Our research focuses on understanding the relationships among the molecular structure, self-assembly, nanoscale morphology, mechanical properties, and charge-carrier dynamics of polymer semiconductors. Based on this understanding, we develop optoelectronic devices that remain functional under complex mechanical deformation and organic photocatalytic systems that drive sustainable chemical reactions using solar energy.
Our research integrates molecular design, solution processing, morphology control in thin films and nanoparticles, interface engineering, charge-generation and transport analysis, and the evaluation of device and photocatalytic performance.
우리 연구실은 고분자 반도체의 분자구조와 박막·나노입자 구조가 광전기적·기계적 특성과 전하 동역학을 어떻게 결정하는지 연구합니다. 이러한 이해를 바탕으로 (1) 복잡한 기계적 변형 환경에서도 안정적으로 작동하는 광전자소자와 (2) 태양광을 이용해 지속가능한 화학반응을 구동하는 유기 광촉매를 개발합니다.
이를 위해 고분자 반도체의 분자 설계와 용액공정을 기반으로 박막과 나노입자의 구조 및 계면을 제어하고, 전하 동역학과 소자·광촉매 성능 사이의 상관관계를 규명합니다.
From Molecular Structures to Functional Nanostructures: We investigate how the chemical structures and intermolecular interactions of polymer semiconductors govern their self-assembly, crystallinity, molecular orientation, charge transport, and mechanical properties.
By tuning the conjugated backbone, side-chain architecture, molecular weight, and intermolecular interactions, we design semiconductor materials that combine high electronic performance with mechanical compliance. We also examine aggregation in solution and thin-film formation kinetics to establish clear relationships between molecular design, nanoscale structure, and material function.
Keywords
Polymer Semiconductors · Molecular Design ·Thin-Film Morphology · Charge Transport
Electronics That Bend, Stretch, and Adapt : We develop free-form optoelectronic devices that maintain stable operation under stretching, bending, folding, and other complex mechanical deformations.
By integrating polymer semiconductors, elastomers, flexible electrodes, and functional interlayers, we design device architectures that combine high optoelectronic performance with mechanical durability. In particular, we investigate the relationships among nanoscale morphology, stress distribution, crack formation, charge transport, and device degradation to establish design principles for mechanically robust electronic materials and devices.
Our research includes intrinsically stretchable organic solar cells, organic photodetectors, and wearable optoelectronic devices.
Keywords
Stretchable Electronics · Photovoltaics/Photodetectors · Thin-Film Mechanics
Organic Photocatalysts for Sustainable Chemical Reactions : We study polymer photocatalytic systems that use photogenerated electrons and holes in organic semiconductors to drive chemical reactions.
By controlling the molecular structures and compositions of polymer donors and acceptors, phase-separated structures within nanoparticles, surface exposure, and catalytic interfaces, we improve the generation, separation, transport, and chemical reactivity of photogenerated charges. Our research particularly focuses on solar-driven hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide production, oxygen reduction, and the selective oxidation of organic molecules.
By combining time-resolved spectroscopy with photocatalytic reaction analysis, we identify how photogenerated charges evolve and participate in chemical reactions, enabling the design of efficient and selective photocatalytic systems.
Keywords
Photocatalysis · Green Hydrogen · Solar Fuels · Charge-Carrier Dynamics