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MarinE Pollution CarbOn Upcycling Circular Chemistry Center

To establish a circular chemistry platform that integrally converts (E), circulates (C), and optimizes (O) marine CO2 and
marine waste plastics from a 'carbon flow perspective' rather than as individual pollutants,

aiming to simultaneously solve environmental problems and
achieve high value-added carbon resourceification.

KEYWORDKeyword

Catalyst CO2 Plastic Sustainability Upcycling

OBJECTIVE Objective

We aim to develop CO2 conversion catalysts applicable in seawater environments and secure C2 generation technology,
secure selective C-N bond depolymerization technology for nylon and polyurethane-based waste plastics,
and ultimately establish a carbon upcycling system based on separation, purification, and process integration.

INTRODUCTION Director's Message



Our center is establishing an innovative circular chemistry platform that upcycles marine CO₂ and
waste plastics into high value-added carbon resources to address the global challenges of marine pollution and climate change.

In particular, based on in-depth basic research such as the design of bio-inspired transition metal catalysts and
the identification of reaction mechanisms, we aim to lead academic and technological leaps by converting (E), circulating (C),
and optimizing (O) the flow of marine carbon resources.





IMPACT Impact

By securing core technologies that convert marine CO2 and marine waste plastics into
high value-added carbon resources, we will contribute to strengthening technological competitiveness
in the fields of marine pollution reduction, carbon neutrality, and resource circulation.
Furthermore, our technologies, including seawater-responsive CO2 conversion catalysts,
selective waste plastic depolymerization catalysts, and recycled raw material separation/purification
and materialization technologies, can be expanded into subsequent national R&D projects,
technology transfers, and joint industrial research.
Ultimately, through the UNIST-KRICT linked research system, we will establish a cooperative model
connecting basic research, demonstration, and industrialization, while laying the foundation
for fostering convergence-type research personnel centered on InnoCORE Fellows.

TALENT Ideal Talent

The center is looking for 'sustainable catalytic chemistry experts' who can autonomously and proactively lead research as InnoCORE Fellows.
Based on this expertise, we seek convergence-type talents who possess the values of Environmental Pioneers who take the lead in
solving marine environmental problems and achieving carbon neutrality, Collaborative Innovators who drive innovation through organic cooperation in basic and demonstration research, and Outcome Translators who convert innovative ideas into concrete academic and technological achievements.

FACULTY Faculty