Both the aviation and waste sectors contribute largely to Australia’s emissions, thus advanced technologies are urgently needed for decarbonising those sectors. Pyrolysis is a promising technology to convert mixed plastic waste into oil products, but the plastic pyrolysis oil cannot be directly used as jet fuel due to its poor quality. This project will develop an energy-efficient and cost-effective process to upgrade plastic pyrolysis oil into sustainable jet fuel.
Aim
This project aims to develop a novel upgrading process to enhance the yield and quality of jet fuel range hydrocarbons from plastic pyrolysis oil, contributing to the cost-effective production of sustainable jet fuel.
Objectives
This project will understand the fundamental mechanisms during the upgrading of plastic pyrolysis oil, providing new knowledge on selective condensation of pyrolysis oil and pyrolysis of heavy oil.
Significance
The project will not only significantly decarbonise Australia’s aviation and waste sectors, but also substantially contribute to the circular economy in Australia’s rural and regional areas.
Ideal candidate
- Full-time PhD (Chemical Engineering) only, enrolled via WA School of Mines (WASM) in the Bentley campus
- Show the capacity to carry out independent research and have adequate training
- Have a Master degree or bachelor degree with first class honours, or close to obtaining the degrees (e.g. in the last semester/final stage of the degree)
- Prior research experience and publication records strongly preferred
- Successful recipients must also not be in receipt of any other scholarship
Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by ARC Discovery Project. The scholarship will support one student to carry out fundamental research related to plastic pyrolysis oil upgrading. This scholarship includes a living stipend of $38440 p.a. pro rata indexed, based on full-time studies, for up to a maximum of 3.5 years.
Applications close: 31st March 2026. This project is open to domestic applicants only.
Enquiries
For enquires please contact Dr Yun Yu at yun.yu@curtin.edu.au
To apply please submit an Expression of Interest to Dr Yun Yu.