Accelerating Hydrogen Economy

Summary

Hydrogen is an extremely important industrial chemical but is also a clean fuel or as an energy carrier whether in the form of liquid hydrogen or liquid ammonia replacing carbon-containing fuels thereby reducing CO2 emission.
The concept of using H2 as an energy carrier has generated immense research and development activities as well as investment opportunities to promote the use of and the import of zero-emission hydrogen causing a resurgence of hydrogen economy. Cleary, carbon-free production of H2 (without the use of carbon-containing feedstock or the release of carbon-containing gas) is most desirable. 
A complimentary scholarship for this project may be available through a competitive process. To find out more, refer to the Faculty of Science Postgraduate Research Excellence Award and contact Prof Anita Ho-Baillie directly.

Supervisor

Professor Anita Ho-Baillie.

Research location

School of Physics

Program type

PHD

Synopsis

The direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion via photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a clean route for synthesizing high purity H2. The "storing" of solar energy in H2 also solves the problem of solar intermittency problem. In addition, stored solar energy is made "mobile" where liquid H2 or NH3 can be shipped from one geographical location to another. 
For practical application, high solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency is required motivating research into low cost and high performance monolithic photovoltaic-electrochemical device for the production of clean hydrogen through water splitting. 
Join Anita Ho-Baillie's group for discovering new science for device demonstrations. The research will provide students with exciting opportunities to tackle challenging problems creating new inventions.

Additional information

A complimentary scholarship for this project may be available through a competitive process. To find out more, refer to the Faculty of Science Postgraduate Research Excellence Award and contact Prof Anita Ho-Baillie directly. 
HDR Inherent Requirements
In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include

• Confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
• Confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo, etc.);
• Ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
• Ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
• Ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
• Ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
• Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
• Ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
• Hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
• Hold a current scuba diving license;
• Hold a current Working with Children Check;
• Meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)

You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.

Want to find out more?

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 2815

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