HyungKuk Ju | Department of Energy Engineering
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- Grade:Assistant Professor
Introduction
Prof. Dr. HyungKuk Ju has taken on a new chapter in his remarkable journey as a Professor at the Department of Energy Engineering, Dankook University, a role he assumed on September 2023. With a journey spanning over 15 years, he has consistently channeled his efforts towards spearheading pioneering advancements in both low- and high-temperature electrochemical processes, delving deeply into domains that encompass cutting-edge electrochemical systems, including Ammonia synthesis, Water electrolysis cells, SOFC/SOEC, PEM, CO2 conversion, and more. Dr. Ju's profound expertise extends to the advanced Haber-Bosch process, adeptly adapting it to mild conditions to accommodate intermittent renewable electricity supply and the production of green hydrogen.
Dr. Ju had held the esteemed position of Senior Researcher at the prestigious Clean Fuel Research Laboratory within the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), where his expertise played a significant role from September 2020 onwards. Driven by an unwavering commitment to carbon neutrality, Dr. Ju has focused his intellectual energies towards the realm of low-temperature and low-pressure green ammonia synthesis. Furthermore, his passion extends to pioneering solid polymer (PEM/AEM)- and solid ceramic (PCEC/SOEC)-based electrolysis systems.
His global quest led him to Australia, where he flourished for nearly 7 years as a project leader and research scientist at CSIRO Energy. In February 2017, his designation as a Research Scientist at CSIRO marked a significant milestone. His stewardship spearheaded the development of cost-effective, high-efficiency PEM-based electrolysis cells and systems. These innovative systems aimed at producing high-pressure hydrogen to power a spectrum of applications, including distributed/off-grid power solutions, along with serving as a crucial feedstock for the production of renewable liquid fuels. Moreover, he and his team orchestrated the creation of a stand-alone oxygen generator for medical applications, a remarkable feat recognized with a technology readiness level of 5-6. Dr. Ju's leadership extended to the realm of hydrogen synthesis as he spearheaded CSIRO's Hydrogen Future Science Platform (H2 FSP) project. Focused on direct ammonia synthesis through electrochemical pathways reliant on advanced PEM/AEM cell/stack systems, closely aligned with Australia's strategic hydrogen initiatives.
Dr. Ju emerged as a pivotal contributor to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) project centered on ammonia synthesis using metal membranes, an advanced low-pressure Haber-Bosch process with a substantial funding of $2.85 million, advancing its technology readiness level to 3-4.
In February 2014 to 2016, when he embraced the role of an Office of the Chief Executive (OCE) postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Ju emerged as a trailblazer in technologies concerning carbon and hydrocarbon-based fuel-assisted water and steam electrolysis for hydrogen generation. This groundbreaking work, with a technology readiness level of 2-3, encompassed a diverse spectrum of renewable chemical feedstocks, ranging from ethanol and methanol to sugar, seawater, wastewater, and coal. His project on fuel-assisted co-electrolysis achieved remarkable recognition, earning selection by FMG elected technologies workshop for further advancement.
In tandem with his innovative pursuits, Dr. Ju commands a robust research background, boasting a remarkable count of seven granted patents. His knowledge proved invaluable in contributing to another consequential ARENA project ($2.5 million).
Educational Background
- [2008] bachelor's degree BS | Kwangwoon University
- [2010] master's degree PhD | Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
- [2013] doctor's degree MS | Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
Career
- Postdoctoral Researcher | Ertl Center, GIST (2013-09-01)
- Postdoctoral Researcher | Ertl Center, GIST (2014-01-01)
- OCE Postdoctoral Fellowship | CSIRO, Australia (2014-02-05)
- Research Scientist / Project leader | CSIRO, Australia (2017-02-06)
- Senior Researcher | Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) (2020-09-21)