• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.98-106
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• 2022

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are widely used in various fields because they make it easy to control porous structures according to combinations of metal ions and organic linkers. In addition, ZIF (zeolitic imidazolate framework), a type of MOF, is made up of transition metal ions such as Co²⁺ or Zn²⁺ and linkers such as imidazole or imidazole derivatives. ZIF-67, composed of Co²⁺ and 2-methyl imidazole, exhibits both chemical stability and catalytic activity. Recently, due to increasing need for energy technology and carbon-neutral policies, catalysis applications have attracted tremendous research attention. Moreover, demand is increasing for material development in the electrocatalytic water splitting and metal-air battery fields; there is also a need for bifunctional catalysts capable of both oxidation/reduction reactions. This review summarizes recent progress of bifunctional catalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting and metal-air batteries using ZIF-67. In particular, the field is classified into areas of thermal decomposition, introduction of heterogeneous elements, and complex formation with carbon-based materials or polyacrylonitrile. This review also focuses on synthetic methods and performance evaluation.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.582-587
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• 2023

The effects of the annealing temperature on the structural, morphological, and luminescent properties of SrWO₄:Sm³⁺ thin films grown on quartz substrates by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering were investigated. The thin films were annealed at various annealing temperatures for 20 min in a rapid thermal annealer after growing the thin films. The experimental results showed that the annealing temperature has a significant effect on the properties of the SrWO₄:Sm³⁺ thin films. The crystal structure of the as-grown SrWO₄:Sm³⁺ thin films was transformed from amorphous to crystalline after annealing at 800℃. The preferred orientation along (112) plane and a significant increase in average grain size by 820 nm were observed with increasing the annealing temperature. The average optical transmittance in the wavelength range of 500~1,100 nm was decreased from 72.0% at 800℃ to 44.2% at an annealing temperature of 1,000℃, where the highest value in the photoluminescence intensity was obtained. In addition to the red-shift of absorption edge, a higher annealing temperature caused the optical band gap energy of the SrWO₄:Sm³⁺ thin films to fall rapidly. These results suggest that the structural, morphological, and luminescent properties of SrWO₄:Sm³⁺ thin films can be controlled by varying annealing temperature.

• Journal of the Korean institute of surface engineering
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.299-308
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• 2023

In this study, phosphorus (P)-doped nickel cobaltite (P-NiCo₂O₄) and nickel-cobalt layered double hydroxide (P-NiCo-LDH) were synthesized on nickel (Ni) foam as a conductive support using hydrothermal synthesis. The thermal properties, crystal structure, microscopic surface morphology, chemical distribution, electronic state of the constituent elements on the sample surface, and electrical properties of the synthesized P-NiCo₂O₄ and P-NiCo-LDH samples were analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The P-NiCo₂O₄ electrode exhibited a specific capacitance of 1,129 Fg^-1 at a current density of 1 Ag^-1, while the P-NiCo-LDH electrode displayed a specific capacitance of 1,012 Fg^-1 at a current density of 1 Ag-1. When assessing capacity changes for 3,000 cycles, the P-NiCo₂O₄ electrode exhibited a capacity retention rate of 54%, whereas the P-NiCo-LDH electrode showed a capacity retention rate of 57%.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2014

There is increasing demand on the reducing the weight and the volume of the major components in lithium secondary battery to improve energy density. Separator not only provides pathway for lithium ion movement but also prevents direct contact between anode and cathode. Herein we fabricated polyethylene separator by varying biaxial stretching ratio to obtain membrane thickness of 16, 12, and $9{\mu}m$. Mechanical and thermal properties of the separator with different thickness were investigated. Also rate capability and charge-discharge cycle property up to 500 cycles were studied using coin type full-cell with $LiCoO_2$ and graphite as a cathode and an anode, respectively. All the cells using separator with different thickness demonstrated excellent capacity retention after 500cycles (around 80%). Considering the rate capability, cell using separator with thickness of $9{\mu}m$ showed best performance. Interestingly, separator thickness of $9{\mu}m$ was more resistant to heat contraction compared to that of $16{\mu}m$ separator.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.165-173
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• 2019

