Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- St Lucia
- Research area
- Chemical sciences, Engineering
Project description
This project strives to develop a novel method of hydrogen storage by physically locking hydrogen in regular cavities of solid water to form a hydrogen-carrying solid structure of water (called hydrogen hydrate).
Hydrogen is vital for decarbonising the world, yet finding an efficient way for hydrogen storage is a global challenge. The application of conventional gas storage technologies for hydrogen storage presents major problems. Hydrogen is the lightest gas and has a very low volumetric density. Just only one kilogram of hydrogen occupies a (large) volume of 11 cubic meters under ambient conditions. Thus, to reduce the volume of storage tanks, the hydrogen must be compressed to extremely high pressures (> 500 bars). A similar problem happens to the liquefaction method. As the lightest gas, hydrogen is difficult to be liquefied. At atmospheric pressure, the liquefaction of hydrogen occurs at below -253℃. These extreme conditions involved in conventional hydrogen storage technologies, either via high compression or deep cooling, are not only energy-extensive and uneconomic, but also highly hazardous.
This project strives to develop q novel method for sustainable hydrogen storage. This project will establish innovative measures to efficiently lock hydrogen molecules in regular cavities of a hydrogen-boned water network to produce a compact hydrogen-carrying water-based solid material called hydrogen hydrate (also known as combustible ice). This novel pathway enables safe and efficient hydrogen storage by taking the advantage of water as the safest, cheapest and most sustainable raw material.
Despite having many advantages, there is a standing hurdle in storing hydrogen via its hydrate, which is caused by the poor mixing of hydrogen and liquid water as the two main feedstocks of the process. This leads to a slow formation of hydrogen hydrate. Therefore, a particular focus of this project is to develop capable measures to foster the formation of hydrogen hydrate by designing new chemical additives and porous materials which can promote the hydrogen hydrate formation. The expected outcomes are cutting-edge knowledge and a new approach of hydrogen storage via hydrogen hydrate.
Research environment
The prospective student will conduct their PhD study in a vibrant and supportive academic environment equipped with a wide range of advanced research facilities and equipment within the modern building (Andrew Liveris building) of the School of Chemical Engineering, and will be supervised by a capable advisory team consisting of a DECRA Fellow, a senior lecturer and a full professor. In addition, the student will be supported by a range of professional teams and workshops within the School of Chemical Engineering as well as the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology.
Scholarship
This is an Earmarked scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.
The scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $35,000 per annum tax free (2024 rate), indexed annually
- your tuition fees covered
- single overseas student health cover (OSHC).
Learn more about the Earmarked scholarship.
Supervisor
Principal supervisor
Preferred educational background
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 engineering and materials science would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
A background or knowledge of instrumental analysis and computational methods is highly desirable.
How to apply
This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 3, 2025. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 31 March, 2025 31 December, 2024.
You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- Contact Dr Ngoc Nguyen (n.nguyen9@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.
When you apply
You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.
In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:
- My higher degree is not collaborative
- I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
- UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.