Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Measurements Research Articles

Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of porous WO3/TiO2 hollow microspheres

Porous WO 3 /TiO 2 hollow microspheres were prepared by a spray drying method for photodegradation of methylene blue and phenol. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope, N 2 adsorption–desorption measurements, Raman spectrometer, UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy and Zeta-Meter measurements. The results showed that the tungsten oxides mainly existed in highly dispersed amorphous form on anatase when the loading amount of tungsten oxide was below 3 mol%. The improved photocatalytic activity under UV light irradiation of the WO 3 /TiO 2 catalyst mainly arises from the enhanced charge separation efficiency rather than the improved light absorbance by highly dispersed amorphous tungsten oxides. Highly dispersed amorphous WO x can form a shallowly trapped site due to its similar band structure with TiO 2 . The strongly electron-withdrawing of tungsten oxide in highly dispersed state facilitates the electron transition between titanium and WO x , and consequently improves the charge separation. The enhanced acidity of catalyst by WO x in reactant environment also improved the charge separation efficiency due to the timely transition of holes and electrons accumulated on TiO 2 and WO x , respectively. However, the improved photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation of the WO 3 /TiO 2 catalyst mainly arises from light harvest. TiO 2 containing 3 mol% WO 3 displayed the highest photocatalytic activity under UV light irradiation while that containing 4 mol% WO 3 present highest activity under visible light irradiation.

Gold-modified N-doped TiO2 and N-doped WO3/TiO2 semiconductors as photocatalysts for UV–visible light destruction of aqueous 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene solution

The photocatalytic performance of TiO2, WO3/TiO2, Au/TiO2, and Au/WO3/TiO2 and their corresponding nitrogen-doped metal oxide samples in the photooxidation of aqueous 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) solution was investigated. Oxidation was carried out using both visible and UV irradiation. The average particle size of the synthesized TiO2 and N-doped TiO2 photocatalysts was ≈20nm, while particles size of WO3/TiO2 and N-doped WO3/TiO2 was ≈17nm. The average size of the Au nanoparticles supported on the catalysts was ≈5nm. XPS and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements confirm the replacement of oxygen atoms by nitrogen atoms in the crystal lattice of TiO2 and WO3. Calculated rate constant values for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene photooxidation by visible light on the different catalysts had the following order: kAu/N-(WO3/TiO2)>kAu/WO3/TiO2>kN-(WO3/TiO2)≈kAu/N-TiO2>kWO3/TiO2>kN-TiO2≫kAu/TiO2≈kTiO2. The rate constants of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene photocatalytic degradation under visible light irradiation were lower by an order of magnitude compared to the rate constants under UV irradiation. In 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene photooxidation under UV light irradiation the rate constant kAu/N-(WO3/TiO2) was about 4 times larger than kN-doped TiO2, while for photooxidation under visible light irradiation the former was 8 times larger than the latter.

Synthesis of NiO–Al2O3 nanocomposites by sol–gel process and their use as catalyst for the oxidation of styrene

NiO–Al2O3 nanocomposites were prepared by sol–gel method. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. XRD results indicate that the NiO–Al2O3 nanocomposites consist of small NiO crystallites (mean size ∼2.6nm). TEM results indicate uniform distribution of NiO nanoparticles in the Al2O3 matrix. Increase in the band gap of NiO in the nanocomposites compared to pure NiO nanoparticles is observed and the nanocomposites show superparamagnetic behaviour. The NiO–Al2O3 nanocomposites show high catalytic activity for the oxidation of styrene using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant and also show higher selectivity for styrene oxide with higher total conversion compared to pure NiO nanoparticles.

Synthesis and luminescent properties of Tb3+ activated AWO4 based (A = Ca and Sr) efficient green emitting phosphors

