• Progress in Superconductivity and Cryogenics
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.1-4
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• 2023

Recently, a claim of material, named LK-99 (a lead apatite-based compound), exhibiting a superconducting transition temperature of over 400 K under standard atmospheric pressure, was reported [1, 2]. This claim has generated considerable attention from scientists worldwide. Here, we synthesized five LK-99 samples following the method detailed in the original papers [1, 2], and measured structural and resistivity data for each of these samples. The structure of the synthesized samples (P6₃/m, a=9.82 Å , c=7.34 Å ) was very close to the reported one. Contrary to the report, however, no hint of room-temperature superconductivity was noted from any of the samples. The results of Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) measurements demonstrate that the atomic distribution in the sample was inhomogenous, and unreacted precursors were included in the samples. To investigate the intrinsic superconducting properties of LK-99, we propose to synthesize samples having high structural purity and chemical uniformity.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.228-234
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• 2023

In this study, reciprocating wear tests are performed on AISI 52100 bearing steel to investigate its tribological behavior in a hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) water solution. The h-BN-based aqueous lubricant is prepared using an atoxic procedure called ultrasonic sonication in pure water. Ball-on-flat reciprocating sliding experiments are conducted, where the ball is slewed on a fixed flat at 50-㎛ displacement. The lubricating behavior of h-BN is compared with that of deionized (DI) water. Results show that the friction coefficient is higher in h-BN testing than that in DI tests, but the results are equalized as the friction coefficient reaches a stable level. Scanning electron microscopic images reveal significant material loss in the center and mild abrasion on the edge of the wear scar in h-BN tests. However, these effects are minor in DI water situations. The results of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy show that considerable oxidation occurs in the central zone of the wear scar in h-BN cases with strong adhesion and material removal. These findings reveal the importance of determining ideal circumstances that can tolerate material friction and wear.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.52
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• pp.12.1-12.8
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• 2022

The microstructure of diatom frustules found in mud sediments along the coast of Boryeong- city, South Korea, was observed using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the constituent elements of diatoms were analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Diatom frustules and clay minerals were present in the SEM images of the mud powder. High-magnification SEM images revealed that the surface of the frustules contained identically shaped circular pores, measuring 1 ㎛ in diameter, arranged at regular intervals. This study revealed that the diatom shell fragments in the mud powder ranged in size from 3 to 30 ㎛, with an average thickness of approximately 2.5 ㎛. The elements Si, Al, Fe, K, Na, Mg, and Ti were detected while analyzing the frustule constituents, with Si being the primary component with the highest content.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.161-167
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• 2011

Sialolith is one of the most common pathologic conditions found in the salivary glands. The mechanisms responsible for the formation of sialoliths have not been elucidated so far. In this article, the chemical composition and micromorphology of a sialolith of a 58-year old female patient suffering from chronic sialoadenitis of the submandibular gland was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). In a SEM evaluation, the highly mineralized amorphous core surrounded by lamellar and concentric structures was revealed, however no foreign body, organic material, or signs of microorganism were observed in the core of the sialolith. EDX analysis showed the central core was composed of only Ca, O and P, and that a high level of C was detected near the central area as well. These results indicated that the inorganic composition of the sialolith was hydroxyapatite crystals, and that inorganic and organic substances existed around the central cores. This study suggests that the sialolith was composed mainly of hydroxyapatite crystals and the formation of the nucleus of the sialolith in the submandibular gland duct was secondary to sialadenitis, which favors the growth of an inorganic crystalline nucleus.

• Journal of Hydrogen and New Energy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.61-69
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• 2013

Polymer exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells have multifunctional properties, and bipolar plates are one of the key components in these fuel cells. Generally, a bipolar plate has a gas flow path for hydrogen and oxygen liberated at the anode and cathode, respectively. In this study, the influence of iodine applied to a bipolar plate was investigated. Accordingly, we compared bipolar plates with and without iodine coating, and the performances of these plates were evaluated under operating conditions of $75^{\circ}C$ and 100% relative humidity. The membrane and platinum-carbon layer were affected by the iodine-coated bipolar plate. Bipolar plates coated with iodine and a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) were investigated by electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Polarization curves showed that the performance of a coated bipolar plate is approximately 19% higher than that of a plate without coating. Moreover, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis revealed that charge transfer resistance and membrane resistance decreased with the influence of the iodine charge transfer complex for fuel cells on the performance.

