Professor Jongwan Heo's Research Team

Professor Jongwan Heo’s research team from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Incheon National University (corresponding author) has published a paper titled “Effect of Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Temperature Time-Delay Response of PCM‑Enhanced Concrete in Subzero Climates” in Cement and Concrete Composites—recognized as the most prestigious journal in Construction & Building Technology (2024 JCR Impact Factor 13.1, ranked #1 in its field, top 0.5%) .

The study introduces an innovative material combining phase-change material (PCM) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) to enhance the thermal performance of concrete road pavements in cold regions. By using PCM-impregnated lightweight aggregates and directly incorporating GNPs into the cement matrix, the team achieved heat retention improvements—showing up to a 72% increase in temperature time-delay—without compromising workability or structural stability. This approach offers a practical and scalable solution for cold-region infrastructures.

First author Dr. Muhammad Zeeshan Haider, who holds a PhD from Incheon National University, previously earned a bachelor’s degree from UET Lahore. During his time at INU, he published eight papers in top 10% SCI journals, surpassed 100 citations, obtained one patent, and received the INU President’s Award in 2024. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher in Heo’s lab, leading national-funded projects .

Co-author Dr. Xinghan Jin, a Chinese national with a PhD from INU, is currently a postdoctoral researcher who has published 11 SCI-level papers to date . Researcher Syed Nayyar Raza Naqvi, from Pakistan and currently pursuing his PhD at INU, focuses on nanotechnology-enhanced concrete for improved thermal energy storage, durability, and mechanical performance .

The corresponding author, Professor Jongwan Heo, earned his PhD from Georgia Institute of Technology and has been a faculty member since February 2012 after serving at KISTEP. At INU, he has published over 260 SCI-level papers (221 as first or corresponding author), secured 98 domestic and international patents, and led over ₩70 billion in national R&D projects. Since 2020, he has served as a Research Professor Fellow and, in 2024, received the Presidential Citation as a Science & Technology Merit recipient for Science Day .