Junwoo Park Group

Topics in Molecular Electronics

Quantum Scattering–Driven Conformational Change

We observed, for the first time, a phenomenon where incoherent charge transport via orbital-mediated transport to a molecular orbital alters conductance. We aim to identify the mechanism of this energy transfer phenomenon based on quantum scattering.

Molecular Memristors with Ultra-Low Power Consumption

The current generation of computers, designed with the von Neumann structure, faces limitations in computational speed and energy efficiency, rendering them inadequate for future technologies such as AI based on machine learning, 5G communication, and autonomous vehicles. We aim to develop next-generation neuromorphic devices using ultra-low-power molecular memristors.

Image credit: kishore kumar / Getty Images

Topics in Fluidic Computing Systems

Fluid-Based Neuromorphic Devices & Intuitive and Adaptive Learning

Running the world's fastest supercomputer consumes approximately 20 MW of energy, while the human brain performs equivalent operations using only about 20 W, which is comparable to the power needed to light a single bulb. We study semiconductors and novel memristors based on fluids for the development of next-generation computing devices that emulate brain functions.

Topics in Electrokinetic Phenomena

Ion–Electron Interactions at Solid-Liquid Interfaces

The physical and electrical structure of electric double layers at solid-liquid interface plays a crucial role in the principles of various fields (e.g., catalytic reactions, synthesis of nanomaterials, lithium-ion batteries, signal propagation at cell membrane, DNA folding), but has not yet been clearly identified. Our goal is to identify/characterize the interactions between solids and liquids (e.g., droplet kinetics and interfacial friction).

Water-Based Renewable Energy Devices

We first discovered a phenomenon in which ions in a moving droplet induce a charge flow on a semiconductor surface at the solid-liquid interface, and then demonstrated the application of this phenomenon in active renewable energy conversion devices (we named the devices 'ionovoltaic devices') driven by water movement. Many aspects of the molecular level interactions between the ions and the solid surface―the essence of this phenomenon―remained obscured. This project aims to unveil the principles of this interfacial phenomenon and to utilize its potential to develop next-generation energy devices and sensors.

Representative Publications

Electric Field-driven Conformational Changes in Molecular Memristor and Synaptic Behavior

Chanjin Lim†, Taegil Kim†, YoungJu Park, Daeho Kim, Chaeho Shin, Suji Ha, Jin-Liang Lin, Yuan Li*, Junwoo Park*

Adv. Sci., 2505016 (2025)

Controlled Hysteresis of Conductance in Molecular Tunneling Junctions

Junwoo Park†, Mohamad S Kodaimati†, Lee Belding, Samuel E Root, George C Schatz, George M Whitesides*

ACS Nano 16, 4206 (2022)

Rectification in molecular tunneling junctions based on alkanethiolates with bipyridine-metal complexes

Junwoo Park, Lee Belding, Li Yuan, Maral PS Mousavi, Samuel E Root, Hyo Jae Yoon, George M Whitesides*

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 143, 2156 (2021)

Ion specificity on electric energy generated by flowing water droplet

Junwoo Park, Suhwan Song, ChaeHo Shin, YoungJun Yang, Stefan Weber*, Eunji Sim*, Youn Sang Kim*

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 57, 2091 (2018)

Identification of droplet-flow-induced electric energy on electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structure

Junwoo Park, Suhwan Song, YoungJun Yang, Soon-Hyung Kwon, Eunji Sim*, Youn Sang Kim*

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 139, 10968 (2017)

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse