PhD Opportunity: Electrochemical Synthesis for a Zero-Carbon Future

Inert molecules, such as CO₂ and N₂, have high bond energies (5.5eV for C=O and 9.8eV for N≡N). Therefore, industrial processes such as Sabatier reaction for CO2 reduction (400°C, 30atm, Ni catalyst) and Haber-Bosch process for N₂ fixation (450°C, 200atm, Fe catalyst) both require energy-intensive reaction conditions and expensive infrastructure. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer produced by the Haber-Bosch process provides food security for half of the global population (4 billion people) today. However, this industrial process accounts for 1.4% of global CO₂ emissions, 1-2% of the world’s total energy consumption, and nearly 40% of world’s hydrogen fuels every year. Using a combination of radical chemistry, plasma (air gap)-electrochemistry, magneto-electrochemistry, catalysis, and reactive interfaces, our group designs green and scalable methods to electrify chemical production processes.

About this opportunity:

Interested in learning about electrocatalysis and completing a PhD research degree in 3.5 years? We are looking for curious, energetic, and self-motivated candidates, whom are passionate about solving interdisciplinary problems.

Requirements:

- a major in Chemistry or related fields (e.g., Materials Science, Physics, or Chemical Engineering)

- a 4-year undergraduate degree (First Class Honours), or a Master’s Degree

- prior research experience (preferably with publication)

- excellent communication skills in English (preferably English native speaker or bilingual)

- an overall GPA of above 3.3/4.0 (or > 83/100 or top 15% in your class)

- coming from one of the top 200 universities worldwide (required), preferably top 100

The University of Sydney is ranked in the top 20 universities in the world.

Research scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, with exempted Tuition and $40k/yr stipend (tax free). Conference presentations and collaborative opportunities with top institutes are possible, depending on project and research performance.

How to apply:

Please submit this google form and attach your CV for initial screening:

https://forms.gle/4uZvWejpn3CQUhCy9

*no email nor platform enquiry please*

International (non-Australian) candidates should submit their applications 3-6 months in advance. Australian (domestic) candidates are encouraged to apply >2 months in advance.

- Please make sure that you meet all requirements specified above before submission.

- If you pass initial screening, you will likely receive an email from me to request more info within 1-2 weeks after applying.

- If you don't hear back >3 weeks after applying, that means you did not pass initial screening. Due to the large volume of applications that we receive on a daily basis, please do not send any follow-up email nor platform enquiry, otherwise your email may be considered as spam and will be blocked by our server.