• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.39 no.8
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• pp.7-16
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• 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the sulfate removal capacity of the enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) technique through the chemical precipitation of sulfate with calcium ions. The optimal EICP recipe was obtained to retain the excess calcium cations in the solution for the generation of a sufficient amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) mineral. The effect of gypsum precipitation on the EICP-treated sand specimen was investigated by measuring the shear wave velocity and by visual inspection via scanning electron microscopy. The EICP solution using soybean crude urease, as an alternative to laboratory-grade purified urease, exhibited a lower sulfate removal efficiency at a similar CaCO₃ production rate compared with the optimal EICP recipe because of soybean impurities.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.315-322
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• 2023

In the present work, we address the new route for the green synthesis of manganese dioxide (MnO₂) by an innovative method named the solution plasma process (SPP). The reaction mechanism of both colloidal and nanostructured MnO₂ was investigated. Firstly, colloidal MnO₂ was synthesized by plasma discharging in KMnO₄ aqueous solution without any additives such as reducing agents, acids, or base chemicals. As a function of the discharge time, the purple color solution of MnO₄^- (oxidation state +7) was changed to the brown color of MnO₂ (oxidation state +4) and then light yellow of Mn²⁺ (oxidation state +2). Based on the UV-vis analysis we found the optimal discharging time for the synthesis of stable colloidal MnO₂ and also reaction mechanism was verified by optical emission spectroscopy (OES) analysis. Secondly, MnO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by SPP with a small amount of reducing sugar. The precipitation of brown color was observed after 8 min of plasma discharge and then completely separated into colorless solution and precipitation. It was confirmed layered type of nanoporous birnessite-MnO₂ by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and electron microscopes. The most important merits of this approach are environmentally friendly process within a short time compared to the conventional method. Moreover, the morphology and the microstructure could be controllable by discharge conditions for the appropriate potential applications, such as secondary batteries, supercapacitors, adsorbents, and catalysts.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.143-147
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• 2012

Photocatalytic properties of $TiO_2$ nanopowders has been received much attention due to their high potentials for environmental applications such as remediation of polluted environments. The $TiO_2$ nanopowders doped with metal or non-metal elements have been synthesized by variety methods such as flame method, chemical vapor synthesis, sol-gel, ion implantation, which affect a doping behavior in different ways resulting in different surface characteristics, leading to different photocatalytic activity. In addition to an effect of synthesis methods, the photocatalytic activity of $TiO_2$ nanopowders can be improved by subsequent heat-treatments. In this study, to obtain a highly efficient photocatalyst, we synthesized $TiO_2$ nanopowders doped with tungsten by the chemical vapor synthesis method (CVS) and determined their physical properties and photocatalytic activity, together with subsequent post-treatment in the range of $300^{\circ}C$ to $700^{\circ}C$.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.501-507
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• 2011

To develop environmental-friendly insulating composite materials, natural cellulose and porous ceramic balls were used as core materials and activated Hwangtoh was used as a binder. Various specimens were prepared with different water/binder ratios and core material/binder ratios. The physical properties of these specimens were then investigated through compressive strengths, flexural strengths, absorption test, hot water resistance test, pore analysis, thermal conductivity, and observation of micro-structures using scanning electron microscope. Results showed that the maximum compressive strength varied appreciably with the water/binder ratios and core material/binder ratios, but the flexural strength increased with the core material/binder ratios regardless of water/binder ratios. The compressive strength and the flexural strength measured after the hot water resistance test decreased remarkably compared to those measured before test. The pore analysis measured after the hot water resistance test showed that total pore volume, porosity and average pore diameter decreased, while bulk density increased by the acceleration of hydration reaction of binder in the hot water. The thermal conductivity decreased gradually with an increase of core material/binder ratios. It can be evaluated that the composite insulation materials having good insulating properties and mechanical strengths can be used in the field.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.69-77
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• 2022

