PVdF-Reduced Binder Using Vinyl-Based Ionic Liquid and N-Vinylacetamide Cross-Linked Network

This technology utilizes a polymer network formed by polymerizing and cross-linking a vinyl-functionalized ionic liquid with N-vinylacetamide as a binder for lithium secondary batteries.

Conventional PVdF binders pose significant environmental and health risks and are costly. Furthermore, they suffer from electrode structural instability and low coulombic efficiency over repeated charge-discharge cycles.

This technology mixes an ionic liquid and N-vinylacetamide with an initiator, optionally combined with PVdF, to form a robust cross-linked network within the electrode, thereby enhancing adhesion, high-temperature thermal stability, and coulombic efficiency. It can be applied to electrode coating processes using NCM-based cathode slurries, supporting a transition toward reduced fluorine-based binder usage to lower production costs and improve workplace safety.

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Key Features:

• Ionic liquid where R is C2-C13 alkyl, allyl, or butenyl, and the anion is selected from BF4-, PF6-, TFSI, etc.
• Binder for lithium secondary batteries comprising an ionic liquid represented by Chemical Formula 1 and N-vinylacetamide
• Polymerization initiator selected from AIBN, BPO, cumyl peroxide, etc., additionally included in the binder
• Fluorine-containing polymer further included in the binder, such as PVdF, PVdF-HFP, PVdF-TFE, or combinations thereof

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Nitride-based MOF catalysts with dimension and shell count controlled by solvent ratio and surfactant modulation

This technology precisely controls the 0–3D network structure and shell count of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by aminating transition metal nitride precursors before combining them with organic ligands, while adjusting the ratio of organic solvent to deionized water and the type of surfactant used.

Conventional MOFs suffer from low stability against heat, moisture, acids, and bases, as well as poor electrical conductivity, making long-term use difficult. In particular, they exhibit a sharp decline in performance under high current density conditions.

This technology implements an N-dimensional polymer network structure by aminating metal precursor sources, mixing them with organic ligands, and performing reduction treatment. It forms stable shell structures through dimension control based on solvent composition and step-by-step heat treatment temperature control. This allows for application in air-cathode catalysts for metal-air batteries and OER electrodes for water electrolysis, reducing reliance on precious metal catalysts while maintaining long-term bidirectional activity for oxygen reactions.

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Key Features:

• Preparing a metal precursor source by adding a transition metal nitride precursor to a first solvent containing an organic solvent and a surfactant, followed by stirring
• Preparing an aminated transition metal precursor source by adding a pH adjuster and an amine-based crosslinking agent to the metal precursor source
• Preparing a preliminary metal-organic framework by mixing the aminated metal precursor source with a second solvent containing an organic ligand precursor and performing heat treatment
• Reducing the preliminary metal-organic framework to obtain a metal-organic framework synthesized based on DMF and TX-100

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT for the development of a high-energy-density soft materials platform through the design of new organic superionic plastic crystal materials.

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Large-Area Dense Solid Electrolyte Sheet Based on Release Film Sandwich Compression Process

This technology manufactures dense, large-area, free-standing solid electrolyte sheets by placing a slurry containing a solid electrolyte and a binder between two release films to create a laminate, which is then compressed and dried.

Conventional methods struggle to control internal voids and face limitations in scaling up due to the constraints of high-temperature pressing processes. Additionally, increasing the binder content often leads to a reduction in ionic conductivity.

This technology forms a laminate by coating slurry between release films and compressing it at 0.1–1000 MPa to increase sheet density, while the release films block external moisture and facilitate easy peeling. As a result, it can be applied to roll-to-roll production of sulfide-based all-solid-state battery electrolyte membranes and large pouch-cell assembly, enabling the stable production of thin, wide electrolyte layers without the need for a support structure.

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Key Features:

• Preparing a solid electrolyte composite slurry using a mixture containing a solid electrolyte, a binder, and a solvent
• Coating the slurry onto one side of a release film and placing another release film on top to form a laminate
• Compressing the laminate with the solid electrolyte composite slurry sandwiched between the two release films to achieve a large area
• Peeling the release films from the compressed laminate to produce a free-standing solid electrolyte composite sheet

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for the development of manufacturing technology for solid electrolyte membranes with an ionic conductivity of 1 mS/cm or higher and a thickness of 30 μm or less.

