Ungyu Paik
Ungyu Paik is a distinguished professor in the Department of Energy Engineering at Hanyang University, Korea. He earned his Ph.D. in the Department of Ceramic Engineering from Clemson University (1988 ~ 1991). Following this, he served as an associate professor at Changwon National University, Korea, until 1999. In that year, he became a professor at Hanyang University. The expertise of Professor Paik was acknowledged when he served as a minister in the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy of Korea (2017 ~ 2018). Upon returning to academia, he has engaged in collaborative research with leading global companies, such as Samsung SDI, Samsung electronics and LG energy solution, making substantial contributions to the battery industries and broader energy sector.
His research interests are centered around the exploration and development of materials for advanced Li-ion batteries and next-generation energy storage systems. Based on the fundamental understanding of the physical and electrochemical properties of the materials, his research has encompassed various aspects of advanced Li-ion batteries. These include the engineering electrode components (cathode/anode active materials, binder, conducting agent) and improving Li-ion/electron transport kinetics within electrode. Recently, he has directed his focus towards the advancement of next-generation energy storage systems. These include all-solid-state batteries (ASSB) with sulfide and oxide-based solid electrolytes, roll-to-roll dry coating process, Li-metal/sulfur/air batteries, sodium batteries, liquid metal batteries, flow electrode capacitive mixing (F-CapMix) and proton conducting fuel cell (PCFC), designed for low-cost and sustainable energy devices.
His work extends further into the synthesis of electro-catalyst for hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions in the field of water splitting. Until now, he has published over 400 papers, with h-index exceeding 70, and over 200 granted patents and patent applications. Acknowledging his dedication to academic research, he has consistently been recognized as a highly cited researcher (HCR) by Clarivate Analytics, consistently ranking in the top 1% of scientists in the “Crossfield” for four consecutive years (2020 ~ 2023). His substantial contributions to energy storage systems solidify his position as a distinguished professor and researcher in his field.
ABSTRACT
mCeramic nanoparticles engineering: A breakthrough in semiconductor and Li-ion energy storage technology
Ceramic nanoparticle engineering has played a crucial role in advancing both the semiconductor and Li ion energy storage technologies. This presentation is divided into two sections.
1) Semiconductor: Middle-of-the-line (MOL) interconnect metals are critical for signal transmission in advanced semiconductor devices. Molybdenum (Mo), with low resistivity and superior gap-filling ability, is a promising replacement for tungsten beyond sub-3nm logic and 3D memory devices. However, the low stability of nanoparticle-dispersed slurry and high Mo dissolution during chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) hinder its practical use. The efficiency of the planarization process can be improved by controlling inter-particle interactions through the surface modification of nanoparticles and by engineering the oxidation behavior between nano-sized silica particles suspended in an acidic region and the Mo film.
2) Li ion energy storage: roll-to-roll dry coating process is a practical and environmentally benign approach for the mass production of ultra-high thick electrodes, crucial for high energy density and cost reduction. By engineering the rearrangement and distribution of ceramic particulates with conducting agent and binder, dry electrode (10 mAh cm−2) with low resistance can be achieved with three main characteristics: 1) robust mechanical properties by formation of fiber networks, 2) uniform pore size/distribution and 3) crack free of high nickel cathode particulates.