Franklin Kim
Associate Professor
ShanghaiTech University
School of Physical Science and Technology
Email: fkim@shanghaitech.edu.cn
Phone: +86-21-2068-5245
Office: SPST 2-506C
ORCID: 0000-0002-6548-6588
Professional Experience
| 2017–present | ShanghaiTech University, Associate Professor School of Physical Science and Technology (SPST) |
| 2011–2017 | Kyoto University, Assistant/Associate Professor Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS) |
| 2007–2010 | Northwestern University, Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Materials Science and Engineering (Prof. Jiaxing Huang) |
| 2005–2007 | University of California, Berkeley, Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Bioengineering (Prof. Luke P. Lee) |
Educational Background
| 1999–2005 | University of California, Berkeley, Ph.D. in Chemistry (Advisor: Prof. Peidong Yang) |
| 1996–1999 | Seoul National University, B.S. in Chemistry |
Research
Combining Operando Techniques and Data Science for Reliable Energy Devices
Rechargeable batteries power technologies from consumer electronics to EVs and the grid, yet capacity fade, rising impedance, and thermal risks limit lifetime and safety. Reliable operation requires timely detection of degradation pathways and predictive models that guide materials and operating strategies.
We collect battery health information through online diagnosis, including OEMS gas analysis and in situ/operando XRD and Raman. Machine learning converts these complex signals into features and models for stage detection and long-horizon forecasting. Predictions are verified against energy performance metrics (capacity, life, power), closing the loop around safety and reliability.
Main Aims
Reveal fundamental mechanisms of battery degradation at reactive interfaces.
Detect early warning signs of potential safety risks.
Develop materials and operating strategies that extend battery lifespan and reliability.
1. Online diagnosis of reactive interfaces (XRD, Raman, OEMS)
We acquire cycle-resolved gas evolution and structural or chemical descriptors under realistic operating conditions. OEMS quantifies gases such as CO, CO2, and C2H4 that are associated with degradation, while in situ/operando XRD and Raman track phase changes, SEI growth and breakdown, and transition-metal dissolution and redeposition. These measurements provide the signals that anchor our models in chemistry.
2. Data science and machine learning for diagnostics and forecasting
We build compact, reproducible pipelines that map diagnostic signals to battery state and future behavior. Emphasis is placed on interpretable, chemically grounded features, robustness with limited data, and portability across test conditions; when appropriate, we use unsupervised stage classification and single- or few-shot forecasting.
3. Energy performance and materials strategies
We validate predictions against capacity, life, and power metrics and use the insights to engineer materials, interfaces, and operating protocols. A key thrust is interfacial assembly of nanomaterials into ultrathin and multilayer films (Langmuir–Blodgett and diffusion-driven layer-by-layer) to enhance transport and stability. The validated loop guides safer protocols and longer-lived cells.
