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2025 Academic Year Graduate School Degree Conferment Ceremony: 70 Students from 8 Countries Awarded Degrees
On February 13, the 2025 Winter Commencement Ceremony of Ajou University’s Graduate School of International Studies was held in the Yulgok Hall Auditorium, from which 70 graduates across four departments received their degrees. The degree ceremony proceeded in the following order: Opening Remarks, Introduction of VIPs, Opening Show, Report on Academic Affairs, Commencement Address, Congratulatory Remarks, Conferral of the Awards (Presidential Award, Dean’s Award, and Thesis Excellence Award), Graduate Representative’s Remarks, Closing Remarks, and a Group Photo Session. Faculty members from each department, representatives from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea, and officials from the Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship (GSBE) of Uzbekistan attended to celebrate the graduates. The 70 graduates who earned their degrees at the Graduate School come from eight countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Uzbekistan. Among them, the International Management program had the largest number of graduates with 48 students, followed by the International Trade program with 9, the Civil Society program with 6, and the International Development Cooperation program with 7. In his congratulatory remarks, Dean Byeong-Yun Chang quoted the poetry of Yun Dong-ju to celebrate the new beginnings of the graduates. Shakhzod Kurbanov, Education Counsellor of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea, also took the stage to offer heartfelt congratulations and encouragement to the students. Following the official ceremonies, two student speakers shared their reflections. Ferdous Jannatul from Bangladesh, recipient of the President’s Award, said, “Studying at the Graduate School has given me confidence in myself and made me stronger. I am grateful for the support and encouragement from the professors and staff.” Toirov Saidjasirkhon, representing participants in the dual-degree program between Ajou University and the Graduate School of Business and Economics of Uzbekistan, commented, “The journey to receiving this degree was not easy, but the valuable experiences at Ajou have strengthened me and made it possible to realize my dreams.” Ajou University has been operating a dual-degree program with the Graduate School of Business and Economics (GSBE) in Uzbekistan since 2022. In this program, students complete two semesters at their home institution and two semesters at Ajou University to earn degrees from both institutions. This year marks the third graduation cohort, with 16 graduates in the current ceremony and a total of 58 graduates since the program’s inception. Below is the list of award recipients from the 2025 Academic Year Spring Degree Conferment Ceremony: ■ Presidential Award – International Development Cooperation: FERDOUS JANNATUL (Bangladesh) – International Business: TAJIBAEV JETKERBAY UBAYKHANOVICH (Uzbekistan) ■ Dean’s Award – International Business: DIPTY MOUMITA MEHJABIN (Bangladesh) – International Business: RAKHMEDOVA DILNOZA ASHRAPKHUJA KIZI (Uzbekistan) – International Trade: MIA MD RASEL (Bangladesh) – International Development Cooperation: RATSIMBAZAFY MANOA FENOSOA (Madagascar) – Civil Society: LAMA ANJU (Nepal) ■ Thesis Excellence Award – International Business: CHANDRA BIPUL (Bangladesh) – International Business: MAHESWARI LAKSITA IFFAT (Indonesia) – International Development Cooperation: ESHONKULOV KODIRJON YOKUBOVICH (Uzbekistan)
Ajou University Selected as an “Excellent Certified University” under IEQAS
Ajou University has been selected as an “Excellent Certified University,” the highest designation, in the 4th cycle (2025) evaluation of the International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS), jointly administered by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, and the National Research Foundation of Korea. The International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS) is designed to enhance the internationalization capacity of Korean universities and to assess the quality of educational environments and management systems for international students. The certification is granted based on a comprehensive evaluation of institutions’ recruitment and management of international students, academic program operations, student support services, and overall internationalization infrastructure. In this evaluation, Ajou University was recognized for its stable and systematic operation of academic programs and support services for international students, as well as its effective student management system. In particular, the university’s continuous efforts in developing curricula and support programs tailored to international students were positively reflected in the assessment. With this designation, Ajou University will retain its status as an “Excellent Certified University” for one year, from March 2026 to February 2027. Institutions with this status receive administrative benefits, including simplified visa screening procedures for international students, and are awarded additional points in the selection process for host universities under the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program. Ajou University will continue to strengthen its internationalization capacity and further enhance educational and support environments for international students.
2026 THE World University Rankings: Top 400 for the First Time, 8th Among Domestic Comprehensive Universities
Ajou University has entered the top 400 for the first time in the 2026 rankings published by Times Higher Education (THE), the British university-ranking organization. Among comprehensive universities in South Korea, Ajou achieved 8th place, up one notch from 9th last year. This year’s global university evaluation covered 2,191 institutions across 115 countries and assessed based on using 17 indicators from five categories: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook, and Industry. The THE ranking is known to place more emphasis on research and teaching conditions rather than just traditional reputation. Ajou University previously entered the top 500 in both 2024 and 2025. With this year’s leap into the top 400, the university has demonstrated its consistent advancement. In the Research Quality category Ajou’s score rose by 4.5 points to 58.4, and recorded a substantial 11.6 point increase to 59.4 in the International Outlook category — both contributing to the rise in ranking.
