• Proceedings of the Materials Research Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2011.05a
• /
• pp.42.2-42.2
• /
• 2011

$TiO_2$ films were modified by adding a glass frit as a light scattering particle and applied to an anode electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to enhance the adhesion between $TiO_2$ and fluorine doped transparent oxide (FTO). Low melting point glass frits at contents of (3 to 7wt%) were added to the nano crystalline $TiO_2$ films. The light scattering properties, photovoltaic properties and microstructures of the photo electrodes were examined to determine the role of the low glass transition temperature ($T_g$) glass frit. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method and scratch test were conducted to support the results. The DSSC with the $TiO_2$ film containing 3wt% low Tg glass frit showed optimal performance (5.1%, energy conversion efficiency) compared to the $TiO_2$-based one. The photocurrent density slightly decreased by adding 3wt% of the frit due to its large size and non conductivity. However, the decrease of current density followed by the decrease of electron transfer due to the large frit in $TiO_2$ electrode was compensated by the scattering effect, high surface area and reduced the electron transfer impedance at the electrolyte-dye-$TiO_2$ interface. The stability of the photo electrodes was improved by the frit, which chemically promoted the sintering of $TiO_2$ at relatively low temperature ($450^{\circ}C$).

• Corrosion Science and Technology
• /
• v.16 no.5
• /
• pp.257-264
• /
• 2017

Film of new Ti-15Zr-5Nb alloy formed during galvanic anodizing in orthophosphoric acid solution was characterized by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman micro-spectroscopy. Its anticorrosive properties were determined by electrochemical techniques. The film had a layer with nanotube-like porosity with diameters in 500-1000 nm range. The nano layer contained significant amounts of P and O as well as alloying element. Additionally, Raman micro-spectroscopy identified oxygen as oxygen ion in $TiO_2$ anatase and phosphorous as $P_2O_7{^{4-}}$ ion in phosphotitanate compound. All potentiodynamic polarization curves in artificial Carter-Brugirard saliva with pH values (pH= 3.96, 7.84, and 9.11) depending on the addition of 0.05M NaF revealed nobler behavior of anodized alloy and higher polarization resistance indicating the film is thicker and more compact nanolayer. Lower corrosion rates of the anodized alloy reduced toxicity due to less released ions into saliva. Bigger curvature radii in Nyquist plot and higher phase angle in Bode plot for the anodized alloy ascertain a thicker, more protective, insulating nanolayer existing on the anodized alloy. Additionally, ESI results indicate anodized film consists of an inner, compact, barrier, layer and an outer, less protective, porous layer.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.441-445
• /
• 2009

Effect of temperature on membrane degradation in PEMFCs was studied. After cell operation at different temperatures($60{\sim}90^{\circ}C$) under accelerating degradation conditions(OCV, anode dry, cathode RH 65%) for 144 h, cell performance decreased from 12 to 35%. The results of FER in effluent water showed that this decrease in cell performance was caused by membrane degradation by the attack of $H_2O_2$ or oxygen radicals(${\cdot}OH$, $HO_2{\cdot}$) and that resulted in increase in gas crossover for radical formation. Radical formation on the electrode was confirmed by ESR. Activation energy of 66.2 kJ/mol was obtained by Arrhenius plot used to analyze the effect of temperature on membrane degradation. Increase of cell temperature enhanced gas crossover rate, radical formation rate and membrane degradation rate.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• v.54 no.6
• /
• pp.734-745
• /
• 2016

