With increasing globalization and the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, electrochemical water splitting has emerged as a crucial technology for clean energy production. In this study, we report the successful synthesis of 0.1 % Fe-doped NiS2 via a one-step hydrothermal method. The incorporation of Fe into the NiS2 matrix significantly enhances its electrochemical performance, as evidenced by a remarkable reduction in overpotential, to 180 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2, compared to 250 mV for undoped NiS2. Additionally, the Fe-doped NiS2 exhibits a reduced Tafel slope, high double layer capacitance, and lower charge transfer resistance than undoped NiS2, indicating improved reaction kinetics for oxygen evolution. These improvements are attributed to the enhanced conductivity and catalytic activity imparted by Fe doping, which facilitates more efficient charge transfer and reaction processes at the electrode surface. The results suggest that Fe-doped NiS2 is a highly promising and robust candidate for applications in electrochemical energy conversion. Moreover, the doping strategy employed here offers a valuable approach for tailoring the properties of other metal sulfides and chalcogenides, paving the way for the design of next generation electrocatalysts that can drive large-scale energy conversion processes with minimal energy loss.

이 연구의 목적은 이완을 유도하는 향과 고농도 산소를 결합한 자극이 심리적/생리적 반응에 미치는 영향을 탐구 하는 것이다. 같은 향 조건 하에서 산소 농도를 조절했을 때 나타나는 뇌혈류 반응과 각성도가 관찰되었다. 실험에 사용된 향은 라벤더 오일(이완 향)이었고, 산소 농도로는 일반 농도 산소(21%)와 고농도 산소(30%)가 사용되었다. 실험은 총 12명의 성인 남성을 대상으로 휴식 기간(5분)과 자극 기간(5분)을 반복하여 실시되었다. 뇌혈류 반응을 관찰하기 위해 비어-램버트(Beer-Lambert) 법칙에 따라 헤모글로빈(HbO) 농도가 추출되었다. 각성도는 5점 척도 설 문지를 사용하여 평가되었다. 두 자극(라벤더+21%, 라벤더+30%) 간 비교를 위해 쌍체 t-검정이 실시되었다. 결과적 으로 라벤더+30%에서 라벤더+21%에 비해 전두엽의 HbO 농도가 증가하고 각성도가 감소하였다. 이 결과들은 기존 의 향 자극에 고농도 산소가 추가된 복합 자극이 더 많은 뇌 활성화와 이완을 유도할 수 있음을 시사한다.

Electrochemical water splitting presents an optimal approach for generating hydrogen ( H2), a highly promising alternative energy source. Nevertheless, the slow kinetics of the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the exorbitant cost, limited availability, and susceptibility to oxidation of noble metal-based electrocatalysts have compelled scientists to investigate cost-effective and efficient electrocatalysts. Bimetallic nanostructured materials have been demonstrated to exhibit improved catalytic performances for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we report carbon aerogel (CA) decorated with different molar ratios of Fe and Ni with enhanced OER activity. Microwave irradiation was involved as a novel strategy during the synthesis process. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX spectra and EDAX mapping), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM), and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) were used for physical characterizations of as-prepared material. Electrochemical potential towards OER was examined through cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The FeNi/CA with optimized molar ratios exhibits low overpotential 377 mV at 10 mAcm− 2, smaller Tafel slope (94.5 mV dec− 1), and high turnover frequency (1.09 s− 1 at 300 mV). Other electrocatalytic parameters were also calculated and compared with previously reported OER catalysts. Additionally, chronoamperometric studies confirmed excellent electrochemical stability, as the OER activity shows minimal change even after a stability test lasting 3600 s. Moreover, the bimetallic (Fe and Ni) carbon aerogel exhibits faster catalytic kinetics and higher conductivity than the monometallic (Fe), which was observed through EIS investigation. This research opens up possibilities for utilizing bi- or multi-metallic anchored carbon aerogel with high conductivities and exceptional electrocatalytic performances in electrochemical energy conversion.

