Professor Kwan Woo Nam conducts research aimed at innovating the paradigm of next-generation energy materials development through an autonomous laboratory that integrates artificial intelligence and robotics. As a leading expert in the design and mechanistic study of next-generation secondary battery materials, his research focuses on overcoming the limitations of current energy storage systems using advanced functional materials, with a particular emphasis on Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs).

In particular, he is spearheading the establishment of the “IMMS Autonomous Laboratory,” which combines AI-driven data pipelines with robotics to maximize efficiency in the discovery of novel materials and the optimization of experimental conditions. By integrating machine learning (ML) algorithms with mobile robotic systems, his group has developed an intelligent research platform capable of 24/7 autonomous operation, enabling high-throughput screening and accelerated discovery of high-performance materials.

His main research areas include next-generation secondary battery systems and battery interface engineering. His work involves developing high-efficiency and high-stability electrode materials for advanced energy storage technologies such as all-solid-state batteries and sodium-ion batteries. In addition, he investigates the use of Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs), which possess uniform pore structures and highly tunable chemical properties, to design advanced materials that reduce interfacial resistance and enhance ionic conductivity—two key challenges in solid-state battery systems.

Professor Nam is also actively involved in building a global autonomous experimentation network. Through close collaborations with leading autonomous laboratory groups in the United Kingdom—including the University of Liverpool, University College London (UCL), and Labman Automation—his research incorporates state-of-the-art automation infrastructure and AI-controlled experimental technologies. He also leads international collaborative research with institutions such as the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany to develop MOF-based materials for next-generation solid-state batteries and related practical technologies.

Furthermore, his research integrates fundamental knowledge in chemical and materials engineering with advanced data science to significantly accelerate the research and development timeline for battery materials, from synthesis to performance evaluation. Through these efforts, he aims to establish a new research paradigm for next-generation energy materials development.