Optimization of Pore Characteristics of Graphite-Based Anode for Li-Ion Batteries by Control of the Particle Size Distribution.

We investigate the reassembly techniques for utilizing fine graphite particles, smaller than 5 µm, as high-efficiency, high-rate anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Fine graphite particles of two sizes (0.4-1.

Optimization of the Filler-and-Binder Mixing Ratio for Enhanced Mechanical Strength of Carbon-Carbon Composites.

In this paper, a method for optimizing the mixing ratio of filler coke and binder for high-strength carbon-carbon composites is proposed. Particle size distribution, specific surface area, and true density were analyzed to characterize the filler properties. The optimum binder mixing ratio was experimentally determined based on the filler properties.

Effect and Mechanism of Pitch Coating on the Rate Performance Improvement of Lithium-Ion Batteries.

This study evaluated the effect of pitch coating on graphite anode materials used in lithium-ion batteries and investigated the mechanism whereby pitch coating improves the electrochemical properties. The FG (flake graphite) and pitch were mixed in weight ratios of 95:5-80:20. The mixture was pressed and prepared into a block form.

Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles with a Cohesion Enhancer for Robust Flexible Electrodes.

The development of conductive inks is required to enable additive manufacturing of electronic components and devices. A gold nanoparticle (AuNP) ink is of particular interest due to its high electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. However, a printed AuNP film suffers from thermally induced microcracks and pores that lead to the poor integrity of a printed electronic component and electrical failure under external mechanical deformation, hence limiting its application for flexible electronics.

Non-surgical management and obstetric outcomes of heterotopic interstitial pregnancies.

To assess the effectiveness and safety of non-surgical management for six heterotopic interstitial pregnancies. We retrospectively analyzed the data of six women diagnosed with heterotopic interstitial pregnancies who underwent non-surgical treatment at the CHA Bundang Medical Center between January 2007 and December 2017. Three heterotopic interstitial pregnancies were treated with sono-guided potassium chloride (KCl) injections.

Obstetrical outcomes of embryo reduction and fetal reduction compared to non-reduced twin pregnancies.

Purpose: To prevent perinatal morbidity and mortality of high-order multiple pregnancy (HOMP), multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR) is offered to some patients. In this study, we investigated whether twin pregnancies derived from MPRs carry a higher adverse obstetrical outcome compared to non-reduced control group of twins.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data from HOMPs on which transvaginal ER (n = 153) at a mean gestational age of 7.

Thiol Adsorption on and Reduction of Copper Oxide Particles and Surfaces.

The adsorption of 1-dodecanethiol at room temperature and at 75 °C on submicron cuprous and cupric oxide particles suspended in ethanol has been investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Thiol adsorption occurs in all cases via Cu-S bond formation, with partial dissolution of CuO at 75 °C and formation of a copper-thiolate complex replacement layer. Regardless of temperature, the surface of the CuO particles is essentially completely reduced to either Cu2O or metallic copper, as evidenced by loss of the characteristic Cu(2+) XPS features of dried powder samples.

Integrated Gas Sensing System of SWCNT and Cellulose Polymer Concentrator for Benzene, Toluene, and Xylenes.

An integrated cellulose polymer concentrator/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) sensing system is demonstrated to detect benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX) vapors. The sensing system consists of functionalized cellulose as a selective concentrator disposed directly on top of a conductive SWCNT sensing layer. Functionalized cellulose concentrator (top layer) selectively adsorbs the target analyte and delivers the concentrated analyte as near as possible to the SWCNT sensing layer (bottom layer), which enables the simultaneous concentrating and sensing within a few seconds.

Photometer for monitoring the thickness of inkjet printed films for organic electronic and sensor applications.

Inkjet printed organic thin films are being used for a variety of electronic and sensor applications with advantages that include ease of fabrication and reproducibility. Construction and use of a low-cost photometer based on a light-emitting diode (LED) light source and a photodiode detector are described. The photometer attaches to the exit of the printer with the transparent substrate onto which the film is printed passing between the LED and photodiode.

Encapsulation of zinc oxide nanorods and nanoparticles.

A simple method for encapsulating zinc oxide nanoparticles within an organic matrix is described that consists of dispersing them in an ethanolic solution, adding an organothiol, and stirring while heating. Electron microscopy, photoemission, Raman spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analyses demonstrate that partial dissolution of the oxide occurs, accompanied by encapsulation within a matrix consisting of a 1:2 zinc/thiol complex. Using this methodology, it is possible to surround ZnO within diverse matrices, including fluorescent ones.

Anomalous vapor sensor response of a fluorinated alkylthiol-protected gold nanoparticle film.

Monolayer-protected gold nanoparticle films generally swell and increase their electrical resistance when exposed to organic vapors. Films of gold nanoparticles protected by 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanethiol (PFDT) exhibit an anomalous response in which the resistance decreases for all vapors investigated. Electron microscopy illustrates that the PFDT-functionalized gold nanoparticles are hexagonally ordered with an interparticle separation of 3 nm.