Namjun Cho

Chemical Characterization of Gilsonite Bitumen

This research provides new insights into the chemical composition of the Gilsonite in order to ascertain its properties which can assist in the refining and processing paths of the natural resource. Gilsonite, naturally occurring asphaltite bitumen, consists of a complex mixture of organic compounds. It was collected in the Uinta Basin near the town of Bonanza, Utah. The aim of this work is to obtain a more complete picture of molecular structure of Gilsonite, very important in fuel processing industry, matching and interpreting the results from different techniques. The Gilsonite was characterized by elemental analysis (EA) to determine the concentrations of C, H, N, S, and O, by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for comparative analysis of the chemical structures, by Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of hydrogen (1H NMR) to ascertain the aliphatic and aromatic hydrogen fractions, and by Thin layer chromatography-flame ionization detection (Iatroscan TLC-FID) to quantify saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons, and resin/asphaltene fractions. The results were evaluated in combination with the available geological data and with some bitumens to evaluate, chemically, possible mechanisms of Gilsonite formation. Low hydrogen to carbon atomic ratio (1.44), low sulfur (0.27 wt.%) and high nitrogen (3.25 wt.%) contents were the main characteristics of the Gilsonite from Uinta Basin. FTIR revealed the presence of alkane, aromatic rings, phenyl rings, alcohols, carbonyl groups, organic sulfoxides, and sulfate salts, confirming the fact that Gilsonite is composed of high molecular weight polycyclic constituents comprising of nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen heteroatoms. Likewise, FTIR proved that Gilsonite includes fingerprint of clay minerals. Iatroscan data showed interestingly that Gilsonite contains considerable amount of asphaltenes (79.7 wt.%) and nil amount of aromatics (0 wt.%). While, the yields of saturates and resins account only for 1.6 wt.% and 18.7 wt.%, respectively. Furthermore, SARA method estimated that Gilsonite is extremely instable (Colloidal instability index, CII = 4.34). Proton NMR measurements indicated that the aliphatic hydrogen portion is approximately 95.38% and the aromatic hydrogen fraction is about 4.62%.

An eco-friendly method for reclaimed silicon wafers from a photovoltaic module: from separation to cell fabrication

A sustainable method for reclaiming silicon (Si) wafers from an end-of-life photovoltaic module is examined in this paper. A thermal process was employed to remove ethylene vinyl acetate and the back-sheet. We found that a ramp-up rate of 15 °C min−1 and an annealing temperature of 480 °C enabled recovery of the undamaged wafer from the module. An ecofriendly process to remove impurities from the cell surface was developed. We also developed an etching process that precludes the use of hydrofluoric (HF) acid. The method for removing impurities consists of three steps: (1) recovery of the silver (Ag) electrode using nitric acid (HNO3); (2) mechanical removal of the anti-reflecting coating, emitter layer, and p–n junction simultaneously; and (3) removal of the aluminum (Al) electrode using potassium hydroxide (KOH). The reclaimed wafers showed properties that are almost identical to those of commercial virgin wafers: 180 μm average thickness; 0.5 and 3.7 Ω cm minimum and maximum resistivities, respectively; and 1.69 μs average carrier lifetime. In addition, cells fabricated with the reclaimed wafers showed an efficiency equivalent to that of the initial cells.

New research highlights: Impact of chronic ingestion of white kidney beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Beldia) on small-intestinal disaccharidase activity in Wistar rats

Graphical abstract

Structural comparison of Gilsonite and Trinidad Lake Asphalt using 13C-NMR technique

The recent increased importance of natural asphalt as an alternative binder for sustainable road pavement has dictated that more knowledge should be acquired about its structure and properties. Earlier, Carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy has been applied to very few natural bituminous materials. In this work, two types of raw binders namely Gilsonite and Trinidad Lake asphalt (TLA) have been subjected to an extensive investigation by using 13C-NMR technique. Results have shown that valuable chemical data can be readily withdrawn on aromatic ring structures and ring substituents in natural asphalts derived from different sources. The chemical significance of these findings will be discussed.

An In-Depth Investigation into the Physicochemical, Thermal, Microstructural, and Rheological Properties of Petroleum and Natural Asphalts

Over the last decade, unexpected and sudden pavement failures have occurred in several provinces in South Korea. Some of these failures remain unexplained, further illustrating the gaps in our knowledge about binder chemistry. To prevent premature pavement distress and enhance road performance, it is imperative to provide an adequate characterization of asphalt. For this purpose, the current research aims at inspecting the chemistry, microstructure, thermal, and physico-rheological properties of two types of asphalt, namely petroleum asphalt (PA) and natural asphalt (NA). The binders were extensively investigated by using elemental analysis, thin-layer chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC-FID), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-fight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy (RS), Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), penetration, softening point, ductility, and viscosity tests. The findings of this research have revealed the distinct variations between the chemical compositions, microstructures, and thermo-rheological properties of the two asphalts and provided valuable knowledge into the characteristics of the binders. Such insight has been effective in predicting the performance or distress of road pavement. This paper will, therefore, be of immediate interest to materials engineers in state highway agencies and asphalt industries.

The characteristics of dye-sensitized solar cells using carbon nanotube in working and counter electrodes

Abstract: The effect of electrochemical characteristics of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) upon employingmulti-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) on both working electrode and counter electrode were examined withusing EIS, J-V curves and UV-Vis absorption spectrometry. When 0.1 wt% of MWCNT was employed in theTiO 2 -MWCNT composit on working electrode, the energy conversion efficiency increased about 12.5%compared to the TiO 2 only working electrode. The higher light conversion efficiency may attribut to the highelectrical conductivity of MWCNT in TiO 2 -MWCNT composite which improves the electron transport in theworking electrode. However, higher amount of MWCNT than 0.1 wt% in the TiO 2 -MWCNT compositedecreases the light conversion efficiency, which is mainly ascribed to the decreased transmittance of light byMWCNT and to the decreased adsorption of dye onto TiO 2 . The MWCNT employed counter electrode exhibitedmuch lower light conversion efficiency of DSSC than the Pt-counter electrode, while the MWCNT-Pt counterelectrode showed similar in light conversion efficiency to that of Pt-counter electrode. 요약: 염료감응형 태양전지의 광전극 및 상대전극에 탄소나노튜브를 도입하여 전지의 광전기적 특성 변화를 EIS, J-V 특성곡선 및 UV-Vis 분광기를 이용하여 분석하였다. TiO