• Composites Research
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.349-354
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• 2023

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is a conjugated polymer that is highly soluble in organic solvents and is readily available. However, its electrical properties as an active channel in electronic devices are not enough for practical applications, necessitating further improvement in the properties. In this study, we demonstrate that the blending of two P3HT polymers (i.e., regio-regular (RR) P3HT and regio-random (RRa) P3HT) with different regioregularities can significantly improve charge transport characteristics of the blend films. The morphological and electrical properties of the blend films were systematically investigated by varying the ratio between two P3HT polymers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis) were employed to evaluate the morphological and optoelectronic properties of the blend films. The crystallinity of the blend films increased with increasing the content of RRa-P3HT to 20 wt% and gradually decreased as the content increased to 80%. Consistently, the highest charge carrier mobility was obtained from the blend films containing 20 wt% RRa-P3HT, which value was measured to be 0.029 cm²/V·s. The values gradually decreased to 0.0007 cm²/V·s with increasing the content of RRa-P3HT to 80 wt%.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.529-533
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• 2023

The fundamental electrochemical properties and adsorption capabilities of the carbonized product derived from coffee grounds, a prevalent form of lignocellulose abundantly generated in our daily lives, have been extensively investigated. The structure and morphology of the resultant carbonized product, obtained through a carbonization process conducted at a relatively low temperature of 600 ℃, were meticulously examined using a scanning electron microscope. Raman spectroscopy measurements yielded a relative crystallinity (D/G ratio) of the carbon product of 0.64. Electrical measurements revealed a linear ohmic relationship within the carbonized product. Furthermore, the viability of utilizing this carbonized material as an anode in lithium-ion batteries was evaluated through half-cell charge/discharge experiments, demonstrating an initial specific capacity of 520 mAh/g. Additionally, the adsorption performance of the carbon material towards a representative dye molecule was assessed via UV spectroscopy analyses. Supplementary experiments corroborated the material's ability to adsorb a distinct model molecule characterized by differing surface polarity, achieved through surface modification. This article presents pivotal findings that hold substantial implications for forthcoming research endeavors centered around the recycling of lignocellulose waste.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.427-432
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• 2024

The polymer crystallization process, promoting the formation of ferroelectric β-phase, is essential for developing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based high-performance piezoelectric energy harvesters. However, traditional high-temperature annealing is unsuitable for the manufacture of flexible piezoelectric devices due to the thermal damage to plastic components that occurs during the long processing times. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of introducing a flash lamp annealing that can rapidly induce the β-phase in the PVDF layer while avoiding device damage through selective heating. The flash light-irradiated PVDF films achieved a maximum β-phase content of 76.52% under an applied voltage of 300 V and an on-time of 1.5 ms, a higher fraction than that obtained through thermal annealing. The PVDF-based piezoelectric energy harvester with the optimized irradiation condition generates a stable output voltage of 0.23 V and a current of 102 nA under repeated bendings. These results demonstrate that flash lamp annealing can be an effective process for realizing the mass production of PVDF-based flexible electronics.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.185-193
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• 2024

