This Research-only PhD is directed towards developing high temperature materials that store thermochemical energy for large-scale solar thermal plants so they can operate 24/7. Metal hydrides can store up to 20 times more thermal energy than current generation molten salt technology. New materials will be synthesised by mechanochemical, gas-solid, and wet-chemical methods. The thermochemical properties of these materials (i.e. enthalpy and entropy) will be determined and they will be tested in new prototype test facilities for gas-solid reactions during thermal cycling, simulating a full-scale solar facility. The technology will be directed towards up-scaling to realise multi-kg test beds. The PhD will be conducted within the Fuels and Energy Technology Institute (FETI) at Curtin University, which is equipped with an array of world-class research equipment and facilities. You will specialise in materials chemistry, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and other characterisation techniques. A 6-month visit to an overseas laboratory will be strongly encouraged during the PhD.
Student type
- Future Students
Faculty
- Science
Course type
- Postgraduate Research
Gender
Non-gender specific
Nationality
- International students
Scholarship base
- Merit Based
Maximum number awarded
1
Value
$26,682.00 AUD per year tax-free for 3 years, with the possibility for top-up scholarships.
Eligible courses
Higher Degree by Research Only
Eligibility criteria
A high-level of spoken and written English is expected.
It is required to have research experience, ideally in materials science, materials engineering, or a related discipline.
It is desirable to have experience working with thermodynamic techniques, such as DSC.
It is desirable to have some experience with gas-solid reactions, particularly with hydrogen.
It is desirable to have some experience with energy storage materials.
It is desirable to have some experience with engineering design, particularly in relation to heat exchangers.
It is desirable to have a Master degree, particularly in materials science or a related discipline.
Changes to enrolment
Full-time only.
Applications open: 17/03/2017
Applications close: 28/04/2017
Applications close: 28/04/2017
