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Research Articles

Regular Paper

Effect of APS Dip-Coating Time on Interfacial Charge Transport in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Jin Wook Lee, Minjae Shin, Byungyou Hong, Hyung Jin Kim
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(4):387-393.   Published online July 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.4.8
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) suffer from efficiency limitations due to interfacial charge recombination at the TiO₂/dye/electrolyte interface. In this study, aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS) was introduced onto nanoporous TiO₂ photoelectrodes via a dip-coating process with controlled coating times to investigate the effect of silanization time on interfacial charge transport behavior. Unlike concentration-driven structural modification, this work focuses on the evolution of the APS-modified interface governed by reaction time. The DSSC with 30 min APS treatment exhibited the highest power conversion efficiency of 5.34%, representing a 19% enhancement compared to the untreated device (4.49%), mainly due to increased short-circuit current density and open-circuit voltage. However, prolonged coating times (2 h and 24 h) resulted in a significant decrease in photocurrent density, leading to reduced device performance despite partial improvement in recombination resistance. These results are attributed to the time-dependent evolution of the APS interfacial layer. At moderate coating time, APS provides effective surface functionalization, enhancing dye adsorption and suppressing interfacial recombination. In contrast, prolonged coating is expected to induce increased surface coverage and silane condensation, which can hinder electron injection and increase charge transport resistance. Therefore, the photovoltaic performance is governed by a trade-off between recombination suppression and charge injection efficiency, controlled by the silanization time. This study highlights the critical role of interfacial reaction kinetics in determining charge transport behavior and provides an effective strategy for optimizing DSSC performance through time-dependent interface engineering.
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Effect of Dye Adsorption Time at Constant Temperature on the Photovoltaic Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Ba Wi Hwang, Hyung Jin Kim, Byungyou Hong
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(4):382-386.   Published online July 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.4.7
Dye adsorption is one of the most time-consuming processes in the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), typically requiring approximately 24 h at room temperature. In this study, the effect of adsorption temperature and time on photovoltaic performance of DSSCs was investigated in order to reduce processing time and improve device productivity. Nanoporous TiO2 photoelectrodes were immersed in N719 dye solution at 60°C for 3 h, 10 h, 17 h, and 24 h, and their performance was compared with that of cells sensitized at room temperature for 24 h. Photovoltaic characterization under AM 1.5 illumination showed that DSSCs sensitized at 60°C exhibited improved performance compared to those sensitized at room temperature. The device sensitized at 60°C for 3 h showed comparable or higher conversion efficiency than the reference cell sensitized for 24 h at room temperature. The improvement in device performance is attributed to enhanced dye adsorption kinetics resulting from increased reaction rate between the carboxyl groups of N719 dye molecules and hydroxyl groups on the TiO2 surface. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis revealed reduced recombination resistance at the TiO2/dye/electrolyte interface for cells sensitized at elevated temperature. UV–Vis absorption analysis confirmed increased dye loading on the TiO2 surface for the 60°C condition. These results demonstrate that elevated temperature dye adsorption significantly reduces processing time while maintaining photovoltaic performance, providing an effective strategy for improving manufacturing efficiency of DSSCs.
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Review Papers

Academic Progress Report

Enhancing the Sensitivity and Spectral Selectivity of Colloidal Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors Using Metasurfaces
Min Jeong Kim, Tae Won Nam
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(4):340-352.
Published online July 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.4.3
Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals with sizes on the order of several nanometers, whose bandgaps can be tuned by controlling the particle size. Owing to this bandgap tunability, QDs can absorb near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) light, spectral regions that are difficult to access with conventional silicon-based devices. However, colloidal QDbased infrared photodetectors still suffer from intrinsically high dark current, trap-induced noise, and limited response speed. As a result, they exhibit fundamental performance gaps in terms of detectivity and speed–bandwidth product compared to epitaxial infrared detectors, highlighting the need for structural and architectural design strategies to overcome these limitations. In this review, we discuss recent advances in enhancing the spectral selectivity and sensitivity of infrared photodetectors through three-dimensional optical architectures, including metasurfaces and metamaterials. We focus in particular on design strategies and the underlying mechanisms responsible for performance enhancement, and we outline how structural approaches can be leveraged to effectively control the sensitivity and wavelength selectivity of QD-based infrared detectors.
