Yong Min Kim

All Publications

• A mechano-gated ionic diode enables low-power synaptic tactile spiking. Science advances Kim, Y. M., Choi, H., Kim, J. H., Kwon, J. H., Boahen, E. K., Ha, N. K., Kong, Z., Moon, H. C., Kim, D. H. 2025; 11 (50): eaea5656

  Abstract

  Ionic diodes, which enable unidirectional ion transport, hold great promise for adaptive and energy-efficient ionotronic systems. However, conventional designs often rely on high ion concentrations, which promote ion pairing and clustering, thereby reducing mobility and impeding the formation of stable ion depletion layers (IDLs). Here, we report a mechano-gated ionic diode with balanced ionic conductivity between cationic and anionic polymer layers, achieved through copolymer engineering. This conductivity matching enables the formation of well-defined IDLs, yielding a record-high rectification ratio of 23.5 and pressure-sensitive piezo-ionic behavior. The device transduces mechanical stimuli into discrete ionic spikes via threshold-gated current modulation, consuming only 0.41 nanojoules per spike at rest and 1.49 nanojoules under pressure, achieving up to a 24-fold enhancement in signal-to-noise ratio. When integrated into a tactile interface, the diode exhibits synaptic-like plasticity and activity-dependent signal encoding. These findings establish a material-driven strategy for real-time, low-power ionic sensing and neuromorphic functionality.

  View details for DOI 10.1126/sciadv.aea5656

  View details for PubMedID 41370387

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC12694019

• Soft Ionic Materials: Design and Applications in Functional Electrochemical Systems. JACS Au Yang, H. W., Cho, D. S., Kang, J., Han, J. H., Kim, Y. M., Moon, H. C. 2025; 5 (10): 4655-4668

  Abstract

  By integrating the rapid ionic transport of ionic liquids with the structural integrity of polymers, ionogels achieve high conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and environmental stability. These attributes position them as promising solid-state electrolytes for soft electronics. Recent molecular innovations have yielded ionogels with remarkable stretchability, toughness, and multifunctionality, broadening their scope of applications. This Perspective highlights molecular-level strategies, such as copolymer design and dynamic cross-linking via ionic or supramolecular interactions, that tailor polymer-ion interactions and network dynamics. We then discuss how these strategies regulate ionicity, diffusivity, and segmental mobility. These microscopic processes ultimately determine macroscopic transport properties and enable advanced devices such as strain sensors, electrochromic supercapacitors, thermoelectric generators, and triboelectric nanogenerators. Finally, by integrating molecular design with mechanistic insight, we provide a forward-looking framework for developing scalable, robust, and adaptive ionogels that underpin next-generation ionotronic systems.

  View details for DOI 10.1021/jacsau.5c01060

  View details for PubMedID 41169571

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC12569708

• Soft Ionic Materials: Design and Applications in Functional Electrochemical Systems JACS AU Yang, H., Cho, D., Kang, J., Han, J., Kim, Y., Moon, H. 2025

  View details for DOI 10.1021/jacsau.5c01060

  View details for Web of Science ID 001586999700001

• Multi-Generational Frontal Curing and Chemical Recycling of Polydicyclopentadiene Thermosets. Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.) Luo, X., Kim, Y. M., Lee, M. J., Mejia, E. B., Shi, Y., Sottos, N. R., Baur, J. W., Xia, Y. 2025: e2505141

  Abstract

  Polydicyclopentadiene (pDCPD) is a high-performance thermoset with lightweight and exceptional thermomechanical properties. However, its traditional thermal curing process is energy-intensive and lacks chemical recyclability. Frontal Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (FROMP) is an energy-efficient curing process and allows additive manufacturing of pDCPD. 2,3-Dihydrofuran (DHF) has been shown as an effective comonomer to allow the deconstruction of pDCPD thermosets when incorporated at a small fraction in pDCPD. Herein, a simple strategy for chemical recycling of pDCPD thermosets is reported, and maintaining FROMP characteristics and thermomechanical properties of the thermosets over five life cycles. Norbornadiene (NBD) is a key additive in resins containing recycled pDCPD to enhance polymerization kinetics and sustain FROMP characteristics. A one-pot strategy is also developed to deconstruct pDCPD thermosets and simultaneously functionalize the chain ends with norbornenes for reincorporating deconstructed oligomers back to the next generation thermoset. Using these strategies, five generations of recycling pDCPD thermosets with invariable thermomechanical properties are demonstrated. This work highlights a scalable and energy-efficient process to produce chemically recyclable pDCPD thermosets, significantly improving the circularity of this class of high-performance thermosets.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/adma.202505141

  View details for PubMedID 40376954