• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.238-247
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• 2020

Some nano structured bimetallic NiPd electrocatalysts were electrodeposited on glassy carbon electrodes using a double potential step chronoamperometry. The morphology of the electrodeposited samples was investigated by field emission-scanning electron microscopy, while their compositions were evaluated using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. It was observed that the electrodeposited samples contained a low Ni content, in the range of 0.80 - 7.10%. The electrodeposited samples were employed as the anode electro-catalysts for the oxidation of sodium borohydride in NaOH solution (1.0 M) using cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, rotating disk electrode, and impedance spectroscopy. The number of exchanged electrons, charge transfer resistances, apparent rate constants, and double layer capacitances were calculated for the oxidation of borohydride on the prepared catalysts. According to the results obtained, the NiPd-2 sample with the lowest Ni content (0.80%), presented the highest catalytic activity for borohydride oxidation compared with the other NiPd samples as well as the pure Pd sample. The anodic peak current density was obtained to be about 1.3 times higher on the NiPd-2 sample compared with that for the Pd sample.

• Carbon letters
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• v.1 no.3_4
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• pp.170-177
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• 2001

Lithium intercalated carbon (LIC) are basically employed as an anode for currently commercialized lithium secondary batteries. However, there are still strong interests in modifying carbon surface of active materials of the anode because the amount of irreversible capacity, charge-discharge capacity and high rate capability are largely determined by the surface conditions of the carbon. In this study, the carbonaceous materials were coated with tin oxide and copper by fluidized-bed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method and their coating effects on electrochemical characteristics were investigated. The electrode which coated with tin oxides gave the higher capacity than that of raw material. Their capacity decreased with the progress of cycling possibly due to severe volume changes. However, the cyclability was improved by coating with copper on the surface of the tin oxides coated carbonaceous materials, which plays an important role as an inactive matrix buffering volume changes. An impedance on passivation film was decreased as tin oxides contents and it resulted in the higher capacity.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2008.11a
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• pp.253-254
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• 2008

The $TiO_2$ Pastes was prepared with the starting materials of $TiO_2$ (P-25), ethyl cellulose, a-terpineol and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and this $TiO_2$ paste application for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were investigated. In order to improved transparency of $TiO_2$ photoanode films, $TiO_2$ paste was changed ethyl cellulose and a-terpineol contents. The morphology of prepared $TiO_2$ films were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The electrochemical properties of the thin films and the performance of DSSCs were measured by photovoltaic-current density and AC impedance. Energy conversion efficiency was obtained about 5.7% at ethyl cellulose and a-terpineol on best mixed ratio under illumination with AM 1.5 ($100mWcm^{-2}$)simulated sunlight.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2005.11a
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• pp.262-263
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• 2005

Pt counter electrode based on flexible metal for dye-sensitized solar cells(DSCs) has been investigated. Photovoltaic structures on lightweight substrates have several advantages over the heavy glass-based structures in both terrestrial and space applications. Cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate electrochemical properties of Pt counter electrode both FTO glass and SUS sheet substrate. The DSCs composed of the counter electrode based on a stainless steel substrate has obtained conversion efficiencies comparable to that based on the conducting glass. The counter electrode based on the stainless steel substrate has the merit of improving the fill factor and conversion efficiency of the DSCs by reducing its internal resistance.

• Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
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• 1997.07d
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• pp.1252-1254
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• 1997

Direct methanol fuel cell based on a proton-exchange membrane electrolyte was investigated. 60% Pt-Ru/C and 60%Pt/C catalysts were employed for methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction, respectively. Morphologies of the catalysts were investigated by x-ray power diffraction, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and transmission microscopy. Electrochemical characteristics of the catalysts were tested by using cyclic voltametry technique. I-V characteristics of the fuel cell were tested by changing methanol concentration, temperature, and Nafion type as a proton-exchange membrane electrolyte. AC impedance technique was used to investigate the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell. The performance of single cell was enhance with increasing cell temperature. High operation temperature attributed to the combined effects of the reduction of ohmic resistance and polarization. High cell voltage was obtained from the concentration of 205M methanol. With Nafion 112, a current density of $230mA/cm^2$ at 0.55V was obtained from the concentration of 2.5M methanol.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.82-86
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• 2006

