Research Area

ET (Energy and Environmental Technology)

1. Inorganic Materials for Separation and Reaction Laboratory

Inorganic Materials for Separation and Reaction (IMSR) group is carrying out researches about membranes and catalysts. Our overarching goal is to make defect-free and highly selective membranes with good reproducibility and to synthesize highly selective catalysts with great conversion and stability. Our current researches focus on understanding the working mechanisms induced by the structure of materials and achieving desired performances of membranes, adsorbents, and catalysts.

Researches on inorganic membrane;

• Elucidation of crystal growth
• Organic & inorganic complex membranes
• Fabrication of oriented membranes
• Scale up of membranes for industrial-level gas and/or liquid separation process

Researches on inorganic adsorbents and catalysts;

• Highly stable adsorbents with large capacity
• Control of reaction rates in hierarchically structured catalyst
• Modification of catalyst’s chemical and physical characteristics for improving catalytic performance
• Mass production of catalysts for industrial application

Homepage : http://imsr.korea.ac.kr

2. Nano Energy Convergence System Laboratory

The research activity of our group is focused on the structure and morphology design of nano-energy materials for the application to the future energy convergence systems. Especially, we have been developing the multiscale nano-building blocks including polymers, ceramics, metals, and semi-conductors to efficiently manipulate the various types of energy because such nanomaterials can exhibit prominent electronic, optical, and catalytic properties. Currently we are studying next generation solar energy conversion and storage systems.

Research Area :

• Next-generation solar cells : Perovskite solar cells, QD solar cells, Inorganic solar cells
• Optoelectronic devices : Perovskite LEDs, Photodetectors
• Nano energy convergence system : Thermoelectric, Piezoelectric, Triboelectric
• Synthesis of advanced functional nanomaterials
• Design and synthesis of nano energy materials
• Colloidal photonic crystals

Homepage : http://necs.korea.ac.kr/

3. Molecular Design Laboratory

Dr Kang’s primary research area is on the molecular thermodynamics and molecular modeling. He joined the project for developing KDB (Korea thermophysical properties Data Bank) from 1995 to 1997 and he is also responsible for later maintenance and further development of KDB. From 2007, he became general manager of Data Center for Thermophysical Properties which is supported by Korean Government. Based on thermodynamics and physical properties database, MDL(Molecular Design Laboratory) extends research fields in various industrial applications.

• Crystallization Processes
• Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC)
• Properties of CO2 for CCS Processes
• Collaboration with industry in the field of thermodynamics and its applications

Homepage : http://cbemdl.com/

4. Molecular Modeling and Simulation Lab

Molecular Modeling and Simulation group under Professor Sang Kyu Kwak is focused on theoretical researches about physico-chemical phenomena and diverse properties towards rational design of novel materials to solve global issues related to energy and environmental field through advanced multiscale molecular simulation method. Our research field covers green energy, battery, and environmental materials. Representative works on green energy are about high-efficiency solar cell and high-performance photocatalyst. Our works related to battery materials include the development of their components to design high energy density and high stability battery cells. Our research on environmental materials emphasizes on functional materials with high selectivity and sensitivity for processes such as gas separation and desalination.

Research Area :

• Solar cell (Perovskite, Organic materials)
• Photocatalyst (ORR, OER, HER)
• Battery materials (Active materials, Electrolytes, Additive, Cathode, Anode)
• Phase equilibria, gas separation, desalination
• Chemical, physical reactions

Homepage : http://kmsl.korea.ac.kr/

5. Sustainable & Environmental Materials Lab

The research of our lab is focused on developing advanced organic or hybrid materials for securing clean water and environment and saving energy in a sustainable manner. In particular, we are devising novel nanoscale architecturing methods and employing them to create thin films and membrane materials with high performance, excellent durability and unique functions along with elucidating the underlying fundamentals of material structure-property-performance relationship. Our research topics include the fabrication of membranes for water purification, desalination, biochemical separation and gas separation, design of antifouling and self-cleaning surfaces and characterization of nanoscale and interfacial properties.

