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Professor Lee Seong-il’s Research Team Proposes Measures to Reduce Seabird Bycatch on Distant-Water Fishing Vessels- Published in the international journal
Pukyong National University Identifies Key Mechanism of ‘Hadley Circulation,’ a Longstanding Climate Science Challenge？ Professor Moon Woo-seok’s Research Team Reveals Mid-Latitude Storms as the Cause of Tropical ExpansionA new explanation has been proposed for why the Hadley cell―a fundamental component of Earth’s climate system―is expanding toward the poles. Professor Moon Woo-seok from the Department of Environmental Atmospheric Sciences at Pukyong National University and his research team have revealed that mid-latitude storms, also known as baroclinic eddies, are the main cause of this phenomenon, which has long been considered one of climate science’s great mysteries. The Hadley cell is a large-scale atmospheric circulation system composed of rising air in the tropics and sinking air in the subtropics. It plays a crucial role in shaping global precipitation patterns, desert formation, and the position of jet streams. Although observations and models over the past few decades have consistently shown that the boundary of the Hadley cell is shifting poleward, the cause of this phenomenon has remained unclear. The dominant explanation until now has been the 1980 Held & Hou model, but it fails to account for the critical role of mid-latitude storms in the actual atmosphere. Professor Moon extended this classical theory by incorporating the heat and momentum transport of mid-latitude storms and, for the first time, proposed an energy-based mechanism that determines the expansion and contraction of the Hadley circulation. According to the study, when mid-latitude storms transport more energy into the mid-latitudes, the Hadley cell contracts and strengthens; conversely, when less energy is transported, the Hadley cell expands toward the poles and weakens. As global warming progresses, the frequency and intensity of mid-latitude storms are decreasing, weakening the energy transport from the equator to the mid-latitudes―this is presumed to be driving the expansion of the Hadley circulation. This finding clearly demonstrates that changes in the Hadley cell are not merely a tropical issue but are closely linked to mid-latitude weather systems. Professor Moon Woo-seok’s research clearly demonstrates that changes in midlatitude storms may become a key driver of future tropical expansion. Since variations in the Hadley circulation directly impact major climate factors such as global precipitation patterns, the expansion of drought-prone regions, and shifts in jet streams, this newly proposed mechanism carries significant implications for future predictions in the era of climate change. Professor Moon published the findings in two papers titled ‘Influence of Baroclinic Eddies on the Hadley Cell Edge’ and ‘Midlatitude Interactions Expand the Hadley Circulation’, which were recently featured in the prestigious international journals
Pukyong National University Develops Lead-Free X-ray Shielding Aerogel- 3D photon cage structure achieves up to 97% X-ray absorption efficiency- Published in world-renowned chemistry journal Advanced Functional MaterialsProfessor Kim Jeong-hwan’s team at Pukyong National University (Department of Advanced Materials System Engineering) has developed a next-generation X-ray shielding aerogel material that is flexible, super-elastic, and hydrophobic. X-ray technology is widely used in fields such as medicine, science, industry, and the military, but exposure to X-rays poses potential risks to the human body. The lead (Pb)-based shielding materials currently in widespread use have several limitations, including toxicity, environmental hazards, and poor flexibility. In particular, lead exhibits low X-ray absorption efficiency in the 40？88 keV range and is inadequate in blocking secondary radiation generated by interactions between X-rays and the shielding material. Although various studies have sought to overcome these limitations, most existing research has focused on two-dimensional (2D) flexible thin-film alternatives to lead. However, these approaches have been constrained by limited attenuation cross-sections, which fundamentally restrict the improvement of X-ray absorption performance. Recognizing this, Professor Kim Jeong-hwan’s team focused on three-dimensional (3D) porous aerogels, which possess low density and high flexibility. Within their complex pore networks, repeated photon absorption, scattering, and reabsorption increases photon dwell time, significantly enhancing absorption efficiency. By applying a gadolinium (Gd)-based phase separation-induced