal for enabling atom probe analysis of other 2D materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Krämer
- Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials, Max-Planck-Straße 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Bar Favelukis
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tel Aviv University, P.O.B 39040, Ramat Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Maxim Sokol
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tel Aviv University, P.O.B 39040, Ramat Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Brian A Rosen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tel Aviv University, P.O.B 39040, Ramat Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Noam Eliaz
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tel Aviv University, P.O.B 39040, Ramat Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Se-Ho Kim
- Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials, Max-Planck-Straße 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Baptiste Gault
- Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials, Max-Planck-Straße 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vorlaufer N, Josten J, Carl S, Göbel E, Søgaard A, Taccardi N, Spiecker E, Felfer P. Preparation of atom probe tips from (nano)particles in dispersion using (di)electrophoresis and electroplating. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:476-483. [PMID: 37921114 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The behavior of catalytic particles depends on their chemical structure and morphology. To reveal this information, the characterization with atom probe tomography has huge potential. Despite progresses and papers proposing various approaches towards the incorporation of particles inside atom probe tips, no single approach has been broadly applicable to date. In this paper, we introduce a workflow that allowed us to prepare atom probe specimens from Ga particles in suspension in the size range of 50 nm up to 2 μm. By combining dielectrophoresis and electrodeposition in a suitable way, we achieve a near-tip shape geometry, without a time-consuming FIB lift-out. This workflow is a simple and quick method to prepare atom probe tips and allows for a high preparation throughput. Also, not using a lift-out allowed us to use a cryo-stage, avoiding melting of the Ga particles, while ensuring a mechanical stable atom probe tip. The specimen prepared by this workflow enable a stable measurement and low fracture rates. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Enabling cryo-preparation of (nano)particles for the atom probe. Characterization of surface and bulk elemental distribution of GaPt model SCALMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora Vorlaufer
- Institute I, Materials Science & Engineering Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Josten
- Institute I, Materials Science & Engineering Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simon Carl
- Institute of Micro- and Nanostructure Research (IMN) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Materials Science & Engineering Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Erik Göbel
- Institute I, Materials Science & Engineering Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander Søgaard
- Institute of Chemical Reaction Engineering, Department Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- CHEC Research Centre, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nicola Taccardi
- Institute of Chemical Reaction Engineering, Department Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Erdmann Spiecker
- Institute of Micro- and Nanostructure Research (IMN) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Materials Science & Engineering Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Felfer
- Institute I, Materials Science & Engineering Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schwarz TM, Woods E, Singh MP, Chen X, Jung C, Aota LS, Jang K, Krämer M, Kim SH, McCarroll I, Gault B. In Situ Metallic Coating of Atom Probe Specimen for Enhanced Yield, Performance, and Increased Field-of-View. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2024:ozae006. [PMID: 38366381 DOI: 10.1093/mam/ozae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Atom probe tomography requires needle-shaped specimens with a diameter typically below 100 nm, making them both very fragile and reactive, and defects (notches at grain boundaries or precipitates) are known to affect the yield and data quality. The use of a conformal coating directly on the sharpened specimen has been proposed to increase yield and reduce background. However, to date, these coatings have been applied ex situ and mostly are not uniform. Here, we report on the controlled focused-ion beam in situ deposition of a thin metal film on specimens immediately after specimen preparation. Different metallic targets e.g. Cr were attached to a micromanipulator via a conventional lift-out method and sputtered using Ga or Xe ions. We showcase the many advantages of coating specimens from metallic to nonmetallic materials. We have identified an increase in data quality and yield, an improvement of the mass resolution, as well as an increase in the effective field-of-view. This wider field-of-view enables visualization of the entire original specimen, allowing to detect the complete surface oxide layer around the specimen. The ease of implementation of the approach makes it very attractive for generalizing its use across a very wide range of atom probe analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim M Schwarz
- Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Eric Woods
- Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Mahander P Singh
- Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Xinren Chen
- Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Chanwon Jung
- Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Leonardo S Aota
- Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Kyuseon Jang
- Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Mathias Krämer
- Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Se-Ho Kim
- Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Ingrid McCarroll
- Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Baptiste Gault
- Department of Microstructure Physics and Alloy Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Krämer M, Favelukis B, El-Zoka AA, Sokol M, Rosen BA, Eliaz N, Kim SH, Gault B. Near-Atomic-Scale Perspective on the Oxidation of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXenes: Insights from Atom Probe Tomography. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305183. [PMID: 37608621 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
