Researchers Develop Breakthrough Material for Powering Next-Generation Smart Devices

The proposed revolutionary low-cost technology enables smart sensors and wearables to run without batteries Bifunctional integration of indoor organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and photodetectors (OPDs) is paramount for next-generation optoelectronic systems with cutting-edge applications. Recently, researchers from Dongguk University have developed benzene-phosphonic acid as a novel hole transport layer material that facilitates bifunctionally driven organic photonic conversion devices enabled by minimalistic synthesis-based interfacial energetic alignment. This work can revolutionize self-powered smart sensors and wearable devices. <Benzene-phosphonic acid hole transport layer >Next-generation optoelectronic systems (devices that convert light to electrical energy) leverage organic semiconductor-based indoor energy-autonomous architectures for cutting-edge applications. Notably, organic semiconductors possess mechanical flexibility, solution processability, and bandgap-tunable optoelectronic properties, making them highly lucrative for indoor power generation via organic photovoltaics (OPVs), as well as for spectrally selective photodetection through organic photodetectors (OPDs). Unfortunately, technological progress made in the fields of OPVs and OPDs has largely been separate, necessitating further research for the development of bifunctional OPV-OPD systems for concurrent energy harvesting and photodetection.Additionally, the potential self-powered operation of such systems is restricted by conflicting charge transport kinetics, especially in the electron and hole transport layers (ETLs and HTLs, respectively). This limitation impacts device durability and stability and increases fabrication costs, making it indispensable to find new HTL materials such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), 2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid self-assembled monolayer, MoOx, NiOx, and V2O5, beyond conventional options.In a pioneering study, a team of researchers led by Associate Professor Jea Woong Jo from the Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University, and Associate Professor Jae Won Shim, School of Electrical Engineering, Korea University, has presented benzene-phosphonic acid (BPA) as an innovative minimalist self-assembled monolayer-based HTL. It comprises a benzene core and phosphonic acid anchoring group, facilitating low-cost synthesis and desirable indium tin oxide interfacial properties, including energy alignment, uniform monolayer, and stability. These novel findings were made available online on 6 September 2025 and have been published in Volume 38, Issue 1 of the journal Advanced Materials on 2 January 2026.The key innovation of this research is the development of 'minimalist' molecular bridge BPA that resolves a fundamental conflict in electronics by enabling a single device to operate as both an efficient indoor solar cell and a high-sensitivity light sensor. Dr. Jo highlights the multifaceted advantages of their HTL material, "BPA concurrently provides energy level alignment with a photoactive layer for unimpeded hole-selective contact in the OPV mode, charge blocking capability for minimizing noise current in the OPD mode, robust ambient stability combined with simple and scalable manufacturability, as well as system-level economic viability, reflected in a high power-per-cost ratio under real-world indoor operating conditions."The bifunctional devices based on the proposed material could power the next generation of smart environments by enabling self-powered Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, wearable health monitors that harvest ambient light, and large-scale interactive 'skins' on indoor surfaces that simultaneously collect energy and sense data without the need for external power sources or batteries. By enabling efficient indoor energy harvesting, this work could drastically reduce the global reliance on disposable batteries for billions of sensors, promoting long-term environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the minimalist synthesis approach significantly lowers fabrication costs, making high-performance electronics economically viable for mass deployment."Overall, synergy between performance and commercial practicality positions our BPA-HTL as a transformative enabler for self-powered IoT and wearable optoelectronics,"concludes Dr. Shim. In the next 5 to 10 years, these advancements could hasten the realization of next-generation communication networks and fully smart environments, where self-powered devices provide ubiquitous, seamless connectivity without the ecological or financial burden of current technologies.ReferenceTitle of original paper: Bifunctionally Driven Organic Photonic Conversion Devices Facilitated by Minimalistic Synthesis-Based Interfacial Energetic AlignmentJournal: Advanced MaterialsDOI: 10.1002/adma.202512209About Dongguk UniversityDongguk University, founded in 1906, is located in Seoul, South Korea. It comprises 13 colleges that cover a variety of disciplines and has local campuses in Gyeongju, Goyang, and Los Angeles. The university has 1,300 professors conducting independent research and 18,000 students studying in a variety of disciplines, where researchers are encouraged to work across disciplines in Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Buddhism.Website: https://www.dongguk.edu/eng/About the authorsDr. Jea Woong Jo is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University. He received a PhD degree from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, South Korea, in 2015. He then worked in the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (2015−2016) and the University of Toronto (2016-2018) as a postdoctoral researcher. His research interests include the development and synthesis of organic materials with interactive groups for optoelectronic applications, focusing on quantum dots, perovskites, and organic materials.Dr. Jae Won Shim is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Electrical Engineering at Korea University. He received his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. His research spans next-generation optoelectronic devices based on organic semiconductors, perovskites, and quantum dots, with emphasis on photovoltaics, photodetectors, and hybrid device architectures. His work particularly focuses on memristive devices, low-noise photodiodes, and high-detectivity design principles, aiming to bridge fundamental material physics with practical imaging and sensing technologies.

