Microplastics floating in water, caught by floating drones - Hydrophilic tooth technology develops microplastic recovery technology using floating drones - Expected to be expanded to aquaculture farms, domestic water treatment, etc In recent years, microplastics have garnered significant attention due to their detection in tap and bottled water, as well as in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Conventional filtering technologies for water treatment have difficulty effectively filtering out microplastics of various sizes and shapes and are prone to clogging. Additionally, recovering small particles requires extremely fine filter meshes, which increases pressure and drastically reduces filter efficiency. Furthermore, they are not effective in open spaces such as lakes, rivers, or oceans, where microplastic pollution is increasing. Dr. Seong Jin Kim and Myoung-Woon Moon of the Center for Extreme Materials Research at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have developed a new level of microplastic removal technology, offering a promising solution to this growing problem. They have developed a floating drone equipped with hydrophilic tooth structures that leverage surface tension to skim microplastics. The core of the team's approach is the hydrophilic ratchet structure. This design forms a water bridge that forms between the teeth due to its affinity for water, which maximizes the surface tension of the water to adhere the microplastics to the teeth. This approach enables the removal of microplastics ranging in size from 1 micrometer (μm) to 4 millimeters, addressing the challenges traditional filtering technologies face with size and shape variability. It also ensures reliable operation without the risk of clogging. The technology has achieved over 80% recovery efficiency for various types of microplastics, including expanded polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene. In particular, the hydrophilic ratchet structure of the floating drone can be used to remove microplastics in real-time in large bodies of water such as oceans, lakes, and rivers. The drone can move autonomously and purify water quality like a household robot vacuum cleaner, showing its versatility beyond the limitations of existing fixed systems "This technology can be applied not only to floating drones, but also to stationary systems such as water treatment filters in aquaculture farms," said Dr. Moon. "It can also be expanded into a home water treatment filter device that individuals can use in their daily lives." ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im) under the KIST Institutional Program and the Korea International Maritime Police Service Project (KIMST-20210584). The results of this research were published in the latest issue of the international journal "Advanced science" (IF 14.3, JCR field 8.2%). [Figure 1] [Figure 2] [Figure 3]

Developing wastewater treatment units that treat right where it's generated - Continuous flow rapidly breaks down and mineralizes organic matter in water, ready for immediate discharge - Unit produces its own hydrogen peroxide in large quantities and uses it as an oxidant right on site Conventional wastewater treatment involves the centralized collection of wastewater from sources through pipes to large-scale treatment plants, where it is treated in bulk. However, this is not feasible in small, decentralized areas such as rural areas. Simple treatment units installed at small non-point sources of pollution mainly focus on disinfection and turbidity improvement, and do not properly decompose the recalcitrant organic matter in wastewater. In addition, even if industrial wastewater is treated in-house, the treatment efficiency is low, and highly toxic wastewater often needs to be re-transported to a final treatment plant. Dr. Sang Hoon Kim, Extreme Materials Research Center, Dr. Jong Min Kim, Materials Architecturing Research Center, and Dr. Sang Soo Han, Computation Science Research Center, all from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), have developed an electrochemical device that can treat sewage and wastewater from pollution sites to the level of discharge. In particular, it can rapidly and completely decompose recalcitrant materials into inorganic substances and discharge them on its own. While previous research methods mainly focused on the development of electrode materials for the generation of hydrogen peroxide, a powerful electrochemical oxidant, this study introduced a flow cell method to generate a large amount of hydrogen peroxide while circulating wastewater in the device, mixing it well, and oxidizing and decomposing recalcitrant organic matter in situ to rapidly mineralize it. This is a structure that can completely degrade organic matter much more efficiently than conventional treatment tanks. Conventional oxidation treatments for harmful organics in water often require multiple steps before the organics are completely degraded, and the intermediate products are often still toxic. When organic matter in water is completely decomposed and mineralized, it becomes non-toxic and can be discharged, and the indicator of this is called total organic carbon (TOC). Since last year, after 48 years, the Ministry of Environment has added total organic carbon to the wastewater discharge standards to impose stricter wastewater treatment standards. The small-scale electrochemical device developed by the KIST research team is a technology that can effectively treat sewage and wastewater directly on-site, which is difficult to treat centrally, and can effectively reduce the total organic carbon in a short time. In fact, the researchers demonstrated excellent complete decomposition performance, reducing the total organic carbon of 50pm bisphenol A by 93% in 2 hours. "The developed device is composed of a continuous and repetitive flow method, which shows higher complete decomposition efficiency than the existing method, and a patent is pending for the device and processing method. We are also planning to transfer the technology to commercialize it." ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im) under the KIST Institutional Program, Usu Shinjin (RS-2023-00209940), Nanomaterial Technology Development Project (NRF-2022M3H4A7046278), and the Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Hwa-jin) Environmental Technology Development Project (2021002800005). The research was published in the latest issue of the international journal Applied Catalysis B:Environment and Energy (IF: 20.2 JCR, top 0.6%) [Figure 1] [Figure 2] [Figure 3]

Developing highly efficient recovery materials for precious 'rare earth metals' and improving resource circulation for digital infrastructure - Recovery of rare earth metals from waste permanent magnets to reduce foreign dependence - Development of fibrous adsorption materials with improved performance, productivity, economy, and applicability, and improved industrial stability Korea imports 95% of its core minerals such as lithium, nickel, and rare earths. Rare earths, in particular, are characterized by chemical, electrical, magnetic, and luminescent properties that can be achieved by adding only a small amount, and their use has recently increased significantly as core materials in the eco-friendly automobile and renewable energy industries. China, a major producer of rare metals, is controlling the supply through its strategy of weaponizing resources, putting great pressure on the domestic industry. Dr. Jae-Woo Choi and his team at the Center for Water Cycle Research at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) recently announced the development of a fiber-based recovery material that can recover rare earth metals such as neodymium (Nd) and dysprosium (Dy) with high efficiency. The new material is expected to contribute to solving rare earth supply and industrial stability issues by recovering and recycling rare earth metals (neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B)) that are mainly used in third-generation permanent magnets, which are essential components in the electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle drive motors, wind power, robotics, and aerospace industries. KIST researchers have developed a nanostructured composite fiber material composed of metal-organic structures and polymer acryl fiber composite fibers to efficiently recover rare earth metals. The adsorptive material is based on acrylic fibers, which are already widely used in Korea, and is economical and productive. The researchers expect that the developed material will be of great industrial use as it easily adsorbs rare earths from waste liquids while facilitating their recovery. The developed fiber material showed adsorption capacities of 468.60 mg/g for neodymium and 435.13 mg/g for dysprosium, the highest in the world. This is significantly higher than conventional adsorption materials and can be applied to simple reactors, which can significantly improve the energy efficiency of the recovery process. The team expects the material to be able to effectively recover rare earths not only from waste permanent magnets, but also from a variety of industrial wastewaters containing rare earth metals, such as mine drainage. In particular, its easy surface modification makes it applicable to a wide range of industrial wastewaters, and it is expected to become a technological alternative for securing rare metal resources. "The high-efficiency rare earth metal recovery material developed in this study is a technology that can replace existing granular adsorption materials, showing excellent results in terms of performance, productivity, economy, and applicability, which will revitalize the digital infrastructure waste mineral extraction ecosystem, and has great potential for industrial application through resource recycling," said Dr. Jae-Woo Choi of KIST. "In the future, the technology can be expanded to selectively recover various useful resources, including rare earths, from industrial wastewater, contributing to carbon neutrality and rare earth-related upstream and downstream industries," said Dr. Youngkyun Jung. ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im) under the KIST Major Project, Leading Materials Innovation Project (2020M3H4A3106366) and Sejong Science Fellowship (RS-2023-00209565). The research results were published in the latest issue of the international journal Advanced Fiber Materials. [Figure 1] [Figure 2] [Figure 3]

