CHBE 565-International Paper Co Seminar-Prof. Moon Jeong Park, POSTECH (Host: Prof. Charles Sing) "Polymer Chain-End Chemistry: Unlocking Next-Generation Functional Materials"
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- Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and International Paper Company
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- Christy Bowser
- cbowser@illinois.edu
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- 217-244-9214
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- Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering - Seminars and Events
Abstract: End-group functionalization has become a powerful and versatile strategy in polymer science, enabling precise control over physical properties, nanoscale self-assembly, and interfacial functionality without modifying the polymer backbone. In our group’s research, we have investigated (1) how tailored end groups affect intrinsic polymer characteristics such as thermal transitions, solubility, and crystallization behavior, and (2) how end-group interactions direct polymer self-assembly, particularly by modulating chain packing, interfacial curvature, and phase behavior in block copolymer systems, including the formation of complex network morphologies. Our goal is to develop synthetic methodologies for polymers with rationally designed end-functional groups, allowing systematic study of their thermodynamic phase-transition behavior through precise control of molecular interactions. By identifying and tuning key variables, our work aims to deepen fundamental understanding of polymer science. These insights highlight the transformative potential of end-group chemistry for next-generation polymer materials and provide a foundation for designing functional nanomaterials for emerging applications, including solid-state battery electrolytes, mechanical metamaterials, and optical metamaterials.
References
1) Hojun Lee, Sangwoo Kwon, Jaemin Min, Seon-Mi Jin, Jun Ho Hwang, Eunji Lee, Won Bo Lee, and Moon Jeong Park*, “Thermodynamically Stable Plumber’s Nightmare Structures in Block Copolymers”, Science 2024, 383, 70.
2) Hojun Lee, Jihoon Kim, and Moon Jeong Park*, “Block Copolymer Electrolytes with Double Primitive Cubic Structures: Enhancing Solid-State Lithium Conduction via Lithium Salt Localization”, ACS Nano 2025, 19, 1251.
3) Gyuha Jo, Hyungmin Ahn, Moon Jeong Park “Simple Route for Tuning the Morphology and Conductivity of Polymer Electrolytes: One End Functional Group is Enough”, ACS Macro Lett. 2013, 2(11), 990-995.
Bio: Moon Jeong Park earned her B.S and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Seoul National University. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Berkeley. She joined the faculty of Chemistry at the Pohang University of Science and Technology as an Assistant Professor in 2009 and became a Full Professor in 2018. Her research focuses on elucidating the interplay of morphology and transport in nanostructured charged polymer materials based on a fundamental understanding of molecular interactions. Her recent interests include the development of new ion-containing polymeric materials that are more efficient, predictable, and sustainable for energy storage and transport. She serves as an Associate Editor for Macromolecules (ACS). Recent recognitions include the 2025 Science Prize of POSCO TJ Park Foundation of Korea, the 2024 Star (Science Technology and Researcher) Award of Ministry of Science of Korea, the 2021 American Physical Society DPOLY Fellow, 2017 American Physical Society Dillon Medal, and 2016 IUPAC Young Polymer Scientist Award, and 2016 Young Scientist Award of Ministry of Science of Korea. She was also selected as the 15th Female Scientist and Engineer of the Year Award of Korea.