A New Way to Produce Cheaper, More Efficient Green Hydrogen

Researchers develop a new synthesis method for metal-single atom catalysts that dramatically boost electrolysis-based hydrogen productionMetal single-atom catalysts (M-SACs) are highly attractive for proton-exchange-membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), a clean and efficient hydrogen production method. However, in high-density M-SACs, metal atoms tend to aggregate, reducing catalytic activity and durability. Now, researchers from Dongguk University have developed a new synthesis method for M-SACs that prevents the aggregation of metal atoms, significantly improving the hydrogen production performance of PEMWE systems.<Dongguk University Researchers propose a new synthesis method for metal-single atom catalysts>Among clean energy sources, hydrogen (H2) has emerged as the preferred energy carrier, boasting a high calorific value and net zero carbon emissions. Proton-exchange-membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is a promising, clean and efficient method that produces high purity H2 with only oxygen as a by-product. Combined with renewable electricity sources, this method can contribute to sustainable H2 production.In recent years, metal single-atom catalysts (M-SACs) have attracted growing attention for PEM water electrolysis. Because each metal atom acts as an active catalytic site, these materials use precious metals far more efficiently than conventional catalysts, potentially lowering costs while improving performance. However, in high-density M-SACs, which are most favourable for PEMWEs, metal atoms tend to aggregate either during synthesis or electrolysis, reducing both catalytic activity and durability.To address this issue, a research team led by Assistant Professor Jitendra N. Tiwari and Professor Young-Kyu Han from the Department of Energy and Materials Engineering at Dongguk University in South Korea have developed an innovative synthesis method for M-SACs. “Our technique utilizes metal hydroxides as sacrificial templates, co-reducing them in a two-step high-temperature heat-treatment process,” explains Dr. Tiwari. “This process effectively prevents the aggregation of metal atoms due to steric hindrance, creating atomically dispersed metal single-atom catalysts.” Their study was made available online on October 28, 2025 and published in Volume 168 of Materials Science & Engineering R in January 2026.Using β-nickel hydroxide (β-Ni(OH)₂) as the template, the researchers synthesized platinum (Pt)-based single atom catalysts called β-PtSAsS800 and β-PtSAsS850. In the process, a dried mixture of β–Ni(OH)2, Pt precursors, and dicyandiamide, was subjected to pyrolysis at 850°C or 800°C under a nitrogen atmosphere. The β–Ni(OH)2 template limits the mobility of metal ions in the mixture, while dicyandiamide provides carbon (C) and nitrogen(N). The final structure of the catalysts consists of single Pt atoms bonded to N atoms, atomically dispersed on graphitic nanosheets.The synthesized catalysts demonstrated outstanding catalytic performance, with β-PtSAsS850 achieving an extraordinarily low overpotential of 15 millivolts and turnover frequencies 72–78-fold higher than commercial Pt/C catalysts. The material also demonstrated impressive durability, maintaining its structure and performance for more than 10 days of continuous testing. Notably, the β-PtSAsS850-based PEMWE system surpassed the U.S. Department of Energy 2026 target, indicating its potential for industrial applications. It also demonstrated robust performance for over 200 hours.Theoretical calculations and experiments showed that this enhanced performance is due to the PtN2 catalytic sites within graphitic sheets, which significantly lower the energy barrier for hydrogen production. The researchers also synthesized M-SACs with other metals like iridium, palladium and ruthenium, demonstrating the generalizability of the approach.“Our strategy offers a new way for synthesizing highly active M-SACs, valuable for developing highly efficient energy conversion and storage devices,” concludes Prof. Han. “Moreover, the excellent performance of the synthesized catalysts in electrolysis could help make hydrogen more economically competitive with fossil fuels for the first time. In the long term, this will accelerate hydrogen adoption, contributing to the fight against climate change.”ReferenceAuthors: Jitendra N. Tiwari a,*, Muhammad Umer b, Gokul Bhaskaran c, Matthias Vandichel b, Min Gyu Kim d, Hionsuck Baik e, Yun Suk Huh c,*, Young-Kyu Han a,*Title of original paper: β–phase hydroxide-steered inner-hosted metal sites for exceptionalhydrogen productionJournal: Materials Science and Engineering RDOI: 10.1016/j.mser.2025.101130About Dongguk UniversityDongguk University, founded in 1906, is located in Seoul, South Korea. It comprises 13 colleges that cover a variety of disciplines and has local campuses in Gyeongju, Goyang, and Los Angeles. The university has 1300 professors who conduct independent research and 18000 students undertaking studies in a variety of disciplines. Interaction between disciplines is one of the strengths on which Dongguk prides itself; the university encourages researchers to work across disciplines in Information Technology, Bio Technology, CT, and Buddhism.Website: https://www.dongguk.edu/eng/About Assistant Professor Jitendra N. TiwariDr. Jitendra N. Tiwari is an Assistant Professor at Dongguk University, specializing in carbon-based catalysts for energy applications. Following postdoctoral research at NCTU, Taiwan, he served as a senior scientist and research assistant professor at POSTECH and UNIST. His work focuses on advancing materials engineering for sustainable energy solutions.About Professor Young-Kyu HanDr. Young-Kyu Han is a Professor in the Department of Energy and Materials Engineering at Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. His current research interests are the atomic/molecular quantum simulation of organic and inorganic hybrid materials. He is also working on the design of new promising materials based on atomic-level simulation.

