Dr. Chihyun Hwang | Energy Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Principle at Koreal Electronics Technology Institute | South Korea

Dr. Chihyun Hwang is a distinguished energy scientist and Senior Researcher at the Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI), specializing in next-generation electrochemical energy storage systems. His expertise spans lithium-ion, sodium-ion, zinc-ion, and all-solid-state batteries, with particular emphasis on molecular binder design, nanostructured anodeless materials, and in-situ electrochemical analysis. Over the years, he has developed an outstanding research profile, contributing significantly to advancing energy technologies that support high-density, durable, and safe energy storage solutions for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. With an H-index of 22 and nearly 60 published papers in prestigious journals such as Advanced Energy Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, and Angewandte Chemie, he has demonstrated both academic excellence and industry relevance. His work has frequently addressed critical issues in interface stability, electrode architecture, and electrochemical reversibility, ensuring long-term performance and scalability of energy storage devices. Beyond publications, Dr. Hwang actively contributes to professional communities, serving as Academic Director of the Korean Battery Society. His research leadership, supported by national and international collaborations, has positioned him as a vital contributor to the global battery research community, dedicated to enabling sustainable and high-performance energy technologies for the future.

Professional Profile

Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Chihyun Hwang pursued a rigorous academic path that laid the foundation for his career in energy storage research. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Fiber Engineering from Inha University, where he developed a strong materials science background. Motivated by the potential of energy technologies, he advanced to doctoral studies at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), completing his Ph.D. in Energy Engineering under the mentorship of Professor Hyun-Kon Song. His doctoral research, titled Designing Molecular Structures of Polymeric Binders for Alloying-Based Anodes, reflected his early focus on electrochemical materials engineering and binder chemistry. The project involved designing and optimizing polymer binders to enhance electrode reversibility and stability, especially for high-capacity alloying anode systems such as silicon and antimony. This work gave him critical expertise in molecular design, electrochemical kinetics, and the durability of next-generation battery systems. His academic training was further enriched through exposure to interdisciplinary studies in chemical engineering, materials processing, and nanotechnology. Collectively, his education equipped him with both theoretical depth and experimental versatility, enabling him to address fundamental challenges in modern battery science while preparing him for a highly impactful international research career.

Professional Experience

Dr. Chihyun Hwang’s professional journey demonstrates a consistent trajectory of leadership and innovation in advanced energy storage. He has served as Senior Researcher at the Advanced Batteries Research Center of KETI, where he leads multiple large-scale projects on lithium metal, sodium-ion, and solid-state batteries. He was previously a Research Professor at UNIST, focusing on energy and chemical engineering, bridging academia and industry in battery innovation. Before that, he broadened his international exposure as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the research group of Prof. Nian Liu at the Georgia Institute of Technology, investigating zinc-ion and solid-state battery chemistries. Prior to his U.S. experience, he worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Prof. Hyun-Kon Song’s group at UNIST, extending his doctoral research into industrially viable energy storage solutions. At KETI, Dr. Hwang plays a critical role in projects developing digital twin infrastructures for battery manufacturing, high-energy solid-state batteries, and safe sodium-ion systems. His career reflects an integration of academic rigor, postdoctoral innovation, and applied industrial research, with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration. This combination highlights his ability to translate laboratory advances into scalable technologies, essential for global energy transition initiatives.

Research Interest

Dr. Chihyun Hwang’s research interests span a wide spectrum of next-generation energy storage technologies, emphasizing fundamental innovation and practical application. A major focus is all-solid-state batteries, where he works on designing polymeric binders, nanostructured anodeless materials, and interfacial stabilizers to improve energy density and long-term cycling. He also explores large-scale bipolar stacking strategies to enable commercialization. His second research stream involves sodium-ion batteries, particularly mitigating reactive oxygen species through surface doping and additive engineering for stable high-voltage cathodes. Another growing area is zinc-ion batteries, where his work includes developing single-crystalline zinc anodes, electrolyte systems, and protective interfacial layers that enhance cycling stability and suppress dendritic growth. A distinctive strength of his research lies in in-situ electrochemical analysis, employing advanced techniques such as Raman microscopy, differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, and impedance spectroscopy to elucidate reaction mechanisms. These methods provide molecular-level insights into degradation and reversibility, accelerating the design of more robust systems. Collectively, his research aims to develop high-energy-density, safe, and durable electrochemical storage devices for electric mobility and renewable integration. His interests integrate theoretical understanding, nanomaterials design, and scalable processing, establishing him as a leading figure in the quest for sustainable battery technologies.

