In the field of inorganic chemistry, we pursue fundamental and applied research not only in traditional areas of inorganic chemistry such as coordination, organometallic, and solid state chemistry, but also in new emerging fields such as supramolecular chemistry, nano-chemistry, and materials chemistry. Particular emphasis is placed on supramolecular chemistry that provides new ground in nanotechnology For examples, we study mechanically interlocked molecules such as rotaxanes and catenanes and their applications to molecular switches, molecular memories, and sensors.
Materials chemistry is also actively studied: nanoporous materials for separation and catalysis, and nonlinear optical materials (NLO) and liquid crystalline materials that are useful in information processing and storage are being studied. Joining the growing list of scientists around the globe, we are actively pursuing research on DNA chip and biosensor. Our focus is given on the study of self-assembled molecular layers for DNA chip and biosensor, and development of highly sensitive luminescence probes for detecting DNA mismatch. Our study of nano-chemistry examines the physical properties and reactivity of various self-assembled functional structures, utilizing surface analysis techniques, such as ellipsometry and XPS. Scanning probe microscopes, such as STM, AFM, and LFM are used to characterize and observe surface structures at the molecular/nano scale level.

Kimoon Kim, Joon Won Park, Hee Cheul Choi