The Choi lab research is aimed at rational design and engineering of next-generation electrochemical systems for human convenience and energy applications. We seek to address key questions related to electrochemical systems by leveraging electrochemistry, materials chemistry, and device engineering. Our interests include (1) synthesis of new materials for electrochemical devices, (2) combining electroanalytical chemistry, spectroscopy, and synchrotron characterizations to understand thermodynamics and kinetics of charge transfer processes, (3) perturbating chemistry and physics of materials to develop structure-property relationships, and (4) developing architectures for efficient energy storage and conversion devices and next-generation electronics.

Charge Transport of Conjugated Polymers

Significant attention has been paid to utilize conjugated polymers in a liquid environment for potential applications such as sensors, bioelectronics, energy conversion/storage devices (battery, supercapacitors, and solar fuel productions), and neuromorphic computing. The charge transport is a keystone to determine the performance of polymer-based electrochemical or photoelectrochemical devices, which is largely affected by physicochemical properties of polymers and interfacial phenomena at polymer/liquid junctions. We will focus on 1) unveiling structure-property relationship by the combination of electroanalysis, spectroscopy, and synchrotron characterizations, 2) design and synthesis of new materials suitable for electrochemical and/or photoelectrochemical processes, and 3) developing next generation energy and/or electronic devices.

Electrochemistry of Redox Active Colloids

​Redox flow batteries are rechargeable batteries that energy is stored in electrolyte solutions that are pumped through each electrode of flow cells separated by a membrane. Their unique cell architecture brings about large energy storage capacity by increasing the tank volume. Research has been focused on metal salts-based redox flow batteries, but commercialization of such redox flow batteries is hindered by shortcomings including toxicity and scarcity of metal salts and high cost (500 USD per square meter) of ion exchange membrane. We will focus on 1) design and synthesis of redox active colloids, 2) investigating electrochemical activities using advanced electrochemical analysis techniques (i.e., scanning electrochemical microscopy), and 3) developing next-generation materials for safe and affordable redox flow battery technology.

Education

Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D., 2017, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Bio

Dr. Choi is a postdoctoral researcher under supervision of Prof. Allen J. Bard in the Department of Chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to this, he worked in the corrosion research group under supervision of Prof. Preet M. Singh in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned knowledge and skills to investigate electrochemical reactions that occur at interfaces in harsh environment. He earned a Ph.D. degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2017 under the supervision of Prof. Dennis W. Hess.