• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.965-974
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• 2022

Platinum anodes are widely used for metal oxides reduction in LiCl-Li₂O, however high-cost and low-corrosion resistance hinder their implementation. NiO-Li₂O ceramics is an alternative corrosion resistant anode material. Anode processes on platinum and NiO-Li₂O ceramics were studied in (80 mol.%) LiCl-(20mol.%)KCl and (80 mol.%)LiCl-(20 mol.%)KCl-Li₂O melts by cyclic voltammetry, potentiostatic and galvanostatic electrolysis. Experiments performed in the LiCl-KCl melt without Li₂O illustrate that a Pt anode dissolution causes the Pt²⁺ ions formation at 3.14 V and 550℃ and at 3.04 V and 650℃. A two-stage Pt oxidation was observed in the melts with the Li₂O at 2.40 ÷ 2.43 V, which resulted in the Li₂PtO₃ formation. Oxygen current efficiency of the Pt anode at 2.8 V and 650℃ reached about 96%. The anode process on the NiO-Li₂O electrode in the LiCl-KCl melt without Li₂O proceeds at the potentials more positive than 3.1 V and results in the electrochemical decomposition of ceramic electrode to NiO and O₂. Oxygen current efficiency on NiO-Li₂O is close to 100%. The NiO-Li₂O ceramic anode demonstrated good electrochemical characteristics during the galvanostatic electrolysis at 0.25 A/cm² for 35 h and may be successfully used for pyrochemical treating of spent nuclear fuel.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.78-83
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• 2021

In this study, we prepared NiCo2O4 nanoparticles with large surface area by hydrothermal synthesis. In order to optimize the processing conditions for spinel NiCo2O4 nanoparticles with large surface area, experimental variables including concentration of Ni and Co precursor, reaction time, and temperature for post-heat treatment were evaluated. Optimized conditions for spinel NiCo2O4 with large surface area were [Ni]/[Co] 1:2 ratio, reaction time for 12 h, and post-heat treatment at 400℃. To investigate the feasibility as potential application for glucose sensor, electrochemical tests of the prepared NiCo2O4 nanoparticles in response to glucose was performed, which suggests that the NiCo2O4 can be suitable for a non-enzymatic-based electrochemical glucose sensor based on its high sensitivity and selectivity for glucose detection.

• Composites Research
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.365-370
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• 2022

According to the rapid growth of electric vehicle (EVs) and E-mobility market, Li-ion batteries are one of the most progressive technologies. The demand of LIBs with high energy capacity, rate performance and fast charging is continuously increasing, hence high-performance LIBs should be developed. Si is considered as the most promising anode material to improve energy density because of its high theoretical capacity. However, Si suffers large volume chances during the charging and discharge process, leading to the fast degradation of cycle performance. Therefore, polymeric binders play a key role in electrochemical performance of Si anode by efficiently enduring the Si expansion and maintaining the binding networks in electrode. In this review, we explain the role of polymeric binders in electrode and introduce the anode binders with enhanced mechanical and chemical properties which can improve electrochemical performances of Si-based anode.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.293-300
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• 2023

The global energy storage markets have gravitated to high-energy-density and low cost of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as the predominant system for energy storage such as electric vehicles (EVs). High-Ni layered oxides are considered promising next-generation cathode materials for LIBs owing to their significant advantages in terms of high energy density. However, the practical application of high-Ni cathodes remains challenging, because of their structural and surface instability. Although extensive studies have been conducted to mitigate these inherent instabilities, a two-step process involving the synthesis of the cathode and a dry/wet coating is essential. This study evaluates a one-step β-Li₂SnO₃ layer coating on the surface of LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ (NC82) via the thermal segregation of Sn owing to the solubility limit with respect to the synthesis temperature. The doping, segregation, and phase transition of Sn were systematically revealed by structural analyses. Moreover, surface-engineered 5 mol% Sn-coated LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ (NC82_Sn5%) exhibited superior capacity retention compared to bare NC82 owing to the stable surface coating layer. Thus, the developed one-step coating method is suitable for improving the properties of high-Ni layered oxide cathode materials for application in LIBs.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.2256-2262
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• 2023

The electrochemical corrosion behaviors of SA106 Grade B (SA106B) carbon steel in H₂SO₄4-N₂H₄ and H₂SO₄-N₂H₄-CuSO₄ solutions at 95 ℃ have been investigated with the addition of commercial corrosion inhibitors (CI#30 and No. 570S), to determine the stability of SA106B in the hydrazine-based reductive metal ion decontamination (HyBRID) process. The potentiodynamic polarization experiment revealed that the corrosion inhibitors were capable of lowering the corrosion rate of SA106B in H₂SO₄-N₂H₄ solution. It was found that the corrosion inhibitors induced formation of fixed surface layer on the carbon steel upon the corrosion. This corrosion inhibition performance was reduced in the presence of CuSO₄ in the solution owing to the chemical reactions between organic compounds in the corrosion inhibitors and CuSO₄. CI#30 showed a better corrosion inhibition effect in the H₂SO₄-N₂H₄-CuSO₄ solution. Although the corrosion inhibitors can provide better stability to SA106B in the HyBRID solution, their application should be carefully considered because it may result in reduced decontamination performance and increased secondary waste generation.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.388-396
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• 2023

