Solar-Driven Co-Production of Hydrogen and Green Chemicals via Photoelectrochemical Systems

The PhD project titled 'Solar-Driven Co-Production of Hydrogen and Green Chemicals via Photoelectrochemical Systems' at Monash University Malaysia addresses the urgent need for sustainable hydrogen production technologies that are both low carbon and resource efficient. The research leverages photoelectrochemical systems, where sunlight powers coupled oxidation and hydrogen evolution reactions, to simultaneously generate renewable hydrogen and valuable green chemical products under mild conditions. Central to the project is the development of advanced semiconductor photoelectrodes and catalytic interfaces, aiming to enhance solar energy conversion efficiency and reaction selectivity. The research will focus on the selective formation of low carbon organic acids such as formic acid, oxalic acid, and glycolic acid, which are of significant industrial importance. Co-producing these chemicals alongside hydrogen offers a promising pathway to improve the environmental and economic performance of solar-driven hydrogen technologies. The project combines laboratory experimentation, performance evaluation under simulated sunlight, and chemical analysis of reaction products. It also incorporates broader system-level considerations, including energy efficiency and sustainability indicators, to assess the potential for future deployment. The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary environment spanning chemical engineering, materials science, and renewable energy technologies, contributing to high-quality publications in solar fuels, sustainable chemistry, and circular economy systems. Applicants should possess a strong undergraduate or master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline. Enthusiasm for renewable energy research and laboratory-based investigation is essential, and prior experience in electrochemistry, catalysis, or materials research is advantageous. The project is ideal for independent and curious researchers motivated to tackle open-ended challenges at the intersection of sustainability and advanced engineering. Funding is available in the form of a stipend and tuition waiver for Malaysian applicants. The application process involves contacting the main supervisor with your academic background and achievements, submitting an Expression of Interest with a relevant research proposal, and, if eligible, applying for PhD candidature and potentially interviewing for the scholarship. The deadline for applications is June 1, 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the project page on FindAPhD.