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Energy Conversion

1. Electrocatalysis

We develop electrocatalysts to enhance fuel production and consumption reactions. Our approach combines 

synthesis, testing, characterization, and modeling to understand catalyst properties and design new materials

with improved performance.

 

A. Hydrogen Evolution Reaction / Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Water splitting is a powerful way to produce carbon-free hydrogen. Hydrogen is a useful fuel and raw material.

However, currently, most hydrogen production processes are petrochemical processes, so a significant amount

of carbon dioxide is produced. In addition, ESS, which is in the spotlight as an energy storage system, has a large

energy loss of its own and difficulty in maintaining heat, and the risk of fire is also high. However, in P2G through

energy conversion through hydrogen, the advanced disadvantages can be reduced. Our interest is to synthesize/

design a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst/oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst using a

small number of precious metals. Finally, it aims to produce green hydrogen, which has a higher price

competitiveness than gray hydrogen.

 

B. Oxygen Reduction Reaction

With the development of industry and the increase of the world’s population, the global energy demand

dramatically increased (Figure a). The massive consumption of fossil fuels results in many environmental

and climate issues such as environmental pollution, global warming, and climate change (Figure b).

Therefore, it is pressing and urgent to develop clean and renewable energy sources such as hydrogen,

methanol, ethanol, and other chemical energy to ensure a sustainable future for humans.

Fuel cells that can convert chemical energy fuels to clean and efficient electricity are vital devices to use

clean and renewable energy sources and replace equipment based on fossil fuels (Figure c). Metal air

batteries have been regarded as the future electrochemical energy storage due to their high theoretical

energy density (Figure d).

For all fuel cells and metal-air battery systems, the cathode part is driven by the oxygen reduction reaction

(ORR). Currently, Pt-based materials are regarded as the most popular catalysts to promote the ORR process

but are limited by their high cost and poor stability. Therefore, it's meaningful and necessary to develop

low-cost advanced materials for an efficient and robust ORR process.

Representative Figure. a) The world energy consumption trend by year (L. Capuano, US Energy

Information Administration (EIA): Washington, DC, USA 2018, 2018, 21). b) The world's energy

consumption by fuel. c, d) The diagram of the fuel cells and metal-air battery systems.

 

C. CO2 Reduction Reaction

Greetings from the CO2RR Innovation World! As leaders in the field of Carbon Dioxide Reduction Reaction

(CO2RR), we at Sungkyungkwan University, are driving the transition to a sustainable and environmentally

friendly future. A novel technique called CO2RR converts carbon dioxide, one of the main greenhouse

gases causing climate change, into useful and sustainable products.

  1. Our Mission: Transforming Carbon for a Greener Tomorrow

Our goal is to utilize CO2RR's potential to lessen the effects of climate change as defenders of environmental

responsibility and innovation. We think it's important to turn challenges into possibilities, and CO2RR offers

a special way to deal with one of the most important problems of the day.

Key Focus Areas:

Green Technology: Learn about the state-of-the-art methods we use to transform carbon dioxide into useful

resources. We are dedicated to using sustainable techniques in all facets of our CO2RR programs.

Renewable Energy Solutions: Discover how CO2RR contributes to the development of renewable energy

solutions We are cutting emissions and opening up new avenues for sustainable energy uses by transforming

carbon dioxide into useful products.

Circular Economy: Join us in embracing the idea of a circular economy. The concept of CO2RR is in line with

sustainability concepts since it views carbon as a resource that may be recycled and utilized again.

Why CO2RR Matters:

Impact on Climate Change: By actively participating in CO2RR, we are aiming to lower our overall carbon

footprint and support international efforts to mitigate climate change.

Global Collaboration: Join a network of like-minded individuals, organizations, and researchers who share our

passion for a sustainable future. CO2RR is a collaborative effort, and together, we can make a significant impact.

Explore the Future with CO2RR:

As you navigate through our website, delve into the world of CO2RR, explore our projects, and learn about the

transformative potential of this revolutionary process. Join us in reshaping the future by turning carbon into a

catalyst for positive change.

 

D. Nitrogen Reduction Reaction

We're in the process of creating an electrocatalyst designed to convert N2 into more practical forms,

such as aiding in fertilizer production and energy conversion. Our focus lies in developing this

electrocatalyst alongside electrolyzes for industrial purposes, notably in synthesizing pharmaceuticals

and a range of organic compounds. These efforts aim to make substantial contributions across diverse

sectors like agriculture, medicine, and manufacturing.