PhD Opportunity in Green Hydrogen Export and Sodium Borohydride Solid-State Hydrogen Storage at Curtin University Curtin University in Australia

PhD Opportunity in Green Hydrogen Export at Curtin University in the Hydrogen Storage Research Group (HSRG).

This fully funded domestic PhD project focuses on sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) as a next-generation solid-state hydrogen carrier for renewable energy and green hydrogen export. The research aims to develop cost-effective synthesis routes from borax, optimize hydrogen release via hydrolysis and alcoholysis, investigate electrochemical regeneration pathways, and build a benchtop prototype for scale-up and commercialisation.

The project sits within Curtin’s internationally recognised hydrogen storage research environment and is supported by $5M in ARENA funding plus industry partners. It addresses major challenges in safe, scalable, and efficient hydrogen transport and contributes to a circular hydrogen economy.

Ideal candidates should have a background in physics, chemistry, or materials science, with an Honours 1 or Master’s by Research degree. Experience with chemical/electrochemical synthesis and analytical methods such as XRD, DSC-TGA, SEM, NMR, and FT-IR is desirable. Applicants must meet Curtin PhD entry requirements and be domestic applicants only.

Application window: Central Scholarship round, July 1–31, 2026. Interested applicants should submit an Expression of Interest to Associate Professor Terry Humphries.