SangHa Baek

I am a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), South Korea, where I conduct research under the supervision of Professor Ho Seok Park. My academic journey includes a one-year appointment as a Visiting Graduate Researcher (VGR) in Professor Bruce Dunn’s laboratory at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) from August 2023 to July 2024.

My research focuses on the application of two-dimensional (2D) materials, specifically black phosphorus, for energy storage and conversion systems such as batteries, pseudocapacitors, and electrocatalysts. The core objective of my work is to leverage the unique characteristic of 2D materials where surface modifications directly translate into bulk property alterations, thereby enhancing electrochemical performance.

To achieve these goals, I employ a highly integrated workflow combining experimental materials science with computational chemistry. The research process begins with hypothesis formulation based on theoretical principles and DFT calculations (VASP). I utilize various synthesis techniques, including hydrothermal methods, Chemical Vapor Transport (CVT), tube furnace processing, and electrospinning. The synthesized materials are verified through self-operated structural characterization (SEM, XRD, Raman, FT-IR, etc.), combined with specialized sample preparation and advanced data post-processing for high-resolution techniques such as TEM, cryo-EM, and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS).

Furthermore, I conduct comprehensive electrochemical evaluations for aqueous and non-aqueous energy storage systems. I manage the entire testing procedure, from raw powder processing and electrode fabrication to protocol setup utilizing advanced equipment (EC-Lab, Gamry, Neware, Maccor, Wonatech). This includes utilizing techniques such as EIS with DRT analysis, EQCM, and in-situ XRD/Raman. Finally, I perform DFT-based simulations to model experimental spectra and physically interpret the analytical results, ensuring a direct correlation between theoretical mechanisms and experimental observations.