2024 RTP round - Efficient and selective water electrolysis for clean energy and environment

Status: Closed

Applications open: 7/07/2023
Applications close: 25/08/2023

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About this scholarship
Description/Applicant information

Energy and environment are two key factors to Australia’s sustainable economic and social development. As global economies aim to become carbon neutral by 2050, hydrogen has gained great attention as an ideal clean energy carrier, while water electrolysis powered with renewables-generated electricity is a highly promising way for large scale green hydrogen production, in particular for Australia. The state-of-the-art electrolysis cells, based on alkaline water electrolyser characterised by low current density and acidic polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis cell with precious metal electrodes, however, still suffer from the challenges of high cost, low efficiency, and negligible added value of their oxygen by-product. This project aims to develop an anion exchange membrane electrolysis cell (AEMEC) for efficient co-generation of hydrogen (H2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from the splitting of water by coupling the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with a selective, two-electron water oxidation reaction (2e-WOR) catalysed by cost-effective, perovskite materials. Such co-generation process brings high economic profitability to the water electrolysis process because in addition to H2, H2O2 is a valuable chemical commodity with multiple household, industrial, and environmental applications. 

The key to achieve the co-generation of H2 at cathode and H2O2 at anode lies in the development of efficient catalysts for the HER and more importantly, selective catalysts for the 2e-WOR. This project aims to design and develop novel perovskite materials as efficient electrocatalysts for accelerating the reaction kinetics for both HER and 2e-WOR, and to design advanced cell configuration to allow incorporation of these catalysts to realise high-yield and high-efficiency co-production of H2O2 and H2 from water electrolysis. 

The specific objectives include (1) to exploit cost-effective electrocatalysts for boosting the 2e-WOR with suppressed four-electron oxygen evolution reaction; (2) to develop robust HER electrocatalysts for operation in alkaline solution; (3) to design, evaluate, and optimise AEMEC for maximising cell performance; (4) to understand the deterioration mechanism and develop strategies for improved durability of AEMEC. 

The project has academic benefits in bringing new and advanced knowledge. This project centres on the use of non-precious metal-based perovskite materials as highly efficient and selective electrocatalysts, which can achieve outstanding electrochemical performance with significantly enhanced cost competitiveness. The success of this project could contribute to the knowledge base in the field of new energy conversion technologies for both Australian and the international community. The project is also expected to contribute significantly to energy safety and environmental sustainability of Australia. The adoption of H2 as a cleaner energy carrier can help address these environmental issues and fulfil Australia’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions. The paired electrosynthesis of H2O2 could further create jobs and commercial opportunities for many industries like disinfection, bleaching, and chemical synthesis. Overall, the successful completion of this project is likely to offer cheaper and more efficient options for production of useful chemicals, which can benefit the development of Australia’s manufacturing and chemical industry. 

Student type

• Future Students

Faculty

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Western Australian School of Mines (WASM)

Course type

• Higher Degree by Research

Citizenship

• International Student

Scholarship base

• Merit Based

Value

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
Maximum number awarded

1

Eligible courses

All applicable HDR courses

Eligibility criteria

We are seeking a self-motivated PhD candidate with excellent organisation, problem-solving and project management skills. Experience or expertise in the research fields of materials science, materials engineering, catalysis, chemical engineering, and/or electrochemistry are highly desirable. The 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 Zongping Shao via the EOI form above.

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