More than 60 researchers gathered for a three-day workshop at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) during August to discuss their progress on shared research projects and explore opportunities to expand their collaborations, which focus on clean energy technologies, climate resilience and related data-science solutions.
LLNL and the Korean Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) formalized their research collaborations in 2022, enabling both institutions to leverage the strategic value of an international collaboration. For example, the collaboration will foster new perspectives on issues that are important to the global science community, enable access to research facilities that can foster scientific discovery and provide opportunities for KIST students to serve as interns at LLNL.
The recent workshop is part of an annual workshop series involving KIST and LLNL scientists, where they meet to discuss shared accomplishments and explore potential new collaborative research. The events also provide an opportunity for new leaders from each institution to learn more about the collaboration.
During the August workshop, attendees participated in breakout sessions, where they explored new opportunities involving clean energy technologies such as solid-state batteries, hydrogen technologies and catalysts for carbon dioxide reduction, as well as climate science, water cycle research and data science.
For example, they discussed ways to expand existing collaborative research regarding solid-state batteries, such as studying new materials that can help optimize battery performance. This shared research space leverages KIST expertise in the synthesis of new battery materials and advanced characterization capabilities. Scientists also plan to tap into LLNL's machine learning capabilities to design materials that can improve battery performance. In addition, they hope to study mechanical degradation mechanisms of battery materials that lead to failure, as well as solutions that improve the sustainable design of batteries through recycling of materials and regeneration techniques.
Another group discussed shared research interests in hydrogen energy, including hydrogen storage, hydrogen production, hydrogen purification and catalyst designs for hydrogen carriers. For example, they discussed their current collaborative work that combines LLNL's simulation capabilities and KIST experimental capabilities to better understand the behavior of hydrogen and hydride formation near controlled grain boundaries. Tae Wook Heo, a LLNL scientist who led the hydrogen session, said the workshop enabled researchers from both institutions to engage in productive discussions regarding their progress on existing collaborative projects and new ideas for future collaboration.
In addition, workshop attendees explored ways to foster expanded collaborations in climate science research. For example, they hope to conduct joint research at a proposed new Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) mobile facility in Korea. They also plan to partner in upcoming research regarding cloud process models, including use of the new cloud chamber at KIST, as part of efforts to link ARM data with the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) - a U.S. Department of Energy project led by LLNL scientists.
Attendees also discussed one of the newest focus areas for potential collaborations - water cycle research, with a focus on studying how climate change will influence water cycles. Areas for possible future collaborative activities include exploring subsurface reservoir management, water treatment and purification, and technical solutions to support research in these areas, such as nanomaterials that enable water purification. Researchers hope to leverage each institution's unique technical capabilities, including those found at the KIST Center for Water Cycle Research, to identify innovative solutions.
Another topic that workshop participants discussedwas electrocatalysts and reactor performance, including co-production of valuable chemicals via paired electrolysis of carbon-dioxide reductions and biomass alcohol oxidations.
According to LLNL scientist Christopher Hahn, who led the catalysis session, shared research in this area over the last year provided an outstanding opportunity to build a project from scratch that emphasized collaboration as one of its key objectives.
Attendees also explored how expanded data science capabilities can support several shared research areas, such as materials for catalysts, batteries and hydrogen technologies.
Workshop attendees included KIST President Sang-Rok Oh and KIST's director of research, planning, and coordination, Ji-Won Son. The event was hosted by LLNL's Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate. PLS principal associate director Glenn Fox welcomed visitors, sharing his vision for international collaborations that foster diplomacy, support LLNL's deterrence mission, and bring new perspectives that spark scientific discovery.
According to Terry Land, who coordinates LLNL's collaboration with KIST, "Gathering in person to build these important relationships is key to developing innovative ideas for addressing technically challenging issues and advancing our collaborative research projects, while also advancing our efforts to provide research opportunities for students and staff."
-Lisa Valdez
