ProfessorYuan Chen

Project Opportunities

Title: Single walled carbon nanotube chirality control

Summary of opportunity:

 

Design novel catalysts to control the chirality of single walled carbon nanotubes

 

Opportunity synopsis:

 

Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are hollow carbon cylinders rolled up from one layer of graphene sheet. Depending on the rolling direction of the graphene sheet, SWCNTs have different chirality, which lead to their unique electronic and optical properties. SWCNTs can be either metallic or semiconducting with different band gaps. Due to their ultrathin body of ~1 nm in diameter, ballistic transport properties, and intrinsic band gaps, SWCNT based electronic transistors are considered as a potential disruptive force in the electronics industry. As SWCNTs can emit and detect electromagnetic energy in narrow wavelength windows, they are building blocks for new generation of optoelectronic devices. However, SWCNTs synthesized from all existing methods have a wide distribution of diameter and chirality. This structure-property diversity is a major hurdle in their applications. In the prevailing synthesis method (catalytic chemical vapour deposition), gaseous carbon precursor is catalytically converted into a solid nanotube at the surface of reactive catalysts. Previous experimental studies show that high-chiral-angle small diameter SWCNTs can be obtained using chiral selective catalysts. However, the origin of this selectivity is unclear. A number of mechanisms were proposed, but experimental evidences still could not provide a solid and convincing conclusion. It is fundamentally intriguing to better understand the chirality selectivity in SWCNT growth for developing novel methods to tailor chirality selectivity.

 

How to apply: To apply, please email yuan.chen@sydney.edu.au with the following:

• CV
• Transcripts

 

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Project Opportunities

Title: Assembly of three-dimensional carbon architectures

Summary of opportunity:

 

Developing novel assembly platforms to create new carbon architectures

 

Opportunity synopsis:

 

Carbon nanomaterials, such as 2D graphene sheets and 1D carbon nanotubes (CNTs), have been widely regarded as promising electrode materials for capacitive energy storage attributed to their ultrahigh surface area, excellent conductivity, and high mechanical and chemical stability. However, pristine graphene sheets and CNTs usually stack or bundle together because of the strong π-π interactions among sp2-bonded carbon atoms. Ions in electrolytes cannot access these narrow spaces between stacked graphene layers or among bundled carbon nanotubes to enable efficient capacitive energy storage. Carbon nanomaterials can be solvated by introducing functional groups on their surface to obtain well-dispersed aqueous dispersion. Hydrothermal process enables heterogeneous or homogeneous chemical reactions in the presence of a solvent (whether aqueous or nonaqueous) above room temperature and at pressure greater than 1 atm in a closed system. During the hydrothermal process, surface functional groups on carbon surface can be slowly removed, thus shifting the balance of colloid forces among dispersed carbon nanomaterials from repulsive force dominant to attractive force dominate, and forming aggregated carbon architectures. We are interested in developing novel assembly platforms to create new carbon architectures. 

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Project Opportunities

Title: Carbon fibre supercapacitors and wearable devices

Summary of opportunity:

 

Developing carbon fibre based fibre supercapacitors and wearable devices

 

Opportunity synopsis:

 

Mankind has always desired to augment natural abilities to better adapt to and control the environments. In science fiction, people have long been interested with a future where humans and machines become one. At the current stage, wearable devices are clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic techniques, which help to expand our natural abilities. From wristbands and glasses to clothing and even body embedded devices, wearable technology is undergoing a rapid evolution and growth. A fundamental challenge of developing sustainable wearable devices is to find efficient energy solutions. New generation of sensors is also necessary to create a closer relationship between wearable devices and the human body. We are particularly interested in utilizing carbon nanomaterials to address three issues for creating new generation of wearable devices: (1) developing hybrid carbon fibres for high performance fabric/textile energy storage devices with long-term cyclability and good wearability, (2) exploring stretchable fibre sensors to detect body motion and ion signals for monitoring the physiology of wearers, and (3) building carbon nanotube-polymer composite based light weight and flexible thermoelectric generators to recover waste heat from the wearers to electrical energy without the need of carrying additional batteries.

