Chungnam National University · Env. Eng.
Clean Air Making Laboratory

From Waste to Clean Air.

We research environmental catalysts to decompose toxic gases. By upcycling waste PET plastics into high-performance activated carbon catalysts, we tackle air pollution and waste management together.

Explore Research Graduate Openings →
Upcycling waste PET into activated carbon catalyst
▲ Waste PET → Upcycled Activated Carbon Catalyst Schematic
H₂S Selective Oxidation · C₇H₈ Toluene Oxidation · Waste PET Activated Carbon
50
SCI/SCIE/KCI Papers
9
Domestic & Int. Patents
BK21
FOUR Program Participant
2023
MOE Minister Award
About

Environmental Catalysis Laboratory
Focusing on Toxic Gases

The Clean Air Making Laboratory (CAML), led by Prof. Jae Hwan Yang at Chungnam National University, specializes in environmental catalysis. Our primary goal is to improve air quality by decomposing and converting hazardous gases from industrial and living environments through catalytic reactions.

Our flagship platform is the upcycling of waste PET plastics. Discarded plastics are transformed into high-performance activated carbon catalysts, simultaneously addressing waste management and air pollution. Building on our experience in radioactive waste treatment at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), we also conduct applied research in the nuclear sector.

  • 2016Ph.D., Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)Nuclear and Quantum Engineering
  • 2002 · 2004B.S. & M.S., Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)Physics
  • 2008–2018Senior Researcher, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI)Radioactive Off-gas Treatment & Spent Nuclear Fuel Pyrochemical Processing
  • 2018–PresentDept. of Environmental Eng. / Environmental IT Convergence Eng. (BK21 FOUR), CNUAssistant Prof. (2018) → Associate Prof. (2022) → Professor (2026~)
  • 2023Minister Award from the Ministry of Environment, South KoreaContributions to Atmospheric Environment
2026 Conference & Student Colloquium 1
2026 KOSAE Conference & Student Colloquium
2026 Conference & Student Colloquium 2
Lab Group Photo at the Conference
Research

Waste to Catalyst,
Toxic Gas to Clean Air

Multiple branches of toxic gas treatment branch out from a single material platform. Activated carbon derived from waste PET is endowed with catalytic functionalities for selective or complete decomposition.

01 / Selective Oxidation
H₂S → S

H₂S Selective Oxidation

Oxidizing hydrogen sulfide into elemental sulfur (S) instead of complete combustion, recovering resources while treating odors and corrosion.

Lead · Nuri Sagong (M.S. Student)
02 / Complete Oxidation
C₇H₈ → CO₂

Toluene & VOC Oxidation

Developing catalysts for low-temperature complete combustion of toluene, a representative volatile organic compound, to remove industrial VOCs.

Lead · Jiyoung Park (M.S. Student)
03 / Nuclear Application
TEDA · I

Radioactive Gas & TEDA Abatement

Studying the catalytic oxidation treatment of TEDA used in radioiodine capture for nuclear facilities (KHNP K-Cloud project).

Lead · Seongmin Park (M.S. Student)
04 / Material Platform
PET → AC

Waste PET Upcycled Activated Carbon

Converting waste PET into porous carbon materials via KOH activation, serving as the common material platform for all our research fields.

Common Platform for All Fields
#CarbonNeutrality#CircularEconomy#Upcycling#EnvironmentalCatalyst#NOxSCR#PlasmaCatalysis#AutomotiveExhaust#RadioactiveGas
People

Lab Members

Our professor and graduate researchers experiment, present, and publish together. The next seat is waiting for you.

