Jaemin Kim

Jaemin Kim serves as an Assistant Research Scientist in Materials Science at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, focusing on advanced catalytic materials for environmental sustainability and energy applications.

His research spans:

• Nanomaterials for Catalysis: Designing nanoparticle systems (FePt, α-NiS/Fe₃S₄) for Fenton reactions and electrocatalysis
• Sustainable Energy Conversion: Developing catalysts for hydrogen/methane production and oxygen evolution
• Biomass Valorization: Optimizing kraft lignin depolymerization via microwave-assisted catalytic processes

Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals a cohesive focus on reusable heterogeneous catalysts for environmental remediation (dye degradation) and renewable fuel synthesis. Key methodologies include hydrothermal treatment, metal-organic framework modification (MIL-53), and nanohybrid composite synthesis, emphasizing process efficiency and waste valorization.

Affiliated with ISTC—a unit of the Prairie Research Institute—Dr. Kim collaborates across chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental disciplines to address sustainability challenges through applied research.