Dr Simin Moradmand

Dr Simin Moradmand is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Chemical Engineering at the University of Newcastle. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Mazandaran, Iran, and achieved her PhD in 2022 at the University of Newcastle.

Her PhD explored the development of a method to generate green electricity from coal while preventing the release of CO₂ and other harmful gases into the atmosphere through electrochemical transformation using Direct Carbon Fuel Cell (DCFC) technology. 

This work aligns with the University’s strategic plan, and also the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

7 Affordable, Clean Energy

9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

13 Climate Action

Research Expertise

Dr Moradmand's blend of industry and research backgrounds has empowered her to pursue solutions for real-world challenges in green energy production and sustainable manufacturing. Her primary emphasis lies in developing net-zero emission technologies, ranging from Fuel Cells to CO₂ capture and utilization, as well as synthesizing materials for batteries and production of green iron with zero-carbon emission.

By utilising high-temperature molten salt CO₂ capture and electrolysis, Dr. Moradmand's work represents a dual-purpose solution to the pressing challenge of reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels. The capture of CO₂ during this process not only helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions but also facilitates the production of carbonaceous materials with significant potential for energy storage applications such as Li-ion and Na-ion batteries. Her research endeavors aim to leverage unwanted greenhouse gas as a feedstock for creating useful materials, thus contributing to both environmental sustainability and technological advancement.

 The iron and steel-making sectors contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, accounting for 8%. This underscores the pressing need to develop innovative solutions to decarbonise these industries. Electrification presents a crucial pathway towards achieving environmentally friendly iron production by replacing coal with renewable electricity through electrochemical reduction. In this process, oxygen is extracted from iron without any involvement of carbon sources, with electricity serving as the primary driver for eliminating CO₂ emissions. Building upon the successful outcomes of feasibility studies, Dr Moradmand aims to advance this novel approach to the next stage.

Industry collaboration

Dr. Moradmand's engagement with various industries, including her involvement with Tomago Aluminium during her internship and BHP during her postdoctoral research, showcases her versatile expertise and commitment to addressing critical issues within these sectors. Her primary focus on reducing CO2 emissions in aluminium production demonstrates her dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through collaborative efforts with potline engineers, she successfully identified an additive that effectively decreased carbon consumption without altering the fundamental properties of the system.

Dr. Moradmand is leading a project, funded by BHP, focusing on the electrolysis of iron oxide to decarbonize the iron-making industry. This innovative approach promises zero-carbon iron production and offers scalability advantages over traditional methods. By leveraging electrochemical reduction, Dr. Moradmand aims to revolutionize iron production while addressing environmental concerns. Her expertise in electrochemistry and collaboration with industry partners highlight her commitment to sustainable solutions in metallurgy. By collaborating with industry partners like BHP, she is positioned to drive innovation and contribute to the transition towards more sustainable practices in iron production.