Research | e-Chemical Team

Research Areas

CO₂ Capture & Conversion

AI ML-Based Designing Capturing Agents and Thermocatalysis

We develop advanced technologies for capturing CO₂ from industrial flue gases and the atmosphere. Our work covers the full CCUS chain from novel sorbent and solvent development to integrated capture-conversion systems that directly transform captured CO₂ into valuable chemicals.

Direct air capture and flue gas separationNovel sorbent and solvent developmentSimultaneous CO₂ capture and electrochemical conversionCCUS process optimization and scale-up

CO₂ Electrolysis

Developing Electrocatalysts and Scalable Electrolyzers

The electrochemical conversion of CO₂ to high energy density fuels and valuable chemicals is a sustainable method for reducing CO₂ emissions and storing intermittent renewable electricity. Our studies focus on developing efficient electrocatalysts for both CO₂ reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, as well as designing scalable electrolyzer systems.

Noble metal-based electrocatalysts for OERNon-noble metal-based electrocatalysts for OER and CO₂RRElectrochemical devices and zero-gap electrolyzersScale-up and pilot demonstrations with industrial partners

Biomass Electrocatalysis

Electrocatalysis of Organic Molecules

We explore electrochemical routes to convert biomass-derived feedstocks into high-value chemicals, replacing energy-intensive thermochemical processes. Our work focuses on co-production of valuable organic chemicals to upgrade economic feasibility and versatility of e-chemical synthesis.

Converting furanic compounds into plastic monomersElectrocatalysts for alcohol oxidation reactionPaired electrolysis for maximum atom efficiencyElectrochemical decomposition of plastic wastes

Ion-Exchange Membranes

Functional Polymers for CO₂ Electrolysis

For the engineering of membrane electrode assembly devices, we develop highly ion-conducting and chemically stable solid polymer electrolytes. These ion-exchange polymers serve both as membranes and binders for gas-diffusion electrodes in zero-gap reactors.

Anion-exchange membranes for alkaline electrolysisBipolar membranes for CO₂ electrolysisIonomer engineering for catalyst-membrane interfacesStructure-property relationships via controlled synthesis

Process Engineering

System Design, Optimization, Multiscale modeling, TEA & LCA

We bridge the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and industrial implementation through rigorous process design, optimization, life-cycle assessment, and techno-economic analysis of electrochemical CO₂ conversion and hydrogenation processes.

CO₂ hydrogenation process designSimultaneous CO₂ capture and conversionFormic acid catalyst developmentPilot-scale demonstration research

in-situ/Operando Analysis

ATR-FTIR, Raman, Soft/Hard XAS, ICP-MS

We employ real-time analytical tools to investigate electrochemical catalytic reactions at the interface. ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopy probe molecular behavior at the electrode surface, while soft and hard XAS reveals catalyst structural evolution under operating conditions. Our group operates dedicated high-sensitivity instruments and a KIST-exclusive beamline at PAL.