Yongha Kim’s Research Featured on the Cover of Macromolecules
This month, Macromolecules recognized the work of Yongha Kim and his collaborators by selecting their latest paper as the journal’s cover article.
The study, entitled “Determination of Carboxyl Dissociation Degree and pKa in Weak Polyelectrolyte Membranes via POT Titration and FTIR Analysis for Clean Technologies in Sustainability,” explores the fundamental chemistry of polyelectrolyte membranes—materials that play a key role in advancing sustainable energy and clean water technologies.
Being chosen for a cover feature is a rare honor, highlighting the significance and impact of this research in the field of polymer science.
This achievement represents not only Yongha’s leadership but also the contributions of a remarkable team of undergraduate scientists: Taekwon, Dan, Jack, Riley, Andrew, Kyle, Michael, and Charleen. Their collective effort demonstrates how hands-on research opportunities can empower students to make meaningful advances in clean technology solutions. The project combined precision experimental methods—POT titration and FTIR analysis—to better understand membrane behavior, paving the way for more efficient, environmentally friendly applications.
We couldn’t be prouder of Yongha and the entire team for their hard work and dedication. From experimental design to data analysis, their collaboration showcases the innovation and creativity that fuels our lab. This cover recognition not only celebrates a scientific breakthrough but also underscores the importance of training the next generation of researchers who will drive sustainable technologies forward. Congratulations to all!
About our work
We design and create high-performance membranes that enable unprecedented separation opportunities. We pursue fundamental breakthroughs that translate into real-world applications, always seeking to bridge the microscopic understanding of materials with macroscopic performance. Our goal is to make separations systems cleaner, stronger, and more sustainable.
About the Oh Lab
At the Oh Lab, we are dedicated to advancing the world’s most important, but challenging, separations in the environment, energy, and health sector. We do this by focusing on the molecular-to-macroscopic design and characterization of polymer membranes. We work at the intersection of chemical engineering, materials science, and molecular transport, focusing on designing advanced polymer membranes for efficient chemical separation.