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Korea Sustainable Hybrid Intensification for Fractionation Technology (K-SHIFT)

To lead the global innovation of next-generation low energy membrane processes
through Angstrom-scale non-thermal ‘Molecular Refining’ core technologies

to achieve decarbonization in key refining and petrochemical industries

KEYWORDKeyword

Membrane Separation Molecular Refining Chemical Processes Decarbonization Hybrid Process

OBJECTIVE Objective

We aim to fundamentally transform the century-old fossil-fuel-based thermal distillation paradigm into an ambient-temperature,
pressure-driven "Non-thermal Membrane-Distillation Hybrid Process." To achieve this, we will:
1) Develop Angstrom-scale solvent-resistant membrane materials capable of precisely fractionating hyper-complex organic mixtures;
2) Scale up to commercial large-area modules and complete "Drop-in" pilot demonstrations seamlessly integrated into existing processes;
and 3) Establish a digital twin-based process simulation and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) platform to reduce petrochemical process energy by over 30% and significantly cut national greenhouse gas emissions.

INTRODUCTION Director's Message



Welcome to the K-SHIFT Research Project.
I lead the proejct as a principal investigator.

For over a century, industry has relied heavily on thermal distillation to separate its mixed components.
This highly energy-intensive and carbon-emitting paradigm has reached its physical limits.
The K-SHIFT project aims to break this barrier by pioneering “molecular refining” a technology that
precisely fractionates hyper-complex organic mixtures (e.g., hydrocarbons) using only pressure at room temperature,
a breakthrough mechanism recently published in Nature by our group.
By synergizing KAIST’s foundational science with KRICT's robust scale-up infrastructure,
we will transform scientific discoveries into engineering realities ready for immediate deployment in massive industrial plants.
We invite passionate researchers to join K-SHIFT and leading the global decarbonization era

IMPACT Impact

By utilizing a "Drop-in" approach that integrates membrane modules directly into existing piping without dismantling existing infrastructures, we maximize industrial applicability.

● This innovation reduces separation energy by 20-30% immediately without downtime risks or stranded costs, potentially slashing CO2 emissions by 10 million tons annually in the refining and petrochemical sectors

● This "Molecular Refining" foundational technology seamlessly expands beyond crude refining into next-generation circular economy sectors, including waste plastic pyrolysis oil upcycling, battery solvent recovery, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) refining, establishing itself as a global platform technology.

TALENT Ideal Talent

A researcher with a holistic "Lab-to-Fab" mindset, bridging the gap between fundamental Angstrom-scale material synthesis, large-scale module fabrication, and process system simulation.

● A pioneer who tackles real-world industrial challenges involving extreme environments and hyper-complex real feeds.

● A next-generation leader who communicates and collaborates effectively within a highly integrated industry-academia-research ecosystem

FACULTY Faculty