Optically efficient terbium activated alkaline earth metal tungstate nano phosphors (AWO4 [A = Ca, Sr]) with different doping concentrations have been prepared by mechanochemically assisted solid state metathesis reaction at room temperature for the first time. The prepared phosphors were characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman) spectroscopy, photoluminescence and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements. The XRD and Raman spectra results showed that the prepared powders present a scheelite-type tetragonal structure. FTIR spectra exhibited a high absorption band situated at around 850 cm−1, which was ascribed to the W–O antisymmetric stretching vibrations into the [WO4]2− tetrahedron groups and the SEM images reveal that the particle sizes were in the range of 20–60 nm. The excitation and the emission spectra were measured to characterize the luminescent properties of the phosphors. The excitation spectrum exhibits a charge transfer broad band along with some sharp peaks from the typical 4f–4f transitions of Tb3+. Under excitation of UV light, these AWO4:xTb3+ (A = Ca, Sr) phosphors showed a strong emission band centered at 545 nm (green) which corresponds to 5 D 4 → 7 F 5 transition of Tb3+. Analysis of the emission spectra with different Tb3+ concentrations revealed that the optimum dopant concentration for CaWO4:xTb3+ and SrWO4:xTb3+ phosphors are about 8 and 6 mol% of Tb3+. The green emission intensity of the solid state meta-thesis prepared CaWO4:0.08Tb3+ and SrWO4:0.06Tb3+ phosphors are 1.5 and 1.2 times greater than that of the commercial LaPO4:Ce, Tb green phosphor. All properties show that AWO4:Tb3+ (A = Ca, Sr) is a very appropriate green-emitting phosphor for fluorescent lamp applications.

Photo-induced change of dielectric response in BaCoSiO4 stuffed tridymite

The photodielectric effect is demonstrated in Mott-insulator BaCoSiO4 with a stuffed-tridymite-type structure under irradiation of visible light at 365 nm. The real part of dielectric permittivity is enhanced by ∼300% with little increase of tan δ in a low-frequency region. Results of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, first-principles calculations and dielectric measurements suggest that the photodielectric effect stems from a response of photo-excited electrons in an unoccupied upper-Hubbard band for 3d-orbitals of cobalt, which have significantly small mobility due to the unique configuration of Co ions in the stuffed-tridymite-type structure.

Simply synthesized TiO2 nanorods as an effective scattering layer for quantum dot sensitized solar cells

TiO2 nanorod layers are synthesized by simple chemical oxidation of Ti substrates. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements show effective light scattering properties originating from nanorods with length scales on the order of one micron. The films are sensitized with CdSe quantum dots (QDs) by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) and integrated as a photoanode in quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). Incorporating nanorods in photoanode structures provided 4- to 8-fold enhancement in light scattering, which leads to a high power conversion efficiency, 3.03% (Voc = 497 mV, Jsc = 11.32 mA/cm2, FF = 0.54), in optimized structures. High efficiency can be obtained just by tuning the photoanode structure without further treatments, which will make this system a promising nanostructure for efficient quantum dot sensitized solar cells.

A nanocomposite superstructure of metal oxides with effective charge transfer interfaces

The alignment of nanoparticle building blocks into ordered superstructures is one of the key topics in modern colloid and material chemistry. Metal oxide mesocrystals are superstructures of assembled nanoparticles of metal oxides and have potentially tunable electronic, optical and magnetic properties, which would be useful for applications ranging from catalysis to optoelectronics. Here we report a facile and general approach for synthesizing metal oxide mesocrystals and developing them into new nanocomposite materials containing two different metals. The surface and internal structures of the mesocrystals were fully characterized by electron microscopy techniques. Single-particle confocal fluorescence spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and time-resolved diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements revealed that efficient charge transfer occurred between n-type and p-type semiconductor nanoparticles in the composite mesocrystals. This behaviour is desirable for their applications ranging from catalysis, optoelectronics and sensing, to energy storage and conversion.

Nanocrystalline ZnO Doped on Lanthanide Oxide Dy2O3: A Novel and UV Light Active Photocatalyst for Environmental Remediation

Doping of ZnO on Dy2O3 was studied for its enhanced photocatalytic activity under UV light irradiation. Various doping concentrations were prepared employing precursor nitrates, and 20 mol % ZnO-doped Dy2O3 was found to be highly active under UV irradiation for the degradation of a model pollutant, Orange G dye. The photocatalyst was highly crystalline with a particle size of 40–50 nm and possessed a highly porous and rough surface (26.12 nm) as evidenced by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy analysis. The band alignment and surface area were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analyses. The band gap energy of the prepared photocatalyst was found to be 3.15 eV from UV–diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements, and the metal oxide stretching frequencies were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared analysis. Free radical formation by the photocatalyst during the in situ process was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance studies. The photocatalytic degradation of Orange G dye was monitored with a UV–visible spectrophotometer, COD, and positive mode electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analyses.

