Hydrogen Export and Value Chains

Bithiah Esabunor-Nukie

PhD Title: Solutions to green Hydrogen gas transport – quantifying and qualifying existing material restrictions and issues, metallurgical requirements, transport studies and pipeline conversion

Bithiah is a PhD candidate specializing in materials science and engineering, with a focus on advancing sustainable energy solutions. Her research is dedicated to the development and optimization of materials for hydrogen gas pipelines, a crucial element in the expanding field of green hydrogen transportation and hydrogen-natural gas blending. Her work explores the feasibility of converting existing natural gas pipelines or manufacturing new ones, with a strong emphasis on preventing leaks and mitigating hydrogen embrittlement. She conducts in-depth analyses of transport properties such as diffusion and permeability within material structures to identify the most suitable materials and implementation methods for safely and efficiently transporting hydrogen gas under various pipeline conditions.

Jia Ming Goh

PhD Title: Gas storage within porous materials

Jia Ming’s research work focuses on hydrogen storage through encapsulation of high-pressure gas within the pores of nanoporous materials. Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier in substituting the role of fossil fuels in future energy systems. However, it is not widely used now because of its very low volumetric density posing a challenge to its storage and transportation. Her research aims to alleviate the need for high pressure vessels and extreme low temperature conditions to store hydrogen, ultimately to allow for safe handling in a more energy efficient way.

Jia Ming is a graduate from The University of Melbourne with a master’s degree in chemical engineering.

Nghia Nguyen

PhD Title: Fully DC Micogrid for green hydrogen production

Nghia Nguyen’s research is focusing on design a fully DC microgrid for Green hydrogen production. New high power DC-DC converters are being developed to power electrolyser by solar energy with high efficiency and low cost.

Nghia Nguyen has graduated from the Swinburne University of Technology with a master’s degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering. He has three-year experience in electronic, electrical system design for industrial baking machines at a Brisbane company.

Lucie Desage

PhD Title: Thermochemical Battery using Metal Carbonates for Energy Storage

Lucie’s research focusses on building thermochemical battery prototypes and testing different heat extraction units with these systems. Thermochemical batteries store and release heat, therefore it is crucial to combine an efficient heat carrier with the battery reactor to run the heat engine that ensures heat conversion into electricity. Her project also covers energy storage materials development and characterisation, such as metal carbonates and metal hydrides. The integration of thermochemical batteries into the power production grid will have a significant impact on the energy sector.

Lucie graduated from CPE Lyon, France, with a Master’s degree in Chemistry and Process Engineering, and is currently a PhD candidate at Curtin University.

Navin Bhardwaj

PhD Title: Analysis of Physicochemical Processes for Low Levelised Cost of Renewable H2

Thilini Thathsara

PhD Title: Highly sensitive and selective hydrogen gas sensors employing photoactivated hybrid nanomaterials

Thilini Thathsara’s research aims to develop highly efficient hydrogen sensors which are portable, and reliable in operating at room or low temperatures (i.e., low power consumption) employing photoactivated hybrid nanomaterials.

Thilini obtained her Bachelor’s Science and Master’s of Philosophy degrees in Chemistry from the University of Ruhuna and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, respectively. Before starting her PhD at Swinburne University of Technology (SUT), she worked as an Analytical Chemist attached to the Division of Polymer and Chemical Engineering Technology, Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa.

Setareh Elyasi

PhD Title: Improving the Hydrogen Storage Devices for E-Mobility

Setareh’s research at Swinburne University of Technology aims to develop advanced hydrogen storage devices using graphene-based hybrid materials for the practical use of mobility and become economically reliable to convert the transport system to a fully electric one.

Setareh graduated in BSc, Material Engineering (Industrial Metallurgy).