• Clean Technology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.95-103
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• 2017

In this study, $ATiO_3$ (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) perovskite, which is the widely known for non $TiO_2$ photocatalysts, were synthesized using sol-gel method. And Ni was added at the A site of $ATiO_3$ by using that it is easy to incorporate. The physicochemical characteristics of the obtained $ATiO_3$ and Ni-$ATiO_3$ particles were confirmed using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), the $N_2$ adsorption-desorption isotherm measurement, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The $H_2$ was produced using the photolysis of MeOH. Using the Ni-$ATiO_3$ photocatalysts, $H_2$ production was higher than using the $ATiO_3$ photocatalysts. Especially, $273.84mmolg^{-1}$ $H_2$ was produced after 24 h reaction over the Ni-$SrTiO_3$. Also in the water (0.1 M KOH) with the Ni-$SrTiO_3$, $H_2$ production was $961.51mmolg^{-1}$ after 24 h reaction.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.376-382
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• 2004

Nanoscale Cu-Ni alloy nanopowders have been produced by a pulsed wire evaporation method in an inert gas. The effect of Cu-Ni alloy nanopowders as additives to motor oil on the tribological properties was studied at room temperature. The worn surfaces were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Cu-Ni alloy nanopowders as additives lowered coefficient of friction and wear rate. It was found that a copper containing layer on the worn surface was formed, and deposited layers of the metal cladding acted as lubricant on the worn surface, reducing the friction coefficient. It was clearly demonstrated that Cu-Ni alloy nanopowders as additives are able to restore the worn surface and to preserve the friction surfaces from wear.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.705-713
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• 2017

A novel material, $Bi_2WO_6-GO-TiO_2$ composite, was successfully synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. During the hydrothermal reaction, the loading of $Bi_2WO_6$ and $TiO_2$ nanoparticles onto graphene sheets was achieved. The obtained $Bi_2WO_{6-GO-TiO2}$ composite photo-catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis-DRS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The $Bi_2WO_6$ nanoparticle showed an irregular dark-square block nanoplate shape, while $TiO_2$ nanoparticles covered the surface of the graphene sheets with a quantum dot size. The degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue trihydrate (MB), and reactive black B (RBB) dyes in an aqueous solution with different initial amount of catalysts was observed by UV spectrophotometry after measuring the decrease in the concentration. As a result, the $Bi_2WO_6-GO-TiO_2$ composite showed good decolorization activity with MB solution under visible light. The $Bi_2WO_6-GO-TiO_2$ composite is expected to become a new potential material for decolorization activity. Photocatalytic reactions with different photocatalysts were explained by the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model and a band theory.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.116-125
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• 2022

In this experiment, an α-Al₂O₃ ceramic hollow fiber was used as a support, and a hydrogen membrane plated with Pd and Pd-Ag was manufactured through electroless plating. The Pd-Ag membrane was annealed at 500℃ for 10 h to form an alloy of Pd and Ag. It was confirmed that it became a Pd-Ag alloy through EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) analysis. Also, the thickness of the Pd, Pd-Ag plating layer was measured to be about 8.98 and 9.29 ㎛ through SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analysis respectively. Hydrogen permeation experiment was performed using the H₂ gas and mixed gas (H₂ and N₂) in the range of 350~450℃ and 1-4 bar using the prepared hydrogen membrane. Under the H₂ gas condition, the Pd and Pd-Ag membrane has a flux of up to 21.85 and 13.76 mL/cm²·min and also separation factors of 1216 and 361 were obtained in the mixed gas at 450℃ and 4 bar conditions respectively.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.67-72
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• 2013

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviors of Alloy 690 were studied in lead-containing aqueous alkaline solutions using the slow strain rate tension (SSRT) tests in 0.1M and 2.5M NaOH with and without PbO at $315^{\circ}C$. The side and fracture surfaces of the alloy were then examined using scanning electron microscopy after the SSRT test. Microstructure and composition of the surface oxide layer were analyzed by using a field emission transmission electron microscopy, equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Even though Alloy 690 was almost immune to SCC in 0.1M NaOH solution, irrespective of PbO addition, the SCC resistance of Alloy 690 decreased in a 2.5M NaOH solution and further decreased by the addition of PbO. Based on thermodynamic stability and solubility of oxide, high Cr of 30wt% in the Alloy 690 is favorable to SCC in mild alkaline and acidic solutions whereas the SCC resistance of high Cr Alloy 690 is weakened drastically in the strong alkaline solution where the oxide is not stable any longer and solubility is too high to form a passive oxide locally.