• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.57-65
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• 2022

Herein a rich, Se-nanoparticle modified Mo-W₁₈O₄₉ nanocomposite as efficient hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst is reported via hydrothermal synthesized process. In this work, Na₂SeSO₃ solution and selenium powder are used as Se precursor material. The structure and composition of the nanocomposites are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), EDX spectrum analysis and the corresponding element mapping. The improved electrochemical properties are studied by current density, and EIS analysis. The as-prepared Se modified Mo-W₁₈O₄₉ synthesized via Na₂SeSO₃ is investigated by FE-SEM analysis and found to exhibit spherical particles combined with nanosheets. This special morphology effectively improves the charge separation and transfer efficiency, resulting in enhanced photoelectric behavior compared with that of pure Mo-W₁₈O₄₉. The nanomaterial obtained via Na₂SeSO₃ solution demonstrates a high HER activity and low overpotential of -0.34 V, allowing it to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm^-2.

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

• Nanomaterials
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• v.12 no.7
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• pp.1158-1168
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• 2022

Commercial lithium-ion batteries using liquid electrolytes are still a safety hazard due to their poor chemical stability and other severe problems, such as electrolyte leakage and low thermal stability. To mitigate these critical issues, solid electrolytes are introduced. However, solid electrolytes have low ionic conductivity and inferior power density. This study reports the optimization of the synthesis of sodium superionic conductor-type Li_1.5Al_0.3Si_0.2Ti_1.7P_2.8O₁₂ (LASTP) solid electrolyte. The as-prepared powder was calcined at 650 ℃, 700 ℃, 750 ℃, and 800 ℃ to optimize the synthesis conditions and yield high-quality LASTP powders. Later, LASTP was sintered at 950 ℃, 1000 ℃, 1050 ℃, and 1100 ℃ to study the dependence of the relative density and ionic conductivity on the sintering temperature. Morphological changes were analyzed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and structural changes were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Further, the ionic conductivity was measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Sintering at 1050 ℃ resulted in a high relative density and the highest ionic conductivity (9.455 × 10^-4 S cm^-1). These findings corroborate with the activation energies that are calculated using the Arrhenius plot. Therefore, the as-synthesized superionic LASTP solid electrolytes can be used to design high-performance and safe all-solid-state batteries.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.305-309
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• 2024

Trimethylamine (TMA) is an organic amine gas that serves as a key indicator for evaluating the freshness of seafood. We synthesized a highly sensitive trimethylamine (TMA) sensor based on porous indium oxide (In₂O₃) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with CuO in the range of 6.7 to 28.4 at.%. CuO was loaded by hydrazine reduction onto as prepared In₂O₃ NPs using the microwave irradiation method. Crystal structures, morphologies, and chemical composition of CuO/In₂O₃ nanostructures (NSs) were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The response of the 23.8 at.% CuO/In₂O₃ to 2.5 ppm TMA at 325℃ was 5.7, which was 2.8 times higher than that of porous In₂O₃ NPs. The high sensitivity and selective detection of TMA were attributed to electronic interactions between CuO and In₂O₃ and the high catalytic activity of CuO to TMA. Altogether, this CuO/In₂O₃ sensor could be used in the future to detect low concentrations of TMA, thereby aiding in the storage and distribution of marine food resources.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2014.02a
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• pp.490.2-490.2
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• 2014

Since the general solar cells accept sun light at the front side, excluding the electrode area, electrons move from the emitter to the front electrode and start to collect at the grid edge. Thus the edge of gridline can be important for electrical properties of screen-printed silicon solar cells. In this study, the improvement of electrical properties in screen-printed crystalline silicon solar cells by contact treatment of grid edge was investigated. The samples with $60{\Omega}/{\square}$ and $70{\Omega}/{\square}$ emitter were prepared. After front side of samples was deposited by SiNx commercial Ag paste and Al paste were printed at front side and rear side respectively. Each sample was co-fired between $670^{\circ}C$ and $780^{\circ}C$ in the rapid thermal processing (RTP). After the firing process, the cells were dipped in 2.5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) at room temperature for various times under 60 seconds and then rinsed in deionized water. (This is called "contact treatment") After dipping in HF for a certain period, the samples from each firing condition were compared by measurement. Cell performances were measured by Suns-Voc, solar simulator, the transfer length method and a field emission scanning electron microscope. According to HF treatment, once the thin glass layer at the grid edge was etched, the current transport was changed from tunneling via Ag colloids in the glass layer to direct transport via Ag colloids between the Ag bulk and the emitter. Thus, the transfer length as well as the specific contact resistance decreased. For more details a model of the current path was proposed to explain the effect of HF treatment at the edge of the Ag grid. It is expected that HF treatment may help to improve the contact of high sheet-resistance emitter as well as the contact of a high specific contact resistance.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2008.06a
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• pp.477-477
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• 2008

