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Advanced Materials for Next-Generation Secondary Batteries
Our lab conducts comprehensive research on electrode materials for next-generation lithium-ion and solid-state batteries. On the cathode side, we work with a range of materials including high-nickel NCM, lithium iron phosphate (LFP), and Li-rich layered oxide (LLO) cathodes, focusing on improving structural stability, capacity retention, and rate capability through surface coating, doping, and morphology control strategies. On the anode side, we develop silicon-based and graphite anode materials, addressing key challenges such as volume expansion, interfacial instability, and capacity fading through structural design and surface engineering approaches. Throughout this research, we place strong emphasis on understanding degradation mechanisms and structural evolution during cycling, employing advanced characterization techniques and in situ analysis to correlate electrochemical performance with structural and chemical changes, ultimately guiding the design of more durable and higher-performing battery materials.
Electrocatalysis for Water Electrolysis and Fuel Cells
Our lab focuses on the design and synthesis of high-performance electrocatalysts for clean energy conversion technologies, particularly water electrolysis and fuel cells. For hydrogen production via water splitting, we develop catalysts for both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), targeting improved activity, selectivity, and long-term stability under operating conditions. We engineer catalyst compositions, morphologies, and surface structures — including transition metal-based and carbon-supported systems — to lower overpotentials and enhance electron transfer kinetics. In parallel, we investigate oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for fuel cell applications, working to improve catalytic activity while reducing reliance on precious metals. Our approach integrates electrochemical performance evaluation with in-depth mechanistic analysis, including in situ and operando characterization, to reveal reaction pathways and active site behavior under real working conditions, providing insights that guide the development of next-generation electrocatalysts.
Photocatalysis for Energy and Environmental Applications
Our lab develops photocatalytic materials that harness solar energy for a diverse range of energy conversion and environmental remediation applications. A central focus is solar-driven hydrogen production via photocatalytic water splitting, where we design semiconductor-based photocatalysts with optimized band structures, heterojunctions, and cocatalyst modifications to enhance charge separation and light-harvesting efficiency. We also explore antibacterial photocatalysis, developing materials capable of generating reactive oxygen species under light irradiation to inactivate pathogens for water and surface disinfection applications. In addition, our research extends to CO₂ photoreduction and methanation, converting CO₂ into value-added fuels such as methane using solar energy, and to photocatalytic and photovoltaic materials for solar cells, aiming to improve light absorption and charge transport for higher energy conversion efficiency. Across these themes, we combine materials synthesis with detailed structural, optical, and electronic characterization to understand structure-activity relationships and guide rational photocatalyst design.
Thermal Catalysis and Functional Adsorption Materials
Beyond electro- and photocatalytic systems, our lab explores thermal catalytic processes for clean hydrogen production, including pathways toward turquoise hydrogen generation, which offers a low-carbon alternative to conventional hydrogen production routes. We investigate catalyst design and reaction mechanisms to improve conversion efficiency and product selectivity under thermal operating conditions. In addition, we develop functional adsorption materials tailored for gas capture applications, including NH3 adsorbents and CO2 adsorbents, with a focus on optimizing pore structure, surface chemistry, and adsorption capacity for environmental and industrial gas treatment applications. Across both research directions, we combine materials synthesis with detailed structural and surface characterization to understand the relationship between material properties and functional performance.
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