Kim Sung-su, (a master's student majoring in Organic and Nano Engineering) at the Advanced Materials Research Laboratory, led by Professor Wie Jeong-jae, was awarded the “Best Poster Award” at the renowned conference in the field of material science and engineering, the “2023 Materials Research Society (MRS) Fall Meeting & Exhibit”. He presented research on applying a composite film of waste-based sulfur-containing polymers and conductive additives to a triboelectric generator.

The Advanced Materials Research Laboratory previously reported the pioneering application of sulfur-containing polymers derived from sulfur waste generated during oil refining as an anode triboelectric material for triboelectric generators. By utilizing fluorine gas on sulfur-containing polymer or employing polymer blend phase separation strategies, the laboratory enhanced the anode triboelectric capabilities of sulfur-containing polymers, thereby improving the performance of triboelectric generators.

Kim's presentation of a composite film incorporating conductive additives for sulfur-containing polymers not only avoids the use of toxic fluorine gas and persistent toxic chemicals associated with fluoride-based materials but also exhibits superior performance compared to conventional materials, earning its recognition as a sustainable anode material for triboelectric generator. Kim said, “I am looking forward for the diverse possibilities of sulfur-containing polymers as materials for triboelectric generators.”

The Advanced Materials Research Laboratory continues its research, building on its groundbreaking work in 2019 when it first applied sulfur-containing polymers to triboelectric generator materials. Additionally, the laboratory has integrated sulfur-containing polymers into the field of optics, developing high-performance optical polarizers. This recent research achievement has been published in the prestigious international journal Advanced Materials (IF=32.086).