• Clean Technology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.163-171
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• 2023

Hydrogen has been gaining a lot of attention as a possible clean energy source that can aid in reaching carbon neutrality. Currently, hydrogen production has relied on the steam reforming of fossil fuels. However, due to the carbon dioxide emissions caused by this process, hydrogen production based on the steam reforming of bio-oil derived from biomass has been proposed as an alternative approach. In order to use this alternative approach efficiently, one of the key issues that must be overcome is that the complexity of bio-oil, which has a large molecular weight and diverse functional groups of hydrocarbons, promotes the catalytic deactivation of nickel-based catalysts. In this review, research efforts to improve nickel-based catalysts for the steam reforming of bio-oil have been discussed in terms of the active phase, support, and promoters. The active phases are involved in activating C-C and C-H bonds of high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons, and noble and transition metals can be utilized. In terms of the support and promoters, the catalytic deactivation of Ni-based catalysts can be inhibited by utilizing reactive lattice oxygen for support or by suppressing the acidity. The development of active and stable Ni-based reforming catalysts plays a critical role in clean hydrogen production based on bio-oils.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.189-207
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• 2023

In the present study, the thermoshearing experiment on a rough rock fracture were modeled using a three-dimensional grain-based distinct element model (GBDEM). The experiment was conducted by the Korea Institute of Construction Technology to investigate the progressive shear failure of fracture under the influence of thermal stress in a critical stress state. The numerical model employs an assembly of multiple polyhedral grains and their interfaces to represent the rock sample, and calculates the coupled thermo-mechanical behavior of the grains (blocks) and the interfaces (contacts) using 3DEC, a DEM code. The primary focus was on simulating the temperature evolution, generation of thermal stress, and shear and normal displacements of the fracture. Two fracture models, namely the mated fracture model and the unmated fracture model, were constructed based on the degree of surface matedness, and their respective behaviors were compared and analyzed. By leveraging the advantage of the DEM, the contact area between the fracture surfaces was continuously monitored during the simulation, enabling an examination of its influence on shear behavior. The numerical results demonstrated distinct differences depending on the degree of the surface matedness at the initial stage. In the mated fracture model, where the surfaces were in almost full contact, the characteristic stages of peak stress and residual stress commonly observed in shear behavior of natural rock joints were reasonably replicated, despite exhibiting discrepancies with the experimental results. The analysis of contact area variation over time confirmed that our numerical model effectively simulated the abrupt normal dilation and shear slip, stress softening phenomenon, and transition to the residual state that occur during the peak stress stage. The unmated fracture model, which closely resembled the experimental specimen, showed qualitative agreement with the experimental observations, including heat transfer characteristics, the progressive shear failure process induced by heating, and the increase in thermal stress. However, there were some mismatches between the numerical and experimental results regarding the onset of fracture slip and the magnitudes of fracture stress and displacement. This research was conducted as part of DECOVALEX-2023 Task G, and we expect the numerical model to be enhanced through continued collaboration with other research teams and validated in further studies.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.196-201
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• 2023

In order to improve the efficiency of the water splitting system for hydrogen energy production, the high overvoltage in the electrochemical reaction caused by the catalyst in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) must be reduced. Among them, transition metal-based compounds (hydroxide, sulfide, etc.) are attracting attention as catalyst materials to replace currently used precious metals such as platinum. In this study, Ni foam, an inexpensive metal porous material, was used as a support and β-Ni(OH)₂ microcrystals were synthesized through a hydrothermal synthesis process. In addition, changes in the crystal morphology, crystal structure, and water splitting characteristics of β-Ni(OH)₂ microcrystals synthesized by doping Fe to improve electrochemical properties were observed, and applicability as a catalyst in a commercial water electrolysis system was examined.

• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.169-274
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• 2024

Recent attention has been drawn to materials that undergo reversible expansion and contraction in response to external stimuli, leading to morphological changes. These materials hold potential applications in various fields including soft robotics, sensors, and artificial muscles. In this study, a novel material capable of responding to high temperatures for protection or encapsulation is proposed. To achieve this, liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) with nematic-isotropic transition properties and polyimide (PI) with high mechanical strength and thermal stability were utilized. To utilize a solution process, a dope solution was synthesized and introduced into micro-printing techniques to develop a two-dimensional pattern of LCE/PI bilayer structures with sub-millimeter widths. The honeycomb-patterned LCE/PI bilayer mesh combined the mechanical strength of PI with the high-temperature contraction behavior of LCE, and selective printing of LCE facilitated deformation in desired directions at high temperatures. Consequently, the functionality of selectively and reversibly encapsulating specific high-temperature materials was achieved. This study suggests potential applications in various actuator fields where functionalities can be implemented across different temperature ranges without the need for electrical energy input, contingent upon molecular changes in LCE.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.372-378
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• 2024

MXene, a two-dimensional transition metal carbide, nitride, or carbonitride, possesses exceptionally thin and large surface areas while also exhibiting remarkable electrical and chemical properties. These properties have attracted considerable interest in the application of MXene, including energy storage devices, sensors, and catalysts. Since the discovery of MXene in 2011, a number of synthetic methods have been proposed. The synthesis of MXene can be mainly divided into two stages: an etching step and a delamination step. The type of terminations or surface defects are dependent on the synthetic method and have a significant impact on key properties such as electrical conductivity. Therefore, research on synthetic methods is essential for the industrialization of MXene. This review provides an overview of the various etching methods and delamination strategies employed in the synthesis of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene, including the commonly used hydrofluoric acid etching method and the fluorine-free method, which has recently emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative. We also address the latest research trends, challenges, and perspectives for the industrialization of MXene.trialization of MXene.

• Proceedings of the Materials Research Society of Korea Conference
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• 2011.05a
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• pp.5-5
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• 2011

The research and development of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and electric vehicle (EV) are intensified due to the energy crisis and environmental concerns. In order to meet the challenging requirements of powering HEV, PHEV and EV, the current lithium battery technology needs to be significantly improved in terms of the cost, safety, power and energy density, as well as the calendar and cycle life. One new technology being developed is the utilization of composite cathode by mixing two different types of insertion compounds [e.g., spinel $LiMn_2O_4$ and layered $LiMO_2$ (M=Ni, Co, and Mn)]. Recently, some studies on mixing two different types of cathode materials to make a composite cathode have been reported, which were aimed at reducing cost and improving self-discharge. Numata et al. reported that when stored in a sealed can together with electrolyte at $80^{\circ}C$ for 10 days, the concentrations of both HF and $Mn^{2+}$ were lower in the can containing $LiMn_2O_4$ blended with $LiNi_{0.8}Co_{0.2}O_2$ than that containing $LiMn_2O_4$ only. That reports clearly showed that this blending technique can prevent the decline in capacity caused by cycling or storage at elevated temperatures. However, not much work has been reported on the charge-discharge characteristics and related structural phase transitions for these composite cathodes. In this presentation, we will report our in situ x-ray diffraction studies on this mixed composite cathode material during charge-discharge cycling. The mixed cathodes were incorporated into in situ XRD cells with a Li foil anode, a Celgard separator, and a 1M $LiPF_6$ electrolyte in a 1 : 1 EC : DMC solvent (LP 30 from EM Industries, Inc.). For in situ XRD cell, Mylar windows were used as has been described in detail elsewhere. All of these in situ XRD spectra were collected on beam line X18A at National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) at Brookhaven National Laboratory using two different detectors. One is a conventional scintillation detector with data collection at 0.02 degree in two theta angle for each step. The other is a wide angle position sensitive detector (PSD). The wavelengths used were 1.1950 ${\AA}$ for the scintillation detector and 0.9999 A for the PSD. The newly installed PSD at beam line X18A of NSLS can collect XRD patterns as short as a few minutes covering $90^{\circ}$ of two theta angles simultaneously with good signal to noise ratio. It significantly reduced the data collection time for each scan, giving us a great advantage in studying the phase transition in real time. The two theta angles of all the XRD spectra presented in this paper have been recalculated and converted to corresponding angles for ${\lambda}=1.54\;{\AA}$, which is the wavelength of conventional x-ray tube source with Cu-$k{\alpha}$ radiation, for easy comparison with data in other literatures. The structural changes of the composite cathode made by mixing spinel $LiMn_2O_4$ and layered $Li-Ni_{1/3}Co_{1/3}Mn_{1/3}O_2$ in 1 : 1 wt% in both Li-half and Li-ion cells during charge/discharge are studied by in situ XRD. During the first charge up to ~5.2 V vs. $Li/Li^+$, the in situ XRD spectra for the composite cathode in the Li-half cell track the structural changes of each component. At the early stage of charge, the lithium extraction takes place in the $LiNi_{1/3}Co_{1/3}Mn_{1/3}O_2$ component only. When the cell voltage reaches at ~4.0 V vs. $Li/Li^+$, lithium extraction from the spinel $LiMn_2O_4$ component starts and becomes the major contributor for the cell capacity due to the higher rate capability of $LiMn_2O_4$. When the voltage passed 4.3 V, the major structural changes are from the $LiNi_{1/3}Co_{1/3}Mn_{1/3}O_2$ component, while the $LiMn_2O_4$ component is almost unchanged. In the Li-ion cell using a MCMB anode and a composite cathode cycled between 2.5 V and 4.2 V, the structural changes are dominated by the spinel $LiMn_2O_4$ component, with much less changes in the layered $LiNi_{1/3}Co_{1/3}Mn_{1/3}O_2$ component, comparing with the Li-half cell results. These results give us valuable information about the structural changes relating to the contributions of each individual component to the cell capacity at certain charge/discharge state, which are helpful in designing and optimizing the composite cathode using spinel- and layered-type materials for Li-ion battery research. More detailed discussion will be presented at the meeting.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.36 no.2_2
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• pp.379-399
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• 2020

