Department of Energy Systems Research

Quantum Information Energy Science

Nano Materials and Devices for Information Display Laboratory(NMD)

Our research interests include fabrication and analysis of nanodevices utilizing new nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and semiconducting nanowires. Development and utilization of nanocharacterization methods using atomic force micrscopy are another research topic in the lab.

1. Fabrication of nanodevices and their characterization - Synthesis of carbon nanotube, graphene, semiconducting nanowires
   - Nanotransistor, chemical/biological sensors, nanophotonic device, flexible device

2. Nanocharacterization - Topographic and electrical imaging with high spatial resolution with atomic force microscopy
   - Functional imaging of nanodevices using atomic force microscopy

Computational Quantum Materials Laboratory

We use theoretical and computational methods to understand and design quantum materials from first-principles. Current research interests include materials platforms for quantum technologies such as spin qubits, single-photon emitters, and hybrid quantum systems. We investigate the dynamics of quantum spins in solids and machine-learning-based approaches to solid-state quantum information science.

Nano Opto-Electronics Laboratory

Fiber Lasers & Photonic Device Laboratory

Ultrafast Fiber Lasers and Devices Lab (UFLD Lab._) conducts the research on ultrafast lasers and related photonic devices. Currently we investigates cost-effective ultrafast fiber lasers and novel micro/nano photonics devices based on nano-materials including carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene. Based on our fundamental research, the applications to ultra-fine optical frequency metrology and novel bio-imaging applications are considered.

Nano-electronic Functional Materials Laboratory

Complex Oxide Physics Laboratory

The research of our group covers a broad range of heteroepitaxy of complex oxides and their characterizations. We "design" and actually "build" various thin film heterostructures of metal oxides, expecting something surprising. Whenever a correlated oxide, such as transition metal oxides, forms an interface with a different oxide material, the strong electronic correlation at the interface results in subtle effects on the atomic structures as well as the change of physical properties. Such subtle effects can lead to a completely new ground state, not present in typical semiconductors. Our interest also includes the device applications of epitaxial oxide thin film heterostructures, for example, ferroelectric tunnel junctions, memristors, and quantum transistors based on 2-dimensional electron/ hole gas at the interface.

Energy Chemistry

Electrochemical Materials & System Design Laboratory

In the Electrochemical Materials & System Design Laboratory, "(1) research on next-generation secondary batteries to improve energy density, eco-friendly characteristics, and price competitiveness", and "(2) research on hydrogen fuel cells and catalyst materials for water electrolysis, which are key systems in the hydrogen energy industry. and "(3) research on recycling to solve the problem of energy resource depletion" are being conducted.

In addition, we are conducting research on the development of various electrode and electrolyte materials and battery systems without limiting the scope, and based on this, we are trying to expand into new research fields.

Catalysis for Energy and Environment And Surface Science Laboratory

Energy Utilization Lab. in the Department of Energy Systems Research at Ajou University, is a laboratory in which various chemical processes that occur at gas-solid interface are being studied from the point of energy storage and utilization. Our research interests are in photocatalytic and thermal reactions on oxide systems, structure-reactivity relation in heterogeneous oxide catalysis, shape-controlled growth of oxide nanocrystals for photocatalysis and solar cells, and metal alloy systems for catalysis, batteries and hydrogen storage.

Molecular Probes and Bioimaging Laboratory

Research in our group is focused on two major fields: i) bio-imaging probes and ii) nonlinear optical materials. i) Our lab uses molecular design, organic synthesis, and bioimaging approaches to create new chemical methods such as small molecule fluorescent probes and bioimaging tools for studying fundamental aspects and early diagnosis of human disorders. ii) We also pursue a variety of nonlinear optical and two-photon absorption materials for possible applications in opto-electronics and multi-photon microscopy.

Solid State Chemistry Laboratory

Green Catalysis Laboratory

Green Catalysis Lab conducts research on development of new catalysts and catalytic reactions under environmentally benign conditions. Mainly, we have investigated CO2 utilization technologies and TiO2 photocatalytic reactions. Graduate students have an opportunity to learn synthetic organic chemistry specialized in green catalytic reactions, which can be applied to many industrial processes.

Energy Chemical Engineering

Reaction Design Laboratory

Soft Matter and Microfluidics Laboratory

Advanced Organic Device Laboratory

Plasma Processing&Application Laboratory

Process Systems Engineering Laboratory

Research objective: To develop mathematical models for chemical and biological reactions/processes to provide useful information on governing behaviors and determine the optimal reaction conditions.

