Materials Horizons Emerging Investigator Series: Dr Kyu-Young Park, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea

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Abstract

Our Emerging Investigator Series features exceptional work by early-career researchers working in the field of materials science.

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Dr Kyu-Young Park (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9560-8526) is an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the Department of Battery Engineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Republic of Korea. He earned his BS (2010) from KAIST and PhD (2016) from Seoul National University, specializing in elucidating fundamental phase transformation mechanisms and particle ensemble phenomena in lithium-ion and solid-state batteries through the integration of synchrotron techniques and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Following his PhD, Dr Park continued his research as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Seoul National University (2016–2018), further expanding his expertise in atomic-scale analysis of battery materials. From 2018 to 2021, he conducted postdoctoral research at Northwestern University in the United States with Prof. Mark C. Hersam, focusing on advanced processing engineering of carbon-based electrode materials to push the performance limits of lithium-ion batteries.

Currently, Dr Park’s research group at POSTECH is dedicated to understanding fundamental reaction mechanisms in battery systems across multiple length scales—from atomic-level interactions to electrode structures and full battery systems. He actively promotes an engaging educational environment, emphasizing deep student interactions and cultivating critical questioning skills.

Dr Park has received notable awards, including the Best Researcher Award at the Korean Conference on Neutron Scattering (2017) and the Young Scientist Award from the Korean Synchrotron Radiation Users Association (2017). His overarching goal is to bridge fundamental materials science with applied battery technology, driving advancements in sustainable energy storage solutions.

Read Kyu-Young Park’s Emerging Investigator Series article ‘Elucidating and controlling phase integration factors in Co-free Li-rich layered cathodes for lithium-ion batteries’ ( https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH00072F ) and read more about him in the interview below:

MH: Your recent Materials Horizons Communication demonstrates elucidating and controlling phase integration factors in Co-free Li-rich layered cathodes for lithium-ion batteries. How has your research evolved from your first article to this most recent article and where do you see your research going in future?

KP: In my early research, I approached battery-related problems primarily from a materials science perspective, driven by my strong interest in detailed materials analysis and the intrinsic properties of materials themselves. Recently, however, I’ve shifted my viewpoint to consider battery engineering first, asking how materials science can effectively address practical battery engineering challenges. This change motivates me to tackle more engineering-driven questions, promoting an integrated understanding that spans from the atomic scale up to the full battery system level. Looking ahead, I aim to continue this comprehensive approach to better connect fundamental material discoveries directly to practical engineering solutions.

MH: What aspect of your work are you most excited about at the moment?

KP: Right now, I’m particularly fascinated by exploring the fundamental material properties in batteries that are still not fully understood. Specifically, phenomena like voltage and electron transfer involving lithium ions are inherently quantum-mechanical, and delving deeper into these complexities excites me greatly. At the same time, I’m passionate about developing simpler yet highly effective technological solutions. Given the difficulty of scaling complex laboratory experiments, I’m continually working toward creating materials and processes that deliver maximal performance through simplified methods.

MH: In your opinion, what are the most important questions to be asked/answered in this field of research?

KP: While there are many important challenges, I believe a critical issue in battery engineering is connectivity. Translating discoveries from the materials level up to the system level to fully leverage their advantages is essential but extremely challenging. It requires simultaneously evaluating materials and systems with a broad perspective, and figuring out how to effectively bridge this gap is one of the biggest open questions today.

MH: What do you find most challenging about your research?

KP: The biggest challenge is definitely this bridging process. Although identifying new scientific knowledge or fundamental insights is challenging, it’s even more difficult to translate these discoveries into practical applications and scale them for industrial use. I find this step requires extensive experience and significant time investment, and I continuously strive to overcome these hurdles effectively.

MH: In which upcoming conferences or events may our readers meet you?

KP: I regularly attend meetings organized by The Electrochemical Society, as well as other battery- and electrochemistry-related conferences, such as those of the International Battery Association (IBA) and the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE).

MH: How do you spend your spare time?

KP: I love spending time with my family. My favorite way to relax is visiting nearby parks with my daughter, son, and wife. Aside from family activities, I don’t have specific hobbies—I prefer to spend as much time as possible with my loved ones.

MH: Can you share one piece of career-related advice or wisdom with other early career scientists?

KP: My advice for early-career scientists is to continuously challenge yourself, but also remember to deeply love and show compassion for yourself. Our field often exposes us to high stress and constant pressure. Embracing challenges is crucial, but equally important is being kind and compassionate to yourself, especially when facing inevitable setbacks and failures.

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