A nanocomposite of carbon quantum dots and TiO2nanotube arrays: enhancing photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties

A novel nanocomposite of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and TiO2 nanotubes was fabricated and its enhanced photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties were demonstrated. Carbon quantum dots were obtained by electrochemical-etching graphite electrodes and TiO2 nanotubes arrays were prepared by anodization methods. Subsequently, CQDs were assembled on the surface of vertically aligned TiO2 nanotube arrays (CQDs/TiO2 nanotubes) and the as-prepared samples were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic measurements. XPS measurement shows the presence of carbon species which come from CQDs. A red shift of light absorption edge and more absorption in the visible light region were observed for the resulting samples from the UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. An enhanced photocurrent and photopotential were demonstrated for the CQDs sensitized TiO2 nanotubes under visible light irradiation and the photocurrent density was 2.7 times larger than that of pristine TiO2 nanotubes. A solar cell was fabricated for further verifying the sensitization of CQDs over TiO2 nanotubes. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of CQDs/TiO2 nanotubes towards the degradation of methylene blue was demonstrated and about 14% enhanced degradation efficiency was obtained with the presence of CQDs. This work developed a simple method to fabricate CQDs and demonstrated the introduction of CQDs to be a new approach for improving the utilization of visible light for TiO2 nanotube arrays.

Au/TiO2 Superstructure-Based Plasmonic Photocatalysts Exhibiting Efficient Charge Separation and Unprecedented Activity

Plasmonic photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by the modification of TiO2 mesocrystals with Au nanoparticles (NPs) by a simple impregnation method. The Au NP sensitizers show a strong photoelectrochemical response in the visible-light region (400-800 nm) due to their surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements on a wide range of time scales (from picoseconds to minutes) demonstrate that a substantial part of electrons, injected from the Au NPs to the TiO2 mesocrystals through the SPR excitation, directionally migrate from the basal surfaces to the edges of the plate-like mesocrystals through the TiO2 nanocrystal networks and are temporally stored there for further reactions. This anisotropic electron flow significantly retarded the charge recombination of these electrons with the holes in the Au NPs, thereby improving the visible-light-photocatalytic activity (for organic-pollutant degradation) by more than an order of magnitude, as compared to that of conventional Au/TiO2 NP systems.

Electrospun nanofibers of Er3+-doped TiO2 with photocatalytic activity beyond the absorption edge

Er3+-doped TiO2 nanofibers with different Er3+ contents were prepared via electrospinning and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photocurrent measurement. Photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared samples were evaluated by the decolorization of methyl orange aqueous solution under simulated solar light irradiation. The results indicated that the photocatalytic activity of Er3+-doped TiO2 nanofibers was much higher than that of the undoped one, and the optimal dosage of Er3+ at 1mol% achieved the highest degradation rate. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of Er3+-doped TiO2 nanofibers under the irradiation of light with the wavelength beyond the absorption edge of TiO2 was explored by the decolorization of a dye, rhodamine B and the photodegradation of a typical colorless pollutant, phenol. The results further revealed the mechanism of the enhanced photocatalytic activity through Er3+ doping in TiO2 nanofibers.

Synthesis of Pd co-doped nano-TiO2–SO42– and its synergetic effect on the solar photodegradation of Reactive Red 120 dye

Pd co-doped TiO2–SO42– photocatalyst was synthesized by sol–gel, photodeposition methods and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) and BET surface area measurements. Elements present in the catalyst are shown by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the photocatalyst has an anatase structure. Sulfation by sulfuric acid reduces agglomeration, inhibits the phase transformation and enhances the stability of TiO2. The solar photocatalytic activity of the Pd–TiO2–SO42– is higher than that of the TiO2–P25, Pd–TiO2, bare TiO2 and TiO2–SO42– at pH 7 for the mineralization of Reactive Red 120. The modification of palladium shows higher adsorption with synergistic effect and also enhances the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, leading to higher photodegradation efficiency. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of photocatalyst, initial pH on photo mineralization have been analyzed. A dual mechanism of degradation by Pd–TiO2–SO42– is proposed to explain its higher activity in solar light. The mineralization of Reactive Red 120 has also been confirmed by CV and COD measurements. The catalyst is found to be stable and reusable. Based on the degradation intermediates identified by GC–MS analysis, a reaction pathway is proposed.

