Dr Ken Latham
Research Associate
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
- Email:ken.latham@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4033 9356
Career Summary
Biography
Why waste the waste? This is the question that drives Dr. Ken Latham’s research on transforming waste into energy storage materials. After completing his PhD in 2016, Ken has applied the sustainable techniques he developed to convert waste from different industries during his postdoctoral research in Sweden. These included the forestry, mining, water treatment and dairy industries. This innovative work led to Ken being awarded a three year FORMAS mobility grant to investigate the conversion of pulp and paper mill waste to energy storage materials, collaborating with forestry companies and universities in Sweden, the UK and Australia.
His status as an emerging research leader in sustainable materials was further recognised in 2019 with the award of a Marie Curie Individual Fellowship at Imperial College in the UK. This project is designed to develop flexible batteries from wood materials for use in portable devices. Ken’s publication record is high impact, indicated by his 2021 paper that contaminated sludge can be upgraded to clean energy storage materials. Achieving almost 1 million dollars in grant funding, Ken is poised to make a significant impact in sustainable material research and energy storage technology.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Hydrothermal Conversion
- Supercapacitors
- Sustainable Carbon Materials
- Thermochemical Conversion
- Waste Recycling
Languages
- English (Mother)
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 340302 | Macromolecular materials | 100 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
| Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|
| Casual Academic | University of Newcastle School of Environmental and Life Sciences Australia |
Academic appointment
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 20/11/2017 - 27/2/2020 |
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Worked on the FORMAS funded project INFORMAT examining how organosolv lignin could be thermochemically converted into carbon materials for pharmaceutical removal from waste water. |
Umeå University Chemical Biological Center (KBC) Sweden |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Journal article (15 outputs)
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| 2021 |
Davey SB, Cameron AP, Latham KG, Donne SW, 'Thermodynamic and kinetic examination of the glassy carbon electrode in neutral aqueous electrolytes', Journal of Power Sources Advances, 10 (2021) Herein we report on the charge storage behaviour of a non-porous planar glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in an aqueous electrolyte of 0.5 M Na2SO4 at temperatures in the range 25 °C ... [more] Herein we report on the charge storage behaviour of a non-porous planar glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in an aqueous electrolyte of 0.5 M Na2SO4 at temperatures in the range 25 °C to 50 °C. Preliminary cyclic voltammetry (CV) data indicate a decrease in electrode performance at increasing temperatures, and this was supported by detailed analysis of step potential electrochemical spectroscopy (SPECS) data. Kinetic analysis of the deconvoluted SPECS data using the Arrhenius equation has indicated that diffusional charge storage is not thermally activated, instead being possibly influenced by thermal scattering of electrolyte ions. Entropimetric analysis of the SPECS data has generated entropy and enthalpy data for charge storage in this system. These results are discussed in terms of charge storage at this interface.
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| 2021 |
Latham KG, Matsakas L, Figueira J, Rova U, Christakopoulos P, Jansson S, 'Examination of how variations in lignin properties from Kraft and organosolv extraction influence the physicochemical characteristics of hydrothermal carbon', Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 155 (2021) [C1] Seven different lignin samples, three from Kraft extraction and four from organosolv extraction, were subjected to hydrothermal treatment at 260¿ for four hours to assess the impa... [more] Seven different lignin samples, three from Kraft extraction and four from organosolv extraction, were subjected to hydrothermal treatment at 260¿ for four hours to assess the impact of lignin type on the physicochemical properties of the hydrothermal material. The 13C Solid state NMR, XPS, FTIR and SEM analysis revealed that the different sources of lignin and the extraction conditions created variations in the degree of syringyl and guaiacyl subunits, inter-unit bonding arrangements, morphology and surface composition. Hydrothermal carbonization appeared to ¿normalize¿ the differences between each of the lignin samples, via breaking ß-O-4 or a-O-4 linkages, removal of methoxy and syringyl subunits, and creation of C¿C and 4-O-5 linkages to polymerization into large 100-200 µm amorphous carbon particles. Overall, this study indicates that the source and extraction type have minimal influence on the physicochemical structure and morphology of the final hydrothermal product.