strategy, the team successfully developed a flexible aerogel with a 3D “photon cage” structure. They further enhanced the material by adding a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating and incorporating a perovskite compound, Cs₃Bi₂I？. As a result, they created a next-generation X-ray shielding material with excellent properties―super elasticity, hydrophobicity, thermal insulation, and freeze resistance―while achieving four synergistic X-ray absorption mechanisms. The aerogel developed by the research team demonstrated excellent X-ray shielding performance across a wide energy range, thanks to the synergistic effects of its four complementary absorption mechanisms and the photon cage structure. In experimental tests, the material achieved a high X-ray absorption efficiency of 76？97% within the tube voltage energy range of 40？120 kV. To assess the aerogel’s real-world applicability in medical environments, the research team conducted joint performance verification tests using CT equipment in collaboration with Samsung Medical Center. Professor Kim Jeong-hwan stated, “This achievement proposes a new structural design paradigm for developing high-efficiency, lightweight, and flexible X-ray shielding materials, and holds great potential for future applications in medical, military, and industrial fields.” The study was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Education, and the National Research Foundation of Korea, as well as by the Global Joint Research Program at Pukyong National University. The results were published in the prestigious international chemistry journal
Pukyong National University Develops Stretchable and Contractible Gelatin-Based Electronic Skin- Research teams led by Professors Kim Yong-hyun and Park Myung-ki … propose potential for AI wearable platforms A gelatin-based hydrogel sensor that is soft like human skin and highly stretchable―with minimal disruption to electrical signals even after repeated stretching and relaxation―has been successfully developed. A research team led by Professor Kim Yong-hyun (Department of Display and Semiconductor Engineering) and Professor Park Myung-ki (Department of Chemistry) at Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) developed this material, which can reliably detect both subtle human movements and larger joint motions. When attached to the skin, the material collects signals that, once analyzed through artificial intelligence (AI), can accurately distinguish different human motions. This positions it as a promising next-generation wearable electronic skin (e-skin) platform. The research team created a soft and elastic base structure resembling human skin by combining gelatin―derived from porcine skin collagen―with glycerol and polyethylene glycol. They then applied a hybrid conductive network composed of silver nanowires (AgNWs) and a conductive polymer (PEDOT:PSS) to achieve high electrical conductivity and durability. To ensure long-term stability in both form and performance, a glutaraldehyde crosslinking process was used to tightly bind the molecular structure. The most notable feature of the resulting hydrogel sensor is its extremely low electrical hysteresis (signal distortion). Typically, when a sensor is stretched and released, the electrical signal can become misaligned, causing inconsistent measurements. However, this material maintains signal distortion under 3.5% even when stretched up to 200%, enabling it to consistently deliver stable signals for the same movement. It also demonstrated excellent durability, retaining performance after more than 1,000 cycles of repeated deformation. Notably, this hydrogel sensor was able to precisely detect not only large body movements―such as finger bending, arm and knee joint motion, walking, and jumping―but also fine physiological signals like pulse, respiration, and facial expression changes when attached to human skin.The research team connected the sensor to a wireless system to transmit data in real time, which was then analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI). As a result, they successfully classified 13 different types of movements with approximately 97.7% accuracy. The research findings were published in the world-renowned journal in the field of chemical engineering,
Pukyong National University Develops Interface Control Technology for Next-Generation All-Solid-State Battery Cathodes- Research by Professor Oh Pil-geon’s Team Published in Chemical Engineering Journal, a Leading Chemistry Journal Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) announced that a research team led by Professor Oh Pil-geon from the Department of Nano Fusion Engineering has developed a new interface control technology for cathodes used in next-generation all-solid-state batteries. The team’s recent study focused on the interface characteristics of single-crystal cathode active material NCM811 for sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries. The research findings were published in the
