Q1. Could you provide a brief introduction to your lab and its research areas?

Our lab, guided by Professor Cha, Suk Won, is the Renewable Energy Conversion Laboratory. We are divided into two main teams: energy device fabrication and energy system control. We conduct various experiments and system modeling studies on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), and water electrolysis.

Given the rising global environmental concerns and the emergence of renewable energy and hydrogen as solutions to international emission regulations, we are actively developing core technologies to position South Korea at the forefront of the hydrogen economy. We focus on creating new types of high-performance cells using thin film deposition processes like physical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition, which are not seen in traditional fuel cell manufacturing. We are also developing electrode and electrolyte materials that efficiently transmit ions at operating temperatures to improve efficiency. Additionally, we are collaborating with major corporations such as Hyundai Motor Company and Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering to develop optimal fuel cell system models. For instance, we research the energy management systems of fuel cell hybrid vehicles considering degradation characteristics and general performance assurance, and we use artificial intelligence to diagnose and predict abnormal states in fuel cell systems to accelerate the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles.

Q2. Could you briefly introduce a recent major research project?

Let me talk about our key research projects on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells/electrolysis (PEMFC/EC) and solid oxide fuel cells/electrolysis (SOFC/EC). In our PEMFC research, we collaborate with Hyundai Motor Company to reduce costs, lightweight, and enhance the durability of stack components (such as bipolar plates and diffusion layers). We perform coating and corrosion resistance evaluations on bipolar plates and conduct cell tests for performance assessment. If we can secure durability and cost-effectiveness while maintaining or enhancing cell performance through thin film deposition coating technologies, PEMFC and electrolysis technologies can be utilized in large ships, cars, and aircraft.

For SOFC/EC, which operates at temperatures above 750 °C, we face several disadvantages in terms of durability and material selection. To address these issues, we focus on developing cells/electrolysis that operate at lower temperatures. Lowering the operating temperature slows reactions and reduces efficiency, so we aim to create next-generation fuel cells that maintain high performance at lower temperatures by combining traditional slurry processes with semiconductor industry thin-film deposition processes. Our research includes making thin-film cells to maximize reaction areas, developing protonic ceramic fuel cells that conduct protons more efficiently than oxygen ions, and optimizing thin-film electrode structures and materials. By integrating advanced semiconductor processes like sputtering and ALD with traditional slurry processes, we aim to produce next-generation SOFC/EC with improved performance, durability, economic feasibility, and productivity.

Q3. Could you tell us about the biggest challenges you faced in your research and how you overcame them?

The most challenging aspect of our experiments is the numerous variables that affect the results, often more than we anticipate. When working with nanoscale thin films, uncontrollable variables can lead to completely different outcomes. This means hours or even days of experimentation can be rendered useless, and we often have to repeat the same experiment multiple times, changing one condition at a time to identify the cause of changes. Repeating seemingly meaningless experiments can be a major obstacle for researchers. Overcoming these challenges required patience, responsibility, and collaboration with lab colleagues. The persistence to keep going until the experiment succeeds, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to communicate freely with other researchers are essential qualities for a researcher. Thanks to a supportive atmosphere that encouraged idea-sharing, I was able to gain unexpected insights and solve various problems together with my colleagues.

Q4. Could you introduce any special equipment or facilities that your lab possesses?

Our lab is equipped with experimental devices for evaluating PEMFC/electrolysis systems and SOFC/electrolysis systems. We also have advanced thin-film deposition equipment such as sputter and plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) devices. Additionally, we use wet process equipment for traditional fuel cell manufacturing, including tape casting, screen printing, and spin coating. Furthermore, we have multiple potentiostat devices for electrochemical analysis.