• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.9-16
• /
• 2023

Silicon has been studied as an anode material for next-generation lithium ion batteries due to its high theoretical electrochemical capacity. However, the extreme volume change during the lithiation/delithiation and the inherently low electronic conductivity of silicon hamper the practical application of silicon anodes. Conductive polymer binders are effective means to solve these problems, and it has been reported that the performance of the silicon anode can be greatly improved through the proper molecular design of the conductive polymer binders. In this paper, representative recent studies on conductive polymer binders for silicon anodes will be introduced, and through this, binder design strategies to overcome the limitations of silicon anodes will be explored.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Industry Convergence
• /
• v.26 no.5
• /
• pp.875-884
• /
• 2023

Hydrogen infiltration into metals has been reported to induce alterations in their mechanical properties under load. In this study, we conducted CTOD (Crack Tip Opening Displacement) tests on steel specimens designed for use in liquid hydrogen storage systems. Electrochemical hydrogen charging was performed using both FCC series austenitic stainless steel and BCC series structural steel specimens, while CTOD testing was carried out using a 500kN-class material testing machine. Results indicate a notable divergence in behavior: SS400 test samples exhibited a higher susceptibility to failure compared to austenitic stainless steel counterparts, whereas SUS 316L test samples displayed minimal changes in displacement and maximum load due to hydrogen charging. However, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis results presented challenges in clearly explaining the mechanical degradation phenomenon in the tested materials. This study's resultant database holds significant promise for enhancing the safety design of liquid hydrogen storage systems, providing invaluable insights into the performance of various steel alloys under the influence of hydrogen embrittlement.

• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
• /
• v.56 no.6
• /
• pp.437-442
• /
• 2023

This research aims to enhance the efficiency of Pt/C catalysts due to the limited availability and high cost of platinum in contemporary fuel cell catalysts. Nano-sized platinum particles were distributed onto a carbon-based support via the polyol process, utilizing the metal precursor H₂PtCl₆·6H₂O. Key parameters such as pH, temperature, and RPM were carefully regulated. The findings revealed variations in the particle size, distribution, and dispersion of nano-sized Pt particles, influenced by temperature and pH. Following sodium hydroxide treatment, heat treatment procedures were systematically executed at diverse temperatures, specifically 120, 140, and 160 ℃. Notably, the thermal treatment at 140 ℃ facilitated the production of Pt/C catalysts characterized by the smallest platinum particle size, measuring at 1.49 nm. Comparative evaluations between the commercially available Pt/C catalysts and those synthesized in this study were meticulously conducted through cyclic voltammetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FE-SEM EDS) methodologies. The catalyst synthesized at 160 ℃ demonstrated superior electrochemical performance; however, it is imperative to underscore the necessity for further optimization studies to refine its efficacy.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.202-207
• /
• 2024

In this study, we undertook detailed experiments to increase hydrogen production efficiency by optimizing the thickness of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) thin films. TiO₂ films were deposited on p-type silicon (Si) wafers using atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology. The main goal was to identify the optimal thickness of TiO₂ film that would maximize hydrogen production efficiency while maintaining stable operating conditions. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the TiO₂ films of different thicknesses were evaluated using open circuit potential (OCP) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) analysis. These techniques play a pivotal role in evaluating the electrochemical behavior and photoactivity of semiconductor materials in PEC systems. Our results showed photovoltage tended to improve with increasing thickness of TiO₂ deposition. However, this improvement was observed to plateau and eventually decline when the thickness exceeded 1.5 nm, showing a correlation between charge transfer efficiency and tunneling. On the other hand, LSV analysis showed bare Si had the greatest efficiency, and that the deposition of TiO₂ caused a positive change in the formation of photovoltage, but was not optimal. We show that oxide tunneling-capable TiO₂ film thicknesses of 1~2 nm have the potential to improve the efficiency of PEC hydrogen production systems. This study not only reveals the complex relationship between film thickness and PEC performance, but also enabled greater efficiency and set a benchmark for future research aimed at developing sustainable hydrogen production technologies.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.24-29
• /
• 2024

Inkjet printing technology is used to mass-produce displays and electrochemical sensors by dropping tens of pico-liters or less of specific-purpose ink through nozzles, just as ink is sprayed and printed on paper. Unlike the deposition method for vaporizing material in a vacuum, inkjet printing technology can be used for processing even under general atmospheric pressure and has a cost advantage because the material is dissolved in a solvent and used in the form of ink. In addition, because it can only be printed on the desired part, masks are not required. However, a technical shortcoming is the difficulty for commercialization, such as uniformity for forming the thickness and coffee ring effect. As sizes of devices decrease, the need to print electrodes with precision, thinness, and uniformity increases. In this study, we improved the printing and processing conditions to form a homogeneous electrode using Ag ink (DGP-45LT-15C) and applied this for patterning to fabricate a heat sensor. Upon the application of voltage to the heat sensor, the model with an extended width exhibited superior heat performance. However, in terms of sheet resistance, the model yielded an equivalent value of 21.6 Ω/□ compared to the ITO.

• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
• /
• v.57 no.3
• /
• pp.214-220
• /
• 2024

In this study, three-dimensional (3D) networks structure using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) for Si-graphite composite electrode was developed and studied about effects on the electrochemical performances. To investigate the effect of SWCNTs on forming a conductive 3D network structure electrode, zero-dimensional (0D) carbon black and different SWCNTs composition electrode were compared. It was found that SWCNTs formed a conductive network between nano-Si and graphite particles over the entire area without aggregation. The formation of 3D network structure enabled to effective access for lithium ions leading to improve the c-rate performance, and provided cycle stability by alleviating the Si volume expansion from flexibility and buffer space. The results of this study are expected to be applicable to the electrode design for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.213-220
• /
• 2023

Previously, we showed that a chronic-low-dose nonylphenol (NP) exposure resulted in histological changes with sexually dimorphic pattern in rat adrenal glands. We hypothesized that such structural changes are closely related to the hormonal secretory patterns. To test this hypothesis, we developed the short-term adrenal incubation method, and measured the levels of catecholamines and cortical steroids using the high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The norepinephrine (NE) levels in media from NP-treated female adrenal, except 100 pM NP, were significantly increased [control (CTL) vs 1 nM NP, p<0.001; vs 10 nM NP, p<0.05; vs 100 nM NP, p<0.001; vs 1 µM NP, p<0.01]. The NE secretion from male adrenal was higher when treated with 100 nM and 1 µM NP (CTL vs 100 nM NP, p<0.05; vs 1 µM NP, p<0.05, respectively). The aldosterone level in the female adrenal media treated with 100 pM NP was significantly decreased, on the other hand, that of media treated with 10 nM NP was significantly increased (CTL vs 100 pM NP, p<0.05; vs 10 nM NP, p<0.01). In male adrenal media, the aldosterone levels of 10 nM, 100 nM and 1 µM NP-treated media were significantly declined (CTL vs 10 nM NP, p<0.001; vs 100 nM NP, p<0.001; vs 1 µM NP, p<0.001). These results showed the NP treatment altered secretory pattern of aldosterone from adrenals of both sexes, showing sexual dimorphism. It may be helpful for understanding possible adrenal pathophysiology, and endocrine disrupting chemicals-related sexually dimorphic phenomena in adrenals.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.56 no.6
• /
• pp.2131-2140
• /
• 2024

The chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CISCC) is one of the major integrity concerns in dry storage canisters made of austenitic stainless steels (ASSs). In this study, an advanced duplex stainless steel (DSS) with a composition of Fe-19Cr-4Ni-2.5Mo-4.5Mn (ADCS) was developed and its performance was compared with that of commercial ASS and DSS alloys. The chemical composition of ADCS was determined to obtain greater pitting and CISCC resistance as well as a proper combination of strength and ductility. Then, the thermomechanical processing (TMP) condition was applied, which resulted in higher strength than ASSs (304L SS and 316L SS) and better ductility than DSSs (2101 LDSS and 2205 DSS). The potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) results represented the better pitting corrosion resistance of ADCS compared to 304L SS and 316L SS by forming a better passive layer. The CISCC tests using four-point loaded specimens showed that cracks were initiated at 24 h for 304L SS and 144 h for 316L SS, while crack was not found until 1008 h for ADCS. Overall, the developed alloy, ADCS, showed better combination of CISCC resistance and mechanical properties as dry storage canister materials than commercial alloys.

• Nanomaterials
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.680-690
• /
• 2022

Phase-pure ZnMn₂O₄ nanopowders and their aggregated microsphere powders for use as anode material in lithium-ion batteries were obtained by a simple spray drying process using zinc and manganese salts as precursors, followed by citric acid post-annealing at different temperatures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that phase-pure ZnMn₂O₄ powders were obtained even at a low post-annealing temperature of 400 ℃. The post-annealed powders were transformed into nanopowders by simple milling process, using agate mortar. The mean particle sizes of the ZnMn₂O₄ powders post-treated at 600 and 800 ℃ were found to be 43 and 85 nm, respectively, as determined by TEM observation. To provide practical utilization, the nanopowders were transformed into aggregated microspheres consisting of ZnMn₂O₄ nanoparticles by a second spray drying process. Based on the systematic analysis, the optimum post-annealing temperature required to obtain ZnMn₂O₄ nanopowders with high capacity and good cycle performance was found to be 800 ℃. Moreover, aggregated ZnMn₂O₄ microsphere showed improved cycle stability. The discharge capacities of the aggregated microsphere consisting of ZnMn₂O₄ nanoparticles post-treated at 800 ℃ were 1235, 821, and 687 mA h g^-1 for the 1st, 2nd, and 100th cycles at a high current density of 2.0 A g^-1, respectively. The capacity retention measured after the second cycle was 84%.

• Nanomaterials
• /
• v.12 no.12
• /
• pp.1956-1965
• /
• 2022

The electrode concept of graphite and silicon blending has recently been utilized as the anode in the current lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) industry, accompanying trials of improvement of cycling life in the commercial levels of electrode conditions, such as the areal capacity of approximately 3.3 mAh/cm² and volumetric capacity of approximately 570 mAh/cm³. However, the blending concept has not been widely explored in the academic reports, which focused mainly on how much volume expansion of electrodes could be mitigated. Moreover, the limitations of the blending electrodes have not been studied in detail. Therefore, herein we investigate the graphite blending electrode with micron-sized SiO_x anode material which is one of the most broadly used Si anode materials in the industry, to approach the commercial and practical view. Compared to the silicon micron particle blending electrode, the SiO_x blending electrode showed superior cycling performance in the full cell test. To elucidate the cause of the relatively less degradation of the SiO_x blending electrode as the cycling progressed in full-cell, the electrode level expansion and the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) thickening were analyzed with various techniques, such as SEM, TEM, XPS, and STEM-EDS. We believe that this work will reveal the electrochemical insight of practical SiO_x-graphite electrodes and offer the key factors to reducing the gap between industry and academic demands for the next anode materials.