Developing Efficient Hydrogen Storage Based on Hydrogen Gas Hydrate

Hydrogen plays a vital role in low-carbon economies. Storing hydrogen is uniquely challenging due to its low volumetric density as hydrogen is the lightest gas. To increase the volumetric density for viable storage, hydrogen gas must be compressed to extreme pressures (> 500 bars) or liquefied at extremely low temperatures below -253 C. These ways of conventional hydrogen storage are associated with extreme conditions and thus energy-intensive, unsafe and inefficient. This project aims to develop a safe and efficient hydrogen storage method by tailoring the nature-informed hydrogen encapsulation in molecular cavities of solid water to produce a compact hydrogen-carrying water-based solid material (called hydrogen hydrate) for storage. Specifically, this project focuses on developing capable measures based on porous materials and defect engineering to foster the encapsulation of hydrogen gas into the solid water network to create a disruptive approach for hydrogen storage.

The project will be implemented in an advanced, well-equipped and supportive research environment within the School of Chemical Engineering in a newly built, modern laboratory in the Liveris Building. In addition to the typical support by the Scholarship, the prospective student will also be supported by additional funding (e.g., ARC DECRA fund) to undertake professional development activities such as conferences and academic exchanges with international collaborators.

The prospective student will be supervised by a strong advisory team consisting of emerging academics (senior lecturer and ARC DECRA award holder) and established academics (Professors). These excellent financial, intellectual and material resources offer exclusive support to the prospective student to excel in their academic work and enable their career aspirations.

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 chemical science, chemical engineering science, material science, and water science would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of chemical engineering, energy transition, low-carbon economy and sustainability and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of working with high-pressure experiments and computational study is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 15 December, 2025 15 December, 2025.

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 Ngoc N. Nguyen (n.nguyen9@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-NGUYEN
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/developing-efficient-hydrogen-storage-based-hydrogen-gas-hydrate

Submit an EOI