• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.502-507
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• 2015

We examined the photo catalytic activity and catalytic recyclability of CdSe/graphene nanocomposites fabricated via modified hydrothermal technique. The prepared composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopic analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic behavior was investigated through decomposition of RBB as a standard dye under visible light radiation. Our results indicate that there is significant potential for graphene based semiconductor hybrids materials to be used as photocatalysts under visible light irradiation for the degradation of organic dyes from industry effluents.

• Proceedings of the Materials Research Society of Korea Conference
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• 2012.05a
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• pp.91.2-91.2
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• 2012

The TiB2-reinforced iron matrix nanocomposite (Fe-TiB2) was in-situ fabricated from titanium hydride (TiH2) and iron boride (FeB) powders by a simple and cost-effective process that combines the mechanical activation (MA) and a subsequent heat treatment (HT). Effect of milling factors and synthesized temperatures on the formation of the nanocomposite were presented and discussed. A differential thermal analyser (DSC-TG) was employed for examination of thermal behavior of MAed powders. Phases of the nanocomposite were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The morphologies and microstructure of nanocomposite were investigated by field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Phase composition and distribution were analyzed by electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA). Results showed that TiB2 particles formed in nanoscale were uniformly distributed in alloyed Fe matrix.

• Nanomaterials
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• v.12 no.20
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• pp.3605-3620
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• 2022

Microtube-like porous carbon (MPC) and tube-like porous carbon-sulfur (MPC-S) composites were synthesized by carbonizing milkweed pappus with sulfur, and they were used as cathodes for lithium-sulfur batteries. The morphology and uniformity of these materials were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. The electrochemical performance of the MPC-S cathodes was measured using the charge/discharge cycling performance, C rate, and AC impedance. The composite cathodes with 93.8 wt.% sulfur exhibited a stable specific capacity of 743 mAh g^-1 after 200 cycles at a 0.5 C.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.590-592
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• 2010

Li-Mn spinel ($LiMn_2O_4$) is prepared by a hydrothermal process with K-Birnessite ($KMnO_4{\cdot}yH_2O$) as a precursor. The K-Birnessite obtained via a hydrothermal process with potassium permanganate [$KMnO_4$] and urea [$CO(NH_2)_2$] as starting materials are converted to Li-Mn spinel nanoparticles reacting with LiOH. The molar ratio of LiOH/K-Birnessite is adjusted in order to find the effect of the ratio on the structural, morphological and electrochemical performances of the Li-Mn spinel. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and thermogravimetry (TG) are used to investigate the crystal structure and morphology of the samples. Galvanostatic charge and discharge are carried out to measure the capacity and rate capability of the Li-Mn spinel. The capacity shows a maximum value of $117\;mAhg^{-1}$ when the molar ratio of LiOH/K-Birnessite is 0.8 and decreases with the increase of the ratio. However the rate capability is improved with the increase of the ratio due to the reduction of the particle size.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.68-74
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• 2015

To compare the microstructure and electrochemical properties between two binary alloys (Cr-Si, Ni-Si), two composition of binary alloys with the same capacity were selected using phase-diagram and prepared by matrix-stabilization method to suppress the volume expansion of Si by inactive-matrix. Master alloys were made by Arc-melting followed by fine structured ribbon sample preparation by Rapid Solidification Process (RSP, Melt-spinning method) under the same conditions. Also powder samples were produced by wet grinding for X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical measurements. As predicted from the phase diagram, only active-Si and inactive-matrix ($CrSi_2$, $NiSi_2$) were detected. The results of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (TEM-EDS) show that Cr-Si alloy has finer microstructure than Ni-Si alloy, which was also predictable through phase diagram. The electrochemical properties related to microstructure were evaluated by coin type full- and half-cells. Separately, self-designed test-cells were used to measure the volume expansion of Si during reaction. Volume expansion of Cr-Si alloy electrode with finer microstructure was suppressed significantly and improved in cycle capability, in comparison Ni-Si alloy with coarse microstructure. From these, we could infer the correlation of microstructure, volume expansion and electrochemical degradation and these properties might be predicted by phase diagram.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.50-55
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• 2013

The recovery of copper from spent photovoltaic ribbon was conducted using thermal treatment method at the range of temperature of $300^{\circ}C$ to $600^{\circ}C$ under inert atmosphere. The coating layer consisted of lead of 68.99 wt.% and tin of 31.21 wt.% was melted down at elevated temperatures and was collected on the bottom of crucible. The chemical composition of copper ribbon after thermal treatment was analyzed by ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) and the purity of copper was found to be obtained up to about 96 wt.% regardless of temperatures. The cross-sectional area of the specimen was also examined by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and EDX (energy dispersive X-ray microscopy).

