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

Our research group integrates multiscale modeling, machine learning, heuristics, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to design electrocatalysts for targeted electrochemical reactions. These computational approaches enable the prediction of electronic structures, adsorption properties, reaction pathways, catalytic activity, and selectivity prior to experimental synthesis. By combining computational predictions with experimental results, we identify promising catalyst compositions and structures, reduce trial-and-error in catalyst development, and elucidate the fundamental mechanisms responsible for enhanced catalytic performance. 

• Heuristics-guided catalyst screening

• Machine-learning-based performance prediction

• DFT analysis of catalytic activity and selectivity

• Reaction pathway and mechanism elucidation

• Rational design of high-performance electrocatalysts 

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 optimizing the ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) and urea oxidation reaction (UOR), we aim to establish a viable hydrogen-production pathway using ammonia and urea as hydrogen carriers because of their high hydrogen content and ease of storage and transportation. Our research focuses on designing and evaluating advanced catalysts that enable ammonia and urea oxidation at lower operating potentials and higher conversion efficiencies while minimizing harmful byproducts, such as nitrogen oxides. By combining experimental investigations with computational modeling, we elucidate reaction mechanisms and kinetics, enabling the rational optimization of catalytic materials and operating conditions..

• Development of highly selective and high-performance catalysts

• Improvement of catalyst stability and durability

• Development of electrolyzer systems for ammonia and urea cycles 

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

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.