Prof. Sungjun Park's team proposes a strategy for large-scale production of high-purity metal nanoparticles using light
A research team from Ajou University has proposed a method to mass-produce high-purity metal nanoparticles through a light-assisted nanomaterial synthesis technique. This breakthrough is expected to be widely applicable in next-generation artificial sensory systems and neuromorphic devices that mimic the human brain, where precise sensing capabilities are essential. Led by Professor Sungjun Park from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Intelligent Semiconductor Engineering, the team introduced a novel strategy for producing high-purity metal nanoparticles without chemical reactions, using a light-based laser ablation in liquid (LAL) technique. This approach allows for the synthesis of nanoparticles free of organic residues on a large scale. The research findings were published in July in a review article titled “Scalable metal-based nanoparticle synthesis via laser ablation in liquids for transformative sensory and synaptic devices” in the prestigious journal International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (Impact Factor 21.3, top 0.7% in JCR in manufacturing and process engineering). The study was led by Dr. Junkyu Choi from Ajou University’s Institute of Information & Electronics Research, with Sukhyeon Baek, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Intelligent Semiconductor Engineering, as a co-author. Junghoon Lee, a Ph.D. candidate in the same department and currently working at Samsung Electronics DS Division's Materials Technology Team, also participated as a co-corresponding author, along with Professor Sungjun Park. Artificial sensory systems are technologies that mimic the human five senses, converting external stimuli into electrical signals. These technologies are rapidly gaining attention as essential components in various fields, including: the metaverse, extended reality (XR), wearable medical devices, human-machine interfaces. There is increasing demand for applying lighter and more flexible materials, instead of bulky hardware, to real-life applications. As a result, research into next-generation artificial sensory systems is accelerating. In such devices, metal nanoparticles play a crucial role in maximizing sensor performance, thanks to their tunable electrical, optical, and chemical properties. In sensory applications, they enhance sensitivity and response speed to external stimuli while maintaining high selectivity and stability in complex signal environments. In neuromorphic devices, metal nanoparticles enable precise control of synaptic responses and plasticity, serving as key components in implementing biomimetic learning functions. These properties greatly contribute to improving the precision and efficiency of next-generation artificial sensory systems. However, conventional nanoparticle synthesis methods rely on physical techniques requiring high-temperature vacuum equipment, or wet-chemical reactions using surfactants and reducing agents. These approaches involve complex processes and often leave organic residues on the particles, which can degrade electrical properties and reduce sensor reliability. Moreover, they face significant limitations in large-area fabrication and mass production, posing challenges for commercialization. To address these issues, the Ajou University team focused on "Laser Ablation in Liquids (LAL)", a non-contact, physical-based synthesis method that enables the production of high-purity metal nanoparticles without chemical reactions. Unlike traditional physical deposition methods that yield only a few hundred milligrams per hour, the proposed LAL technology can achieve production rates of over 8 grams per hour, significantly boosting its potential for real-world industrial applications. Laser ablation in liquids process (left) and actual formation of nanoparticles (right) The review paper also holds significant value in that it expands the application potential of Laser Ablation in Liquids (LAL)-based metal nanoparticles beyond their conventional use in catalysis and electrochemistry, extending it to the broader field of the electronics industry. In particular, the study demonstrates that applying high-purity nanoparticles synthesized via LAL to next-generation artificial sensory systems—such as electronic skin (e-skin), neuromorphic devices, and wearable electronics, where precise detection of external stimuli is critical—enables both long-term stability and high sensitivity.This work clearly highlights the potential for expansion into various smart electronic applications, including: human–machine interaction, AI-based robotics, medical monitoring technologies. Through this, the research offers a new direction for the electronics industry as a whole. Professor Sungjun Park stated, “This achievement goes beyond introducing a new technique—it represents a turning point for ‘light-based nanomanufacturing technologies’ that could drive the commercialization of next-generation smart sensors and neuromorphic systems. It marks a major milestone for the materials and sensor industries, both domestically and internationally.” He further emphasized, “To realize commercial applications, follow-up studies on long-term storage stability and synthesis optimization of LAL-based metal nanoparticles are essential. A strategic roadmap is needed to bridge foundational nanotechnology and real-world industrial deployment.” This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) through the Nano·Materials Technology Development Program, including the Global Young Connect Project and the Nano Future Materials Core Technology Development Project.