Professor Sang-Eun Cho’s Research Team Develops Next-Generation Circularly Polarized Luminescent Semiconductor Materials

-Achieved stable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) from achiral perovskite nanocrystals-Presents potential for future optoelectronic and semiconductor-integrated devices-Published in Advanced Functional Materials (Impact Factor 19.1) ▲ From left: Sang-Eun Cho, Department of System Semiconductor; Atanu Jana; and Devlinadas, PhD candidateDongguk University (President Jae-Woong Yoon) announced that Professor Sang-Eun Cho from the School of System Semiconductor Engineering and his research team have successfully developed a stable and tunable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) material that emits across the full visible spectrum—based on achiral perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs).The study, titled “Ultrastable Perovskite Encased in a Helical Cage for Tunable Full-Color Mirror-Image Circularly Polarized Luminescence,” was recently published online in Advanced Functional Materials (Impact Factor 19.1), a prestigious journal in the fields of materials science and nanotechnology. The article is scheduled to appear in the November 2025 print issue.The research team developed a novel polymer-capped PNC composite, integrating a surface adsorption and ion exchange strategy using two-dimensional ZrH₂P₂O₈ nanosheets. This approach simultaneously addressed two major limitations of existing CPL materials—low photoluminescence efficiency and poor stability. As a result, the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of the nanocrystal composite was dramatically improved from 30.9% to 88.57%.Furthermore, by embedding the stabilized PNCs into a chiral polymer matrix, the team successfully demonstrated clear mirror-image CPL signals in both solution and solid states. This achievement represents a rare example of inducing strong CPL behavior from inherently achiral materials, and holds significant promise for applications in next-generation displays, quantum communication, optical memory devices, and bio-imaging technologies.Professor Cho stated, “Our work demonstrates that even achiral perovskite nanocrystals can exhibit highly stable and efficient CPL characteristics. This material offers a strong foundation for advancing future optoelectronic and semiconductor-integrated technologies where both stability and emission efficiency are critical.”

Professor Jeongin Son’s Joint Research Team Develops Key Technology for Next-Generation Anode-Free Solid-State Batteries

-Innovative Au–F interfacial layer resolves key challenge in anode-free solid-state batteries-Successfully suppresses lithium dendrite growth — a major breakthrough for commercialization-Featured as the cover article in Advanced Energy Materials (Impact Factor 26.0) ▲ From left: Jung-In Son, Dongguk University; Seung-Hyun Hong, Kookmin University; and Yeo-Jeong Jang, Dongguk University Dongguk University (President Jae-Woong Yoon) announced that Professor Jeongin Son from the Department of Physics, in collaboration with Professor Seunghyun Hong from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Kookmin University, has developed a thermodynamically stable gold-fluorine (Au–F) interfacial layer that addresses one of the most critical challenges in anode-free solid-state lithium metal batteries—non-uniform lithium deposition and dendritic growth.The research, titled "Thermodynamically-Favorable Tailored Au–F Interface for Uniform Lithium Deposition in Anode-Free Solid-State Batteries," was published in the September 2025 issue of Advanced Energy Materials (Impact Factor: 26.0, JCR top 3.5%), a leading journal in the fields of physics, materials science, and nanotechnology. Recognizing the significance of the findings, the article was selected as the cover paper for the issue.Anode-free solid-state lithium metal batteries are gaining attention as next-generation high-energy-density batteries, as they eliminate conventional anode materials and use only a copper current collector. However, a major limitation has been the lattice mismatch between lithium and copper, which leads to non-uniform initial lithium deposition, triggering the formation of dendrites that degrade efficiency and cause lithium loss. In this context, developing interfacial engineering techniques to guide uniform lithium growth has become essential.The joint research team successfully overcame this challenge by introducing a gold-fluorine interfacial layer, which promotes thermodynamically favorable lithium nucleation and deposition.Professor Son stated, “In anode-free solid-state batteries, the uniform deposition of lithium plays a critical role in improving both interfacial stability and battery performance. The Au–F interfacial layer we developed effectively reduces the energy barrier for lithium nucleation and enables precise control of ion diffusion, fundamentally suppressing dendrite formation.”He further added, “This approach induces a layered and uniform lithium deposition, resulting in high capacity retention and excellent Coulombic efficiency. Ultimately, this innovation is expected to significantly accelerate the commercialization of next-generation high-performance anode-free solid-state batteries.”This research was supported by the Nano and Material Technology Development Program and the Mid-Career Researcher Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT).

