EKC2026

DIVISIONS

Chemical Engineering and Material Science (CM)

Chemical Engineering and Materials Science play a central role in developing solutions for energy, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. These fields provide key insights ranging from the synthesis of new materials to advanced characterization techniques, supporting progress in areas such as mobility, electronics, and environmental technologies. At EKC 2026, the Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (CM) division will highlight recent advances and emerging research directions, with particular attention to the growing role of AI in materials and process innovation. The CM division consists of the following 8 sessions: • Electrocatalysis for Sustainable Energy Conversion • Beyond the Road: Diversified Battery Chemistries and Architectures for Next-Gen Applications • Hydrogen: Innovation and Beyond • Sustainable and Power-to-X Fuel Technologies • Characterization Techniques on Material Science • Advanced Functional Materials and Manufacturing with AI-Driven Approaches • Accelerating Materials Design using AI: From Simulations to Synthesis and Characterization • Towards Eco-friendly Material Value Chain with Korean Expert Association on Material Science and Technology in Europe (KEMST) This division will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary discussions, bringing together researchers and industry professionals to explore how chemical engineering and materials science, empowered by AI, can drive the next generation of technological breakthroughs.

Programme Committee

DR. LEE, Jongmin (이종민)

Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)

jongmin.lee@empa.ch

Show Profile

Dr. Jongmin Lee is a scientist at the EMPA with expertise in X-ray and neutron characterization on energy devices. His research focuses on understanding heat and mass transport phenomena in electorchemical devices, hydrogen technologies, and power-to-x applications

DR. PARK, Junbeom (박준범)

Institute of Energy Technologies - Fundamental Electrochemistry (IET-1), Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), Germany

j.park@fz-juelich.de

Show Profile

Dr. Junbeom Park received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from POSTECH in 2017, focusing on the structural analysis of CNT yarns. During his time at KIST, he developed mathematical models correlating the mechanical properties and microstructures of carbon nanomaterials. Since joining Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) in 2020, his research has centered on In-situ TEM for next-generation energy storage and conversion, such as batteries and water electrolysis. Dr. Park specializes in advanced specimen preparation and quantitative image processing for in-situ microscopy.

Electrocatalysis for Sustainable Energy Conversion

Date / Time	2026-07-31 00:00 -- 00:00
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Conveners / Chairs	DR. YOO, Jimun Teamleader, Institute for a sustainable Hydrogen Economy: Catalytic Interface (IHE-1) Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Show Profile Dr. Yoo earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Seoul National University in August 2020 (PI: Prof. Yung-Eun Sung), where he studied nanostructure-activity correlations in fuel cell catalysts. In March 2021, he joined ETH Zurich (PI: Prof. Maria Lukatskaya), expanding his expertise in developing in situ and operando analytical tools to understand selective electrocatalytic CO₂-to-CO conversion. From August 2024, he is leading operando analytical research team at Forschungszentrum Jülich.
Synopsis	The global transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon energy system increasingly relies on electrocatalysis to convert renewable electricity into chemical fuels and feedstocks. Electrocatalytic processes such as water splitting, CO2 or N2 reduction, and liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) (de)hydrogenation are pivotal in enabling the efficient production and storage of green hydrogen, the utilization of captured CO2, and the production of value-added molecules. This session aims to highlight recent advances and emerging directions in electrocatalytic science and technology. The growing integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning is innovating catalyst discovery and optimization through high-throughput screening, predictive modelling, and closed-loop experimentation. Combined with operando characterization, multiscale modeling, and scalable synthesis, these approaches are deepening our understanding of structure-activity-stability relationships and accelerating the development of robust and efficient electrocatalysts. Contributors from both academia and industry are invited to present on topics including AI-assisted catalyst design, novel materials and reaction mechanisms, electrochemical conversion of carbon- or nitrogen-based molecules, and renewable energy-coupled electrolysis. Participants will discuss key scientific and engineering challenges, identify opportunities for interdisciplinary integration, and explore strategies to establish electrocatalysis as the foundation of a sustainable energy future.
Speakers

Beyond the Road: Diversified Battery Chemistries and Architectures for Next-Gen Applications