Prof. Hyungwoo Lee’s Team develops new Novel Core Technology
A joint research team led by Professor Hyungwoo Lee from Ajou University has successfully developed a new foundational technology for a random number generation (RNG) device, offering a novel approach with high potential to advance cryptographic security and artificial intelligence (AI) computing technologies. Professor Lee (Department of Physics and Graduate School of Energy Systems), in collaboration with researchers from several institutions, has proposed a new type of two-level quantum system (TLQS) that minimizes interference from external variables by utilizing discrete fluctuations in tunneling current. This advancement introduces a more stable and secure method for generating physical random numbers. The study, titled "Highly stable two-level current fluctuation in complex oxide heterostructures," was published in Nature Communications in July. Key contributors included Do-Yeob Kim (graduate student, Ajou University) and Professor Jung-Woo Lee (Hongik University), who served as co-first authors. Professors Hyungwoo Lee (Ajou University), Ki-Tae Um (Gachon University, Semiconductor Engineering), and Sunwoo Lee (Inha University, Computer Engineering) led the research as corresponding authors. International collaborators included Professor Tula R. Paudel’s team at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and Professor Yongsoo Yang’s group at KAIST. The researchers engineered a highly stable two-level current fluctuation phenomenon using a complex oxide heterostructure composed of SrRuO₃/LaAlO₃/Nb-doped SrTiO₃ (SRO/LAO/Nb:STO). Based on this structure, they developed a physical entropy source suitable for high-quality RNG. Random numbers—sequences generated unpredictably within a defined range—are critical in a wide range of applications, including encryption, cybersecurity, simulations, and gaming. In the context of AI and machine learning, random data is essential for efficient model training, especially in large-scale datasets. Unlike pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) based on deterministic software algorithms, physical random number generators (PRNGs) leverage inherent randomness in nature, offering true unpredictability and resistance to hacking. This makes them highly valuable for secure computing and is especially crucial for neuromorphic systems, which aim to mimic the human brain’s structure through hardware-based neural networks. Conventional TLQS systems—typically based on Random Telegraph Noise (RTN) caused by charge trapping at defect sites—have struggled with instability due to environmental dependencies. To overcome this, the team intentionally introduced a dual-defect system comprising oxygen vacancies (V_O) and antisite Ti defects (Ti_Al). Their interaction induces discrete fluctuations in tunneling current that are minimally affected by external conditions. The TLQS device demonstrated stable two-level current fluctuations lasting over 169 seconds at room temperature, with operational stability maintained for over a year. Furthermore, the team validated the RNG functionality of their TLQS by converting analog current signals into binary random sequences (0s and 1s) and conducting rigorous randomness evaluations. Results confirmed the TLQS’s ability to generate high-quality random data. To test its practical applicability, the team integrated the TLQS-based random number data into a Very Deep Super-Resolution (VDSR) neural network—a model designed to restore blurry images with high clarity. The TLQS-based RNG data outperformed traditional software-based RNGs (e.g., Numpy Random Generator in Python) in both accuracy and training speed. Randomness is crucial in AI training, as it helps shuffle datasets and initialize neural network parameters, promoting diverse and robust learning. If the randomness is predictable or biased, it can lead to skewed AI behavior—underscoring the value of true, hardware-based RNG. Professor Lee emphasized the practical potential of the device, stating, “The TLQS device we developed is compatible with CMOS semiconductor technology, which is widely used in computers and smartphones. Considering its scalability, this represents a highly practical and foundational technology for RNG.” He added, “This research proposes RNG design at the level of fundamental materials science, with strong implications for future applications in hardware-based cryptographic security and AI computation.” This study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) through the G-LAMP project, the Mid-Career Research Program, and the Basic Research Laboratory (BRL) program. The image below shows the results of applying different types of random number data to image super-resolution training using a Very Deep Super-Resolution (VDSR) neural network. The leftmost image shows the result without using any random number data, the center image uses pseudo-random numbers generated by Python’s NumPy library, and the rightmost image uses random numbers generated by the newly developed TLQS system. Image above – A conceptual diagram of the two-level quantum system (TLQS) developed by the joint research team, along with a schematic of the implemented material structure. Compared to conventional methods, the TLQS maintains a more stable signal while achieving comparable accuracy and training speed.