Bruno da Silva Falcao

PhD Title: Liquid Hydrogen Reactor Design – Conversion of ortho- to para-Hydrogen

Bruno started working on the this project as a PhD student at the University of Western Australia (UWA) in 2021. This research project aims to design and commission an ortho-para hydrogen conversion reactor to study this reaction, especially its kinetics. The conversion is essential prior to liquifying and storing hydrogen due to its exothermic nature, which can cause both safety issues and economic loss.

Bruno has completed a Master by Research degree at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in 2021, which was a collaboration with CSIRO (Energy BU – Kensington). He obtained his B.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering from the North Fluminense State University (UENF), Brazil, in 2019.

Ngo Minh Phuoc

PhD Title: Eliminating Hydrogen Back-Diffusion in Electrochemical Hydrogen Compressors

Minh Phuoc Ngo’s research area is in inorganic materials, gas and water treatment, functional nanomaterials, capacitive deionization and energy generation current. Most recently he has been focussing on researching electrochemical hydrogen compressors and membrane technologies.

Minh Phuoc Ngo is a Chemical Engineer/Chemist with experience in research and development. Phuoc has experience working in the international environment and is passionate about using science and technology to decrease the energy intensity of industry and secure a clean energy future.

Aneeka Patel

PhD Title: Optimising the regeneration of sodium borohydride for solid-state green hydrogen

Aneeka graduated with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Birmingham, and is currently a PhD candidate at Curtin University.

Aneeka’s research focuses on the regeneration of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) for solid-state green hydrogen export. Sodium borohydride has a high hydrogen content and is a powder at room temperature, making it safe to export. Once the sodium borohydride is at its destination, water can be added in the presence of a metal catalyst to release hydrogen and a by-product, sodium metaborate (NaBO2), which can be returned via ship to Australia. Aneeka’s work investigates cost-effective regeneration of NaBH4 from NaBO2 to successfully close the loop and reduce the raw material requirements. These regeneration systems would be powered by renewable energy sources to eliminate the emission of greenhouse gases to ensure that green hydrogen is exported.

Praveen Selvakumar

PhD Title: Novel Approaches for Hydrogen Production through Methane Pyrolysis on Carbon Catalysts

Praveen’s primary research focuses on understanding the fundamentals of methane pyrolysis, a process that dissociates methane into clean hydrogen and solid carbon at high temperatures, without emitting any carbon dioxide. Praveen’s work involves employing both computational and experimental methods to investigate the role of important carbon formation molecules at the molecular level. This in-depth understanding of carbon formation mechanisms will help to diminish the barriers involved in scaling up hydrogen production from the methane pyrolysis process.

Praveen has completed his Master’s degree in Materials Engineering from Monash University, Melbourne, and is currently a Ph.D. student at Curtin University.

Paul Wright

PhD Title: Techno-economic-environmental life cycle assessments for green hydrogen road transport

Paul is undertaking a PhD at Griffith University on Green Hydrogen for Road Transport in Western Australia. Paul has studied in numerous fields and worked in a range of professions with qualifications in geology, marine biology, environmental and hydraulic engineering, and graduate certificates and diplomas in education, business and natural resources law. He has worked in much of Australia as a geologist, teacher, environmental scientist and engineer.

Most recently Paul has been an environmental manager with companies including Adbri, JBS, Remondis and QGC. He has been on research boards with the centre for Natural Gas at the University of Queensland and GISERA at the CSIRO. Paul is passionate about the global energy transition from hydrocarbon usage dependency to renewables, and is excited about being part of the FEnEx CRC research team.

Sam Kobeissi

PhD Title: Hydrogen Storage in Depleted Subsurface Reservoirs

Sam specialises in underground hydrogen storage in porous media (UHSP). He works on a range of projects aimed at quantifying the mixing between hydrogen gas and cushion gas mixtures. His work includes conducting core-flooding experiments and utilising novel magnetic resonance techniques, such as benchtop NMR. Through his research, Sam aims to contribute to the development of sustainable energy storage solutions that can help address the world’s energy challenges.

Sam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and graduated in the top 5% with first-class honours from Edith Cowan University (ECU).