Eco-friendly materials, such as alternative vegan materials using various fungal resources, are being actively researched to reduce environmental pollution and facilitate a healthy lifestyle. The fungal mycelium-based mushroom mycelium mat is one such emerging material. In this study, the commonly used mushroom mycelium culture method was modified to reduce the time required to produce the mycelium mat, lower the possibility of contamination, and improve the properties and quality of the mat. Shortening the period required for the previously used primary bag culture and secondary mat production culture. A culture method in which the bag culture was omitted was attempted using a mycelium mutated by gamma irradiation to the mycelium of Trametes orientalis. In addition, various nutrients were added to the fungal solution to observe the change in physical properties of the fungal mat. High-quality mycelium mats were produced in the experimental group containing 1.5% CaCO₃ in sawdust medium, and the period was also reduced by more than 10 days compared to the existing production method. In the future, for mass producing mycelium mats, additional selection of medium components and optimization of culture conditions are essential.

• Clean Technology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.256-262
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• 2019

Hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN)-based liquid propellants are attracting attention as environmentally friendly propellants because they are not carcinogens and the combustion gases have little toxicity. The catalyst used to decompose the HAN-based liquid propellant in a thruster must have both low temperature activity and high heat resistance. The objective of this study is to prepare an Ru/alumina/metal foam catalyst by supporting alumina slurry on the surface of NiCrAl metal foam using a washing coating method and then to support a ruthenium precursor thereon. The decomposition activity of a HAN aqueous solution of the Ru/alumina/metal foam catalyst was evaluated. The effect of the number of repetitive coatings of alumina slurry on the physical properties of the alumina/metal foam was analyzed. As the number of alumina wash coatings increased, mesopores with a diameter of about 7 nm were well-developed, thereby increasing the surface area and pore volume. It was optimal to repeat the wash coating alumina on the metal foam 12 times to maximize the surface area and pore volume of the alumina/metal foam. Mesopores were also well developed on the surface of the Ru/alumina/metal foam catalyst. It was found that the metal form itself without the active metal and alumina can promote the decomposition reaction of the HAN aqueous solution. In the case of the Ru/alumina/metal foam-550 catalyst, the decomposition onset temperature was significantly lowered compared with that of the thermal decomposition reaction, and ${\Delta}P$ could be greatly increased in the decomposition of the HAN aqueous solution. However, when the catalyst was calcined at $1,200^{\circ}C$, the catalytic activity was lowered inevitably because the surface area and pore volume of the catalyst were drastically reduced and Ru was sintered. Further research is needed to improve the heat resistance of Ru/alumina/metal foam catalysts.

• Bulletin of the Korea Photovoltaic Society
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.36-41
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• 2018

연일 뉴스에 보도되고 있는 미세먼지는 노약자의 호흡기는 물론 발암물질을 포함하고 있어 국민건강에 악영향을 미치기 때문에 반드시 해결되어야 할 사회 문제이다. 미세먼지는 해외 유입 인자와 국내 유발인자를 정확하게 구분하기 어려우나 약 50%의 미세먼지는 2차 발생에 의한 국내 요인으로 발생하고 있는 것으로 파악되고 있으며 화력발전소가 미세먼지 유발 물질의 주요 생성원으로 지목되어왔다. 국내 화력발전소의 50%가 충남 서해안이 위치하고 있어 수도권에 가장 큰 영향을 주는 것으로 밝혀져 충남은 내구연한에 도달한 노후 화력발전소의 폐쇄 및 발전량 감축 조절을 통해 미세먼지 발생을 최소화 하기 위해 노력해왔다. 그러나 태양전지 주도의 신재생에너지 발전으로 전환하는 것만이 미세먼지를 저감시킬 근본적인 해결책이라고 할 수 있다. 충남은 2050년까지 화력발전 비중을 0%로 낮추고 필요한 전력은 에너지컨슈머들이 생산하는 신재생에너지로 생산하는 내용을 골자로 하는 에너지 전환비전을 선포하였다. 이 비전이 선언에 그치지 않고 목표를 달성하기 위해서 이에 대한 세부 이행계획을 수립하고 충남에 맞는 태양광 발전 산업 육성을 위한 정책을 병행해야 할 것이다. 이번 글에서는 충남의 여건을 고려하여 태양광을 이용한 수소 생산 및 인공광합성을 연계한 고부가가치 화학물질의 생산 연구 및 실증 과제를 추진할 것을 제안하였다. 이러한 충남의 노력은 수도권 수요 지역에 대한 전력 공급기지에서 친환경에너지로 유지되는 '청정남도'로서의 재도약을 가능하게 할 것으로 기대된다.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.197-210
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• 2009