Homepage : http://omsl.korea.ac.kr

6. Energy Materials and Processes Laboratory

The Energy Materials and Processes Laboratory (EMPL), founded by Professor Ki Bong Lee in 2009, has worked on separation technologies such as adsorption, membrane separation, solvent extraction, etc. for the application to energy and environmental fields. Particularly, EMPL has interest in novel separation-enhanced reaction processes where separation and reaction can be carried out simultaneously in a single unit, resulting in overcoming of thermodynamic limitation and the development of compact and economical processes.

EMPL has focused on three topics: hydrogen production, greenhouse gas mitigation, and heavy oil upgrading. In the hydrogen research, sorption-enhanced reaction processes, where hydrogen production reaction and by-product CO2 removal by sorption are performed simultaneously, have been developed. For greenhouse gas mitigation, high-temperature CO2 sorbents such as hydrotalcite, double salt, and sodium zirconate are newly developed. Also, new porous carbon materials are developed from various precursors for adsorption of CO2 and non-CO2 gases like CF4. Heavy oil upgrading studies are targeting efficient utilization of oil sand bitumen and vacuum residues. Among many upgrading processes, solvent deasphalting and fast pyrolysis processes are studied. Recently, studies on adsorption of NOx, sulfur compounds, and Cu ions have started.

Homepage : https://www.kuempl.com

7. Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Laboratory

Catalysis and reaction engineering group, led by Prof. Kwan-Young Lee, studies a wide range of applications of heterogeneous catalysis for production of high-value chemicals, energy conversion, and environmental protection. Specifically, our current research interests include studying catalytic routes and materials for 1) extra-heavy crude oil upgrading to address impending lighter oil exhaustion and global energy crisis, 2) methane conversion into BTX (benzene-toluene-xylene), high-value petrochemicals used in a variety of applications and in large volumes, 3) direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen, which is a green oxidant widely used in industrial and household sectors alike, and 4) combustion of PM in vehicle exhaust emissions to reduce air pollution and protect the ever-threatened environment of the 21st century.

Unlike precedent research on catalyst, current research trend in catalysis relies heavily on density functional theory (DFT) calculations that allow for investigation of fundamental mechanisms of catalytic behaviors and nanoparticle synthesis technology that draw out and employ different physical and chemical properties of catalyst materials in nanoscale. By taking advantage of the DFT calculations and metal nanoparticle encapsulation techniques, we aim to lead and conduct advanced research on heterogeneous catalysis.

Homepage : http://catalysis.korea.ac.kr

8. Reaction Engineering and Microsystem laboratory

The reaction engineering & microsystem laboratory is founded by professor Kwang Ho Song. Micro-reaction technology is main research topic in microsystem laboratory. In particular, studies are being conducted on the design of an optimal micro-reactor and micro-mixer for various reactions. Micro-reactor has tremendous benefits comparing with common type Batch reactor and is a promising concept in the future.

• Microreaction Technology & Microreactor Design
• Continuous Flow Microreactor Technology
• Gas-Liquid Dispersion using Micromixer
• Micromixer-polymer particles
• Microreactor – Transparent Polymers
• Process Intensification
• Fuel Cells

Homepage : http://microche.korea.ac.kr

9. Process System Engineering Laboratory

The Process System Engineering Laboratory was founded in 1994 at the department of chemical and biological engineering, Korea University. Process system engineering is the study about systematic methodology for chemical process design, process control and optimization. Our researches are based on the unification of the field work and the theoretical estimation of physical and chemical phenomena. We analyze the relationship between the theory and the actual process, specify the process system and establish the mathematical model, optimize and control the system.

Process modeling and system analysis is essential to improve product quality and save the energy and cost by simulating and optimizing of system. Our current activities focus on the desalination system modeling and optimization, the hybrid osmosis system development and the pure material extraction system design.

Homepage : http://pse.korea.ac.kr

10. Electrochemical Energy Laboratory

The Electrochemical Energy Laboratory, under the supervision of Professor Seung-Ho Yu, focuses on designing and developing new materials at the nanoscale level to be applied to electrochemical devices. These include but are not restrained to electrodes in secondary batteries (lithium-ion, lithium-metal, lithium-sulfur, and sodium-ion batteries) and electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells. We are also interested in mechanistic studies of rechargeable battery electrodes using operando synchrotron X-ray based methods (such as X-ray phase contrast imaging, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction and so on), and in-situ/cryogenic electron microscopy.