Pukyong National University Research Team Uncovers Mechanism to Enhance Ion Conductivity in Solid Electrolytes-Research by Prof. Jung Sung-chul’s team published in Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)-Study proposes strategy using cation substitution for charge control and improved ion conductivity Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) announced on the 13th that a research study by Professor Jung Sung-chul (Department of Physics) and his team on enhancing ion conductivity in solid electrolytes has been published in an international journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), UK. The research team, led by Professor Jung Sung-chul of Pukyong National University and Dr. Jeon Tae-gon, a postdoctoral researcher from the LAMP Project Group, identified the mechanism behind the significant improvement in ionic conductivity of the argyrodite-type solid electrolyte Li6SbS5I for all-solid-state batteries, achieved through cation substitution. This result is considered a meaningful achievement in the growing field of solid electrolytes, which are being actively explored as safer alternatives to liquid electrolytes prone to fire hazards. Using first-principles calculations, the team discovered that when the cation Sb in the SbS₄ tetrahedron of the Li6SbS5I solid electrolyte is substituted with Si, the Si provides more electrons to the neighboring sulfur anions. These electron-rich sulfur anions then strongly interact with lithium cations passing nearby, drastically lowering the diffusion barrier for lithium ions. As a result, the ionic conductivity of this solid electrolyte increased significantly―from 4.4 × 10-⁴ mS cm-¹ before substitution to 15.4 mS cm-¹ after substitution. This is one of the highest levels ever reported for solid electrolytes used in all-solid-state batteries and is considered by the research team to be competitive with the ionic conductivity of conventional liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. Professor Jung Sung-chul stated, “This study demonstrates that the strategy of charge modulation―adjusting the charge around lithium-ion diffusion paths through aliovalent cation substitution―is highly effective in enhancing the ionic conductivity of argyrodite-type solid electrolytes.” This research was supported by the Ministry of Education’s LAMP (Leaders in Advanced Materials Platform) program. The findings were published in the prestigious international journal Journal of Materials Chemistry A (Impact Factor: 9.5), issued by the Royal Society of Chemistry, under the title: “Conductivity enhancement of argyrodite Li6SbS5I solid electrolyte via charge modulation around Li diffusion paths through Si substitution.”
대외홍보센터 (2025-11-28)조회수 190Joint Research with SNU Hospital on Artificial Esophagus Development Pukyong National University (President Sang-hoon Bae) announced that a research team led by Professor Seung Yun Nam in the Department of Biomedical Engineering has developed an integrated biofabrication technology for artificial esophageal reconstruction, in collaboration with Professor Eun-Jae Chung’s team at Seoul National University Hospital. Esophageal reconstruction is typically performed using gastric or colonic segments when the organ is severely damaged by malignancy, corrosive injury, or trauma. However, these autologous conduits often show mismatched mechanical properties, inflammatory reactions, poor tissue integration, and impaired peristaltic motion, frequently leading to postoperative complications. To address these limitations, Professor Seung Yun Nam’s team developed a next-generation biomimetic artificial esophageal scaffold designed to recapitulate the hierarchical structure, mechanical behavior, and functional microenvironment of native esophageal tissue. In this study, the team used electrospinning to fabricate highly elastic and durable polyurethane (PU) nanofibers as the primary structural framework of the scaffold. Additionally, embedded digital light processing (DLP)-based photopolymerization was employed to incorporate silk fibroin methacryloyl (Sil-MA) within the PU nanofiber network, thereby enhancing tensile strength, elastic modulus, and surface hydrophilicity. In a subsequent step, precision extrusion bioprinting was used to laminate a layer of decellularized esophageal extracellular matrix (EdECM) onto the construct, effectively reconstructing a tissue-specific microenvironment analogous to that of the native esophagus. The