Sung Chul Hong

Sung Chul Hong is a Professor in the Department of Nano Technology and Advanced Materials Engineering at Sejong University, Seoul, South Korea. He has been serving in this position since September 2004 and maintains an active research program in polymer science and nanomaterials. His laboratory, the Nanopolymer Materials Laboratory, focuses on designing, synthesizing, evaluating, applying, and industrializing polymers for nanotechnology (NT), energy and environmental technology (ET), information and electronics technology (IT), and next-generation industrial technologies.

Education:

• Ph.D., Chemical Technology (Polymer Synthesis), Seoul National University, August 1996
• M.S., Chemical Technology (Polymer Science), Seoul National University, February 1993
• B.S., Chemical Technology, Seoul National University, February 1991

Research Interests:

Professor Hong's research focuses on precision polymer synthesis technologies with applications across multiple fields. His primary interests include controlled and living radical polymerization techniques, metallocene and Ziegler-Natta catalysts for coordination polymerization of olefins, synthesis of well-defined block or graft copolymers and their applications, high performance functional polyolefins, carbon nanomaterials, and PAN precursors for carbon materials. His work bridges fundamental polymer chemistry with practical applications in sustainable materials, energy technologies, and environmental solutions.

His laboratory particularly emphasizes creating new value in key foundational polymer materials, including functional polyolefins, block and graft copolymers, and polymers for energy and carbon materials. Recent research directions have expanded into antiviral materials, microplastic detection technologies, and sustainable polyurethanes derived from bio-based resources, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of his work spanning polymer chemistry, materials science, environmental science, and biomedical applications.

Research Trends:

Professor Hong's recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on innovative polymer modification techniques, particularly utilizing C-H insertion chemistry with azides and azidoformates. His work has significant applications in creating antiviral polypropylene fabrics, developing sustainable polyurethanes from bio-based resources, and advancing microplastic detection technologies. The interdisciplinary nature of his research spans polymer chemistry, materials science, environmental science, and biomedical applications, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and green chemistry principles. His h-index of 27 and 94 research outputs reflect his significant contributions to the field.

Scientific Awards:

• Sejong University 20-year service award (2025)
• Excellent Paper Award at the Fall Meeting of the Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry (2023)
• Excellent Paper Award at the Spring Meeting of the Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry (2023)
• Industrial Minister Award, 13th Chemical Industry Day Industry Merit Award (2021)
• Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2018)
• Mid-career Researcher Academy Award from The Polymer Society of Korea (2014)

Advising and Grants:

Professor Hong has supervised numerous graduate students throughout his career, with many former students now working in leading companies including Samsung Electronics, LG Chemical, Kumho Tire, and various research institutions. His current research group includes post-doctoral researchers and graduate students working on cutting-edge polymer research. His laboratory has secured significant funding through various research grants supporting work in sustainable polymers, carbon materials, and advanced polymer modification techniques. He currently serves as a Director of the Korean Polymer Society, Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, and Korean Polyurethane Society.

Laboratory:

The Nanopolymer Materials Laboratory, led by Professor Hong, designs, synthesizes, evaluates, applies, and industrializes polymers for nanotechnology, energy, environmental technology, information and electronics technology, and next-generation industrial applications. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for polymer synthesis, characterization, and application testing, supporting both fundamental research and industry collaborations. Current members include Post-doc student Rama Moorthy Appa, MS student Sevin Oh, and BS students You Jin Jeon and Nakyoung Son.