High Performance electrodes for Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells

The research will be supported by an Australian Research Council Discovery Project. Protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) are a novel electrochemical device that can generate electricity directly from hydrogen or hydrogen carbons with high efficiency at  temperature below 600 degree C. But it is still challenged by a lack of suitable electrodes. This project aims to develop high performance electrodes, particularly cathodes, for PCFCs with high activity and high stability, thus greatly promoting the widespread utilisation of this promising clean technology.

The project will be conducted at the School of Chemical Engineering, UQ. The research will use world class laboratory facilities, including electrochemical testing equipment in School of Chemical Engineering and access to advanced characterisation (SEM, TEM, etc) facilities in UQ's Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis.

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 chemistry, phyiscs, and chemical engineering would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

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

A background or knowledge of electrochemistry, fuel cells, electrodes, or catalysts is highly desirable.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Professor John Zhu (z.zhu@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 3 April, 2025 3 April, 2025.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. 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'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter PROTONIC-RUFFORD.

Apply now