Novel approach for selective phosphate removal using colloidal layered double hydroxide nanosheets and use of residue as fertilizer

Onsite remediation of phosphate in wastewaters remains a challenge in water treatment technologies. Further, aftermath of the treated material is hitherto unknown and mostly disposed of as land-fill. A new method for onsite remediation of phosphate is proposed using colloidal layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets and the treated material is valorized as phosphate release fertilizer. Nitrate containing NiAl-LDHs was prepared by hexamine hydrolysis and the colloidal suspension of LDH nanosheets was obtained by dispersing the wet cake in water through three different methods namely ultrasonication, mechanical shaking and hydrothermal. These nanosheets were explored for phosphate remediation; the quantity of phosphate removed depended on the amount of LDH present in the colloidal suspension. Powder X-ray diffraction, TEM, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopic measurements revealed that the uptake is due to restacking of nanosheets. The uptake of phosphate was rapid for UD-LDH compared to parent powdered LDH; however, settling of nanosheets was hindered at higher than the stoichiometric amount of UD-LDH and is reasoned through zeta potential measurements. Uptake of phosphate was similar in wide pH range (4.5–11) while decreased sharply at lower pH. Selective uptake of phosphate in enriched seawater and sustained removal of phosphate in simulated “model pond systems” were achieved for UD-LDH. The restacked material after phosphate removal was utilized as an effective phosphate release fertilizer for the growth of a common green seaweed Ulva lactuca. Tapping the potential of colloidal LDH nanosheets for wastewater remediation and ingeniously using the treated material, here as fertilizer, offers a new approach with dual benefits.

Preparation of WO3/TiO2/In2O3 composite structures and their enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

A novel visible light (λ ≥ 420 nm) active WO3/TiO2/In2O3 composite photocatalyst was prepared by a two-step process. At first, TiO2/In2O3 was synthesized utilizing maleic acid as an organic linker. Afterwards, WO3/TiO2/In2O3 composite heterojunction structure was prepared by the incipient wetness method. The composite was characterized by SEM mapping, high-resolution TEM, BET, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, XPS and surface acidity measurement. The photocatalytic activity of the composite was evaluated through the decomposition of organic pollutants in gas and aqueous phases. The WO3/TiO2/In2O3 composite demonstrated greatly improved photocatalytic efficiency in compare with TiO2/In2O3 composite and Degussa P25 for the degradation of gaseous 2-propanol and evolution of CO2 and, 1,4-terephthalic acid in aqueous phase under visible light (λ ≥ 420 nm) irradiation. The concentration of WO3 in the composite was optimized to 3.5 mol% WO3/TiO2/In2O3. Based upon these observations, the mechanistic role of WO3 in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of WO3/TiO2/In2O3 has been suggested.

The luminescence and structural characteristics of Eu3+- doped NaSrB5O9 phosphor

A red-emitting phosphor NaSrB5O9:Eu3+ was synthesized by employing a solid-state reaction (SSR) method. The structures of the phosphors were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman studies. The band at ~282nm in the excitation spectra indicated the charge transfer band (CTB) of B-O in the host, whereas the CTB of Eu-O was observed at ~275nm for the NaSrB5O9:Eu3+ (Eu3+=1 at.%) phosphor, which was supported by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) measurements. The photoluminescence (PL) measurements exhibited a strong red emission band centered at about 616nm (5D0→7F2) under an excitation wavelength of 394nm (7F0→5L6). Upon host excitation at 282nm, the pristine NaSrB5O9 exhibited a broad UV emission centered at ~362nm. The energy transfer from host to Eu3+ ions was confirmed from luminescence spectra, excited with a 355nm Nd:YAG laser. In addition, the asymmetric ratios indicate a higher local symmetry around the Eu3+ ion in the host. The calculated CIE (Commission International de l′Eclairage) coordinates displayed excellent color purity efficiencies (around 99.7%) compared to other luminescent materials.

The incorporation of plutonium in lanthanum zirconate pyrochlore

The incorporation of plutonium (Pu) within lanthanum zirconate pyrochlore was investigated using air, argon, and N2–3.5%H2 sintering atmospheres together with Ca2+ and Sr2+ incorporation for charge compensation. The samples have been characterised in the first instance by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results show Pu can be exchanged for La3+ on the A-site with and without charge compensation and for Zr4+ on the B-site. DRS measurements were made over the wavenumber range of 4000–19,000cm−1 and the Pu in all air- and argon-sintered samples was found to be present as Pu4+ while that in samples sintered in N2–3.5%H2 was present as Pu3+. The Pu valence was confirmed for three of the samples using X-ray near-edge absorption spectroscopy (XANES). Pu valences >4+ were not observed in any of the samples.

