Bioinspired Functional Materials Lab.

Research Themes

1. Electrocatalysts and Electrodes

We focus on developing advanced electrocatalysts and electrode architectures for key electrochemical reactions, including water splitting, CO₂ reduction, and waste valorization. Our research spans from the molecular design of catalytic sites to the engineering of electrode interfaces for efficient, durable, and scalable energy conversion.

• Bioinspired Electrocatalysts using POMs
  We design and tailor polyoxometalate (POM)-based catalysts that emulate enzymatic active sites, enabling precise control of redox activity, electron transfer, and structural stability at the molecular level.

• Non-Noble, Cost-Effective Catalysts for Hydrogen Production
  We develop earth-abundant and non-noble metal catalysts that exhibit high catalytic activity and long-term stability for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER), advancing sustainable hydrogen production technologies.

• Electrocatalysts for CO₂ Conversion
  We design selective and durable electrocatalysts that convert carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals and fuels through efficient CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) pathways.

• Catalysts and Electrodes for Biomass and Plastic Waste Valorization
  We create redox-active catalysts and functional electrodes capable of converting biomass (e.g., lignin) and plastic wastes into useful organic molecules, thereby enhancing the energy efficiency and sustainability of electrolysis systems.

• Organic and Polymeric Electrode Modifications
  We modify electrode surfaces with organic and polymeric materials to fine-tune reaction pathways, optimize interfacial charge transfer, and improve the overall kinetics of electrochemical processes.

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- References
(1) Advanced Materials 2025, 37, 2501021 (link).

(2) Small 2024, 20, 2400114 (link).

(3) Advanced Materials 2024, 36, 2304468 (link).

(4) Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 2023, 652, 1784 (link).

(5) Nanoscale Horizons 2021, 6, 379 (link).

(6) ACS Catalysis 2020, 10, 2060 (link).

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2. Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Systems

We develop advanced electrochemical and photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems by integrating catalysts with functional components such as membranes, ion-selective layers, and porous transport structures. Our goal is to construct efficient, durable, and scalable devices for energy conversion and chemical production.

• Functional Layer Design and Modification
  We enhance device efficiency and durability through rational design and surface modification of membranes, ion-selective films, and porous transport layers, improving mass transport, gas management, and ionic conductivity.

• Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Materials
  We synthesize organic–inorganic composite materials that combine mechanical flexibility, chemical robustness, and electrical conductivity, enabling efficient charge separation and light utilization in electrochemical and photoelectrochemical devices.

• Rational Assembly and Integration Strategies
  We employ modular and layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly techniques to integrate multiple functional materials—including catalysts, charge mediators, and light absorbers—into coherent systems that maximize interfacial synergy and performance.

• Combining Biological and Electrochemical Systems
  We explore biohybrid electrochemical systems that integrate enzymes or microbial components with synthetic electrodes, achieving highly selective and energy-efficient chemical transformations inspired by natural redox processes.

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- References

(1) Nature Communications 2024, 15, 9439 (link).

(2) Journal of CO2 Utilization 2024, 82, 102754 (link).

(3) Advanced Energy Materials 2024, 14, 2302555 (link).

(4) Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2021, 9, 13874 (link).

(5) Advanced Functional Materials 2020, 30, 1908492 (link).

(6) ACS Nano 2019, 13, 467-475 (link).

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3. Wettability Control for Enhanced Reaction Efficiency and Stability

We pioneer wettability-engineering strategies to improve the efficiency, stability, and selectivity of electrochemical reactions involving gaseous reactants or products. By tuning surface hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, we control gas–liquid–solid interactions to optimize reaction environments at electrode interfaces.

• Bubble Management for Water Electrolysis
  We control electrode wettability to facilitate rapid detachment of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles during hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, reducing concentration polarization and enhancing overall system performance.

• Optimized Gas-Consuming Reactions (CO₂RR, N₂RR)
  We tailor surface properties to maintain stable triple-phase boundaries, improving gas transport and enhancing selectivity in CO₂ and N₂ reduction reactions.

• Prevention of Scale Formation and Gas Crossover
  Through wettability regulation and interfacial engineering, we suppress inorganic scaling and gas crossover, leading to improved durability and safety in long-term electrolyzer operation.

 

- References

(1) Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2024, 12, 10012 (link).

(2) Advanced Functional Materials 2024, 34, 2308827 (link).

(3) Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2023, 11, 1658 (link). 

(4) Advanced Energy Materials 2022, 12, 2201452 (link). 

(5) Science Advances 2020, 6, eaaz3944 (link).

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4. Electrochemical Biomass and Waste Refineries

We explore electrochemical pathways to valorize biomass and waste materials, coupling environmental remediation with sustainable energy production. Our approach transforms low-value or waste feedstocks into useful chemicals, fuels, and hydrogen, contributing to circular carbon and resource cycles.

• Biomass-to-Chemical Conversion
  We utilize biomass such as lignin as alternative electron donors in electrolysis, enabling low-voltage hydrogen production while generating value-added aromatic compounds through oxidative depolymerization.

• Electrochemical Plastic Depolymerization
  We design redox-active systems to decompose plastic wastes electrochemically under mild conditions, recovering monomeric or functionalized chemical products for reuse.

• Dehalogenation of Halogenated Compounds
  We develop selective electrochemical dehalogenation methods to detoxify halogenated organic wastes, providing sustainable and energy-efficient routes for waste treatment and recycling.

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- References

(1) Advanced Energy Materials 2024, 14, 2302555 (link).

(2) Advanced Materials 2023, 35, 2301576 (link).

(3) Advanced Science 2022, 9, 2204170 (link).

(4) Nature Communications 2022, 13, 5709 (link). 

(5) ACS Catalysis 2020, 10, 2060-2068 (link).

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Future Vision & Research Philosophy

At the Bioinspired Functional Materials Laboratory (BFML), we envision a sustainable future powered by electrochemical innovation and material intelligence. Our research philosophy is rooted in the belief that nature offers the most elegant solutions to complex energy and environmental challenges. By emulating biological principles—self-regulation, adaptability, and efficiency—we strive to translate fundamental electrochemistry into practical technologies that can impact society.

We aim to:

• Bridge molecular design and system engineering, connecting atomic-level insights with real-device performance.

• Redefine resource utilization, transforming CO₂, biomass, and waste into valuable energy carriers and chemicals.

• Integrate cross-disciplinary innovation, merging chemistry, materials science, biology, and artificial intelligence for accelerated discovery and implementation.

• Empower sustainable technologies, leading the global transition from fossil-based to renewable, circular energy systems.

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Ultimately, our goal is to create bioinspired materials and electrochemical systems that not only achieve high performance in the lab but also endure in the real world—contributing to a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient planet.