Climate change necessitates a transition to renewable energy sources for Australia to achieve its net-zero goal by 2050. Renewable biofuels offer a promising path toward decarbonising sectors like energy, transport and waste. Fast pyrolysis, a promising technology converting biomass into renewable bio-oil, has received tremendous attention, but the low quality of bio-oil (i.e., low heating value, high viscosity, and poor stability) hinders its commercial applications for large-scale production of transportation fuels. The quality of bio-oil is largely determined by the composition of condensable volatiles generated during biomass pyrolysis. A key knowledge gap exists regarding the formation of condensable volatiles, including ejected aerosols which significantly contribute to operational difficulties and poor bio-oil quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aim <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biomass pyrolysis process involves complicated chemical reactions, heat transfer, mass transfer, and phase changes, making it difficult to elucidate the biomass pyrolysis mechanism. This project proposes a systematic investigation of the pyrolysis chemistry in the molten liquid intermediate phase and the formation of condensable volatiles during biomass pyrolysis. This research will significantly advance our understanding of the fundamental mechanism of biomass pyrolysis and lead to the development of novel strategies for high-quality bio-oil production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Objectives <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The objectives of the project include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Significance <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project will significantly enhance the understanding of fundamental mechanisms during biomass pyrolysis, greatly contributing to the development of advanced pyrolysis technology to produce high-quality bio-oil from biomass and waste with low (or even negative) carbon footprints, bringing significant economic, energy, environmental, social benefits to Australia. This project will also greatly contribute to the development of the biofuel industry in rural and regional Australia, and largely decarbonise Australia’s transport and waste sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideal Candidate <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are looking for a self-motivated PhD candidate with a strong academic record in Chemical Engineering and other related areas. Candidates with strong research experience in biomass pyrolysis are desired for this project. Must be eligible to enrol in PhD programs at Curtin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This project is open to Domestic applicants only.<\/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 Dr Yun Yu at Yun.Yu@curtin.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n