Professor Youngsung Kim’s Team Develops High-Performance DC Energy Harvesting Device for Wearable Applications

-Joint research with University of Calgary, Canada-Developed a novel DC-output energy harvesting device based on nanoporous carbon materials-Achieved 5.7 times higher performance than conventional devices-Published in the internationally renowned journal Chemical Engineering Journal (Impact Factor 13.4) ▲ Yeong-Seong Kim, Department of Mechanical, Robotics, and Energy Engineering Dongguk University (President Jae-Woong Yoon) announced that Professor Youngsung Kim from the Department of Mechanical, Robotics and Energy Engineering, in collaboration with a research team from the University of Calgary (Canada), has developed a next-generation energy harvesting and sensing device based on biomechanical motion.The international research team focused on harvesting biomechanical energy and developed a compact device that can be embedded into the insole of a shoe. The team explained that the device “achieved simplified design and miniaturization by employing a Kapton-based mechanical rectifier, while maximizing the surface area, porosity, and charge storage characteristics of nanoporous carbon materials.”▲ graphical abstractThe newly developed high-efficiency carbon-based device demonstrated an approximately 5.7-fold performance improvement over existing technologies and successfully passed durability testing over more than 40,000 cycles. Unlike conventional alternating current (AC)-based systems, this device generates direct current (DC) power without the need for complex rectifier circuits, making it highly applicable to wearable electronics, IoT sensor nodes, sports and medical devices, and portable electronics.Professor Kim stated, “We have developed a material and device structure along with a mechanical operation mechanism that ensures durability even when embedded in a shoe insole. This research overcomes the limitations of conventional materials and proposes optimized strategies for device design and fabrication.” He added, “While the device is currently based on biomechanical motion, we expect it could also be applied to energy harvesting systems for robotic platforms that involve repetitive mechanical movements.”The study, titled “Bimetallic nanoporous carbon-based direct-current triboelectric nanogenerators for biomechanical energy harvesting and sensing,” was published in the September 2025 issue of the Chemical Engineering Journal, a globally respected journal (Impact Factor: 13.4, top 3.1% in JCR).This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) through the NRF Leading Research Center Program, and by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) through KIAT’s Industrial Innovation Talent Growth Program.

Dongguk University Scientists Uncover Novel Battery Design for Industrial Energy Storage

Researchers developed a graphene coating that supercharges zinc-ion batteries for grid useZinc-ion batteries are promising for energy storage, but their traditional current collectors suffer from scalability issues, restricting industrial applications. In a recent study, researchers from Dongguk University have designed a novel alternative current collector in the form of graphene-coated stainless-steel foil. Consequently, they achieve batteries with high electrochemical performance and superior cycling stability, potentially paving the way for industrial-scale systems.<Towards high-performance industrial-scale zinc-ion battery>The present century has witnessed a proactive shift towards more sustainable forms of energy, including renewable resources such as solar power, wind, nuclear energy, and geothermal energy. These technologies naturally require robust energy storage systems for future usage. In recent years, lithium-ion batteries have emerged as dominant energy storage systems. However, they are known to suffer from critical safety issues.In this regard, zinc-ion batteries based on water-based electrolytes offer a promising solution. They are inherently safe, environmentally friendly, as well as economically viable. These batteries also mitigate fire risks and thermal runaway issues associated with their lithium-based counterparts, which makes them lucrative for grid-scale energy storage. Furthermore, zinc has high capacity, low cost, ample abundance, and low toxicity. Unfortunately, current collectors utilized in zinc-ion batteries, such as graphite foil, are difficult to scale up and suffer from relatively poor mechanical properties, limiting their industrial use.In a new breakthrough, a team of researchers from Republic of Korea, led by Associate Professor Geon-Hyoung An at the Department of Energy and Materials Engineering at Dongguk University, has proposed graphene-coated stainless steel foil as a novel alternative current collector. Their findings were published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials on April 02, 2025.According to Prof. An, “The core innovation of the present study is the use of graphene-coated stainless-steel foil, or G@SSF-400, as a current collector for zinc-ion batteries. Unlike conventional collectors, our material can be produced through a simple graphene coating and heat treatment for surface oxide removal. This enables both industrial scalability and high electrochemical performance.”This innovation overcomes the common challenges of corrosion and poor conductivity seen in water-based systems and operates stably even under high-mass loading conditions, which is essential for practical use. Notably, the battery exhibited high specific capacities exceeding 1 mAh cm-2, as well as retained 88.7% of its capacity after 1,500 cycles, a strong indicator of long-term durability. Furthermore, because this technology supports roll-to-roll manufacturing, it opens the door to large-scale production, bringing zinc-ion batteries closer to commercialization in the energy storage sector.“This technology is highly suitable for grid-scale energy storage systems, especially in the context of renewable energy integration. By enabling the use of water-based zinc-ion batteries, our approach provides a non-flammable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lithium-ion systems,” remarks Prof. An.Consequently, this research could contribute significantly to the global shift toward clean and resilient energy systems. It addresses key barriers in energy storage, including cost, scalability, and safety, especially in underserved markets. By reducing dependence on expensive or hazardous materials, such as those used in lithium-ion batteries, this technology supports the development of a more sustainable and circular battery economy. In practical terms, it could lead to wider access to affordable energy storage. In the long run, this could play a role in mitigating climate change, enhancing energy equity, and accelerating the global energy transition.In summary, the proposed next-generation technology furthers large-scale high-performance zinc-ion batteries as a safe and scalable energy storage solution.ReferenceTitle of original paper: Industrial Scalability of Zinc-Ion Batteries: Enhanced Electrochemical Performance with High Mass Loading Electrodes on Graphene-Coated Metal Current CollectorsJournal: Advanced Energy MaterialsDOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202500261About Dongguk UniversityDongguk University, founded in 1906, is located in Seoul, South Korea. It comprises 13 colleges that cover a variety of disciplines and has local campuses in Gyeongju, Goyang, and Los Angeles. The university has 1300 professors who conduct independent research and 18,000 students undertaking studies in a variety of disciplines. Interaction between disciplines is one of the strengths on which Dongguk prides itself; the university encourages researchers to work across disciplines in Information Technology, Bio Technology, CT, and Buddhism.Website: https://www.dongguk.edu/eng/About Professor Geon-Hyoung from Dongguk UniversityProf. Geon-Hyoung An is an Associate Professor in the Department of Energy and Materials Engineering at Dongguk University. His research focuses on electrochemical energy storage systems, aiming to develop advanced materials and scalable battery technologies for safe, sustainable applications. He earned his Ph.D. from Seoul National University of Science and Technology in 2018 and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford. From 2019 to 2025, he served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Energy Engineering at Gyeongsang National University.

