POSTECH professor develops 'dream material' transition technology
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Cho Kil-won
By Lee Min-hyung
Cho Kil-won has developed a technology to couple the “dream material” graphene to any chip.
A group of researchers ― led by the Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) professor ― has succeeded in finding mechanisms for applying graphene to any device surface without making any bubbles or creases, which remained one of the biggest stumbling blocks preventing wider usage of the material in various industries.
Cho, 61, has devoted his life to researching applied chemistry, ever since he began studying the major at Seoul National University in 1975. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the university, and received a doctoral degree in polymer science at the University of Akron, Ohio, in 1996.
His latest achievement was named the main thesis of Advanced Functional Materials, a top-tier materials science journal, on Apr. 5.
“The research has paved the way for mechanical improvements in wearable electron materials,” he said. “We believe the latest feat will also help improve functions of other next-generation materials including graphene,” he said.
Cho is dubbed a frontrunner in polymer research in Korea. His career includes serving as a visiting scientist at the IBM Research Center in 1987-88. He has since served as a professor at POSTECH’s chemical engineering department, also serving as director of the university’s Polymer Research Institute since 2005.
In recognition for his wide range of experience, he was appointed president of the Polymer Society of Korea this year.
Meanwhile, graphene is gaining attention as a key material for developing next-generation displays, such as transparent flexible displays. One notable feature of the material is that electrons can travel more than 100 times faster in graphene than in silicon. This enables wider usage in such areas as displays, semiconductors and batteries.