Research fields include:

1. Kinetics and reactor modeling, analysis, and optimization

   • Development of catalytic reaction mechanism
   • Kinetics modeling with parameter estimation
   • Reactor modeling and analysis (lab- and pilot-scale, micro-reactors)
   • Process modeling and optimization

2. Modeling of large-scale processes

   • Modeling of a MeOH synthesis process (mixed reforming + MeOH synthesis)
   • Pre-combustion CCS with membranes (collaboration with KIER)
   • Modeling of a fluidized bed reactor for dry-based CCS process
   • Modeling and control (MPC) of a thermal plant in a district heating network

3. Computational fluid dynamics model

   • Micro-reactor for Fisher-Tropsch synthesis
   • Hydrogen permeable membrane module
   • Thermal control reactor for coupled exothermic and endothermic reactions
   • Hydrodynamic behaviors of Ag-powder reactor/Fluidics for homo-mixer system

4. Polymerization

   • Kinetics for solution MMA/MA copolymerization
   • Kinetics for emulsion polymerization
   • Modeling of autoclave reactor for the production of LDPE, EVA

5. Systems biology

   • Metabolic flux analysis
   • Modeling of signal transduction pathways

Green Chemical Processing Laboratory

We are studying to increase the productivity and energy efficiency for the chemical processes based on the catalytic chemistry and also trying to develop eco-friendly chemical processes. Main research topics are as follows:

1. Catalytic chemistry: the design, synthesis, and modification of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts for new chemical reactions
2. Green chemistry and clean chemical processes to reduce CO2 emissions and toxic chemicals
3. Synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials
4. Fuel processing catalysts and fuel cells

Material Process Laboratory

Materials Processing Laboratory (MPL) has been working on the modeling and simulation of chemical processes, electrochemical systems, and microelectronics processing. The main research topic of MPL is currently the performance modeling of batteries. Over the last 20 years, a broad range of batteries have been examined at MPL. The recent focus is on the lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle applications. Research to overcome the limitations of LIB related to the safety, limited life, and poor performance at low temperature based on modeling is being conducted at MPL.

Nature Inspired Soft Matter Laboratory

Nature Inspired Soft Matter Laboratory develops advanced materials for energy, photonic and functional surfaces inspired by various micro-, nanostructures and physicochemical mechanism observed in nature. To achieve these, we are designing micro-, nanostructured materials based on self-assembled colloidal structures, and stimuli-responsive hydrogels.

Energy Material Engineering

Low-Dimensional Material Growth Laboratory

This laboratory is conducting research on the growth principles of various low-dimensional materials (0, 1, 2D nanomaterials), controlling them, and applying them to various photoelectric devices and energy catalysts.

Advanced Electronic & Energy Materials Laboratory

The researches at AEEM are focused on finding/developing novel electrical, chemical, optoelectronic functionality of nanoscale materials, which enhance the sensor performance, the efficiency of energy conversion devices such as solar cells and photocatalysis and, are implemented for next-generation IC devices and optical devices.

The specific research topics are

1. Chemochromic/Plasmonic Sensors
2. Tailoring Oxides for Transparent Electronic Devices
3. 2D Semiconductor/Next Generation IC Devices
4. Local Surface Plasmon Nanostructure Solar Cells
5. Photocatalysis for Recyclable Clean Fuel Energy

Especially, we closely collaborate with industry companies for practical application of developed new materials and devices.

Advanced Structural Materials Laboratory

2D Materials Laboratory

Nano Energy&Catalysts Research Laboratory

NECR research is directed to engineering new, inexpensive, and solution-processable nanomaterials and implementing them into high performance energy & catalysis devices. We are especially driven by the goal of inexpensive solar energy conversion. We focus on materials systems with sufficient earth abundance and environmental compatibility, and we employ techniques that are highly scalable and economically feasible. The approaches are multidisciplinary, involving expertise and knowledge in materials science, chemistry, physics, optoelectronics and electrochemistry. (1) Solar Water-splitting, (2) Photocatalysis, (3) Electrocatalysis, (4) Solar Desalination, (5) Perovskite solar cells

Energy

Energy Modeling Laboratory

Energy Modeling Lab deals with energy problems from an economist' point of view. The lab tackles energy, economics and climate change issues.

Nanofix Laboratory

Our research focuses on understanding and control of mechanism and kinetics of chemical processes occurring on surfaces or interfaces of heterogeneous catalysts. In this regard, we perform nano- and hetero-structuring of metal, metal oxide, and quantum dot materials to promote catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. Our current theme is on sustainable chemistry using light-matter interactions to degrade harmful pollutants in air/water and convert them to more useful forms. We are particularly enthusiastic about reactions revolving around small molecules such as hydrogen, water, methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, which are at the center of energy and environment issues. Further information can be found at www.nanofixlab.com.

Power System Laboratory

The primary research of Power System Laboratory (PSL) lies in the area of electric power system and renewable energy systems. Currently we are doing a research about 1) Coordinated control of renewable energy system; 2) Coordinated control of the energy storage system; 3) The impact study of high-penetration of renewable generation on the power grid; 4) Development of a microgrid design optimization tool; 5) Smart grid operation and control; 6) Power system analysis tools and IT.

Energy Environmental Engineering

Environmental Functional Materials & Water Treatment Laboratory

(1) Environmental Functional Materials & Water Treatment Laboratory
(2) Research Interests

• Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Treatment
• Water Treatment Using Functional Materials
• Environmental Applications of Nanomaterials
• Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery
• Phosphate and Algae Control in Waterbody