Dongguk University Researchers Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Technology with Hybrid Anode Material

Innovative nanoscale engineering enhances energy storage and cycling stability, addressing the growing demand for efficient energy solutionsResearchers from Dongguk University have achieved a significant breakthrough in lithium-ion battery technology by developing a novel hybrid anode material. This innovative study introduces a hierarchical heterostructure composite that optimizes material interfaces at the nanoscale, resulting in remarkable enhancements in energy storage capacity and long-term cycling stability. This engineered structure integrates graphene oxide's superior conductivity with the energy storage capabilities of nickel-iron compounds for future electronics and energy solutions.<Revealing Hierarchical Heterostructures for Enhanced Energy Storage>Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant energy storage technology powering everything from portable electronics to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. However, the demand for higher energy density, faster charging, and longer lifespans necessitates continuous innovation.Researchers, led by Professor Jae-Min Oh of Dongguk University, in collaboration with Seung-Min Paek of Kyungpook National University, are addressing these challenges by engineering materials at the nanoscale. Their work, available online on January 28, 2025, and published in volume 506 of the Chemical Engineering Journal on January 15, 2025, focuses on a novel hybrid material designed to maximize the synergistic effects of its components. This innovative composite is a hierarchical heterostructure that combines reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with nickel-iron layered double hydroxides (NiFe-LDH). This unique composite leverages the properties of its components: rGO provides a conductive network for electron transport, and the nickel-iron-oxide components enable fast charge storage through a pseudocapacitive mechanism. The key to this innovative design is the abundance of grain boundaries, which facilitate efficient charge storage.To achieve the final composite, the researchers employed a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique using polystyrene (PS) bead templates. First, the PS beads were coated with GO and NiFe-LDH precursors. The templates were then removed, leaving behind a hollow sphere architecture. Following this, a controlled thermal treatment induced a phase transformation in NiFe-LDH, leading to the formation of nanocrystalline nickel-iron oxide (NiFe₂O₄) and amorphous nickel oxide (a-NiO), while simultaneously reducing GO to rGO. This synthesis resulted in a well-integrated hybrid composite (rGO/NiFe₂O₄/a-NiO), with enhanced conductivity making it an efficient anode material for lithium-ion batteries. This hollow structure prevents direct contact between the a-NiO/NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and the electrolyte, improving stability.Advanced characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, were then used to confirm the composite's formation. Electrochemical tests revealed the material's exceptional performance as a lithium-ion battery anode. The anode demonstrated a high specific capacity of 1687.6 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 after 580 cycles, surpassing conventional materials and highlighting its excellent cycling stability. Furthermore, the material exhibited good rate performance, maintaining high capacity even at significantly increased charge/discharge rates.Professor Seung-Min Paek emphasized the collaborative nature of the research, "This breakthrough was made possible through close cooperation between experts in diverse materials. By combining our strengths, we were able to design and optimize this hybrid system more effectively. "Professor Jae-Min Oh added, "We anticipate that, in the near future, energy storage materials will move beyond simply improving individual components. Instead, they will involve multiple interacting materials that create synergy, resulting in more efficient and reliable energy storage devices. This research offers a pathway to smaller, lighter, and more efficient energy storage for next-generation electronic devices."This development targets significantly improved batteries (longer life, faster charge, lighter) within 5-10 years, benefiting both device users and sustainable energy initiatives.ReferenceTitle of original paper: Phase change-induced heterointerface engineering of hollow sphere structured graphene oxide/layered double hydroxide composites for superior pseudocapacitive energy storage in lithium-ion batteriesJournal: Chemical Engineering JournalDOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.159671About the instituteDongguk University, founded in 1906, is located in Seoul, South Korea. It comprises 13 colleges that cover a variety of disciplines and has local campuses in Gyeongju, Goyang, and Los Angeles. The university has 1300 professors who conduct independent research and 18,000 students undertaking studies in a variety of disciplines. Interaction between disciplines is one of the strengths on which Dongguk prides itself; the university encourages researchers to work across disciplines in Information Technology, Bio Technology, CT, and Buddhism.Website: https://www.dongguk.edu/eng/About Professor Jae-Min OhDr. Jae-Min Oh earned his PhD from Seoul National University and completed postdoctoral research in France and Korea. He has held professorships at Yonsei University and currently serves as a professor at Dongguk University. His research group focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and application of layered inorganic materials, particularly layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, including MXenes and graphene oxide. His work spans diverse areas, including: advanced energy storage and conversion devices (lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and photovoltaics), biomedical applications (drug delivery, biocompatible materials, and diagnostics), and environmental remediation (pollutant removal and gas adsorption). He also investigates interfacial engineering to optimize material properties for these applications.

