Engineering Nanomembranes for Direct Air Capture of Carbon Dioxide

Significance: The escalating concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) due to the combustion of fossil fuels has been linked to rapid global warming and climate change.[1] In an effort to address this issue, majority of the world’s governments have opted into the Paris Agreement, committing to maintain global warming below a global average of 2 °C above pre-industrial conditions by 2100 through curbing anthropogenic CO2 emissions.[2] A finite quota of cumulative CO2 emissions—no more than 1,200 Gt CO2—is needed from 2015 onwards to achieve this goal. However, CO2 emissions have substantially increased from fossil fuel combustion and cement production in the past decade (e.g. ~60 Gt of CO2 emission was recorded in 2019).[3] It has become evident that the 2 °C scenario cannot be achieved simply by reducing CO2 emissions through traditional precombustion and postcombustion CO2 capture.[4] A more progressive approach, known as direct air capture of CO2 (Figure 1), is necessary to reduce the atmospheric concentration of CO2 directly. [5-6] To achieve the 2°C scenario, the world will need to remove ~3 Gt of CO2 per year by 2030, increasing to ~7 Gt of CO2 per year by 2050.[7] As an important party to the Paris Agreement, the Australian Government aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.[8] Therefore, an urgent need exists to develop technologies for capturing CO2 from the air via efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective routes.

This DECRA project will achieve Four Specific Objectives:

Objective 1: Designing block copolymers as structural directing agents for nanomembranes. A key design consideration is the introduction of strong CO2 affinity moiety to ensure high CO2 permeability.

Objective 2: Precisely controlling MOF distributions within block copolymer matrix to address a longstanding challenge (i.e. aggregation and sedimentation) in this field. By adjusting the self-assembled patterns of the utilized block copolymer, MOF growth will be confined within the polymer interstices.

Objective 3: Bridging interfacial gaps between block copolymers and MOFs to address phase separation between polymers and MOFs in mixed matrix membranes. An efficient crosslinking technique will be employed to bridge interfacial gaps between polymers and MOFs to enhance chemical and thermal stability of the produced membranes.

Objective 4: Determining structure-property-performance relationships of the designed nanomembranes. Achieving this objective will yield new insights into engineering nanostructured, high-performance membranes and facilitate the establishment of design protocols for the next generation of membranes in a range of applications.

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme 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 membrane and materials would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of chemical engineering or materials engineering and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of gas separation is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 2, 2026. You can start in an earlier research quarter.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by the closing date for the research quarter (RQ) you want to start in:

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 Xiwang Zhang (xiwang.zhang@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: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: ZHANG-280325
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/engineering-nanomembranes-direct-air-capture-carbon-dioxide

Submit an EOI