AISS & ABC, Successful Completion of International Exchange Programs for Foreign Students
Ajou University has successfully concluded its international exchange programs for foreign students_the 2025 Ajou International Summer School (AISS, Ajou International Summer School) and the (ABC, Ajou Bespoke College). The ABC Program ran for two weeks, from July 2 to July 15, beginning with an orientation held at Yulgok Hall. A total of 19 students from partner universities abroad including the University of Wisconsin, University of Southern California, University of South Florida, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of California, San Diego participated alongside 10 students from Ajou University. The program was designed to foster growth through capstone design projects, corporate field trips, and cultural exchange between international students and their Ajou counterparts. Participants visited companies such as Naver, Samsung Electronics, Gyeonggi Provincial Council, Dentium, Celltrion, and Daewoong Pharmaceutical, and explored Korean culture and history through experiences like visits to the National Museum of Korea, K-POP dance classes, and the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. The program also included special lectures such as: Data Analysis on Korea's Economic and Cultural Development by Prof. Yoon Cheon-Seok (Global Business) Korea's Industrial History and Growth through Early Entrepreneurship by Prof. Kim Chan-Woo (University-Industry Cooperation) Modern History Rooted in Ancient Korea by Prof. Han Sang-Woo (History) Promoting Historical Content through National Museum Exhibits by Prof. Park Jae-Yeon (Cultural Contents) The AISS program was conducted over a three-week period starting on June 30, concluding with a graduation ceremony on July 18. During the program, students took courses such as: Data Analytics and Business Decision Making by Prof. Lee Sang-Kyu (Endicott College) Macroeconomic Development by Prof. Kim Tae-Bong (Economics) Understanding Korean Culture by Scott Scattergood (Dasan College) Sustainability by Prof. Lee Jae-Young (Environmental Safety Engineering) Korean Language by Professors Jeong Mi-Hye and Jeong Mi-Ji (Dasan College) In addition to classes, students enjoyed various cultural experiences including K-POP dance, traditional Korean cuisine, and visits to Bukchon Hanok Village. They also toured local landmarks such as the Samsung Innovation Museum, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, and Suwon Media Center, gaining insights into both Korea’s past and present. At the AISS farewell, Prof. Lee Sang-Kyu told the graduates, “If you experienced something here that can only be found in Korea, make sure to record it. It will surely be something worth remembering.” He emphasized the lasting value of the students’ experiences in Korea. Exchange students enjoyed a K-pop dance Hwaseong Haenggung Palace Tour
Team professor Inhwan Lee Develops New Synthetic Method for Designing Semiconducting Polymer Structures
Professor Inhwan Lee’s research team at our university has successfully developed a new synthetic method that allows for flexible design of the structure of semiconducting polymer materials. This advancement enables faster production of polymers used in electronic devices and is expected to contribute significantly to the development of next-generation organic semiconductors. Professor Lee revealed that through a “Multicomponent Polymerization (MCP)” technique, which reacts three different monomers simultaneously, they have developed a technology that precisely controls the sequence inside semiconducting polymers and efficiently implements various structures. This research was published in the July issue of Angewandte Chemie International Edition under the title “Versatile Halide-Pair-Driven Multicomponent Polymerization for Library Synthesis of Sequence-Controlled Semiconducting Dendronized Polymers.” The paper received excellent reviews and was selected as a “Very Important Paper (VIP).” The study involved doctoral student Hae-nam Choi (right in the photo) from the Department of Energy Systems at Ajou University as the first author. Co-authors included Soo-min Go (Master’s graduate, Ajou University), Se-min Son (Integrated Master’s and PhD program, Ajou University), Ji-su Woo (Master’s student, UNIST Department of Energy Chemical Engineering), Hyun-woo Park (PhD student, ETH Zurich Department of Materials), and Dong-jun Lee (Graduate of integrated Master’s and PhD program, Ajou University). Professors Tae-rim Choi (ETH Zurich, Materials), Won-jin Kwak (UNIST, Energy Chemical Engineering), and Hwan-myung Kim (Ajou University, Energy Systems) participated as co-authors, and Professor Inhwan Lee (Ajou University, Department of Chemistry) served as the corresponding author. Poly(triarylamine) (PTAA) polymers are used in various organic electronic devices such as organic light-emitting devices, perovskite solar cells, electrochromic devices, flexible electronics, and battery electrodes. PTAA is especially notable as a hole transport material in perovskite solar cells. However, traditional synthesis of poly(triarylamine) polymers involved complicated multi-step synthesis and purification of reaction intermediates, which posed challenges for commercialization and cost efficiency. The core of this research lies in presenting a new polymerization strategy that precisely controls the polymer sequence by designing the reaction order of three readily available monomers mixed together in a single step. The research team successfully synthesized a library of semiconducting poly(triarylamine) polymers where arylamine and two types of aryl dihalide monomers are connected in a predetermined sequence. They also expanded this strategy to synthesize complex dendronized polymers, greatly