Mission
We are dedicated to addressing the urgent energy and environmental challenges posed by anthropogenic climate change. Driven by the vision of a net-zero emission future, we conduct cutting-edge research in the field of electrochemical energy conversion, transforming Earth-abundant resources into valuable fuels and chemicals using renewable electricity.
Methodology
Our approach integrates rational design and synthesis of electrocatalyst materials, in-depth reaction mechanism studies using advanced characterisation techniques, and innovative reactor and reaction system design and engineering. We combine expertise from experimental and computational studies – we employ theoretical calculations to elucidate reaction mechanisms and guide the development of novel catalysts, develop high-throughput and autonomous methods, and integrate with artificial intelligence (AI), accelerating the discovery and optimisation of electrocatalytic processes.
We conduct our research in below twofold.
Circular Carbon
Circular carbon utilisation offers a pathway to close the carbon cycle, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a promising technology for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels. However, CO2RR is a complex process with multiple proton/electron transfer steps, leading to challenges in achieving high selectivity and efficiency. Our research in this area focuses on designing and optimising catalysts to enhance the activity, selectivity, and stability of CO2RR towards desired products. For example, we are exploring the use of copper-based catalysts with tailored morphologies and compositions to promote the formation of valuable products such as ethylene and ethanol. We employ advanced characterisation techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to analyse the catalyst surface and understand the structure-activity relationships. We are also investigating the use of functional organic molecules and electrolyte additives to enhance carbon utilisation efficiency and tune the reaction pathway.
In addition to CO2RR, we are exploring other circular carbon strategies, such as the electrochemical conversion of biomass-derived compounds into value-added products. This approach leverages renewable carbon sources and contributes to a more sustainable carbon cycle.
Green Hydrogen and Ammonia
Green hydrogen and ammonia, synthesised electrochemically, hold immense promise as clean and versatile energy carriers. Ammonia, with its high hydrogen content (17.6 wt%) and existing infrastructure for storage and transportation, is a promising hydrogen carrier. Hydrogen and ammonia offer a pathway to decarbonise sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy-duty transportation and industry. However, significant challenges remain in achieving cost-competitive green hydrogen production, efficient ammonia synthesis, and safe and effective hydrogen storage and transportation. Our research addresses these challenges through the following:
Water electrolysis: We are developing novel electrocatalyst materials with enhanced activity and stability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). We are also designing and optimising new electrolysers to minimise ohmic losses and mass transport limitations, thereby improving the overall efficiency and durability.
Electrochemical ammonia synthesis: Electrochemical ammonia synthesis offers a sustainable alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, which currently accounts for approximately 1.4% of global CO2 emissions. We are developing novel electrocatalysts and reactor designs to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of ammonia synthesis from nitrogen and water. We are also exploring strategies to suppress the competing HER and optimise the electrochemical process conditions to achieve commercially viable ammonia production rates.
Ammonia cracking for on-site hydrogen production: We are developing efficient electrochemical ammonia cracking technologies to release hydrogen from ammonia on demand. Our goal is to achieve high hydrogen release rates with energy input competitive to thermos-crackers, enabling the use of ammonia as a viable hydrogen carrier for various applications.
Funding Support
Our research endeavour is funded by a number of fundings and grants. Selective current ones include:
– ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide (GETCO2, 2023-2030)
– ARC Future Fellowship (FT240100376): Electrocatalytic green ammonia synthesis using reactive dinitrogen (2025-2029)
– Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA): Advanced Manufacturing Alkaline Electrolyser Cell-Stacks for Affordable and Scalable Green Hydrogen Production Project (2024-2029)
– ARC Discovery Project (DP220102246): Plasma-catalytic bubbles for sustainable ammonia (2022-2025)
In addition, our research is enabled by facility and resource support from:
– ANSTO - Australian Synchrotron
– ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF)
– USYD/NHMRC Equipment Grant