Research

Prof. Park’s Professorship of Energy Technology focused on fundamental nanoscience for energy technology and sustainability applications. The initial stage of the program utilized a variety of carbon nanotube nanofluidic platforms in studying basic properties of transport under extreme confinement that is commensurable with the own sizes of transporting entities (i.e. molecules). By controlling shape and configuration of carbon nanotubes at the synthesis stage and through formation of different nanocomposites at the post-synthesis stage, the program envisioned provision of membrane- and nanofluidic-type platforms with diverse properties and functionalities. These platforms enable experimental studies ranging from fundamental nanoscale transport phenomena to energy-efficient filtration to novel energy generation schemes. The program explored other nanomaterials that are functional, either as is or in the form of nanocomposites, in energy technologies and chem-bio sensing. Progress of projects in this program also built knowledge about micro- and nanomanufacturing techniques. Therefore, students and researchers trained in the program may ended up acquiring various experiences in fundamental nanoscale transport phenomena, applications in energy technology and sustainability, and multiple techniques of micro/nanomanufacturing, which is useful in both academia and industry.