In this study, NASICON-type Li_1+XGa_XTi_2-X(PO₄)₃ (x = 0.1, 0.3 and 0.4) solid-state electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries were synthesized through the sol-gel method. In addition, the influence on the ion conductivity of solid-state electrolytes when partially substituted for Ti⁴⁺ (0.61Å) site to Ga³⁺ (0.62Å) of trivalent cations was investigated. The obtained precursor was heat treated at 450 ℃, and a single crystalline phase of Li_1+XGa_XTi_2-X(PO₄)₃ systems was obtained at a calcination temperature above 650 ℃. Additionally, the calcinated powders were pelletized and sintered at temperatures from 800 ℃ to 1,000 ℃ at 100 ℃ intervals. The synthesized powder and sintered bodies of Li_1+XGa_XTi_2-X(PO₄)₃ were characterized using TG-DTA, XRD, XPS and FE-SEM. The ionic conduction properties as solid-state electrolytes were investigated by AC impedance. As a result, Li_1+XGa_XTi_2-X(PO₄)₃ was successfully produced in all cases. However, a GaPO₄ impurity was formed due to the high sintering temperatures and high Ga content. The crystallinity of Li_1+XGa_XTi_2-X(PO₄)₃ increased with the sintering temperature as evidenced by FE-SEM observations, which demonstrated that the edges of the larger cube-shaped grains become sharper with increases in the sintering temperature. In samples with high sintering temperatures at 1,000 ℃ and high Ga content above 0.3, coarsening of grains occurred. This resulted in the formation of many grain boundaries, leading to low sinterability. These two factors, the impurity and grain boundary, have an enormous impact on the properties of Li_1+XGa_XTi_2-X(PO₄)₃. The Li_1.3Ga_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃ pellet sintered at 900 ℃ was denser than those sintered at other conditions, showing the highest total ion conductivity of 7.66 × 10^-5 S/cm at room temperature. The total activation energy of Li-ion transport for the Li_1.3Ga_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃ solid-state electrolyte was estimated to be as low as 0.36 eV. Although the Li_1+XGa_XTi_2-X(PO₄)₃ sintered at 1,000 ℃ had a relatively high apparent density, it had less total ionic conductivity due to an increase in the grain-boundary resistance with coarse grains.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.174-181
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• 2015

This study investigated the physicochemical properties of three different types of rice flour prepared via dry and wet milling. The powder, soft, and hard-types of rice flour were Suwon No. 542, Suwon No. 541, and Unbong No. 30, respectively. The analysis of the proximate compositions of the different types of rice flour showed that their moisture content was 7.03~7.99%, their crude protein was 7.94~8.35%, their crude lipid was 0.71~1.49% and their crude ash was 0.25~0.82%. For the Hunter's color values, the L value was highest in the wet-milled rice flour, the a value was highest in the dry-milled rice flour, and the b value was highest in the dry-milled rice flour. All the samples showed distinctive rice starch particles in the particle analysis using scanning electron microscope. The dry-milled rice flour showed the greatest amount of irregular particles and the coarsest texture. The water absorption and water solubility indices were higher in the wet-milled soft- and hard-type rice flour. The crystallinities of the samples by X-ray diffractography were all A-type, but the crystallinity of the dry-milled hard-type rice flour was higher in diffraction degree. For the amylogram properties, the wet-milled soft-type rice flour showed the highest maximum viscosity, breakdown and setback. In the meanwhile, the dry-milled soft-type rice flour showed the highest initial pasting temperature, onset, peak, and end temperatures despite of the reverse enthalpy.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.17-30
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• 2014

Waste cement generated from recycling processes of waste concrete is a potential raw material for mineral carbonation. For the $CO_2$ sequestration utilizing waste cement, this study was conducted to obtain basic information on the aqueous carbonation methods and the characteristics of carbonate mineral formation. Cement paste was made with W:C= 6:4 and stored for 28 days in water bath. Leaching tests using two additives (NaCl and $MgCl_2$) and two aqueous carbonation experiments (direct and indirect aqueous carbonation) were conducted. The maximum leaching of $Ca^{2+}$ ion was occurred at 1.0 M NaCl and 0.5 M $MgCl_2$ solution rather than higher tested concentration. The concentration of extracted $Ca^{2+}$ ion in $MgCl_2$ solution was more than 10 times greater than in NaCl solution. Portlandite ($Ca(OH)_2$) was completely changed to carbonate minerals in the fine cement paste (< 0.15 mm) within one hour and the carbonation of CSH (calcium silicate hydrate) was also progressed by direct aqueous carbonation method. The both additives, however, were not highly effective in direct aqueous carbonation method. 100% pure calcite minerals were formed by indirect carbonation method with NaCl and $MgCl_2$ additives. pH control using alkaline solution was important for the carbonation in the leaching solution produced from $MgCl_2$ additive and carbonation rate was slow due to the effect of $Mg^{2+}$ ions in solution. The type and crystallinity of calcium carbonate mineral were affected by aqueous carbonation method and additive type.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.633-638
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• 2011

