This project is closed for international students.
Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- St Lucia
- Research area
- Engineering
Project description
Iron flow batteries are one of the most promising choices for clean, reliable and cost-effective long-duration energy storage. The main obstacle for large-scale commercial deployment is the low round-trip energy efficiency caused by the competitive side reaction that occurs at the negative electrode during battery charging. The project aims to address this issue by engineering the negative electrode-electrolyte interface with functional materials to improve battery performance and thus further reduce the cost of energy storage. Expected outcomes include new materials and methods for advanced battery technology and manufacturing. The success of the project will significantly support the national priority of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Research environment
The applicant and proposed project will be hosted by the AIBN, UQ, an integrated multi-disciplinary research institute bringing together the skills of world-class researchers in the areas of bioengineering and nanotechnology. The Nanomaterials Centre (was part of ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials), has three main research programs in energy, environment, and health. It currently has more than 10 academic staff with backgrounds in energy storage, electrochemistry, catalysis, organic and inorganic chemistry and materials engineering, with over 30 PhD and visiting students. The applicant will benefit from interactions with the interdisciplinary team of world-leading researchers. The candidate will have full access to equipment in the Nanomaterials Centre and the world-class research facilities in AIBN required for the successful execution of this project.
Scholarship
This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.
The scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
- your tuition fees covered
- single overseas student health cover (OSHC).
Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.
Supervisor
Principal supervisor
You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.
Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history
A working knowledge of materials chemistry, electrochemistry, battery technology, chemical engineering and nanomaterials would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of electrochemistry and material engineering and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of electrochemistry and material engineering is highly desirable.
How to apply
This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 4, 2025. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 30 June, 2025 30 March, 2024.
You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- Contact Associate Professor Bin Luo (b.luo1@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.
When you apply
You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.
In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:
- My higher degree is not collaborative
- I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
- UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.