Jiyoung Park
Jiyoung Park
M.S. Student
Toluene & VOC oxidation catalysts
Seongmin Park
Seongmin Park
M.S. Student
TEDA catalytic oxidation & radioactive off-gas
Nuri Sagong
Nuri Sagong
M.S. Student
H₂S selective oxidation catalysts
Nahyeon Son
Nahyeon Son
M.S. Student
VOCs oxidation catalysts
Younghyun Lee
Younghyun Lee
M.S. Student
Toxic gas removal using magnetic materials
Heechan Kang
Heechan Kang
Undergraduate
VOCs oxidation catalysts
Yujung Ahn
Yujung Ahn
Undergraduate
H2S removal catalysts
Hyeyeon Kim
Hyeyeon Kim
Undergraduate
H2S removal catalysts
Undergraduate Researchers Hye-yeon Kim · Yu-jung Ahn · Hee-chan Kang

Alumni

Graduates
Hyun-Soo Lee
Hyun-Soo Lee
Puresphere Co., Ltd.
M.S. 2022
Hyun-Ji Lee
Hyun-Ji Lee
Korea Environment Institute (KEI)
M.S. 2021
Jung-Hyun Yoo
Jung-Hyun Yoo
Bluetech Co., Ltd.
M.S. 2020
Phule Ajit D.
Phule Ajit D.
Raven Materials Co., Ltd.
Former Research Prof.
Seul-Yi Kim
Seul-Yi Kim
Suwon Waterworks Research Institute
H₂S, VOC, NOx catalysis
Md. Wahad Uz Zaman
Md. Wahad Uz Zaman
Ph.D. Student, Washington State Univ.
VOC & NOx multi-pollutant catalysts
Join Us

Looking for Passionate
Graduate Researchers

Regardless of your undergraduate background, we welcome anyone interested in solving environmental challenges through catalysis. We especially encourage inquiries from prospective students from other universities.

Meaningful Topics

Work directly on environmental catalysts addressing carbon neutrality and circular economy. Our clear narrative on waste plastic upcycling ensures high research motivation and publication potential.

Stable Funding

Supported by the BK21 FOUR program and national projects with KHNP, KAERI, and other institutions. Financial support (tuition, stipends) will be discussed during interviews.

Broad Career Network

Our alumni have advanced into environmental and materials sectors like Puresphere, Bluetech, and the Korea Waste Association. Benefit from our strategic location near Daedeok Innopolis.

Growth-Oriented Environment

Build strong skills in experimentation, technical writing, and conference presentation through numerous SCI-level papers and close mentorship.

Interested in joining?

Send us an email with a brief self-introduction and your research interests. We are always happy to arrange a lab tour and informal chat.

Send Inquiry Email →
Teaching

Courses

Teaching fundamentals and applications of environmental engineering for undergraduate and graduate students using the Flipped Classroom approach.

Undergraduate

Particulate Control Engineering

Behavior of airborne particulate matter and particulate collection technologies.

Undergraduate

Engineering Mathematics

Foundational mathematical tools required to solve engineering problems.

Graduate

Advanced Toxic Gas Treatment

Advanced study on the generation and catalytic/adsorption treatment of hazardous gases.

Flipped Classroom — Students study lecture videos in advance, leaving class time dedicated to active discussion and problem-solving.
Publications

Publications & Patents

Research achievements published in domestic and international journals. * indicates corresponding author.

