Our research group focuses on the development of (photo)electrochemical catalysts based on transition metals. We investigate the properties of various transition metals and design efficient catalysts to enhance the performance of energy conversion systems. Specifically, we aim to optimize catalyst performance in (photo)electrochemical reactions such as hydrogen production, CO₂ reduction, and nitrogen fixation. By precisely controlling the composition, phase, and nanostructure of metal-based materials, we design catalysts with optimized electronic and interfacial properties. We explore various transition metal-based catalysts, including single-atom catalysts (SACs), oxides, hydroxides, to improve active sites and reaction kinetics. Through these efforts, we aim to develop next-generation catalysts for efficient and sustainable (photo)electrochemical processes.

Inorganic and organic semiconductors play a crucial role in advancing photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems. By integrating these materials, we aim to enhance various (photo)electrochemical reactions, such as the OER, HER, NO₃RR, and CO₂RR. To achieve this, we use perovskites and organic polymers as light absorbers, which efficiently capture solar energy and generate charge carriers that drive these reactions. In particular, we intend to implement a high-efficiency energy conversion system by using the high crystallinity of inorganic semiconductors and the ease of controlling the composition of organic semiconductors.

With the increasing global energy demand and rising environmental issues, the production of fuels and value-added compounds using renewable feedstocks and green energy sources has attracted significant attention. In particular, (photo)electrocatalytic reactions such as nitrate reduction (NO₃RR), nitrogen reduction (NRR), CO₂ reduction (CO₂RR), and ammonia reduction reaction (AOR) have emerged as promising approaches for sustainable chemical production.
Also, biomass, as a renewable and abundantly available resource, has attracted considerable attention as a promising alternative. Biomass is a sustainable platform for producing fuels and value-added chemicals, demonstrating its potential as a superior renewable resource.
We investigate the integration of these systems with renewable energy sources further to enhance the overall sustainability of (photo)electrochemical conversion systems.

As interest in the sustainable synthesis of carbon-nitrogen (C-N) compounds continues to grow, electrochemical C-N coupling is gaining recognition as an environmentally friendly and efficient method. Our research is dedicated to exploring electrochemical C-N coupling reactions, which facilitate the production of valuable nitrogen-containing compounds such as urea (CO(NH₂)₂), amides (RCONH₂), and amines (RNH₂). By harnessing renewable electricity, this approach offers a sustainable alternative to conventional thermochemical processes, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower CO₂ emissions. To enhance selectivity and efficiency in C-N coupling, we design catalysts with dual active sites that independently regulate the adsorption and activation of carbon and nitrogen intermediates, effectively directing the reaction pathway toward the desired products.

Water splitting is a promising method for producing clean and sustainable energy. Hydrogen (H₂), with its high energy density (141.9 MJ kg⁻¹), is considered an important renewable fuel. As the world moves toward carbon neutrality, developing efficient technologies for green hydrogen production is crucial, requiring accelerated advancements to support the transition to cleaner energy. Electrochemical water splitting can utilize renewable energy sources, and among them, photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting offers a highly efficient system to directly convert solar energy into hydrogen and oxygen.

We study the development of electrochemical cells, including flow cells and membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) systems, to drive efficient electrochemical reactions. Our research particularly explores strategies to optimize mass transport and interfacial reactions within gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) and MEA systems, aiming to enhance reaction efficiency and product selectivity. By engineering electrode structures and reaction environments, we seek to improve performance and stability in both gas and liquid-phase electrochemical processes.

Microenvironmental engineering at the electrolyte-electrode interface is an innovative strategy for precisely controlling the distribution of chemical species—including reactants, intermediates, and products—in (photo)electrochemical applications. To enhance gas conversion reactions, we develop a well-defined three-phase boundary that regulates the gas/liquid ratio at the solid electrode by tuning its hydrophilicity. Furthermore, by carefully adjusting electrolyte components such as cations, anions, and additives, we control the formation and transformation of key intermediates, ultimately promoting the selective production of value-added products.

Understanding reaction mechanisms in (photo)electrocatalysis requires real-time detection of reaction intermediates and products under operating conditions. We utilize differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) to overcome the limitations of conventional ex-situ analysis, enabling direct correlation between reaction parameters, catalyst properties, and product distribution. By continuously monitoring gas-phase and volatile species during electrochemical reactions, DEMS provides crucial insights into catalytic activity, selectivity, and reaction pathways, facilitating the rational design of efficient electrocatalysts.