Comprehensive Report on Prof.
Sang-Woo Kim: Research Works and Recent Publications
Introduction
Prof. Sang-Woo Kim is a globally recognized leader in materials science and engineering, currently
serving as a YONSEI World-Class Fellow Professor in the Department of Materials Science and
Engineering at Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea. As the Director of the Center for Human-oriented
Triboelectric Energy Harvesting and the Center for National Core Materials Research, both funded by the
National Research Foundation of Korea, he has made significant contributions to nanotechnology, energy
harvesting, and human-oriented technologies. With over 350 publications, more than 33,000 citations, and
an H-index of 88, Prof. Kim’s work has profound implications for sustainable energy, medical devices,
and advanced materials.
This report provides a detailed overview of Prof. Kim’s background, research focus, key projects, and
recent publications, offering insights into his contributions and their relevance to materials science and
engineering.
Background and Career
Academic and Professional Journey
● Education: Prof. Kim earned his Ph.D. at Kyoto University, Japan, and completed postdoctoral
research at the University of Cambridge, UK. These prestigious institutions provided a strong
foundation for his expertise in materials science.
● Career Path: He joined Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) in 2009, where he rose to full
professor in 2017 and was honored as an SKKU Fellow Professor in 2019. In February 2023, he
transitioned to Yonsei University, where he continues to lead cutting-edge research.
● Leadership Roles: As Director of two major research centers, Prof. Kim oversees projects
funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea, focusing on triboelectric energy
harvesting and core materials development.
● Recognition: His accolades include the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award (2023),
Nano Korea 2021 Research Innovation Award, and the Republic of Korea President’s Award for
Scientific Excellence (2015), reflecting his impact on both national and international stages.
Research Impact
● Publications: Over 350 peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals, including Science, Nature,
and Advanced Materials.
● Citations: Approximately 33,253 citations, with an H-index of 88, indicating widespread
influence (Google Scholar).
● Collaborations: Extensive international collaborations, as evidenced by co-authorship with
researchers from institutions like Georgia Tech, ETH Zurich, and Purdue University.
Research Focus
Prof. Kim’s research is multidisciplinary, spanning materials science, nanotechnology, and biomedical
engineering. His work is organized into three primary areas: nanogenerators, 2D nanomaterials, and
human-oriented technologies. Below is a detailed breakdown of each area, based on available
information.
1. Nanogenerators
Nanogenerators are small-scale devices that convert ambient mechanical or thermal energy into electrical
energy, offering sustainable power solutions for micro- and nanoscale electronics. Prof. Kim’s research
focuses on two types:
● Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs):
○ Principle: TENGs generate electricity through the triboelectric effect and electrostatic
induction, where contact and separation of materials create an electric potential.
○ Applications: Wearable electronics, self-powered sensors, and environmental
monitoring.
○ Key Innovations: Prof. Kim has developed TENGs integrated into textiles, sponges, and
graphene, enhancing their flexibility, transparency, and durability. For example, his work
on nanopatterned textile-based TENGs enables wearable devices that harvest energy from
human motion.
● Piezoelectric Nanogenerators (PENGs):
○ Principle: PENGs use mechanical stress to alter electric polarization in materials like
ZnO or P(VDF-TrFE), generating electricity.
○ Applications: Pressure sensors, medical devices, and energy harvesting from vibrations
or sound.
○ Key Innovations: Prof. Kim’s research includes sound-driven PENGs using nanowires
and hybrid piezoelectric-pyroelectric nanogenerators that combine multiple energy
harvesting mechanisms.
2. 2D Nanomaterials
Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene, MoS2, and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), are a few
atoms thick and exhibit unique electronic, optical, and mechanical properties. Prof. Kim’s work in this
area includes:
● Large-Area Synthesis:
○ Focuses on high-quality, large-scale growth of 2D materials using chemical vapor
deposition (CVD).
○ Applications include transparent electrodes, piezoelectric devices, and energy harvesting
systems.
○ Example: His 2012 work on large-scale synthesis of h-BN nanosheets for graphene
electronics has been widely cited.
● Layer Control:
○ Utilizes phase-transition-induced growth to control the number of layers in MoS2 films,
enabling precise electronic state modulation.
○ Applications in wafer-scale electronics with uniform performance.
