• Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry
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• v.68
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• pp.173-179
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• 2018

Electrochemical characterization was conducted on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-ceramic composite (PVA-CC) separators for supercapacitor applications. The PVA-CC separators were fabricated by mixing various ceramic particles including aluminum oxide ($Al_2O_3$), silicon dioxide ($SiO_2$), and titanium dioxide ($TiO_2$) into a PVA aqueous solution. These ceramic particles help to create amorphous regions in the crystalline structure of the polymer matrix to increase the ionic conductivity of PVA. Supercapacitors were assembled using PVA-CC separators with symmetric activated carbon electrodes and electrochemical characterization showed enhanced specific capacitance, rate capability, cycle life, and ionic conductivity. Supercapacitors using the $PVA-TiO_2$ composite separator showed particularly good electrochemical performance with a 14.4% specific capacitance increase over supercapacitors using the bare PVA separator after 1000 cycles. With regards to safety, PVA becomes plasticized when immersed in 6 M KOH aqueous solution, thus there was no appreciable loss in tear resistance when the ceramic particles were added to PVA. Thus, the enhanced electrochemical properties can be attained without reduction in safety making the addition of ceramic nanoparticles to PVA separators a cost-effective strategy for increasing the ionic conductivity of separator materials for supercapacitor applications.

• Clean Technology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.62-67
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• 2015

We have developed a versatile method for the preparation of chemically linked graphene/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) hybrid materials via simple acid-catalyzed dehydration reaction between graphene oxide (GO) and amine-functionalized MWNTs (af-MWNTs). In this condition, ketone (-C=O) groups in GO and primary amine (-NH₂) moieties in af-MWNTs readily react to form imine (-C=N-) linkage. The chemical structures of graphene/MWNTs hybrid materials have been investigated using various microscopic and spectroscopic measurements. As a result of the synergetic effects of hybrid materials such as improved surface area and the superior structural restoration of graphitic networks, the hybrid materials demonstrate improved capacitance with excellent long-term stability. Furthermore, controlled experiments were conducted to optimize the weight ratio of graphene/MWNTs in hybrid materials. The highest capacitance of 132.4 F/g was obtained from the GM7.5 material, in which the weight ratio between graphene and MWNTs was adjusted to 7.5/1, in 1M KOH electrolyte at a scan rate of 100 mV/s.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.219-236
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• 2022

Wood-based nanocomposite electrode materials were synthesized for application in supercapacitors by mixing nanostructured hematite (Fe₂O₃) with highly porous activated carbon (AC) produced from the wood-waste of Pinus roxburghii. The AC was characterized using various instrumental techniques and the results showed admirable electrochemical properties, such as high surface area and reasonable porosity. Firstly, AC was tested as an electrode material for supercapacitors and it showed a specific capacitance of 59.02 Fg^-1 at a current density of 1 Ag^-1, cycle life of 84.2% after 1,000 cycles (at a current density of 3 Ag^-1), and energy density of 5.1 Wh/kg at a power density of 135 Wkg^-1. However, when the AC was composited with different ratios of Fe₂O₃ (1:1, 2:1, and 1:2), there was an overall improvement in its electrochemical performance. Among the 3 ratios, 2:1 (AC:Fe₂O₃) had the best specific capacitance of 102.42 Fg^-1 at 1 Ag^-1, cycle life of 94.4% capacitance after 1,000 cycles (at a current density of 3 Ag^-1), and energy density of 8.34 Wh/kg at a power density of 395.15 Wkg^-1 in 6 M KOH electrolyte in a 3-electrode experimental setup with a high working voltage of 1.55 V. Furthermore, when Fe₂O₃ was doubled, 1:2 (AC:Fe₂O₃), the electrochemical capacitive performance of the electrode twisted and deteriorated due to either the accumulation of Fe₂O₃ particles within the composite or higher bulk resistance value of pure Fe₂O₃.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.1349-1355
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• 2014

A three-dimensional (3D) $Co_3O_4$/mildly oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (moCNTs)/reduced mildly oxidized graphene oxide (rmGO) ternary composite was prepared via a simple and green hydrolysishydrothermal approach by mixing $Co(Ac)_2{\cdot}4H_2O$ with moCNTs and mGO suspension in mixed ethanol/$H_2O$. As characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, $Co_3O_4$ nanoparticles with size of 20-100 nm and moCNTs are effectively anchored in mGO. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements were adopted to investigate the electrochemical properties of $Co_3O_4$/moCNTs/rmGO ternary composite in 6 M KOH solution. In a potential window of 0-0.6 V vs. Hg/HgO, the composite delivers an initial specific capacitance of 492 $Fg^{-1}$ at 0.5 $Ag^{-1}$ and the capacitance remains 592 $Fg^{-1}$ after 2000 cycles, while the pure $Co_3O_4$ shows obviously capacitance fading, indicating that rmGO and moCNTs greatly enhance the electrochemical performance of $Co_3O_4$.