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Tomatoes for mass production of sweet proteins in fruit using ER retention signals and TEV leader sequence vectors

This technology involves transgenic tomatoes and a method for their production that achieves high expression of the sweet protein brazzein in fruit by introducing a recombinant expression vector into tomatoes. This vector incorporates the CaMV 35S promoter, alfalfa mosaic virus RNA4 enhancer, ER signal sequence, brazzein gene, and terminator, supplemented with the tobacco etch virus untranslated leader sequence and the KEDL ER retention signal sequence.

Brazzein is about 2,000 times sweeter than sugar, nearly calorie-free, and stable under heat and pH, making it an ideal sugar substitute. However, its natural source, the oubli fruit, grows only in tropical West Africa, making cultivation difficult and commercial supply virtually impossible. While attempts have been made to produce recombinant brazzein using E. coli, yeast, and transgenic plants, none have reached commercialization, and artificial sweeteners have faced ongoing controversy regarding side effects.

This technology utilizes the ETP-BZ1 vector, which attaches TEV leader sequences to both ends of the brazzein gene to enhance translation efficiency and adds a KEDL sequence to the rear to ensure protein retention and accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum. By using tomatoes as a host—where the introduced gene remains stable across generations—brazzein with intact sweet activity is reliably obtained from the fruit. This can be applied to natural sweetener ingredients for low-calorie beverages and confectionery, foods for diabetics, and the development of functional tomato varieties containing sweet proteins. It allows for the low-cost production of brazzein with activity identical to the wild type by cultivating tomatoes, a temperate crop, without relying on tropical plant cultivation.

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Key Features:

• Recombinant expression vector containing the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, alfalfa mosaic virus RNA4 enhancer, and ER signal sequence
• Expression cassette further containing the brazzein gene, tobacco etch virus untranslated leader sequence, and KEDL ER retention signal sequence
• Vector further containing the nopaline synthase gene promoter, neomycin phosphotransferase II gene, and nopaline synthase terminator positioned before the 35S promoter
• Step of producing transgenic tomatoes by introducing the recombinant expression vector to express the brazzein protein in the tomato fruit

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Education for research on the interaction between human GPCR sweet taste receptors and sweet substances, and for the development of new sweet materials.

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Cryoprotectant using DNA origami conjugated with antifreeze peptides to inhibit ice crystal growth

This technology is a cryoprotective composition created by attaching linkers to the single-stranded ends of a DNA nanostructure—formed by binding staple nucleic acids to a scaffold nucleic acid folded at specific positions—and conjugating antifreeze peptides to those linkers. This composition can be used for the cryopreservation of cells and tissues, as well as for the freezing of food products.

Existing antifreeze materials have limitations: small-molecule substances require very high concentrations (over 60%), raising concerns about tissue toxicity, while naturally derived antifreeze proteins are difficult to purify and mass-produce, making them prohibitively expensive. DMSO, widely used as a cell cryoprotectant, also requires high concentrations (around 10% of the culture medium) and is cytotoxic, necessitating its rapid removal immediately after thawing.

This technology is designed so that some staple nucleic acids leave non-complementary ends, creating single-stranded protrusions. Using 5–20 nucleotide-long DNA, RNA, or PNA linkers, short peptides consisting of 1–10 alanine or threonine amino acids are precisely positioned. By creating surfaces that interface with ice crystals using two or more helical bundles, or by utilizing twisted or curved helical bundles, the peptide arrangement can be locked onto the ice crystal surface. Applicable to stem cell and germ cell cryopreservation, organ and tissue banking, and the processing of frozen meat and seafood, this technology reduces the required amount of toxic cryoprotectants, improves post-thaw cell viability, and prevents texture degradation in frozen foods.