● Defect Passivation:
○ Investigates sulfur vacancy passivation in MoS2 to enhance piezoelectric properties,
reducing charge-carrier density and improving device efficiency.
3. Human-Oriented Technology
This area focuses on technologies that directly benefit human health and sustainability, leveraging energy
harvesting and advanced materials.
● Ultrasound-Driven Triboelectric Technology:
○ Develops TENGs powered by ultrasound, which is safe for the human body and can
deliver energy to deep tissues.
○ Applications: Powering implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers, without
invasive battery replacements.
○ Example: His 2019 Science paper on transcutaneous ultrasound energy harvesting has
significant implications for biomedical engineering.
● Pathogen Control:
○ Researches self-powered triboelectric systems for microbial disinfection and virus
blocking in air, water, and in-body environments.
○ Applications include preventing airborne diseases and surgical site infections.
● Tertiary Batteries:
○ Aims to hybridize battery systems with energy harvesting technologies to create
long-lasting power sources for IoT and implantable devices.
○ Focuses on low-impedance triboelectric materials to enhance battery charge efficiency.
○ Relevance: This aligns with the user’s interest in battery technology, particularly
electrochemical modeling and scalable manufacturing.
● MEMS Microphones:
○ Develops high-performance MEMS microphones using 2D piezoelectric materials for
improved signal-to-noise ratio and durability.
○ Applications in consumer electronics and communication devices.
Key Projects and Contributions
Prof. Kim’s laboratory at Yonsei University, part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
is a hub for innovative research. Below are some of his notable projects:
● Center for Human-oriented Triboelectric Energy Harvesting:
○ Focuses on developing TENGs for biomedical and wearable applications.
○ Projects include ultrasound-driven TENGs for implants and textile-based TENGs for
wearables.
● Center for National Core Materials Research:
○ Advances the synthesis and application of 2D materials for electronics and energy
storage.
○ Includes large-scale CVD growth and defect passivation techniques.
● Implantable Medical Devices:
○ Combines TENGs with biocompatible materials to create self-powered implants,
reducing the need for surgical interventions.
● Self-Powered Wearable Electronics:
○ Develops flexible, stretchable, and transparent devices that harvest energy from human
activities, such as walking or breathing.
● Tertiary Battery Development:
○ Integrates energy harvesting with battery systems to extend lifespan, addressing
challenges in IoT and medical applications.
Recent Publications
Prof. Kim’s recent publications reflect his ongoing contributions to nanogenerators, 2D materials, and
energy harvesting. Below is a curated list of his publications from 2018 to 2024, based on available data:
Title Journal Year Citations Key Contribution
Transcutaneous ultrasound Science 2019 736 Introduced
energy harvesting using ultrasound-driven TENGs
capacitive triboelectric for powering implantable
technology medical devices,
leveraging biosafe energy
delivery.
Hybrid energy harvesters: Advanced 2019 438 Reviewed the integration
toward sustainable energy Materials of triboelectric and
harvesting piezoelectric
nanogenerators for
sustainable energy
solutions.
High-performance triboelectric Advanced 2018 364 Developed composite
nanogenerators based on Functional nanofibers to enhance
electrospun polyvinylidene Materials TENG performance for
fluoride–silver nanowire wearable electronics.
composite nanofibers
Highly stretchable 2D fabrics Advanced Energy 2018 357 Created durable,
for wearable triboelectric Materials stretchable TENG fabrics
nanogenerator under harsh for energy harvesting in
environments extreme conditions.
Boosting power-generating Advanced Energy 2017 365 Demonstrated enhanced
performance of triboelectric Materials TENG output through
nanogenerators via artificial ferroelectric polarization
control of ferroelectric control.
polarization and dielectric
properties
Boosted output performance of Nature 2016 399 Improved TENG efficiency
triboelectric nanogenerator via Communications using the electric double
electric double layer effect layer effect.
Nanopatterned textile-based ACS Nano 2015 743 Integrated TENGs into
wearable triboelectric textiles for self-powered
nanogenerator wearable technology.
Transparent stretchable ACS Nano 2015 532 Developed a flexible
self-powered patchable sensor sensor platform for
platform with ultrasensitive monitoring human
recognition of human activities activities in healthcare.
