Materials Horizons Emerging Investigator Series: Dr Donghwi Cho, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Republic of Korea
Abstract
Our Emerging Investigator Series features exceptional work by early-career researchers working in the field of materials science.
Dr Donghwi Cho (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9382-3820) is a senior researcher at the Thin Film Materials Research Center within the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) and an assistant professor of the UST-KRICT School. He earned his PhD in materials science and engineering from KAIST in 2020. He enriched his global research expertise as a postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern University from 2020 to 2021 before joining KRICT in 2021, where he currently leads advanced research on functional nanomaterials.
Since establishing his independent research career, Dr Cho has focused on the rational design and synthesis of hybrid nanomaterials and 3D nanopatterned architectures. His research exploits molecular-level precision and structural tunability to develop field-deployable biochemical sensing technologies for a wide range of applications. In the realm of precision healthcare, his group creates advanced platforms such as battery-free wireless, multi-modal sensors for continuous patient monitoring. His work also extends to the development of high-performance environmental sensors and specialized drug detection sensors designed for rapid and reliable on-site analysis.
Looking forward, Dr Cho’s research aims to bridge the gap between raw biochemical signals and practical analytical solutions. By combining innovations in multi-dimensional materials with robust system integration, his work seeks to provide foundational strategies for next-generation, power-autonomous sensing ecosystems. His ultimate goal is to translate complex nanomaterial architectures into highly sensitive, portable, and reliable devices that address global challenges in public health and environmental safety.
Read Donghwi Cho’s Emerging Investigator Series article ‘A battery-free, wireless graphene pressure sensor for machine learning-assisted posture classification and VR/AR visualization in smart healthcare environments’ (https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH02270C) and read more about him in the interview below:
MH: Your recent Materials Horizons Communication presents a battery-free, wireless graphene pressure sensor. How has your research evolved from your first article to this most recent article and where do you see your research going in future?
DC: My early research, particularly during my PhD at KAIST, focused heavily on the fundamental synthesis of 3D nanopatterning and hybrid nanomaterials. Over time, this evolved into a more functional approach, exploring how these materials could be integrated into practical chemical and biosensors. This latest article represents a culmination of that journey—moving from material synthesis to a fully integrated, battery-free system that combines CVD-grown high-quality graphene with digital technologies such as AI and AR/VR. In the future, I aim to advance “Physical AI” by developing intelligent semiconductor-based synthetic sensors that can not only detect but also autonomously interpret complex physiological and environmental data.
MH: What aspect of your work are you most excited about at the moment?
DC: I am most excited about the “intelligence” we are adding to hardware. In this study, seeing our graphene sensor work in tandem with Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) to classify human posture with 98.8% accuracy was a highlight. The ability to bridge the gap between raw physical signals and actionable clinical insight through immersive interfaces such as AR/VR is a direction that I believe will redefine personalized healthcare.
MH: In your opinion, what are the most important questions to be asked/answered in this field of research?
DC: The most critical question is how to achieve “true” power autonomy without sacrificing sensitivity or reliability. While we have made strides with battery-free NFC platforms, scaling these systems for long-term, multi-site continuous monitoring in unpredictable real-world environments remains a challenge. Furthermore, we must ask how to make these AI-driven sensors “explainable” and “trustworthy” for medical professionals to use in actual clinical diagnoses.
MH: What do you find most challenging about your research?
DC: The multidisciplinary nature of modern sensor development is the greatest challenge. It requires a deep understanding of materials science to optimize the graphene active layer, electrical engineering for wireless power harvesting, and computer science for machine learning and AR/VR integration. Balancing the trade-offs between these different domains—such as sensitivity versus mechanical stability—is a constant but rewarding puzzle.
MH: In which upcoming conferences or events may our readers meet you?
DC: I will be participating as a committee member for the Nano Korea 2026 TS06 Nano-Convergence Session. I also frequently attend the Korean Ceramic Society and the Korean Sensors Society meetings, where I serve as a committee member.
MH: How do you spend your spare time?
DC: I find balance and mental refreshment through computer gaming during my spare time. Immersing myself in a well-crafted virtual world provides a perfect contrast to the precision-oriented and highly controlled environment of the lab. Whether it is the strategic thinking required in a complex simulation or the quick reflexes of an action game, the interactive nature of gaming helps me reset my focus and decompress from the rigors of materials research.
MH: Can you share one piece of career-related advice or wisdom with other early career scientists?
DC: Focus on “convergence” early on. Don’t be afraid to step outside your primary expertise—whether it’s materials or electronics—to learn a second “language”, like AI or data visualization. The most impactful innovations today often happen at the intersections of established fields.
| This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2026 |