Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a versatile chemical used across a wide range of industries, including pulp and textile bleaching, wastewater treatment, chemical synthesis, food processing, water treatment, mining, and even aerospace fuel. However, conventional industrial production is energy-intensive and results in significant carbon emissions — approximately 3 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of H₂O₂ produced. Moreover, industrial H₂O₂ requires complex logistics for storage and transportation, posing safety risks, increasing costs, and adding supply chain challenges. As an alternative, electrochemical production of H₂O₂ enables on-site, decentralised generation using only electricity, air, and water. This approach offers several advantages: mild reaction conditions, the potential use of renewable electricity with zero CO₂ emissions, high energy conversion efficiency, and sustainable inputs.

This project aims to develop efficient catalysts, along with an electrolysis reactor designed for real-world applications.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong background in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or materials science, and a well-rounded skill set.

 

Research Environment:

The student will have the opportunity to work in the Particles and Catalysis Research Laboratories and closely with the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy Industry Partner EcoPeroxy. The student will have access to well-equipped laboratories with comprehensive experimental facilities for electrocatalysis research and will work in a multidisciplinary research environment and learn various functional skills. 

 

HDR Stipend:

Total of $45K p.a. stipend + $5k p.a. for professional development per annum (available for either PhD or MPhil).

 

Commencement Date:

Start of UNSW Term 3 2025 or Term 1 2026.

 

Supervisors:

Scientia Prof. Rose Amal (School of Chemical Engineering) and Dr. Ding Zhang (School of Chemical Engineering; TRaCe) at UNSW Sydney.

 

Application:

If you are interested to apply for PhD admission and scholarship at UNSW, please check for eligibility, requirements and application deadlines (https://research.unsw.edu.au/submit-application).

Please send your CV and academic transcript to: ding.zhang@unsw.edu.au and mandalena@unsw.edu.au

 

 

References:

(1) Zhang D; Mitchell E; Lu X; Chu D; Shang L; Zhang T; Amal R; Han Z, 2023, 'Metal-free carbon-based catalysts design for oxygen reduction reaction towards hydrogen peroxide: From 3D to 0D', Materials Today, 63, pp. 339 - 359, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mattod.2023.02.004.

(2) Zhang D; Tsounis C; Ma Z; Peng L; Lin Z; Yin H; Hussain F; Cazorla C; Chu D; Amal R; Han Z, 2023, 'Enhancing hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis by manipulating the three-phase interface microenvironment', Cell Reports Physical Science, 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2023.101643.