Homepage : http://yu.korea.ac.kr

11. Advanced Battery & Electrochemical Catalysts Lab

The Moon Research Group, led by Professor Jun Hyuk Moon, strives to advance next-generation battery technology and pioneer electrochemical catalyst systems. Our passion is to discover new electrode materials and architectures for Li-S batteries that refine their ion/electron dynamics. We also explore solid-state battery systems that offer high stability and energy density. Moreover, we investigate electrochemical catalysts as a more fundamental study. Our goal is to develop innovative catalysts that exhibit differentiated dynamics and multifunctionality from existing catalysts, targeting applications such as the extraction of hydrogen from water and the decomposition of greenhouse gases such as methane. We participate in innovative projects such as the Samsung Future Technology Project. We also collaborate with overseas institutions including Harvard University, University of Minnesota, Brookhaven National Lab, as well as leading energy companies such as LG Energy Solution.

Homepage : http://moonlab.korea.ac.kr

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/ql7DaxFUT9Y

12. Energy Process Systems Engineering Lab

The goal of research in Prof. Won’s group is to develop theory, models, and solution algorithms for problems in the general area of Process Systems Engineering. Research interests include (1) process synthesis, (2) control, (3) optimization, (4) analyses such as techno-economic evaluation, life cycle assessment, and inter-industry analysis. These studies play a crucial role in addressing climate change and developing renewable energy resources, thereby facilitating the energy transition of our society.

Major research topics:

– All value-chains of H2 industries: production, transportation, and utilization

– Sustainable fuels and chemicals: biomass-based biofuels and chemicals, biodegradable plastic, waste-to-energy

– CO2 capture and utilization: pressure swing adsorption, amine-based absorption, membrane

– AI-based modeling and optimization

– Life cycle assessment for circular economy, carbon neutralization, and GHG reduction

Homepage : https://wwon.korea.ac.kr

NT (Nanotechnology)

1. Frontier Interfaces Group Laboratory

Research interests of Ahn Group include nano-to-macro scale molecular and supramolecular assemblies, surface engineering, and nanobiotechnology.
Toward fundamental knowledge, we investigate molecular-level interaction of chemical and biological materials. Both nanoscale experiments and dynamic simulations are valuable tools of our investigation. The role of interfacial water molecules in chemo-bio interactions is one of the key issues in our laboratory.
In applied regime, we develop rapid on-site detection devices for chemicals of environmental and safety issues, and ultra-sensitive label-free diagnostic sensors for DNAs, proteins, and cells. Our devotion aims at creation of essential technologies for the construction of internet-of-sensors. A recent example is to enable OLED materials to function biological recognition, for the first time.
Our group’s scientific contributions have been published in high-profile journals including Science, J. Am. Chem. Soc., Adv. Mater., Acc. Chem. Res., Nat. Commun., and others, as well as in international intellectual properties.

Our Research area is as follows:

• Interfacial Engineering
• Self- & Kinetic-Assembled Architectures
• Optoelectronic Conjugated Supramolecules for Nanosensing
• Biorecognitive OLED Materials
• Inkjet-Printing Technology for Single-Object Assay
• Engineering for Translational Nanomedicine
• Antifreeze DNA-Based Nanostructures
• Nanoscale Dynamics Simulations

Homepage : http://ahngroup.korea.ac.kr

2. Optoelectronics, Photonics & Energy Laboratory

Our group is playing with colloidal quantum dot (CQD) and emerging hybrid semiconductors for various types of device such as optoelectronics (sensing and emission), photonics and energy conversion device. We especially focus on the interaction between light and nano-sized matter and explore their photo-physics via theoretical simulation and experiments. Based on our new findings, we eventually propose the way to apply our new strategies to the upcoming next generation industrial fields such as diagnosis, autonomous driving, virtual reality and IoT (internet of things).