Photocatalytically splitting water into hydrogen upon semiconductors has tremendous potential for alleviating environmental and energy crisis issues. There is increasing attention on improving solar light utilization and engineering photogenerated charge transfer of TiO2 photocatalyst because it has advantages of low cost, non-toxicity, and high chemical stability. Herein, oxygen vacancies and cocatalysts (Cu and MoS2) were simultaneously introduced into TiO2 nanoparticles from protonic titanate by a one-pot solvothermal method. The composition and structure characterization confirmed that the pristine TiO2 nanoparticle was rich in oxygen vacancies. The photocatalytic performances of the composites were evaluated by solar-tohydrogen evolution test. The results revealed that both Cu-TiO2 and MoS2- TiO2 could improve the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution ability. Among them, 0.8% Cu-TiO2 showed the best hydrogen evolution rate of 7245.01 μmol·g−1·h−1, which was 3.57 and 1.34 times of 1.25% MoS2- TiO2 (2726.22 μmol·g−1·h−1) and pristine TiO2 material (2028.46 μmol·g−1·h−1), respectively. These two kinds of composites also had good stability for hydrogen evolution. Combined with the results of photocurrent density and electrochemical impedance spectra, the incorporation of oxygen vacancies and cocatalysts (Cu and MoS2) could not only enhance the light-harvesting of TiO2 but also improve the separation and transfer capabilities of light-induced charge carriers, thus promoting water splitting to hydrogen.

A series of ZIF-67-C-IL catalysts were prepared using ZIF-67 and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] imide ([ BMIM]NTf2) ionic liquid as precursors. The structure of the catalysts was characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM and XPS. The catalytic performance of the catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was evaluated in a three-electrode system. The results confirmed that the high-temperature treatment of the precursors resulted in the formation of N, S codoped carbon-encapsulated Co9S8 nanoparticles. To create N, S co-doped carbon coated Co9S8 nanoparticle catalysts, ionic liquids are used as sulfur and nitrogen sources. The catalytic activity of ORR can be improved using N, S co-doped carbon to prevent the aggregation of Co9S8 nanoparticles. Graphitized and N, S co-doped carbon shells are optimal for achieving high activity stability. Optimal 600-ZIF-67-C(1:1.5)-30IL catalytic activity was observed for ORR. The half-wave potential of ORR was 0.88 V vs. RHE in 0.1 mol L− 1 KOH, with a limit current density of 4.70 mA cm− 2. Similar ORR electrocatalytic activity was observed between this catalyst and commercial Pt/C (20 wt%).

To fabricate intermetallic nanoparticles with high oxygen reduction reaction activity, a high-temperature heat treatment of 700 to 1,000 °C is required. This heat treatment provides energy sufficient to induce an atomic rearrangement inside the alloy nanoparticles, increasing the mobility of particles, making them structurally unstable and causing a sintering phenomenon where they agglomerate together naturally. These problems cannot be avoided using a typical heat treatment process that only controls the gas atmosphere and temperature. In this study, as a strategy to overcome the limitations of the existing heat treatment process for the fabrication of intermetallic nanoparticles, we propose an interesting approach, to design a catalyst material structure for heat treatment rather than the process itself. In particular, we introduce a technology that first creates an intermetallic compound structure through a primary high-temperature heat treatment using random alloy particles coated with a carbon shell, and then establishes catalytic active sites by etching the carbon shell using a secondary heat treatment process. By using a carbon shell as a template, nanoparticles with an intermetallic structure can be kept very small while effectively controlling the catalytically active area, thereby creating an optimal alloy catalyst structure for fuel cells.

In the current research, a manganese and cobalt oxides-based nanocatalyst was developed which was used to make an efficient cathode electrode for fuel cells. The nano MnOx/ MnCo2O4 was synthesized through a hydrothermal procedure followed by sintering at 500–600 °C. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy besides electrochemical techniques were applied for the characterization of the synthesized nanocatalyst. The carbon black type Vulcan (XC-72R) and PTFE were used to prepare the active reaction material of the cathode electrode named carbon paste (CP). Loading of the synthesized nano MnOx/ MnCo2O4 on CP was optimized in a weight ratio of 10–90% for the oxygen reduction process in neutral conditions. The best performance was gained for the 50 W% MnOx/ MnCo2O4 loaded CP, whose active surface area was twice the bare CP. The values of the exchange current density of the ORR obtained by electrode containing 50 W% MnOx/ MnCo2O4 was calculated as 0.12 mA/cm2. The low price, good catalytic efficiency, and cyclic stability of the MnOx/ MnCo2O4 nanocatalyst compared to the commercial platinum-based catalysts confirm its ability to develop fuel cell electrodes.

