Youngmin Lee

Dr. Youngmin Lee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at New Mexico Tech. His research focuses on functional polymeric materials, conjugated polymers, additive manufacturing, and depolymerization for recycling. He leads the Research Group for Functional Polymers, which emphasizes linking chemical structures to macroscopic properties for applications in recyclable electronics, sustainable materials, and photovoltaics. His work includes developing thermoreversible networks for recyclable epoxies, photothermal nanoparticles for material depolymerization, and block copolymers for enhanced photovoltaic performance.

• Primary affiliations: New Mexico Tech, Department of Chemical Engineering
• Research highlights: Sustainable thermosets, dynamic covalent adhesives, conjugated polymer photovoltaics
• DOE BES renewal grant recipient: Focus on additive manufacturing and polymer recycling

Research interests include: recyclable materials, photothermal-responsive polymers, and block copolymer self-assembly. The group’s 'Research Plane' framework integrates synthesis and characterization to bridge molecular design and macroscopic functionality.

Notable contributions include patents on nanoporous filtration membranes and presentations on thermal stability in photovoltaic materials. His publication record spans over 40 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Nature Communications and Macromolecules.