Here are detail fields of research interest as below:

• Synthesis of colloidal quantum dots and characterizations
• Building hybrid platform: CQD with organic/inorganic semiconductors
• Optical sensor & light emitting devices
• Solar energy conversion and low energy collection
• Photonic structures
• Optoelectronics simulations (SCAPS, Lumerical FDTD and etc)

Homepage : http://opel.xehub.net/

3. Nano-structured Organic Materials Research Laboratory

The Nano-structured Organic Materials Research Laboratory, under the supervision of Professor Joona Bang, carries out research on various block copolymers and their applications. We design monomers, polymerize them using various methods of polymerization such as RAFT polymerization, ATRP, anionic polymerization, ROP, and ROMP. These polymers are then processed to be used in various fields including block copolymer nanolithography, organic nanoparticles synthesis, epoxy toughening, quantum dots and anti-fouling materials. In addition to lab work, our lab also performs computational simulations based on field theory and a particle-based model to predict the behavior of macromolecules.

Our Research area is summarized as follows:

• Synthesis of various functionalized monomers
• Living radical polymerization (RAFT polymerization, NMP, ATRP, ROMP, anionic polymerization)
• Synthesis of architecturally diverse polymers (star, bottlebrush, single chain nanoparticles, etc.)
• Directed self-assembly of block copolymers
• Advanced block copolymer nanolithography using non-linear block copoymers
• Block copolymer nanocomposites
• Anti-adhesion surface by monolayer coating
• Photoluminescence quantum dots

Homepage : https://kunom3837.iwinv.net/

4. Nano Materials & Functional Thin Film Laboratory

Nano Materials & Functional Thin Film Lab under supervisor of Prof. Jinhan Cho has focused on the development of novel layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly approach as well as the fabrication of LbL-assembled thin film applications using various adsorption mechanism and surface chemistry. For this goal, all the graduate students in our research group are studying (1) the surface chemistry of polymers, (2) the synthesis and surface modification of metal (or metal oxide) nanoparticles and carbon-based materials (carbon nanotube and reduced graphene oxide), (3) the interface control through complementary interactions (electrostatic interaction, hydrogen-bonding, and covalent interactions), and (4) the device physics of thin film-based target applications. Up to date, our group have developed a variety of novel LbL-assembly approaches called as ligand exchange LbL, ligand addition LbL, amphiphilic LbL, small molecule-mediated LbL assembly. Recently, our group have developed the multifunctional colloids, the nonvolatile memory devices, the triboelectric devices, the supercapacitor, and the batteries that can exhibit the higher performance through our novel LbL assemblies.

What is LbL assembly ?

LbL assembly method offers diverse opportunities to prepare organic/organic and/or organic/inorganic nanocomposite films with tailored optical, magnetic, biological and electrical properties. An important advantage of this method is that it enables the preparation of films with controlled thickness, composition and functionality on substrates of different size and shape. Additionally, various inorganic nanoparticles as well as organic components can be inserted within LbL films through complementary interactions (i.e., electrostatic, hydrogen-bonding, or covalent interaction).

Research area of our group is as follows:

• Synthesis of nanomaterials
• Development of Novel LbL-assembly and nanocomposite multilayer films
• Thin film based-functional Colloids
• Nonvolatile memory devices
• Triboelectric devices
• Supercapacitor
• Batteries

Homepage : http://uflab.korea.ac.kr

5. Surface Nano Fabrication Laboratory

The research aim of Surface Nano Fabrication Laboratory (SNFL) is to establish a practical fabrication technology for wirelessly operated wearable electronics via integration of wireless energy generator, energy storage device, and bio-environmental sensors on a single deformable substrate. For this, we conduct research on (1) developing high-efficiency, flexible solar cell as a wireless energy generating device and a wireless power receiving device using a coil antenna, (2) devising high-performance supercapacitors, (3) fabricating multi-functional sensors with visual display, and (4) integrating all the device elements on a single deformable polymer substrate which is skin-attachable.

