Localization of Core Scanning Electrochemical Microscope Technology... Dong-A University Succeeds in Commercializing Advanced Analytical Equipment

Achievements of the Future-Leading Research Equipment Project
Anticipated Applications in Next-Generation Materials and Secondary Battery Analysis

A domestic research team has successfully localized and commercialized the core technology of the Scanning Electrochemical Microscope (SECM), which is used for next-generation advanced material analysis. This achievement is being seen as the establishment of a foundation for technological self-reliance in the field of precision electrochemical analysis equipment, an area that has previously relied heavily on foreign instruments.

The Korea Institute of S&T Commercialization and Promotion announced on March 12 that a research team from Dong-A University has succeeded in developing and commercializing the core technology of a “Scanning Electrochemical Microscope (SECM) for Low-Dimensional Nanomaterial Analysis” with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT’s “Core Technology Development Project for Future-Leading Research Equipment.”

Dong-A University Scanning Electrochemical Microscope. Provided by the Korea Institute for the Commercialization of Science and Technology

The scanning electrochemical microscope is an advanced analytical instrument that analyzes electrochemical reactions occurring on material surfaces at the micro-area level and visualizes them as two-dimensional reaction maps. It enables the quantitative analysis of micro-defects or performance differences that are difficult to observe visually, and is utilized in research on secondary batteries, catalysts, and semiconductor materials.

Through this project, the research team developed key technologies such as a precision sample horizontal alignment automated stage, an ultra-fine electrode tip of less than 1 micrometer (μm), and electrochemical analysis application technology. In particular, the core challenges were securing the technology for manufacturing ultra-fine electrodes capable of stably measuring reactions at scales smaller than the thickness of a human hair, as well as precise alignment automation.

As a result, it is now possible to conduct a wide range of advanced material analyses, including secondary battery degradation analysis, analysis of active sites in hydrogen production and carbon reduction catalysts, detection of micro-corrosion in metal materials, and characterization of next-generation semiconductor materials.

Securing the Foundation for Self-Reliance in Advanced Research Equipment

During the course of this technology development, the research team produced 18 SCI(E) papers, filed 18 domestic patent applications (with 3 registrations), filed 4 international patent applications, and achieved 4 technology transfers (valued at 220 million won). In particular, the originality of the technology was recognized with the publication of related research results in ACS Nano, an international academic journal in the nanotechnology field.

Based on the developed automated SECM technology, the research team plans to prioritize supplying the equipment to public research institutions and universities through the designation of innovative prototypes and demonstration projects. Subsequently, the service will be expanded into analysis services through joint research and evaluation with industry partners, and commercialization of the equipment will also be pursued.

Professor Kim Junghan of Dong-A University stated, “With government support, we were able to secure the core element technologies for automated SECM and establish a precision analysis equipment platform,” adding, “We will contribute to the localization and strengthening of competitiveness in electrochemical-based advanced material analysis technology through industrial application and commercialization going forward.”

Kim Byoungkuk, President of the Korea Institute of S&T Commercialization and Promotion, commented, “This achievement goes beyond simply improving microscope performance, representing a case of securing core original technology for high-precision electrochemical imaging equipment. It holds significant strategic value in terms of research equipment self-reliance and the establishment of next-generation analysis platforms.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.