Haedam Jin, an integrated Master's–PhD student (Graduate School, Department of Energy-AI Convergence Engineering; advisor Professor Min Kim), has developed a surface modification technology for perovskite quantum dots using a zwitterionic polymer. 

Jin demonstrated that this enables the production of highly luminescent quantum‑dot inks that can be dispersed in environmentally friendly solvents. Jin also developed a hazardous‑gas sensor device capable of real‑time detection by exploiting the perovskite quantum dots’ excellent gas adsorption properties.

The research was recognized for its excellence and published as two papers in the prestigious international journal Chemical Engineering Journal (IF: 15.1, top 3.2%), issues 459 and 473: "Eco‑Friendly Solvent Processing of Perovskites and High‑Luminescence Optoelectronic Devices Using Zwitterionic Polymers" and "Organic–Inorganic Transistor‑Type Gas Sensors Implementing Functionalized Perovskites through Polymer Interfacial Engineering," respectively. 

Perovskite quantum dots possess excellent photoelectrochemical properties, prompting active research into various optoelectronic devices. However, they suffer from a structural drawback: their surfaces are chemically unstable and prone to degradation. To address this, development of surface modification techniques that enhance stability is required.

Jin developed a zwitterionic polymer that binds strongly to perovskite surfaces and improved the photostability of perovskite nanocrystals using a surface‑exchange method based on this polymer. By leveraging the material’s excellent luminescent properties and surface adsorption chemistry, the team applied it to light‑emitting diodes (LEDs) and gas‑detection sensors, and confirmed its high potential for application in a variety of functional optoelectronic devices.

Haedam Jin, the integrated Master's–PhD student who conducted the research, expressed gratitude to the advisor, saying, "I am grateful to my advisor for guiding the research in a positive direction," and added, "Based on these ideas, I will carry out diverse and novel research in the energy field." 

Meanwhile, this research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea’s Outstanding Early‑Career Research program, the Climate Technology Talent Training Pilot Project, and the Energy Human Resources Training Project of the Korea Energy Technology Evaluation Institute.