MXenes are a family of 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides with remarkable properties, bearing great potential for energy storage and catalysis applications. However, their oxidation behavior is not yet fully understood, and there are still open questions regarding the spatial distribution and precise quantification of surface terminations, intercalated ions, and possible uncontrolled impurities incorporated during synthesis and processing. Here, atom probe tomography (APT) analysis of as-synthesized Ti3 C2 Tx MXenes reveals the presence of alkali (Li, Na) and halogen (Cl, F) elements as well as unetched Al. Following oxidation of the colloidal solution of MXenes, it is observed that the alkalis are enriched in TiO2 nanowires. Although these elements are tolerated through the incorporation by wet chemical synthesis, they are often overlooked when the activity of these materials is considered, particularly during catalytic testing. This work demonstrates how the capability of APT to image these elements in 3D at the near-atomic scale can help to better understand the activity and degradation of MXenes, in order to guide their synthesis for superior functional properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Krämer
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bar Favelukis
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tel Aviv University, P.O.B 39040, Ramat Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Ayman A El-Zoka
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Maxim Sokol
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tel Aviv University, P.O.B 39040, Ramat Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Brian A Rosen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tel Aviv University, P.O.B 39040, Ramat Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Noam Eliaz
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tel Aviv University, P.O.B 39040, Ramat Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Se-Ho Kim
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Baptiste Gault
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vega-Paredes M, Scheu C, Aymerich-Armengol R. Expanding the Potential of Identical Location Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy for Gas Evolving Reactions: Stability of Rhenium Molybdenum Disulfide Nanocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:46895-46901. [PMID: 37774099 PMCID: PMC10571005 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Identical location (scanning) transmission electron microscopy provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of the activity and degradation of nanocatalysts during electrochemical reactions. However, the technique suffers from limitations that hinder its widespread use for nanocatalysts of gas evolving reactions, e.g., the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The main issue is the production of bubbles that cause the loss of electric contact in identical location measurements, which is critical for the correct cycling of the nanocatalysts and interpretation of the electron microscopy results. Herein, we systematically evaluate different set-ups, materials, and tools to allow the facile and reliable study of the stability of HER nanocatalysts. The optimized conditions are applied for the study of layered rhenium molybdenum disulfide (Re0.2Mo0.8S2) nanocatalysts, a relevant alternative to Pt catalysts for the HER. With our approach, we demonstrate that although the morphology of the Re0.2Mo0.8S2 catalyst is maintained during HER, chemical composition changes could be correlated to the electrochemical reaction. This study expands the potential of the IL(S)TEM technique for the construction of structure-property relationships of nanocatalysts of gas evolving reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina Scheu
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung
GmbH, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li Q, Wu X, Mu S, He C, Ren X, Luo X, Adeli M, Han X, Ma L, Cheng C. Microenvironment Restruction of Emerging 2D Materials and their Roles in Therapeutic and Diagnostic Nano-Bio-Platforms. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207759. [PMID: 37129318 PMCID: PMC10369261 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Engineering advanced therapeutic and diagnostic nano-bio-platforms (NBPFs) have emerged as rapidly-developed pathways against a wide range of challenges in antitumor, antipathogen, tissue regeneration, bioimaging, and biosensing applications. Emerged 2D materials have attracted extensive scientific interest as fundamental building blocks or nanostructures among material scientists, chemists, biologists, and doctors due to their advantageous physicochemical and biological properties. This timely review provides a comprehensive summary of creating advanced NBPFs via emerging 2D materials (2D-NBPFs) with unique insights into the corresponding molecularly restructured microenvironments and biofunctionalities. First, it is focused on an up-to-date overview of the synthetic strategies for designing 2D-NBPFs with a cross-comparison of their advantages and disadvantages. After that, the recent key achievements are summarized in tuning the biofunctionalities of 2D-NBPFs via molecularly programmed microenvironments, including physiological stability, biocompatibility, bio-adhesiveness, specific binding to pathogens, broad-spectrum pathogen inhibitors, stimuli-responsive systems, and enzyme-mimetics. Moreover, the representative therapeutic and diagnostic applications of 2D-NBPFs are also discussed with detailed disclosure of their critical design principles and parameters. Finally, current challenges and future research directions are also discussed. Overall, this review will provide cutting-edge and multidisciplinary guidance for accelerating future developments and therapeutic/diagnostic applications of 2D-NBPFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xizheng Wu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Shengdong Mu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Chao He
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xiancheng Ren
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xianglin Luo
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Mohsen Adeli
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, 68137-17133, Iran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Xianglong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lang Ma
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Chong Cheng
