Electrochemical approach for carbon capture and utilization

Overview

The global CO₂ emissions have exceeded 36 Gt per annum, leading to >400 ppm CO₂ in the current atmosphere. This high level of CO₂ not only causes global warming and climate change issues, but also poses significant threats to environmental sustainability and human health.

To mitigate the CO₂ level, carbon-negative technologies such as CO₂ capture are essential in addition to the adoption of renewable power (such as solar and wind) to revert the current emission trend and help transition to a decarbonized society.

Student for this project will have an opportunity to get involved in developing a new and novel electrochemical approach for CO₂ capture and utilization. This approach can potentially circumvent the limitation of energy efficiency faced in the conventional thermal processes, offering a promising alternative to decarbonise our society at a lower cost.

Research engagement

literature review, lab-based work

Research activities

1) literature review of electrochemical routes of carbon capture and utilization;

2) lab-based experiments on electrode preparation and materials characterization;

3) process design and testing of CO₂ capture and utilization;

4) data analysis and performance evaluation.

Outcomes

Knowledge in carbon-negative technologies;

Hands-on experience in electrode preparation and process development;

Performance evaluation and optimization of electrochemical systems.

Skills and experience

Basic electrochemical knowledge;

Nanomaterials and nanotechnology;

Chemical/process engineering as major (preferred).

Start date

1 November, 2024

End date

28 February, 2025

Location

Gardens Point

Keywords

• chemical engineering
• electrochemisty
• carbon capture and utilisation
• decarbonisation

Contact

zhaojun.han@qut.edu.au