Catholic University Undergraduates Publish Fuel Cell Research in International Journal

Undergraduate Students Achieve Publication in Prestigious Journal
Joint Research on Hydrogen Carrier Systems Recognized Internationally

Catholic University announced on August 21 that undergraduate students from Professor Kim Junyoung’s research team in the Department of Biomedical Chemical Engineering have published a research paper in Energy, a prestigious international journal in the field of chemical engineering thermodynamics.

(From left) Catholic University biomedical chemical engineering students Lee Hyeon, Lee Taekjun, Lee Jungjae, and Professor Kim Junyoung. Catholic University

This achievement is the result of a joint study conducted by students Lee Hyeon, Lee Taekjun, and Lee Jungjae in collaboration with Dongguk University. The significance is heightened by the fact that, except for the principal investigator, all participants were undergraduates.

While searching for alternatives to hydrogen, which faces limitations in storage and transportation, the research team focused on utilizing methanol as a hydrogen carrier.

Accordingly, they developed a novel energy system that integrates a high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) with a methanol synthesis process.

This system not only produces low-carbon electricity but also recycles unreacted hydrogen and carbon dioxide, thereby realizing a circular economy model.

In particular, the team applied an AI optimization technology based on a genetic algorithm to thermodynamic process simulation, allowing for automatic optimization of process conditions.

Through this, they achieved both thermodynamic performance and economic feasibility, lowering the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) to $0.046/KWh, thereby demonstrating competitiveness compared to current market prices.

Additionally, they succeeded in recovering carbon dioxide directly from the synthesis process without the need for a separate carbon dioxide capture device.

Professor Kim Junyoung emphasized, “This research is a case where undergraduate students took on a challenging topic and gained international recognition for their achievements. It will serve as a foundation for key technologies to vitalize the hydrogen economy and contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of future eco-friendly industries.”

The publication of this paper is regarded as evidence of the educational and research capabilities of the Department of Biomedical Chemical Engineering at Catholic University, as well as the research potential of its undergraduate students.