Novel Carbon Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage

Carbon nanomaterials such as mesoporous carbon, templated carbon and graphene have played a critical role in current clean energy research, as they show large surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and ease in defect engineering and surface functionalisation. A range of energy conversion and storage devices, including supercapacitors, batteries, water electrolysers and fuel cells, are all employing carbon nanomaterials for enhanced electrochemical performance.

This project will aim to develop a new series of carbon nanostructures using plasma-assisted synthesis and/or chemical methods. The PhD candidate is expected to control the properties of carbon nanostructures, including size, doping, porosity and functional groups, using a variety of available techniques. The project will also seek to create hybrid materials based on the developed carbon nanostructures. Ultimately, these nanomaterials will be employed to fabricate functional energy conversion and storage devices and improve their performance for large-scale industrial applications.

The project will include collaborative opportunities with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The host of this project, Particles and Catalysis Research Group (PARTCAT), is a leading catalysis research group within the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

International candidates need to obtain a Master degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physical Chemistry or other related areas. Outstanding students with a undergraduate degree but having relevant research experience are also encouraged to apply. Candidates with existing publications in the relevant research topics are preferred.

For further information regarding this project and application process, please contact Supervisors: Scientia Prof. Rose Amal (r.amal@unsw.edu.au) and Dr Zhaojun Han (zhaojun.han@unsw.edu.au).

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

Top up scholarship is available for high achiever domestic student. Please inquiry within.