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This paper reviews the energy yield enhancement characteristics of bifacial photovoltaic systems combined with solar tracking, focusing on their performance relative to conventional monofacial fixed-tilt configurations. The fundamental mechanisms of yield improvement are summarized, highlighting the largely additive contributions of solar tracking, which increases front-side irradiance, and bifacial modules, which utilize rear-side reflected and diffuse radiation. Reported results from previous studies indicate that bifacial systems with single-axis tracking typically achieve 25–35% higher annual energy yield compared with standard monofacial fixed-tilt systems, with variations depending on environmental and design conditions. Key design and environmental considerations influencing system performance are discussed to provide practical insights for the application of bifacial tracking systems in utilityscale photovoltaic installations.
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Research Article

Regular Paper

Enhanced Photoluminescence of CsPbBr3 via Improved Optical Transparency of Thermally Treated GaN Nanowires
Kwang Jae Lee, Jungwook Min
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(3):272-280.
Published online May 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.3.6
GaN nanowire (NW)-based hybrid structures have attracted attention for optoelectronic applications due to their high surface area and efficient carrier transport. However, the optical transparency of GaN NWs is often limited by unintended residual species accumulated on the surface and in the inter-wire regions, as well as defect-related absorption, leading to reduced light transmission. In this work, we demonstrate that thermal annealing significantly improves the optical transparency of GaN NWs grown on indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass substrates. The transmittance increased from 47.9% to 78.5% at 550 nm after rapid thermal annealing at 800oC for 3 min, while a comparable value (~75.5%) was achieved at 600oC for 5 min. PbBr3 was deposited onto the GaN NWs to form hybrid structures, and temperature-dependent photoluminescence (TDPL) measurements revealed enhanced emission stability with suppressed peak shift and reduced spectral broadening. Arrhenius analysis based on a two-channel model revealed that the activation energy of the dominant non-radiative recombination pathway increased from 62 meV in the as-grown sample to 85 meV after thermal annealing, while its relative contribution remained nearly unchanged. In contrast, the shallow trap-assisted pathway exhibited a similar activation energy of approximately 6 meV in both samples, but its contribution decreased from 0.35 to 0.17 after annealing. As a result, the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) improved from 75.9% to 87.4%. These results show that thermal annealing improves optical transparency by removing residuals and suppresses defect-related recombination, leading to enhanced carrier dynamics and improved optical performance of PbBr3-based hybrid structures.
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Review Paper

Academic Progress Report

Single-Molecule Manipulation Techniques Based on Mechanical, Electrical, and Structural Control
Jeong Hun Shin, Tae Won Nam
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(3):247-257.
Published online May 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.3.3
The ability to manipulate and probe biomolecules at the single-molecule level has become an essential approach for understanding molecular interactions, conformational dynamics, and nanoscale transport phenomena. Advances in experimental techniques have enabled precise control of individual molecules with high spatial resolution and piconewton-level force sensitivity. These developments have significantly expanded the capability of studying biomolecular mechanics and dynamics beyond conventional ensemble measurements. A variety of physical strategies have been developed for single-molecule manipulation, including mechanical-force-based approaches, electric-field-driven methods, and nanoscale structural confinement techniques. Mechanical-force-based methods, such as optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers, and atomic force microscopy, enable direct measurement of molecular mechanical responses. Electric-field-based manipulation, represented by dielectrophoresis, allows noncontact control of particles and biomolecules through polarization effects in non-uniform electric fields. In addition, nanopore-based systems employ nanoscale confinement to regulate molecular transport and residence behavior. This review provides an overview of representative single-molecule manipulation techniques based on mechanical, electrical, and structural control and discusses their fundamental principles and implementation strategies.
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Research Article

Early Stage Report: Graduate Research

Growth of Beta-Phase Gallium Oxide Thin Films on Off-Axis Sapphire Substrates by Mist Chemical Vapor Deposition
Jae-Hyeok Lim, Tae-Yong Park, Yun-Ji Shin, Seong-Min Jeong, Chang-Mo Kang, Si-Young Bae
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(3):302-308.