2026
1
Synergistic NOx Elimination at Low Temperature by Metal Oxide/Nitrogen Doped Mesoporous Carbon Catalyst
A. D. Phule, S. M. Park, J. Y. Park, N. Sagong, J. H. Yang*
Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering (2026)
2
Low-temperature sintering with chemically durable glass for selenite solidification
J.-Y. Pyo, G.-Y. Kim, J. H. Yang, B. Lee, J.-H. Choi, K.-R. Lee, H.-S. Park, H. W. Kang
Journal of Hazardous Materials 504 (2026) 141291
2025
3
Design of bifunctional nitrogen-doped biochar with adsorption and catalytic oxidation capabilities for enhanced toluene emission control
M. W. U. Zaman, A. D. Phule, T. G. Senthamaraikannan, S. Y. Kim, S. E., J. H. Yang*, D.-H. Lim*
Environmental Research, 269 (2025) 120867 IF 7.7 · top 3.9%
4
Excellent adsorption and catalytic oxidation of toluene facilitated by metal-free nitrogen-doped mesoporous biochar
M. W. U. Zaman, A. D. Phule, S. E., S. Y. Kim, J. H. Yang*
Separation and Purification Technology, 353 (2025) 128378 IF 8.1 · top 8.8%
5
Effective capture of gaseous Se during spent nuclear fuel recycling using calcium oxide pellets: Optimization, performance, and practical implications
S.-M. Hong, C. H. Lee, J.-H. Yang, N. Kim
Nuclear Engineering and Technology 57 (2025) 103152
6
Optimization of volatile radionuclides analytical methods (3H, 14C, 129I) using high-temperature pyrolysis and wet digestion
H.-R. Kim, J.-M. Lim, D.-Y. Kam, M. Jang, J. H. Yang
Analytical Science & Technology 38(6) (2025) 371-382
7
Method validation of sequential analysis for 55Fe, 63Ni, and 99Tc in the groundwater sample
H. R. Kim, D. Y. Kam, J. H. Yang, J. M. Lim
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry 334 (2025) 9417-9426
8
Trace moisture analysis in semiconductor dry etching gases using Karl Fischer Coulometry
J. Kim, S. Kim, B. Kim, S. Oh, K. Ho, J. H. Yang
Analytical Science & Technology 38(6) (2025) 361-370
9
Selective desorption of Carbon-14 from an anion exchange resin via microwave treatment
G.-Y. Kim, B. Lee, J.-H. Choi, H. W. Kang, J. H. Yang, H.-S. Park, K. R. Lee
Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 13 (2025) 119719
2024
10
Improving H₂S remediation efficiency through metal-free biochar modification: Nitrogen introduction and mesopore formation
S. Y. Kim, A. D. Phule, J. H. Yang*, S.-C. Park
Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 183 (2024) 106822 IF 5.8 · top 9.4%
11
Conversion of PET bottles into carbonaceous adsorbents for Pb(II) removal from aqueous solutions via KOH activation
G. Park, A. D. Phule, S. E., S. Y. Kim, M. W. U. Zaman, J. H. Yang*, S.-C. Jeon
Journal of Water Process Engineering, 66 (2024) 106092 IF 6.3 · top 5.5%
12
Advancements in SCR technologies for NOx reduction: A comprehensive review of reducing agents
S. E., A. D. Phule, J. H. Yang*
Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 184 (2024) 854–880 IF 6.9 · top 12.9%
13
Investigation of bismuth-based metal-organic frameworks for effective capture and immobilization of radioiodine gas
Y. E. Jung, J. H. Yang*, M.-S. Yim*
Journal of Hazardous Materials, 467 (2024) 133777 IF 13.6
14
Copper tellurite glass for radioactive iodine immobilization
S.-S. Shin, G.-Y. Kim, B. Lee, J.-H. Yang, Y.-S. Son, J.-H. Choi, J.-Y. Pyo, K. R. Lee, H.-S. Park, H. W. Kang*
Annals of Nuclear Energy, 202 (2024) 110501
15
An estimation and radioactivity measurement for radiocarbon (¹⁴C) in the Korean nuclear power plants
S. R. Yang, J. H. Lee, J. H. Yang, G.-I. Park*
Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 56 (2024) 2906–2915 IF 2.7
16
Carbon-based catalysts for clean environmental remediation
A. D. Phule, M. W. U. Zaman, S. E., S. Y. Kim, S. G. Lee, G. Park, J. H. Yang*
International Journal of Environmental Research, 18(3) (2024)
2023
17
