Template-based development of conductive mesoporous Inorganic materials for electrocatalytic applications

This project aims to develop novel conductive mesoporous inorganic materials (non-oxides) by template-based methods. These mesoporous inorganic materials will be optimised in terms of the composition, morphology, and porosity for electrocatalytic applications (such as oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and oxygen reduction reaction). The project will also involve in-depth characterisation of these mesoporous inorganic materials using various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc. Moreover, the project will involve the performance evaluation of these materials for electrocatalytic applications and investigation of the in

Ideally, you should have a previous experience in synthesising and characterising inorganic nanomaterials and conducting electrochemical measurements. You should also have a good knowledge in inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry or materials science as well as good analytical and project management skills. You should have good work ethics and high motivation to ensure successful completion of the project.

The project will make use of the characterisation facilities available at the Centre for Microscopy and Micoranalysis (CMM), including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The project will also use the microfabrication facilities available at the Australian National Fabrication Facility at The University of Queensland. The project will be based at the Yamauchi group's laboratory at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) which houses >$1M worth of synthetic facilities.

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

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.

You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.

Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.

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 synthesis and characterisation of porous inorganic materials and composites, electrochemical measurements, and electrocatalysis would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

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

A background or knowledge of inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, and nanomaterials engineering is highly desirable.

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

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. Contact Professor Yusuke Yamauchi (y.yamauchi@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.

Apply now