Published online May 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.3.10
β-Ga2O3 is an ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor promising for high-power electronic applications; however, heteroepitaxial growth on sapphire is challenging lattice and symmetry mismatch. In this study, β-Ga2O3 thin films were grown on C-plane sapphire substrates with various off-axis angles (0–12°) using mist-CVD, and the influence of substrate miscut on structural and optical properties was investigated. All films grown at 900°C exhibited (-201) oriented β phase. The crystal quality was strongly dependent on the off-axis angle, with intermediate off-axis angles (Δa = 6–8°) showing the narrowest rocking curve width. Off-axis substrates promoted step-aligned growth behavior compared to on-axis growth. Optical measurements revealed enhanced transmittance and wider bandgap values (4.92–4.95 eV) for off-axis samples compared to the on-axis film (4.69 eV). The findings provide practical guidelines for optimizing heteroepitaxial β-Ga2O3 growth on low-cost sapphire substrates for high-performance device applications.
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Recent Advances in Artificial Synapses and Neurons Based on Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Hyunhak Jeong
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(2):147-162.
Published online March 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.2.4
Neuromorphic computing, which mimics the energy-efficient parallel processing capabilities of the human brain, has emerged as an alternative to traditional von Neumann architectures that struggle with high power consumption in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the potential of Si-based neuromorphic chips, they often face fundamental limitations in integration density and biological compatibility, necessitating the development of next-generation devices that can better emulate the ionic signaling of biological systems. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent research trends in artificial synapses and neurons based on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), highlighting their unique ability to achieve high transconductance and mixed ionic-electronic conduction at ultra-low operating voltages. We discuss how OECTs successfully replicate diverse synaptic plasticities and complex neuronal spiking behaviors through advanced material engineering and structural optimizations such as vertical architectures. Furthermore, this review discusses the implementation of high-order neural functions, including associative learning and logic operations, which are facilitated by the inherent electrochemical dynamics of organic semiconductors. Finally, overcoming current challenges in reliability and scalability will establish OECTs as a pivotal platform for low-power neuromorphic hardware and bio-integrated electronics.
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Phase Formation and Sintering Behaviors of Bi4Ti3O12 Ceramics Synthesizes by Solid-State Reaction and Co-precipitation Methods
Donghun Lee, Changyeon Baek, Gyoung-ja Lee, Min-ku Lee, Kwi-il Park
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(2):203-209.
Published online March 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.2.10
Bismuth layer-structured ferroelectrics with high Curie temperatures have recently attracted significant attention as promising candidates for high-temperature piezoelectric applications. However, the conventional solid-state reaction method entails high-temperature processing that induces bismuth volatilization, thereby degrading device reliability. In this study, we employed a co-precipitation method enabling atomic-level mixing to significantly lower the synthesis temperature of Nb/Tadoped Bi4Ti3O12 ceramics compared to the solid-state reaction method. Experimental results demonstrated that the coprecipitation method yielded a pure single phase at 600℃ without intermediate phases. Furthermore, the synthesized nanopowders, with an average size of 100 nm, lowered the onset temperature of sintering shrinkage to 650℃, approximately 200℃ lower than that of the solid-state counterpart. The low-temperature synthesis process proposed in this work is expected to contribute to the performance enhancement of high-temperature piezoelectric devices by effectively suppressing bismuth volatilization and ensuring compositional stability.
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Balanced Charge Distribution by the Interface Controls of P3HT: PC70BM/Overlay Active-layers in Organic Photovoltaics
Gyumin Kyung, Hoseung Kang, Soonho Hong, Sunyoung Sohn
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(1):94-102.   Published online January 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.1.12
Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are attractive candidates for sustainable energy conversion due to their flexibility, lowcost processing, and compatibility with large-area fabrication. However, their efficiency is hindered by interfacial defects and vertical phase separation in the active layer, which induce charge imbalance and recombination losses. This work presents an interfacial engineering approach to overcome these limitations in P3HT:PC70BM-based OPVs. Two key strategies were employed: (i) reducing the post-deposition annealing time of the active layer to suppress PC70BM accumulation at the bottom electrode, and (ii) using a DCB:DCM mixed solvent system to regulate solvent evaporation, thereby promoting uniform film formation during PC70BM overlay deposition. Devices fabricated with these optimizations exhibited notable enhancements, achieving short-circuit current density up to 15.83 mA/cm2 and a 58.1% increase in power conversion efficiency compared to control devices. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed reduced surface aggregation of PC70BM, while X-ray diffraction indicated improved P3HT crystallinity and molecular ordering. These results highlight the critical role of interfacial and morphological control in enhancing charge separation and transport, offering a practical route toward efficient, reproducible, and stable OPVs.
