Advanced flow battery for synergetic carbon capture and energy storage

To achieve Australia’s emissions goals, high-emitting industries need scalable carbon capture and energy storage.

While emerging zinc-carbon dioxide (Zn-CO₂) batteries can store energy and utilise CO₂ simultaneously, they are severely bottlenecked by the slow, high-voltage oxygen evolution reaction (OER) during charging.

This project will develop an innovative, asymmetric zinc-CO₂/bromine (Zn-CO₂/Br) flow battery that replaces the inefficient OER with a faster, lower-voltage bromine oxidation reaction (BOR).

By deploying earth-abundant single-atom catalysts (SACs) and analysing real-time dynamics via operando synchrotron techniques, the project will optimise system efficiency and stability. 

Ultimately, this research delivers an unprecedented triple-functionality system that simultaneously converts CO₂, stores renewable grid energy, and treats bromide wastewater.

By filling critical technology gaps, this project offers a scalable pathway to support high-emission sectors, accelerate a circular carbon economy. 

You will join a world-class research environment at the Nanomaterials Centre, School of Chemical Engineering at UQ (ranked#1 by subject in Australia).

You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities for material design and device fabrication, as well as world-class research infrastructure for material characterisations through UQ`s AIBN, CMM, ANFF-Q and CAI.

You will work in a collaborative research group with strong expertise in functional material design and applications.

This project will also offer opportunities in industry collaboration and experience in device prototyping with local Australian companies.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

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 material science and engineering, electrochemical engineering, and/or heterogeneous catalysis would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of functional materials for heterogeneous catalysis and the potential for scholastic success.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 23 August, 2026 23 August, 2026.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Mu Xiao (m.xiao@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: SYNERGETIC-XIAO
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/advanced-flow-battery-synergetic-carbon-capture-and-energy-storage

Submit an EOI