• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.607-612
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• 2021

Silicon (Si) is one of the promising active materials to replace the widely used graphite because of its low electrochemical potential and high theoretical capacity. However, Si anodes still face in problems with the huge volume expansion and continuous decomposition of the electrolyte during repeated charge and discharge processes. To address these issues, a cross-linkable waterborne polyurethane (CWPU) based on a bio-oil, castor oil, was prepared and reacted with Tris(2,3-epoxypropyl) isocyanurate (TGIC) linkers, resulting in the formation of a mechanically robust 3D network structure. Si anodes fabricated with the CWPU-TGIC exhibited stable cycling performances and excellent discharge capacities. The results revealed that the CWPU-TGIC binder efficiently accommodates the large volume change for Si anode during charge and discharge cycles. Overall, the eco-friendly binder shows great promise in improving the electrochemical performances of Si anodes.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.798-803
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• 2018

In order to use Si as an anode material for lithium-ion battery, the particle size was controlled to less than $0.5{\mu}m$ and carbon was coated on the surface with the thickness less than 10 nm. The carbon fiber was grown on the Si surface with 50~150 wt%, and the carbon coating was carried out once again. The Si composite material was mixed with dissimilar metals to increase the conductivity, and graphite was mixed to improve cyclic life characteristics. The physical and electrochemical characteristics of composite materials were measured with XRD, SEM, TEM and coin cell. The discharge capacity of Si/PC/CNF/PC was lower than that of Si/PC (Pyrolytic Carbon)/CNF (Carbon Nano Fiber). However, the cyclic life of Si/PC/CNF/PC was higher. Initial discharge capacity of 1512 mA h g-1 at 0.2 C rate and initial efficiency of 78% were shown. It also showed a capacity retention of 94% in 10 cycles.

• Composites Research
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.190-196
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• 2024

The bipolar plate is a crucial element of the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) as it serves as both the electrical conduit and the structural support for the cell within the VRFB stack. Although, the graphite material is primarily used for the bipolar plate due to its excellent electrical conductivity, a significant limitation of performance of the VRFB is present due to high interfacial contact resistance (ICR) arises between the electrode and bipolar plate in the cell stack. This study aims to develop an integrated electrode-bipolar plate assembly that will address the limitations of the ICR. The integrated assembly was constructed using a single carbon felt with thermoplastic and thermoset polymers utilizing hot press method. Experimental results verify that the bipolar plate assembly exhibits reduced area specific resistance (ASR) due to the continuous electrical path. Additionally, from the charge/discharge cell test results, the integrated assembly shows improved cell performance. Therefore, the developed integrated electrode-bipolar plate assembly can serve as a substitute for the conventional bipolar plate and electrode assembly.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.77-92
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• 2021

The energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) determines the mileage of electric vehicles. For increasing the energy density of LIBs, it is necessary to develop high-capacity active materials that can store more lithium ions within constrained weight. The rapid progress made in cathode technology has realized the utilization of the near-theoretical capacity of cathode materials. In contrast, commercial LIBs have still exploited graphite as active material in anodes since the 1990s. The most promising way to increase anodes' capacity is to mix high-capacity and long-cycle-life silicon oxides (SiOx) with graphite. However, the low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of SiOx limits its content below 15 wt%, impeding the capacity increase in anodes. To address this issue, various prelithiation techniques have been proposed, which can improve the ICE of high-capacity anode materials. In this review paper, we introduce the principles and expected effects of prelithiation techniques reported so far. According to the reaction mechanisms, the strategies are categorized. Mainly, we focus on the recent progress of solution-based chemical prelithiation methods with commercial viability, of which lithiation reaction occurs homogeneously at liquid-solid interfaces. We believe that developing a cost-effective and mass-scalable prelithiation process holds the key to dominating the anode market for next-generation LIBs.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.271-280
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• 1998

Rice flour reference materials were prepared from the unpolished rice grown in Korea and certified for elemental composition. The reference materials consist of two samples containing normal and high level. The reference material at elevated level was prepared by spiking to the normal rice flour six toxic elements of As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Pb with $1.0{\mu}g/g$ on a dry weight basis. Homogeneity of the prepared materials was evaluated through the determination of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Small variance of elemental composition among interbottled samples assured homogeneity of the prepared materials. The materials were decomposed by high pressure digestion and microwave digestion method. INAA, AAS, inductively coupled plasma-atomic absorption spectrometry (ICP-AES), ICP-mass spectrometry (MS) and vapour generation techniques were employed to analyze the reference materials. From this independent analytical results, the certified or reference values are determined for As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, P, Pb, Se, Zn.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.10
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• pp.1209-1215
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• 2013

Graphene is an allotrope of carbon that is composed of one-atom-thick planar sheets. It is known to have a preventive effect on cancer in photothermal therapy and a protective effect in DNA oxidation. The effect of graphene on oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was investigated in human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells. The results showed that graphene specifically exerted an inhibitory effect on DNA oxidation, but it did not inhibit other oxidative stress. In addition, graphene decreased the expression and the activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 stimulated by phenazine methosulfate-m, which induces the production of intracellular hydrogen peroxide. In particular, the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD-2), was decreased in the HT1080 cells, indicating that the decrease in the expression level of SOD was due to the antioxidant effect of graphene. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of oxidative stress in the presence of graphene could inhibit the expression of MMPs in HT1080 cells. Based on the above results, graphene may have chemoprevention properties through inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 related to metastasis.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.60 no.2
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• pp.175-183
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• 2022

