Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology | South Korea
Dr. Yongku Kang is a highly accomplished researcher in materials science whose work has significantly advanced the development of next-generation materials for energy applications, bridging fundamental chemistry, nanomaterials engineering, and functional device design. His outstanding scholarly impact is reflected in an impressive 4,038 citations distributed across 1,753 citing documents, supported by 102 i10-index publications, a substantial research output of 52 documents, and a strong h-index of 36, demonstrating both depth and sustained influence in his field. Dr. Kang’s research focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced functional materials for energy storage, environmental sustainability, catalysis, and optoelectronic applications. His contributions encompass high-performance composites, nanostructured electrode materials, metal–organic frameworks, semiconducting materials, and biomaterials engineered for enhanced efficiency, stability, and performance in energy-driven systems. Through experimental innovation, state-of-the-art materials characterization techniques, and interdisciplinary collaboration, he has developed novel material architectures that improve ionic transport, catalytic activity, photophysical behavior, thermal stability, and environmental resilience. His work spans a range of high-impact areas including photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, hydrogen generation, energy storage devices, environmental purification materials, and bio-derived functional materials. Dr. Kang’s extensive publication record demonstrates leadership in advancing nanocomposite processing, interface engineering, and structure–property relationships in materials designed for clean energy conversion and sustainable technologies. In addition to his contributions as a prolific researcher, he is an active participant in academic mentoring, collaborative research networks, and scientific leadership activities, helping to drive innovation within the materials science community. Through a combination of high citation influence, interdisciplinary expertise, and technological creativity, Dr. Yongku Kang stands out as a distinguished scientist whose work continues to shape the evolving landscape of materials for energy applications, making him a highly deserving candidate for the Research Excellence Award.
Featured Publications
San, M., Lee, M. H., Suk, J., & Kang, Y. (2025). Nanoelectrochemistry in next generation lithium batteries. In Electrochemistry and Photo-Electrochemistry of Nanomaterials (pp. 211–250).
Lee, J., Kang, Y., Suh, D. H., & Lee, C. (2005). Ionic conductivity and electrochemical properties of cross-linked poly (siloxane-g-oligo (ethylene oxide)) gel-type polymer electrolyte. Electrochimica Acta, 50(2–3), 350–355.
Nguyen, T. M., Biressaw, G. M., Lee, M. H., Kim, D. Y., Bui, T. H., Suk, J., & Kang, Y. (2025). Hybrid aqueous electrolyte design for interfacial stabilization in high-energy-density and long-life LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2–Li4Ti5O12 lithium-ion batteries. Journal of Energy Storage, 139, 118915.
guyen, T. M., Biressaw, G. M., Kim, D. W., Jo, H. W., Suk, J., & Kang, Y. (2025). Improved stability of solid polymer electrolyte using an additive for a 4 V lithium-ion battery operated at room temperature. Journal of Energy Storage, 126, 117098.
Biressaw, G. M., Nguyen, T. M., Moon, S., Kim, D. Y., Kim, D. W., Suk, J., & Kang, Y. (2025). Ferroelectric 3D nanoweb-incorporated in situ cross-linked composite solid electrolyte for high-performance lithium–metal polymer batteries. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 17(40), 56133–56143.
Choi, Y., Lee, J., Kim, H. G., Jeong, E. D., Bae, J. S., Kang, Y., & Kim, J. P. (2024). Electrochemical characteristics of dense PVDF-PEGDME polymer electrolytes for solid-state lithium-ion batteries. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 135, 532–538.
Kang, J., Kim, D. W., Kang, I., & Kang, Y. (2025). An advanced Li–O₂ battery with ultrahigh power and energy density. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 172(3), 030516.