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jung C, Jun H, Jang K, Kim SH, Choi PP. Tracking the Mn Diffusion in the Carbon-Supported Nanoparticles Through the Collaborative Analysis of Atom Probe and Evaporation Simulation. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2022; 28:1-10. [PMID: 36250402 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927622012211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Carbon-supported nanoparticles have been used widely as efficient catalysts due to their enhanced surface-to-volume ratio. To investigate their structure–property relationships, acquiring 3D elemental distribution is required. Here, carbon-supported Pt, PtMn alloy, and ordered Pt3Mn nanoparticles are synthesized and analyzed with atom probe tomography as model systems. A significant difference of Mn distribution after the heat-treatment was found. Finally, the field evaporation behavior of the carbon support was discussed and each acquired reconstruction was compared with computational results from an evaporation simulation. This paper provides a guideline for studies using atom probe tomography on the heterogeneous carbon-supported nanoparticle system that leads to insights toward a wide variety of applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chanwon Jung
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Hosun Jun
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuseon Jang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Ho Kim
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Pyuck-Pa Choi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim SH, Yoo SH, Shin S, El-Zoka AA, Kasian O, Lim J, Jeong J, Scheu C, Neugebauer J, Lee H, Todorova M, Gault B. Controlled Doping of Electrocatalysts through Engineering Impurities. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2203030. [PMID: 35514107 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202203030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fuel cells recombine water from H2 and O2 thereby can power, for example, cars or houses with no direct carbon emission. In anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), to reach high power densities, operating at high pH is an alternative to using large volumes of noble metals catalysts at the cathode, where the oxygen-reduction reaction occurs. However, the sluggish kinetics of the hydrogen-oxidation reaction (HOR) hinders upscaling despite promising catalysts. Here, the authors observe an unexpected ingress of B into Pd nanocatalysts synthesized by wet-chemistry, gaining control over this B-doping, and report on its influence on the HOR activity in alkaline conditions. They rationalize their findings using ab initio calculations of both H- and OH-adsorption on B-doped Pd. Using this "impurity engineering" approach, they thus design Pt-free catalysts as required in electrochemical energy conversion devices, for example, next generations of AEMFCs, that satisfy the economic and environmental constraints, that is, reasonable operating costs and long-term stability, to enable the "hydrogen economy."
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ho Kim
- Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Su-Hyun Yoo
- Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sangyong Shin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Ayman A El-Zoka
- Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Olga Kasian
- Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin GmbH, Helmholtz Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg, 14109, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joohyun Lim
- Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24342, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Jeong
- Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Scheu
- Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jörg Neugebauer
- Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hyunjoo Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Mira Todorova
- Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Baptiste Gault
- Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kim SH, Antonov S, Zhou X, Stephenson LT, Jung C, El-Zoka AA, Schreiber DK, Conroy M, Gault B. Atom probe analysis of electrode materials for Li-ion batteries: challenges and ways forward. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY. A 2022; 10:4926-4935. [PMID: 35341092 PMCID: PMC8887568 DOI: 10.1039/d1ta10050e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide development of electric vehicles as well as large-scale or grid-scale energy storage to compensate for the intermittent nature of renewable energy generation has led to a surge of interest in battery technology. Understanding the factors controlling battery capacity and, critically, their degradation mechanisms to ensure long-term, sustainable and safe operation requires detailed knowledge of their microstructure and chemistry, and their evolution under operating conditions, on the nanoscale. Atom probe tomography (APT) provides compositional mapping of materials in three dimensions with sub-nanometre resolution, and is poised to play a key role in battery research. However, APT is underpinned by an intense electric field that can drive lithium migration, and many battery materials are reactive oxides, requiring careful handling and sample transfer. Here, we report on the analysis of both anode and cathode materials and show that electric-field driven migration can be suppressed by using shielding by embedding powder particles in a metallic matrix or by using a thin conducting surface layer. We demonstrate that for a typical cathode material, cryogenic specimen preparation and transport under ultra-high vacuum leads to major delithiation of the specimen during the analysis. In contrast, the transport of specimens through air enables the analysis of the material. Finally, we discuss the possible physical underpinnings and discuss ways forward to enable shielding from the electric field, which helps address the challenges inherent to the APT analysis of battery materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ho Kim
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung Düsseldorf Germany
| | | | - Xuyang Zhou
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung Düsseldorf Germany
| | | | - Chanwon Jung
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung Düsseldorf Germany
| | | | - Daniel K Schreiber
- Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory P.O. Box 999 Richland WA 99352 USA
| | - Michele Conroy
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London London UK
| | - Baptiste Gault
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung Düsseldorf Germany