Lithium anodes (13, 15, 17, and 20 wt% Li) were fabricated by mixing molten lithium and iron powder, which was used as a binder to hold the molten lithium, at about $500^{\circ}C$ (discharge temp.). In this study, the effect of applied pressure and lithium content on the discharge properties of a thermal battery's single cell was investigated. A single cell using a Li anode with a lithium content of less than 15 wt% presented reliable performance without any abrupt voltage drop resulting from molten lithium leakage under an applied pressure of less than $6kgf/cm^2$. Furthermore, it was confirmed that even when the solid electrolyte is thinner, the Li anode of the single cell normally discharges well without a deterioration in performance. The Li anode of the single cell presented a significantly improved open-circuit voltage of 2.06 V, compared to that of a Li-Si anode (1.93 V). The cut-off voltage and specific capacity were 1.83 V and $1,380As\;g^{-1}$ (Li anode), and 1.72 V and $1,364As\;g^{-1}$ (Li-Si anode). Additionally, the Li anode exhibited a stable and flat discharge curve until 1.83 V because of the absence of phase change phenomena of Li metal and a subsequent rapid voltage drop below 1.83 V due to the complete depletion of Li at the end state of discharge. On the other hand, the voltage of the Li-Si anode cell decreased in steps, $1.93V{\rightarrow}1.72V(Li_{13}Si_4{\rightarrow}Li_7Si_3){\rightarrow}1.65V(Li_7Si_3{\rightarrow}Li_{12}Si_7)$, according to the Li-Si phase changes during the discharge reaction. The energy density of the Li anode cell was $807.1Wh\;l^{-1}$, which was about 50% higher than that of the Li-Si cell ($522.2Wh\;l^{-1}$).

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.89-95
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• 2021

Research on the production of lithium hydroxide (LiOH) has been actively conducted in response to the increasing demand for high nickel-based positive electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Herein we studied the conversion of lithium oxide (Li2O) through thermal decomposition of lithium carbonate for the production of lithium hydroxide from lithium carbonate (Li2CO3). The reaction mechanism of lithium carbonate with alumina, quartz and graphite crucible during heat treatment was confirmed. When graphite crucible was used, complete lithium oxide powder was obtained. Based on the TG analysis results, reagent-grade lithium carbonate was heat-treated at 700℃, 900℃ and 1100℃ for various time and atmosphere conditions. XRD analysis showed the produced lithium oxide showed high crystallinity at 1100℃ for 1 hour in a nitrogen atmosphere. In addition, several reagent-grade lithium oxides were reacted at 100℃ to convert to lithium hydroxide. XRD analysis confirmed that lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LiOH·H2O) were produced.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.309-315
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• 2024

Silicon and carbon composite (SiC) is considered one of the most promising anode materials for the commercialization of Si-based anodes, as it could simultaneously satisfy the high theoretical capacity of Si and the high electronic conductivity of carbon. However, SiC active material undergoes repeated volumetric changes during charge/discharge processes, leading to continuous electrolyte decomposition and capacity fading, which is still considered an issue that needs to be addressed. To solve this issue, we suggest a 4,4'-Methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) (H₁₂MDI)-based waterborne polyurethane binder (HPUD), which forms a 3D network structure through thermal cross-linking reaction. The cross-linked HPUD (denoted as CHPU) was prepared using an epoxy ring-opening reaction of the cross-linker, triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC), via simple thermal treatment during the SiC anode drying process. The SiC anode with the CHPU binder, which exhibited superior mechanical and adhesion properties, not only demonstrated excellent rate and cycling performance but also alleviated the volume expansion of the SiC anode. This work implies that eco-friendly binders with cross-linked structures could be utilized for various Si-based anodes.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.729-744
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• 2023

