Researcher : Dr. Chae Bin Kim, 김채빈 (Ph.D): 2016.09~2017.08 @ KIST
Graduate Student: Ki-Beom Jeong, 정기범 (Master Course): 2016.01~2017.08 @ KIST
Polymer & Organic Energy Materials
Research
Programming molecular selectivity into circular material systems
Our research orchestrates the rules of molecular recognition and programmable chemical interactions to address critical challenges where chemistry meets global infrastructure. Moving beyond isolated functional materials, we integrate molecular precision into comprehensive systems.
We organize our scientific endeavors into two synergistic pillars: engineering Intelligent Process & Digital Chemistry Platforms for advanced separation and analytical monitoring, and pioneering Sustainable & Circular Molecular Engineering to close the loops of both synthetic materials and natural eco-cycles.
PART 1. Intelligent Process & Digital Chemistry Platforms
Translating molecular recognition into interconnected separation, sensing, and catalytic systems.
We merge molecularly precise interfaces with robust hardware architectures to build smart process platforms. By breaking away from simple size-exclusion filtration and fragile, short-lived monitoring tools, we engineer integrated systems capable of real-time analysis, high-fidelity detection, and selective resource harvesting.
Selective Separation & Resource Recovery: Beyond Size-Exclusion
Most separation technologies treat molecules merely as objects to be filtered by physical size. We approach the problem by capitalizing on their unique chemical identities. Drawing on the chemistry of non-covalent interactions, we engineer membrane architectures with built-in molecular recognition. This enables selectivities that traditional physical filtration cannot achieve—mimicking the precise logic biological systems use to distinguish specific ions in crowded cellular environments.
Key Focus
· Supramolecular exfoliation and polymer-intercalated membrane design
· COF – carbon nanoparticle hybrid membranes via directed self-assembly
· Selective lithium and precious metal extraction from brines
· Advanced desalination, water purification, and pharmaceutical separations
1) Adv. Mater. 2022, 34, 2206982
Intelligent Sensing & Analytical Augmentation: High-Fidelity Interfacial Tracking
To address chemical threats or monitor complex reactions, we must be able to "see" them continuously at the material interface. We design sensing platforms that combine extreme sensitivity with long-term durability in complex matrices. Our primary platform utilizes engineered glassy carbon substrates for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). By successfully suppressing localized photothermal heating at the detection interface, we enable stable, prolonged measurement of thermally sensitive analytes. This opens up new pathways for monitoring in situ reaction kinetics and tracing delicate biological signals.
Key Focus & Sub-technologies:
· Glassy carbon-based SERS platforms with advanced photothermal suppression
· Long-duration, non-destructive detection of biological macromolecules and volatile analytes
· Real-time in situ reaction kinetics and neurochemical sensing (in collaboration with neuroscience partners)
· Supramolecular dye-based, field-deployable optical sensors for persistent environmental contaminants (PFAS)
· Neurochemical sensing (in collaboration with neuroscience partners)
Catalysis & Chemical Transformation: Heterogeneous and Bio-Hybrid Systems
Effective catalysis requires not just activity, but selectivity and durability in real operating environments. We develop heterogeneous catalyst systems applied to organic transformations, where solid-phase architectures enable precise reaction control and straightforward recovery. In parallel, we explore a biohybrid frontier: by interfacing living microbial systems with conductive polymer matrices, we engineer platforms capable of driving energy-relevant reactions — including hydrogen and ammonia production — through the cooperative action of biological and synthetic components.
Key Focus & Sub-technologies:
· Heterogeneous catalysts for selective organic transformations
· Microbial–conductive polymer hybrid systems for H₂ and NH₃ production
· Bio-electrochemical platforms at the interface of synthetic and living systems
PART 2. Sustainable & Circular Molecular Engineering
Designing material architectures that perform rigorously, then return seamlessly to the eco-cycle.
We address the global waste and resource crisis not at the end-of-life waste management stage, but at the very first point of molecular synthesis. By programming reversible bonds into synthetic networks and engineering bio-inspired interfaces, we create high-performance materials that close the loops of both human industries and biological ecosystems.
Circular Polymer Chemistry: Programmable Bond Reversibility
Conventional polymer design optimizes strictly for performance, leaving end-of-life as an afterthought. We change the starting point: if molecular bonds can be designed to form selectively, they can also be engineered to break cleanly under defined, on-demand conditions. Our central contribution is a pioneering vacuum- and solvent-free approach to chemical recycling to monomer (CRM) of crosslinked polymer networks—a class of materials notoriously difficult to recycle. By exploiting thermodynamic control over bond reversibility, we recover high-purity monomers without the massive energy and solvent costs that have limited prior recycling models.
Key Focus & Sub-technologies:
· Vacuum- and solvent-free chemical recycling to monomer (CRM) of robust vitrimers and crosslinked networks
· Circular polymer system design via programmable and on-demand bond reversibility
1) Chem. Eng. J. 2024, 497, 1547303
2) Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2025, e202416114
3) Small, 2025, e07801
4) Chem. Asian. J., 2025, e00670
Eco-Interfacial Materials: Bio-Adhesion & Microbiome Interfaces
Extending our circular principles to nature, we develop bio-inspired adhesive materials that draw on the non-covalent bonding strategies of marine organisms—achieving strong adhesion under demanding aqueous conditions while releasing cleanly when triggered. Furthermore, we explore the vital interface between synthetic polymer chemistry and living microbial systems. By designing polymer architectures that interact with soil and marine microbiota through supramolecular recognition, we open a path toward next-generation biological fertilizers that optimize nutrient cycles and support sustainable agricultural infrastructure.
Key Focus & Sub-technologies:
· Bio-inspired transient adhesives via supramolecular non-covalent mechanisms
· Polymer–microbiome interfaces for circular agricultural systems and advanced bio-fertilizers
1) Small, 2025, e07801
2) Chem. Asian. J., 2025, e00670