Ainee Ibrahim

PhD Title: NaBH4 for Solid-State Green Hydrogen Export

Ainee’s research uses sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) for large-scale green hydrogen export. Hydrogen can be released from NaBH₄ by adding water, and the by-product can be shipped back for recycling via renewable energy sources. Her research is focussed on optimising the recycling of NaBH₄ (based on energy and cost) and on a new method to chemically compress hydrogen gas to over 1000 bar for use at hydrogen fuel stations.

Ainee graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and is currently a PhD candidate at Curtin University.

Heshani Hettigoda

PhD Title: Green Hydrogen for Heavy Transport Applications in WA

Heshani’s research has a strong focus on the technological considerations of hydrogen production, transport, and distribution for use as transport fuel in Western Australia, aiming to pave the way for sustainable and efficient hydrogen-based solutions. As part of this research, Heshani is actively involved in the production, handling, and monitoring of dedicated hydrogen trucks, obtaining crucial real-world data from hydrogen-powered test vehicles. This project plays a pivotal role in advancing the understanding and practical implementation of hydrogen as a clean and viable fuel source for transportation.

Heshani is a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia. Prior to this, Heshani earned a B.Sc. in Engineering in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering in 2018. Subsequently, Heshani completed a MEng in Water Engineering and Management at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, in 2020.

Chamini Karunarathne

PhD Title: Effects of water quality on mineral hydration in industrial processes for greenhouse gas emission reduction

Chamini’s research focuses on the impact of water quality (i.e. ionic concentration and water acidification) has on industrial processes for a greener future. The processes she is investigating for the PhD research are the impact water quality has on green hydrogen production via electrolysers and the impact of water quality on reducing greenhouse gas emissions via mineral hydration. These processes share common reactive hydration pathways where the impact of water quality can have a profound impact on the long-term efficiency of each process.

Through her research, Chamini aims to contribute to eco-friendly and energy-conserving industrial production in the energy and mining industries for a brighter and green future.

Chamini is a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia. Prior to that, she completed a Master’s by Research degree at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in 2022. She completed her B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Sam Holden

PhD Title: An analysis of NH3 Dissociation and Oxidation with associated NOx Emission in Flow, Fixed-Bed, and Fluidised-Bed Reactors

Samuel Holden’s work focusses on the dissociation and oxidation or combustion of ammonia in empty-bed (flow), fixed-bed, and fluidised-bed reactors as a means to realise and understand improved reaction efficiencies associated with burning ammonia in the presence of solid media. This research will determine the suitability of ammonia as a fuel for combustion in fixed- and fluidised-bed reactors for zero-carbon emission power generation.

Samuel is currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy under the supervision of Professor Dongke Zhang at the Centre for Energy of The University of Western Australia.

Guinevere Sellner

PhD Title: Microwave Resonators for Cryogenic Hydrogen Property Measurement

Guinevere’s research focuses on the development of a novel sensor for the measurement of quantum properties of hydrogen at conditions relevant for hydrogen liquefaction. The sensor is based on the principle of a microwave resonant cavity that utilises the dielectric properties of a contained fluid to determine density and even spin-isomer (ortho-para) hydrogen composition. The new sensor is intended for eventual use in real-time hydrogen liquefaction plant operation where it will be able to both monitor and quality assure outputted liquid hydrogen streams. As well as the development of this sensor, Guinevere’s work also includes the measurement of new high accuracy hydrogen property data in order to improve on the current hydrogen equation of state which falls short when predicting hydrogen properties at the low temperature used in liquefaction.  

 Guinevere graduated from the University of Western Australia (UWA) with a Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons) in Chemical Engineering and Applied Mathematics and has continued her Honours research as a current PhD candidate at UWA as part of the Fluid Science & Resources research group. As well as her coursework, Guinevere has also had previous research experience as a research assistant for the Fluid Science & Resources group working on projects related to hydrogen enriched natural gas. 