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Key Features:

• A scaffold nucleic acid folded at predetermined positions to form a plurality of strands, and a plurality of first staple nucleic acids that bind to it to form double strands
• A plurality of second staple nucleic acids where one end is not complementary to the scaffold nucleic acid, forming double strands with single-stranded ends
• A 5 to 20 nucleotide-long linker made of DNA, RNA, or PNA that binds to at least one of the single strands of the nucleic acid structure
• An antifreeze peptide 1 to 10 amino acids in length, containing alanine or threonine, that binds to at least one of the linkers

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT for the development and evaluation of DNA-based ice control materials.

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Silicon Anode Material with Suppressed SEI via Spaced Conductive Metal Particles on Nanowire Surfaces

This technology facilitates lithium-ion transport and controls the formation of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) by depositing highly conductive metal particles on the surface of silicon nanowires at intervals of 10 nm to 1 µm.

When silicon nanowires are used as anode active materials, an SEI layer forms on the surface during high-speed charging and discharging. This has historically limited performance by reducing specific capacity and degrading cycle characteristics.

This technology involves selectively etching a silicon substrate using a metal catalyst to create nanowires, followed by applying conductive metal particles—such as Cu, Al, Zn, Fe, Pb, Ag, or Au—via drop coating or spray aerosol deposition. By spacing these particles, the process lowers electrode resistance and inhibits SEI layer formation. Suitable for high-rate discharge applications like drone and robot batteries or fast-charging smartphone cells, this method provides nanowires with optimized ion channels and electron pathways simply by adjusting particle spacing.

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Key Features:

• Forming first metal particles of silver, gold, or platinum spaced apart on a silicon substrate
• Forming silicon nanowires by selectively wet-etching the silicon substrate with an etching solution of hydrofluoric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and deionized water
• Removing the first metal particles and forming second metal particles spaced apart on the surface of the silicon nanowires via drop coating
• Metal particles selected from Al, Zn, Fe, Pb, Ag, or Au, formed on the nanowire surface at intervals of 10 nm to 1 µm

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High-Capacity Self-Supporting Carbon Fiber Electrodes with Metal Oxide Nanoneedles Grown Without Binders or Conductive Additives

This technology involves activating the surface of carbon nanofibers (CNF) and using electrodeposition to uniformly grow metal oxides, such as Fe2O3 and ZnO, in the form of nanoneedles or nanopillars on both the exterior and interior of the fibers.

Conventional mixing and coating processes require binders and conductive additives, which reduce the mass efficiency of the active material. Furthermore, these methods often lead to the detachment of active materials during pulverization or a decrease in the conductivity of the carbon nanofibers. Alternative methods, such as hydrothermal synthesis, are limited by long processing times and complex procedures.

This technology eliminates the need for binders and conductive additives by using the carbon nanofibers themselves as the electrode. By precisely controlling the quantity, shape, and location of the metal oxides through electrodeposition conditions, the surface area is maximized via a needle or pillar structure. Applicable to lithium-ion battery anodes, supercapacitor electrodes, and electrochemical filters for water treatment, this single electrodeposition process enables the rapid production of high-strength fiber electrodes for both energy storage and filtration purposes.

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Key Features:

• Manufacturing carbon nanofibers by electrospinning a carbon precursor solution followed by carbonization
• Immersing the activated carbon nanofibers in an electrodeposition aqueous solution containing one of the following: FeSO4, FeCl2·4H2O, Zn(NO3)2, or TiCl3
• Electrodepositing a vertical needle or pillar-shaped metal oxide layer onto the activated carbon nanofibers
• Performing additional heat treatment on the metal oxide-coated carbon nanofibers at a temperature between 350 and 450°C

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Silicon nanowire anode material with uniform metal coating via electrodeposition removal and re-precipitation in strong acid

This technology involves removing randomly attached metal deposits from the surface of silicon nanowires created via Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching (MACE), followed by re-immersion in a diluted strong acid solution to uniformly precipitate metal particles onto the surface.

When silicon nanowires are used as an anode active material, an unstable Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) layer forms on the surface during high-speed charge and discharge cycles. This leads to a simultaneous decline in specific capacity and cycle life.

