Advanced all-Iron flow batteries for storing stationary energy

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.

This is an ARC LP project-funded scholarship project in close collaboration with local industry partner.
 

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.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

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.

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 flow battery would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of materials science for energy storage and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of electrochemistry is highly desirable.

To be considered for this scholarship, please email the following documents to Associate Professor Bin Luo (b.luo1@uq.edu.au):

• Cover letter
• CV
• Academic transcript/s
• Evidence for meeting UQ's English language proficiency requirements eg TOEFL, IELTS

Please note the following: Submitting the above documents does not constitute a full application for admission into The University of Queensland's PhD program. If you are selected as the preferred applicant, you will then be invited to submit a full application for admission. You can familiarise yourself with the documents required for this process on the UQ Study website.