Developing new polymeric nanomaterials to detect harmful substances in extreme environments - KIST-Yale team develops new nanomaterials based on mixed ion-electron conductors - Eco-friendly, durable sensors for high temperature and humidity environments are expected to have a wide range of applications Polymers have gained prominence in applications such as wearable electronics due to their flexibility and lightweight, but their low electrical conductivity has been a major drawback. While various research efforts have been made to improve conductivity, there are still technical limitations, such as the need to use harmful solvents and performance degradation in extreme environments. The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) announced that it has developed a method for synthesizing polymers based on ion-electron mixed conductors through collaborative research with Dr. Jang Ji-soo of KIST's Center for Electronic Materials Research and Professor Mingjiang Zhong of Yale University in the United States. The research overcomes the limitations of existing polymeric conductors and is attracting attention as an innovative technology that can contribute to the development of next-generation high-performance chemical sensors. To solve this problem, the researchers introduced ionic pendant groups into the polymer structure to synthesize conjugated polymers that can easily dissolve in eco-friendly solvents rather than toxic solvents. In particular, the polymers exhibit high gas sensing performance in eco-friendly processes and can maintain stable performance in high temperature and humidity environments. This technological advance opens up the possibility of applications in wearable devices, portable electronics, and other electronic devices that can operate reliably in extreme environments. At the center of this research is the development of an ionization-based conjugated polymer that is soluble in an environmentally friendly solvent (2-methylanisole). While conventional conductive polymers typically require toxic solvents to dissolve, the new polymer significantly improves electrical conductivity through the binding of ionic species and electronic charge carriers. By introducing anions (TFSI-) and cations (IM+) into the polymer to increase the density and mobility of the charge carriers, the team maximized conductivity and stability. The n-type based conductive polymer developed by the researchers, N-PBTBDTT, showed a very high sensitivity in detecting harmful gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The sensitivity for NO2 detection was as high as 189%, and it showed high detection ability even at a very low concentration of 2 ppb. This performance exceeds that of conventional sensor technologies, and the polymer was also highly durable in environments with high humidity of 80% and high temperatures of up to 200°C. This enables stable gas detection in a variety of extreme environments, and is expected to be widely applied to wearable devices and industrial sensors. "The sensors developed in this research go beyond simple chemical sensors and can bring about revolutionary changes in various applications," said Dr. Jang Ji-soo of KIST. "In particular, it can be used as a life-saving material for those who work in extreme environments, such as firefighters who need to detect harmful gases at fire scenes and soldiers who are exposed to chemical weapons in wartime," said Prof. Junwoo Lee and Dr. Juncheol Shin, first authors. ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im) as Institutional Program of KIST, and the results were published* in Advanced Functional Materials (IF: 18.5, within the top 5% of the JCR field), an authoritative journal in the field of energy materials. [Figure 1] [Figure 2] [Figure 3]

Photon qubits challenge AI, enabling more accurate quantum computing without error-correction techniques - Implementing molecular structure-level quantum simulations using a single photon qudit - performing more accurate quantum chemistry calculations with fewer resources than conventional overseas studies The just-announced Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to University of Washington Professor David Baker, Google DeepMind CEO Hershavis, and Principal Investigator John Jumper for their work using AI to predict the structure of proteins, enabling the discovery of new drugs and new materials. In an era where AI and data are driving the scientific revolution, quantum computing technology is emerging as another game-changer in the development of new drugs and new materials. Dr. Hyang-Tag Lim's research team at the Center for Quantum Technology at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has implemented a quantum computing algorithm that can estimate interatomic bond distances and ground state energies with chemical accuracy using fewer resources than conventional methods, and has succeeded in performing accurate calculations without the need for additional quantum error mitigation techniques. Quantum computers have the disadvantage of rapidly increasing errors as the computational space grows at the current level. To overcome this, the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) method, which combines the advantages of classical and quantum computers, has emerged. VQE is a hybrid algorithm designed to use a Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) and a Classical Processing Unit (CPU) together to perform faster computations. Global research teams, including IBM and Google, are investigating it in a variety of quantum systems, including superconducting and trapped-ion system. However, qubit-based VQE is currently only implemented up to 2 qubits in photonic systems and 12 qubits in superconducting systems, and is challenged by error issues that make it difficult to scale when more qubits and complex computations are required. Instead of qubits, the team utilized a higher-dimensional form of quantum information called a qudit. A qudit is a quantum unit that can have multiple states, including 0, 