This technology removes electrodeposited metals after MACE using nitric acid or similar agents, then uses a diluted strong acid solution to uniformly re-precipitate metal particles, such as silver (Ag), onto the nanowire surface. This enhances electrical conductivity and controls the formation of the SEI layer. It can be applied to silicon anodes in electric vehicle batteries requiring fast charging and high-power power tool cells, effectively slowing the reduction of specific capacity even under high-current conditions.

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Key Features:

• Forming silicon nanowires by immersing a silicon substrate in an etchant containing an aqueous hydrofluoric acid solution and dissolved metal.
• Removing randomly electrodeposited metal from the surface by immersing the etched silicon nanowires in a nitric acid etchant.
• Precipitating metal particles by immersing the silicon nanowires in a 0.01M to 1M diluted strong acid solution.
• Silicon nanowires for lithium secondary batteries used as an anode active material with metal particles, such as silver, uniformly distributed on the surface.

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High-Capacity Silicon Anode Binder Based on Diels-Alder Cross-Linked Self-Healing Copolymer

This technology synthesizes a 3D network copolymer with excellent self-healing properties and mechanical strength by using a Diels-Alder reaction to polymerize a polyacrylic acid backbone modified with furfurylamine and bismaleimide side chains to mitigate the volume expansion of silicon anodes.

Silicon anodes have historically faced issues with particle pulverization due to significant volume expansion and contraction during charge and discharge cycles. This leads to loss of electrical contact, unstable SEI layers, and electrode delamination, resulting in a rapid decline in battery life and capacity.

This technology uses a copolymer binder formed by the Diels-Alder reaction between furfurylamine-modified polyacrylic acid (PFM) and a bismaleimide (BMI) cross-linker. It self-heals damage caused by volume changes and maintains strong adhesion between silicon particles and the current collector through strong hydrogen bonding and a 3D network. Applicable to high-capacity silicon-rich anodes and fast-charging mobile batteries, it maintains over 92% coulombic efficiency for 200 cycles and delays electrode delamination.

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Key Features:

• Furfurylamine-modified polyacrylic acid backbone containing polyacrylic acid and furfurylamine in a molar ratio of 1:0.05 to 0.9
• Bismaleimide side chains bonded to the backbone side branches, acting as a cross-linker and included at 0.1–15 wt% relative to the backbone
• Step of adding a bismaleimide-based cross-linker to the furfurylamine-modified polyacrylic acid solution and cross-linking via Diels-Alder reaction to obtain the copolymer
• Silicon anode comprising a silicon-based active material and the copolymer-based polymer binder, exhibiting a coulombic efficiency of 92% or higher

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Electrolyte for Suppressing Manganese Dissolution Using Fluoride Ion Scavenging Reaction of Methoxytrimethylsilane

This technology introduces silyl ether compounds, such as methoxytrimethylsilane, as electrolyte additives. By removing fluoride ions (F-) generated from electrolyte decomposition through a nucleophilic substitution reaction, it suppresses metal dissolution from LMO cathodes and enhances interface stability.

In lithium secondary batteries, electrolyte decomposition during charge and discharge cycles generates fluoride ions (F-). These ions corrode and dissolve transition metals in manganese-based spinel (LMO) cathodes, leading to increased internal resistance and a significant reduction in cycle life.

This technology involves adding methoxytrimethylsilane (MTSi) at a concentration of 0.1 to 1.0 wt%, preferably 0.25 wt%, to the electrolyte. The Si-O functional group reacts with fluoride ions to convert them into fluorosilane and methanol. This suppresses cathode surface cracking and manganese deposition on graphite anodes. It can be applied to cells for electric two-wheelers and hybrid vehicles using low-cost LiMn2O4 cathodes, effectively addressing the inherent lifespan limitations of manganese-based materials with a single additive.