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Project Opportunities

Title: Carbon material-based electrocatalysts

Summary of opportunity:

 

Using microorganisms, particularly bacterial cells, as a novel precursor to synthesize heterogeneous carbon materials as electrocatalytic catalysts for key electrochemical reactions

 

Opportunity synopsis:

 

A few electrochemical reactions are important for sustainable energy conversion. For example, using renewable energy sources generated electrical energy to reduce water through hydrogen evolution reaction is a sustainable route of producing hydrogen as an energy carrier. Electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen oxidation reaction are critical in energy conversion systems such as fuel cells. The conversion of CO2 directly to liquid fuels by renewable energy is a potential solution to the increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration. Electrocatalysts of high catalytic activity, durability, and low cost are needed for these reactions. Precious metals, such as platinum and its alloys, usually have good catalytic activities for some of these reactions. However, their large-scale commercialization is restricted by a shortage of these precious metals, high cost, and poor durability. As sustainable metal-free catalysts, many types of carbon-based materials have been explored as electrocatalysts, including CNTs, graphene, fullerenes, mesoporous carbon structures, and a wide range of their derivatives, such as, carbon quantum dots, nanocage, nanofibers, nanoribbon, nanocaspuslate, and nanohorn. It is often found that the incorporation of heteroatoms, such as nitrogen (N), oxygen (P), boron (B), phosphorus (P), or sulfur (S) in carbon materials, can significantly change their catalytic activities.  Most of the current methods used to synthesize heterogeneous carbon materials require high purity chemicals and gases, excessive amount of strong acids and bases, or costly organic precursors. It is therefore desirable to develop a green and cost-effective process that can synthesize heterogeneous carbon materials with high electrocatalytic activities. We are using microorganisms, particularly bacterial cells, as a novel precursor to synthesize heterogeneous carbon materials as electrocatalytic catalysts for key electrochemical reactions.

 

How to apply:  To apply, please email yuan.chen@sydney.edu.au with the following:

• CV
• Transcripts

 

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Project Opportunities

Title: Nanocarbon for membrane application

Summary of opportunity:

 

Developing carbon hybrid composite membranes  

 

Opportunity synopsis:

 

Carbon nanomaterial-enabled technology is drawing growing interests among many strategies adopted to alleviate our current environmental issues. Carbon nanomaterials can be used as sorbent for metal ions, organic compounds, and gases; as photocatalytic materials for degradation of organic compounds, reduction of heavy metals and water disinfection; as building blocks for water treatment and desalination membranes; and as electrode materials for contaminant monitoring or removal. Our current research in this area focuses on the use of carbon nanomaterials in composite membranes for water treatment processes or food packaging. We aim to develop carbon hybrid membranes, in which different carbon nanomaterials can synergistically adjust salt rejection and water permeability to provide superior performances. 

 

How to apply: To apply, please email yuan.chen@sydney.edu.au with the following:

• CV
• Transcripts

 

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Project Opportunities

Title: Antibacterial activity of carbon nanomaterials

Summary of opportunity:

 

Understanding the antibacterial activity of carbon nanomaterials and exploring their practical applications

 

Opportunity synopsis:

 

For decades, drugs called antibiotics saved millions of lives by inhibiting bacteria that causes infectious diseases. But sadly, overuse and misuse of antibiotics made them no longer that active against pathogens as bacteria acquire resistance. Now we need new antibiotics to fight resistant bacteria, but antibiotics research reached a saturation phase and discovery of new antibiotic molecules has become a rare event. So, there is an urgent need to find new alternatives to reduce the usage of antibiotics. Carbon nanomaterials have been shown to be promising antibacterial agents. However, their antibacterial activity was relatively low and they show toxicity to human cells at high dose of usage. We aim to better understand their antibacterial activities and explore their practical applications in surface cleaning and health cares.

