Research

Our research group has studied nanostructured electrocatalysts for efficient energy conversion to generate high-valued chemicals and reduce environmental pollutants. To develop the appropriate electrocatalysts for specific energy conversion reactions, we have focused on the catalytic properties utilizing electrochemical tests and multiscale modeling and calculation. Based on these data, we have synthesized electrocatalysts with enhanced efficiency.

• Water Electrolysis for Green Hydrogen Production

• N2 Reduction Reaction (NRR)

• CO2 Reduction Reaction (CO2RR)

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Oxidation Reaction
  (ex.,  Urea, Ammonia)

• Fuel Cell

We have developed new electrodes for increasing energy storage efficiency including power density, energy density, and cycle life. To come up with a novel and proper electrode, our approach is to study the storage properties through various morphological and physicochemical analyses and multiscale modeling and calculation. Based on these insights, we have designed new electrodes to build a high-performance energy storage system for the future.

• Supercapacitor

• Hybrid Supercapacitor

Artificial photosynthesis, which is inspired by natural photosynthesis, has been considered as the solution to solve both environmental and fuel problems. We have been investigated the fundamental mechanism and the various application of photo-electrocatalysts to enhance the performance of conventional electrocatalysts.

• Photoelectrochemical Reaction

• Photoelectrochemical N2 Reduction Reaction

• Upconverting Nanoparticle

Our research group has utilized computational modeling and calculation to design the approximate electrocatalysts for target reactions. Based on these data, we could synthesize the specific materials, which are assumed to have superior catalytic properties. Contrariwise, these computational calculations could uncover the forbidden reaction mechanism between the electrocatalyst and the target reaction, and support the reason why the electrocatalyst has an outstanding performance of the reaction.

• Heuristics

• Machine Learning

• Density Functional Theory (DFT) Calculation

Proton-conducting materials are a class of solid-state ion-conducting materials that demonstrate significant proton conductivity at moderate temperatures (e.g., 100–600 °C). By enabling proton-mediated electrochemistry under both dry and humid environments, proton-conducting materials provide unique opportunities for enhancing or synergizing a variety of complementary electrochemical and thermochemical processes. Because of this potential, our research group has been devoted to developing new proton-conducting materials with application-oriented insights.

• Synthesis of proton conducting materials

• Fabrication of proton conducting membrane  

• Synthesis of appropriate catalysts with specific activities (e.g., ammonia synthesis, and CO2 hydrogenation) and compatibility with other components of protonic ceramic devices

• Development for protonic ceramic electrochemical reactors for N2 Reduction Reaction (NRR), CO2 Reduction Reaction (CO2RR), Fuel Cell, etc.

The aqueous secondary batteries have gained attention as promising energy storage devices due to their safety and cost-effectiveness. With the development of efficient catalysts for the cathode, various configurations of secondary battery systems, such as Metal-Air, Metal-N2, and Metal-I2, can be designed. Because of this potential, our research group has been devoted to developing next-generation aqueous batteries.

• Fabrication of highly efficient Redox catalyst for aqueous secondary batteries 

• Development of high selectivity catalyst for long-term stable battery cycling 

• Development of passivation layer for highly stable anode

By utilizing DFT, we can model and predict the electronic structure and properties of various catalytic materials at the atomic level. This allows us to systematically explore the potential energy surfaces and reaction pathways, identifying optimal catalyst compositions and structures that minimize energy barriers and maximize reaction rates. Our research group has been devoted to discovering and optimize new catalysts but also provides deep insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing catalytic activity

• Outlook of various electrochemical catalyst performances

• Prediction of electrocatalytic selectivity performances 

• Definement of catalytic mechanisms of state-of-art catalysts

 Incorporating porous materials enhances ionic conductivity and increases the surface area for electrochemical reactions, resulting in improved battery performance and safety. Our approach involves synthesizing and characterizing novel porous frameworks that can serve as solid electrolytes or electrode materials, ensuring stability and compatibility within the battery architecture. Our research and development on solid-state batteries utilizing porous materials aim to revolutionize energy storage technology by addressing the limitations

• Synthesis of highly porous and high ionic conductivity materials 

• Enhancement of electrode-electrolyte interfaces

• Prolonging the cycle life of batteries and enhancement of stability

By optimizing the AOR process, we aim to create a viable pathway for hydrogen production that leverages ammonia as a hydrogen carrier, due to its high hydrogen content and ease of storage and transport. Our research involves designing and testing advanced catalysts that can facilitate the oxidation of ammonia at lower temperatures and higher conversion rates, while minimizing the production of harmful byproducts such as nitrogen oxides. Through a combination of experimental investigations and computational modeling, we gain insights into the reaction mechanisms and kinetics, enabling us to fine-tune the catalytic materials and reaction conditions..

• Development of enhanced reaction selectivity and high-performance catalysts

• Stability and durability improvement for efficient catalysis

• Development of an electrolyzer system for  ammonia cycle