⊙ Prof. Kim reports Nanolenses to Nature
Professor Kwang S. Kim of the Department of Chemistry synthesized nanoscale spherical lenses for the first time in the world. His research was announced on July 23 in Nature under the title of ‘Near-field focusing and magnification through self-assembled nanoscale spherical lenses’. Overcoming Abbe’s diffraction limit, the new nanolenses present boundless possibilities to be applied in optical technology. Furthermore, as faculties from diverse departments cooperated, this research sets an example of fusion of scientific subjects.
⊙Nanoporous materials that selectively absorb H2 synthesized
Professor Suk Bong Hong of the Department of Chemical Engineering/School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering succeeded in developing a small-pore Zerolite named PST-1(POSTECH-1) that selectively absorbs hydrogen molecules. PST-1 suggested its function for selectively separating materials of such light molecules like hydrogen and helium. His research was published in Angewandte Chemie, a world-class chemistry journal. His research team is currently preparing international patent rights.
⊙ Ph.D candidate finds important clue about PE of superconductors
Ph.D candidate Dong-Jin Jang(under Prof. Moo-hyun Cho) of the Department of Physics suggested a new approach method for peak effect(PE) of superconductors. Using driving currents under a MgCNi3 single crystal system, the research team concluded that PE is definitely a dynamic phenomenon. Citizens can save quite an amount of electric energy if researchers explain PE and use superconductors commonly. The research was presented in Physical Review Letters(Volume 103, Issue 4).
⊙ New technology developed to deliver medicine into brain
Professor Sung-kee Jung of the Department of Chemistry developed a DDS(Drug Delivery System) which allows AZT(Azidothymidine) to penetrate into the BBB(Blood-brain Barrier) using the transmission agent Sorbitol. AZT is known as an inhibiter of HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) propagation, and penetrating the BBB has been an important problem to solve for the transmission of medicine into brain tissue. After this achievement, further research about CNS(Central Nervous System) cures under this new DDS are expected. The current article is published in Chemical Communications.
⊙ Nanoscale Doughnut featured in Angewandte Chemie
Professor Chang, Taihyun of the Department of Chemistry structured stable toroidal micelles which can be applied as a nanoframework to manufacture nanoscale metal particles. This outcome was selected to headline Angewandte Chemie(Volume 48, Issue 25). In addition, Nature introduced it among the Research Highlights in polymer chemistry. The current research has its significance for gaining homogeneous nanoscale structures, and it is expected to support application researches such as developing nanoscale memory devices.
