Investigation into high solid-loading based oil palm biomass conversion for ethanol production

About the project

About the Project Malaysia generates a large and continuous supply of oil palm biomass residues, which can be converted into ethanol through pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. Beyond its established role as a fuel additive and industrial solvent, ethanol is also a key intermediate for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from oil palm biomass via the alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) route. The AtJ route, however, remains constrained upstream by the cost of ethanol production. Processes operating at low solid loading produce a dilute fermentation liquor, making the recovery and purification of ethanol energy-intensive and costly. Operating at high solid loading increases the ethanol titre and lowers downstream separation costs, but introduces challenges such as poor mixing and heat and mass transfer in highly viscous slurries, which complicates reactor design. Besides, elevated concentrations of fermentation inhibitors, such as furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and acetic acid, suppress yeast performance. Together, these factors limit ethanol yield and productivity at scale and underscore the need for an integrated process design that couples reactor engineering, inhibitor management and yeast development. This PhD project focuses on the design, operation and optimisation of a high solid-loading oil palm biomass conversion process, with an emphasis on understanding how operating parameters interact and how they affect the feasibility of scaling up to industrial operation. Key research areas may include the detailed design of the biomass pretreatment process; engineering strategies to minimise the formation of fermentation inhibitors or to mitigate their impact on the fermenting yeast; process simulation and techno-economic assessment to evaluate economic feasibility; life cycle assessment to evaluate environmental performance; and the cultivation and adaptation of yeast strains for inhibitor tolerance and efficient utilisation of multiple sugars. Ultimately, this research will contribute to lowering the levelised cost of ethanol and accelerating the commercialisation of the AtJ route for SAF production. Candidates are required to have the following: ● A first-class honours degree in Engineering or Science, preferably in Chemical Engineering, Physics or Chemistry ● A strong command of written and spoken English. Applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency by test must hold an IELTS (Academic) result with an overall band score of at least 7.0 and no individual band (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking) below 6.5, or an equivalent result in another test accepted by Monash University ● A strong interest in biomass conversion, biofuels and green technology development ● The ability to carry out independent research while working well within a team Interested candidates who meet the criteria above should submit the following to Prof. Chong Meng Nan ( Chong.Meng.Nan@monash.edu ) as part of their application: ● A one-page cover letter outlining your skills and experience ● A CV detailing your educational background and publication record (if any) ● Evidence of English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL), if already available Supervisory Team Main Supervisor: Professor Ir. Dr. Meng Nan Chong , Monash University Malaysia Associate Supervisors: Dr. Yong Khai Jie , Associate Professor Ooi Chien Wei , Monash University Malaysia --------------------------------------------------------------------------- How to Apply When you apply for admission into your preferred degree program you will be able to select your scholarship type. No separate application is required. By clicking on a course , you will be directed to further information, including details on ‘How to Apply’.

Research areas