Laboratory Details

Website : http://smartlab.hanyang.ac.kr/

The SMART Lab at Hanyang focuses on next-generation functional material technologies centered on polymers and colloids—representative soft materials with broad applicability across diverse industries. Polymers and colloids are widely recognized as key materials in major Korean industries, including cosmetics, petrochemicals, semiconductors, and batteries, and their application range and growth potential continue to expand.

Our laboratory develops technologies that precisely control the microstructure of polymers and colloids through interfacial engineering and rheological approaches, enabling the creation of multifunctional soft materials.

• Polymer Research: We develop advanced polymer-based materials such as separators and polymer–nanoparticle composites. These materials serve as the foundation for applications including nanofilters, protective coatings, optical films, sensors, and electrode coatings.

• Colloid Research: We investigate the stabilization and mechanical property control of systems with extensive surface and interfacial areas—such as emulsions, foams, and slurries. Based on these insights, we explore practical applications in functional cosmetics, battery materials, and semiconductor materials.

Website : http://seunghyeok.com/

The Innovative Energy Solution Laboratory (IESL) develops advanced lithium-ion and next-generation batteries, with a core mission to propose breakthrough solutions that deliver high energy density, enhanced safety, long cycle life, and fast-charging capability. Our strategic approaches focus on: 1) Interface engineering for stabilizing next-generation batteries such as lithium-metal systems, 2) AI-driven formation and charging protocol optimization, and 3) Development of new materials and analytical protocols to improve battery safety. Through these differentiated strategies, we aim to achieve performance metrics previously considered unattainable in conventional systems.

• Enhancing Next-Generation Battery Stability through Interface Engineering: Next-generation batteries—such as lithium-metal batteries, all-solid-state batteries, and aqueous zinc batteries—promise high energy density but suffer from interfacial instability, including dendrite formation, parasitic reactions, and limitations in fast charging. Our laboratory addresses these challenges by precisely controlling interfacial structure and composition, establishing this as a core research direction.

• AI-Driven Optimization of Formation Processes and Charging Protocols: To identify optimal formation and charging conditions, we quantify how process variables (current density, voltage, etc.) influence battery behavior and construct a comprehensive database. Using AI-based approaches, we train predictive models that learn the electrochemical responses under various formation and charging conditions. These models are then used to derive optimized protocols tailored for high performance and extended battery life.

• Development of Novel Materials and Analytical Protocols for Battery Safety: We aim to elucidate degradation mechanisms at the cell level through quantitative, reproducible, and high-fidelity analytical methods. By developing standardized protocols for assessing physical and chemical degradation, we establish reliable evaluation frameworks. Building on these insights, we design new stabilization materials and cell architectures that significantly enhance battery safety and long-term reliability.

Website : http://nanobiochem.hanyang.ac.kr
 

Professor Jong-ho Kim’s laboratory conducts research on nanobio technologies, including the synthesis of low-dimensional nanomaterials and the development of nanobiosensors capable of detecting proteins and pathogens through surface functionalization. The lab also explores nanomedicine technologies aimed at treating various diseases. Additionally, peptide synthesis using solid-phase organic synthesis is performed, with applications in functional cosmetics and biomedical materials.

Beyond nanobio technologies, the laboratory is actively engaged in the development of advanced battery materials and performance evaluation for next-generation energy storage systems, including Li-metal all-solid-state batteries, Li–S batteries, and aqueous metal–air batteries.

Website : https://hjhaha73.wixsite.com/hyoogroup
 

Our laboratory synthesizes various inorganic composite materials, nanomaterials, and coordination polymer-based materials, analyzes their properties, and transforms them into optimized forms suitable for targeted applications. Our primary focus lies in two major areas—energy & catalysis technologies and biotechnology. We develop highly active and stable inorganic nanocomposites, design advanced catalytic and electrochemical systems, and apply these materials to energy devices, batteries, and bio-batteries.

⦁ Functional nanostructures—such as multimetallic nanoparticles, porous inorganic oxide nanoparticles, and multicomponent metal–oxide nanocomposites—offer significant potential for energy and catalytic technologies. By enabling the direct growth of coordination polymer frameworks on electrode surfaces, we greatly enhance catalytic activity for water-splitting reactions. Maximizing interfacial junction density in multimetallic electrocatalysts further broadens their application potential in energy technologies. Through these approaches, our lab is developing efficient water-splitting systems by integrating multifunctional electrocatalyst electrodes with optimized membranes.

⦁ Using tailor-made nanocarriers, we develop multifunctional nanocomposites that combine the advantages of each component into a single material. Size-selective chemical catalysts and photocatalysts provide unique functionalities not achievable with conventional materials. In parallel, we are exploring biomedical applications by employing nanocarriers loaded with therapeutic agents—particularly for enhancing drug delivery and improving treatment efficacy for neurodegenerative and brain-injury-related conditions.

⦁ Integrating multifunctional inorganic nanocomposites with 3D-printing technologies enables the development of high-performance materials, simplifies fabrication processes, and allows customization for specific applications. Our research includes creating 3D-printed electrode systems for energy storage and battery technologies, enabling more efficient utilization of multifunctional nanocomposite materials. Ongoing work includes developing 3D-printed monoliths incorporating transition-metal-based layered double hydroxides and polymer/MOF-derived carbon composites, which are applied to energy storage systems and fuel cell technologies.

Website : http://psid.hanyang.ac.kr

"Process Systems Engineering & Intelligence Design (PSID) Laboratory" at Hanyang University ERICA aims to maximize the sustainability and efficiency of the future chemical industry. Our research team strives to solve challenges in key research areas, including: △Enhancing the efficiency of refining and petrochemical processes, △Optimizing sustainable clean hydrogen production processes, △Developing waste-to-energy processes, △Battery management systems, and △Developing cryogenic CO2 capture processes.
To solve these problems, we apply techniques such as Modeling, Optimization, Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). In particular, we actively utilize artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to propose intelligent design and optimal operation strategies that overcome the limitations of conventional processes.

⦁ AI-based Modeling

We design new processes with thermodynamic and economic advantages through innovative process simulation and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA), while comprehensively evaluating their environmental impact via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

⦁ AI-based Modeling 

This research field enhances process efficiency and safety in highly nonlinear and complex chemical processes. It involves performing real-time prediction, soft-sensing, new catalyst development, and anomaly diagnosis using AI models.

⦁ Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

We develop CFD models to analyze fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena within processes. This is also used to ensure safety by predicting explosion and gas dispersion scenarios in the event of an accident.