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a vital source of clean and sustainable hydrogen energy. Moreover, the large-scale H₂ production is currently necessary, while long-term stability and high PEC activity still remain important issues. In this study, a GaN-based photoelectrode was modified by an additional NH₃ treatment (900℃ for 10 min) and its PEC behavior was monitored. The bare GaN exhibited a highly crystalline wurtzite structure with the (002) plane and the optical bandgap was approximately 3.2 eV. In comparison, the NH₃-treated GaN film exhibited slightly reduced crystallinity and a small improvement in light absorption, resulting from the lattice stress or cracks induced by the excessive N supply. The minor surface nanotexturing created more surface area, providing electroactive reacting sites. From the surface XPS analysis, the formation of an N-Ga-O phase on the surface region of the GaN film was confirmed, which suppressed the charge recombination process and the positive shift of E_FB. Therefore, these effects boosted the PEC activity of the NH₃-treated GaN film, with J values of approximately 0.35 and 0.78 mA·cm^-2 at 0.0 and 1.23 V_RHE, respectively, and an onset potential (V_on) of -0.24 V_RHE. In addition, there was an approximate 50% improvement in the J value within the highly applied potential region with a positive shift of V_on. This result could be explained by the increased nanotexturing on the surface structure, the newly formed defect/trap states correlated to the positive V_on shift, and the formation of a GaO_xN_1-x phase, which partially blocked the charge recombination reaction.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.598-603
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• 2023

Electrochemical ammonia production using catalysts offers a promising alternative to the conventional Haber-Bosch process, allowing for ambient temperature and pressure conditions, environmentally friendly operations, and high-purity ammonia production. In this study, we focus on the nitrogen reduction reactions occurring on the surfaces of ruthenium catalysts, employing first-principles calculations. By modeling reaction pathways for nitrogen reduction on the (0001) and (1000) surfaces of ruthenium, we optimized the reaction structures and predicted favorable pathways for each step. We found that the adsorption configuration of N₂ on each surface significantly influenced subsequent reaction activities. On the (0001) surface of ruthenium, the end-on configuration, where nitrogen molecules adsorb perpendicularly to the surface, exhibited the most favorable N₂ adsorption energy. Similarly, on the (1000) surface, the end-on configuration showed the most stable adsorption energy values. Subsequently, through optimized hydrogen adsorption in both distal and alternating configurations, we theoretically elucidated the complete reaction pathways required for the final desorption of NH₃.

• Corrosion Science and Technology
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.231-241
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• 2018

Atmospheric corrosion is generally an electrochemical degradation process of metal. It can be caused by various corrosion factors of atmospheric component, weather, and air pollutants. Moisture, particles of sea salts, and sulfur dioxide are major factors in atmospheric corrosion. Galvanizing coating is one of the most efficient ways to protect iron from corrosion by zinc plating on the surface of the iron. Galvanized steels are being widely used in automobiles, building structures, roofing, and other industrial structures due to their high corrosion resistance compared to bare iron. Atmospheric corrosion of galvanized steel has shown complex corrosion behavior depending on coating process, coating thickness, atmospheric environment, and air pollutants. In addition, different types and kinds of corrosion products can be produced depending on the environment. Lifespan of galvanized steels is also affected by the environment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the corrosion behavior of galvanized steel under atmospheric corrosion at six locations in Korea. When the exposure time was increased, content of zinc from GA surface decreased while contents of iron and oxygen tended to increase. On the other hand, content of iron was constant even after 36 months of exposure of GI.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.756-762
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• 1997

The experiment was carried out to fabricate alumina membrane which has a cylindrical pore structure by anodizing aluminium plate in sulfuric acid solution with the electrochemical technique. The aluminium plate for anodizing was prepared by the pretreatment process such as chemical, electro-polishing and thermal treatment. The pore size distribution and the film thickness of alumina membrane were investigated by the implementation of scanning electron microscope(SEM) and BET method. The results show that the oxide film has a geometrical structures like a Keller model and that the membrane has a uniform pore distribution. The pore size and the oxide film thickness are dependent on the anodizing process variables such as the electrolyte concentration, the reation temperature and the anodizing current density.

• Journal of Power System Engineering
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.30-35
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• 2004

In the steel making industries, the continuous casting process has been applied to the number of company because of its economical benefit. Casting rolls are utilized for frictional drive and transport of solidifying slap. Dimensional tolerances, mechanical stability and surface condition of the cast roll can affect both the surface and internal quality of the product being cast. To overcome these problems, the industry is accelerating on the rate of technology improvements. Samples were overlaid on the S45C steel by submerged arc welding process. And the hardness, wear, electrochemical corrosion and oxidation tests were carried out. Test results were that all these materials were satisfying basic requirements of caster rolls. By these results, the addition of 0.1%Nb and 0.15%V increase mechanical properties and tempering resistance by its superior carbide forming characteristics in low carbon $12{\sim}13%Cr$ martensitic stainless steels.