resulting PU/Sil-MA/EdECM composite scaffold exhibited substantial improvements in both mechanical robustness and biological performance. The structure showed markedly enhanced tensile strength, elasticity, and surface wettability, leading to significantly increased stem cell adhesion, proliferation, and focal adhesion formation. In vitro studies further demonstrated superior smooth muscle and epithelial cell differentiation, critical for restoring esophageal motility. In a rat model with a circumferential esophageal defect, the engineered scaffold showed excellent tissue integration, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and robust regeneration of smooth muscle, epithelium, vasculature, and peripheral nerves. Contrast swallow studies and functional assessments confirmed recovery of peristaltic motion and stable luminal patency, highlighting the scaffold’s strong potential for future clinical translation. Professor Nam stated, “This work is the first to recreate both the structural complexity and mechanical properties of the esophagus by combining electrospun PU, DLP-patterned Sil-MA, and ECM-based bioprinting. It represents a powerful fabrication strategy capable of engineering tissue-specific mechanical behavior and promoting coordinated regeneration in esophageal reconstruction.” The research was published under the title “Integrated Biofabrication of Artificial Esophageal Scaffolds using Electrospinning, Embedded DLP, and Extrusion Techniques” in the online edition of Materials Today Bio (Impact Factor: 10.2, JCR Top 7.2%), one of the leading international journals in the field of biomaterials and regenerative medicine. The study was supported by the Health Technology R&D Project of the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (HI22C1323) and involved collaborative contributions with researchers at Seoul National University College of Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Inje University, and ATEMs. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102518]
대외홍보센터 (2025-11-28)조회수 240Promising Startup Technology for Cancer and Disease Diagnosis Using Metal Nanoanalysis Recognized-Professor Nam Won-il Secures Double Honors in Government Startup Support Programs-Selected for Both the Lab-Based Startup Leading University and Preliminary Startup Package ProgramsProfessor Nam Won-il of Pukyong National University’s Department of Electronic Engineering and his research team have been selected for multiple government startup support programs, thanks to their cutting-edge biotechnology. The team was recently selected for both the “Lab-Based Startup Leading University (Strategic Type)” program―jointly operated by the Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and Ministry of Education―and the “Pre-Startup Package (Deep Tech)” program led by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. In particular, Professor Nam Won-il was recognized for the high potential of his innovative biotechnology startup in the bio-health sector, being one of only 12 selected nationwide for the deep-tech program. Professor Nam Won-il’s research team at Pukyong National University operates the Nanoplasmonics Laboratory and is leading the development of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a next-generation analytical technology. SERS is an ultra-sensitive analytical method that utilizes the enhancement of molecular fingerprint signals (Raman scattering) on metallic nanostructure surfaces, enabling the detection of molecules at extremely low concentrations, even at the single-molecule level. This technology allows both qualitative and quantitative analysis in a non-destructive and label-free manner. It is also applicable to aqueous biological samples and bio-specimens based on the weak Raman signals of water molecules, drawing increasing attention in the fields of bioanalysis and diagnostics. The core technology developed by Professor Nam Won-il’s team―a high-performance, large-area SERS biochip―addresses two long-standing limitations of conventional SERS sensors: reproducibility and sensitivity. By combining a 3D nanoantenna structure with a soft lithography process, the research team successfully fabricated SERS biochips that are suitable for large-area, high-volume production. This achievement has earned recognition for its strong potential for commercialization in the rapidly growing precision bio-diagnostics market. Professor Nam stated, “SERS chips can be applied not only to cancer and disease diagnosis or monitoring, but also to a wide range of fields such as water pollution detection, food safety, and environmental analysis,” adding, “We plan to actively pursue deep-tech-based technology commercialization beyond fundamental research.”