Depigmented skin and phantom color measurements for realistic prostheses

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that regardless of human skin phototype, areas of depigmented skin, as seen in vitiligo, are optically indistinguishable among skin phototypes. The average of the depigmented skin measurements can be used to develop the base color of realistic prostheses. Data was analyzed from 20 of 32 recruited vitiligo study participants. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements were made from depigmented skin and adjacent pigmented skin, then compared with 66 pigmented polydimethylsiloxane phantoms to determine pigment concentrations in turbid media for making realistic facial prostheses. The Area Under spectral intensity Curve (AUC) was calculated for average spectroscopy measurements of pigmented sites in relation to skin phototype (P = 0.0505) and depigmented skin in relation to skin phototype (P = 0.59). No significant relationship exists between skin phototypes and depigmented skin spectroscopy measurements. The average of the depigmented skin measurements (AUC 19,129) was the closest match to phantom 6.4 (AUC 19,162). Areas of depigmented skin are visibly indistinguishable per skin phototype, yet spectrometry shows that depigmented skin measurements varied and were unrelated to skin phototype. Possible sources of optical variation of depigmented skin include age, body site, blood flow, quantity/quality of collagen, and other chromophores. The average of all depigmented skin measurements can be used to derive the pigment composition and concentration for realistic facial prostheses.

ChemInform Abstract: K2FeGe3Se8: A New Antiferromagnetic Iron Selenide.

AbstractThe title compound is synthesized from a mixture of K2Se, FeSe, and GeSe2 (silica tube, 1173 K, 48 h) and characterized by single crystal XRD, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, specific heat and magnetic susceptibility measurements, and DFT calculations.

A new strontium antimonateIII Sr5Sb22O38: Synthesis, crystal structure and characterizations

A new strontium antimonate{sup III}, Sr{sub 5}Sb{sub 22}O{sub 38}, has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the P2{sub 1}/n space group of the monoclinic system with a=11.739(9) A, b=12.014(10) A, c=16.412(13) A, β=91.460(8)°, V=2314.0(3) A{sup 3}. The crystal structure is built of seven trigonal–pyramidal SbO{sub 3} and four sphenoid SbO{sub 4} polyhedra which are connected through sharing corner-oxygen atoms to form the complex three-dimensional {sub ∞}{sup 3}[Sb{sub 22}O{sub 38}]{sup 10−} anionic network with two different intersectant tunnels along the [111-bar ] and [11-bar 1-bar ] directions accommodating the electric charge balanced Sr{sup 2+} cations. First-principles electronic structure calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) and the UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements both indicate that the compound belongs to a direct band insulator with an optical gap value of 3.3 eV. - Graphical abstract: The 2D Sb–O slabs are stacked through sharing oxygen atoms to form the 3D network structure of the new strontium antimonate{sup III} Sr{sub 5}Sb{sub 22}O{sub 38}. - Highlights: • A new strontium antimonate{sup III}, Sr{sub 5}Sb{sub 22}O{sub 38}, has been hydrothermally synthesized. • The single crystal structure was determined by X-ray diffraction. • The powder XRD and UV–vismore » absorption spectroscopy were studied. • Theoretical studies interpret the relationships between optical absorption and crystal structure.« less

Improved identification of peripheral lung tumors by using diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy

IntroductionA significant number of transthoracic diagnostic biopsy procedures for lung lesions show indeterminate results. Such failures are potentially due to inadequate recognition of vital tumor tissue. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether optical spectroscopy at the tip of a biopsy needle device can improve the accuracy of transthoracic lung biopsies. MethodsEx vivo optical measurements were performed on lung tissue from 13 patients who underwent either lobectomy or segmental resection for primary non-small cell lung cancer or pulmonary metastases from various origins. From Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) and Fluorescence Spectroscopy (FS) measurements, different parameters were derived such as tissue composition as well as physiological and metabolic characteristics. Subsequently, a classification and regression trees (CART) algorithm was used to classify the type of tissue based on the derived parameters. Histology analysis was used as gold standard to report sensitivity and specificity of the tissue classification based on the present optical method. ResultsCollective analysis of all DRS measurements showed an overall discrimination between lung parenchyma and tumor tissue with a sensitivity and specificity of 98 and 86%, respectively. When the data were analyzed per individual patient, eliminating inter-patient variation, 100% sensitivity and specificity was achieved. Furthermore, based on FS parameters, necrotic and non-necrotic tumor tissue could be distinguished with 91% sensitivity and specificity. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that DRS provides accurate diagnosis of malignant lung lesions, whereas FS enables identification of necrotic tissue. When both optical techniques are combined within a biopsy device, the diagnostic performance and the quality of transthoracic biopsies could significantly be enhanced.