This review article described the electrochemical Frumkin, Langmuir, and Temkin adsorption isotherms of over-potentially deposited hydrogen (OPD H) and deuterium (OPD D) for the cathodic $H_2$ and $D_2$ evolution reactions (HER, DER) at Pt, Ir, Pt-Ir alloy, Pd, Au, and Re/normal ($H_2O$) and heavy water ($D_2O$) solution interfaces. The Frumkin, Langmuir, and Temkin adsorption isotherms of intermediates (OPD H, OPD D, etc.) for sequential reactions (HER, DER, etc.) at electrode/solution interfaces are determined using the phase-shift method and correlation constants, which have been suggested and developed by Chun et al. The basic procedure of the phase-shift method, the Frumkin, Langmuir, and Temkin adsorption isotherms of OPD H and OPD D and related electrode kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, i.e., the fractional surface coverage ($0{\leq}{\theta}{\leq}1$) vs. potential (E) behavior (${\theta}$ vs. E), equilibrium constant (K), interaction parameter (g), standard Gibbs energy (${\Delta}G_{\theta}{^{\circ}}$) of adsorption, and rate (r) of change of ${\Delta}G_{\theta}{^{\circ}}$ with ${\theta}$ ($0{\leq}{\theta}{\leq}1$), at the interfaces are briefly interpreted and summarized. The phase-shift method and correlation constants are useful and effective techniques to determine the Frumkin, Langmuir, and Temkin adsorption isotherms and related electrode kinetic and thermodynamic parameters (${\theta}$ vs. E, K, g, ${\Delta}G_{\theta}{^{\circ}}$, r) at electrode/solution interfaces.

• Journal of Advanced Marine Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.39 no.5
• /
• pp.536-541
• /
• 2015

Copper has been used extensively as an electric wire or as a base material in various types of machineries owing to its good electrical and thermal conductivity and good fabricating property, as well as its good corrosion resistance compared to iron. Furthermore, the copper-nickel alloy has significant corrosion resistance in severely corrosive environments. Although, cupro-nickel alloy shows better corrosion resistance than the brass and bronze series, this alloy also corroded in severely corrosive environments, including aggressive chloride ions, dissolved oxygen, and condition of fast flowing seawater. In this study, and annealing treatment at various annealing temperatures was carried out on the cupro-nickel (Cu-10%Ni) alloy, and the effects of annealing were investigated using electrochemical methods, such as measuring the polarization and impedance behaviors under flowing seawater conditions. The corrosion resistance increased by annealing compared to non heat treatment in the absence of flowing seawater. In particular, the sample annealed at $200^{\circ}C$ exhibited the best corrosion resistance. The impedance in the presence of flowing seawater showed higher values than in the absence of flowing seawater. Furthermore, the highest impedances was observed in the sample annealed at $800^{\circ}C$, irrespective of the present of flowing seawater. Consequently, the corrosion resistance of cupro-nickel (Cu-10%Ni) alloy in a severely corrosive environment can be improved somewhat by annealing.

• International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.39-46
• /
• 2008

The end plates of fuel cell assemblies are used to fasten the inner stacks, reduce the contact pressure, and provide a seal between Membrane-Electrode Assemblies (MEAs). They therefore require sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the tightening pressure, light weight to obtain high energy densities, and stable chemical/electrochemical properties, as well as provide electrical insulation. The design criteria for end plates can be divided into three parts: the material, connecting method, and shape. In the past, end plates were made from metals such as aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel alloys, but due to corrosion problems, thermal losses, and their excessive weight, alternative materials such as plastics have been considered. Composite materials consisting of combinations of two or more materials have also been proposed for end plates to enhance their mechanical strength. Tie-rods have been traditionally used to connect end plates, but since the number of connecting parts has increased, resulting in assembly difficulties, new types of connectors have been contemplated. Ideas such as adding reinforcement or flat plates, or using bands or boxes to replace tie-rods have been proposed. Typical end plates are rectangular or cylindrical solid plates. To minimize the weight and provide a uniform pressure distribution, new concepts such as ribbed-, bomb-, or bow-shaped plates have been considered. Even though end plates were not an issue in fuel cell system designs in the past, they now provide a great challenge for designers. Changes in the materials, connecting methods, and shapes of an end plate allow us to achieve lighter, stronger end plates, resulting in more efficient fuel cell systems.