Research Skills

Dr. Chihyun Hwang possesses a diverse and highly specialized skill set that underpins his success in energy storage research. He is an expert in molecular and polymer design, particularly for binders that enhance electrode kinetics and mechanical resilience. His skills in nanostructure engineering allow him to create novel anodeless materials and functional electrode architectures that optimize charge transport and suppress failure mechanisms. A significant technical strength lies in his command of in-situ characterization techniques, including Raman microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, which provide real-time insights into electrochemical reactions and interfacial dynamics. He is also highly experienced in solid-state battery fabrication and analysis, enabling him to evaluate interface stability and optimize electrolyte formulations. His expertise extends to computational and analytical methods, which he uses to model battery reactions and validate experimental findings. Beyond laboratory techniques, Dr. Hwang demonstrates strong project management skills, having coordinated multi-institutional and industry-supported initiatives. His ability to integrate materials synthesis, device engineering, and mechanistic analysis allows him to approach research challenges holistically. These combined skills make him not only a prolific researcher but also a leader capable of bridging science, engineering, and technology development in advanced energy systems.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Chihyun Hwang’s contributions to energy research have been recognized through prestigious awards and leadership roles that highlight both his scientific excellence and professional impact. He was elected Academic Director of the Korean Battery Society, underscoring his standing as a leading voice in the national research community. He also received the Award Certificate of Chungbuk Governor, reflecting regional acknowledgment of his technological contributions. He was honored with the highly competitive Sejong Science Fellowship (NRF), awarded to exceptional early-career researchers in Korea. This fellowship supported his independent research initiatives and accelerated his trajectory in advanced battery innovation. In addition to these distinctions, Dr. Hwang has consistently been invited to deliver presentations at international conferences, including meetings of the Materials Research Society, Electrochemical Society, and Korean Battery Society. His invited talks and presentations demonstrate global recognition of his expertise in zinc-ion, sodium-ion, and solid-state batteries. Collectively, these awards and honors not only validate his scientific contributions but also highlight his leadership potential in shaping Korea’s and the world’s energy technology landscape. His recognitions underscore his dual role as a pioneering researcher and influential academic contributor.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Gel/solid polymer electrolytes characterized by in situ gelation or polymerization for electrochemical energy systems
Year: 2019
Citation: 304

Title: Self‐assembling films of covalent organic frameworks enable long‐term, efficient cycling of zinc‐ion batteries
Year: 2021
Citation: 188

Title: Mechanical mismatch-driven rippling in carbon-coated silicon sheets for stress-resilient battery anodes
Year: 2018
Citation: 138

Title: Folding graphene film yields high areal energy storage in lithium-ion batteries
Year: 2018
Citation: 122

Title: An antiaging electrolyte additive for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries
Year: 2020
Citation: 83

Conclusion

Dr. Chihyun Hwang exemplifies the profile of a modern applied scientist, integrating deep academic training, cutting-edge research, and practical innovation in the field of advanced batteries. With a career spanning prestigious institutions in Korea and the United States, he has built a strong reputation for addressing critical challenges in electrochemical energy storage through creative design and rigorous analysis. His more than 50 publications, combined with international collaborations and leadership in professional societies, mark him as both a thought leader and a collaborative innovator. His work consistently bridges the gap between theory and application, from molecular design of binders to the development of high-energy solid-state and sodium-ion systems. Recognition through fellowships, awards, and professional leadership further reflects his excellence and influence in the scientific community. Looking forward, Dr. Hwang is well-positioned to drive transformative advances in sustainable energy technologies, particularly in developing safer, higher-density, and more durable batteries for electric mobility and renewable integration. His career embodies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact, making him not only a respected researcher but also a vital contributor to the global transition toward sustainable energy solutions.