Leaders from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), as they seek to expand collaborations related to their shared research interests in hydrogen and other low-carbon energy technology.
The two institutions have engaged in informal collaborations since 2018, sharing their knowledge via joint workshops on topics such as hydrogen storage and purification. In addition, experts from both institutions have produced multiple joint publications describing their hydrogen-related research. Other joint activities include a recent study exploring catalytic activity in electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion to products such as carbon monoxide and ethanol.
The MOU highlights interest by both institutions in expanding these types of collaborations, leveraging LLNL's expertise in multiscale modeling of materials for energy applications, as well as the expertise of KAIST researchers who are exploring nanoengineering of energy storage materials.
According to Brandon Wood, director of LLNL's Laboratory for Energy Applications for the Future (LEAF), the expanded research collaborations will provide new opportunities for LLNL experts in computational material design to team up with KAIST's experimental experts in areas such as hydrogen energy, and precision synthesis and characterization.
"We look forward to exploring new ways to tap into the complementary expertise found at both institutions, including LLNL's predictive modeling expertise and the top-notch experimental research taking place at KAIST," Wood said. "In particular, I'm eager to expand our collaborative explorations of the hydrogen value chain, including production, catalysis and storage. Our cooperative research in this area has already been fruitful for both of our institutions, and hydrogen is currently a high priority in both countries."
With the new MOU in place, LLNL scientists also are eager to learn from KAIST experts regarding designs for new battery technology. One potential area for shared learning involves industry collaborations with some of the world's leading battery manufacturers, based in South Korea, including opportunities for demonstration projects and tech-transfer activities.
In addition, scientists from LLNL and KAIST will continue to share knowledge through joint workshops and symposia and by fostering opportunities for faculty, students and research staff from both institutions to visit each other. They are already planning a joint workshop later this year at LLNL, which will focus on hydrogen energy and battery research.
"Expanding our collaborative activities with KAIST will enable us to foster shared research in areas that are critical to LLNL's mission, including energy security and climate resilience," said Glenn Fox, principal associate director for LLNL's Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate. "It will build on existing collaborations between KAIST researchers and scientists in the PLS directorate, where we tap into the expertise of our collaborators to address important science challenges. These types of international partnerships give us new perspectives on issues that are important to LLNL, as well as the larger global science community."
This excitement is shared by other LLNL scientists who have been involved in previous research collaborations with KAIST.
"I'm hopeful that the new MOU will foster the momentum we need to expand LLNL-KAIST collaborations in materials research that focus on energy applications and decarbonization technologies," said Tae Wook Heo, a computational materials scientist at LLNL and the hydrogen focus area lead for LEAF.
ShinYoung Kang, another materials science modeling expert at LLNL, is looking forward to new shared research opportunities regarding hydrogen storage.
"I'm excited to apply our techniques to a broader range of clean energy applications, including batteries, gas purification, catalysis and gas production," Kang said.
- Lisa Valdez