배경/목적: ROS는 악성종양의 성장 및 공격과 관련이 있다. UDCA는 담도암 세포에서 진행과 전이에 밀접한 EGFR-MAPK 신 호 경 로 와 EMT를 억 제 한 다 . 이 연 구 는 UDCA가 담도암세포에서 ROS 생성 및 그에 관련된 바이오마커에 어떠한 영향을 주는지 알아보기 위해 시행되었다. 방 법 : 인간 간외 담관암 세포주인 SNU-245세포를 배양하였다. 세포생존율은 MTT assays로, ROS는 세포 ROS assays kit로 측정하였다. Western blotting으로 다양한 표적 단백질의 발현 수준을 측정하였다. 특정 유전자의 억제를 위해 siRNA를 사용하였고, 특정 유전자의 과발현을 위해 shRNA를 사용하였다. 결과: UDCA는 담도암 세포에서 DCA에 의한 peroxide와 ROS가 생성되는 것을 억제하였으며, DCA로 발현이 증강된 STAT3, PRX2 및 SOD2를 억제하였고, IGF-1에 의해 발현이 증강된 NOX2 및 NOX4를 억제하였다. 또한, 담도암 세포에서 SiRNA를 이용한 STAT3 및 PRX2의 억제는 UDCA 처치와 상관없이 EGF에 의해 약화된 E-cadherin 발현을 복원하고 EGF에 의해 증가된 N-cadherin 발현을 억제하였는데, 이는 UDCA의 EMT 억제에 PRX2/STAT3가 상당한 역할을 하는 것을 의미한다. 덧붙여, UDCA는 담도암 세포에서 DCA에 의해 억제된 catalase의 발현을 복원하였다. 한편, ShRNA를 사용한 NOX4의 과발현의 유도는 UDCA의 항종양 효과를 상쇄하였다. 결론: UDCA는 담도암 세포에서 ROS 생성을 억제하고, ROS 제거를 향상시킴으로써, 결국 EMT와 관련된 STAT3 및 PRX2를 억제한다, 따라서, UDCA는 ROS 활성도 및 EMT의 억제를 통하여 담도암 세포의 성장 및 침습을 억제하는 데 기여한다.

Exploring cheap and efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts is extremely vital for the commercial application of advanced energy storage and conversion systems. Herein, a self-supporting Co3S4/ S-doped reduced graphene oxide ( Co3S4/S-rGO) film catalyst is successfully prepared by a blade coating coupled with high-temperature annealing strategy, and its morphology, structure and composition are measured and analyzed. It is substantiated that the as-synthesized Co3S4/ S-rGO film possesses unique self-supporting structure, and is composed of uniformly dispersed Co3S4 nanoparticles and highly conductive S-rGO, which benefit the exposure of catalytic sites and electron transfer. By reason of the synergistic effect of the two individual components, the self-supporting Co3S4/ S-rGO film catalyst displays outstanding catalytic performance towards OER. As a consequence, the Co3S4/ S-rGO film catalyst delivers an overpotential of 341 mV at 10 mA cm-2, and the current attenuation rate is only 2.6% after continuous operation for 4 h, verifying excellent catalytic activity and durability. Clearly, our results offers a good example for the construction of high-performance self-supporting carbon-based composite film catalysts for critical electrocatalytic reactions.

컴퓨터 시스템의 성능 및 다양한 전산모사 프로그램의 발전으로 더 복잡한 원소로 이루어진 화학시스템의 해석이 가능해지고, 그에 따라 분자동역학 전사모사를 활용한 연구가 활발히 이루어지고 있다. 특히, 기존에는 실험위주로 진행되던 고분자 막에 대한 기체 투과 특성을 계산하는 연구가 관심을 받고 있고, 식품포장, 의약품등에 사용되고 있는 기체차단성 막 에 대한 분자동역학 연구가 많이 이루어지고 있다. 최근 실크 피브로인을 이용해 코팅막을 만들었을 때 기체 차단 효과가 나 타난다는 보고가 있었고, 본 연구에서는 이러한 실크 피브로인을 활용해 복합막을 만들었을 때 산소 차단 효과가 나타나는지 확인하고자 분자동역학 전산모사를 이용해 연구를 진행하였다. 단일 모델을 제작하고 기체 투과 특성을 계산하고 실험값과 비교를 통해 모델이 실제 실험 결과를 반영하는 것을 확인하였고, 실제 복합막 모델을 만들어 고분자 내에서 기체 이동경로 분석을 진행한 결과 산소 분자가 피브로인 영역을 통과하지 못하고 막히는 것을 보여주었다. 따라서, 실크 피브로인이 도입된 복합막이 산소 차단 성능이 우수하여, 식품포장 등에 유용할 것으로 기대된다.

