Solar-Driven Co-Production of Hydrogen and Green Chemicals via Photoelectrochemical Systems

About the Project

The global transition toward net zero energy systems requires hydrogen production technologies that are not only low carbon but also resource efficient and economically attractive. Photoelectrochemical systems, in which sunlight drives coupled oxidation and hydrogen evolution reactions, offer a compelling route to simultaneously produce renewable hydrogen and valuable chemical products under mild operating conditions. This PhD project will investigate next generation photoelectrochemical platforms that enable the solar driven co production of hydrogen and green chemicals, with a focus on materials innovation, reaction selectivity and integrated system performance.

The research will centre on the development of advanced semiconductor photoelectrodes and catalytic interfaces for efficient solar energy conversion, together with the design of complete photoelectrochemical cells and reactor concepts. A central theme of the project is the selective formation of green chemicals, particularly low carbon organic acids such as formic acid, oxalic acid and glycolic acid. These compounds have significant industrial relevance and their co production alongside hydrogen offers a pathway to improve both the environmental and economic performance of solar driven hydrogen technologies.

The project will combine laboratory experimentation with performance evaluation under simulated sunlight and chemical analysis of reaction products, alongside broader system level considerations such as energy efficiency and sustainability indicators in order to assess future deployment potential. The candidate will operate within a multidisciplinary research environment spanning chemical engineering, materials science and renewable energy technologies and will contribute to high quality publications in the fields of solar fuels, sustainable chemistry and circular economy systems.

The ideal candidate is a prospective PhD applicant holding a strong undergraduate or masters degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a closely related discipline and will demonstrate enthusiasm for renewable energy research and laboratory based investigation. Prior experience in electrochemistry, catalysis or materials research will be advantageous. The project is well suited to an independent and curious researcher who is motivated to tackle open ended challenges at the interface of sustainability and advanced engineering.

Main Supervisor: Prof. Chong Meng Nan, Monash University

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Yaw Chong Siang, Monash University