Dr Simin Moradmand

I am an Academic Researcher at the BHP Centre for Sustainable Steelmaking Research at the University of Newcastle. As a chemical engineer by training, my work focuses on the decarbonisation and electrification of heavy metal industries through both primary extraction and advanced recycling pathways.

My main goal is to bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial application. My chemical engineering background allows me to identify and address technical and economic bottlenecks early in a project's development, ensuring that new technologies are designed with industrial scale-up in mind right from the beginning of my investigations.

Currently, I co-lead a BHP-funded project focused on zero-carbon iron production via molten salt electrolysis, a key alternative to traditional coal-based ironmaking. My foundational experience with high-temperature systems stems from my doctoral research in Direct Carbon Fuel Cell (DCFC) technology, which focused on high-temperature electrochemical operations designed to reduce carbon emissions. My portfolio also includes the synthesis of carbon-based materials for next-generation energy storage, such as lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.

Looking forward, I am proactively expanding my research into the downstream processing and high-purity metallization of rare earth and critical elements. High-temperature molten salt electrolysis is the primary pathway to achieve the extreme purities required for advanced manufacturing—a market currently dominated by China. I am focusing on building our local research capability and establishing partnerships to help position Australia to utilize its vast raw ore reserves and renewable energy for downstream metal production.

Throughout my career, I have collaborated with industry partners including BHP and Tomago Aluminium to translate research into practical applications. My contributions to the sector have been recognized through the NIER Early Career Researcher Excellence in Industry Collaboration Award (2024), the BHP Inspiring Woman in Research Award, and a Women and Leadership Australia Scholarship.

My Research Interests

My research combines advanced electrochemical engineering with a strong focus on practical industrial application. My core research interests include:

• High-Temperature Electrolysis & Process Materials: Optimizing cell architectures, electrolyte compositions, and materials for extreme-temperature molten salt extraction.

• Green Metal Production & Decarbonisation: Eliminating carbon from primary extractive metallurgy, with a current focus on scaling up molten salt electrolysis systems for green ironmaking.

• Critical & Rare Metal Electrification: Developing research pathways utilizing high-temperature molten salts for the downstream high-purity metallization of critical elements in Australia.

• Advanced Battery Technologies: Designing and synthesizing carbon-based materials to improve the performance and sustainability of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.

• Renewable Fuels & Clean Energy Systems: Advancing low-emission pathways for alternative fuel synthesis and highly efficient power generation systems.