Kwan Woo Nam
Ewha Womans University · Engineering
About the Lab
Professor Kwan Woo Nam's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced functional materials for sustainable energy storage applications. The lab focuses on aqueous rechargeable batteries, particularly zinc and magnesium ion batteries, with an emphasis on enhancing electrochemical performance through innovative materials engineering. Key research directions include the rational design of metal-organic frameworks, layered oxide cathodes, and two-dimensional nanomaterials, with a strong focus on leveraging crystal water and nanostructure engineering to improve ion diffusion, structural stability, and cycle life.
Research Overview
Research Output Trend
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Selected Papers
15Abstract Currently, there is considerable interest in developing advanced rechargeable batteries that boast efficient distribution of electricity and economic feasibility for use in large-scale energy storage systems. Rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries in terms of rate performance, cost, and safety. In this investigation, we employ Cu 3 (HHTP) 2 , a two-dimensional (2D) conductive metal-organic framework (MOF) with large one-dimensional channe
Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has been taken much attention for various applications, such as catalyst, energy storage, and electronics. However, the lack of effective exfoliation methods for obtaining 2D materials in a large quantity has been one of the technical barriers for the real applications. We report a facile liquid-phase exfoliation method to improve the exfoliation efficiency for single-layer MoS2 sheets in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) with a sodium hydroxide (NaO
Rechargeable magnesium batteries have lately received great attention for large-scale energy storage systems due to their high volumetric capacities, low materials cost, and safe characteristic. However, the bivalency of Mg(2+) ions has made it challenging to find cathode materials operating at high voltages with decent (de)intercalation kinetics. In an effort to overcome this challenge, we adopt an unconventional approach of engaging crystal water in the layered structure of Birnessite MnO2 bec
Aqueous rechargeable zinc batteries (ZBs) have received considerable attention recently for large-scale energy storage systems in terms of rate performance, cost, and safety. Nevertheless, these ZBs still remain a subject for investigation, as researchers search for cathode materials enabling high performance. Among the various candidate cathode materials for ZBs, quinone compounds stand out as candidates because of their high specific capacity, sustainability, and low cost. Quinone-based cathod
Crystal water improves electrochemical performance of the layered manganese oxide for aqueous rechargeable zinc batteries.
Abstract Fatal casualties resulting from explosions of electric vehicles and energy storage systems equipped with lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly common worldwide. As a result, interest in developing safer and more advanced battery systems has grown. Aqueous batteries are emerging as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which offer advantages such as low cost, safety, high ionic conductivity, and environmental friendliness. In this Review, we discuss the challenges an
Layered transition metal oxides are considered promising cathodes for sodium ion batteries (SIBs) due to their superior specific capacities. However, they usually suffer from insufficient cycling and rate performance mainly from the structural instability during repeated cycles. We overcome these longstanding challenges by engaging crystal water in the interlayer space of sodium manganese oxide under the Birnessite framework. The crystal water enhances Na ion diffusion both in the crystal host a
Abstract Maximizing the energy density of a lithium‐ion battery cell by increasing the silicon content in the silicon–graphite (Si–Gr) composite anode is an ongoing research topic that is receiving much attention. However, the paradoxical surface characteristics of Si and Gr make it challenging to uniformly distribute the electrode components and maintain their adhesion during cycling accompanied with the immense volume change of Si. Here, an amphiphilic, tightly interlocked host–guest complex b
Dry-processable electrode technology presents a promising avenue for advancing lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) by potentially reducing carbon emissions, lowering costs, and increasing the energy density. However, the commercialization of dry-processable electrodes cannot be achieved solely through the optimization of manufacturing processes or modifications of existing electrode components. Therefore, material innovation is urgently required for each of the core components of dry electrodes: binder
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become indispensable energy-storage devices for various applications, ranging from portable electronics to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. The performance and reliability of LIBs depend on several key components, including the electrodes, separators, and electrolytes. Among these, the choice of binder materials for the electrodes plays a critical role in determining the overall performance and durability of LIBs. This review introduces polymer bi
As lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which have recently been applied as large-scale energy storage systems, reveal safety, economic, and environmental concerns, the need for the development of rechargeable batteries is increasing. In this context, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), which use an aqueous electrolyte instead of an organic electrolyte to increase stability and high efficiency, can be an alternative to overcome the disadvantages of LIBs. In addition, the advantages of economic feasibil
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are functional materials that are proving to be indispensable for the development of next-generation batteries. The porosity, crystallinity, and abundance of active sites in MOFs, which can be tuned by selecting the appropriate transition metal/organic linker combination, enable MOFs to meet the performance requirements for cathode materials in batteries. Recent studies on the use of MOFs in cathodes have verified their high durability, cyclability, and capacity t
Spinel lithium manganese oxide (LiMn 2 O 4, LMO) is a promising cathode material with nontoxicity, high operating voltage, and low cost. However, structural collapse during battery cycling ─ caused by Mn dissolution and the Jahn–Teller effect ─ is a critical disadvantage, reducing cycle retention, particularly at high temperatures. In this study, to solve these critical issues, we introduce Cu 3 (HITP) 2 (CuHITP; HITP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene), a conductive two-dimensional (2D) meta
Metal–organic framework, a water-rich additive in the MEA, enhances the power performance of PEMFCs at low RH by promoting water back-diffusion.
Research Areas
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