The Quantum and Advanced Materials for a Sustainable Society Strategic Research Initiative (QAMSS-SRI) was honoured to welcome Prof. Ungyu Paik, Distinguished Professor at Hanyang University and former Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea, as the keynote speaker for the final QAMSS Advanced Technology Lecture of the term.
In his lecture titled “Toward Sustainable and High-Energy Lithium Batteries: Materials and Manufacturing at the Energy Frontier”, Prof. Paik addressed the urgent need for advanced lithium-ion battery (LIB) technologies in the face of accelerating global demand for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. As carbon neutrality targets drive transformation in the energy sector, the development of high-performance, scalable, and environmentally sustainable battery solutions has become a critical challenge.
Prof. Paik presented his research team's efforts in overcoming the limitations of conventional slurry-based electrode fabrication. He highlighted the potential of roll-to-roll dry coating processes as a solvent-free, industrially scalable strategy to produce thick, high-energy-density LIB electrodes. The talk showcased key innovations in ceramic particle engineering and electrode microstructure control, which are essential for achieving uniform material distribution and mechanical stability in next-generation batteries.
The lecture concluded with an outlook on the application of dry coating methods beyond traditional LIBs, extending to lithium–sulfur and all-solid-state battery systems, and emphasised the role of materials innovation and process optimisation in future battery manufacturing.
Prof. Paik's long-standing contributions to energy research, including over 450 publications, more than 200 patents, and recognition as a Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researcher, underscore his pivotal role in advancing global energy technologies.
The session was chaired by Prof. Mete Atatüre and followed by a collaborative meeting between the Korean delegation and Cambridge researchers, exploring avenues for international collaboration in sustainable energy.
