I am an Associate Professor at Hanyang University ERICA (South Korea). My research group combines computational modeling and experimental approaches to understand and control interfacial processes in materials. Our goal is to develop durable, sustainable, and high-performance solutions across corrosion protection, advanced coatings, energy materials, and environmental applications.

- Academic Metrics:

- 200+ SCI-indexed publications
- WoS: h-index: 57; Citations: 10500
- Scopus: h-index: 62; Citations: 13000
- GoogleScholar: h-index: 65; Citations: 14800

- Research Themes:

  - Corrosion inhibitors: adsorption mechanisms & molecular design
  - Molecular modeling of corrosion inhibitors, adsorption/oxidation of environmental 
     pollutants, organic solar cells, and surface interactions 
  - Rebar corrosion and inhibitor strategies in concrete environment
  - Self-healing coatings in marine and aggressive media
  - Environmental remediation: adsorption & oxidation of pollutants

By combining in silico simulations with in situ and ex situ experiments, we develop mechanistic understanding and design rules that enable durable, sustainable, and high-performance materials.

Our group advances corrosion protection, energy materials, and environmental remediation by integrating computational modeling and experimental validation as equal pillars.

- Computational Research (independent direction):
  We apply DFT, DFTB, SCC-DFTB, MD, and ReaxFF simulations to predict adsorption geometries, electronic structure modifications, donor–acceptor interactions, and pollutant–material interfaces. Many of our publications are purely theoretical contributions that establish atomic-scale design principles.

- Experimental Research (independent and complementary):
  We perform electrochemical testing, long-term immersion studies, surface analysis, and coating durability evaluation to uncover real-world performance of inhibitors, coatings, and rebar protection systems.

- Hybrid Research (computational + experimental): 
  In many projects, we bridge the two approaches — validating computational predictions with targeted experiments and vice versa — to accelerate the development of corrosion inhibitors, self-healing coatings, and environmental remediation strategies.

Together, this dual approach positions our lab at the intersection of theory, simulation, and practice, enabling materials innovation with both predictive depth and practical relevance.

We welcome motivated graduate students, postdocs and collaborators in corrosion science, surface chemistry, and computational materials. Prospective students or postdocs are encouraged to reach out regarding future opportunities and external funding options. 

📩 Email: hlgaz@hanyang.ac.kr   
Attach your CV and a short statement of research interests.