1, and 2, in addition to the 0 and 1 that a traditional qubit can represent, which is advantageous for complex quantum computations. In this study, a qudit was implemented by the orbital angular momentum state of a single-photon, and dimensional expansion was possible by adjusting the phase of a photon through holographic images. This allowed for high-dimensional calculations without complex quantum gates, reducing errors. The team used the method to perform quantum chemistry calculations with VQE to estimate the bond length between hydrogen molecules in four dimensions and lithium hydride (LiH) molecules in 16 dimensions, the first time 16-dimensional calculations have been realized in photonic systems. While conventional VQEs from IBM, Google, and others are required error mitigation techniques for chemical accuracy, the KIST team's VQE achieved chemical accuracy without any error mitigation techniques. This demonstrates how high accuracy can be achieved with fewer resources, showing the potential for widespread application in industries where molecular properties are important. It is also expected to be useful in solving complex problems such as climate modeling. "By securing qudit-based quantum computing technology that can achieve chemical accuracy with fewer resources, we expect it to be used in various practical fields, such as developing new drugs and improving battery performance," said Dr. Hyang-Tag Lim of KIST. ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im) through the KIST Institutional Program and the Korea Research Foundation Quantum Computing Technology Development Project (2022M3E4A1043330). The research was published in the international journal Science Advances (IF: 11.7 JCR field top 7.8%). [Figure 1] [Figure 2]

Cracking the Code of Performance Degradation in Solid Oxide Cells at the Atomic Level - Unveiled the initial degradation mechanism at the nanoscale for the first time using advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM). - Presented new indicators for the development of solid oxide electrolysis materials operated stably at high temperatures (>600°C). Dr. Hye Jung Chang and Dr. Kyung Joong Yoon (Director) of the Hydrogen Energy Materials Research Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Sangrok Oh) have announced that they have elucidated the mechanism of the initial degradation phenomenon that triggers the performance drop of high-temperature solid oxide electrolysis cell systems, using advanced transmission electron microscopy. Unlike previous studies, which analyzed the final stages of degradation at the micrometer scale (1 µm, one-millionth of a meter), this study successfully verified the initial changes in electrolysis cell materials at the nanometer scale (1 nm, one-billionth of a meter). The research team identified the degradation mechanism occurring between the air electrode and electrolyte of the electrolysis cell through TEM diffraction analysis and theoretical calculations. The observations revealed that oxygen ions accumulated at the interface of the electrolyte, known as Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ), during the oxygen injection process that that drives the electrolysis reaction. Consequently, the atomic structure of the interfacial YSZ is compressed, leading to the formation of nanoscale defects and, eventually, cracks between the air electrode and the electrolyte, which in turn caused the deterioration of the cell's performance. Furthermore, by visually verifying the stress and defects formed at the interface, the team succeeded in elucidating the correlation between ions, atoms, nanoscale defects, pores, and cracks occurring in the early stages of degradation. This research achievement marks the first study to elucidate the degradation mechanism at the nanoscale, providing guidelines to address the performance decline of high-temperature electrolysis cells during long-term operation. Specifically, it could enable the development of materials that can operate stably above 600°C for extended periods, significantly enhancing the durability of commercial electrolysis cells. The nanoscale analytical technology using advanced TEM in this study can be applied to solve degradation issues in various energy devices. The research team plans to accelerate the commercialization of high-temperature electrolysis cells by collaborating with manufacturers to establish automated production processes for mass production. Additionally, they are conducting research to develop new materials that can suppress the accumulation of oxygen ions in specific areas of the electrolysis cell, aiming to increase production efficiency and reduce production costs, ultimately lowering the cost of clean hydrogen production. Dr. Chang from KIST stated, "Using advanced transmission electron microscopy, we were able to identify the causes of previously unknown degradation phenomena at the early stages. Based on this, we aim to present strategies to improve the durability and production efficiency of high-temperature electrolysis cells, contributing to the economic viability of clean hydrogen production." ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Sang Im Yoo) through KIST's major project and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) of Korea (Minister Deokgeun Ahn) (P0022331) supervised by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), along with National Research Council of Science and Technology (CAP22072-000), The findings have been published in the latest issue of the international journal Energy & Environmental Science (IF 32.4, JCR field 0.9%). [Figure 1] Analysis of Solid Oxide Interfaces Using Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy (Selected as Back Cover Image for the EES Journal) [Figure 2] Identifying the Cause of Electrode Interface Delamination: Oxygen Ion Accumulation Leads to Changes in Atomic Structure and Formation of Nano Defects [Figure 3] Visualization of Nanoscale Interfacial Stress Identified Through TEM Diffraction Analysis and Density Functional Theory