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Humidity monitoring of exhaled breath has emerged as a vital approach for noninvasive respiratory health assessment, underscoring the need for sensitive and reliable humidity sensors. Despite its high conductivity and hydrophilic functional groups, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) often undergoes irreversible moisture adsorption and gradual oxidation by residual water, resulting in sensitivity degradation and long-term instability during cycling. In this study, a montmorillonite/reduced graphene oxide (MMT/rGO) composite is developed as a room-temperature humidity-sensing material, exhibiting an optimized response of 115%, more than 14 times higher than that of pristine rGO. This superior performance originates from the synergistic interaction between the reversible MMT swelling and the conductive rGO network near the electrical percolation transition, which ensures excellent stability and repeatability under repeated humidity cycles. These findings suggest that the MMT/rGO composite provides a cost-effective and biocompatible platform for next-generation wearable humidity sensors capable of continuous respiratory monitoring.
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Effect of Porous SiC Film Thickness on the Performance of UV Photodetectors Fabricated by Aerosol Deposition
Sabin Hwang, Kwangyeol An, Jihyun Kim, Jin-woo Choi, Minseok Kim, Geonhee Lee, Jong-min Oh, Sang-mo Koo
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(6):690-695.   Published online November 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2025.38.6.13
Silicon carbide (SiC), with its wide bandgap and strong resistance to radiation and thermal conditions, is a promising material for ultraviolet (UV) photodetector applications under harsh environments. In this study, porous SiC thin films with thicknesses of 20, 50, and 80 nm were fabricated on 4H-SiC substrates using aerosol deposition (AD), which enables roomtemperature film formation. The device with a 50 nm-thick film exhibited the highest photoresponse under UV-C illumination (260 nm), achieving a maximum photo-to-dark current ratio (PDCR) of 205.2, a responsivity of 0.058 A/W, an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 27.71%, and a specific detectivity (D*) of 7.9×1011 Jones. These results are attributed to an optimized balance between photon absorption and carrier transport in the porous structure. The findings confirm the potential of ADfabricated porous SiC films for highly sensitive and scalable UV photodetector applications.
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To ensure the long-term reliability of flexible photovoltaic (FPV) modules, it is crucial to develop an effective moisture barrier layer that prevents the infiltration of moisture and oxygen. We developed such a layer composed of parylene (700 nm) and AlOx (70 nm), optimizing its material properties, moisture-blocking performance, and processing conditions. The barrier layer applied to the Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) substrate demonstrated a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 6.33 × 10-2 g/m²/day and an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 85.3% over the 380-780 nm wavelength range. For the FPV module with this barrier, Damp/Heat (DH) reliability testing was conducted at 85℃ and 85% relative humidity for up to 1,000 hours. During testing, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) decreased slightly from 25.4% (0 hr) to 24.7% (1,000 hr), reflecting a minimal reduction of only 0.7%. The primary cause of degradation was identified as a -4% relative change in shortcircuit current density (JSC) before and after DH testing. Consequently, the ETFE/parylene/AlOx multilayer moisture barrier proved highly effective in ensuring the long-term reliability of solar modules.
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Phase Transition and Phase Fraction Analysis Using Rietveld Refinement
Gwangbo Sim, Muhammad Sheeraz, Hwan Min Kim, Sung-lae Cho, Chang Won Ahn
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(5):481-498.   Published online September 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2025.38.5.3
Rietveld refinement has become an essential tool for the quantitative analysis of crystal structures in polycrystalline systems using X-ray diffraction data. This tutorial paper focuses on the background, case studies, and practical implementation of Rietveld refinement using the open-source software PROFEX. Key structural parameters, such as lattice constants and phase fractions, can be quantitatively extracted through full-pattern fitting. Case studies involving compositional variation, electric fields, temperature changes, and battery cycling demonstrate the broad applicability of Rietveld refinement in materials science, energy storage, and catalysis. A step-by-step procedure for performing Rietveld refinement is presented using Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3 perovskite ceramic as an example, providing guidance on software installation, preparing crystal structure information files, performing Rietveld refinement, evaluating results using R-factor and χ² values, and summarizing the results. This tutorial aims to improve understanding and accessibility of Rietveld refinement for researchers seeking to investigate structure-property relationships in complex material systems.