The detection of illegal ship is one of the key factors in building a marine surveillance system. Effective marine surveillance requires the means for continuous monitoring over a wide area. In this study, the possibility of ship detection monitoring based on satellite SAR, HF radar, UAV and AIS integration was investigated. Considering the characteristics of time and spatial resolution for each platform, the ship monitoring scenario consisted of a regular surveillance system using HFR data and AIS data, and an event monitoring system using satellites and UAVs. The regular surveillance system still has limitations in detecting a small ship and accuracy due to the low spatial resolution of HF radar data. However, the event monitoring system using satellite SAR data effectively detects illegal ships using AIS data, and the ship speed and heading direction estimated from SAR images or ship tracking information using HF radar data can be used as the main information for the transition to UAV monitoring. For the validation of monitoring scenario, a comprehensive field experiment was conducted from June 25 to June 26, 2019, at the west side of Hongwon Port in Seocheon. KOMPSAT-5 SAR images, UAV data, HF radar data and AIS data were successfully collected and analyzed by applying each developed algorithm. The developed system will be the basis for the regular and event ship monitoring scenarios as well as the visualization of data and analysis results collected from multiple platforms.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.334-343
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• 1987

The Chemical reactions between $NiL_m{^{2+}}\{$Ni(rac-1[14]7-diene)^{2+},\;Ni(meso-1[14]7-diene)^{2+},\;Ni(1[14]4-diene)^{2+},\;{\alpha}-Ni(rac-[14]-decane)^{2+},\;{\beta}-Ni(rac-[14]-decane)^{2+},\;and\;Ni(meso-[14]-decane)^{2+}$}\and\ CN^-$ ion were studied by the spectrophotometric method. The equilibrium constants (K_1$) for the 1:1 complex ion, $[NiL_m(CN)]^+\;with\;NiL_m{^{2+}}\;and\;CN^-$ ion were determined in the range of 3 to $25^{\circ}C$. The $K_1\;for\;Ni(rac-1[14]7-diene)^{2+},\;Ni(meso-1[14]7-diene)^{2+},\;Ni(1[14]4-diene)^{2+},\;{\alpha}-Ni(rac-[14]-decane)^{2+},\;{beta}-Ni(rac-[14]-decane)^{2+},\;and\;Ni(meso-[14]-decane)^{2+}\;at\;15^{\circ}C$ was 4.7, 5.3, 6.2, 7.5, 9.4, and 9.8, respectively. The values of $K_1$ decreased with increasing temperature. From the temperature effect on equilibrium constant ($K_1$), thermodynamic parameters $({\Delta}H^{\circ},\;{\Delta}S^{\circ},\;{\Delta}G^{\circ})$ for reaction were evaluated and the reaction of $NiL_m{^{2+}}\;and\;CN^-$ ion was exothermic. $NiL_m{^{2+}\;reacts\;with\;CN^-$ ion to give $Ni(CN)_4{^{2-}}$ ion and macrocyclic ligand $(L_m)$. The kinetics of formation of the $Ni(CN)_4{^{2-}}$ ion of varying the $[CN^-],\;[HCN],\;and\;[OH^-]$ have been investigated at 3∼$25^{\circ}C\;and\;0.5M\;NaClO_4$. Maintaining a constant $[CN^-],\;k_{obs}/[CN^-]^2$ increases linearly with increasing [HCN]. In the presence of large quantities of $[OH^-],\;k_{obs}/[CN^-]^2$ also increases linearly with $[OH^-]$. From the temperature effect on kinetic constant (k_{obs})$, parameter of activation $({\Delta}H^{\neq},\;{\Delta}S^{\neq})$ of reaction of $NiL_m{^{2+}}\;with\;CN^-$ ion were determined. For the $Ni(rac-1[14]7-diene)^{2+},\;Ni(meso-1[14]7-diene)^{2+},\;{\alpha}-Ni(rac-[14]-decane)^{2+},\;{\beta}-Ni(rac-[14]-decane)^{2+},\;and\;Ni(meso-[14]-decane)^{2+}\;series\;{\Delta}H^{\neq}$ gradually decrease as the d-d transition energy, $ν(cm^{-1})$ decrease. And the reaction of the five $NiL_m{^{2+}}\;with\;CN^-$ ion take place by way of equal paths.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.253-257
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• 2008