Breakthrough Idea for CCU Technology Commercialization from 'Carbon Cycle of the Earth' - New silver-silica composite catalyst developed based on the idea of carbonate-silicate geochemical cycling - Controlled local pH and prevention of CO₂ transport degradation through a ‘silica-hydroxide’ cycle The research team led by Dr. Hyung-Suk Oh and Dr. Woong Hee Lee at the Clean Energy Research Center at Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Sang-Rok Oh) has developed a silver-silica composite catalyst capable of reversible local pH control through a silica-hydroxide cycle, inspired by Earth’s natural cycles. This research draws inspiration from the carbonate-silicate cycle, known as the Earth’s inorganic carbon cycle, where carbon dioxide (CO₂) maintains balance. CO₂ is removed from the atmosphere as it is stored in weathered minerals, then released back into the atmosphere through volcanic activity. During the weathering of silicate rocks, dissolved silica (SiO₂) is produced, leading to carbonate rock formation, which eventually recycles back into silicate rock through volcanic activity, impacting Earth’s temperature regulation. The key substance in this cycle, silica, was applied to electrochemical CO₂ conversion reactions. Among the catalysts used in CCU technology, silver catalysts are highly effective at converting CO₂ into carbon monoxide (CO), a valuable raw material for petrochemical products. However, silver catalysts are not yet commercially viable, as they exhibit issues at high current densities, such as agglomeration or clumping of particles on the catalyst surface, which rapidly reduces selectivity for CO. To maintain the performance of the silver catalyst, the research team developed a silver-silica composite catalyst. During reactions, hydroxide ions (OH⁻) generated interact with silica, dissolving into a silicate form and precipitating back under neutral conditions, thereby controlling the pH. This approach addresses performance degradation issues at higher current densities without altering the catalyst's physical structure, relying solely on a chemical approach. The newly developed silver-silica composite catalyst showed near 100% selectivity even at a higher current density of 1 A cm⁻², compared to commercial silver catalysts that drop to about 60% selectivity at 800 mA cm⁻². Additionally, the catalyst boosted CO₂ conversion to CO by around 47%, achieving high efficiency even at elevated current densities. This silver-silica composite catalyst successfully enhances CO₂ reduction performance and durability at high current densities, significantly advancing the commercial potential of CCU technology for electrochemical CO₂ conversion. Its high CO selectivity and durability due to reversible cycling enable sustained performance over extended periods, improving productivity and economic feasibility. Moving forward, the team plans to optimize production processes for high-efficiency catalysts and conduct long-term durability testing for potential application in industrial facilities, such as power plants and petrochemical factories. Dr. Oh from KIST stated, “The research provides a significant direction in enhancing catalyst reversibility and environmental control strategies for electrochemical systems. It is expected to contribute to the future demonstration and commercialization of electrochemical systems.” ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Sang Im Yoo) through KIST's major project and the Carbon to X project (2020M3H7A1098229), and the Creative Convergence Research Project (CAP21011-100). The findings have been published as a front cover in the international journal ‘Energy & Environmental Science’ (IF 32.4, JCR Top 0.3%). [Figure 1] Diagram Representing Alkaline Issues in a Zero-Gap CO₂ Electrolysis Device [Figure 2] Diagram of the Silica-Hydroxide Cycle Occurring During the Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction Reaction Using a Silver-Silica Reduction Electrode [Figure 3] Front cover image

High-Performance Inkjet Print Head Enhances Bioprinting Productivity - Implementation of high-efficiency, low-heat bioprinting technology using piezoelectric thin film - Expected to expand applications in the organoid field, which was previously challenging due to thermal stability issues Bioprinting is a technology used to create three-dimensional structures, such as human tissues or organs, using bio-inks made of cells and hydrogels. However, conventional inkjet technology has difficulty dispensing bio-inks that are sensitive to temperature due to the heat generated during operation. Furthermore, conventional 3D bioprinting mainly utilizes simple syringe-type printing devices with a single needle, making it time-consuming to produce artificial organs like the brain, lungs, and heart. The Bionics Research Center team, led by Dr. Byung Chul Lee at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Sang-Rok Oh), in collaboration with Dr. Seung-Hyup Baek’s team