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London London UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim SH, Yoo SH, Chakraborty P, Jeong J, Lim J, El-Zoka AA, Zhou X, Stephenson LT, Hickel T, Neugebauer J, Scheu C, Todorova M, Gault B. Understanding Alkali Contamination in Colloidal Nanomaterials to Unlock Grain Boundary Impurity Engineering. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:987-994. [PMID: 34982554 PMCID: PMC8778649 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c11680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Metal nanogels combine a large surface area, a high structural stability, and a high catalytic activity toward a variety of chemical reactions. Their performance is underpinned by the atomic-level distribution of their constituents, yet analyzing their subnanoscale structure and composition to guide property optimization remains extremely challenging. Here, we synthesized Pd nanogels using a conventional wet chemistry route, and a near-atomic-scale analysis reveals that impurities from the reactants (Na and K) are integrated into the grain boundaries of the poly crystalline gel, typically loci of high catalytic activity. We demonstrate that the level of impurities is controlled by the reaction condition. Based on ab initio calculations, we provide a detailed mechanism to explain how surface-bound impurities become trapped at grain boundaries that form as the particles coalesce during synthesis, possibly facilitating their decohesion. If controlled, impurity integration into grain boundaries may offer opportunities for designing new nanogels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ho Kim
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Su-Hyun Yoo
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Poulami Chakraborty
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jiwon Jeong
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joohyun Lim
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ayman A El-Zoka
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Xuyang Zhou
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Leigh T Stephenson
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tilmann Hickel
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jörg Neugebauer
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Scheu
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mira Todorova
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Baptiste Gault
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang A, Liang Y, Zhang H, Geng Z, Zeng J. Doping regulation in transition metal compounds for electrocatalysis. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:9817-9844. [PMID: 34308950 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00330e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In electrocatalysis, doping regulation has been considered as an effective method to modulate the active sites of catalysts, providing a powerful means for creating a large variety of highly efficient catalysts for various reactions. Of particular interest, there has been growing research concerning the doping of two-dimensional transition-metal compounds (TMCs) to optimize their electrocatalytic performance. Despite the previous achievements, mechanistic insights of doping regulation in TMCs for electrocatalysis are still lacking. Herein, we provide a systematic overview of doping regulation in TMCs in terms of background, preparation, impacts on physicochemical properties, and typical applications including the hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, CO2 reduction reaction, and N2 reduction reaction. Notably, we bridge the understanding between the doping regulation of catalysts and their catalytic activities via focusing on the physicochemical properties of catalysts from the aspects of vacancy concentrations, phase transformation, surface wettability, electrical conductivity, electronic band structure, local charge distribution, tunable adsorption strength, and multiple adsorption configurations. We also discuss the existing challenges and future perspectives in this promising field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- An Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ahmad W, Gong Y, Abbas G, Khan K, Khan M, Ali G, Shuja A, Tareen AK, Khan Q, Li D. Evolution of low-dimensional material-based field-effect transistors. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:5162-5186. [PMID: 33666628 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr07548e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Field-effect transistors (FETs) have tremendous applications in the electronics industry due to their outstanding features such as small size, easy fabrication, compatibility with integrated electronics, high sensitivity, rapid detection and easy measuring procedures. However, to meet the increasing demand of the electronics industry, efficient FETs with controlled short channel effects, enhanced surface stability, reduced size, and superior performances based on low-dimensional materials are desirable. In this review, we present the developmental roadmap of FETs from conventional to miniaturized devices and highlight their prospective applications in the field of optoelectronic devices. Initially, a detailed study of the general importance of bulk and low-dimensional materials is presented. Then, recent advances in low-dimensional material heterostructures, classification of FETs, and the applications of low-dimensional materials in field-effect transistors and photodetectors are presented in detail. In addition, we also describe current issues in low-dimensional material-based FETs and propose potential approaches to address these issues, which are crucial for developing electronic and optoelectronic devices. This review will provide guidelines for low-dimensional material-based FETs with high performance and advanced applications in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waqas Ahmad
- Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, International Collaborative Laboratory of 2D Materials for Optoelectronics Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China.
| | - Youning Gong
- Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, International Collaborative Laboratory of 2D Materials for Optoelectronics Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China.
| | - Ghulam Abbas
- Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, International Collaborative Laboratory of 2D Materials for Optoelectronics Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China.
| | - Karim Khan
- Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, International Collaborative Laboratory of 2D Materials for Optoelectronics Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China.
| | - Maaz Khan
- Nanomaterials Research Group, Physics Division, PINSTECH, Nilore 45650, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ghafar Ali
- Nanomaterials Research Group, Physics Division, PINSTECH, Nilore 45650, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ahmed Shuja
- Centre for Advanced Electronics & Photovoltaic Engineering, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Khan Tareen
- Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, International Collaborative Laboratory of 2D Materials for Optoelectronics Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China.
