• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.279-284
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• 2023

One-dimensional MgO nanostructures with various morphologies were synthesized by a thermal evaporation method. The synthesis process was carried out in air at atmospheric pressure, which made the process very simple. A mixed powder of magnesium and active carbon was used as the source powder. The morphologies of the MgO nanostructures were changed by varying the growth temperature. When the growth temperature was 700 ℃, untapered nanowires with smooth surfaces were grown. As the temperature increased to 850 ℃, 1,000 ℃ and 1,100 ℃, tapered nanobelts, tapered nanowires and then knotted nanowires were sequentially observed. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the MgO nanostructures had a cubic crystallographic structure. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis showed that the nanostructures were composed of Mg and O elements, indicating high purity MgO nanostructures. Fourier transform infrared spectra peaks showed the characteristic absorption of MgO. No catalyst particles were observed at the tips of the one-dimensional nanostructures, which suggested that the one-dimensional nanostructures were grown in a vapor-solid growth mechanism.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.318-325
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• 2022

In this study, composites containing undoped and barium-doped Bi₂WO₆:Ba²⁺were investigated for their shielding against diagnostic X-ray. At first, Bi₂WO₆ and barium-doped Bi₂WO₆ were synthesized with different weight percentages of barium oxide through a hydrothermal process. The as-synthesized nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy (RS). After that, some shields were generated with undoped and barium-doped Bi₂WO₆:Ba²⁺ nanostructure particles incorporated into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer with different thicknesses and 15% weight of the nanostructure. Finally, the prepared samples were exposed to an X-ray tube at 40, 80, and 120 kV voltages, 10 mAs and, 44.5 cm SID (i.e. the distance from the X-ray beam source to the specimen). Linear and mass attenuation coefficients were also calculated for different samples. The results indicated that, among the samples, the one with 7.5 mmol barium-doped Bi₂WO₆ had the most attenuation at the voltage of 40kV, and the attenuation coefficients would increase with an increase in the amount of barium. The samples with 15 and 17.5 mmol barium-doped Bi₂WO₆ had higher attenuation than the others at 80 and 120 kV. Moreover, the half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL) and 0.25 mm lead equivalent thickness were calculated for all the samples. The lowest HVL value was for the sample with 7.5 mmol barium-doped Bi₂WO₆. As the result clearly show, an increment in the barium-doping content leads to a decrease in both HVL and TVL. In every three voltages, 0.25 mm lead equivalent thickness of the barium-doped composites (7.5 mmol and 15 mmol) had less than the other composites. The lowest value of 0.25 mm lead equivalent thickness was 7.5 barium-doped in 40 kV voltage and 15 mmol barium-doped in 80 kV and 120 kV voltages. These results were obtained only for 15% weight of the nanostructure.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.172-177
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• 2017

A novel biosorbent, immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae in magnetic chitosan microspheres was prepared, characterized, and used for the removal of $Sr^{2+}$ from aqueous solution. The structure and morphology of immobilized S. cerevisiae before and after $Sr^{2+}$adsorption were observed using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The experimental results showed that the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models could be used to describe the $Sr^{2+}$ adsorption onto immobilized S. cerevisiae microspheres. The maximal adsorption capacity ($q_m$) was calculated to be 81.96 mg/g by the Langmuir model. Immobilized S. cerevisiae was an effective adsorbent for the $Sr^{2+}$ removal from aqueous solution.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.313-317
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the surface characteristics of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) surface treatment on AZ31 magnesium alloy eyeglass frames. Methods: The plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) surface was created by varying the DC voltage. The oxidation layer of coating was measured using phase analysis by X-ray diffraction. The microstructural morphology was observed using a scanning electron microscopy. Coating layer and the concentration of elements were investigated using the energy dispersive X-ray spectra. Results: The MgO XRD peak was increased as the voltage increased, and the density of the surface oxide film was also increased. The changes in the composition of the EDS also showed a good agreement. Conclusions: The compound oxide crystallization of PEO oxide film layer was done by increasing formation of MgO as the voltage increased. The treatment at 65V and 60 sec showed the best results at surface state, contact angles and salt spray test.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.325-339
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• 2022

Endophytes ascertain a symbiotic relationship with plants as promoters of growth, defense mechanism etc. This study is a first report to screen the endophytic population in Waltheria indica, a tropical medicinal plant. 5 bacterial and 3 fungal strains in leaves, 3 bacterial and 1 yeast species in stems were differentiated morphologically and identified by biochemical and molecular methods. The phylogenetic tree of the isolated endophytes was constructed using MEGA X. Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized from a rare endophytic bacterium Cupriavidus metallidurans isolated from the leaf of W. indica. The formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Visible spectrophotometer that evidenced a strong absorption band at 408.5 nm of UV-Visible range with crystalline nature and average particle size of 16.4 nm by Particle size analyzer. The Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectrum displayed the presence of various functional groups that stabilized the nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction peaks were conferred to face centered cubic structure. Transmission Electron Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope revealed the spherical-shaped, polycrystalline nature with the presence of elemental silver analyzed by Energy Dispersive of X-Ray spectrum. Selected area electron diffraction also confirmed the orientation of AgNPs at 111, 200, 220, 311 planes similar to X-ray diffraction analysis. The synthesized nanoparticles are evaluated for antimicrobial activity against 7 bacterial and 3 fungal pathogens. A good zone of inhibition was observed against pathogenic bacteria than fungal pathogens. Thus the study could hold a key aspect in drug discovery research and other pharmacological conducts of human clinical conditions.

• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.497-505
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• 2019

Lanthanum-based transition metal cations containing perovskites have emerged as potential catalysts for the intermediate-temperature (600-800℃) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Here, we report a facile acetylacetone-assisted combustion route for the synthesis of nanostructured La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_3-δ (LSCF6428) cathodes for intermediate-temperature solid-oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The as-prepared powder was analyzed by thermogravimetry analysis-differential scanning calorimetry. The powder calcined at 800℃ was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electrode microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area measurements. It was found that the porosity of the air electrode significantly increased by utilizing the nanostructured LSCF6428 instead of commercial powder. The performance of a single cell fabricated with the nanostructured LSCF6428 cathode increased by 112%, from 0.4 to 0.85 W cm^-2, at 700℃. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed a considerable reduction in the area-specific resistance and activation energy from 133.5 to 61.5 kJ/mol, resulting in enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward ORR and overall cell performance.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.65-73
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• 2019

The catalytic activity of Ni-0.2%YSZ (Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia) with different promoters was evaluated for $CO_2$ methanation. The catalysts were weighed for mixing and they were dried at $110^{\circ}C$ for molding into disks. The concentration of $CO_2$ and $CH_4$ for conducting of $CO_2$ methanation were analyzed by gas chromatography and the physical characteristics of the disk-type catalyst formed were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer. The addition of $CeO_2$ as a promoter for Ni-0.2%YSZ (denoted as Ni-5%Ce-0.2%YSZ) resulted in the highest $CO_2$ methanation. It also showed catalytic activity at a low temperature($200^{\circ}C$). Following this, $ZrO_2$, $SiO_2$, $Al_2O_3$ and $TiO_2$ were added to Ni-5%Ce-0.2%YSZ to compare the $CO_2$ methanation, and the highest efficiency was found for. Ni-1%Ti-5%Ce-0.2%YSZ Then, the concentration of Ti was increased to 10% and the catalytic activity was estimated using seven different types of commercial $TiO_2$. In conclusion, ST-01 $TiO_2$ showed the highest efficiency for $CO_2$ methanation.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.143-149
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• 2021

In this study, (GaN)_1-x(ZnO)_x solid solution nanoparticles with a high zinc content are prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and subsequent nitridation. The structure and morphology of the samples are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The characterization results show a phase transition from the Zn and Ga-based oxides (ZnO or ZnGa₂O₄) to a (GaN)_1-x(ZnO)_x solid solution under an NH3 atmosphere. The effect of the precursor solution concentration and nitridation temperature on the final products are systematically investigated to obtain (GaN)_1-x(ZnO)_x nanoparticles with a high Zn concentration. It is confirmed that the powder synthesized from the solution in which the ratio of Zn and Ga was set to 0.8:0.2, as the initial precursor composition was composed of about 0.8-mole fraction of Zn, similar to the initially set one, through nitriding treatment at 700℃. Besides, the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited the typical XRD pattern of (GaN)_1-x(ZnO)_x, and a strong absorption of visible light with a bandgap energy of approximately 2.78 eV, confirming their potential use as a hydrogen production photocatalyst.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.1230-1236
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• 2016

This study aims to determine the effect of fly ash with a high replacing ratio of clay on the radiation shielding properties of bricks. Some interaction parameters (mass attenuation coefficients, half value layer, effective atomic number, effective electron density, and absorption efficiency) of clay fly ash bricks were measured with a NaI(Tl) detector at 661.6 keV, 1,173.2 keV, and 1,332.5 keV. For the investigation of their shielding behavior, fly ash bricks were molded using an admixture to clay. A narrow beam transmission geometry condition was used for the measurements. The measured values of these parameters were found in good agreement with the theoretical calculations. The elemental compositions of the clay fly ash bricks were analyzed by using an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. At selected energies the values of the effective atomic numbers and effective electron densities showed a very modest variation with the composition of the fly ash. This seems to be due to the similarity of their elemental compositions. The obtained results were also compared with concrete, in order to study the effect of fly ash content on the radiation shielding properties of clay fly ash bricks. The clay fly ash bricks showed good shielding properties for moderate energy gamma rays. Therefore, these bricks are feasible and eco-friendly compared with traditional clay bricks used for construction.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 2021

We report structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of diecast ADC12 aluminum alloys characterized using synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, thermal conductivity (λ), Vickers hardness (Hv), and stress-strain measurements. We also studied the effect of post-annealing performed in a vacuum atmosphere on the mechanical properties of diecast ADC12 alloys. EDX and XRD results revealed that Al2Cu and AlCu3 grains are formed, well dispersed in Al base and highly crystalline. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 307.9 ± 9.1 MPa and elongation of 2.98 ± 0.62 % were estimated. λ was 129.3 ± 0.27 W/m·K and Hv was approximately 130. Both values were significantly higher than the reported values. At annealing temperatures ranging from 25 to 200℃, UTS and Hv values remained constant, while as the annealing temperature increased to 500℃, these values gradually decreased. This is because stabilization of the microstructure improves toughness and ductility.