Catalysts for fast and NO₂ SCR reactions for the removal of nitrogen oxides: Recent advances, mechanisms, and future directions
S. E., S. Y. Kim, A. D. Phule, M. W. U. Zaman, S. G. Lee, G. Park, J. H. Yang*
Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 11(6) (2023) 111131
2022
18
Development of a CaO-based pellet for capturing gaseous technetium-99 from spent nuclear fuel
S.-M. Hong, J.-H. Yang, C. H. Lee, K. R. Lee, H.-S. Park
Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 10(6) (2022) 108971
19
Densification behavior of freeze-casted alumina with grain boundary segregation of impurities
S.-C. Jeon*, T.-U. Wi, J.-H. Yang, K.-S. Moon, D.-Y. Yang, H.-W. Lee*
Applied Surface Science, 593 (2022) 153437 IF 6.7
20
Verification of the adequacy of domestic low-level radioactive waste grouping analysis using statistical methods
D.-J. Lee, H. Woo, D.-S. Hong, G. Y. Kim, S.-H. Oh, W. Seong, J. Im*, J. H. Yang*
Nuclear Engineering and Technology (2022)
2021
21
Integrated sol-gel and hydrothermal synthesis of V₂O₅/TiO₂ nanocatalysts for enhanced catalytic removal of H₂S
H. S. Lee, J. H. Yang*, S.-C. Jeon
Journal of Cleaner Production, 329 (2021) 129791 IF 9.3
22
Monolayer hexagonal boron nitride as a proton conductive gas barrier layer for PEM water electrolyzer
T. Kim, Y. Sihn, I.-H. Yoon, S. J. Yoon, K. Lee, J. H. Yang, S. So*, C. W. Park*
ACS Applied Nano Materials, 4(9) (2021) 9104–9112 IF 5.1
23
Thermal diffusion kinetics of cesium in ceramic microcell UO₂ fuels for accident-tolerant fuel
S.-C. Jeon*, D.-J. Kim, D. S. Kim, J. H. Yang, K.-S. Moon
Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 41(13) (2021) 6784–6788 IF 5.3
24
Precise control of heat-treatment conditions to improve the catalytic performance of V₂O₅/TiO₂ for H₂S removal
J. H. Yang, H. J. Lee, H. S. Lee, S.-C. Jeon*, Y. S. Han
Journal of Hazardous Materials, 416 (2021) 125974 IF 10.6
25
Synthesis and catalytic properties of a novel copper- and manganese-substituted cerium dioxide for benzene remediation
J. H. Yang*, J. H. You
Journal of Chemical Research, 45(5-6) (2021) 545–550
26
Hydrogen sulfide removal technologies: a focused review on adsorption and catalytic oxidation
J. H. Yang*
Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 38(4) (2021) 674–691
27
Compositional design of an amphoteric chemical trap for capturing gaseous cesium and iodine in UO₂ nuclear fuel
S.-C. Jeon, D.-J. Kim, D. S. Kim, J. H. Yang*, K.-S. Moon*
Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 41(4) (2021) 2892–2897 IF 5.3
2020
28
Sea-urchin-like mesoporous copper-manganese oxide catalysts: Influence of copper on benzene oxidation
H. J. Lee, J. H. Yang*, J. H. You, B. Y. Yoon
Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 89 (2020) 156–165
29
Examining practical application feasibility of bismuth-embedded SBA-15 for gaseous iodine adsorption
S. W. Kang, J. H. Yang, M. S. Yim
Nuclear Technology, 206(10) (2020) 1593–1606
2019
30
A study on the removal of benzene and the properties of catalysts prepared by framework substitution of copper and manganese in ZSM-5
J. H. You, J. H. Yang*
Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment, 35(5) (2019) 625–635
31
An efficient capture of cesium from cesium iodide (CsI) off-gas by aluminosilicate sorbents in the presence of oxygen
J. H. Yang, J. Y. Yoon, S.-M. Hong, J. H. Lee, Y.-Z. Cho
Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 77 (2019) 146–153
2018
32
Estimation on feeding portions of slitting decladded fuel fragments to electrolytic reduction process
J.-W. Lee, D.-Y. Lee, Y.-S. Lee, J.-H. Yang, G.-I. Park, J.-W. Lee, H.-M. Kwon, Y.-Z. Cho
Nuclear Technology, 204(1) (2018) 101–109
2017
33
A new route to the stable capture and final immobilization of radioactive cesium
J. H. Yang, A. Han, J. Y. Yoon, H. S. Park, Y.-Z. Cho
