Value-added sustainable manufacturing of composite bipolar plates for redox flow batteries

This project aims to develop composite bipolar plates for redox flow batteries, a critical component in renewable energy storage systems.

The research will explore sustainable, cost-effective materials such as biomass carbon and recycled plastics and new manufacturing methods to enhance battery performance and durability.

The project will help reduce Australia’s reliance on imports and promote local value-added manufacturing. It also addresses global energy challenges by improving energy storage technologies, crucial for integrating renewable energy into power grids and achieving net-zero emissions.

The outcomes will benefit both the Australian manufacturing industry and broader community through sustainable energy solutions. 

This project will be conducted at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and School of Chemical Engineering within The University of Queensland, which provides a world-class, interdisciplinary research environment for energy storage and advanced materials development. The institute offers access to state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to electrochemistry, materials synthesis, and device prototyping.

The project will utilise well-established facilities for electrode and bipolar plate fabrication, including coating and composite processing equipment, hot-pressing systems, and materials preparation laboratories. Electrochemical performance will be evaluated using advanced workstations for techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and long-term charge–discharge testing of flow battery systems.

Comprehensive materials characterisation infrastructure is also available, including electron microscopy, surface analysis, and spectroscopy tools, enabling detailed investigation of structure–property relationships. In addition, access to shared central facilities and technical support ensures high-quality and reproducible experimental outcomes.

The research environment is further strengthened by an active HDR community and strong links with industry partners in energy storage, providing opportunities for collaboration and translation. Overall, the combination of advanced infrastructure, technical expertise, and collaborative support ensures the feasibility and impact of the proposed research.