This project is funded by an ARC Linkage Project collaborating with the industry partner Woodside Energy. The purpose of this scholarship is to support THREE future PhD students in conducting research on the topic of “Thermochemical energy storage and greenhouse gas conversion”. The PhD research projects are important part of an ARC Linkage Project which aims to design and develop novel perovskite-based materials to realise both thermochemical energy storage and greenhouse gas upgrading at reduced operation temperatures featuring high efficiency, selectivity, superior stability, and cost effectiveness. This project should provide significant benefits to achieve energy and environmental sustainability for Australia.
Aim
This project aims to develop a novel thermochemical looping method for converting methane and carbon dioxide, two prominent greenhouse gases, into value-added synthesis gas using renewable solar as energy input.
Objectives
The objectives are to develop an innovative class of self-regenerative, nanoparticles-modified perovskite oxides with excellent activity and superior stability to serve as bi-functional catalysts for both methane partial oxidation and CO2 splitting.
Significance
This project is expected to achieve both thermal energy storage and greenhouse gas upgrading with commercial opportunities. This should provide significant benefits to realise energy and environmental sustainability for Australia.
Ideal Candidate
Candidates should have Masters or bachelor (Honours) degree in Chemistry (e.g., Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Electrochemistry) or Engineering (e.g., Chemical, Materials, Environmental, Resources), or equivalent degree.
Candidates with a background or interest in chemistry, chemical physics, energy engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, mineral processing, or a related field, are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must meet the minimum academic entry requirement for admission into the Doctor of Philosophy program https://research.curtin.edu.au/postgraduate/ including the English proficiency levels set by Curtin University.
This project is open to domestic applicants only.
Scholarship
These Scholarships are funded by the an ARC Linkage Project in collaboration with industry partner, Woodside Energy, to support students to pursue a PhD program dedicated to energy transition research.
Three scholarships are available to support a successful candidate with a living stipend, up to the value of $38440 per annum, based on full-time enrolment, for a maximum period of 3.5 years.
Applications close 28th of February 2026
Enquiries
For enquires please contact Prof Zongping Shao at zongping.shao@curtin.edu.au
To apply please submit a formal Expression of Interest.