The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide (GETCO2) gathers a critical mass of expertise to tackle the worldās biggest challenge ā carbon dioxide. Led by The University of Queensland, GETCO2 is a $45M, 7-year collaboration funded by the ARC, university, industry, and government partners. GETCO2 is the worldās largest research endeavour focusing on conversion of CO2 into useful products such as fuels and chemicals. Acting as a focal point for research, training, technology translation and advice, GETCO2 is positioned as a global leader in carbon dioxide transformation. The Centre aims to generate long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits by building capacity and capability to address national and international net-zero obligations. Further information about the Centre can be found at www.getco2.org
Positions include:
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Hybrid Materials Development with The University of Queensland
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biomass Pre-treatments with The University of Queensland
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ion Exchange Membrane with The University of Queensland
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Catalytic Conversion of CO2 with The University of Queensland
More information below.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Hybrid Materials Development with The University of Queensland
We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the field of hybrid materials development, with a primary focus on creating highly stable, scalable, and porous materials for membrane separation technologies. The project centers on the synthesis and characterization of porous glassy materials and glassy composite materials tailored for gas separation membranes. Our goal is to pioneer the development of advanced materials that not only exhibit exceptional gas separation performance but also possess the scalability and processability essential for industrial applications.
The successful candidate will spearhead research efforts in designing and fabricating innovative hybrid materials, leveraging the unique properties of glassy structures and properties. Special emphasis will be placed on achieving outstanding stability under challenging operational conditions. While the primary application is in gas separation membranes, the project ambitiously extends its reach to include ionic separation and catalysis applications, broadening the potential impact of these novel materials.
This interdisciplinary project provides an exciting opportunity to collaborate with experts in materials science, membrane technology, and chemical engineering. The selected postdoc will contribute to the forefront of research in sustainable and efficient separation processes, addressing pressing environmental challenges. Applicants with a strong background in materials synthesis, characterization, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of membrane technology are encouraged to apply. Join us in shaping the future of membrane separation with cutting-edge hybrid materials.
Contact Jingwei Hou (jingwei.hou@uq.edu.au) for more information. Apply at Link: https://www.getco2.org/home-2/opportunities/project-hybrid-materials-development-for-advanced-membrane-separation/
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biomass Pre-treatments with The University of Queensland
Biomass-derived advanced materials will be of critical importance in the field of sustainable CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion. These materials encompass carbons, nanocellulose, nanocomposite membranes and catalyst supports.
However, to advance the performance of these materials, more specific green chemistry pre-treatments and scalable mechanical refining methods need to be developed.
This project will explore the fundamentals of elegant sustainable chemistry pre-treatments (e.g. enzymatic, natural deep eutectic solvents (NDES)) as applied to sorghum lignocellulose feedstocks, so that we can better understand and ātuneā a vast array of materials structure-property-relationships useful in CO2 conversion.
Contact Darren Martin (darren.martin@uq.edu.au) for more information. Apply at Link: https://www.getco2.org/home-2/opportunities/exploring-the-fundamentals-of-biomass-pre-treatments-for-tuning-advanced-materials-used-broadly-in-co2-conversion/
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ion Exchange Membrane with The University of Queensland
Ion-exchange membranes, including proton exchange membranes (PEMs) and anion exchange membranes (AEMs), are pivotal components in CO2 electrolysers. The ARC GETCO2-funded project is dedicated to developing the next generation of PEMs and AEMs, featuring high selectivity, prolonged durability, affordability, and scalability. Our methodology encompasses three primary strategies:
- Designing and synthesising novel polymers with customisable molecular structures and chemical properties at a molecular scale.
- Developing advanced materials with uniform intrinsic pores, such as 2D materials, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs).
- Crafting composite and hybrid membranes by integrating these new polymers with advanced materials.
- The objective is to enhance the functionality of PEMs and AEMs membranes. We are currently offering several PhD scholarships and postdoctoral positions in this exciting field.
Postdoctoral Candidate Requirements:
A doctoral degree (or nearing completion) in chemical engineering, materials engineering, or a related discipline.
Extensive experience in PEM and AEM membranes, coupled with a strong foundation in electrochemistry.
A proven track record of publishing in high-impact journals.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to produce clear and concise reports and documents.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their CVs to Professor Xiwang Zhang (xiwang.zhang@uq.edu.au). Apply at Link: https://www.getco2.org/home-2/opportunities/project-ion-exchange-membrane-for-co2-electrolysers/
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Catalytic Conversion of CO2 with The University of Queensland
The project will involve working with a diverse team of experts towards improved catalytic conversion of CO2 to valuable products.
Catalytic conversion of CO2 is a complicated process involving transport of reactants and products, charge and energy transfer, and reactions at the catalytic site. It is a multiscale process in size and timescale, and involves various phases and interfaces.
Computational methods provide a unique way of probing the process to provide key information that can be used to achieve efficient CO2 conversion. This project provides an opportunity for students and postdoctoral research fellows to work within a team to develop a comprehensive model of the catalytic process using computational methods.
Projects are available that focus on the transport processes, modelling the reaction or the reaction-diffusion process. Opportunities also exist to develop new techniques to solve this challenging problem.
Contact Debra Bernhardt (d.bernhardt@uq.edu.au) for more information. Apply at Link:Ā https://www.getco2.org/home-2/opportunities/project-improved-catalytic-conversion-of-co2-using-insight-from-computational-findings/