broadening the structural diversity of polymers. As a result, poly(triarylamine) polymers and their derivatives used in electronic devices can now be rapidly produced in library form, which is expected to greatly accelerate the development of next-generation organic semiconductors. Professor Inhwan Lee said, “Through this research, we have enabled the cheap and diverse synthesis of expensive polymers in a single reaction step. We also expect this to contribute to improving the performance of organic electronic devices.” This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea’s Mid-career Researcher Support Program, the G-LAMP program, the Carbon to X technology development project for producing useful substances, and the Leading Research Center (MRC) program. Image showing the synthesis process of sequence-controlled semiconducting polymers via sequential C–N coupling reactions
Team Prof. Taekwang Yoon develops Energy Harvesting Technology
(Photo) Schematic diagram of the energy generation system and mechanism: (a) Autonomous electrical energy harvesting system driven by water circulation due to temperature difference between day and night (b) Water harvesting mechanism using UiO-66-NH₂ (c) Electrical energy generation mechanism using Ni3(HITP)2 (d) Autonomous water harvesting and sustainable electrical energy generation system under ambient environmental conditions A Korean research team has developed a technology that collects moisture from the air using temperature differences between day and night, and converts it into electrical energy. The joint research team, led by Professor Taekwang Yoon from the Department of Applied Chemistry and Biological Engineering at Ajou University and Principal Researcher Giro Yoon from the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), has introduced an innovative energy harvesting system. This system is capable of generating electricity independently without any external water supply, even in extreme environments such as remote areas or deserts where water is scarce. The results of this research were published in the internationally renowned journal Composites Part B: Engineering (top 1% in JCR), under the title: "Sustainable electrical energy harvesting via atmospheric water collection using dual-MOF systems." The first authors of the study are Ji-Hyun Lee (integrated master’s and Ph.D. program, Hanyang University), Dong-Yeon Kim (Ph.D. candidate, KAIST), and Yong-Gyun Lee (master’s student, Ajou University). Professor Taekwang Yoon and Principal Researcher Giro Yoon served as co-corresponding authors. Traditional water-based energy harvesting technologies rely on the potential difference between wet and dry surfaces to generate electricity, but they have the limitation of requiring a constant external water supply. To overcome this, the research team was inspired by plant transpiration and capillary action, and combined two types of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)—UiO-66-NH₂ and Ni₃(HITP)₂. As a result, they successfully developed a fully autonomous system that collects moisture from the air and generates electricity on its own. UiO-66-NH₂ absorbs moisture from the cool night air and releases the absorbed moisture during the warmer daytime. The released moisture condenses on the surface of fibers coated with Ni₃(HITP)₂. This condensation causes asymmetric wetting on the fiber surface, generating a potential difference, which allows electricity to flow. Through this process, the research team successfully achieved a maximum power density of 2.6 μW/cm³ and an energy density of 1.1 mJ/cm³. Notably, UiO-66-NH₂ exhibited excellent moisture adsorption and desorption performance, not only under normal conditions but also in low-humidity environments, showing its potential for use in various settings. The team conducted experiments simulating real climate conditions—including desert, coastal, and inland environments—and confirmed that the system could stably generate moisture and electricity autonomously across all tested scenarios. Professor Taekwang Yoon stated: “This research demonstrates the feasibility of a self-sustaining energy harvesting system that can operate without any external power or water supply. We hope it serves as a viable solution in disaster zones or areas with limited access to electricity.” Principal Researcher Giro Yoon added: “This system provides a technological foundation for easy electricity generation, even in extreme climates or regions lacking infrastructure. We expect this to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable energy technologies for a carbon-neutral society.” This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea under the Global Research Infrastructure Cooperation Hub Program. [Energy Harvesting] refers to the technology of collecting energy from natural sources—such as sunlight, vibrations, heat, wind, waves, or even waste energy from daily life—and converting it into usable electrical energy. From the back row, starting from the left : Professor Taekwang Yoon (Ajou University), Researcher Dongyeon Kim (KAIST), Principal Researcher Giro Yoon (KITECH), Researcher Yonggyun Lee (Ajou University), and Researcher Jihyun Lee (Hanyang University)
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2024 Ajou International Day World : Food Festival/Traditional Costume Parade/Talent Show Recruitment(~10.20)
Invitation to HEPA Forum 2021: Higher Education Adapting to a Post-COVID World
[Undergraduate] Changes for Class Operation from the 7th week of Fall Semester, 2020 (Updated on Sept 29)
[Undergraduate] Announcement of Classes for 2020 Fall semester (As of Aug. 26th)
Letter from the Vice President of International Affairs, Ajou University
[COVID 19 Update-Feb.24th] Caution to all international students
Research Stories