For more than three decades, the gate dielectrics in CMOS devices are $SiO_2$ because of its blocking properties of current in insulated gate FET channels. As the dimensions of feature size have been scaled down (width and the thickness is reduced down to 50 urn and 2 urn or less), gate leakage current is increased and reliability of $SiO_2$ is reduced. Many metal oxides such as $TiO_2$, $Ta_2O_4$, $SrTiO_3$, $Al_2O_3$, $HfO_2$ and $ZrO_2$ have been challenged for memory devices. These materials posses relatively high dielectric constant, but $HfO_2$ and $Al_2O_3$ did not provide sufficient advantages over $SiO_2$ or $Si_3N_4$ because of reaction with Si substrate. Recently, $HfO_2$ have been attracted attention because Hf forms the most stable oxide with the highest heat of formation. In addition, Hf can reduce the native oxide layer by creating $HfO_2$. However, new gate oxide candidates must satisfy a standard CMOS process. In order to fabricate high density memories with small feature size, the plasma etch process should be developed by well understanding and optimizing plasma behaviors. Therefore, it is necessary that the etch behavior of $HfO_2$ and plasma parameters are systematically investigated as functions of process parameters including gas mixing ratio, rf power, pressure and temperature to determine the mechanism of plasma induced damage. However, there is few studies on the the etch mechanism and the surface reactions in $BCl_3$ based plasma to etch $HfO_2$ thin films. In this work, the samples of $HfO_2$ were prepared on Si wafer with using atomic layer deposition. In our previous work, the maximum etch rate of $BCl_3$/Ar were obtained 20% $BCl_3$/ 80% Ar. Over 20% $BCl_3$ addition, the etch rate of $HfO_2$ decreased. The etching rate of $HfO_2$ and selectivity of $HfO_2$ to Si were investigated with using in inductively coupled plasma etching system (ICP) and $BCl_3/Cl_2$/Ar plasma. The change of volume densities of radical and atoms were monitored with using optical emission spectroscopy analysis (OES). The variations of components of etched surfaces for $HfO_2$ was investigated with using x-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS). In order to investigate the accumulation of etch by products during etch process, the exposed surface of $HfO_2$ in $BCl_3/Cl_2$/Ar plasma was compared with surface of as-doped $HfO_2$ and all the surfaces of samples were examined with field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscope (AFM).

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.120-125
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of mesenchymal stem cell proliferation on recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta (rhTGF-${\beta}2$) / poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) treated titanium discs by electrospray. Materials and methods: Anodized titanium surface coated with PLGA was used for a control group to compare anodized titanium surface coated with 125 ng/ml and 500 ng/ml rhTGF-${\beta}2$ as test groups. Atomic force microscope (AFM) test was utilized to determine the difference in coating surface roughness, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was taken to visualize even distribution of coating particles on titanium discs. The mesenchymal stem cell proliferation was tested by using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay on 1st, 4th, 7th days. Results: According to AFM results, there was no statistically significant difference in titanium discs treated with PLGA and with rhTGF-${\beta}2$/PLGA (P>.05). MTT assay test results showed that there was statistically significant difference in mesenchymal stem cell proliferation on test groups compared to control groups at 7th day, and cell viability on discs coated with rhTGF-${\beta}2$ was significantly higher than control groups (P<.05). Conclusion: Titanium surface coated with rhTGF-${\beta}2$/PLGA shows statistically significant higher cell proliferation and the titanium surface coated with the higher concentration of rhTGF-${\beta}2$ presents faster cell growth activity.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.278-286
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• 2008