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Neuromorphic Characteristics of Sol-Gel AlOx-Based Floating Gate Memory Transistors with Phosphonic Acid Self-Assembled Monolayers
Hee-won Hwang, Sneha Bhise, Young-seok Song, Tae-wook Kim
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(3):336-345.   Published online May 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.3.15
Neuromorphic computing, inspired by the biological mechanisms of neural signal transmission, has emerged as a promising technology for efficient and parallel data processing with minimal power consumption. In this study, we developed floating-gate organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) with self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-based tunneling layers to mimic the characteristics of artificial synapses. The tunneling layers were formed using mixed phosphonic acid SAMs with varying ratios of octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) and 12-pentafluorophenoxydodecylphosphonic acid (PFPA). The influence of these ratios on the memory and neuromorphic characteristics of the devices was systematically evaluated. Our results revealed that the ODPA ratio significantly impacts the hysteresis window, with higher ODPA content yielding improved memory characteristics. Conversely, the PFPA : ODPA ratio of 2:1 exhibited the lowest non-linearity (NL = 0.48), demonstrating the potential for highly accurate weight updates in neuromorphic devices. Additionally, pulse width modulation studies showed that a pulse width of 100 ms optimized the linearity and stability of long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) characteristics. The combination of sol-gel processed AlOx as a floating-gate layer and tailored SAM-based tunneling layers allowed for precise control of device performance. These findings highlight the importance of molecular engineering in designing SAM layers to balance memory retention and neuromorphic functionality. This study provides a pathway for advancing organic floating-gate transistors as a core component in next-generation neuromorphic computing systems.
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Microstructure and Piezoelectric Properties of PMN-PAN-PZT Ceramics
Kyoung-woo Lee, Dong-gyu Lee, Hyun-cheol Song, Sil-mook Lim
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(2):174-178.   Published online March 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.2.7
Piezoelectric materials, which convert mechanical energy into electrical signals, are widely used in various industrial applications such as sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting devices. This study aims to enhance the performance of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-Pb(Al1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O₃ (PMN-PAN-PZT) piezoelectric ceramics by investigating the effects of varying PAN and PMN content and adding Nb₂O₅ on their piezoelectric properties. The results show that with 2 mol% of PMN and PAN, the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) region exhibits the highest piezoelectric properties. Additionally, excess Nb₂O₅ positively influenced the piezoelectric properties, maximizing electro-mechanical coupling factor (kp=63%, d33=440 pC/N). These findings contribute to developing next-generation high-performance piezoelectric materials, with potential for improved efficiency and performance in various industries.
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The printed and bifacial organic photovoltaics (OPVs) using a semi-transparent electrode structure to enhance light management were investigated. To optimize energy-band alignment for bifacial device structure, a cathode interlayer of ZnO nanoparticles with a low work function of 3.9 eV combined with a polyethyleneimine (PEI) layer was employed. Photon distribution simulations revealed the influence of structural parameters on device conductivity, light absorption, and surface morphology. The dispensing strength, adjusted via applied voltage during printing, significantly impacted device performance. At 13 V and 17 V, J-V characteristics were consistent; however, at 20 V, line width increased by approximately 100%, resulting in a 50% reduction in PCE. These findings highlight the critical relationship between spraying strength, line width, and efficiency, offering valuable insights for advancing printed OPV technologies.