Dongguk University Researchers Develop Wavelet-Based Adversarial Training: A Breakthrough Defense System for Medical Digital Twins

This method enables medical digital twins to achieve 98% accuracy in breast cancer prediction, even under adversarial attacksMedical digital twins are virtual models of the human body that can help predict diseases with high accuracy. However, they are vulnerable to cyberattacks that can manipulate data and lead to incorrect diagnoses. To address this, researchers from Dongguk University developed the Wavelet-Based Adversarial Training (WBAD) defense system. Tested on a breast cancer diagnostic model, WBAD restored accuracy to 98% against attacks, ensuring safer and more reliable medical digital twins for healthcare applications.<Wavelet-Based Adversarial Training (WBAD) defense mechanism to secure medical digital twins against cyberattacks>A digital twin is an exact virtual copy of a real-world system. Built using real-time data, they provide a platform to test, simulate, and optimize the performance of their physical counterpart. In healthcare, medical digital twins can create virtual models of biological systems to predict diseases or test medical treatments. However, medical digital twins are susceptible to adversarial attacks, where small, intentional modifications to input data can mislead the system into making incorrect predictions, such as false cancer diagnoses, posing significant risks to the safety of patients.To counter these threats, a research team from Dongguk University, Republic of Korea, and Oregon State University, USA, led by Professor Insoo Sohn, has proposed a novel defense algorithm: Wavelet-Based Adversarial Training (WBAD). Their approach, which aims to protect medical digital twins against cyberattacks, was made available online on October 11, 2024, and is published in volume 115 of the March 2025 issue of the journal Information Fusion.“We present the first study within Digital Twin Security to propose a secure medical digital twin system, which features a novel two-stage defense mechanism against cyberattacks. This mechanism is based on wavelet denoising and adversarial training,” says Professor Insoo Sohn, from Dongguk University, the corresponding author of the study.The researchers tested their defense system on a digital twin designed to diagnose breast cancer using thermography images. Thermography detects temperature variations in the body, with tumors often appearing as hotter regions due to increased blood flow and metabolic activity. Their model processes these images using Discrete Wavelet Transform, which extracts essential features to create Initial Feature Point Images. These features are then fed into a machine learning classifier trained on a dataset of 1,837 breast images (both healthy and cancerous), to distinguish between normal and tumorous tissue.Initially, the model achieved 92% accuracy in predicting breast cancer. However, when subjected to three types of adversarial attacks—Fast Gradient Sign Method, Projected Gradient Descent, and Carlini & Wagner attacks—its accuracy dropped drastically to just 5%, exposing its vulnerability to adversarial manipulations. To counter these threats, the researchers introduced a two-layer defense mechanism. The first layer, wavelet denoising, is applied during the image preprocessing stage. Adversarial attacks typically introduce high-frequency noise into input data to mislead the model. Wavelet denoising applies soft thresholding to remove this noise while preserving the low-frequency features of the image.To further improve the model's resilience, the researchers added an adversarial training step, which trains the machine learning model to recognize and resist adversarial inputs. This two-step defense strategy proved highly effective, with the model achieving 98% accuracy against FGSM attacks, 93% against PGD attacks, and 90% against C&W attacks.“Our results demonstrate a transformative approach to medical digital twin security, providing a comprehensive and effective defense against cyberattacks and leading to enhanced system functionality and reliability,” says Prof. Sohn.ReferenceTitle of original paper: Adversarial robust image processing in medical digital twinJournal: Information FusionDOI: 10.1016/j.inffus.2024.102728About the instituteDongguk University, founded in 1906, is located in Seoul, South Korea. It comprises 13 colleges that cover a variety of disciplines and has local campuses in Gyeongju, Goyang, and Los Angeles. The university has 1300 professors who conduct independent research and 18,000 students undertaking studies in a variety of disciplines. Interaction between disciplines is one of the strengths on which Dongguk prides itself; the university encourages researchers to work across disciplines in Information Technology, Bio Technology, CT, and Buddhism.Website: https://www.dongguk.edu/eng/About the authorInsoo Sohn is a Professor in the Division of Electronics and Electrical Engineering at Dongguk University. He worked as a Senior Network Engineer at Ericsson, Dallas, in 1998. From January 1999 to February 2004, he was a Senior Researcher at ETRI, Daejeon. In March 2004, he became an Assistant Professor in the Communications Engineering Department at Myongji University. He received a B.S. degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1994), an M.S. degree from New Jersey Institute of Technology (1995), and a Ph.D. degree from Southern Methodist University (1998). His group researches cybersecurity, machine learning, digital twin systems, and semantic communications.