대외홍보센터 (2025-10-27)조회수 264Designing Metal Thin Film Colors with AI A research team led by Professor Lee Seunghun from the Department of Physics at Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) has developed a novel physics-based machine learning model that accurately predicts the color of metal oxide thin films using artificial intelligence (AI). This research has drawn attention for improving both learning efficiency and prediction accuracy by incorporating the principles of electromagnetics directly into the machine learning algorithm through a strategy known as the “kernel trick.” The color of metal oxide thin films varies depending on surface microstructure and the degree of oxidation, allowing for the realization of a wide range of colors. However, it has been difficult to quantitatively predict the nonlinear correlations between color and process variables such as oxidation time, temperature, and film thickness. To overcome these limitations, Professor Lee Seunghun’s team explored a way to incorporate physical principles directly into the internal structure of a machine learning model. They proposed a strategy that improves both learning efficiency and prediction performance by designing the algorithm’s kernel function based on the electromagnetic characteristics of the data. Professor Lee Seunghun stated, “This study demonstrates that integrating physical understanding into machine learning can enhance both learning efficiency and prediction accuracy, clearly highlighting the importance of physics.” He added, “The concepts and practical examples presented in this research are expected to serve as a foundation for making machine learning more accessible and applicable across various academic disciplines.” The findings of this study were recently published online in the international journal
PKNU, Develops Eco-Friendly Technology to Adsorb and Degrade Carcinogenic ‘Forever Chemicals’ (PFAS)-Professor Kim Geon-Han’s research team achieves ultra-fast adsorption with regenerable, reusable materials-Eco-friendly solution expected to transform water treatment industry … Published in
Pukyong National University Professor Lee Eun, Publishes Study on Regional Inequality in Korean Medical Facilities- Quantitative Analysis of Public and Private Healthcare Facility Distribution Published in
Pukyong National University Research Team Develops AI-Based Technology for Assessing Mackerel Freshness- A New Paradigm in Smart, Non-Destructive Freshness Analysis for Seafood- Joint Research by Food Engineering and Biomedical Engineering Published in
Chung-Ang and PKNU Research Team Develops Soft Actuator Operating at -80°C-Published in
Pukyong National University Research Published in Top 0.12% Global Journal- Light-Activated Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapy Featured in
Published in Nature, the World’s Top Scientific JournalPKNU Presents a Self-Levitating Aerial Vehicle Using Ultralight Nanostructures-Professor Kim Jong-hyung Collaborates with Harvard and the University of Chicago on a Solar-Powered Near-Space Flyer Based on NanostructuresProfessor Kim Jong-hyung (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pukyong National University), in collaboration with research teams from Harvard University and the University of Chicago, has successfully designed and fabricated an ultralight nanolattice structure capable of solar-powered levitation. This innovative aerial platform experimentally demonstrates, for the first time in the world, the possibility of sustained flight within the Earth’s mesosphere (50？100 km altitude). The research was published in the prestigious international journal on August 14.The Mesosphere―located 50 to 100 kilometers above the Earth’s surface―is a region too high for conventional aircraft and weather balloons, yet too low for satellite-based observation. As such, it has long been considered a “blind spot” for climate monitoring, despite its potential to provide essential data for climate change prediction and weather modeling. The newly developed self-levitating aerial vehicle offers a breakthrough solution. Powered solely by sunlight and requiring no fuel, the vehicle is capable of sustained levitation, making it a promising platform for future mesosphere exploration and atmospheric data collection. Scalable Nanolattice Design and Fabrication Extended to Centimeter ScaleThe research team developed a novel design approach based on Nanolattice structures, which simultaneously offer exceptional mechanical strength and ultralightweight properties. Led by Professor Kim Jong-hyung, the team successfully scaled up nanolattice fabrication from the conventional millimeter-scale to centimeter-scale using a newly applied processing method. This innovation enabled the implementation of stable, lightweight structures, demonstrating the real-world applicability of nanolattice technology. Solar-Driven Levitation Using the Principle of PhotophoresisThe levitation mechanism is based on Photophoresis, a physical phenomenon in which, under extremely low-pressure conditions, gas molecules reflecting more strongly off a heated side of a structure generate net thrust. To enhance light absorption, the research team deposited a chromium layer on the underside of the aluminum oxide？