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Research Stories
Pollutant to Polymer: Polymerizing Propylene Oxide and Carbon Dioxide Using Zinc-Gallate Catalyst
Advancing towards carbon neutrality, researchers develop a highly efficient zinc-gallate catalyst for propylene oxide and carbon dioxide polymerization Zinc-based polymerization catalysts can help utilize carbon dioxide (CO2) as a carbon source for polymerization and production of sustainable plastics with various applications such as adhesives and feedstock for polyurethane. For advancing the production of eco-friendly CO2-derived polymers, a team of researchers demonstrated a simple method of synthesizing a highly effective and selective catalyst Zinc-gallate. The nanometer-scale layered structures of the catalyst showed high performance in propylene oxide and carbon dioxide polymerization. These findings herald a move towards a carbon neutral future. Scientists developed an innovative, highly active, and selective ultrathin zinc-gallate catalyst that can facilitate the copolymerization of propylene oxide and carbon dioxide into a high molecular weight polymer. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from human activities are a major cause of climate change. Converting CO2 into useful products is a promising solution to help address this issue. One such strategy is utilizing CO2 for the polymerization of organic molecules to produce industrially useful products. In fact, significant efforts have been made for the development of effective catalysts for the development of such sustainable products from CO2. A popular choice of material for speeding up CO2-aided polymerization reactions is zinc-based catalysts. The most potent zinc-based heterogeneous catalyst with a very high activity reported to date is the zinc glutarate (ZnGA) catalyst, used for the production of alternating polycarbonate from propylene oxide (PO) and CO2. However, the catalytic activity of ZnGA is insufficient for its commercial use. This necessitates improvements in the catalytic activity of zinc-based catalysts for commercial applications. Now advancing research, a team of researchers from Ajou University, led by Professor Hye-Young Jang, addressed the existing catalytic limitations of ZnGA. In their study published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering on February 26, 2024, they developed a new highly active and selective heterogeneous ultrathin zinc (Zn)-gallate for the copolymerization of PO and CO2 into high molecular weight polymer. “This research aims to develop highly efficient catalysts for CO2 polymerization to produce eco-friendly CO2-derived plastics. Replacing traditional fossil fuel-based plastics with these novel materials can significantly reduce both the consumption of fossil fuels and limit further CO2 emissions,” said Prof. Jang highlighting the motivation behind this study. The team used cost-effective zinc salts and gallic acid to synthesize a novel Zn-gallate catalyst and analyzed its morphology and catalytic mechanism. They attributed the nanometer-sized structures in the catalyst to its excellent catalytic activity, minimal monomer formation, and high carbonate linkage proportion. Comparative studies revealed that Zn-gallate outperformed many of its counterparts when catalyzing PO and CO2 polymerization. Talking about these findings, Prof. Jang says, “The catalyst developed in this study demonstrates exceptional catalytic activity and economic viability. We believe that our approach will help pave the pathway towards carbon neutrality by the year 2050.” In summary, the facile synthesis procedure and the reaction mechanisms reported in this study can significantly accelerate the development of high-performance Zn-based polymerization catalyst and their adoption in commercial applications. Reference Authors: Yongmoon Yang1, Kihyuk Sung1, Jong Doo Lee2, Junho Ha1, Heeyoun Kim1, Jinsu Baek3, Jeong Hwa Seo4, Seung-Joo Kim4 Bun Yeoul Lee5 Seung Uk Son2, Byeong-Su Kim3, Yongsun Kim1, Ji-Yong Park1, and Hye-Young Jang1 Title of original paper: Ultrathin Zn-Gallate Catalyst: A Remarkable Performer in CO2 and Propylene Oxide Polymerization Journal: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c06058 Affiliations: 1Department of Energy Systems Research, Ajou University, Korea 2Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Korea 3Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Korea 4Department of Chemistry, Ajou University, Korea 5Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Korea *Corresponding author’s email: hyjang2@ajou.ac.kr About Ajou University Founded in 1973, Ajou University has quickly grown to become one of the top universities in the Republic of Korea. With over 15,000 students and 50 research centers in diverse fields, Ajou University partakes in the largest national research and graduate education project funded by the Korean Ministry of Education. In line with its recently reformed vision, Ajou University’s goal is to change society by connecting minds and carrying out high-impact research to improve the welfare of people in and outside Korea. Website: https://www.ajou.ac.kr/en/index.do About Professor Hye-Young Jang Dr. Hye-Young Jang is a Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Energy Systems Research at Ajou University. Before coming to Ajou University, she completed Postdoctoral training at MacMillan’s group (2021 Nobel Prize-winning group in Chemistry) at Caltech (2006). In 2005, Hye-Young Jang received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Chemistry from The University of Texas at Austin under the supervision of Prof. Krische. Prof. Jang and her group are currently developing sustainable catalytic processes using renewable carbon resources such as CO2, plastic waste, and biomass.