Propylene Carbonate (PC) has the interesting properties of being able to dissolve and dissociate lithium salts, thus leading to highly conducting electrolytes even at low temperatures. Moreover, electrolytes that contain PC are stable against oxidation at voltages up to ~5 V. However, it is known that, when lithium is intercalated into graphite in pure PC based electrolytes, solvent co-intercalation occurs, leading to the destruction of the graphite structure. (i.e., exfoliation). The objective of this study was to suppress PC decomposition and prevent exfoliation of the graphite anode by co-intercalation. Electrochemical characteristics were studied using Kawasaki mesophase fine carbon (KMFC) in different 1 M $LiPF_6$/PC-based electrolytes. Electrochemical experiments were completed using chronopotentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. From the observed results, we conclude that the MA and $Li_2CO_3$ additive suppressed co-intercalation of the PC electrolyte into the graphite anode. The use of additives, for reducing the extent of solvent decomposition before exfoliation of the graphite anode, could therefore enhance the stability of a KMFC electrode.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2005.07a
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• pp.593-594
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• 2005

Lithium-ion batteries have used the layered $LiCoO_2$ materials as cathodes, but Co is relatively toxic and expensive. In this regard, the spinel $LiMn_2O_4$ has become appealing because manganese is inexpensive and environmentally benign. In general, cathodes for lithium ion batteries include carbon as a conductive agent that provides electron transfer between the active material and the current collector. In this work, we selected Acetylene Black and Super P Black as conducting agents, and then carried out comparative investigation for the performances of the cells using different conducting agents with different particle size. As a consequence, Li/$LiMn_2O_4$ cells with Super P Black show better electrochemical performances than those with Acetylene Black.

• Korean Journal of Metals and Materials
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.218-224
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• 2010

Direct copper electroplating on Mg alloy AZ31B was carried out in a traditional pyrophosphate copper bath containing potassium fluoride. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization methods were used to study the effects of added potassium fluoride on electrochemical behavior. The chemical state of magnesium alloy in the electroplating bath was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Adhesion of the copper electroplated layer was also tested. Due to the added potassium fluoride, a magnesium fluoride film was formed in the pyrophosphate copper bath. This fluoride film inhibits dissolution of Mg alloy and enables to electroplate copper directly on it. A dense copper layer was formed on the Mg alloy. Moreover, this copper layer has a good adhesion with Mg alloy substrate.

• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.233-238
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• 2019

The formation behavior of zinc phosphate conversion coating (ZPCC) on SCM430 alloy was investigated in 25 vol.% of 1M ZnO + 170 ml/L solution containing various $Fe(NO_3)_2$ concentrations, using open-circuit potential(OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS), cyclic polarization(CP) curve and tape peel test. OCP of SCM430 alloy and corrosion current density increased with increasing $Fe(NO_3)_3$ concentration. Resistance of films formed on SCM430 alloy by chemical conversion treatment decreased with increasing $Fe(NO_3)_3$ concentration. Color and adhesion of chemical conversion coatings became darker and worse, respectively, with increasing $Fe(NO_3)_3$ concentration. It is concluded that addition of $Fe(NO_3)_3$ into a zinc phosphating bath leads to faster reaction to form porous surface coatings with poor adhesion and corrosion resistance.

• Corrosion Science and Technology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.175-182
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• 2021

Magnesium alloy is limited in the industrial field because its standard electrode potential is -2.363 V vs. NHE (Normal Hydrogen Electrode) at 25 ℃. This high electrochemical activity causes magnesium to quickly corrode with oxygen in air; chemical conversion coating prevents corrosion but causes surface defects like cracks and pores. We have examined the anti-corrosion effect of sol-gel coating sealed on the defected conversion coating layer. Sol-gel coatings produced higher voltage current and smaller pore than the chemical conversion coating layer. The conversion coating on magnesium alloy AZ31 was prepared using phosphate-permanganate solution. The sol-gel coating was designed using trimethoxymethylsilane (MTMS) and (3-Glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) as precursors, and aluminum acetylacetonate as a ring-opening agent. The thermal shock resistance was tested by exposing specimens at 140 ℃ in a convection oven; the results showed changes in the magnesium alloy AZ31 surface, such as oxidization and cracking. Scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) analysis confirmed a sealed sol-gel coating layer on magnesium alloy AZ31. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measured the differences in corrosion protection properties by sol-gel and conversion coatings in 0.35 wt% NaCl solution, and the potentiodynamic polarization test and confirmed conversion coating with the sol-gel coating show significantly improved resistance by crack sealing.