at the Electronic Materials Research Center and Professor Tae-Keun Kim’s team at Korea University (President Dong-Won Kim), has developed a bio-ink inkjet print head using the piezoelectric material PMN-PZT. This new print head is thinner but performs better than conventional designs. When applied, it enables the simultaneous dispensing of bio-ink at high resolution in multiple positions, significantly improving bioprinting productivity. The research team developed a multi-nozzle inkjet print head using high-performance PMN-PZT thin films. This technology allows individual control of 16 ink ejection units arranged at 300 μm intervals, resulting in 16 times higher driving efficiency compared to than conventional methods. This enhancement boosts productivity and stability in bioprinting, reducing the production time for artificial organs. In experiments, the team successfully printed hydrogels, a type of bio-ink, at a diameter of 32μm—half the size of conventional methods. The print speed achieved was 1.2 m/s, approximately 60 times faster than traditional methods. Additionally, the heat generation was reduced by 73.4%, keeping the temperature increase below 3.2 degrees Celsius during printing, ensuring a stable output environment. This allows for precise dispensing of high-viscosity materials and minimizes the deformation of temperature-sensitive bio-inks. The PMN-PZT-based print head developed in this research can be utilized in organoid fields such as artificial organ transplants and drug toxicity evaluations, where thermal stability has been challenging. Furthermore, the operating temperature remains below 30 degrees Celsius, preventing the deformation of temperature-sensitive electronic materials and providing a stable printing environment. Therefore, it has the potential for broad application in various industries, including electronic components beyond the medical field. Dr. Lee stated, “The new print head using PMN-PZT thin film material has enhanced the potential for high-resolution 3D organoid model production,” adding, “We plan to commercialize a 3D bioprinter capable of creating organs applicable for transplantation and toxicity evaluation by experimenting with various bio-inks such as gelatin.” ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Sang Im Yoo) through KIST's Major Projects and the National Core Materials Research Project (NRF-2020M3D1A2101933) funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Sang-Im Yoo). The research findings were published in the international journal Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical (IF 8.0, JCR field 0.7%). [Figure 1] Schematic of a high-performance piezoelectric material-based print head for bioprinting applications [Figure 2] Experiment results of heat generation based on the driving signal of the inkjet print head [Figure 3] Results of hydrogel printing using the developed print head

New Breakthrough in Quantum Computing Development, Hybrid Quantum Error Correction Technology - Hybrid quantum error correction technology opens new directions for quantum computer development - KIST, University of Chicago, and Seoul National University researchers develop leading core technology through international research cooperation A major challenge in realizing quantum computers is the development of 'quantum error correction' technology. This technology offers a solution for addressing errors that occur in the qubit, the basic unit of quantum computation, and prevents them from being amplified during the computation. Without quantum error correction, it would be impossible for quantum computers to outperform classical counterparts, and thus efforts to advance this technology are ongoing worldwide. Dr. Seung-Woo Lee's research team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)'s Quantum Technology Research Centre has developed the world's first hybrid quantum error correction technique for discrete variables (DV) and continuous variables (CV), and designed a fault-tolerant quantum computing architecture based on hybrid technique. Qubits implementing quantum error correction are called logical qubits, and they can be realized in two different ways: Discrete Variable (DV) and Continuous Variable (CV). Companies such as IBM, Google, Quera, and PsiQuantum are developing quantum computers using the DV method, while Amazon (AWS), Xanadu, and others are adopting the CV method. Each of these two approaches has advantages and disadvantages regarding manipulation difficulty and resource efficiency. KIST researchers have proposed a method to integrate the error correction of DV and CV qubits, which were previously developed separately. They developed a fault-tolerant architecture based on the hybrid technology and demonstrated through numerical simulations that it combines the advantages of both methods, enabling more efficient and effective quantum computation and error correction. In particular, in optical quantum computing, the hybrid approach can achieve the photon loss threshold up to four times higher than existing techniques and can improve the resource efficiency by more than 13 times while maintaining the same level of logic error rate. 'The hybrid quantum error correction technology developed in this study can be combined not only with optical systems but also with superconductors and ion trap systems,' said Dr Jaehak Lee of KIST. 'This research provides a new direction for the development of quantum computing,' said Dr Seung-Woo Lee of KIST, who led the research. 