Research Stories
Breakthrough Discovery of Plasmonic Photocatalysts for Turning Greenhouse Gas into Valuable Chemicals
Surface plasmon excitation of gold nanoparticle photocatalysts drives partial oxidation of methane to formic acid Aerobic oxidation of methane into oxygenated chemicals is an effective way for converting greenhouse gas into something beneficial. Researchers have now developed a new strategy for highly selective (>97%) production of formic acid from methane, driven by gold (Au) plasmonic nanoparticles as the photocatalyst. It utilized chemical potential by Au-generated charged carriers to drive the reaction in ambient conditions. Scientists demonstrated preferential production of the oxygenated liquid product, formic acid, by methane oxidation using plasmonic gold nanoparticles. Picture courtesy: ACS Energy Letters The increasing number of weather-related disasters, like unexpected heavy rains, droughts, and floods has reinforced the urgent need to mitigate global climate change. Converting greenhouse gases like methane (CH4) into energy-dense and transportable liquids can help reduce their impact on climate change and also lower the burden on the existing fossil fuels for essential chemicals. This will also contribute to a sustainable and resilient future for our future generations. Photochemical cells with metal plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) are ideal systems for carrying out aerobic methane oxidation reactions for the production of economically viable chemicals like formic acid, methanol, and formaldehyde. The NPs absorb light through excitation of localized surface plasmon resonance to catalyze reactions without additional thermal or electric input. However, many plasmonic NP-catalyzed CH4 oxidation reactions suffer from the production of another greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2) as a by-product. To overcome this, Associate Professor Sungju Yu from Ajou University developed a new strategy for partial oxidation of CH4 that ensures selective production of formic acid suppressing CO2 production at room temperature. “We utilized a quantum mechanical approach to control the spin state of molecular oxygen and reduce the activation energy for methane conversion. This facilitates the formation of bonds between oxygen and methane at room temperature, without the need for any oxidants or harsh conditions,” said Associate Professor Yu, highlighting the significance of their approach. This study was published in the journal ACS Energy Letters on January 23, 2024. For this study, the team used surface plasmon excitation of Au NPs as the photocatalyst for partial oxidation. The interband transition of Au NPs produces charge carriers like electron (e-) and hole (h+), which interact with the oxygen molecules adsorbed on the surface to produce singlet oxygen (1O2). The 1O2 species significantly lowers the activation energy barrier, driving the highly selective (> 97 %) production of the oxygenated liquid product, HCOOH with a quantum yield of 0.16% while limiting CO2 production to 1%. “Our research has the potential to drive advancements in sustainable energy by converting methane into valuable liquid oxygenates more accessible. Further, diversifies our energy portfolio and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels. This leads to greater energy security, lower energy costs, and increased access to clean energy for humankind,” mentions Associate Professor Yu, while sharing the impact of the research study. Reference Authors: Thuy Ha Nguyen, Eun Duck Park,* and Sungju Yu* Title of original paper: Plasmon-Driven Selective Methane Oxidation to Formic Acid at Ambient Conditions Journal: ACS Energy Letters DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.3c02493 Affiliations: Department of Chemistry and Department of Energy Systems Research, Ajou University, Republic of Korea *Corresponding author’s email: sungjuyu@ajou.ac.kr About Ajou University Founded in 1973, Ajou University has quickly grown to become one of the top universities in the Republic of Korea. With over 15,000 students and 50 research centers in diverse fields, Ajou University partakes in the largest national research and graduate education project funded by the Korean Ministry of Education. In line with its recently reformed vision, Ajou University’s goal is to change society by connecting minds and carrying out high-impact research to improve the welfare of people in and outside Korea. Website: https://www.ajou.ac.kr/en/index.do About Associate Professor Sungju Yu Sungju Yu is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Energy Systems Research at Ajou University. Before joining Ajou University, he completed postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Chemical Engineering from Seoul National University in the year 2016. His research group focuses on exploring energy-matter interactions at the nanoscale and developing approaches for energy and environmental challenges, including carbon utilization and hydrogen energy.
