SOMA LabAjou University

Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University

Supramolecular Organic Materials & Assembly Lab

We study how the way organic molecules pack and assemble determines their optical and mechanical function, and use these rules to design materials that emit, absorb, and respond to light, heat, and chemical stimuli. Quantum-chemical calculations and machine learning guide which molecules we make and help explain what we measure.

Our researchJoin the lab
Scattered organic molecules assembling into a twisted stack that glows, with the emission color shifting from blue through green to orange along the stack

Research

All research
Dibromoterephthalate phosphor model

Purely Organic Phosphors

Fast, bright, and switchable room-temperature phosphorescence from metal-free molecules.

Helical supramolecular assembly emitting circularly polarized light

Circularly Polarized Luminescence

Circularly polarized luminescence from chiral supramolecular assemblies, including liquid-crystal templates.

Polydiacetylene backbone and blue and red vesicles

Chromogenic Polymers and Sensors

Polydiacetylenes with reversible color changes for temperature, vapor, and biomolecule sensing.

Polymer network bonding two substrates through catechol groups

Sustainable Adhesives and Soft Materials

Catechol-based adhesives and coatings, and responsive soft materials such as hydrogels.

About the lab

The SOMA Lab studies how the structure of organic molecules and the way they pack and assemble determine optical and mechanical function. We combine synthesis, crystal and liquid-crystal engineering, photophysics, and quantum-chemical calculations with machine learning, which screen candidate molecules before synthesis and help interpret the results (how we work).

Current projects include metal-free phosphors with fast and switchable emission, chiral supramolecular assemblies for circularly polarized luminescence, color-changing polydiacetylene sensors, and catechol-based adhesives and soft materials.

Portrait of Professor Jungmoo Heo

Jungmoo Heo, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry and Department of Molecular Science and Technology

  • Assistant Professor, Ajou University (2026–)
  • Postdoctoral researcher, KAIST (Prof. Dong Ki Yoon)
  • Postdoctoral researcher, University of Michigan (Prof. Jinsang Kim)
  • Integrated Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University (Prof. Jong-Man Kim, 2022)
ProfileGoogle Scholar

Interested in joining?

We are looking for proactive, passionate students who enjoy discussion. We are recruiting graduate students for March 2027 entry, with tuition and a monthly stipend, and undergraduate researchers are welcome at any time.

Join usjungmoo@ajou.ac.kr