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Project Opportunities

Title: Novel electrodes and electrolytes for zinc ion batteries

 

Research Areas:

 

Battery; energy storage materials

 

Opportunity synopsis:

 

Batteries are essential in our daily life. They are expected to become more critical in helping us achieve carbon neutrality in the middle of this century for powering electric vehicles and storing electricity generated from renewable sources. However, current dominant lithium-ion batteries are not sustainable. We need more environmentally sustainable and cheaper alternatives. Rechargeable zinc ion batteries are promising next-generation energy storage devices with inherent safety and low-cost advantages. This project will improve zinc ion batteries’ energy density and long-term stability, enabling their potential commercialization. In particular, built upon our previous experience, innovative zinc anodes, metal oxide, carbon-based cathodes, and addictives for aqueous electrolytes will be studied. Working with an industrial partner, zinc ion battery prototypes will be fabricated and tested using industrial standards. Students with previous battery research experience are more suitable for this project.

 

Successful candidate must:

• Have previous research experience in battery electrodes or electrolytes
• Have journal publications (preferred)

 

How to apply: To apply, please email yuan.chen@sydney.edu.au with the following:

• CV
• Transcripts

 

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Project Opportunities

Title: Tandem processes for carbon dioxide utilization

 

Research Areas:

 

Catalyst, carbon dioxide reduction

 

Opportunity synopsis:

 

Excessive carbon dioxide emission is a crucial challenge for humanity in this century. One potential solution is converting carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals. Professor Yuan Chen’s team is developing novel catalytic processes for carbon dioxide utilization as a part of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide (GETCO2) (https://www.getco2.org/). GETCO2 is a new research Center funded by the Australian Research Council and seven leading Australian universities with multiple international university partners. The students in this project will be based at the University of Sydney and work closely with a team of researchers in GETCO2 to gain an improved fundamental understanding of electrocatalysts and develop innovative processes to convert carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals. In particular, tandem processes that integrate electrochemical and thermal catalytic processes will be explored.

 

Offering:

A PhD scholarship for 3.5 years at the RTP stipend rate (currently $40,109 in 2024). International applicants will have their tuition fees covered.

 

Successful candidate must:

• Have a Bachelors degree (1st class honours or equivalent) or a Masters degree
• Have previous research experience in catalysts and carbon dioxide reduction
• Have journal publications (preferred)
•  

How to apply: To apply, please email yuan.chen@sydney.edu.au with the following:

• CV
• Transcripts

 

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Project Opportunities

Title: Utilization of carbon materials from methane pyrolysis for battery applications

 

Research Areas:

 

Carbon materials, battery

 

Opportunity synopsis:

 

CH₄ pyrolysis (CH₄ ® 2H₂ + C), in which CH₄ is split into H₂ and solid carbon without generating CO₂, is a potential bridge technology from fossil fuels to a renewable and sustainable H₂ economy. Diverse types of carbon materials, such as carbon black, graphite, carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, and hybrids of different carbon materials, can be produced from CH₄ pyrolysis, often with limited control over their structures and purity. A substantial technical gap exists in controlling carbon materials and realizing their practical applications. The project will explore novel synthesis methods to maintain the structure of carbon materials and new cost-effective purification methods to obtain high-purity carbon materials required for battery applications. Their applications in lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and carbon-carbon batteries will be comprehensively studied to enable further industrial scale-up and commercial adoption.

 

Offering:

A PhD scholarship for 3.5 years at the RTP stipend rate (currently $40,109 in 2024). International applicants will have their tuition fees covered.

