Consistently delivering outstanding research achievements in the triboelectricity field, Professor Dongwhi Choi's research team from the Department of Mechanical Engineering stands at the forefront

In today's society, where considerations for the environmental and energy are paramount, the research and development of sustainable, eco-friendly energy solutions has emerged as pressing challenges. Professor Dongwhi Choi of the Department of Mechanical Engineering has been making significant contributions to sustainable and environmentally friendly energy development through his recent trio of research initiatives.

In their first study, Professor Choi and his team explored the potential of wind energy: a promising eco-friendly energy source in response to the rapidly intensifying climate crisis. He noted, “We devised a system to harness the diverse aerodynamic nuances of wind, incorporating an emergent physical-intelligence paradigm.” The wind energy harvester, created using 3D printing, is a marvel of innovation, autonomously adjusting to maintain dynamic equilibrium without any external circuit intervention. This pioneering work not only paves the way for decentralized power structures but also accentuates the imperative of energy dependence. The findings were highlighted in Nano Energy (IF=17.6).

Their subsequent research ventured into the domain of triboelectricity in liquids. Joining forces with Professor Dong Sung Kim's team at POSTECH, Professor Choi remarked, "Grasping the electrostatic interactions between solids and liquids is vital. We dissected the electrostatic properties of a myriad of liquids, proposing a systematic approach to discern their triboelectric tendencies.” Their work sheds light on these electrostatic behaviors, promising transformative implications for energy harvesting and the mitigation of surface pollution. This seminal work was celebrated with a feature in Advanced Materials (IF=29.4), earning a coveted cover spot.

The culmination of their series of studies was a ‘mega-review’ paper, synthesizing a decade of advancements in the triboelectricity field. This collaborative tour de force, boasting insights from over seventy global professionals, including Professor Zhong Lin Wang, a pioneer of TENG technology, alongside Professors Dukhyun Choi and Jeong Min Baik from Sungkyunkwan University, paints a comprehensive tableau of triboelectric technology’s trajectory. The discourse spans its genesis, real-world applications, and visionary future paths, emphasizing the latent potential for commercializing triboelectricity. This momentous effort was duly recognized and featured in the May 23 online issue of ACS Nano under the title, “Recent Advances in Triboelectric Nanogenerators: From Technological Progress to Commercial Applications,” rightfully earning another cover feature.

Driven by a vision for the future of our energy mix and technological advancements, Professor Choi is immersed in diverse research endeavors. He elucidated, “Our investigations stem from the aspiration to harness the minute mechanical movements omnipresent in our surroundings, converting them into viable electrical energy solutions. This approach seeks to influence and adapt to evolving environmental challenges and shifts in our energy landscape. To my students, I continually emphasize the imperative of transcending mere theoretical knowledge, urging them to hone their acumen for problem-solving and logical deduction.”

※ For further insights
- Explore Professor Dongwhi Choi's research profile
- Explore Professor Dongwhi Choi's Multiscale Advanced matetial Processing (MAP) Lab