Micropatterned P(VDF-TrFE) Advanced 2015 414 Created sensitive pressure
film-based piezoelectric Functional sensors using piezoelectric
nanogenerators for highly Materials materials for self-powered
sensitive self-powered applications.
pressure sensors
Hydrophobic sponge Advanced 2014 528 Introduced a novel TENG
structure-based triboelectric Materials design using hydrophobic
nanogenerator sponges for enhanced
energy harvesting.
Transparent flexible graphene Advanced 2014 477 Utilized graphene for
triboelectric nanogenerators Materials transparent, flexible
TENGs in wearable
electronics.
Highly stretchable Advanced 2013 593 Combined piezoelectric
piezoelectric-pyroelectric Materials and pyroelectric effects for
hybrid nanogenerator enhanced energy
harvesting.
Coaxial fiber supercapacitor ACS Nano 2013 568 Developed a flexible
using all-carbon material supercapacitor for energy
electrodes storage applications.
Large-scale synthesis of Nano Letters 2012 650 Advanced the synthesis of
high-quality hexagonal boron h-BN for graphene-based
nitride nanosheets for electronics.
large-area graphene electronics
Energy harvesting based on Nano Energy 2012 496 Reviewed ZnO
semiconducting piezoelectric nanostructures for
ZnO nanostructures piezoelectric energy
harvesting.
Sound-driven piezoelectric Advanced 2010 411 Converted sound energy
nanowire-based Materials into electricity using
nanogenerators piezoelectric nanowires.
Mechanically powered Advanced 2009 519 Early work on flexible
transparent flexible Materials piezoelectric
charge-generating nanodevices nanogenerators using ZnO
with piezoelectric ZnO nanorods.
nanorods
Hierarchically grown Nano Energy 2024 Not listed Developed a novel TENG
single-crystalline 2D structure using 2D
microporous COF on 3D CNT microporous COF and
foam for triboelectric CNT foam for enhanced
nanogenerators performance.
Synthesis of metal-organic Journal of 2024 Not listed Explored MOF-derived
framework-derived Materials nanostructures on MoS2
nanostructures on 2D MoS2 Chemistry A for improved TENG
for triboelectric efficiency.
nanogenerators
Impact and Applications
Prof. Kim’s research has far-reaching implications across multiple domains:
● Sustainable Energy: His nanogenerators provide renewable power sources for small-scale
electronics, reducing reliance on traditional batteries.
● Biomedical Engineering: Ultrasound-driven TENGs enable self-powered implantable devices,
improving patient outcomes by minimizing surgical interventions.
● Wearable Technology: Flexible and stretchable TENGs integrated into textiles and patches
advance the development of smart clothing and health-monitoring devices.
● Electronics and Energy Storage: His work on 2D materials and supercapacitors enhances the
performance of next-generation electronic devices and energy storage systems.
● Public Health: Pathogen control technologies using triboelectric energy harvesting contribute to
safer environments by mitigating microbial and viral threats.
Relevance to the User’s Interests
Given the user’s background in Li-ion battery simulation, electrochemical modeling, and nanomaterial
synthesis, Prof. Kim’s research on tertiary batteries is particularly relevant. This project aims to
hybridize battery systems with energy harvesting technologies, such as TENGs, to create long-lasting
power sources for IoT and implantable devices. The user’s expertise in COMSOL Multiphysics,
nanomaterial characterization (XRD, SEM), and electrochemical systems aligns closely with the materials
and modeling aspects of this work. Additionally, Prof. Kim’s research on 2D materials and
nanogenerators offers opportunities to explore scalable manufacturing and doping strategies, which are
among the user’s stated interests.
Conclusion
Prof. Sang-Woo Kim is a trailblazer in materials science, with a prolific research portfolio that bridges
nanotechnology, energy harvesting, and human-oriented applications. His leadership in developing
nanogenerators, 2D materials, and innovative energy solutions has positioned him as a key figure in
advancing sustainable technologies. His recent publications, spanning 2018 to 2024, demonstrate ongoing
contributions to high-impact journals, with applications in wearable electronics, medical devices, and
energy storage. For researchers and students interested in energy harvesting, nanomaterials, or biomedical
engineering, Prof. Kim’s work offers a wealth of opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
