Solar-driven biotransformation of CO2 into renewable energy

The project will develop an electro-active biotic-abiotic hybrid (e-BAH) bioreactor, integrating photocatalytic materials with electro-active anaerobic microorganisms. 

In this system, photocatalysts capture solar energy to generate electrons, which are subsequently utilised by microorganisms to convert CO₂ into methane. The technology therefore provides a potentially sustainable pathway for simultaneously managing carbon emissions and producing renewable energy.

You will focus particularly on the microbial and bioprocess engineering aspects of the e-BAH system, including the enrichment, optimisation, and characterisation of electro-active microbial communities and their integration into engineered bioreactors.

This multidisciplinary project sits at the interface of environmental biotechnology, microbial ecology, anaerobic bioprocess engineering, microbial electrochemistry, photocatalysis, and carbon resource recovery.

You will be based at the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB) at The University of Queensland's St Lucia campus. 

The research environment provides access to facilities and expertise in anaerobic biotechnology, microbial cultivation, bioreactor operation, electrochemical systems, gas analysis, molecular biology, microbial ecology, sequencing, bioinformatics, and advanced process monitoring.

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 environmental biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, microbial ecology, or microbial electrochemistry would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of environmental engineering, chemical engineering, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemical engineering, or a closely related discipline and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of anaerobic biotechnology, bioreactor operation, microbial cultivation, microbial electrochemistry, molecular biology, microbial ecology, or CO₂ bioconversion is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 29 October, 2026 29 October, 2026.

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 Zhetai Hu (zhetai.hu@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: BIOTRANSFORMATION-HU
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/solar-driven-biotransformation-co2-renewable-energy

Submit an EOI