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Key Features:

• Electrolyte for lithium secondary batteries comprising a methoxytrimethylsilane additive, a solvent, and a lithium salt
• Methoxytrimethylsilane additive contained at 0.1 to 1.0 wt% of the electrolyte to remove F-
• Additive that undergoes a nucleophilic substitution reaction with F- to produce methanol and fluorosilane
• Cathode containing LiMn2O4 manganese-based spinel active material, combined with an electrolyte layer disposed between the cathode and anode

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Crystallization of ALD Thin Films with Lithium Leakage Prevention via Heat Treatment Using Homologous Metal Barrier Sheets

This technology is a process for converting amorphous precursor films formed by atomic layer deposition into a crystalline structure. By covering the film with a barrier sheet containing the same metal components during heat treatment, it prevents the leakage of metals like lithium and the delamination of the substrate.

During the high-temperature heat treatment of amorphous material films, metal components often leak out, leading to degraded battery performance or film delamination from the substrate. Additionally, the formation of natural byproduct layers composed of carbon and oxygen compounds during transfer from the chamber to the furnace has historically increased interface resistance.

This technology involves depositing an amorphous film via an ALD process using metal precursors, then heat-treating it at 600°C or higher while covered with a barrier sheet containing the corresponding metal (e.g., lithium). This prevents compositional changes and delamination while removing natural byproduct layers to facilitate conversion into a crystalline structure. It can be applied to the manufacturing of cathode thin films for thin-film batteries, micro-batteries, and all-solid-state batteries, enabling the production of stoichiometric crystalline thin films with reduced interface resistance.

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Key Features:

• A step of forming a material film with an amorphous structure by providing a first metal precursor and a second metal precursor on a substrate
• A step of converting the amorphous structure into a crystalline structure by heat-treating the material film containing the first and second metals
• A step of heat-treating the material film after covering it with a barrier sheet
• A barrier sheet that reduces the leakage of the first metal from the material film during heat treatment

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Void-suppressing core-shell cathode precursor combining interlayer spacing expansion and cation exchange

This technology enhances crystallographic stability by modifying the surface crystal structure of a layered base cathode active material precursor into a second crystal structure with wider interlayer spacing, followed by cation exchange to replace a portion of the first metal with a second metal, thereby removing residual anions and moisture.

Cathode active material precursors produced via conventional co-precipitation often retain internal moisture or anions, leading to the formation of numerous voids during the final synthesis. These voids cause micro-cracks as particles expand and contract during charge-discharge cycles, ultimately limiting battery lifespan.

This technology converts the base precursor into a crystal structure with wider interlayer spacing and performs reflux heat treatment in a cation exchange solution containing a second metal, such as cobalt. This process removes residual internal anions and concentrates the second metal on the particle surface to form a core-shell structure. It can be applied to high-nickel NCM cathode mass production and long-life EV cell development, helping to reduce particle cracking and slow capacity degradation in later cycles.

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Key Features:

• Preparing a base cathode active material precursor having a first crystal structure and containing a first metal
• Modifying the surface crystal structure of the base cathode active material precursor into a second crystal structure with wider interlayer spacing
• Providing a second metal to the second crystal structure precursor to produce a cathode active material precursor in which at least a portion of the first metal is exchanged with the second metal
• Reflux heat-treating the second crystal structure base cathode active material precursor in a cation exchange solution containing the second metal

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT for research and development on electrode active materials for high-performance lithium secondary batteries through precision control at the nanoscale.

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Pharmaceutical composition for reducing anxiety through 5 wt% linalyl acetate aromatherapy before chemotherapy

This technology is a pharmaceutical composition containing 5 wt% linalyl acetate, administered by inhaling the scent through the nose for 20 minutes once before chemotherapy to reduce anxiety disorders. Carriers, excipients, or diluents may be added as needed.

Benzodiazepines, the most common treatment for anxiety, provide rapid relief but cause side effects like drowsiness, ataxia, orthostatic hypotension, and impaired liver function, with risks of physical and psychological dependence. Natural alternatives like bitter orange or ashwagandha have fewer side effects but limited efficacy, and the anti-anxiety effects of linalyl acetate alone were previously unknown.

This technology utilizes linalyl acetate, which has low toxicity and is commonly used in cosmetics and detergents, via inhalation rather than oral ingestion. It specifies a precise administration window—immediately before chemotherapy—and a brief 20-minute duration. Based on significant reductions in anxiety scores among solid tumor patients, it can be applied in oncology infusion centers, aromatherapy kits, and hospital psychological stability programs, effectively easing anticipatory anxiety without the burden of sedatives.

