Status: Closed
Applications open: 7/07/2023
Applications close: 25/08/2023
About this scholarship
Limited supply of fossil fuels, growing environmental concerns, environmental legislations, and health and safety concerns have opened market opportunities for integration of renewable energy sources with electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) is an eco-friendly and efficient way to convert chemical energy in fuel into electricity and can be used in conjunction with renewable energy to realise the efficient conversion of electricity to chemical energy. Proton-conducting perovskite-type oxides, which were used as the electrolytes of reduced temperature solid oxide fuel cells, have received wider attention as they presented higher conductivity at temperatures lower than 600oC. Proton conductivity of ~10-2 S/cm under humidity in acceptor-doped perovskite type ABO3 has been reported. Proton conductivity in doped ABO3 (A = Ba, Sr, Ca; B = Ti, Ce, or Zr) has also been studied by many other researchers. The result shows that proton-conducting perovskite-type oxides have relatively higher chemical instability under hydrocarbons, H2, CO2 and H2O, which is critical for their application in H-SOFCs. It has also been found that there must be an optimum Zr concentration for BaCeO3, in order to achieve high chemical stability and proton conductivity.
Ammonia, which is mostly used as raw material to produce artificial fertiliser and nitric acid, has been recognised as a potential fuel of fuel cells recently. It has been proved that the application of proton-conducting perovskite-type oxides restrained the formation of NOx. In this research project, a novel metal nanoparticle decorated perovskite substrate will be designed for ammonia fuel cells to solve most challenges of conventional fuel cells. Furthermore, systematic modelling will also be introduced to simulate the microstructure of the perovskite substrate for a better perception.
This study will build on some of our work to design an innovative ammonia fuel cell using a new perovskite substrate decorated with metal nanoparticles, which demonstrates multi-functionalities and tackles most challenges of conventional fuel cells. The key concept of this project is the designing of the novel architected smart perovskite as both anode and electrolyte of the fuel cell by systematic modelling and experimental studies. The candidate is expected to have interest in research in fuel cells and other electrochemical energy systems. The candidate is also expected to have knowledge of Mathematical Physical Methods; Theoretical Mechanics; Semiconductor photocatalysis. Modelling, Simulation and Experimental studies of fuel cells are crucial to the project.
1) Study systematically on the relationship between the composition of the matrix electrode and electrochemical performance of proton-conducting perovskite-type oxides for ammonia fuel cells.
2) Provide an experimental and theoretical basis for advancing the industrialisation process with high-performance and high-stability electrodes. Introduce the modelling method in this research to evaluate the structural stability, calculate the free energy of reaction and simulate the mechanism/ kinetics of the H-SOFCs.
3) Systematical study will be conducted on the effect of composition of precursors and the in-situ exsolution process on the composition of the modified proton-conducting perovskite-type oxides. The optimised perovskite composition will be used to study the electrochemical performance of SOFC under different working conditions.
This study will build on some of our work to design an innovative ammonia fuel cell using a new perovskite substrate decorated with metal nanoparticles, which demonstrates multi-functionalities and tackles most challenges of conventional fuel cells. The key concept of this project is the designing of the novel architected smart perovskite as both anode and electrolyte of the fuel cell by systematic modelling and experimental studies. The candidate is expected to have interest in research in fuel cells and other electrochemical energy systems. The candidate is also expected to have knowledge of Mathematical Physical Methods; Theoretical Mechanics; Semiconductor photocatalysis. Modelling, Simulation and Experimental studies of fuel cells are crucial to the project.
This project may provide an internship opportunity. As a part of the supervisor’s research project, the PhD candidate could have an opportunity to conduct research in a relevant industry in Perth.
- Future Students
-
Faculty of Science & Engineering
- Western Australian School of Mines (WASM)
- Higher Degree by Research
- Australian Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident
- New Zealand Citizen
- Permanent Humanitarian Visa
- Merit Based
The annual scholarship package (stipend and tuition fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a.
Successful HDR applicants for admission will receive a 100% fee offset for up to 4 years, stipend scholarships at the 2023 RTP rate valued at $32,250 p.a. for up to a maximum of 3 years, with a possible 6-month completion scholarship. Applicants are determined via a competitive selection process and will be notified of the scholarship outcome in November 2023.
For detailed information, visit: Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships | Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
Scholarship Details
1
All applicable HDR courses
We are seeking a self-motivated PhD candidate with excellent organisation, problem-solving and project management skills.
- A candidate who has qualifications or experience in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry Science, or Material Science will be desirable.
- Candidate who has essential RESEARCH skills and RESEARCH experience (study or work) in the field of energy storage and conversion technologies (e.g., battery, supercapacitor, fuel cell) or electrochemistry will be prioritised.
- Candidate must meet minimum English language requirements and must be eligible to enrol in PhD programs at Curtin University.
Application process
If this project excites you, and your research skills and experience are a good fit for this specific project, you should contact the Project Lead (listed below in the enquires section) via the Expression of Interest (EOI) form. ahead of the closing date. Please note you should apply as soon as possible, as once a suitable candidate has been identified this opportunity will no longer be available to receive an EOI.
Enrolment Requirements
Eligible to enrol in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2024.
Recipients must complete their milestone 1 within 6 months of enrolment and remain enrolled on a full-time basis for the duration of the scholarship.
Enquiries
To enquire about this project opportunity that includes a scholarship application, contact the Project lead Moses Tade via the EOI form above.
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