PhD Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS 2027). Catalyst Engineering for Electrochemical Biomass Valorisation and Green Hydrogen Production
Not stated
- Funding
- Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
- Application deadline
- 31 January 2027
About the project
About the Project Hydrogen is widely recognised as a key energy carrier for a low-carbon future, yet conventional water electrolysis is constrained by high energy requirements associated with the oxygen evolution reaction. This project explores the electrochemical valorisation of glycerol, an abundant by-product of the biodiesel industry, as an alternative anodic reaction for the production of green hydrogen and value-added chemicals. The research will focus on the development of catalysts capable of selectively oxidising glycerol at lower energy inputs while maintaining high hydrogen production rates. To achieve this, a range of catalytic systems will be explored, spanning conventional inorganic materials to advanced bio-mimetic catalysts, including nanozyme-inspired electrocatalysts, which offer promising opportunities to improve reaction selectivity toward desired products. Fundamental investigations will be undertaken to elucidate reaction mechanisms, catalyst stability, product selectivity, and the role of catalyst structure, surface properties and local coordination environments in governing electrochemical performance. Advanced characterisation and analytical techniques will be employed to establish structure-activity-selectivity relationships and catalyst design principles, thereby optimising catalytic efficiency. By transforming a low-value waste stream into clean hydrogen and valuable chemical products, the project promotes circular economy principles and supports sustainable energy generation and resource utilisation. For enquiries, please contact Prof. Chai Siang Piao For more information about this project, please visit our GEMS website. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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’. However, before applying for a GEMS, it is recommended that you first contact the main supervisor for this GEMS research topic. Please provide details of your academic background and achievements to the supervisor so that they can assess your suitability for the GEMS research topic you are interested in. Main Supervisor (Malaysia): Prof. Chai Siang Piao Associate Supervisor (Malaysia): Dr. Lutfi Kurnianditia, Putri , Assoc. Prof. Lling-Lling, Tan Associate Supervisor (Australia): Dr. Priya, Samudrala