The research paper on thermoelectric materials development, in which Jung Sang-hoon, a student in the Department of Advanced Bio-materials at Wonkwang University (President Park Sung-tae), participated as the first author, has been published in the latest issue of the international prestigious journal Materials Today Energy.

Jung Sang-hoon, a member of Professor Cho Chung-yeon's research team, developed organic thermoelectric composite materials using a spin-coating-based multilayer thin film deposition technology utilizing polymer electrolytes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene oxide.

In particular, he succeeded in improving the electrical conductivity (556 S/cm), Seebeck coefficient (105 μV/K), and power factor (612.5 μW/m·K²) of graphene through environmentally friendly reducing agent (L-ascorbic acid) and low-temperature treatment, which demonstrates outstanding performance for organic-based materials.

This research proves the possibility of implementing high-efficiency thermoelectric materials on flexible substrates without high-temperature processes or rare metals, raising expectations for potential applications in wearable energy devices and industrial waste heat recovery in the future.

Professor Cho Chung-yeon stated, "This research overcomes the limitations of organic materials through environmentally friendly processes," and expressed confidence that it will significantly contribute to next-generation energy conversion technologies.