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| 2021 |
Davey SB, Cameron AP, Latham KG, Donne SW, 'Electrical double layer formation on glassy carbon in aqueous solution', Electrochimica Acta, 386 (2021) [C1] Herein we report on the use of step potential electrochemical spectroscopy (SPECS) to characterize the dynamics of charge storage on a planar non-porous glassy carbon electrode in... [more] Herein we report on the use of step potential electrochemical spectroscopy (SPECS) to characterize the dynamics of charge storage on a planar non-porous glassy carbon electrode in an aqueous electrolyte. Comparison between the spatial requirements of solvated electrolyte ions and the amount of charge added to the electrode surface implies that electrolyte charge storage is diffuse in nature, extending a substantial distance into the electrolyte, even for a concentrated electrolyte. This is contrary to the expected parallel planes of charge expected for double layer formation at the interface. The implications of this on the use of porous materials is also discussed.
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| 2021 |
Davey SB, Cameron AP, Latham KG, Donne SW, 'Combined step potential electrochemical spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis of the glassy carbon electrode in an aqueous electrolyte', Electrochimica Acta, 396 (2021) The nature of the electrified interface between a planar non-porous glassy carbon electrode and an aqueous electrolyte of 0.5 M Na2SO4 is examined using the combination of step po... [more] The nature of the electrified interface between a planar non-porous glassy carbon electrode and an aqueous electrolyte of 0.5 M Na2SO4 is examined using the combination of step potential electrochemical spectroscopy (SPECS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) across the full potential window of stability. This combination of techniques provides insight into the dynamics of interface formation (SPECS), as well as interfacial structure (EIS), highlighting the variation in capacitance across the potential window. EIS frequency also plays a significant role in determining capacitance via the role that it plays in determining ionic and dipole movement. High frequencies stimulate electron cloud movement, followed by dipole rotation and ionic movement as the frequency progressively decreases. Outcomes further highlight the role that mass transport has on the amount of charge storage at the interface.
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| 2019 |
Latham KG, Ferguson A, Donne SW, 'Influence of ammonium salts and temperature on the yield, morphology and chemical structure of hydrothermally carbonized saccharides', SN APPLIED SCIENCES, 1 (2019) [C1]
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| 2018 |
Latham KG, Dose WM, Allen JA, Donne SW, 'Nitrogen doped heat treated and activated hydrothermal carbon: NEXAFS examination of the carbon surface at different temperatures', CARBON, 128 179-190 (2018) [C1]
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| 2018 |
Latham KG, Donne SW, 'Nitrogen Doped Heat-Treated and Activated Hydrothermal Carbon: Examination of Electrochemical Performance Using Step Potential Electrochemical Spectroscopy', JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY, 165 A2840-A2848 (2018) [C1]
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| 2017 |
Latham KG, Simone M, Dose WM, Allen JA, Donne SW, 'Synchrotron based NEXAFS study on nitrogen doped hydrothermal
carbon: Insights into surface functionalities and formation
mechanisms', Carbon, 114 566-578 (2017) [C1]
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| 2017 |
Gibson AJ, Latham KG, Burns RC, Donne SW, 'Electrodeposition Mechanism of Cathodically-Prepared Manganese dioxide Thin Films from Permanganate for use in Electrochemical Capacitors', ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA, 236 198-211 (2017) [C1]
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| 2016 |
Latham KG, Rawal A, Hook JM, Donne SW, 'Molecular structures driving pseudo-capacitance in hydrothermal nanostructured carbons', RSC Advances, 6 12964-12976 (2016) [C1] The incorporation of nitrogen into hydrothermal carbon with (NH4)2SO4 is shown to have a significant influence on its chemical composition and surface characteristics. This in tur... [more] The incorporation of nitrogen into hydrothermal carbon with (NH4)2SO4 is shown to have a significant influence on its chemical composition and surface characteristics. This in turn boosts the pseudo-capacitive behavior of hydrothermal carbons and their overall electrochemical stability. A combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), yielded insights on the influence of nitrogen doping on surface functionalities. 1- and 2-D solid state NMR established the molecular-level structure of both doped and non-doped hydrothermal carbon. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has established the electrochemical behaviour of these hydrothermal carbons, indicating that nitrogen doping enhances not only the capacitance but also the stability of the hydrothermal carbons.