To enhance the luminescence properties, the red phosphor composed of $(Y,\;Zn)_2O_3$:$Eu^{3+}$ as doping concentration of Zn ion is synthesized at $1200^{\circ}C$ for 6 hrs in air atmosphere by conventional solid reaction method. As a result of the red phosphor $(Y,\;Zn)_2O_3$:$Eu^{3+}$ is measured X-ray diffraction (XRD), The main peak is nearly corresponded to the same as JCPDS card (No. 41-1105). When the doping concentration of Zn ion is more than 5 mol%, However, the ZnO peak is showed by XRD analysis. Therefore, when the doping concentration of Zn ion is less than 5 mol%, the Zn ion is well mixed in $Y_2O_3$ structure without the impurity phases. The photoluminescence (PL) properties is shown as this phosphor is excited in 254 nm region and the highest emission spectra of $(Y,\;Zn)_2O_3$:$Eu^{3+}$ has shown in 612 nm region because of a typical energy transition ($^5D_0{\rightarrow}^7F_2$) of $Eu^{3+}$ ion. As the doping concentration of Zn ion is more than 10 mol%, the emission peak is suddenly decreased. when the highest emission peak as doping concentration of Zn ion is shown, the composition of this phosphor is $(Y_{0.95},\;Zn_{0.05})_2O_3$:$Eu^{3+}_{0.075}$ and the particle size analyzed by FE-SEM is confirmed from 0.4 to $3{\mu}m$.

• Journal of the Korean Vacuum Society
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.78-83
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• 2005

Nanometric crystalline silicon (no-Si) embedded in dielectric medium has been paid attention as an efficient light emitting center for more than a decade. In nc-Si, excitonic electron-hole pairs are considered to attribute to radiative recombination. However the surface defects surrounding no-Si is one of non-radiative decay paths competing with the radiative band edge transition, ultimately which makes the emission efficiency of no-Si very poor. In order to passivate those defects - dangling bonds in the $Si:SiO_2$ interface, hydrogen is usually utilized. The luminescence yield from no-Si is dramatically enhanced by defect termination. However due to relatively high mobility of hydrogen in a matrix, hydrogen-terminated no-Si may no longer sustain the enhancement effect on subsequent thermal processes. Therefore instead of easily reversible hydrogen, phosphorus was introduced by ion implantation, expecting to have the same enhancement effect and to be more resistive against succeeding thermal treatments. Samples were Prepared by 400 keV Si implantation with doses of $1\times10^{17}\;Si/cm^2$ and by multi-energy Phosphorus implantation to make relatively uniform phosphorus concentration in the region where implanted Si ions are distributed. Crystalline silicon was precipitated by annealing at $1,100^{\circ}C$ for 2 hours in Ar environment and subsequent annealing were performed for an hour in Ar at a few temperature stages up to $1,000^{\circ}C$ to show improved thermal resistance. Experimental data such as enhancement effect of PL yield, decay time, peak shift for the phosphorus implanted nc-Si are shown, and the possible mechanisms are discussed as well.