• Carbon letters
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• v.19
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• pp.66-71
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• 2016

The development of nanostructured functional materials derived from biomass and/or waste is of growing importance for creating sustainable energy-storage systems. In this study, nanoporous carbonaceous materials containing numerous heteroatoms were fabricated from waste coffee grounds using a top-down process via simple heating with KOH. The nanoporous carbon nanosheets exhibited notable material properties such as high specific surface area (1960.1 m² g⁻¹), numerous redox-active heteroatoms (16.1 at% oxygen, 2.7 at% nitrogen, and 1.6 at% sulfur), and high aspect ratios (>100). These unique properties led to good electrochemical performance as supercapacitor electrodes. A specific capacitance of ~438.5 F g⁻¹ was achieved at a scan rate of 2 mV s⁻¹, and a capacitance of 176 F g⁻¹ was maintained at a fast scan rate of 100 mV s⁻¹. Furthermore, cyclic stability was achieved for over 2000 cycles.

• Composites Research
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.394-401
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• 2022

Two polymer precursors, polyvinylidene chloride-resin (PVDC-resin) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), are assembled into the microporous carbon by pyrolysis. Microporous carbon is advantageous as an electrode for supercapacitors that store electric charges through ion adsorption/desorption. The pyrolysis also turns the various heteroatoms of two precursors into functional groups, contributing to the additional charge storage. The analysis of the porous structure and function group during carbonization are important to develop the carbon for energy storage. Here, we analyzed the functional groups of two polymer-derived carbons through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties of the functional groups were explored in various pH electrolytes. The specific capacitance of two carbons in the acidic electrolyte (1 M H₂SO₄) was improved compared to that in the neutral electrolyte (0.5 M Na₂SO₄) due to the faradaic charge/discharge reaction of the quinone functional group. In particular, the carbon electrode derived from PVDC-resin exhibits a lower capacity than the carbon from PVDF due to the small micropores. In the alkaline electrolyte (6 M KOH), the highest specific capacitance and rate capability were obtained among the three electrolytes for both electrodes based on the facile adsorption of the constituent electrolyte ions (K⁺, OH^-).

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.426-433
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• 2023

Capacitor performance was considered using coffee grounds-based activated carbon produced through oil extraction and KOH activation to increase the utilization of boiwaste. Oil extraction from coffee grounds was performed by solvent extraction using n-Hexane and isopropyl alcohol solvents. The AC_CG-Hexane/IPA produced by KOH activation after oil extraction increased the specific surface area by up to 16% and the average pore size by up to 2.54 nm compared to AC_CG produced only by KOH activation without oil extraction. In addition, the pyrrolic/pyridinic N functional group of the prepared activated carbon increased with the extraction of oil from coffee grounds. In the cyclic voltage-current method measurement experiment, the specific capacitance of AC_CG-Hexane/IPA at a voltage scanning speed of 10 mV/s is 133 F/g, which is 33% improved compared to the amorphous capacity of AC_CG (100 F/g). The results show improved electrochemical properties by improving the size and specific surface area of the mesopores of activated carbon by removing components from coffee grounds oil and synergistic effects by increasing electrical conductivity with pyrrolic/pyridinic N functional groups. In this study, the recycling method and application of coffee grounds, a bio-waste, is presented, and it is considered to be one of the efficient methods that can be utilized as an electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.523-531
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• 2022

A NiCo-metal organic framework (MOF) electrode, prepared using urea as a surfactant, was synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal method. The addition of urea to the NiCo-MOF creates interstitial voids and an ultra-thin nanostructure in the NiCo-MOF, which improves its charge transfer performance. We obtained the optimal metal to surfactant ratio to achieve the best specific capacitance. The NiCo-MOF was employed as the working electrode material in a three-electrode system. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to characterize the microstructures and morphologies of the composites. Cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy curves were employed to quantify the electrochemical properties of the electrodes in a 6 M KOH electrolyte.

• Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
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• 2006.07a
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• pp.466-467
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• 2006

Several synthetic testing methods have widely been used for the performance evaluation of ultra high-voltage circuit breaker. Among these synthetic method, in the paper, capacitance switching testing method which can meet the test requirements and increase the testing capacity has been proposed. This method is made up of two separated sources of short-circuit generator for current source and L-C resonance circuit for voltage source. By using this method, KERI will perform the performance evaluation of capacitive current switching performance for the 800kV GCB(Gas Circuit Breaker).

• Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
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• 2006.07c
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• pp.1366-1367
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• 2006

Embedded capacitor technology is one of the effective packaging technologies for further miniaturization and higher performance of electric package systems. So we used the 3D EM simulator for embedded capacitor design in 8-layed PCB(Printed Circuit Board). The designed capacitors value are 2 pF, 5pF, 10 pF, respectly. we investigated characteristics of capacitance - frequency and SRF(Self Resonance Frequency) as changing the rate of hight and width of upper pad of embedded capacitors.