This project aims to to address the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions through the development of high-entropy colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals as multifunctional electrocatalysts for enhanced electrochemical redox reactions. A key innovation of the project is the implementation of a novel synthesis approach to create advanced functional nanomaterials with outstanding catalytic performance. The research is expected to generate new insights in electrochemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology, while broadening the application of high-entropy nanomaterials in electrocatalysis. Ultimately, the project may contribute to future industrial advancements in nanomaterials for sustainable energy generation.
Aim
This project aims to develop seed-mediated synthesis strategies to harness high-entropy colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals with precise composition, size and shape control towards multifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction, open up a new avenue towards value-added fuels production, and foster early-career researchers in the fields of materials chemistry and new energy conversion and storage technologies.
Objectives
- To develop novel synthesis strategies for preparing high-entropy nanocrystals with precise control in terms of chemical composition, size and shape.
- To reveal the massive possible atomic configurations and quasi-continuous distribution of surface energy levels of high-entropy nanocrystals relating to their remarkable performance in oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction by advanced characterisations and computational simulations.
- To construct and test metal-air batteries and electrochemical hydrogen production of water electrolysis systems using high-entropy nanocrystals as electrode materials to accomplish efficient oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction simultaneously
Significance
This project will develop novel colloidal synthesis strategies to fabricate high-entropy nanocrystals with precise control in terms of chemical composition, size and shape, and further employ such materials as multifunctional electrocatalysts to boost oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction in both metal-air batteries and hydrogen production of water electrolysis systems, providing the basis for renewable electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies, provide a solution to tackle the current energy issue that modern society relies on the fossil resources and develop new technologies for energy industries.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a self-motivated PhD candidate with excellent organisation, problem-solving and project management skills. Candidates with scientific publications and research experiences in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, electric engineering or related fields are preferred.
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.
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 Professor Guohua Jia at Guohua.Jia@curtin.edu.au
To formally apply submit an Expression of Interest to Professor Guohua Jia during the Central Scholarship round (July 1st – July 31st 2026)