Date / Time	2026-07-31 00:00 -- 00:00
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Conveners / Chairs	DR. JOO, Hyunsang Executive/Co-founder, PRELI GmbH / Guest Researcher, ISEA, RWTH Aachen University Show Profile Hyunsang Joo holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from POSTECH (2011), an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Seoul National University (2013), and is currently completing his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, Germany (expected 2026). He is the Co-founder and Executive Director of PRELI GmbH, where he leads R&D and commercialization efforts focused on alkali metal anodes, and pre-alkaliation technologies. From 2019 to 2025, he worked as a Research Associate at the Institute of Energy and Climate Research (Forschungszentrum Jülich), focusing on advanced anode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. His research spanned cell and electrode design, reduction mechanism of various additives, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) analysis, and novel methods for monitoring lithiation states. Previously, he worked at Samsung SDI (2013–2019) as a Research Engineer, where he developed manufacturing processes and automated systems for battery production, including low-internal tension winding, high-speed stacking, flexible battery packaging, and EIS-based non-destructive inspection methods, along with modeling/experiment-based approach to understand wetting mechanism of the electrodes.
Synopsis	As the global energy transition matures, the paradigm of secondary batteries is rapidly expanding beyond the established electric vehicle (EV) sector. We are entering an era of "Battery Everywhere," where electrochemical energy storage is becoming the core enabler for diverse frontiers, including humanoid robotics, Urban Air Mobility (UAM), aerospace, and advanced defense systems. As these applications diversify, the industry is realizing that the "one-size-fits-all" approach of standard Lithium-ion batteries is no longer sufficient. Each new platform demands highly specific performance metrics, ranging from extreme power-to-weight ratios and wide-temperature operational stability to unprecedented safety protocols in volatile environments. This session serves as a premier forum to explore the fundamental Chemical Engineering and Materials Science innovations required to meet these multifaceted demands. We will delve into the transition from conventional intercalation chemistry to more ambitious systems, such as lithium-metal anodes, all-solid-state electrolytes, and alternative-ion (Na+/K+/Mg2+) chemistries. The technical program is strategically categorized into four critical pillars: • Tailored Material Synthesis: Advanced methodologies for designing active materials that meet application-specific electrochemical signatures • Structural Architecture: Engineering the next generation of electrode geometries to overcome the trade-offs between energy and power density. • Interfacial Engineering: Mastering the complex chemical and mechanical dynamics at the electrode-electrolyte interface to ensure longevity under extreme stress. • System Integration: Addressing the "Scaling Gap" by bridging molecular-level discovery with large-scale industrial manufacturing processes Beyond the traditional presentation format, this session is structured to serve as a platform for multidisciplinary collaboration. We recognize that transformative innovation occurs when experts from diverse backgrounds converge to share insights. Consequently, the session will feature dedicated opportunities for academic researchers, industry leaders, and strategic investors to engage in direct dialogue. The objective is to align fundamental research with industrial requirements, ensuring that laboratory discoveries are effectively translated into viable commercial applications. Eventually, we aim at establishing robust connections between the research community and the industries developing next-generation technologies across the borders.
Speakers

Hydrogen: innovation and beyond

Date / Time	2026-07-31 00:00 -- 00:00
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Conveners / Chairs	DR. CHOI, Yejung Research Scientist at Electrochemical Hydrogen Technology Group, SINTEF Show Profile Dr. Yejung Choi is a research scientist at SINTEF, specializing in green hydrogen production technology. Her research spans material development and new approaches to cell design, from configuration to the development of key materials. She currently leads alkaline and AEM electrolyser research at SINTEF and plays a key role in major ongoing EU projects on green hydrogen production, including AEMELIA, which focuses on cell component development and demonstration and launched in 2024, as well as SWEETHY, which began in 2025 and explores direct seawater electrolysis. Dr. Choi’s group at SINTEF is the Electrochemical Hydrogen Technology group, and the group operates the low temperature node of the Norwegian Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Centre, with a vision to stimulate Norwegian and European innovation along the whole fuel cell and hydrogen technology value chain.
Synopsis	Hydrogen remains a critical pathway toward carbon neutrality, yet momentum in the green hydrogen sector has slowed. Project pipelines have shrunk, final investment decisions remain scarce, and funding is under pressure. If hydrogen is to fulfil its role in the energy transition, the field must look beyond incremental improvements. This session invites contributions on green hydrogen production technologies, including electrolyser development (alkaline, PEM, AEM, and solid oxide systems) and emerging approaches such as alternative anodic reactions for co-production of valuable chemicals, electrosynthesis using hydrogen as a feedstock, membraneless and novel cell architectures, and safety considerations for scale-up. Contributions on hydrogen storage, transport, and utilisation are also welcome, including next-generation carriers, fuel cells, combustion applications, and industrial processes. The question facing the hydrogen community is no longer whether hydrogen matters, but whether we can make it work at the scale and cost the world demands. This session aims to bring together the research that will shape that answer.
Speakers