David Michael Holder

PhD Title: The role of Hydrogen in Decarbonising Ports

David Michael Holder is undertaking a PhD at the Swinburne University of Technology within the School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, and the Victorian Hydrogen Hub with the CSIRO.

His career has covered renewables power, utility networks, energy management, thermal processes, and refrigeration systems.  A significant component has been the application of energy engineering together with field testing. This knowledge set is being used to guide his PhD project for assessing the replacement of diesel fuelled port vehicles by hydrogen based technologies.

David is a Chartered Engineer with a Masters Degree in Renewable Energy Systems Technologies and a Degree in Chemical Engineering.

Kaijie Li

PhD Title: Understanding the Characteristics of Pilbara Iron Ore during H2 and NH3 Direct Reduction Ironmaking

Kaijie’s work focuses on understanding the characteristics of ore minerals, physical parameters, and impurities, and their implications in in the H2 and NH3 DRI processes and final products. This research will provide new information on iron ore direct reduction using carbon-free and renewable H2 and NH3 which will help optimize the iron ore reduction process and improve the product quality of directly reduced iron.

Kaijie graduated with a master’s degree in Geological Engineering from the Taiyuan University of Technology. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy under the supervision of Dongke Zhang at the Centre for Energy of The University of Western Australia.

Princy Agrahari

PhD Title: Caprock integrity and sealing capacity during underground hydrogen storage

Princy is currently a PhD candidate at Curtin University, Western Australia. Prior to that, she worked as a postgraduate intern at CSIRO, where she conducted multiple laboratory experiments on basaltic rocks from the Deccan Volcanic Province, India. She completed her master’s from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, India, in 2023 by successfully defending her dissertation work, which focused on developing a Python-based 1D Geomechanical Model (GEM) of Mallowa salt, a potential storage site for liquid hydrogen. For her PhD, she is going to investigate caprock sealing capacity and storage integrity during underground hydrogen storage in porous media. Through a combination of experimental, analytical, and numerical approaches, Princy aims to identify and mitigate risks associated with storage integrity during hydrogen fast cyclic loading. Princy’s research expects to enable underground hydrogen storage as a safe and cost-effective means, developing sustainable solutions for efficient and effective hydrogen value chain development.

Jialiang Xu

PhD Title: Single Particle Reaction Modelling of Hydrogen and Ammonia Direct Reduction Iron: Reaction Behaviour, Kinetics, and Mechanisms

Jialiang’s research focuses on the behaviour and mechanisms of iron ore direct reduction by ammonia and hydrogen. His research will use numerical simulation to investigate gas-solid reactions between ammonia, hydrogen and iron ore through the evolution of detailed transport phenomena, reaction kinetics, and phase changes. The goal of his research is to contribute to the application of a decarbonised and sustainable ironmaking method.

Jialiang is a graduate of Nanjing Agricultural University with an MRes (Master of Research, Distinction) degree in Engineering. Now, he is pursuing his PhD at the University of Western Australia under the supervision of Dongke Zhang from the Centre for Energy.

Minzhen (Jenney) Li

PhD Title: Thermodynamics of hydrogen mixture in storage and transportation applications

Minzhen’s research aims to advance the development of thermodynamic models for hydrogen mixtures used in industrial contexts such as storage, transportation, and transformation. The project plans to utilize a combination of experimental data and real-world operational data to enhance the accuracy of predictions regarding the behaviour of hydrogen under various conditions. These improved models are expected to lead to safer and more efficient practices in handling hydrogen, supporting its adoption as a sustainable energy carrier.

Minzhen graduated with a Master’s degree in Geophysics from Curtin University and a Master’s in Data Science from UWA. She is currently pursuing her PhD at UWA, focusing on the development of advanced thermodynamic models for hydrogen mixtures in industrial applications.