Dongguk University Researchers Create Clove Essential Oil-Based Pickering Emulsions

Researchers demonstrate how modifying the properties of clove essential oil can improve emulsifying efficiency and enhance antibacterial effectsClove essential oil is a promising antibacterial substance. In a new study, researchers from Dongguk University explore a sustainable way to create carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from clove residue left after extracting essential oil. These CQDs were tested for their ability to form Pickering emulsions, which are more stable and have enhanced antibacterial properties compared to traditional emulsions using Polysorbate 80. Thus, the proposed emulsions are promising for food and cosmetic applications.<A Sustainable Alternative to Synthetic Emulsifiers Using Clove-Based Nanotechnology>Foodborne diseases pose a significant challenge to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 of Good Health and Well-Being. Such ailments typically occur due to bacterial contamination during food production, processing, transportation, and storage and can even prove fatal. Therefore, it is imperative to prevent contamination due to microbes at all stages.In this regard, the food industry currently utilizes chemicals such as benzoate and nitrate. Unfortunately, these preservatives are not deemed as safe and effective natural antibacterial agents. Scientists have recently proposed essential oils, volatile substances produced through the secondary metabolism of plants, as promising alternatives.In a breakthrough, a team of researchers led by Jun-Won Kang, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology at Dongguk University, has come up with a novel clove essential oil-based Pickering emulsion formulation with enhanced antibacterial properties. Their findings were made available online on 3 December 2024 and published in Volume 503 of the Chemical Engineering Journal on 1 January 2025.According to Dr. Kang, “Clove essential oil is known to exhibit excellent antibacterial properties. However, its application has been limited by low water solubility. To overcome this, we decided to explore oil-based Pickering emulsions.”In this study, the researchers developed a sustainable Pickering emulsion using carbon quantum dots (CQDs), promising solid particles for food applications, derived from clove essential oil residue. Specifically, they synthesized four kinds of CQDs using ultrapure distilled water and ethanol, finding that CQDs with 40% ethanol demonstrated the highest emulsifying efficacy.CQDs increase the surface roughness of the emulsion, enhancing bacterial adhesion and leading to stronger antibacterial activity compared to conventional emulsions. The present approach not only enhances the antibacterial efficiency of emulsions but also offers a green and eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical surfactants such as Polysorbate 80. It showcases the upcycling of essential oil extraction byproducts into valuable emulsifying agent nanomaterials, contributing to sustainable material development and waste valorization.This work is expected to find several interesting applications across numerous fields. The developed Pickering emulsion can be used in food preservation and packaging to enhance shelf life by naturally preventing bacterial contamination. Additionally, since essential oils are already widely used in skincare products, the proposed emulsion could be used in natural cosmetics and topical antimicrobial formulations.Moreover, the antimicrobial properties of emulsion suggest potential applications in wound dressings, antiseptic formulations, or drug delivery systems. The formulation could also be applied to biopesticides or plant protection products that require stable emulsions with antimicrobial action.“To summarize, the novelties of our clove essential oil-based technology include reduction of chemical surfactants, health benefits, sustainability, waste reduction, circular economy promotion, advanced antimicrobial features, medical applications, and potential for widespread industrial adoption,” concludes Dr. Kang.Here’s hoping that this research soon leads to new regulatory standards favouring eco-friendly, bio-based, and non-toxic emulsifiers over synthetic ones, shaping the landscape of multiple industries!ReferenceTitle of original paper: Synthesis and characterization of clove residue-derived carbon quantumdots: Application in Pickering emulsion with enhanced antibacterial propertiesJournal: Chemical Engineering JournalDOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.158247About the instituteDongguk University, founded in 1906, is located in Seoul, South Korea. It comprises 13 colleges that cover a variety of disciplines and has local campuses in Gyeongju, Goyang, and Los Angeles. The university has 1300 professors who conduct independent research and 18,000 students undertaking studies in a variety of disciplines. Interaction between disciplines is one of the strengths on which Dongguk prides itself; the university encourages researchers to work across disciplines in Information Technology, Bio Technology, CT, and Buddhism.Website: https://www.dongguk.edu/eng/About the authorProfessor Jun-Won Kang, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology at Dongguk University, applies cutting-edge nanotechnology to control foodborne pathogens and antibiotic-resistance genes, contributing to food safety and public health. Expanding his research scope, he recently explored probiotic engineering to develop functional and therapeutic food microbiomes. His work spans microbial safety and engineering beneficial microorganisms, aiming to pioneer next-generation probiotics that address global health challenges while ensuring food sustainability. Through interdisciplinary approaches, he advances innovations in food microbiology.