Sustainable and Power‑to‑X Fuel Technologies

Date / Time	2026-07-31 00:00 -- 00:00
Room
Conveners / Chairs	DR. LEE, Jongmin Scientist, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) Show Profile Dr. Jongmin Lee is a scientist at the EMPA with expertise in X-ray and neutron characterization on energy devices. His research focuses on understanding heat and mass transport phenomena in electorchemical devices, hydrogen technologies, and power-to-x applications
Synopsis	The Fuel Technologies session aims to address both fundamental and applied research on fuels across conventional and emerging energy systems. Contributions cover petroleum-based fuels as well as power-to-x alternative and low-carbon options, including biofuels, synthetic fuels (e-fuels), and hybrid fuel systems. Topics of interest span the full fuel value chain, including refining and upgrading processes, catalytic and thermochemical conversion pathways, fuel characterization and quality control, integration of renewable feedstocks or hydrogen/CO2 into existing fuel infrastructures, and system-level comparisons between conventional and sustainable fuel technologies. The session encompasses experimental, computational, and systems-level studies, as well as industrial case studies that provide insight into current technical challenges and future directions in fuel technologies.
Speakers	MRS. KNORPP, Amy (Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories For Materials Science And Technology) [ 00:00 - 00:00 ] Title: Accelerated Discovery of High-Entropy Oxide Catalysts for Tailoring CO₂ Hydrogenation Products

Characterization Techniques on Material Science

Date / Time	2026-07-22 15:30 -- 17:00
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Conveners / Chairs	DR. PARK, Junbeom Staff scientist, Institute of Energy Technologies - Fundamental Electrochemistry (IET-1), Forschungszentrum Jülich Show Profile - (2020-Present) Postdoc. / Staff scientist Institute of Energy Technolgies - Fundamental Electrochemistry (IET-1), Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), Germany - (2014-2020) Student researcher / Researcher / Postdoc. Carbon Composite Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Korea - (2012-2017) MS-Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Korea - (2008-2012) BS. in Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Korea
Synopsis	In materials research, characterization is one of the most important procedures during scientific research, because characterization results can support to prove proposed hypothesis about mechanisms, effects or phenomena. Unfortunately, there is no ultimate characterization technique that can do everything we want. Each characterization technique has advantages and limitations, so we need to know several characterization techniques. Here is the list of popular characterization techniques: Microscopy (TEM, SEM, STM, AFM, XRM, etc.), Spectroscopy (FT-IR, Raman, XRD, XPS, MS, etc.) or Property Measurement (Strength, Conductivity, BET, Chromatography, etc.). However, as each characterization technique evolves towards higher resolution, efficiency or feasibility, it becomes complicated to learn and manipulate even a single characterization technique. In addition, the adaptation of in-situ/in-operando and AI-driven data processing accelerates both the quality of the analysis result and the technical requirements to perform it. To keep these technical developments high potential, this session brings researchers to share their knowledge and know-how on different characterization techniques. Facing with a non-similar characterization technique can open not only a good insight but also a direct solution.
Speakers

Advanced Functional Materials and Manufacturing with AI-Driven Approaches

Date / Time	2026-07-31 00:00 -- 00:00
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Conveners / Chairs	DR. KONG, Kyungil R&T Scientist, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) Show Profile Dr Kyungil Kong is a research scientist in composite materials and manufacturing. His research focuses on experimental composite mechanics, renewable composites and the development of high-performance multifuctional composite materials to characterize materials and their performance. His work has contributed to non-destructive evaluation and interphase composite engineering to understand composite behaviour under different environments, thereby to pursue the integration of advanced characterization techniques and data-informed analysis. He has expolored interfacial engineering strategies to enhance composite performance, reliability, and durability in demanding applications. Currently, his work is on bridging fundamental material science with industrial manufacturing applications. He is actively engaged in the manufacturing and testing of advanced composite structures, contributing to the development of scalable and high reliability composite manufacturing technologies for industrial challenges.
Synopsis	Advanced functional materials are fundamental to the advancement of future science and technology, particularly as modern engineering systems increasingly require superior performance, adaptability, and reliability under complex and extreme conditions. Conventional materials development, which has largely depended on empirical and iterative approaches, is becoming insufficient to address the rising complexity of multifunctional materials and challenging operating environments. In response, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful enabler, driving a paradigm shift in materials research and engineering. This session is grounded in the rapid convergence of materials science, advanced manufacturing technologies, and AI-driven data analytics. Machine learning, data-centric modelling, and physics-informed algorithms are transforming how materials are designed, processed, characterised, and applied. By leveraging large-scale experimental and simulation datasets, these approaches enable deeper insight into material behaviour, accelerate materials discovery, and enhance performance optimisation with unprecedented efficiency. Accordingly, this session will focus on recent advances in AI-enabled material design, data-assisted composite manufacturing, real-time process and structural monitoring, and predictive assessment of material lifetime. Special emphasis will be placed on materials deployed in demanding environments, including aerospace, space, energy, and mobility applications, where reliable prediction of material performance and long-term durability is critical. Through interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and discussion, this session aims to shape future research directions and foster collaboration across disciplines, supporting the development of intelligent, reliable, and sustainable material systems for next-generation technologies.
Speakers

