This PhD project focuses on developing advanced electrochemical catalytic reactor technologies for the sustainable production of syngas and carbon neutral fuels from feedstocks such as carbon dioxide (CO2), water and methane. The research combines catalysis, electrochemical systems and high temperature reactor engineering to create next-generation reactors capable of improving energy efficiency and reaction control compared with conventional thermal processes.

The project will investigate integrated solid oxide electrochemical reactor systems that enable precise control of oxygen transport and reaction environments during high temperature conversion processes. Initial studies will focus on methane reforming, CO2/H2O co-conversion and syngas production, with potential future extension toward higher-value sustainable fuels and chemicals.

Research activities may include catalyst and functional material development, reactor fabrication, catalyst/reactor interface engineering and investigation of reaction pathways under non-equilibrium operating conditions. The student will also apply advanced in-situ and operando characterisation techniques to better understand coupled catalytic and electrochemical processes  during reactor operation.

This interdisciplinary project provides training across chemical engineering, electrochemistry, materials science and clean energy technologies, contributing to the development of low-emission pathways for future fuel and chemical manufacturing.

 

 

 

Research Environment:

The student will have the opportunity to work in the  Particles and Catalysis Research Laboratories. The group has strong expertise in catalytic reactor engineering, CO2 conversion, photothermal and thermal catalysis, operando/in-situ characterisation reaction mechanism studies and scale up catalytic systems. The project also involves collaboration with international partner groups with expertise in oxygen-conducting electrolytes, ceramic processing and high-temperature electrochemical reactor systems. The student will receive interdisciplinary training across catalysis, electrochemistry, ceramic materials, reactor engineering and advanced characterisation techniques, with opportunities for international collaboration and conference participation. 

 

Supervisors:

Scientia Prof. Rose Amal and Dr Bing Qiao Xie (School of Chemical Engineering) at UNSW Sydney. Further information regarding the project and application process can be obtained by contacting Professor Rose Amal (r.amal@unsw.edu.au)

 

Candidate background:

We are seeking highly motivated candidates with backgrounds in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Catalysis or Energy Materials. Experience in heterogeneous catalysis, SOFC/SOEC systems, ceramic materials, reactor engineering, electrochemistry or in-situ/operando characterisation would be advantageous.

 

Application:

If you are interested to apply for PhD admission and scholarship at UNSW, please check for eligibility, requirements and application deadlines, please go to UNSW Graduate Research Website outlining eligibility requirement and application step by step process: https://research.unsw.edu.au/submit-application

Any questions on admission/scholarship email: mandalena@unsw.edu.au

 

References:

(1) Yan, P., Hartley, U.W., and Li, K. (2025), An electrochemical micromonolithic membrane reactor for one-step sustainable co-valorisation of CH4 and CO2 to C2+ and CO.  Journal of Membrane Science, 124916

(2) Yan, Peng., Li., T., Li, J., (2025), Electrochemical cells for sustainable syngas production from H2O and CO2. ACS Sustainable Chemical & Engineering, 13(19), 7005-7016

(3) Thyssen, V.V., Vilela, V.B., De Florio, D.Z. (2021), Direct conversion of methane to C2  hydrocarbons in solid-state membrane reactors at high temperatures. Chemical Reviews, 122(3), 3966-3995

(4) Wortman, J., Zhao, J., Zhang, J., (2025), Multifunctional membrane-catalyst systems for chemical upgrading of shale gas, Nature Chemical Engineering, 2(9), 539-550.