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.301-308
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• 2024

Ceramic materials are being explored as alternatives to toxic lead sheets for radiation shielding due to their favorable properties like durability, thermal stability, and aesthetic appeal. However, crafting effective ceramics for radiation shielding entails complex processes, raising production costs. To investigate local viability, this study evaluated Malaysian ceramic tiles for shielding in diagnostic X-ray rooms. Different ceramics in terms of density and thickness were selected from local manufacturers. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) characterized ceramic compositions, while Monte Carlo Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (MC PHITS) simulations determined Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC), Half-value Layer (HVL), Mass Attenuation Coefficient (MAC), and Mean Free Path (MFP) within the 40-150 kV energy range. Comparative analysis between MC PHITS simulations and real setups was conducted. The C3-S9 ceramic sample, known for homogeneous full-color structure, showcased superior shielding attributes, attributed to its high density and iron content. Notably, energy levels considerably impacted radiation penetration. Overall, C3-S9 demonstrated strong shielding performance, underlining Malaysia's potential ceramic tile resources for X-ray room radiation shielding.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.275-280
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• 2012

To understand the effect of aerosols on the growth and physiological conditions of trees in forests, it is important to know the state of aerosols that are deposited on the surface of the leaves or needles. In this study, we developed methods of visualization of submicron-sized aerosols that were artificially deposited from the gas-phase or liquid phase onto tree leaves or needles in trees. Firstly, we used field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) to observe black carbon (BC) particles that were artificially sprayed onto the leaves or needles. The distribution of BC particles deposited on the leaves and needles were distinguished based on the size and morphological features of the particles. The distribution and agglomerates size of BC particles differed between two spraying methods of BC particles employed. Secondly, we tried to visualize gold (Au) particles that were artificially sprayed onto the leaves using energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) coupled to FE-SEM. We detected the Au particles based on the characteristic X-ray spectrum, which was secondarily generated from the Au particles. In contrast to the case of BC particles, the Au particles did not form agglomerates and were uniformly distributed on the leaf surfaces. The present results show that our methods provide useful information of adsorption and/or behavior of fine particles at the submicron level on the surface of the leaves.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.53-56
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• 2009

At room-temperature, a facile, seedless, and environmentally benign green route for the synthesis of star like PbS nanoclusters at 7 min in aqueous solution of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate, [EMIM] [$EtSO_{4}$], room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), via ultrasonic irradiation is proposed. The X-ray diffraction studies display that the products are excellently crystallized in the form of cubic structure. An energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) investigation reveals the products are extremely pure. The absorption spectra of the product exhibit band gap energy of about 4.27 eV which shows an enormous blue shift of 3.86 eV that can be attributed to very small size of PbS nanoparticles produced and quantum confinement effect. A possible formation mechanism of the PbS nanoparticles using ultrasonic irradiation in aqueous solution of the RTIL is presented.

• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.269-276
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• 2019

This article reports on the conditions required for the growth of crystalline boron films on silicon substrates by hot filament chemical vapor deposition method. The reactive gas was 3% diborane diluted in hydrogen. The films were characterized by optical, electronic, and atomic force microscopies; x-ray diffraction; and energy dispersive, electron energy loss, Raman, x-ray photoelectron, and Auger spectroscopies. The parameters that affect the morphologies of the films have been investigated. It was concluded that faceted crystals are produced at low B₂H₆ flows and working pressures below 200 mT. α-boron is produced between 530 and 600℃. Deposition outside this range produces thin films with a wide variety of morphologies. This result indicates that the films crystallize through a process called "abnormal or discontinuous grain growth." It is assumed that this is due to the anisotropic surfaces of boron allotropes.