based nanolattice. The structure was then precisely engineered to ensure that the photophoretic force―resulting from surface temperature differentials―could exceed the weight of the structure, enabling solar-powered levitation. Successful Simulation of Mesospheric Flight ConditionsThe structure fabricated by Professor Kim Jong-hyung and tested at Professor Vlassak’s laboratory at Harvard University measures approximately 1？cm in diameter and 100？μm in thickness. Its interior features a highly precise nanolattice design composed of ultra-thin 100？nm films. The team conducted tests inside a custom-built low-pressure chamber, replicating mesospheric conditions with 55% of standard solar irradiance and an atmospheric pressure of 26.7？Pa―equivalent to an altitude of approximately 60？km above sea level. Under these conditions, the structure successfully levitated, marking the world’s first experimental validation of sustained flight in the mesosphere. Toward Climate Monitoring, Communications, and Planetary ExplorationTechnology opens promising applications across multiple fields. By equipping the levitating structure with ultralight sensors, it could collect real-time mesospheric data―such as wind speed, pressure, and temperature―enhancing the precision of climate models. Moreover, deploying multiple such devices could enable low-latency communication networks in the upper atmosphere. Given its suitability for thin-atmosphere environments, the platform also holds potential for planetary exploration missions, including on Mars. This innovation has drawn interest from organizations such as NASA, recognizing its potential as a next-generation aerospace technology. Professor Kim Jong-hyung: “Unlocking New Potential in Nanolattice Structures”Professor Kim remarked, “This study transforms nanolattice structures from mere laboratory materials into viable platforms for real-world atmospheric and space applications.” He added, “We aim to integrate communication systems and a range of sensors into the structure, evolving it into a tool for real-time environmental monitoring and planetary exploration.” Currently, Professor Kim is conducting follow-up research to enhance the performance and reliability of the structure. In parallel, he is committed to nurturing creative talent in the field of Materials Science and Engineering, with a focus on interdisciplinary research that pushes the boundaries of conventional materials engineering. This research was supported by the Star-Friedman Challenge at Harvard University and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The developed technology has already been transferred to a Harvard-affiliated startup, Rarefied Technologies, through the university’s Office of Technology Development, and is currently undergoing commercialization.
대외홍보센터 (2025-09-19)조회수 340A Sensor That Stretches Like Skin and Even Generates Power from Seawater … Development of a ‘Versatile Hydrogel’-Professor Kim Yong-hyun’s Team at Pukyong National University Presents a Next-Generation Material for Wearable Sensors A next generation “all-in-one hydrogel”, which is highly sensitive to electrical signals, stretches like human skin, and even generates electricity when immersed in seawater, has been developed by a Korean research team. A research team led by Professor Kim Yong-hyun (Department of Display and Semiconductor Engineering) at Pukyong National University has developed a high-performance hydrogel by combining xanthan gum, a natural polymer, with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a biocompatible polymer. This new material maximizes both mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. The key achievement of this research lies in overcoming the long-standing trade-off between mechanical strength and ionic conductivity in conventional hydrogel studies. The team accomplished this by introducing a proprietary “dual crosslinking and ion treatment” process. Specifically, they applied dual crosslinking―a combination of physical and chemical bonds―to reinforce the hydrogel’s internal framework. This was followed by an ion treatment process that not only enhanced the material’s conductivity but also further stabilized its structure. As a result, the developed hydrogel is over 20 times stronger than conventional types and can stretch more than four times its original length (with an elongation of 410.2%). It also achieved exceptionally high ionic conductivity (5.23 S/m). Furthermore, it demonstrated minimal signal distortion (hysteresis) during repeated movements, ensuring excellent stability and reliability as a sensor material. Building on these properties, the research team successfully applied the hydrogel as a wearable sensor by attaching it to the skin to monitor various human movements. The sensor accurately detected both large joint motions―such as finger and knee movements―and subtle physiological signals, including pulse, breathing, and swallowing. When the collected data was analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI), the sensor achieved a high classification accuracy of 84.9%, proving its potential as a human-machine interface (HMI). In addition, the team demonstrated that hydrogel could serve as a power generator for sustainable energy. Using the principle of osmotic power, electricity was generated as ions moved between the hydrogel and seawater due to the difference in salt concentration. The team successfully connected multiple hydrogel units in series to light an LED lamp, confirming the material’s potential as an eco-friendly energy source. The results of this study were published in the internationally renowned journal