The value of lithium has significantly increased due to the rising demand for electric cars and batteries. Lithium is primarily found in pegmatites, hydrothermally altered tuffaceous clays, and continental brines. Globally, groundwater-fed salt lakes and oil field brines are attracting attention as major sources of lithium in continental brines, accounting for about 70% of global lithium production. Recently, deep groundwater, especially geothermal water, is also studied for a potential source of lithium. Lithium concentrations in deep groundwater can increase through substantial water-rock reaction and mixing with brines. For the exploration of lithim in deep groundwater, it is important to understand its origin and behavior. Therefore, based on a nationwide preliminary study on the hydrogeochemical characteristics and evolution of thermal groundwater in South Korea, this study aims to investigate the distribution of lithium in the deep groundwater environment and understand the geochemical factors that affect its concentration. A total of 555 thermal groundwater samples were classified into five hydrochemical types showing distinct hydrogeochemical evolution. To investigate the enrichment mechanism, samples (n = 56) with lithium concentrations exceeding the 90th percentile (0.94 mg/L) were studied in detail. Lithium concentrations varied depending upon the type, with Na(Ca)-Cl type being the highest, followed by Ca(Na)-SO₄ type and low-pH Ca(Na)-HCO₃ type. In the Ca(Na)-Cl type, lithium enrichment is due to reverse cation exchange due to seawater intrusion. The enrichment of dissolved lithium in the Ca(Na)-SO₄ type groundwater occurring in Cretaceous volcanic sedimentary basins is related to the occurrence of hydrothermally altered clay minerals and volcanic activities, while enriched lithium in the low-pH Ca(Na)-HCO₃ type groundwater is due to enhanced weathering of basement rocks by ascending deep CO₂. This reconnaissance geochemical study provides valuable insights into hydrogeochemical evolution and economic lithium exploration in deep geologic environments.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.115-120
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• 2000

All solid-state thin film micro-batteries consisting of lithium metal anode, an amorphous LiPON electrolyte and cathode of vanadium oxide have been fabricated and characterized, which were fabricated with cell structure of $Li/LiPON/V_2O_5Pt$. The effect of various oxygen partial pressure on the electrochemical properties of vanadium oxide thin films formed by d.c. reactive sputtering deposition were investigated. The vanadium oxide thin film with deposition condition of $20\%\;O_2/Ar$ ratio showed good cycling behavior. In in-siか process, the LiPON electrolyte was deposited on the $V_2O_5$ films without breaking vacuum by r.f. magnetron sputtering at room temperature. After deposition of the amorphous LiPON, the Li metal films were grown by a thermal evaporator in a dry room. The charge-discharge cycle measurements as a function of current density and voltage variation revealed that the $Li/LiPON/V_2O_5$ thin film had excellent rechargeable properly when current density was $7{\mu}A/cm^2$. and cut-off voltage was between 3.6 and 2.7V In practical experiment, a stopwatch ran on this $Li/LiPON/V_2O_5$ thin film micro-battery. This result means that thin film micro-battery fabricated by in-siか process is a promising for power source for electronic devices.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.585-593
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• 2020

Until now, 29 fire accidents have occurred; 22 of them were caused by the interconnection of renewable energy sources that occurred during the rest period after the lithium-ion battery had been fully charged regardless of the seasons. The fire accidents of ESS were attributed to thermal runaway due to the overcharging of a few cells with the phenomenon of self-energy balancing, which is unintentional current flow from cells with a high SOC to the low cells if the SOC condition of each cell connected in parallel is different. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel configuration and operation algorithm of the BMS to prevent the self-energy balancing of ESS and presents a hybrid SOC estimation algorithm. From the test results of the self-energy balancing phenomenon between aging and normal cells based on the proposed algorithm and BMS, it was confirmed the possibility of self-energy balancing, which is unintentional current flow from cells with a high SOC to cells with a low SOC. In addition, the proposed configuration of the BMS is useful and practical to improve the safety of lithium-ion batteries because the BMS can reliably disconnect a parallel connection of the cells if the self-energy balancing current becomes excessively high.