Dulani Liyanage

PhD Title: One-dimensional nanofiber based chemiresistive gas sensors for high performance hydrogen sensing applications

Dulani is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Swinburne University of Technology (SUT) in Melbourne. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Technology and Master of Science degrees in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology from Uva Wellassa University and the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, respectively. Prior to beginning her Ph.D., she served as a lecturer in the Department of Engineering Technology at the University of Ruhuna in Sri Lanka. The primary focus of her research is the synthesis, characterize and  analysis of one-dimensional nanomaterials for hydrogen gas sensing applications.

Jiaou Song

PhD Title: Kinetic and State Modelling of Cryogenic Hydrogen Mixtures Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Jiaou Song’s research delves into the complexities of cryogenic hydrogen mixtures, specifically focusing on the homogeneous nucleation rate modelling for cryogenic oxygen and nitrogen using molecular dynamic simulations. Additionally, Jiaou investigates the thermophysical properties and equation of states (EOS) modelling for cryogenic hydrogen mixtures. His work involves the development of novel mixed refrigerant cycles to optimize hydrogen liquefaction, aimed at reducing energy consumption and improving safety for domestic and global supply chains. 

Jiaou aims to contribute to the development of efficient and safe hydrogen liquefaction processes, enhancing the reliability of cryogenic plant designs and contributing to a sustainable energy future. 

Jiaou is a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne, supervised by Dr. Eirini Goudeli and Dr. Joseph Berry. He completed his Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Systems at the same university. His research has been published in prestigious journals, and he has presented his findings at various conferences and symposia. 

Mengqing Zhao

PhD Title: Evaluation of Opportunities and Pathways for Large-Scale Utilisation of Renewable Hydrogen in Mineral Processing and Metal Refining of Selected Minerals in WA

Mengqing Zhao’s research aims to identify and evaluate the opportunities and pathways for large-scale utilisation of renewable hydrogen in mineral processing and metal refining in WA and, through process modelling and value-chain analysis, identify suitable technologies and demonstrate utilisation pathways towards decarbonisation of the mining and minerals industry.

Mengqing Zhao is pursuing her PhD at the Centre for Energy of the University of Western Australia.

Yuki Rhee

PhD Title: Effects of hydrogen storage on the technoeconomic analysis of hydrogen supply chains

Yuki’s research focuses on optimising various hydrogen supply chains in its entirety via techno-economic assessments (estimation of the cost, technical readiness and carbon intensity), exploring dynamic renewable energy modelling with large scale hydrogen storage and experimental investigation of the para-ortho hydrogen conversion phenomena.

Yuki completed a Master of Professional Engineering (Chemical) with Distinction from the University of Western Australia.

Professor Craig Buckley

Program Lead 2 (Curtin University)

Craig Buckley is a Professor of Physics, Head of the Hydrogen Storage Research Group and Deputy Director of the Fuels & Energy Technology Institute at Curtin University, Australia. Since 1994 he has held various research positions in the U.K, USA and Australia prior to being awarded a continuing position at Curtin University. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics and a member of several National and International science and advisory committees including: The Australian executive committee member for the International Energy Agency (IEA) Hydrogen Technology Collaboration Program (TCP), and an Australian expert on the IEA Hydrogen TCP Task 40: Energy Storage and Conversion based on Hydrogen.  His research is focussed on hydrogen storage materials and the investigation of the structural properties of a wide range of materials. Craig has published 173 scientific papers in peer reviewed journals.

Mauricio Di Lorenzo

FEnEx CRC Foundation Fellow

Dr Mauricio Di Lorenzo is a research scientist with 20+ year experience in R&D applied to oil and gas production. His technical background includes multiphase flow in pipelines and porous media, thermodynamics of fluids and interfaces and plant and laboratory design and instrumentation.

Prior to joining the FEnEx CRC, in his role of Principal Research Engineer at the CSIRO, he led multidisciplinary teams to develop new solutions to flow assurance problems in deep water gas fields, based on a wide range of expertise including laboratory experimentation, numerical modelling, and oil-field chemistry. He also managed several research and commercial project in collaboration with universities, government agencies and industry partners in the energy sector.

