Engineering next-generation nanocatalysts for solar-driven production of methanol

Carbon oxides (CO2 and CO) are generated in vast quantities as emissions or low-value by-products of industries such as non-ferrous metallurgy, fossil-fuel power generation, and biomass/waste gasification, yet remain a largely untapped feedstock for value-added chemical production. 

This project will design and develop advanced nanostructured catalysts for solar-driven conversion of CO2 or CO, including dilute, industrially relevant gas streams, into methanol and related fuels, via photothermal pathway. 

You will gain hands-on training in nanomaterials synthesis and advanced characterisation (XRD, HAADF-STEM, EELS, XAS, XPS, synchrotron techniques) to build robust structure–activity relationships, with access to UQ's catalyst synthesis and characterisation facilities and Australian Synchrotron beamtime.

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 and characterisation capabilities. 

Synthesis facilities include flame spray pyrolysis for scalable catalyst production, atomic layer deposition for precise structural control, solvothermal reactors for morphology tuning, and colloidal synthesis setups for uniform nanostructure fabrication.

In-house characterisation tools include X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy,  and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, supported by high-resolution imaging and electronic-structure analysis via HAADF-STEM, EELS, and XPS at UQ's analytical centres. 

The team has regular access to synchrotron facilities at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

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 nanomaterials synthesis (e.g. colloidal synthesis, atomic layer deposition, solvothermal methods) and heterogeneous catalysis would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

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

A background or knowledge of catalyst characterisation techniques and reaction mechanistic investigation 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: NANOCATALYST-LU
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/engineering-next-generation-nanocatalysts-solar-driven-production-methanol

Submit an EOI