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Quantum Dot Direct Deposition-Based Ceramic Phosphor Plates for High-Efficiency White LEDs
Jiwoo Hong, Sunghoon Kim
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(2):219-225.   Published online March 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.2.14
This study explores the realization of high-efficiency white LED lighting by applying cyan-emitting quantum dot (CQD) and red-emitting quantum dot (R-QD) deposition without any host matrix onto a yellow-emitting phosphor-in-glass (YPIG) substrate using an aerosol-assisted deposition (AAD) process. The AAD process facilitates the direct formation of densely packed QD-deposited layers on the substrate, effectively addressing challenges such as optical efficiency loss and degradation typically associated with organic host matrices. C-QD and R-QD coatings, deposited with thicknesses of 0.84 μm and 0.77 μm on the upper and lower Y-PIG substrate, exhibited robust color conversion properties. These films achieved a luminous efficacy of 77 lm/W and a high color rendering index (CRI) of 96.8 under blue light excitation. The dual-layer structure produced highquality light closely resembling natural daylight, as confirmed through real image. Consequently, the research suggests the potential of AAD-based QD deposition to achieve superior performance without relying on host matrices, offering a viable solution for high-efficiency lighting applications. Further optimization of deposition parameters and exploration of diverse substrates and QD material combinations are expected to expand the applicability of this technique in future research.
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Effect of pH on the Synthesis of Cu2O Composites Using NaBH4 Reducing Agent and the Influence of Heat Treatment on Properties
Seongmin Shin, Kyunghwan Kim, Jeongsoo Hong
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(1):49-53.   Published online January 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.1.6
Cu2O metal oxide was synthesized using NaBH4 as a reducing agent in this study. The transformation of Cu composite with the pH adjustment was investigated, and the conditions for Cu2O synthesis were analyzed. As pH of the solution was changed, the synthesized Cu composite evolved into Cu/Cu2O and Cu/Cu2O/CuO composites. The Cu2O composite synthesized under conditions closest to pure Cu2O was heat-treated at 200℃. The remaining minor Cu metal was oxidized, resulting in pure Cu2O particles with enhanced crystallinity. The synthesized Cu2O exhibited various morphology with particle sizes of about 160~720 nm, and the shape and size of the Cu2O particles remained significantly unchanged after heat treatment. Surface analysis was conducted to compare the changes before and after heat treatment. No significant changes were observed, except for those attributed to water evaporation. The Cu2O synthesized via this simple chemical reduction method can be utilized in various application fields, including catalysts, optical devices, and sensors.
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Optical Properties of SiO2/TiZrO2 Anti-Reflection Deposition Layer on Anti-Glare Surface
Bup Ju Jeon
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(1):42-48.   Published online January 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.1.5
This study investigates the effects of chemical etching for anti-glare (AG) treatment and the subsequent deposition of a TiZrO2/SiO2 double-layer anti-reflection (AR) coating on glass surfaces. The AG treatment was performed using ammonium fluoride in gel form via screen printing, followed by electron beam deposition of SiO2/TiZrO2 layers. The surface roughness, optical transmittance, and refractive index were analyzed. The results revealed that while the surface roughness increased with larger screen patterns during the AG treatment, it was reduced by the deposition of the AR layers. Additionally, the gloss caused by external light was higher with lower surface roughness, but it was effectively reduced by the AR coating. The optical reflectance showed minimal changes during the AG treatment, remaining similar to that of bare glass substrates. However, the AR coating significantly decreased reflectance. The combination of AG treatment and AR coating improved optical transmittance and reduced gloss, making this method beneficial for enhancing visibility in automotive displays. The findings suggest that this approach can mitigate the impact of external light and improve the clarity of displayed information, making it suitable for automotive display applications.
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Synthesis of Monodisperse Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Control of Surface Properties and Magnetization
Dongyeong Gim, Hyeokju Kwon, Minjeong Ha
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(1):89-94.   Published online January 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.1.12
Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have gained significant attention for their broad applicability in biomedical imaging, soft robotics, and catalysis owing to their exceptional magnetic properties and biocompatibility. A key challenge in maximizing their functionality lies in achieving a uniform size distribution and dispersity, alongside strong interfacial affinity with the surrounding medium that are essential for optimizing magnetic behavior and processibility. In this study, we present a facile solvothermal synthesis of monodisperse iron oxide NPs with tunable size and controllable surface hydrophobicity by varying precursors, capping agents, and solvents. By varying these synthesis parameters, we demonstrate a clear correlation between NP size, dispersity, and key magnetic properties, including saturation magnetization (MS) and coercivity (HC). This advancement in synthesis methodology offers a reliable, efficient approach for producing high-quality iron oxide NPs, which makes possible for practical use of them across a range of technological and biomedical applications.