Mn substituted La, Sr or Ba-hexaaluminate were prepared by $(NH_4)_2CO_3$ co-precipitate method and calcined at $1,200^{\circ}C$ for 5 h. Catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction and $N_2$ physisorption and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Compared to $SrMnAl_{11}O_{19}$ and $BaMnAl_{11}O_{19}$, $LaMnAl_{11}O_{19}$ in which La located at mirror plane showed better crystallinity and high surface area, 13 $m^2/g$. $LaMnAl_{11}O_{19}$ revealed well developed plate-like structure which is characteristic structure of hexaaluminate. The catalytic activity of methane combustion increased in the following order: $LaMnAl_{11}O_{19}$ > $SrMnAl_{11}O_{19}$ > $BaMnAl_{11}O_{19}$ and was dependent on surface area of catalysts. 60 wt% $CeO_2/LaMnAl_{11}O_{19}$ calcined at $700^{\circ}C$ showed enhanced methane activity and methane was oxidized completely at low temperature ($700^{\circ}C$). It was confirmed that addition of ceria seems to be effective for the low and middle temperature combustion of methane. But, after calcination at high temperature of $1,200^{\circ}C$, it lost the promoting effect of ceria due to increase of ceria particle size and it had a limit to applying to the high temperature catalytic combustion.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.122-144
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• 1993

The Kimhae napseok clay deposit was studied to characterize its mineralogy and genesis. Geology of the deposit is composed of Tertiary volcanic rocks and granodiorite. Tertiary volcanic rocks consist of andesitic tuff with minor interstratified tuffaceous shale, and rhyodacitic tuff. The main ore body of 2.4 to 4 m in thickness developed parallel to the bedding of andesitic tuff bed. Its strike and dip are $N70^{\circ}E-N85^{\circ}E$ and $16^{\circ}NW-32^{\circ}NW$, respectively. Two alteration zones; the propylitic zone of albite-epidote-chlorite-quartz assemblage and advanced argillic zone of pyrophyllite-dickite-alunite-diaspore assemblage are developed. Correlation of $SiO_2$ to $Al_2O_3$ shows no relation in propylitic zone, while a negative linear relation in advanced argillic zone. Chemical variation shows that $SiO_2$, $Al_2O_3$, MgO, CaO, $Na_2O$ and $K_2O$ were leached out during hydrothermal alteration. Pyrophyllite, the most abundant mineral in advanced argillic zone, occurs as low temperature 2M polytype. It is closely associated with dickite, diaspore and alunite. The Hinckley index of dickite is 0.83 showing moderate crystallinity. Na content is increasing in the M site with the increasing content of cations in the R-site. the mole percent of Na replacing K in alunite ranges from 53.2 to 71.6. It is also found that pyrophyllite grows in the dissolution site of diaspore. Plagioclase was albitized. Lowering of pH caused mainly by sulfide and sulfate decomposition resulted in preferential leaching of Si. It is inferred that aluminum released from plagioclase in the volcanic rocks as well as from the tuffaceous shale intercalated in andesitic tuff were the main sources of aluminum required for the formation of clay deposit. pH in hydrothermal fluid decreased from propylitic zone to advanced argillic zone with increasing degree of alteration. Based on experimental data reported in the literature and mineral assemblages, the formation temperature of the deposit ranges 270 to $320^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.57-79
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• 1993