Acclerating Materials Design using AI: From Simulations to Synthesis and Characterization

Date / Time	2026-07-31 00:00 -- 00:00
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Conveners / Chairs	PROF. CHANG, Jin Hyun Associate Professor, Technical University of Denmark (DTU) / Co-founder & CTO, PhaseTree ApS Show Profile Jin Hyun Chang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Co-founder and CTO of PhaseTree ApS. His research focuses on the discovery and design of advanced materials, including metals, alloys, and energy materials for applications such as next-generation batteries and power-to-X technologies. His group develops and applies multiscale simulation methods, machine learning, and self-driving laboratories (SDLs) to accelerate the materials discovery process.
Synopsis	The discovery and development of advanced materials are central to addressing global challenges in energy, sustainability, and next-generation technologies. Traditionally, materials innovation has relied on time-consuming experimental cycles and computational screening, often requiring years or decades to move from theoretical design to practical realization. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data-driven research are beginning to transform how materials are designed, studied, and optimized. This session will explore how AI can accelerate different stages of the materials discovery and development process. Contributions may cover topics such as machine learning for materials property prediction, generative and inverse design methods, data-driven analysis of experimental or simulation results, and AI-augmented computational and experimental workflows. The session also welcomes research related to emerging self-driving laboratory (SDL) concepts, including autonomous experiment planning, robotics-assisted synthesis, and automated characterization and data interpretation. Aligned with the EKC2026 theme, AI-Driven Future of Science and Technology, the session aims to highlight recent advances where AI enables faster insights, more efficient experimentation, and improved materials design strategies. The session encourages contributions addressing any component of the AI-enabled materials research workflow, from computational modeling and data generation to experimental synthesis and characterization. By bringing together researchers from materials science, chemistry, physics, and artificial intelligence, this session will showcase emerging methodologies and discuss how AI can accelerate innovation in materials discovery and development.
Speakers

Next-Generation Batteries: From Fundamental Research to Application and Emerging Digital Innovations

Date / Time	2026-07-31 00:00 -- 00:00
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Conveners / Chairs	DR. LEE, Juhan PowerCo SE Show Profile Juhan Lee is a battery innovation expert with over 11 years of experience in both industry and applied research, specializing in next-generation battery cell technologies, including sodium-ion systems. He currently works at PowerCo SE (Volkswagen Group) in Braunschweig, where he leads technical development activities for advanced battery cell concepts, focusing on cell engineering, performance optimization, and the transition from pre-development to industrial application. His previous experience includes leading innovation projects in advanced battery materials at Heraeus Battery Technology, where he coordinated experimental, simulation, and characterization activities to improve material and cell performance. Across his career, he has been actively involved in the development and industrialization of battery materials and processes, with a strong emphasis on data-driven and digitally supported R&D approaches. He holds a PhD in Materials Science and has authored 39 scientific publications and 3 patents. His expertise spans battery materials, cell development, and innovation management, with a focus on bridging fundamental research and scalable industrial applications. He is experienced in AI-supported and digitalized R&D environments and actively contributes to advancing next-generation energy storage technologies.
Synopsis	The battery sector is undergoing a major transformation driven by increasing industrial demand, sustainability imperatives, and rapid technological advances. Alongside these developments, emerging digital innovations—including AI, automation, and data-driven approaches—are opening new opportunities across the entire research and development landscape. These changes call for a stronger and more dynamic interface between academia and industry, where fundamental scientific discovery is more effectively connected to real-world applications, scalable processes, and accelerated technology translation. This session will explore how next-generation battery research can evolve from predominantly academia-driven efforts toward a more integrated and application-aware innovation ecosystem. Key topics will include fundamental materials discovery, application-oriented research, industrially relevant challenges, as well as emerging digital approaches such as AI-assisted development, automated experimentation, data infrastructures, and smart manufacturing. Organized as a tutorial, forum, and panel discussion, the session will bring together academic researchers, industry experts, and policymakers to exchange perspectives on future collaboration models. The goal is to identify practical strategies for fostering a more agile, inclusive, and globally competitive battery R&D ecosystem that bridges fundamental research, application, and emerging digital innovation.
Speakers

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