High-throughput Evaluation of Photocatalysts for Selective Solar Driven Methane Oxidation
PhD Scholarship
Solar driven selective oxidation of methane to liquid fuels and chemical feedstocks (methanol, formaldehyde, formic acid) represents a groundbreaking route for methane valorisation and greenhouse gas mitigation.
Solar-driven selective oxidation of methane to liquid fuels and chemical feedstocks (methanol,
formaldehyde, formic acid) represents a groundbreaking route for methane valorisation and
greenhouse-gas mitigation. Progress in this field is hampered by the slow pace of catalyst
discovery, the complexity of methane activation, and the lack of rapid, reliable tools to
evaluate photocatalyst performance under realistic conditions.
This PhD project focuses on developing and integrating high-throughput
photoelectrochemical (PEC) screening and photocatalytic system to evaluate photocatalyst
properties and efficiency for methane oxidation. By combining rapid PEC fingerprinting,
high-throughput photoreactor testing, and data-driven catalyst ranking, the project aims to
establish a robust methodology for discovering and understanding methane oxidation
photocatalysts.
The key objectives include-
- Develop a high-throughput PEC platform for methane oxidation screening
- Evaluate the photocatalysts performance in multi-channel photocatalytic reactors.
- Establish the structure-activity relationships across the synthesized catalysts.
Expected Outcome
The expected outcomes of this PhD project include both scientific knowledge advancement:
- A validated high-throughput PEC photocatalysis evaluation platform
- Discovery of promising photocatalysts for methane partial oxidation
- Mechanistic insight into reaction pathways for selective methane activation
- A screening methodology for broader solar-driven liquid fuel applications
Research Environment
The student will be working within a small sub-group focusing on solar-driven waste-to-fuel
conversion under the Centre of Innovative Energy Technology (CINET) located at Newcastle
Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), University of Newcastle. Throughout the PhD
project, the student will have the opportunity to work at Particles and Catalysis Research
Group, University of New South Wales, Australia.
PhD Scholarship details
Funding: ARC funded $38,938 per annum (2026 rate) indexed annually. For a PhD candidate, the living allowance scholarship and tuition fee scholarship are for 3.5 years. Scholarships also include up to $1,500 relocation allowance.
Supervisor: Cui Ying Toe
Available to: Domestic students
PhD
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant will need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for admission.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should send an email expressing their interest along with scanned copies of their academic transcripts, CV, a brief statement of their research interests and a proposal that specifically links them to the research project.
Please send the email expressing interest to Cuiying.Toe@newcastle.edu.au by 5pm on 09 April 2026.
Applications Close 09 April 2026 Apply Now
- Contact: Cui Ying Toe
- Email: Cuiying.Toe@newcastle.edu.au
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.