To improve the forage quality and reduce nitrogen input, trial was conducted on the effect of seeding method, combination, and nitrogen fertilizer with WCB (whole crop barley) and leguminous plant. Present experiment was carried out by split-split design having seeding methods for main plot, combinations for sub-plot, and nitrogen fertilizers for sub-sub plot with three replications. When WCB and leguminous plant were mixed-sown, WCB showed earlier heading and maturing than those of inter-sown, and the more nitrogen delayed growth stage a little. Occurrence of BaYMV (Barley Yellow Mosaic Virus), a serious disease caused by soil fungi and decrease barley yield, was deterred by mixed-seeding as compared to inter-sown barley a little. Inter-sown WCB increased the number of spike per $m^2$ as compared to mixed-seeding showing more spikes with nitrogen increase. WCB produced much fresh and dry matter yield at mixed-seeding than inter-seeding, and had advantage with hairy vetch (HV). Increased nitrogen showed much forage yield, however, half application of it is considerable for environmental-friendly farming. Electric conductivity (EC) decreased in inter-cropping or mixed-sowing soil with WCB and leguminous crop after harvest. But, organic matter (OM) content of soil after harvesting was vice versa. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of WCB plant were higher at mixed-seeding than those of inter-sown ones. It showed increased tendency with time progress.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.205-217
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• 2006

This research was carried out to investigate the effects of some organic materials such as rice straw, compost, hairy vetch, phosphate rock, magnesium lime powder and ash in the organic paddy fields, and also to develope the new technique for better soil management using described materials. The results are as follows; Height and tiller of rice plants were higher in chemical fertilizer than rice straw or compost, however, those of rice plants in hairy vetch-rice cropping system reached to chemical fertilizer. The Eh value of soil has decreased consecutively since on 30th, May because of the rising of soil temperature by an increase in the activity of microbes. As a result of measuring yield and yield components, there is not significant difference between treatment. The application of organic materials enriched the contents of available phosphorus, exchangible potassium and calcium in soil, and, also improved the physical properties such as pore space rates and bulk density. From the viewpoint of soil management technology in organic paddy fields, the application of rice straw or organic compost might cause the decrease of yield compared with conventional cultivation system, chemical fertilizer, however, the application of hairy vetch residues of soil compensated for growth and yield as well as improved the physicochemical property. Therefore, it is assumed that the cultivation of hairy vetch for winter season can be one of the useful methods for organic farming system.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.136-143
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• 2015

Snow-melting system has been applied not only to roads for car traffic but also to pavement for the pedestrians safety reason in some of the developed countries such as USA and Canada based on countermeasures against Natural Disasters Act revised in 2000. Even though this system was introduced in korea in 2006 and has been partly applied to car traffic roads, there is few places that the system has been applied. Therefore, in this research a snow-melting system with a block-type to cover a pavement that efficiently transfers heat form heat rays to the top of a pavement and protects the heat rays. A quality check showed that compression and bending strength was improved approximately 5 times stronger and 7 to 10 times more absorption rate than the KS(Korea Industrial Standard) requirement. Moreover, only 10 minute was required to increase temperature above zero with a block-type snow-melting system whereas approximately 180 minute was spent with the existing system. This research is expected to contribute to environmental issues and reduce accidents on a slippery road.