SCALE (Surface Science and Catalysis with Atomic Level Engineering) Laboratory at Kaist aims at understanding of atomic or molecular scale mechanisms of energy dissipation and conversion at surfaces and interfaces. The illustration shown above depicts that energy conversion or dissipation processes are mediated by basic elements such as electron-hole, phonon, and photon once the external energy (by photon, electron, chemical reaction, or mechanical contact) is deposited on the surface.

Research topics we are focusing on include

- nanocatalysts
- engineering oxide-metal interfaces
- mechanical properties such as friction, adhesion, and wear
- renewable energy conversion chemistry
- electronic excitation at surfaces and interfaces