Conventional aquaculture faces declining productivity, shifting to recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), known for minimizing water usage and maintaining consistent water temperatures for year-round fish growth. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a globally important cold-water species and the third most farmed fish in inland waters of Korea, valued for its fecundity and rapid growth. Dissolved oxygen, an important environmental factor affecting fish production and economics, highlights the need for smart aquaculture practices. Since 2018, the rise of intelligent aquaculture platforms, incorporating information and communications technology (ICT), emphasizes the essential role of RAS implementation. This eight-week study aimed to determine the optimal dissolved oxygen concentration for rainbow trout in RAS, utilizing a device for continuous monitoring, control and record. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were set at 5-6 mg/L, 9-10 mg/L, 14-15 mg/L and 17-18 mg/L. The growth rate significantly decreased at 5-6 mg/L, with no significant differences in other experimental groups. In hematological analysis, growth hormone (GH) was significantly highest at 5-6 mg/L, followed by 9-10 mg/L while Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was significantly lowest at 5-6 mg/L. In conclusion, the optimal dissolved oxygen concentration for rainbow trout in RAS is approximately 9-10 mg/L. Higher concentrations do not contribute to further growth or profitability.

Thermal cutting processes that can be applied to dismantling nuclear power plants include oxygen cutting, plasma cutting, and laser cutting. According to the global trend, research projects are being carried out in various countries to upgrade laser cutting, and many studies are also being conducted in Korea with plans to apply laser cutting processes when dismantling nuclear power plants. However, with the current technology level of the laser cutting process, the maximum thickness that can be cut is limited to 250 mm. Therefore, in this study, a laser-oxygen hybrid cutting process was implemented by adding a laser heat source to the oxygen cutting process that can cut carbon steel with a thickness of 250 mm or more (RV, beam, column, beam, etc.) when dismantling the nuclear power plant. This has the advantage of improving the cutting speed and reducing the cutting width Kerf compared to conventional oxygen cutting. In this research, the laser-oxygen hybrid cutting process consisted of laser cutting to which Raycus’ 8 kW Fiber Laser power source was applied and oxygen cutting to which hydrogen was applied with Fuel Gas. The oxygen torch was placed perpendicular to the test piece, and the laser head was irradiated by tilting 35° to 70°. The effects of cutting directions on quality and performance were studied, and cutting paths were selected by comparing cutting results. Thereafter, it was confirmed that there is an optimal laser output power according to the cutting thickness by studying the effect on the cutting surface quality by changing only the laser output power under the same cutting conditions. The results of this study are expected to be helpful in the remote cutting process using laser-oxygen hybrid cutting when dismantling domestic nuclear power plants in the future.

A novel kind of self-assembled graphene quantum dots-Co3O4 (GQDs-Co3O4) nanocomposite was successfully manufactured through a hydrothermal approach and used as an extremely effectual oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst. The characterization of morphology with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that Co3O4 nanosheets combined with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) had a new type of hexagonal lamellar selfassembly structure. The GQDs-Co3O4 electrocatalyst showed enhanced electrochemical catalytic properties in an alkaline solution. The start potential of the OER was 0.543 V (vs SCE) in 1 M KOH solution, and 0.577 V (vs SCE) in 0.1 M KOH solution correspondingly. The current density of 10 mA cm− 2 had been attained at the overpotential of 321 mV in 1 M KOH solution and 450 mV in 0.1 M KOH solution. Furthermore, the current density can reach 171 mA cm− 2 in 1 M KOH solution and 21.4 mA cm− 2 in 0.1 M KOH solution at 0.8 V. Moreover, the GQDs-Co3O4 nanocomposite also maintained an ideal constancy in an alkaline solution with only a small deterioration of the activity (7%) compared with the original value after repeating potential cycling for 1000 cycles.

Exploring earth-abundant, highly effective and stable electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting is urgent and essential to the development of hydrogen (H2) energy technology. Iron-cobalt layered double hydroxide (FeCo-LDH) has been widely used as an electrocatalystfor OER due to its facile synthesis, tunable components, and low cost. However, LDH synthesized by the traditional hydrothermal method tends to easily agglomerate, resulting in an unstable structure that can change or dissolve in an alkaline solution. Therefore, studying the real active phase is highly significant in the design of electrochemical electrode materials. Here, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are used as template precursors to derive FeCo-LDH from different iron sources. Iron salts with different anions have a significant impact on the morphology and charge transfer properties of the resulting materials. FeCo-LDH synthesized from iron sulfate solution (FeCo-LDH-SO4) exhibits a hybrid structure of nanosheets and nanowires, quite different from other electrocatalysts that were synthesized from iron chloride and iron nitrate solutions. The final FeCo-LDH-SO4 had an overpotential of 247 mV with a low Tafel-slope of 60.6 mV dec-1 at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and delivered a long-term stability of 40 h for the OER. This work provides an innovative and feasible strategy to construct efficient electrocatalysts.