Coupling green hydrogen production with biomass waste valorisation

Conventional water electrolysis for green hydrogen production is limited by the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode, which is energy-intensive and produces only oxygen, a low-value by-product.

An emerging strategy, known as paired electrolysis, replaces the OER with the oxidation of waste feedstocks such as biomass-derived molecules (e.g. glycerol, glucose, HMF), lowering the energy required to produce hydrogen at the cathode while simultaneously converting waste into valuable chemicals (such as formic acid or glycolic acid) at the anode. 

This project will design and develop new nanostructured catalysts to improve the activity and selectivity of these anodic upcycling reactions, working towards efficient, low-energy paired electrolysis systems that generate both green hydrogen and useful chemical products from waste. 

This project is based in the School of Chemical Engineering at The University of Queensland, within a well-resourced research team, working at the interface of materials chemistry, catalysis, and energy conversion. 

The laboratories are fully equipped with state-of-the-art synthesis, characterisation, and electrochemical testing capabilities, including diverse synthesis facilities, electrochemical platforms (multi-channel potentiostats, H-type and flow-cell electrolysers, rotating disk/ring-disk electrode setups), and in-line/off-line product quantification by gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, supporting both fundamental electrocatalyst evaluation and paired-electrolysis system testing. 

In-house characterisation tools include X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, supported by high-resolution imaging and electronic structure analysis via HAADF-STEM, EELS, and XPS. 

The team has regular access to synchrotron facilities in Australia.

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 electrochemistry, materials chemistry, or catalysis would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of electrocatalyst synthesis and characterisation or analytical techniques for reaction product quantification (e.g. NMR, GC, HPLC) is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 3 September, 2027 3 September, 2027.

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 Haijiao Lu (haijiao.lu@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: HYDROGEN-LU
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/coupling-green-hydrogen-production-biomass-waste-valorisation

Submit an EOI