Nature Communications
We demonstrated a photothermally responsive MAC membrane containing plasmonic AuNSs and CNFs in Mxene nanosheets. The optimized MAC membrane showed photothermal ionic current of ~40 nA that was nearly seven times higher than that of the pristine MXene-based nanochannel and 14 times higher ionic current than that of the GAC membrane.
Science Advances
Accurate transmission of biosignals without interference of surrounding noises is a key factor for the realization of human-machine interfaces (HMIs). We propose frequency-selective acoustic and haptic sensors for dual-mode HMIs based on triboelectric sensors with hierarchical macrodome/micropore/nanoparticle structure of ferroelectric composites.
ACS Nano
The conductivity-gradient multilayers allowed us to control the saturation behavior of resistance change by the gradual activation of current pathway from outer to inner layers and the difference between initial and saturation resistances, thus ensuring the superior linearity and ultrahigh sensitivity (3.8 × 105 kPa−1 ) for the pressure range of up to 100 kPa.
ACS Nano
We developed high-performance TE devices through the structural design of ferroelectric multilayers with alternating PVDF-TrFE and BTO NP layers for enhanced polarization and stress concentration effects.
Science Advances
In this work, we presented an artificial tongue that is fully inspired from the human sensing mechanism. The artificial tongue can be prepared by facile UV polymerization on a flexible substrate and exhibit extraordinary sensing capabilities, such as a wide sensing range and a low limit of detectable concentration and high selectivity from other tastes.
Advanced Materials
This study demonstrates that a hierarchical NP-MP architecture in porous mechanochromic composites can enhance both mechanochromic strain/stress sensitivity and stretchability.
Science Advances
Nanomembranes and nanowires build tiny, transparent loudspeakers and sensitive, voice-recognition microphones that attach to skin.
Advanced Materials
Improved performance in plasmonic organic solar cells (OSCs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) via strong plasmon-coupling effects generated by aligned silver nanowire (AgNW) transparent electrodes decorated with core–shell silver–silica nanoparticles (Ag@SiO 2 NPs) is demonstrated.
ACS Nano
Here, we demonstrate a flexible ferroelectric sensor with ultrahigh pressure sensitivity and linear response over an exceptionally broad pressure range based on the material and structural design of ferroelectric composites with a multilayer interlocked microdome geometry.
ACS Nano
Flexible, transparent, and force-sensitive touch screens using cross-aligned AgNW electrodes integrated with mechanochromic spiropyran–polydimethylsiloxane composite film. Our force-sensitive touch screens enable the precise monitoring of dynamic writings, tracing and drawing of underneath pictures, and perception of handwriting patterns with locally different writing forces.
Advanced Materials
By mimicking muscle actuation to control cavity-pressure-induced adhesion of octopus suckers, smart adhesive pads are developed in which the thermoresponsive actuation of a hydrogel layer on elastomeric microcavity pads enables excellent switchable adhesion in response to a thermal stimulus (maximum adhesive strength: 94 kPa, adhesion switching ratio: ≈293 for temperature change between 22 and 61 °C).

Functional Nanomaterials and Devices

Our research interests are centered on the development of functional nanomaterials and devices based on the micro- and nanostructures. We are interested in exploiting the fabrication strategies combining “bottom-up” assembly and “top-down” lithography to hierarchically organize organic and inorganic nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, graphenes, nanowires, nanoparticles, …) on multiple length scales. We also seek to understand the fundamental physical properties of individual nanomaterials and the collective behavior of the organized micro- and nanostructures, which is central to the rational development of functional devices. Ultimately, these micro- and nanostructures may find use in electronics, optics, sensors, and biomedical devices.

New website in preparation…

Ko lab

News & Achievement

Congratulations for winning the best poster award in MRS 2026 Spring Meeting

Posted on 04 Jun 2026
Haryeong Cho won the best poster award in MRS 2026 Spring Meeting, Hawaii.

Congratulations for winning the best poster presentation award at KSIEC 2026

Posted on 18 May 2026
Yun Goo Ro won the best poster presentation award in the KSIEC 2026, Jeju.

Congratulations for winning the best poster presentation award at KSIEC 2026

Posted on 18 May 2026
Seokhee Jung won the best poster presentation award in the KSIEC 2026, Jeju.

Congratulations for receiving the Presidential Commendation at the 2026 Science Day Government Awards

Posted on 08 May 2026
Prof. Ko received the Presidential Commendation at the 2026 Science Day Government Awards

Congratulations for winning the Samsung Electronics sponsored 32th HumanTech Paper Award

Posted on 08 May 2026
Yoojin Chang won a bronze award in the 32nd HumanTech Paper Award sponserord by Samsung Electronics.

Recent Publications

Journal Publication: Advanced Materials

Posted on 13 Aug 2026
173. Sangyun Na, Geonyoung Jung, Yoojin Chang, Yun Goo Ro, Cheolhong Park, Jeonghee Yeom, Jinyoung K

Journal Publication: Nano Energy

Posted on 24 Jul 2026
172. Sola Moon, Seongwook Chae, Kitae Park, Hyejin Lee, Hengquan Guo, Cheolhong Park, Donggyu Kim, H

Journal Publication: Advanced Materials

Posted on 30 Jun 2026
171. Haksoon Jung, Hanbin Cho, Yongwoo Lee, Seunghun Baek, Hyeongjun Kim, Yun Goo Ro, Hyunhyub Ko, J

Journal Publication: Small Structures

Posted on 24 Jun 2026
170. Haryeong Cho, Geonyoung Jung, Min Sub Kwak, Jiho Son, Pan Kyeom Kim, Sung-il Chung, Hyunhyub Ko

Journal Publication: Science Advances

Posted on 01 May 2026
169. Jiayu Zhao, Zhecun Guan, Rohan Luthra, Patrick Opdensteinen, Brandon Ho, Xiao Li,Yong-Jin Park,


Position available

There are several openings for passionate graduate students and researchers in the area of functional nanomaterials and devices. Feel free to contact Prof. Ko (e-mail: hyunhko@unist.ac.kr, tel: 052-217-2532) if you are interested.