Dongguk University Develops Gel-Based Stretchable Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Wearable Technology

This nanogenerator overcomes limitations of traditional electrode materials, offering flexibility and long-lasting performance for wearable applicationsImagine a future where your clothes power your devices and recognize you with a simple tap. Researchers at Dongguk University have developed a gel polymer-based triboelectric nanogenerator that generates electrical signals from body movement to power electronics like LEDs and functions as a self-powered touch panel for user identification. The device can stretch up to 375% of its original size and withstand rigorous mechanical deformations, making it suitable for wearable applications.<An in-situ curing strategy to develop a stretchable, semi-transparent, and durable GPE-TENG>From smartwatches, and fitness trackers to medical sensors that can be worn on the body, wearables are transforming the way we interact with technology. As their popularity grows, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that convert mechanical energy such as body movement to electrical energy offer a solution to power these devices without relying on batteries.Most TENGs used in wearable applications incorporate a triboelectric material attached to an electrode that conducts current. However, one of the challenges has been finding flexible electrode materials that can move seamlessly with the human body.To address these challenges, a research team led by Professor Jung Inn Sohn from Dongguk University-Seoul in the Republic of Korea developed a gel polymer electrode-based triboelectric nanogenerator (GPE-TENG). This device is stretchable, semi-transparent, and durable, making it suitable for wearable sensor applications. This paper was made available online on 11 Oct 2024 and was published in Volume 499 of the Chemical Engineering Journal on 1 Nov 2024.“We report an in-situ curing strategy to develop a stretchable, semi-transparent, and durable GPE-TENG through enhanced interfacial bonding between the ionic polymer gel and ecoflex layers,” explains Prof. Sohn.To fabricate the device, the researchers poured a gel mixture of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) into an ecoflex mold. The gel is spread evenly and then covered with another ecoflex layer. A copper wire is attached to the gel for electrical connection, and the entire assembly is cured at 70°C for 12 hours, allowing the gel to bond strongly with the ecoflex layers.The result is a durable, flexible, and semi-transparent device that generates electrical signals when tapped or stretched, delivering a peak power of 0.36 W/m² at a load of 15 MΩ. In tests, the device stretched up to 375% of its original size without damage and could withstand two months of bending, twisting, folding, and stretching without any signs of delamination or loss of electrical performance.As wearable technology becomes a bigger part of our daily lives, the proposed GPE-TENG could enable wearable devices that track joint activity for rehabilitation purposes or act as a biometric system in clothing, allowing users to unlock smart doors or lockers. “This work could revolutionize wearable technology by developing sustainable and flexible electronic devices with promising applications in human healthcare, rehabilitation, security systems, and secure biometric authentication systems,” says Prof. Sohn.ReferenceTitle of original paper: In-situ cured gel polymer/ecoflex hierarchical structure-based stretchable and robust TENG for intelligent touch perception and biometric recognitionJournal: Chemical Engineering JournalDOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.156650About the instituteDongguk University, founded in 1906 by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is a premier Buddhist institution of higher learning. Originally established as Myeongjin School, it is rooted in Buddhist principles, Korean tradition, and historical significance. With a legacy of empowering approximately 350,000 professionals instrumental in Korea's modernization and democratization, the university continues to cultivate future leaders who shape the world while advancing Korean Buddhism, guided by its motto: "The revival of Buddhism fuels Dongguk's growth, and vice versa."About the authorDr. Jung Inn Sohn is currently a Professor in the Division of Physics and Semiconductor Science at Dongguk University, Korea. His research group focuses on developing new low-dimensional materials and exploring their fundamental physical properties and new functions for potential applications in energy and optoelectronics. He was formerly a faculty member at the University of Oxford and a senior researcher at Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology and the University of Cambridge. His research is described in more than 175 SCI articles in top journals including Nature, Nature Communications, Energy & Environ. Sci., as well as 21 cover picture articles and 4 review articles. He has an h-index of 47 and 30 patents to his name.