Publications
Selected recent publications
“The Resurging of Hydrocarbon Gas as Early Sign of Battery Rollover Degradation.” Z. Jiang, L. Zhang, Y. Yu, J. Zuo, F. Kim. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2025, 17, 4934. [link]
“Langmuir–Blodgett assembly of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets for planar microsupercapacitors.” L. Fan, P. Wen, X. Zhao, J. Zou, F. Kim. ACS Appl. Nano Mater. 2022, 5, 4170. [link]
“Revisiting the structural evolution of MoS2 during alkali metal (Li, Na, and K) intercalation.” G. Wang, Y. Zhang, H. S. Cho, X. Zhao, F. Kim, J. Zou. ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2021, 4, 14180. [link]
“MnCO3 on graphene porous framework via diffusion-driven layer-by-layer assembly for high-performance pseudocapacitor.” B. Zhang, X. Li, J. Zou, F. Kim. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2020, 12, 47695. [link]
“Adjusting channel size within PVA-based hydrogels via ice templating for enhanced solar steam generation.” F. Li, R. Zhu, P. Wen, X. Zhao, G. Wang, J. Zou, F. Kim. ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2020, 3, 9216. [link]
“Three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline nanocomposite film prepared by diffusion-driven layer-by-layer assembly for high-performance supercapacitors.” X. Hong, B. Zhang, E. Murphy, J. Zou, F. Kim. J. Power Sources 2017, 343, 60. [link]
“Application of diffusion-driven layer-by-layer assembly for fabricating compact graphene-based supercapacitors.” J. Zou, B. Zhang, E. Murphy, F. Kim. Adv. Mater. Interfaces 2016, 3, 1600260. [link]
“Diffusion driven layer-by-layer assembly of graphene oxide nanosheets into porous three-dimensional macrostructures.” J. Zou and F. Kim. Nat. Commun. 2014, 5, 5254. DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6254. [link]
“Self-Assembly of Two-Dimensional Nanosheets Induced by Interfacial Polyionic Complexation.” J. Zou and F. Kim. ACS Nano 2012, 6, 10606. [link]
Group Members
Current Members
Alumni (ShanghaiTech University group)
| Zuofu Jiang | Master (Sep. 2022 – Aug. 2025) |
| Piao Wen | Ph.D. (Sep. 2017 – Jun. 2022) |
| Xiaowen Zhao | Ph.D. (Jan. 2018 – Jun. 2022) |
| Li Fan | Master (Sep. 2019 – Jun. 2022) |
| Gang Wang | Master (Jan. 2018 – Jan. 2022) |
| Xin Li | Master (Sep. 2017 – Sep. 2020), Currently at Zhejiang University |
| Xinyue Qu | Undergraduate (Sep. 2018 – Sep. 2020), Currently at Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute |
| Li Chuang | Master (Sep. 2017 – Sep. 2020), Currently at Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute |
| Runzhi Zhu | Undergraduate (Mar. 2018 – Jun. 2020) |
Alumni (Kyoto University group)
| Xiaodong Hong | Visiting Scholar (Sep. 2014 – Mar. 2015) |
| Daehwan Kim | Undergraduate Researcher (Jan. 2014 – Feb. 2015) |
| Jianli Zou | Postdoctoral Researcher (Sep. 2011 – Mar. 2015) |
| Elizabeth Murphy | Lab Technician (Aug. 2013 – Mar. 2015) |
| Kangmin Lee | Visiting Scholar (Jul. 2014 – Aug. 2014) |
| Haruna Kurasho | Undergraduate Researcher (Sep. 2013 – Mar. 2014) |
| Hyungcheol Chae | Undergraduate Researcher (Aug. 2012 – Mar. 2014) |
| Sanjib Bhattacharyya | Postdoctoral Researcher (Apr. 2013 – Mar. 2014) |
| Krishna Kattel | Postdoctoral Researcher (Mar. 2013 – Feb. 2014) |
| Lin Wang | Postdoctoral Researcher (Aug. 2011 – Dec. 2013) |
| Cao Qing | Visiting Graduate Student Researcher, Xiamen University |
| Jungwon Shin | Undergraduate Researcher |
| Jeesoo Park | Undergraduate Researcher |
Open Positions
We offer an international research environment focused on advanced materials characterization and fundamental understanding. To support researcher development, Prof. Kim provides guidance on applications for fellowships, competitive grants, and international visiting programs.
1. Graduate Student Researchers (M.S./Ph.D.)
We welcome prospective graduate students interested in energy storage, nanoscience, and data science. Preferred backgrounds include chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering. Experience in any of the following is a plus but not required: electrochemistry; materials characterization (XRD, Raman, operando gas analysis/OEMS); data analysis or machine learning; and nanomaterials.
To inquire, please email a CV and a brief statement of research interests to fkim@shanghaitech.edu.cn. Official admission is through ShanghaiTech University graduate admissions.
2. Undergraduate Student Researchers
We invite undergraduates to gain hands-on research experience. Students typically begin by working with a graduate mentor and may transition to an independent project as training and interests develop. To inquire, contact fkim@shanghaitech.edu.cn.