Hydrogen production with high-density single-atom catalyst (SAC)

Hydrogen production with high-density single-atom catalyst (SAC)

Project Summary:

Single-atom catalyst (SAC) for hydrogen generation via the electrochemical route has attracted large interest in recent years. However, the mass loading of SAC is often limited to a low level, hindering the overall hydrogen production rate in the electrochemical system. Increasing the precursor concentration during the preparation of SAC does not simply lead to a high loading as single atoms tend to form metal clusters or nanoparticles owing to the strong metal-metal interactions.

This PhD project aims to use catalyst support materials, especially carbon nanomaterials, to improve the mass loading of SAC in electrochemical hydrogen generation. The project will focus on (i) engineering the defective or other anchoring sites on carbon supports for SACs, (ii) studying the catalytic performance of high-loading SACs in the water splitting process for hydrogen generation, and (iii) investigating the underlying mechanism of active sites using theoretical methods such as density functional theory (DFT).

 Academic Supervisor:

Dr Zhaojun Han

Professor Rose Amal

Research Environment:

The student will have the opportunity to work in the Particles and Catalysis Research Group (PartCat) at the School of Chemical Engineering and ARC Training Centre for the Global Hydrogen Economy. Student will have access to well-equipped laboratories with comprehensive experimental facilities for photo/electrocatalysis research and will work in a multidisciplinary research environment and learn various functional skills.

The Candidate:
The candidate should have a passion in pursuing research in renewable energy and, due to current international travel restrictions, preferably reside onshore.

Interested to apply?
Please visit the HDR Application page to understand the process and also send your CV, academic transcript and English test result (taken within 2  years) to Dr Zhaojun Han

Scholarship maybe available for suitable candidate.