• Journal of Power System Engineering
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.110-115
• /
• 2013

The electrochemical performance and microstructure of Al-Si, Al-Si/C was investigated as anode for lithium ion battery. The Al-Si nano composite with 5 : 1 at% ratio was prepared by arc-discharge nano powder process. However, some of problem is occurred, when Al nano composite was synthesized by this manufacturing. The oxidation film is generated around Al-Si particles for passivating processing in the manufacture. The oxidation film interrupts electrical chemistry reaction during lithium ion insertion/extraction for charge and discharge. Because of the existence the oxidation film, Al-Si first cycle capacity is very lower than other examples. Therefore, carbon synthsized by glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$) was conducted to remove the oxidation film covered on the composite. The results showed that the first discharge cycle capacity of Al-Si/C is improved to 113mAh/g comparing with Al-Si (18.6mAh/g). Furthermore, XRD data and TEM images indicate that $Al_4C_3$ crystalline exist in Al-Si/C composite. In addition the Si-Al anode material, in which silicon is more contained was tested by same method as above, it was investigated to check the anode capacity and morphology properties in accordance with changing content of silicon, Si-Al anode has much higher initial discharge capacity(about 500mAh/g) than anode materials based on Aluminum as well as the morphology properties is also very different with the anode based Aluminum.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
• /
• v.24 no.5
• /
• pp.489-493
• /
• 2013

The most common carbonaceous anode materials of lithium ion batteries (natural graphite, artificial graphite, hard carbon, and mesocarbon microbeads) were utilized as an electrode in lithium ion capacitors. It could be able to enhance the energy density of capacitors due to the intercalation of lithium ion. In this work, the properties of capacitors using the symmetric electrode were measured by organizing coin cell typed capacitors. Also, we made other capacitors having pre-intercalated lithium ions at one side of the electrode. The results of electrochemical measurements for these capacitors show that the storage capacitance was appeared. In other words, if the migration of lithium ions is supplied continuously in the electrolytes, lithium ions can be diffused into the carbonaceous materials. And it results in the improvement of capacitance compared to only using symmetric carbonaceous electrodes. Also, we conducted the same measurement with graphene oxide having a the large specific area in the same condition. Herein, we recognized that the large specific area is extremely important for supercapacitors.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.180-185
• /
• 1979

Electrochemical reduction behavior from 2-butyne-1, 4-diol (BID) to 2-butene-1,4-diol (BED) by the use of various cathodes, such as Ti, Zr, Ni, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Hg, Pb and graphite has been studied. It has been found that cathodic polarization curve with metal of IB subgroup such as Cu, Ag and Au consisted of one wave in BID-alkaline solution, whereas it was not formed any wave in BED solution. Therefore, it was found that the cathode which was the most suitable in order to proceed in this reaction was Cu, Ag and Au. At cyclic voltammetry using a silver cathode in BID-alkaline solution, the current of the peak was proportional to square root of the sweep rate of potential and also proportional to concentration of BID. Activation energy was calculated for 3.75 kcal/mole from the plot of log $I_l$ vs. 1/T. Consequently, the reduction current of BID with a silver cathode in alkaline solution was found the diffusion current.

• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
• /
• v.13 no.1 s.38
• /
• pp.57-61
• /
• 2006

Fuel cells are direct current (DC) power generators. They generate electricity through an electrochemical process that converts the energy stored in a fuel directly into electricity. Fuel cells have many benefits, which produce no particulate matter, nitrogen or sulfur oxides. And they have few moving parts and produce little or no noise. When fueled by hydrogen, they yield only heat and water as byproducts. Their wide application can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign sources of petroleum. This paper is studied on a high efficiency power conditioning system (PCS) applied to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) generation system. This paper is designed to a novel PCS circuit topology of high efficiency. Some experimental results of the proposed PCS is confirmed to the validity of the analytical results.