| | - Qasim Khan
- Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, International Collaborative Laboratory of 2D Materials for Optoelectronics Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China.
| | - Delong Li
- Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, International Collaborative Laboratory of 2D Materials for Optoelectronics Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gault B, Chiaramonti A, Cojocaru-Mirédin O, Stender P, Dubosq R, Freysoldt C, Makineni SK, Li T, Moody M, Cairney JM. Atom probe tomography. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2021; 1:10.1038/s43586-021-00047-w. [PMID: 37719173 PMCID: PMC10502706 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-021-00047-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Atom probe tomography (APT) provides three-dimensional compositional mapping with sub-nanometre resolution. The sensitivity of APT is in the range of parts per million for all elements, including light elements such as hydrogen, carbon or lithium, enabling unique insights into the composition of performance-enhancing or lifetime-limiting microstructural features and making APT ideally suited to complement electron-based or X-ray-based microscopies and spectroscopies. Here, we provide an introductory overview of APT ranging from its inception as an evolution of field ion microscopy to the most recent developments in specimen preparation, including for nanomaterials. We touch on data reconstruction, analysis and various applications, including in the geosciences and the burgeoning biological sciences. We review the underpinnings of APT performance and discuss both strengths and limitations of APT, including how the community can improve on current shortcomings. Finally, we look forwards to true atomic-scale tomography with the ability to measure the isotopic identity and spatial coordinates of every atom in an ever wider range of materials through new specimen preparation routes, novel laser pulsing and detector technologies, and full interoperability with complementary microscopy techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Gault
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Ann Chiaramonti
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Applied Chemicals and Materials Division, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | - Patrick Stender
- Institute of Materials Science, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Renelle Dubosq
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Tong Li
- Institute for Materials, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michael Moody
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julie M. Cairney
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
El-Zoka AA, Kim SH, Deville S, Newman RC, Stephenson LT, Gault B. Enabling near-atomic-scale analysis of frozen water. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/49/eabd6324. [PMID: 33277259 PMCID: PMC7821902 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd6324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Transmission electron microscopy went through a revolution enabling routine cryo-imaging of biological and (bio)chemical systems, in liquid form. Yet, these approaches typically lack advanced analytical capabilities. Here, we used atom probe tomography to analyze frozen liquids in three dimensions with subnanometer resolution. We introduce a specimen preparation strategy using nanoporous gold. We report data on 2- to 3-μm-thick layers of ice formed from both high-purity deuterated water and a solution of 50 mM NaCl in high-purity deuterated water. The analysis of the gold-ice interface reveals a substantial increase in the solute concentrations across the interface. We explore a range of experimental parameters to show that atom probe analyses of bulk aqueous specimens come with their own challenges and discuss physical processes that produce the observed phenomena. Our study demonstrates the viability of using frozen water as a carrier for near-atomic-scale analysis of objects in solution by atom probe tomography.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A A El-Zoka
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - S-H Kim
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - S Deville
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Institut Lumière Matière, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - R C Newman
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - L T Stephenson
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - B Gault
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sukhanova EV, Kvashnin DG, Popov ZI. Induced spin polarization in graphene via interactions with halogen doped MoS 2 and MoSe 2 monolayers by DFT calculations. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:23248-23258. [PMID: 33206100 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr06287a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic halogen doped MoX2 (X = S and Se) monolayers influenced the electronic structure of graphene through a proximity effect. This process was observed using state-of-the-art calculations. It was found that the substitution of a single chalcogen atom with a halogen atom (F, Cl, Br, and I) results in n-type doping of MoX2. An additional electron from the dopant is localized on binding orbitals with the nearest Mo atoms and leads to the formation of magnetism in the dichalcogenide layer. Detailed analysis of halogen doped MoX2/graphene heterostructures demonstrated the induction of spin polarization in graphene near the Fermi energy. Significant spin polarization near the Fermi energy and n-type doping were observed in the graphene layer of MoSe2/graphene heterostructures with MoSe2 doped with iodine. At the same time, fluorine-doped MoSe2 does not cause n-doping in graphene, while spin polarization still takes place. The possibility for the detection of the arrangement of the halogen impurities at the MoX2 basal plane even with the graphene layer deposited on top was demonstrated through STM measurements which will be undoubtedly useful for the fabrication of electronic schemes and elements based on the proposed heterostructures for their further application in nanoelectronics and spintronics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V Sukhanova
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russian Federation.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|