Research Stories
TUNES: Wearable Sensor for Health Monitoring Inspired by Spiders
Similar to the way spiders detect vibrations, a new biosensor can detect a range of biosignals, from pulse to breathing rates Wearable sensors are becoming increasingly popular for biomedical applications such as health monitoring. Drawing inspiration from how spiders detect vibrations, researchers from Ajou University in South Korea have developed a sensor that can respond to a wide range of pressures. The sensor is a promising step toward the development of highly sensitive wearable health monitoring devices, allowing the detection of breathing patterns, muscle contractions, and pulse rate fluctuations. Caption: The TUNES sensor detects pressure by mimicking how spiders detect vibrations, allowing for the detection of a wide range of biosignals. The sensor finds use as a highly sensitive wearable sensor for monitoring pulse rates, muscle contractions, and respiration. Picture courtesy: Shutterstock From the aircraft wings that were modeled after birds by the Wright brothers, to Japan’s famous bullet train that was inspired by the shape of a kingfisher's beak, mimicking the natural world has often led to breakthroughs that have improved people’s lives drastically. Now, in a study published in npj Flexible Electronics, Associate Professor Daeshik Kang and his research team from Ajou University, South Korea, have added another engineering feat to the list. The team has developed Tunable, Ultrasensitive, Nature-inspired, Epidermal Sensor (TUNES), a biosensing technology that mimics the way spiders detect vibrations. “Flexible devices can sensitively measure physical stimuli such as strain, pressure, and vibrations. However, there is a tradeoff between the sensor's measurement range and sensitivity, requiring different sensors depending on the target signal,” remarks Dr. Kang. Spiders have mechanosensory slit organs present in their legs, used to perceive movements in their environment. These slits contain nerve endings that are activated by vibrations. The unique feature of the slit organs is enabling the spider to adjust the sensitivity by changing the leg position. To detect prey, spiders stretch their legs, opening these slits to enhance sensitivity to smaller vibrations. However, to avoid predators, they bend their legs, compressing or closing the slits in order to only detect large forces. To replicate this, the research team fabricated nanoscale cracks on a metallized polyimide film, mimicking the slits on the spider’s legs. Just the way spiders bend their legs to adjust slit openings, when bent by an external force, the sheet also undergoes changes in the opening of the cracks. This results in a modification to the film's electrical resistance, enabling the detection of a wide range of pressures, from 0.05 Pa–25 kPa. “The TUNES' ability to adjust sensitivity through preset strain overcomes the traditional tradeoff between measurement range and sensitivity,” says Dr. Kang. The sensor’s broad sensitivity to strains makes it extremely versatile in detecting small as well as large mechanical biosignals. For instance, when attached to the ribcage, the sensor responds to the changing volume of the chest cavity during breathing, to monitor respiration. Inspired by this, the research team used the sensor to detect muscle contractions and subtle changes in the pulse rate. They even applied machine learning to the pulse rate data, to automatically identify and diagnose health conditions. These capabilities, explains Dr. Kang, make the sensor highly suitable as a wearable health monitoring system for blood pressure, heart rate, and even age-specific diagnosis. He elaborates, “We anticipate the ability to provide users with the convenience of instantly assessing their health status by measuring various physiological signals using only one sensor system at an affordable cost.” Providing users with the convenience and affordability of instantly assessing their health status by measuring various physiological signals using only one sensor is what drove the team to conduct this research. The highly sensitive sensor allows for non-invasive blood pressure measurements on the wrist, which opens avenues for non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, thus reducing unnecessary surgical risks. What’s more, TUNES has already shown success for non-invasive pressure measurement in clinical trials, proving its practicality, versatility, and effectiveness. We are confident that the team’s efforts will take this valuable biosensor to the masses, sooner rather than later! Reference Authors: Taewi Kim 1, Insic Hong 1, Yeonwook Roh 1, Dongjin Kim1, Sungwook Kim2, Sunghoon Im1, Changhwan Kim 1, Kiwon Jang1, Seongyeon Kim1, Minho Kim1, Jieun Park1, Dohyeon Gong1, Kihyeon Ahn1, Jingoo Lee1, Gunhee Lee3, Hak-Seung Lee4, Jeehoon Kang4, Ji Man Hong5, Seungchul Lee2, Sungchul Seo6, Bon-Kwon Koo 4,7*, Je-sung Koh1*, Seungyong Han 1*, and Daeshik Kang 1* Title of original paper: Spider-inspired tunable mechanosensor for biomedical applications Journal: npj Flexible Electronics DOI: 10.1038/s41528-023-00247-2 Affiliations: 1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, Korea 2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea 3 Department of Sustainable Environment Research, Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials, Korea 4 Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea 5 Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Korea 6 Department of Nano-chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Seokyeong University, Korea 7 Institute on Aging, Seoul National University, Korea *Corresponding authors’ email ids: Daeshik Kang (dskang@ajou.ac.kr); Bon-Kwon Koo (bkkoo@snu.ac.kr); Je-sung Koh (jskoh@ajou.ac.kr); Seungyong Han (sy84han@ajou.ac.kr) About Ajou University Founded in 1973, Ajou University has quickly grown to become one of the top universities in the Republic of Korea. With over 15,000 students and 50 research centers in diverse fields, Ajou University partakes in the largest national research and graduate education project funded by the Korean Ministry of Education. In line with its recently reformed vision, Ajou University’s goal is to change society by connecting minds and carrying out high-impact research to improve the welfare of people in and outside Korea. Website: https://www.ajou.ac.kr/en/index.do About Dr. Daeshik Kang from Ajou University Dr. Daeshik Kang is an Associate Professor at the Multiscale Bio-inspired Technology (MOST) Lab, Mechanical Engineering Department, Ajou University, South Korea. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Seoul National University in 2014. After earning his doctorate, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign until 2016. His current research interests include robotics, artificial intelligence-based reinforcement learning, and biomedical applications. He has authored around 60 research papers, which have received close to 5,000 citations.
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