Journal of Hazardous Materials, 339 (2017) 73–81
34
A kaolinite-based filter to capture gaseous cesium compounds in off-gas
J. H. Yang, J. Y. Yoon, J. H. Lee, Y.-Z. Cho
Annals of Nuclear Energy, 103 (2017) 29–35
35
Al₂O₃-containing silver phosphate glasses as hosting matrices for radioactive iodine
J. H. Yang, H.-S. Park, Y.-Z. Cho
Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 54(12) (2017) 1330–1337
36
Immobilization of Cs-trapping ceramic filters within glass-ceramic waste forms
J. H. Yang, H.-S. Park, Y.-Z. Cho
Annals of Nuclear Energy, 110 (2017) 1121–1126
37
Silver phosphate glasses for immobilization of radioactive iodine
J. H. Yang, H.-S. Park, Y.-Z. Cho
Annals of Nuclear Energy, 110 (2017) 208–214
38
Immobilization and bonding scheme of radioactive iodine-129 in silver tellurite glass
C. W. Lee, J.-Y. Pyo, H.-S. Park, J. H. Yang, J. Heo
Journal of Nuclear Materials, 492 (2017) 239–243
39
Tellurite glasses for vitrification of technetium-99 from pyrochemical processing
J.-Y. Pyo, C. W. Lee, H.-S. Park, J. H. Yang, W. Um, J. Heo
Journal of Nuclear Materials, 493 (2017) 1–5
2016 & Earlier
40
Glass composite waste forms for iodine confined in bismuth-embedded SBA-15
J. H. Yang, H. S. Park, D.-H. Ahn, M.-S. Yim
Journal of Nuclear Materials, 480 (2016) 150–158
41
Bismuth-embedded SBA-15 mesoporous silica for radioactive iodine capture and stable storage
J. H. Yang, Y.-J. Cho, J. M. Shin, M.-S. Yim
Journal of Nuclear Materials, 465 (2015) 556–564
42
Novel synthesis of bismuth-based adsorbents for the removal of ¹²⁹I in off-gas
J. H. Yang, J. M. Shin, J. J. Park, G. I. Park, M. S. Yim
Journal of Nuclear Materials, 457 (2015) 1–8
43
Fabrication and performance of fly ash granule filter for trapping gaseous cesium
J. J. Park, J. M. Shin, J. H. Yang, Y. H. Baek, G. I. Park
Nukleonika, 60(3) (2015) 565–570
44
Waste form of silver iodide (AgI) with low temperature sintering glasses
J. H. Yang, J. M. Shin, J. J. Park, G. I. Park
Separation Science and Technology, 49(2) (2014) 298–304
45
Stabilization of Cs/Re trapping filters using magnesium phosphate ceramics
J. H. Yang, J. M. Shin, C. H. Lee, C. M. Heo, M. K. Jeon, K. H. Kang
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 295(1) (2013) 211–219
46
I-129 waste form using Bi-Zn-P-oxide glass
J. H. Yang, J. M. Shin, J. J. Park, H. S. Park
Energy Procedia, 39 (2013) 151–158
47
Simulation of chlorination reaction behavior of hull wastes by using the HSC code
M. K. Jeon, J. W. Lee, K. H. Kang, G. I. Park, C. H. Lee, J. H. Yang, C. M. Heo
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 289(2) (2011) 417–422
Domestic Patents
1
Radioactive cesium gas trapping filter including porous sintered body containing kaolinite as raw material and manufacturing method thereof
Reg. 10-1869394 · J. H. Yang et al.
2
Method for manufacturing fuel fragments for electrolytic reduction process with high cesium compound removal rate
Reg. 10-1711808
3
Spent nuclear fuel rod decladding apparatus
Reg. 10-1719619
4
Method for manufacturing low-temperature melting glass for solidifying radioactive cesium waste filters
Reg. 10-1578623 · J. H. Yang et al.
5
Porous capture material for capturing radioactive iodine gas and manufacturing method thereof
Reg. 10-1512248 · J. H. Yang et al.
6
Volatile technetium or rhenium compound trapping material and manufacturing method thereof
Reg. 10-1473585
7
Cesium waste filter ceramic ingot containing radioactive cesium and manufacturing method thereof
Reg. 10-1401789
International Patents
8
Cesium waste filter ceramic ingot containing radioactive cesium and its manufacturing method
US 8,969,646 (USA)
9
Cesium waste filter ceramic ingot containing radioactive cesium and its manufacturing method
JP 5,668,112 (Japan)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

— James 1:5