Many studies regarding Casein phosphopeptides-amorphous calcium phosphate(CPP-ACP) have demonstrated the remineralization ability on the demineralized enamel surface. A question is still remained that how deep can the calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) ions supplied by the CPP-ACP paste penetrate into the enamel subsurface. The aims of this study were to measure the penetrating depth of Ca and P ions in the demineralized human enamel in vitro, and were to determine the amount and depth of Ca and P ions according to the duration. The amount and depth of Ca and P ions were measured by microscopic observation with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM; LEO SUPRA 55, Carl Zeiss, Germany) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDS; GENESIS 2000, EDAX, USA: Linescan of Calcium and Phosphorus). Freshly extracted four human 1st premolars were obtained from the Dept. of Pediatric Dent., Kyung Hee Univ. Buccal surfaces of the 1st premolars were covered with nail varnish to form a window on the middle third of buccal surface. All of the teeth with enamel windows were immersed in a solution of 0.1 M lactic acid, Carbopol C907 (carboxypolymethylene BF Goodrich, Cleveland, OH, USA) at pH 4.8, and then incubated for 7 days. Each tooth crown was sawn in half through the midline of buccal window along the long axis of premolar. The four blocks of premolars were immersed in a 10-times diluted solution of CPP-ACP paste (Tooth Mousse, GC Corp., Tokyo, Japan) for 1, 2, 3 and 5 weeks while the rests were immersed in a placebo solution (distilled water) for the same duration. Each specimen was embedded in epoxy resin, and was sectioned perpendicular to the window, using a water-cooled diamond blade saw. The spectrum density indices of Ca and P were measured in the sound, de- and remineralized enamels by FE-SEM and EDS. The Student's t test was performed to compare the Spectrum Density Indices (SDI) of sound, re-and demineralized enamels, and to compare the differences among the durations. Followings are the conclusion : 1. The penetration depth of the remineralizing ions (Ca & P) of CPP-ACP paste is related to the depth of demineralized enamel (approximately $1050{\sim}1350{\mu}m$). It is revealed that the penetration depth of both ions reaches full thickness of decalcification and even slightly into the sound enamel. 2. The Ca & P levels of remineralized enamels in 1, 2 weeks were significantly higher than those of the sound enamels (p<0.05). 3. No statistically significant difference of Ca & P levels was found in relation with the increasing duration of remineralization (p>0.05).

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.177-183
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• 2010

A focused ion beam (FIB) system produces a beam of positive ions (usually gallium) which are heavier than electrons and can be focused by electrostatic lenses into a spot on the specimen. With its ability milling of the specimen material by 10 to 100 nm with each pass of the beam, FIB is widely adopted in materials science, semiconductor industry, and ceramics research. Recently, FIB has been increasingly employed in the field of biomedical sciences. Here we provide a brief introduction to FIB and its applications for a wide variety of biomedical research. The surface of specimen can be in situ processed and quasi-real time visualized by two beam combination of FIB and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Due to its milling process, internal structures can be exposed and analyzed: yeast cells, fungus-inoculated wheat leaf, mannitol particles in inhalation aerosols, and oyster shell. Serial blockface tomography with the system kindles 3-dimensional reconstruction researches in the realm of nervous system and life sciences. Two-beam system of FIB/FESEM is a versatile tool to be utilized in the biomedical sciences, especially in 3-dimensional reconstruction studies.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.157-165
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• 2009

Here we demonstrate the fine structural characteristics of the spigots on the cribellum and its peculiar sieve-like structure at the aspects of the functional significance. The surface of the cribellum is covered by hundred of tiny spigots which producing numerous cribellate silk fibrils. It has been known that the cribellar silk is considered as a quite different sort of catching silk with dry-adhesive properties. By our fine structural observation using the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), the titanoecid spiders have a specialized sieve-like plate just in front of the anterior spinnerets. The other types of the silk spigots were identified as follows: ampullate, pyriform and aciniform glands. Two pairs of major ampullate glands send secretory ductules to the anterior spinnerets, and another 1~2 pairs of minor ampullate glands supply the median spinnerets. In addition, the pyriform glands send ductules to the anterior spinnerets, and the aciniform glands feed silk into the median and the posterior spinnerets, respectively. Characteristically, 2 distinct types (A & B types) of the aciniform spigots were identified in this spider, and the spigots of the aciniform B type are always detected at the posterior spinneret, however sexual dimorphism for spigot is unlikely to be exhibited in this species of spider.