With the expansion of the automobile market, the demand for Nd as an essential rare earth material for automobile motors is rapidly increasing. Research on the calcio-thermic reduction process between Nd₂O₃ and calcium-based alloys has been extensively studied in order to manufacture Nd. In this study, Ca-Cu, as a reducing for Nd₂O₃, was prepared by electrolysis in CaCl₂ molten salt. Cu wire and graphite were employed as a working electrode and a counter electrode for electrolysis reaction, respectively. The reference electrode was manufactured by putting Ag wire in a mixture of AgCl and CaCl₂ at a ratio of 1:99 mol%. The cyclic voltammetry results showed that the deposition of Ca²⁺ on the surface of working electrode was observed from a potential of -1.8 V, and the reduction potential of Ca²⁺ decreased as the reaction temperature increased. The diffusion coefficient of Ca²⁺ calculated by the chronoamperometry experiment was found to be 5.4(±6.8)×10^-6 cm²/s. In addition, Ca-Cu liquid alloy was prepared by applying a constant potential to Cu electrodes. The element ratio of Ca-Cu alloy formed by applying a potential of -2.0 V was found to Ca:Cu=1:4.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2022

Lithium metal is the most promising anode for next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to its lowest reduction potential (-3.04 V vs. SHE) and high specific capacity (3860 mAh/g). However, the dendritic formation under high charging current density remains one of main technical barriers to be used for commercial rechargeable batteries. To address these issues, tremendous research to suppress lithium dendrite formation have been conducted through new electrolyte formulation, robust protection layer, shape-controlled lithium metal, separator modification, etc. However, Li/Li symmetric cell test is always a starting or essential step to demonstrate better lithium dendrite formation behavior with lower overpotential and longer cycle life without careful analysis. Thus, this review summarizes overpotential behaviors of Li/Li symmetric cells along with theoretical explanations like initial peaking or later arcing. Also, we categorize various overpotential data depending on research approaches and discuss them based on peaking and arcing behaviors. Thus, this review will be very helpful for researchers in lithium metal to analyze their overpotential behaviors.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.44-51
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• 2022

In the steelmaking process using an electric arc furnace (EAF), light-burnt dolomite, which is a flux containing MgO, is used to protect refractory materials and improve desulfurization ability. Furthermore, a recarburizing agent is added to reduce energy consumption via slag foaming and to induce the deoxidation effect. Herein, a waste MgO-C based refractory material was used to achieve the aforementioned effects economically. The waste MgO-C refractory materials contain a significant amount of MgO and graphite components; however, most of these materials are currently discarded instead of being recycled. The mass recycling of waste MgO-C refractory materials would be achievable if their applicability as a flux for steelmaking is proven. Therefore, experiments were performed using a target composition range similar to the commercial EAF slag composition. A pre-melted base slag was prepared by mixing SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and FeO in an alumina crucible and heating at 1450℃ for 1 h or more. Subsequently, a mixed flux #2 (a mixture of light-burnt dolomite, waste MgO-C based refractory material, and limestone) was added to the prepared pre-melted base slag and a melting reaction test was performed. Injecting the pre-melted base slag with the flux facilitates the formation of the target EAF slag. These results were compared with that of mixed flux #1 (a mixture of light-burnt dolomite and limestone), which is a conventional steelmaking flux, and the possibility of replacement was evaluated. To obtain a reliable evaluation, characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry were used, and slag foam height, slag basicity, and Fe recovery were calculated.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.587-609
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• 2019

Short-and long-term stabilities of bentonite, favored material as buffer in geological repositories for high-level waste were reviewed in this paper in addition to alternative design concepts of buffer to mitigate the thermal load from decay heat of SF (Spent Fuel) and further increase the disposal efficiency. It is generally reported that the irreversible changes in structure, hydraulic behavior, and swelling capacity are produced due to temperature increase and vapor flow between $150{\sim}250^{\circ}C$. Provided that the maximum temperature of bentonite is less than $150^{\circ}C$, however, the effects of temperature on the material, structural, and mineralogical stability seems to be minor. The maximum temperature in disposal system will constrain and determine the amount of waste to be disposed per unit area and be regarded as an important design parameter influencing the availability of disposal site. Thus, it is necessary to identify the effects of high temperature on the performance of buffer and allow for the thermal constraint greater than $100^{\circ}C$. In addition, the development of high-performance EBS (Engineered Barrier System) such as composite bentonite buffer mixed with graphite or silica and multi-layered buffer (i.e., highly thermal-conductive layer or insulating layer) should be taken into account to enhance the disposal efficiency in parallel with the development of multilayer repository. This will contribute to increase of reliability and securing the acceptance of the people with regard to a high-level waste disposal.