Smart Devices Team

Thermoelectric materials are semiconductors that can convert heat into electricity and vice versa, which can be used as renewable energy source and various functional devices. As a National Metrology Institute, we develop measurement systems to evaluate the energy conversion efficiency of thermoelectric materials at various scales (bulk, thin film, and nano) and study various phenomena that occur in multiscale systems, especially through the synthesis and measurement analysis of low-dimensional materials (nano and thin film).

We develop advanced electrode and electrolyte materials for next-generation batteries and explore their electrochemical energy storage mechanisms through advanced analysis techniques. Our research interests focus on the developments of high-energy layered oxide cathodes (Ni-rich NMC, Li-rich cathode...), lithium metal electrodes, and solid-state batteries (solid oxide electrolytes). We also develop advanced in-operando analysis (XRD, Raman...) methods and multiscale measurement platforms for battery materials ranging from single particle, electrodes to cell levels.

We develop highly active, stable, and low-cost electro- and photoelectrochemical (EC & PEC) hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts based on nanostructured transition metal-based sulfides/oxides/phosphides such as MoS2, MoP, MoO2, Co2O3, etc. We mainly approach efficient transition metal-based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts via hydrothermal and electrochemical synthesis for energy conversion applications. Our main focus is the development of efficient electrocatalysts for AEMWE. 

We develop gas-sensing devices operating at room temperature based on various 2D materials. In addition, we establish a novel strategy to enhance the gas sensing ability using heterostructure between the metal-oxide nanostructure and 2D materials. We also focus on the development of light-induced (visible, IR) chemoresistive gas sensors based on 2D  materials. Visible light illumination can help stable and high responsive operation at room temperature. The 2D materials-based chemoresistive gas sensors would be future applications in the electronic nose.