Research
1
Battery Recycling
Our research focuses on developing innovative methods for recycling batteries to recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. By optimizing recycling processes, we aim to reduce resource wastage and support the circular economy. This work enhances the sustainability of battery life cycles and addresses the environmental challenges of battery disposal. Through advanced technologies, we strive to make recycling environmental friendly, more efficient, and cost-effective.
2
Carbon Mineralization
Conventional Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies primarily utilize sedimentary rock formations. However, due to the scarcity of suitable sedimentary layers in Korea, basalt formations, a type of igneous rock, are being explored as an alternative. The goal of our research is to address the challenges associated with reduced CO₂ mineralization efficiency in basalt formations. By analyzing the effects of pressure, temperature, mineral composition, and groundwater characteristics on the CO₂ mineralization process, we aim to develop additives that enhance efficiency. This will contribute to establishing a more stable and effective CO₂ storage technology tailored to domestic geological conditions.
3
Resource Separation
Our lab focuses on developing sustainable methods for resource recovery from various materials. We study the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from coal ash by performing sequential extraction on NaOH-treated and untreated fly ash and bottom ash. Additionally, we work on recycling valuable metals from lithium-ion batteries through hydrometallurgical processes, optimizing selective leaching conditions, and applying electrochemical recovery methods for efficient metal separation and purification. To ensure sustainability, we also evaluate the environmental impacts of these technologies, contributing to the advancement of eco-friendly resource recovery solutions.
4
Water Treatment
Our lab focuses on advancing water treatment technologies to address environmental and resource challenges. Using electrochemical systems with LiMn2O4 electrodes, we develop methods to treat diverse water sources, including industrial wastewater, leachates from spent lithium batteries, produced water, and geothermal brine. These efforts aim to remove contaminants and improve water quality while exploring innovative approaches to integrate resource recovery into the treatment process for sustainable water management.