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Key Features:

• Pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating anxiety disorders containing 5 wt% linalyl acetate
• Composition administered via nasal inhalation for 20 minutes once before chemotherapy in cancer patients
• Pharmaceutical composition further comprising carriers, excipients, or diluents in addition to the active ingredient, linalyl acetate
• Linalyl acetate-containing pharmaceutical composition used to reduce anxiety in solid tumor patients prior to chemotherapy

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Education for research into the regulatory mechanisms of aromatic natural extracts in animal models of hypertension induced by chronic stress accompanied by hypermotility of the intestines.

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Flexible Thin-Film Electrodes Using Heat-Resistant Polyimide Based on Multi-Organic Radical Diamines

This technology utilizes a novel polyimide, in which two or more organic radical groups are bonded to a diamine component, as an electrode active material. It achieves thermal stability through intra-chain reactions within the polymer and enables the implementation of flexible, film-type electrodes.

Conventional inorganic-based electrodes suffer from low flexibility, making them prone to cracking when bent. Even when organic radical polymers are used, they face limitations such as low heat resistance and difficulty in achieving sufficient electrode capacity.

This technology utilizes a specific polyimide structure with organic radical groups bonded to a pyrrolidine ring and its precursor, soluble poly(amic acid). By creating ultra-thin film electrodes through a solution process followed by thermal imidization, it simultaneously achieves heat resistance and high-density redox reactions. It can be applied to thin-film power sources for flexible displays, smart cards, and skin-attachable sensors, offering the potential to manufacture metal-free, bend-resistant organic electrodes via printing processes.

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Key Features:

• Organic radical polyimide of Chemical Formula 1, where A is an aryl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms and an organic radical group is bonded to the pyrrolidine ring
• B is a substituent selected from an aryl group, or an alkyl or alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, capable of forming a condensed ring with an adjacent pyrrolidine ring
• An electrode used as a cathode for electrochemical devices such as lithium secondary batteries, comprising the organic radical polyimide of Chemical Formula 1
• An electrochemical device comprising a cathode, an anode, a separator, and an electrolyte, wherein the organic radical polyimide is applied to at least one of the electrodes

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Eco-friendly water-based separator coating solution combining acrylic rubber compound and bimodal alumina

This technology is a coating composition in which an acrylic rubber compound—consisting of alumina ceramic particles, a rubber binder, a water-soluble dispersant, and a water-soluble wetting agent—is dispersed in a water-based solvent. It ensures the thermal stability of the coating layer and enhances adhesion to the substrate.

Conventional ceramic coating solutions are based on organic solvents, posing significant risks of environmental pollution and worker exposure. They also suffer from poor adhesion between the separator substrate and the ceramic layer, as well as issues with thermal shrinkage and potential meltdown of the separator at high temperatures.

This technology utilizes a water-based coating solution containing an emulsion-polymerized acrylic copolymer rubber binder, a silicone-based acrylate dispersant, an ester-based acrylate wetting agent, and a carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt viscosity modifier to control the thermal shrinkage of the coating layer to within 0–1%. It can be applied to ceramic coating lines for polyolefin porous separators and the manufacturing of high-safety cells for EVs and ESS, allowing for the production of separators with reduced high-temperature short-circuit risks while eliminating the burden of organic solvent exhaust and recovery systems.

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Key Features:

• Water-based coating composition containing 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of an acrylic rubber compound and a viscosity modifier per 100 parts by weight of alumina ceramic particles
• Alumina ceramic particles composed of 70 to 95 wt% of 0.4 to 1㎛ particles and 5 to 30 wt% of 0.1 to 0.3㎛ particles
• Acrylic rubber compound containing a rubber binder with a glass transition temperature of -15 to 20℃, a silicone-based acrylate dispersant, and an ester-based acrylate wetting agent
• Coating layer formed on one or both sides of a polyolefin-based porous substrate with a dry thickness of 0.5 to 4.5㎛, exhibiting a thermal shrinkage rate of 0 to 1%

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