Announcements

Name: Dr. Dohyung Kim
Affiliation: Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
Research interests: nanomaterials, electrochemistry, surface and interface science, defect-engineered carbons, catalysis, energy conversion and storage

Dr. Dohyung Kim is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on the application of interfacial phenomena in electrocatalytic processes, especially in the crucial area of CO₂ conversion. He has published 35 papers in leading scientific journals including Nature Catalysis and Nature Energy, accumulating more than 15,000 citations and an h-index of 27. Additionally, his recent honors include the Catalysts Young Investigator Award (2025), the Packard Fellowship (2025), the Unilever Award (2024), the KSEA Young Investigator Award (2024), and the Nanoscale Emerging Investigators Award (2024).

The following is an interview with Dr. Dohyung Kim.

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share your current research focus?
I am the principal investigator of Kim Laboratory of Electrochemistry and Interfaces at the Nanoscale (KLEIN), where I lead a group of PhD students and postdocs studying electrochemical reactions at material surfaces and interfaces. Electrochemical reactions—chemical reactions powered by electricity, and those that generate electrical energy—offer innovative, efficient ways to produce and use energy, fuels, and essential chemicals and materials. Our work focuses on understanding the heterogeneity inherent in these systems, particularly at solid–liquid interfaces and within catalytic materials. By uncovering how nanoscale and molecular-level variations influence chemical reaction outcomes, we aim to translate fundamental insights into design principles that advance electrochemical technologies for energy, fuels, and chemical production.

2. What inspired you to pursue research in the field of catalysis?
Catalysis drew me in because chemical reactions underpin nearly everything we rely on—energy, fuels, and the materials we use every day. Catalysts make these reactions practical by enabling them to occur faster, more selectively, and at meaningful scales. I was particularly fascinated by this role of catalysis as an enabler, and how it can fundamentally shape the efficiency and sustainability of the processes that support modern society.

3. Could you elaborate on how you initially learned about the Catalysts journal? What inspired you to apply for the Catalysts Young Investigator Award 2025?
I first learned about Catalysts through senior colleagues in my department, who spoke highly of the journal and its focus on advancing fundamental and applied catalysis research. Their encouragement and support motivated me to consider applying for the Catalysts Young Investigator Award. I saw it as a valuable opportunity to highlight our work and contribute to a broader community working toward advancing catalytic science and technology.

4. Could you please share with us your feelings after winning the Catalysts Young Investigator Award?
I am honored and grateful to receive the award. It is very encouraging to see our work recognized by the community, and I view it as a reflection of the dedication and creativity of my group. It also motivates me to continue pursuing impactful research in catalysis.

5. Do you have any other suggestions on how journals and publishers can further support young researchers and the academic community?
I think journals and publishers can support young researchers by creating platforms that give early career scientists greater visibility. In addition, fee waivers or discounts for open access publishing would help ease the financial burden that researchers increasingly face.

6. Based on your experience, which research topics in this field do you think will be of particular interest to the academic community in the next few years?
I think several areas will draw strong interest in the coming years, although it is difficult to just list a few given the breadth of research in catalysis. AI and machine learning for catalyst discovery is certainly one of them. I expect continued progress in advanced analytical methods that allow us to observe catalytic processes at smaller length scales, faster timescales, and under real operating conditions. Another important direction is understanding the complexity of catalytic reactions beyond the active site alone, including the broader catalyst environment and dynamic interactions. Finally, catalyst durability is an area that has received relatively less attention in the past, but I think it will become increasingly important.

7. What advice would you give to early career researchers or young scientists who are just starting their academic journey?
Most importantly, choose a subject and a question that you genuinely enjoy. Try to place your work in the historical context of your field, knowing where it came from and where it might go next. It is important to think and plan ahead, but do not wait for the perfect plan—some of the most valuable discoveries come from being open to the unexpected.