'Hybrid technologies that integrate the advantages of different platforms are expected to play a crucial role in developing and commercializing large-scale quantum computers.‘ KIST signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of Chicago in March last year to collaborate on quantum technology research, involving both institutions and Seoul National University. The researchers announced this important achievement in just over a year through international research collaboration, showing the potential to develop core technologies that will lead the world in the highly competitive field of quantum computing. KIST is hosting an international collaborative research centre for the development of core technologies for quantum error correction, with partner institutions including the University of Chicago, Seoul National University, and Canadian quantum computing company Xanadu. ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Sang-Im Yoo) under the KIST Major Project and Quantum Technology Cooperation Project (2022M3K4A1094774). The research results were published on 2 August in the international journal PRX Quantum (IF: 9.2 JCR, top 1.9%). [Figure 1] [Figure 2]

- KIST develops neutron shielding fiber against space radiation - Utilizing BNNTs (boron nitride nanotubes), expected to be applied as a key material for aviation, space, and defense With the success of the Nuri launch last year and the recent launch of the newly established Korea Aerospace Administration, interest in space has increased, and both the public and private sectors are actively investing in space-related industries such as space travel. However, exposure to cosmic radiation is unavoidable when traveling to space. A research team led by Dr. Dae-Yoon Kim from the Center for Functional Composite Materials at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has developed a new composite fiber that can effectively block neutrons in space radiation. Neutrons in space radiation negatively affect life activities and cause electronic devices to malfunction, posing a major threat to long-term space missions. By controlling the interaction between one-dimensional nanomaterials, boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), and aramid polymers, the team developed a technique to perfectly blend the two difficult-to-mix materials. Based on this stabilized mixed solution, they produced lightweight, flexible, continuous fibers that do not burn at temperatures up to 500 °C. BNNTs have a similar structure to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), but because they contain a large number of boron in the lattice structure, their neutron absorption capacity is about 200,000 times higher than that of CNTs. Therefore, if the developed BNNT composite fibers are made into fabrics of the desired shape and size, they can be applied as a good material that can effectively block radiation neutron transmission. This means that BNNT composite fibers can be applied to the clothing we wear every day, effectively protecting flight crews, healthcare workers, power plant workers, and others who may be easily exposed to radiation. In addition, the ceramic nature of BNNTs makes them highly heat-resistant, so they can be used in extreme environments. Therefore, it can be used not only for space applications but also for defense and firefighting. "By applying the functional textiles we have developed to the clothing we wear every day, we can easily create a minimum safety device for neutron exposure," said Dr. Dae-Yoon Kim of KIST. "As Korea is developing very rapidly in the space and defense fields, we believe it will have great synergy." [Figure 1] Development of BNNT composite functional fibers for space radiation shielding / If continuous composite fibers containing high content of BNNTs are used as functional fabrics, they can effectively shield neutrons in space radiation to reduce harmful effects on human health and prevent soft errors in electronic devices. These functional fabrics are expected to play an important role in the fields of aviation, space, and national defense. [Figure 2] Development of BNNT composite continuous fibers / By overcoming the low dispersibility of BNNTs through interaction with aramid polymers, stable composite solutions can be prepared. This paves the way for the development of composite fibers that take advantage of the excellent properties of BNNTs and can be effectively utilized in various applications. [Figure 3] Applications of BNNT-based functional fabrics / The BNNT-based composite fibers can be manufactured into fabrics of various shapes and sizes through weaving. The developed fabrics can be utilized in clothing to protect astronauts, crew members, soldiers, firefighters, healthcare workers, and power plant workers who are expected to be exposed to radiation. The fabric can also be applied to electronic device packaging to prevent soft errors. ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im) through the KIST K-Lab Project and Mid-Career Researcher Support Project (2021R1A2C2009423), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (Minister Ahn Deok-geun) through the High Performance Carbon Nanocomposite Fiber Development Project (RS202300258591), and the Ministry of Defense (Minister Shin Won-sik) through the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement (DAPAKRITCT21014). The results of this research were published* in the latest issue of the international journal Advanced Fiber Materials (IF 17.2, JCR field 1.7%).