 

Successful candidate must:

• Have a Bachelors degree (1st class honours or equivalent) or a Masters degree
• Have previous research experience in carbon materials/batteries
• Have journal publications (preferred)

 

How to apply: To apply, please email yuan.chen@sydney.edu.au with the following:

• CV
• Transcripts

 

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Project Opportunities

Title: Utilization of carbon materials from methane pyrolysis for water treatment applications

Summary of opportunity:

 

Research Areas:

 

Carbon materials, water treatment

 

Opportunity synopsis:

 

CH₄ pyrolysis (CH₄ ® 2H₂ + C), in which CH₄ is split into H₂ and solid carbon without generating CO₂, is a potential bridge technology from fossil fuels to a renewable and sustainable H₂ economy. Diverse types of carbon materials, such as carbon black, graphite, carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, and hybrids of different carbon materials, can be produced from CH₄ pyrolysis, often with limited control over their structures and purity. A substantial technical gap exists in controlling carbon materials and realizing their practical applications. The resulting carbon materials contain sustainable iron residues when iron catalysts are used in CH₄ pyrolysis. The project will explore unpurified carbon/iron composite materials for water treatment applications. In particular, we are interested in their roles as tri-functional adsorbents and catalysts for organic contaminant degradation. The adsorption capacity in removing different types of organic contaminants will be studied. Their roles in catalyzing hydrogen peroxide synthesis and serving as electro-Fenton catalysts to enable advanced oxidation will also be examined.

 

Offering:

A PhD scholarship for 3.5 years at the RTP stipend rate (currently $40,109 in 2024). International applicants will have their tuition fees covered.

 

Successful candidate must:

• Have a Bachelors degree (1st class honours or equivalent) or a Masters degree
• Have previous research experience in carbon materials and water treatment
• Have journal publications (preferred)

 

How to apply: To apply, please email yuan.chen@sydney.edu.au with the following:

• CV
• Transcripts

 

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Project Opportunities

Title: Electrified catalysts for efficient chemical processes

 

Opportunity synopsis:

 

For standard chemical processes, energy efficiency can be defined by the ratio of chemical energy stored in products over the total energy supplied to the reactor. However, conventional heating methods have significant heat loss, resulting in poor energy utilization efficiency. An emerging technology is Joule-heated reactors, in which electric currents flow through the catalysts to provide thermal energy directly to reaction sites. This approach may reduce energy loss significantly. The project will explore this new approach for methane pyrolysis and other suitable endothermic chemical reactions. The relationship between reaction temperature, conversion rate, and energy efficiency will be established. Further, engineering simulation tools (such as Ansys) will be used to simulate heat and mass transfer to guide the further optimization of reaction conditions. Students with a reaction engineering background and previous experience in engineering simulation are more suitable for this project.

 

Successful candidate must:

• Have previous research experience in catalyst and reaction engineering
• Have journal publications (preferred)

 

How to apply: To apply, please email yuan.chen@sydney.edu.au with the following:

• CV
• Transcripts

 

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Project Opportunities

Title: Techno-economic and life cycle analysis of new carbon synthesis processes

Research Area:

 

Techno-economic analysis, life-cycle anaylysis

 

Opportunity synopsis:

 

This project will involve conducting detailed techno-economic and life-cycle analyses of new carbon synthesis processes, such as methane pyrolysis using iron ore catalysts and direct Joule heating. Their environmental and market impacts will be studied against benchmark standards of current carbon material products and engaged with potential industrial partners to evaluate scale-up and commercialization opportunities. Students with previous experience in techno-economic and life-cycle analysis are more suitable for this project.

 

Successful candidate must:

• Have previous research experience in techno-economic and life-cycle analyses
• Have journal publications

 

How to apply: To apply, please email yuan.chen@sydney.edu.au with the following:

• CV
• Transcripts

 

 

----------Current Research Projects----------

• Carbon materials from methane pyrolysis for battery and water treatment applications
• Carbon/metal electrocatalysts for electrochemical conversions: Carbon dioxide reduction,water splitting, hydrogen peroxide synthesis, advanced oxidation
• Zinc-based batteries: Zinc anodes, cathode materials, oxygen electrocatalysts, and electrolytes
• Carbon composite electrodes for supercapacitors and hybrid capacitors
• Nanocarbon for environmental applications: membranes and antibacterial materials
• Chirality selective synthesis ofsingle-walled carbon nanotubes