The transition toward low-carbon energy systems requires new technologies capable of converting underutilised biomass residues into clean and dispatchable energy carriers. Sorption-enhanced chemical looping gasification (SECLG) is an emerging thermochemical platform that enables simultaneous biomass conversion and in-situ CO₂ capture for the production of hydrogen-rich gas. However, conventional SECLG systems rely on physically mixed oxygen-carrier and sorbent particles, which often suffer from diffusion limitations, carbon deposition, sintering, and loss of cyclic stability during repeated operation.
This PhD project aims to develop advanced integrated oxygen–carbon carrier materials for stable hydrogen-rich biomass conversion. The research introduces a descriptor-guided materials design approach in which the spatial arrangement of catalytic and CO₂-capture domains within engineered particles is treated as a measurable design parameter governing reaction coupling and long-term stability.
The project will investigate how active-site proximity and oxygen mobility influence hydrogen production, cyclic stability, and coke formation during thermochemical biomass conversion. The research combines advanced materials synthesis, thermochemical reactor experimentation, and materials characterisation to establish structure–function relationships for next-generation multifunctional looping materials.
The outcomes of this project are expected to contribute to the development of advanced low-carbon energy materials and biomass valorisation technologies relevant to future hydrogen and circular energy systems.
Aim
The aim of this project is to develop integrated oxygen–carbon carrier materials with controlled spatial architectures for stable hydrogen-rich biomass conversion via sorption-enhanced chemical looping gasification.
Objectives
The project will address the following objectives:
- Synthesize integrated oxygen–carbon carrier materials with controlled active-site proximity for sorption-enhanced biomass conversion.
- Investigate the influence of particle architecture on hydrogen production, cyclic stability, and carbon deposition behaviour.
- Examine the role of oxygen mobility in improving coke resistance and redox stability of integrated looping materials.
- Establish structure–function relationships linking material architecture with thermochemical performance under cyclic operating conditions.
Significance
This project is expected to generate new knowledge in multifunctional thermochemical materials and descriptor-guided materials engineering for biomass conversion systems. The research will provide insights into how spatial architecture influences reaction coupling and cyclic stability in integrated looping materials.
The anticipated outcomes include:
- development of integrated oxygen–carbon carrier materials with improved cyclic performance,
- enhanced understanding of coke formation and oxygen mobility in multifunctional particles,
- experimentally validated structure–function relationships for integrated looping systems,
- and high-quality publications in leading journals in energy materials and thermochemical conversion.
The project aligns with growing international interest in hydrogen production, carbon-neutral energy systems, and biomass valorisation technologies.
Ideal Candidate
We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate with a background in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, energy engineering, environmental engineering, or related disciplines. The ideal applicant should possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills, with an interest in thermochemical conversion, energy materials, catalysis, or reaction engineering. Experience in laboratory experimentation, thermal analysis, materials characterisation, or reactor operation will be advantageous. The candidate should be capable of working independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment. Additionally, the applicants should meet the eligibility criteria for entry into a PhD program at Curtin University.
This project is open to International and Domestic applicants.
Internship
Through this project you will also have an internship opportunity.
The internship provides students with hands-on experience in advanced environmental and energy engineering research focused on sustainable biomass conversion, hydrogen-rich gas production, and low-carbon energy materials. Interns will gain exposure to laboratory-scale thermochemical reactor systems, advanced materials synthesis, and analytical characterisation techniques including XRD, BET, TGA, and gas analysis. The opportunity is designed to develop practical research skills in thermochemical conversion, energy materials, and scientific data analysis within a multidisciplinary research environment at Curtin University.
Scholarship
If you are identified as the preferred candidate for this project, you may be considered for an RTP scholarship.
Enquires and How to Apply
For enquires about this opportunity contact Dr Arun Vuppaladadiyam at Arun.Kv@curtin.edu.au
To formally apply submit an Expression of Interest to Dr Arun Vuppaladadiyam during the Central Scholarship round (July 1st – July 31st 2026)