CO₂ valorisation into value-added compounds over iron-based catalysts

The catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals offers a promising pathway for sustainable chemical manufacturing and carbon utilisation.

Despite significant advances in catalyst development, achieving high activity, selectivity, and stability remains challenging due to limitations in catalyst design, reaction pathways and product control.

This PhD project will focus on the design and optimisation of iron-based catalytic systems for efficient CO₂ hydrogenation into value-added products such as hydrocarbons and oxygenates.

You will investigate the relationships between catalyst structure, metal–support interactions, and reaction conditions to identify design strategies that maximise carbon utilisation efficiency and product selectivity. The project will involve the synthesis and evaluation of advanced iron-based catalysts, combined with catalytic testing, kinetic analysis and mechanistic studies to understand reaction pathways and guide catalyst development.
 

This project is performed within the School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, in close collaboration with the HBIS-UQ Innovation Centre for Sustainable Steel (led by Professor Geoff Wang).

The School of Chemical Engineering at UQ is an international leader in chemical engineering education and research, recognised as No. 1 in Australia in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject. UQ and the School provide a multidisciplinary research environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for catalyst preparation, materials characterisation, and catalytic process evaluation.

You will benefit from exposure to both fundamental research and strong Australia industrial relevance, with opportunities for technology translation through this academia–industry partnership.

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.

Internship in a relevant industry and research in a relevant field would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement through publication of journal articles, conference papers, and scientific reports and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of catalyst, material science, chemical engineering, chemistry, metallurgical engineering, mechanical/thermal engineering is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 14 August, 2026 14 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 Professor Geoff Wang (gxwang@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: CATALYSTS-WANG
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/co2-valorisation-value-added-compounds-over-iron-based-catalysts

Submit an EOI