Mauricio started his career in his home country, working for Intevep, the R&D branch of PDVSA, the national oil company in Venezuela, where he contributed to the development of novel chemistries and methods to increase well productivity and open new markets for extra-heavy oils.
With his appointment to the FEnEx CRC, Mauricio will contribute with his broad technical and project management experience to the efforts to decarbonize the energy resources and develop the hydrogen industry of the future. Mauricio has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Western Australia, a Master degree in Physics from the University of California, San Diego, and a Bachelor degree in Physics from Simon Bolivar University.

Mahboobeh Shahbazi

FEnEx CRC Foundation Fellow

Mahboobeh’s research career has centred on developing new and efficient methods to synthesise a variety of functional materials including superconductors and magnetocaloric materials and their applications such as for MRI and fusion reactors, hydrogen liquefaction, and green hydrogen production systems. She is passionate about understanding the fundamental relationships between material structure, physical and electronic properties of materials and, accordingly, improving their performance in practical applications.

Within QUT’s Centre for Clean Energy Technologies and Practices, and the Centre for Materials Science, Mahboobeh’s research focuses on advanced fabrication and characterisation methods. These include developing novel high-temperature superconducting materials and magnetic materials which are necessary for commercial and environmental advances in the transport, medical and energy industries. In addition, she has a deep understanding of the measurement and characterisation of superconducting and magnetic properties using Physical Property Measurement Systems including magnetic measurements, Angular dependence of magnetoresistance, and transport properties at low temperatures and high magnetic fields.

Mahboobeh received her PhD from the University of Wollongong, Australia, in 2014 with a major in materials science. After graduating, she joined QUT where she followed her research studies on a variety of topics including solar cells, superconductors, and magnetic materials. In 2017, Mahboobeh was awarded an Advance Queensland Fellowship in partnership with Siemens. In addition, Mahboobeh collaborates effectively with Australian and overseas superconductivity experts and is a co-investigator with her collaborative network at The University of Queensland investigating Nanostructure engineered low activation superconductors for fusion energy. Both projects focus on developing and characterising superconducting components including iron chalcogenides and MgB₂ wires/cables for application in superconducting motors/generators, MRI, and fusion reactors.

QUT profile: https://www.qut.edu.au/about/our-people/academic-profiles/mahboobeh.shahbazi

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com.sg/citations?user=lv81LDwAAAAJ&hl=en

Keelan O’Neill

FEnEx CRC Strategic Research Fellow

Keelan is a Research Fellow in the UWA Fluid Science and Resources Research Group.  Keelan’s research focusses on analysing sustainable hydrogen supply chains.  This includes developing a web-based tool for modelling the costs and emissions of hydrogen pathways.   Keelan also works on detailed techno-economic studies of hydrogen production scenarios.  He previously worked on the development of geophysical sensors (primarily using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)) for downhole logging applications (at both UWA and NMR Services Australia).  He completed his PhD in chemical engineering at UWA.

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Neil Robinson

FEnEx CRC Strategic Research Fellow

Neil is a Research Fellow in the UWA Fluid Science and Resources Research Group where he holds a Forrest Research Foundation Fellowship. Prior to taking up this position, Neil completed an MChem (Chemistry) degree at Cardiff University and a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge, followed by a Research Associate position at UWA. His research lies in the development and characterisation of next-generation materials for energy, environmental and societal applications, with a strong focus on understanding gas and liquid dynamics within functional porous media. He currently leads and contributes to a variety of projects of relevance to large-scale hydrogen transport, including the design of materials to enable energy-efficient liquefaction, and the study of catalytic processes necessary for the use of liquid organic hydrogen carriers. Neil was a finalist in the 2021 IChemE Global Awards and represented Australia at the 71^st Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting under an Australia Academy of Science/Science and Industry Endowment Fund Fellowship.

UWA profile: https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/neil-robinson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-robinson-500/

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=2GCTaWgAAAAJ&hl=en