Chuncheon nephrite, which was formed by the polymetasomatic alteration of dolomitic marble, can be classified into pale green, green, dark green, and grey types on the basis of their occurrence, mineralogical and textural characteristics. The nephrites consist obiefly of fibrous or hairlike(length/width ratio>10) cryptocrystalline(crystal width < $2{\mu}m$) tremolite, and include less amounts of micro-crystalline diopside, calcite, clinochlore, and sphene as impurities. The oriented and rather curved crystal aggregate, of nephritic tremolite are densely interwoven, resulting in a massive-fibrous texture which may explain the characteristic toughness of nephritic jade. The characteristic greenish color of the nephrite may be preferably related to Fe rather than Cr and Ni. However, the variation of color and tint in the Chuncheon nephrite also depends on the mineralogical and textural differences such as crystallinity, texture, and impurities. The chemical composition of the nephritic tremolite is not stoichiometric and rather dispersed especially in the abundances of Al, Mg, and Ca. Al content and Mg/Ca ratio for the nephritic tremolite are slightly increased with deepening in greenish color of the nephrite. Fe content in the nephritic tremolite is generally very low, but comparatively richer in the dark green nephrite. In nephritic tremolite, wide-chain pyriboles are irregularly intervened between normal double chains, forming a chain-width disorder. Most nephritic tremolites in the Chuncheon nephrite show various type of chain-width defects such as triple chain(jimthompsonite), quintuple chain (chesterite), or sometimes quadruple chain in HRTEM observations. The degree of chain-width disorder in the nephritic tremolite tends to increase with deepening in greenish color. Triple chain is the most common type, and quadruple chain is rarely observed only in the grey nephrite. The presence of pyribole structure in the nephritic tremolite is closely related to the increase of Al content and Mg/Ca ratio, a rather dispersive chemical composition, a decrease of relative intensity in (001) XRD reflection, and an increase in b axis dimension of unit cell. In addition, the degree and variation of chain-width disorder with nephrite types may support that an increase of metastability was formed by a rapid diffusion of Mg-rich fluid during the nephrite formation.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.33-47
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• 2003

Various applied-mineralogical characterization including measurements of surface area, size distribution, swelling index, and viscosity were done for some domestic bentonites in order to decipher the rheological properties and their controlling factors. The bentonites, which are Ca-type and relatively low-grade (rnontmorillonite contents: 30 ∼ 75 wt%), occur mostly as subhedral lamellas with the size range of 2 ∼ 4 $\mu\textrm{m}$. The size distribution of mineral fractions in bentonite suspension is dominant in the range of 10 ∼ 100 $\mu\textrm{m}$, and though rather complicated, exhibits roughly bimodal patterns. The feature is more conspicuous in the case of zeolitic bentonite. The bentonites have surface areas ranging 269 ∼ 735 $\m^2$/g, which are measured by EGME adsorption method. The EGME surface areas are nearly proportional to the rnontmorillonite contents, moisture contents, or total CEC. In the surface area measurements, zeolitic bentonites have slightly higher values than those zeolite- free types. The measured swelling index and viscosity of domestic bentonites are comparatively low in values. The swelling values of bentonites were measured to be 250∼500% at maximum by progressively mixing amounts of 2 ∼ 5 wt% Na$_2$CO$_3$, which varies depending on the contents of rnontmorillonite and other impurities, especially zeolite. Much amount of sodium carbonate is required for optimum swelling property of zeolitic bentonited which has usually strong Na- exchanged capacity. The bentonites, which are comparatively feldspar-rich and low in size and crystallinity, tend to be higher in viscosity values. Tn addition, the viscosity is largely higher in case of the bentonites with higher pH in suspension. However, the rheological properties of bentonites such as swelling index and viscosity do not show any obvious relationships with rnontmorillonite contents and mean particle size in suspension. In contrast, roughly speaking, the swelling index of bentonites is reversely proportional to the values of surface area which can be regarded as a collective physico-chemical parameter encompassing all the effects caused by mineral composition, surface charge, particle size, morphological farm, and etc. in bentonites. Thus, the rheological properties in bentonite suspension appear to be rather complicated characteristics which mainly depend on the flocculation of clay particles and the mode of particle association, i.e. quasicrystals, controlled by surface charge, morphology, size, and texture of rnon-tmorillonite, and which partly affected by the finer impurities such as zeolite.