pISSN : 1017-2548 / eISSN : 2234-8530
About JKCS

Journal of the Korean Chemical Society has been published since 1949 as the official research journal of the Korean Chemical Society. It is now published bimonthly.


Journal of the Korean Chemical Society accepts creative research papers in all fields of pure and applied chemistry including chemical education written by in Korean and English. All submitted manuscripts are peer-reviewed.


  • Physical Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Macromolecular Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Chemical Education

Latest Publication   (Vol. 70, No. 1, Feb.  2026)

Comparative Study on pH-Dependent Photocatalytic Degradation of 4-Nitrophenol using ZnO-Based Photocatalyst
Eungyu Jo  Inseok Ham  Han-Kyu Choi
The photo-Fenton-like degradation of pollutants is dependent on the pH of solution. Here, we synthesized pristine ZnO nanorods, silver nanoparticle (AgNPs), and Ag-decorated ZnO (Ag/ZnO) composites. These materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy. Their catalytic activities were evaluated for the photo-Fenton-like degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) under visible-light irradiation at pH 4 and 7. Pristine ZnO nanorods exhibited higher catalytic activity than the Ag/ZnO composite at pH 4, while this trend reversed at pH 7. This pH-dependent reversal is attributed to the interplay between the catalyst's surface charge and the speciation of 4-NP into its phenolate form. These findings demonstrate that the key factor for enhanced photocatalytic performance is not the noble metal decoration itself, but rather the interfacial charge and dominant reactive species.
Isomer-Dependent Excited-State Dynamics of Anthracene Dinaphthyl Derivatives
Hyerim Kim  Minyoung Kim  Myungsam Jen  Jong Min Lim
We systematically investigate the photophysical properties of positional isomers of dinaphthyl anthracenes (ADNs) in toluene. Among three ADNs, progressive red-shifting and vibronic broadening in steady-state absorption and emission spectra with increasing 2-substitution indicate changes in effective electronic delocalization and conformational heterogeneity. The fluorescence intensity increases modestly from 1,1-ADN to 2,2-ADN, reflecting the sensitivity of emissive properties to substituent orientation. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy reveals pronounced isomer-dependent excited-state dynamics. Although the excited-state absorption (ESA) features remain largely comparable, the ground-state bleaching and stimulated emission (GSB/SE) signals exhibit significant variations in intensity and kinetics. Particularly, isomers with stronger GSB/SE signals display a distinct rise component on the tens-of-picoseconds timescale, consistent with the gradual formation of a more emissive excitedstate configuration. These results establish a direct link between substituent geometry and excited-state relaxation pathways, providing insights into the molecular design of anthracene-based emissive materials for OLED applications.
Highly Efficient Removal of Pd (II) From Wastewater Using A New A Modified Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes: Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Approach
Milad Abniki  Nilofar Tajodini  Ali Moghimi  Ebrahim Balali
The current study was presented a plain, and highly sensitive to remove Pd (II) from wastewater. A modified magnetic multiwall carbon nanotubes with chitosan (Methionine-Chi/MWCNTs-COOH/Fe₃O₄) was created. Through coordination and chelation with the –NH2, –COOH, and –S groups of methionine/chitosan, it achieved 170.5mg g⁻¹ capacity via chemisorption (pseudo-second-order kinetics) using CCD optimization (pH 6.0, 48 mg adsorbent, 15 min contact time, 11 mL eluent). Pd (II) can be effectively removed from actual industrial effluents using this spontaneous and exothermic process. The results indicated that the Langmuir model offered a superior fit for the isotherm data when compared to models of the Freundlich and Temkin. Additionally, the kinetic data showed excellent agreement with the model of pseudo-second-order adsorption. Both physical and chemical adsorption processes were involved, as shown by the negative ΔH values. Overall, the results indicate that Methionine-Chi/MWCNTs-COOH/Fe₃O₄ exhibits strong potential as an adsorbent material for selective Pd (II) removal from industrial effluents.
A Comparative Analysis of Beginning and Experienced Secondary Science Teachers' Recognition and Implementation of Learning objectives
Minjung Kim  Jihun Park  Jeonghee Nam
This study explored secondary science teachers' awareness of and ability to implement learning objectives. A questionnaire consisting of three areas — recognition, setting, and implementing learning objectives — was developed and administered to teachers, who were then categorized as beginning or experienced. The results showed that, regardless of their experience, most teachers recognized the importance of learning objectives and utilized them in lesson design and implementation. However, they valued curriculum concepts more than learning objectives and were more likely to present learning objectives directly. Experienced teachers were more likely to focus on the curriculum, set their own learning goals, and use student achievement of learning goals to inform the design of the next lesson. In contrast, beginning teachers were less likely to set learning objectives. They organized their lessons around textbooks and used learning objectives primarily for feedback. They also tended to prefer teacher-centered lessons due to difficulty dealing with various situations that may arise in class and lack of time. They were more likely to present learning objectives clearly and directly in class and less likely to allow students to find their own.
Analysis of Learning Objectives in Pre-service Secondary Science Teachers’ Lesson Planning and Implementation
Geonhee Park  Jeonghee Nam
This study aimed to examine the characteristics of learning objectives established by pre-service secondary science teachers during lesson planning and implementation and how these objectives were reflected in actual classroom instruction. Twenty-four fourth-year students majoring in chemistry education at a college of education participated in this research. Data included lesson plans, teaching videos and interviews, which were analyzed qualitatively. The analysis identified two distinct types of perceptions regarding learning objectives. Differences in these perceptions were associated with variations in the coherence between learning objectives and other instructional components when designing and implementing lessons. Most learning objectives were formulated based on textbooks and teacher guides with a predominant focus on ‘knowledge and understanding’ while objectives related to ‘processes’ or ‘attitudes’ were rarely included. In lesson implementation, five types of instructional patterns were identified based on the manner in which learning objectives were introduced and shared with students. However, the overall alignment between learning objectives and assessment practices was found to be weak. These results suggest that while pre-service teachers are aware of the importance of objective-centered lesson design, they face challenges in applying this understanding consistently across all instructional components.
An Analysis of the Structure and Content of Sinpyeon Hwahak (1907) and Its Historical Significance in Korean Science Education
Jihye Kim  Dahye Park  Jongseok Park
This study analyzes the structure, content, and linguistic features of Sinpyeon Hwahak (新編化學), a chemistry textbook published in 1907, to explore its significance in the history of Korean science education. Compiled by Ahn Hyeong-jung and edited by Hyun Gong-ryeom, it represents an early attempt to introduce modern chemistry during the Korean Empire period. The textbook systematically presents basic chemical concepts such as elements, molecules, and reactions in Part I, and applies them to practical chemistry in Part II. It employs a logical conceptual sequence and Sino-Korean terminology familiar to learners. Linguistically, it shows a transitional mixture of Sino-Korean terms, Japanese translation patterns, and Korean explanations. The use of 42 figures and 24 tables reflects an integrated approach linking theory, experiment, and practice. Sinpyeon Hwahak thus provided a foundation for modern chemical education in Korea.