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Characteristics of Cell Strings According to Wire Soldering Conditions for High Power Solar Module
See Hee Hwang, Seung Ah Ur, Yo Han Noh, Jae Hyeong Lee
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(6):614-618.   Published online November 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.6.6
MBB (multi-busbar) technology is a module technology to achieve high power, and the use of a number of thin circular metal wires increases light-receiving capacity and reduces resistance. In the process of interconnection using a wire, the stress of the cell increases depending on the degree of coupling between the wire and the cell and the degree of damage caused by heat, or the mobility of current decreases due to poor bonding. The degree of such loss is affected by IR lamp, hot plate temperature and wire thickness. In addition, the values of contact resistance were compared and analyzed to analyze the cause of the decrease in electrical characteristics. In this study, process condition optimization was carried out through peeling test, SEM analysis, EL test, and pre/post bonding efficiency characteristic analysis of the bonded cell according to process conditions, compared the contact resistance.
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Simulation of Potential Difference Analysis in Conductor-Dielectric Type Triboelectric Generator Using COMSOL Multiphysics
Yong Hoon Son, Geon-tae Hwang
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(6):600-608.   Published online November 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.6.4
In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, electronic devices are becoming increasingly miniaturized and lightweight to overcome spatial limitations, necessitating lower power consumption. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, offer an ideal solution as small-scale power generators for these compact devices. Recent research has focused on various materials and structural designs to maximize the output of triboelectric energy harvesters, highlighting the growing importance of theoretical structure analysis software for precise evaluation. COMSOL Multiphysics software provides an accurate method for simulating the electrical characteristics of TENGs. This Tutorial Status Report introduces the process of modeling TENGs and analyzing their electrical output using COMSOL Multiphysics
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Fabrication of Low-Cost Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) Chip Using Multiple Process Variables
Hong-seock Jee, Dol Sohn, Ju-won Yeon, Tae-hyun Kil, Hyo-jun Park, Eui-cheol Yun, Moon-kwon Lee, Jun-young Park
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(5):527-532.   Published online September 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.5.9
Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) provide a high level of security for private keys using unique physical characteristics of hardware. However, fabricating PUF chips requires numerous semiconductor processes, leading to high costs, which limits their applications. In this work, we introduce a low-cost manufacturing method for PUF security chips. First, surface roughening through wet-etching is utilized to create random variables. Additionally, physical vapor deposition is added to further enhance randomness. After PUF chip fabrication, both Hamming distance (HD) and Hamming weight (HW) are extracted and compared to verify the fabricated chip. It is confirmed that the PUF chip using two different multiple process variables demonstrates superior uniqueness and uniformity compared to the PUF security chip fabricated using only a single process variable.
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Design and Evaluation of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Submodule for Self-Powered Smart Liquid Crystal Window
Byeong-yun Oh
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(5):494-499.   Published online September 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.5.4
The possibility of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) submodule was evaluated as an independent power source that can drive a smart liquid crystal window (SLW) that selectively blocks sunlight when electricity is applied. In order to save energy and increase the functionality of buildings, SLW operation was supplied directly from DSSC submodule, rather than connecting to the existing power system and external power sources. It was confirmed that the SLW can control light transmittance through self-generation using the DSSC submodule composed of 6 cells at low light of 2,500 lux. These results imply that there is a high possibility of combining smart windows and DSSCs suitable for window-type building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. DSSCs, which can self-generate power in low light, are expected to increase their usability in urban BIPV systems through combination with smart window technology.
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Understanding the Structure-Property Relationship in Functional Materials Using 3D Atom Probe Tomography
Chanwon Jung
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(5):476-485.   Published online September 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.5.2
Understanding the structure-property relationship in functional materials is crucial as microstructural features such as nano-precipitates, phase boundary, grain boundary segregation, and grain boundary phases play a key role in their functional properties. Atom probe tomography (APT) is an advanced analytical technique that allows for the three-dimensional (3D) mapping of atomic distributions and the precise determination of local chemical compositions in materials. Moreover, it offers sub-nanometer spatial resolution and chemical sensitivity at the tens of parts per million (ppm) level. Owing to its unique capabilities, this technique has been employed to uncover the 3D elemental distributions in a wide range of materials, including alloys, semiconductors, nanomaterials, and even biomaterials. In this paper, various kinds of examples are introduced for elucidating structure-property relationships on functional materials by utilizing the atom probe tomography.