Detailed research area is as follows :

• Interfacial Engineering
• Carbon material-based stretchable supercapacitor
• Transient supercapacitor
• Stretchable/wearable multi-functional sensor
• Electrochromic device
• Near-field power transmission device
• Flexible solar cell
• Nanopores

Homepage : http://surfnano.korea.ac.kr

6. Molecular Modeling and Simulation Lab

Molecular Modeling and Simulation group under Professor Sang Kyu Kwak is focused on theoretical researches about physico-chemical phenomena and diverse properties towards rational design of novel nanomaterials for various applications through advanced multiscale molecular simulation method. Our research field covers nanomaterials and catalysis. Representative works are about mechanical and thermodynamic properties of carbon-based functional materials (e.g., graphene, nanotube, and covalent framework), nanoparticles, and plasmonic materials for sensor application. Our works also include various catalytic reactions on those nanomaterials such as hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions, oxygen reduction reaction, hydrogenation, and superoxide disproportionation.

Detailed research area is as follows :

• Multidimensional carbon, carbon neutrality (CCUS)
• Molecular machine
• Nanoparticles (Hard, Soft)
• Catalysts
• Nanocomposite materials

Homepage : http://kmsl.korea.ac.kr/

IT (Information Technology)

1. Microfluidic Process and Biopolymer Laboratory

The microfluidic process and biopolymer laboratory, founded by Professor Ki Wan Bong, is engaged in research on the synthesis, assembly, and analysis of 3D soft matter architectures. Using microfluidic-assisted fabrication methods and biocompatible materials, we have built complex 3D structures for use with in vitro diagnostics and in vivo therapeutics.

Our research areas include:

• Flow Lithography
• Particle technology for biomedical applications
• Droplet-based microfluidics
• Bio-micro electro mechanical systems (BioMEMs)
• Biopolymers
• Soft lithography and patterning
• Nanoparticle synthesis

Homepage : https://www.bongresearchgroup.kr

2. Complex Fluids Engineering Laboratory

Complex Fluids Engineering Laboratory (CFEL, Prof. Hyun Wook Jung) focuses on rheology and rheological processes based on theoretical modeling, simulation, and experiments. CFEL’s research fields are shown below.

• Nonlinear dynamics/stability/sensitivity in polymer processes
• Fundamental coating and drying processes
• Micro-rheology using Brownian dynamics and light scattering techniques
• Chemorheology and crosslinking characteristics of organic coatings
• Suspension rheology
• Macro-/micro-scale computations of exhaust gas flows inside porous filters

CFEL contributed to the product quality control and productivity enhancement in polymer extensional deformation processes such as film casting and film blowing, exhibiting Hopf bifurcation features. CFEL also established the key strategy for uniform coating flow control and operability windows in pre-metered coating processes which have been importantly applied in IT industries manufacturing display films, Li-ion secondary batteries, and fuel cells. CFEL elucidated the relationship between curing kinetics and mechanical properties of dual-curable organic coatings for automotive applications. Employing various light scattering techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS), and multi-speckle DWS, CFEL have investigated the micro-rheological aspects in particulate suspension systems. Through Brownian dynamics simulations and related microfluidic experiments, CFEL clarified the migration and conformation of polyelectrolyte/biological polymer chains in various flow fields. CFEL recently performed macro/microscopic simulations for diesel particulate filters and developed coating technologies of catalytic slurries.

Homepage : http://cfel.korea.ac.kr

3. Quantum material and semiconductor thin film lab

Our lab aims to design and grow semiconductor/quantum material thin films that can be utilized for applications in next-generation semiconductor and quantum devices. Typically, this starts from the process of selecting a material appropriate for a specific application, based on its electronic properties that derive from band theory. Once a target material is chosen, it is deposited in thin film form using chemical vapor/atomic layer deposition. Following process optimization to achieve high quality, these films are used to fabricate functional devices such as transistors, capacitors, qubits, etc., and their performance is characterized. Research in our lab covers all the aspects mentioned above, with a specific thrust application in mind. Some examples are given below.

Research thrust areas

• Neuromorphic computing
• Biological sensors
• Wide band gap semiconductors
• Reaction chemistry in ALD/CVD
• Memory/High-k dielectrics
• Novel qubit architectures

Homepage : https://sites.google.com/view/qsemithin/home