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| 2014 |
Latham KG, Jambu G, Joseph SD, Donne SW, 'Nitrogen doping of hydrochars produced hydrothermal treatment of sucrose in H In this work, we have focused on the effect of highly acidic (0.2 M H 2SO4), neutral (H2O), and basic (0.2 M NaOH) solutions with and without the addition of 0.2 M (NH4) 2SO4 on t... [more] In this work, we have focused on the effect of highly acidic (0.2 M H 2SO4), neutral (H2O), and basic (0.2 M NaOH) solutions with and without the addition of 0.2 M (NH4) 2SO4 on the chemical and structural morphologies of hydrothermally formed carbon spheres (hydrochar) from sucrose at 200°C for 4 h. Hydrolysis product yields without the addition of (NH4) 2SO4 varied considerably (11.34 wt % H2SO 4, 47.81 wt % H2O, and 3.54 wt % NaOH) as did spherical size (3.34, 4.57, and 6.63 nm for H2SO4, H2O, and NaOH, respectively). The addition of (NH4)2SO 4 increased product yields considerably in acidic and basic conditions (27.76 wt % H2SO4 and 14.73 wt % NaOH). Chemically, the hydrochars had a carbon content between 60 and 70 wt % and oxygen content between 22% and 29% with alcohol groups (12.29, 15.44, 11.26 atom % for H2SO4, H2O and NaOH respectively) the main oxygen functionality, although carbonyls, carboxylic acids, and ketones were also present. These oxygen functionalities fluctuated with the presence of (NH4)2SO4, with reductions in alcohols (1-3 atom %) and ketones (1-3 atom %), and increases in carboxylic acids. Nitrogen was located in pyridinic, pyrrolyic, and quaternary groups (6.24, 3.22, and 9.41 atom % for H2SO4, H2O, and NaOH, respectively). GC-MS revealed that levulinic acid was the predominate byproduct. © 2013 American Chemical Society.
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Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 4 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $924,945 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
Highlighted grants and funding
Flexible Hybrid Sodium Ion Capacitors from Renewable Electrospun Lignin: Device Manufacture, Performance Testing and Solid Electrolyte Layer Investigations$363,469
Funding body: ERC European Research Council
| Funding body | ERC European Research Council |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Kenneth G. Latham, Magda Titirici, Agnieszka Brandt-Talbot |
| Scheme | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions - Individual Fellowship |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2020 |
| Funding Finish | 2023 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
| Category | 3IFA |
| UON | N |
Can pulp and paper mill waste be a valuable resource? Synthesizing Energy Storage Materials from Pulp and Paper Mill Waste?$437,920
Funding body: FORMAS
| Funding body | FORMAS |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Kenneth Latham |
| Scheme | Mobility grants for early-career researchers |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2019 |
| Funding Finish | 2022 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
| Category | 3IFA |
| UON | N |
20201 grants / $363,469
Flexible Hybrid Sodium Ion Capacitors from Renewable Electrospun Lignin: Device Manufacture, Performance Testing and Solid Electrolyte Layer Investigations$363,469
Funding body: ERC European Research Council
| Funding body | ERC European Research Council |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Kenneth G. Latham, Magda Titirici, Agnieszka Brandt-Talbot |
| Scheme | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions - Individual Fellowship |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2020 |
| Funding Finish | 2023 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
| Category | 3IFA |
| UON | N |
20192 grants / $537,234
Can pulp and paper mill waste be a valuable resource? Synthesizing Energy Storage Materials from Pulp and Paper Mill Waste?$437,920
Funding body: FORMAS
| Funding body | FORMAS |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Kenneth Latham |
| Scheme | Mobility grants for early-career researchers |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2019 |
| Funding Finish | 2022 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
| Category | 3IFA |
| UON | N |
Valorization of pulp and paper mill ashes and sludge by a two-step treatment approach – A feasibility study$99,314
Funding body: Bio4Energy
| Funding body | Bio4Energy |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Eleonora Borén, Kenneth G. Latham, Dalia Abdelfattah, Venkata Kumar Krishna Upadhyayula, Magnus Rudolfsson, Gunnar Westin |
| Scheme | Research Projects |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2019 |
| Funding Finish | 2020 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
| Category | 3IFA |
| UON | N |
20181 grants / $24,242
Why incinerate the waste, when we can upgrade it? Synthesizing Energy Storage Materials from Biosludge.$24,242
Funding body: J. Gust. Richert stiftelse Foundation
| Funding body | J. Gust. Richert stiftelse Foundation |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Kenneth Latham |
| Scheme | Research Funding |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2018 |
| Funding Finish | 2019 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
| Category | 3IFA |
| UON | N |
Research Projects
Can pulp and paper mill waste be a valuable resource? Synthesizing Energy Storage Materials from Pulp and Paper Mill Waste? 2019 -
Edit
Dr Ken Latham
Positions
Research Associate
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
College of Engineering, Science and Environment
Casual Academic
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
College of Engineering, Science and Environment
Contact Details
| ken.latham@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Phone | (02) 4033 9356 |
| Link | Research Networks |
Office
| Room | NIERC-115 |
|---|---|
| Building | NIER C Block |
