Unravelling the photothermal effect in solar methanol synthesis

Photothermal catalysis harnesses both light and heat from sunlight to drive chemical reactions, offering a promising route to convert small molecules (such as CO2 or CO) into fuels like methanol under mild, energy-efficient conditions. 

However, it is still not well understood how the light-driven and heat-driven effects work together to influence catalyst performance. 

This project will take a combined experimental and computational approach to build a clearer picture of these processes. 

On the experimental side, you will test catalysts under different light and temperature conditions and use spectroscopic techniques to observe how the catalyst behaves during the reaction. 

On the computational side, you will use modelling tools (such as DFT, MD) to understand catalyst structure and reaction pathways at the atomic level, working alongside computational collaborators. 

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, including synthesis facilities, in-house characterisation tools and advanced X-ray facilities at UQ's analytical centres. 

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

For computational work, you will have access to UQ's Research Computing Centre high-performance computing facilities (e.g. the Bunya cluster) as well as national supercomputing resources through the National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) and the Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre, supporting DFT and related electronic-structure calculations.

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, materials science, or catalysis would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

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

A background or knowledge of both materials science and computational modelling (e.g. DFT, MD) 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: PHOTOTHERMAL-LU
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/unravelling-photothermal-effect-solar-methanol-synthesis

Submit an EOI