Australia\u2019s ambition to become a global leader in low-carbon energy exports depends on developing safe, efficient, and scalable methods for transporting renewable energy. Hydrogen is widely recognised as a versatile and high-potential energy carrier; however, current international transport methods \u2014 such as liquefied hydrogen, ammonia, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) \u2014 face significant economic and safety challenges.
This project addresses that gap by advancing sodium borohydride (NaBH\u2084), a recyclable, hydrogen-rich solid, as a next-generation hydrogen carrier. With its high energy density, powder form, and inherent safety advantages, NaBH\u2084 represents a transformative solution for the large-scale export of green hydrogen at a significantly reduced cost.
Since 2019, the Hydrogen Storage Research Group (HSRG) at Curtin University has been at the forefront of NaBH\u2084 research in collaboration with industry partner Velox Energy. The project has recently secured $5 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), complemented by an additional $3.5 million from internal and external sources. This support has enabled the expansion of R&D capacity through skilled personnel, advanced instrumentation, and facility upgrades.
Building on these foundations, this proposal seeks to advance the project to its next critical phase: optimizing synthesis and scale-up processes and developing a pilot plant. The goal is to commercialize sodium borohydride as a practical, scalable solution for renewable hydrogen export, positioning Australia as a global clean energy leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aim <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project focuses on three key aims:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each of these processes has been demonstrated on a lab scale but requires further development to enhance cost efficiency and yield for commercial success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Objectives <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This project aims to advance a sustainable hydrogen storage cycle by focusing on the efficient electrochemical regeneration of sodium borohydride (NaBH\u2084) from sodium metaborate, a by-product of hydrogen release. Leveraging the Hydrogen Storage Research Group’s (HSRG) extensive expertise in electrochemical synthesis and access to world-class research facilities, the specific objectives are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Significance <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This project addresses a critical challenge in the global transition to net-zero: the efficient storage and transport of green hydrogen. By developing a high-density hydrogen storage material derived from renewable sources, this work will enable cost-effective and scalable transport of clean energy across regions and borders \u2014 a cornerstone of the future global green energy economy.
The outcomes directly support several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A successful outcome will represent a major step toward establishing a circular, sustainable hydrogen economy \u2014 reshaping energy storage, transport, and usage for future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideal Candidate <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PhD applicant of this project should have a background in physics, chemistry or materials science with Honours 1 or Master\u2019s by Research degree. It will be beneficial for them to have a relevant experience with chemical and electrochemical synthesis and analytical techniques including XRD, DSC-TGA, SEM, NMR and FT-IR, including research outputs in refereed journals or conferences. Additionally, the applicants should meet the eligibility criteria for entry into a PhD program at Curtin University.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This project is open to Domestic applicants only.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scholarship <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are identified as the preferred candidate for this project, you may be considered for an RTP scholarship<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Enquires and How to Apply <\/p>\n\n\n\n For enquires about this opportunity contact Associate Professor Terry Humphries at\u00a0Terry.Humphries@curtin.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n