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Secondary Phase Control of Lithium Ion-Substituted Potassium Niobate Ceramics via Stoichiometry Modification
Tae Soo Yeo, Ju Hyeon Lee, Wook Jo
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(5):533-540.   Published online September 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.5.10
In line with the development of electronic devices and technologies, the demand for improving ferroelectric materials’ performance is increasing. Since K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN), an eco-friendly ferroelectric material that does not use lead and has a high Curie temperature, it is attracting attention to its usability as a high-temperature dielectric, and various studies are being conducted to increase performance. In a KNN having a perovskite structure, there was a simulation result that the KNN has higher spontaneous polarization when the A-site in which sodium ions exist is replaced with lithium ions. If the simulation results can be proven experimentally, the application range of KNN-based ferroelectric materials will increase. To this end, we tried to manufacture a K1-xLixNbO3 (KLN) with high electrical characteristics by fabricating niobium-deficient and potassium-excessive compositions, which attempt was made to solve the stoichiometry problem by volatilization and suppress secondary phases. If KLN’s secondary phase suppression and relative permittivity improvement are successful, it will contribute to meeting the demand for developing electronic devices.
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Improving the Charge Extraction of Organic Photovoltaics by Controlling the PCBM Overlayer/Active-Layer Interface
Soonho Hong, Haechang Jeong, Hoseung Kang, Sunyoung Sohn
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(4):451-456.   Published online July 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.4.14
Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices have attracted attention due to their high efficiency and simple manufacturing process. Applying an overlayer to OPV devices is one way to improve their performance because it can improve charge extraction and suppress vertical phase separation. In addition, dichloromethane (DCM) was used as an orthogonal solvent to minimize the effect on other layers. However, an coating problems due to the use of DCM were found, which affects surface morphology as rough or peeling. Additional research efforts are needed to solve these problems, and optimal results are expected to be obtained by utilizing various buffer layers or selective organic solvents.
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Luminescence and Concentration Quenching Properties of BaZrO₃:Eu³++ Red-Emitting Phosphors
Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Shinho Cho
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(3):274-279.   Published online May 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.3.5
Eu3+-doped BaZrO3 (BaZrO₃:Eu³++) phosphor powders were prepared using a solid-state reaction by changing the molar concentration of Eu3+ within the range of 0.5 to 30 mol%. Irrespective of the molar concentration of Eu3+ ions, the crystal structures of all the phosphors were cubic. The excitation spectra of BaZrO₃:Eu³++ phosphors consisted of an intense broad band centered at 277 nm in the range of 230~320 nm. The emission spectra were composed of a dominant orange band at 595 nm arising from the 5D0→7F1 magnetic dipole transition of Eu3+ and two weak emission bands centered at 574 and 615 nm, respectively. As the concentration of Eu3+ increased from 0.5 to 10 mol%, the intensities of all the emission bands gradually increased, approached maxima at 10 mol% of Eu3+ ions, and then showed a decreasing tendency with further increase in the Eu3+ ions due to the concentration quenching. The critical distance between neighboring Eu3+ ions for concentration quenching was calculated to be 11.21 Å, indicating that dipole-dipole interaction was the main mechanism of concentration quenching of BaZrO₃:Eu³++ phosphors. The results suggest that the orange emission intensity can be modulated by doping the appropriate concentration of Eu3+ ions.
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A Study on State Analysis of Substation Using PMU
Tae-hee Kim, Kyung-min Lee, Cheol-won Park, Dong-hoon Jeon, Dae-yoon Kwon, Yong-sung Choi
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(3):304-308.   Published online May 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.3.10
In this paper, in order to analyze the PMU data of the accident section, we collected the raw data of a total of 35 PMU installed at the Yeonggwang substation and tried to find a way to analyze the data, and analyzed the data using Excel format and formula. As a result, the three-phase voltage and current data of the PMU were calculated using formulas in Excel and interpreted as effective and reactive power, and it was possible to check the effective and reactive power of the accident section through the graph to see why it was different from before the accident. As a result, it was confirmed that each power was greatly reduced in the graph of the effective and reactive power of the accident section, and it was confirmed that the loss occurred as the power of the accident section was greatly reduced.
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