C Chong

Green hydrogen production via solar-powered water electrolysis is a pivotal technology for global decarbonisation. Conventional photovoltaic-electrolyser systems often waste significant thermal energy, limiting their efficiency and economic viability. Concentrated photovoltaic-thermal (CPVT) systems address this challenge by simultaneously generating electrical power and recoverable high-grade thermal energy from solar input, offering enhanced efficiency and reduced hydrogen production costs. This PhD project at Monash University Malaysia focuses on the design, modelling, and optimisation of advanced CPVT systems specifically for solar hydrogen production. The research aims to develop high-efficiency CPVT architectures capable of operating effectively under variable irradiance conditions, including tropical and equatorial regions where diffuse radiation is prevalent. Key objectives include strategic utilisation of CPVT-generated thermal energy to improve water electrolysis performance and system economics. Research activities will be predominantly simulation and modelling-based, with opportunities for targeted experimental validation. Core areas include: Design and characterisation of CPVT system configurations for hydrogen production. Development of multi-physics simulation models capturing optical, thermal, and electrical behaviour. Investigation of thermal management and photovoltaic cooling strategies. Analysis of thermal energy utilisation pathways for water electrolysis. System-level performance optimisation and parametric analysis. Numerical investigation of CPVT performance under various conditions. Techno-economic assessment of CPVT-based hydrogen production systems. Methodologies will integrate geometry modelling, optical modelling, computational fluid dynamics, electrical circuit modelling, and electrochemical performance models. Simulation platforms such as EES, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, ANSYS/COMSOL, and physics-informed machine learning may be used to accelerate model development and optimisation. Funding is provided by Monash University Malaysia, covering full tuition fees and a stipend for successful PhD candidates. Applicants must hold a First Class Honours (H1) or equivalent qualification and meet English language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL). Experience in engineering, physical sciences, simulation, or modelling is advantageous. Applications are accepted year-round. Interested candidates should contact Prof. Chong Meng Nan with a cover letter, CV, and evidence of English proficiency. If suitable, candidates will be invited to submit an Expression of Interest and may be selected for a scholarship interview. For further details and to apply, visit the project page or email the supervisor directly.

This PhD project at Monash University Malaysia focuses on the development of highly-active metal complexes for low temperature thermocatalytic ammonia production. Ammonia is a vital chemical feedstock, essential for global agriculture and increasingly significant as an energy carrier in the emerging hydrogen economy. The research aims to design and synthesize novel inorganic and structural metal complexes that can efficiently catalyze ammonia synthesis under mild conditions, contributing to sustainable chemical processes and energy technologies. The project is supervised by Professor C Chong and Dr. Joshua Zheyan Soo Soo in the Department of Engineering and Information Technology. Research areas include inorganic chemistry, structural chemistry, chemical engineering, energy technologies, nanotechnology, and chemical physics. Students will gain hands-on experience in advanced synthesis, characterization techniques, and catalytic testing, with opportunities to collaborate across disciplines. Applicants should have a strong background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields, with experience in inorganic chemistry, catalysis, or nanotechnology considered advantageous. English language proficiency is required according to Monash University Malaysia's standards. The position does not specify funding availability; applicants are encouraged to inquire directly with the supervisors regarding potential scholarships or financial support. Applications are accepted year-round. Interested candidates should apply online via the project link, submitting a CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter outlining research interests. For further information, contacting the supervisors is recommended.

This PhD opportunity at Monash University Malaysia focuses on the dynamic behaviour and engineering optimisation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysers, a key technology for green hydrogen production. The project addresses the challenges of operating electrolysers under real-world, fluctuating conditions, including variable renewable energy inputs, complex physico-chemical processes, and system degradation. The research aims to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and durability of PEM electrolysers, which are critical for the global transition to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Key research areas include detailed characterisation of system responses under variable load profiles, engineering strategies to mitigate degradation and extend component lifetimes, and optimisation of single- and multi-stack configurations for improved scalability and efficiency. The project integrates physico-chemical and electrochemical insights into advanced design frameworks, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to accelerate discovery, prediction, and optimisation. Data-driven models will be developed for predictive failure analysis, real-time performance monitoring, and proactive maintenance planning. By combining experimental and engineering approaches with AI-driven modelling, the project aims to deliver robust predictive tools and design guidelines that enhance system stability, reduce costs, and enable the next generation of PEM electrolysers. The outcomes are expected to contribute significantly to lowering the levelised cost of green hydrogen and facilitating its integration into sustainable energy systems worldwide. The project is supervised by Professor C Chong, Dr Joshua Zheyan Soo Soo, and Dr Yeoh Chin Vern Yeoh. It is fully funded by Monash University Malaysia, offering a stipend and full tuition fee waiver to successful PhD candidates. Applicants should have a first class degree in Engineering or Science (preferably Chemical Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry), strong English skills, a keen interest in water electrolysis and green technology, and experience with machine learning tools is advantageous. A record of impactful scholarly publications and the ability to conduct independent research are also required. Applications are accepted year-round. Interested candidates should contact the main supervisor with their academic background and achievements, and if suitable, complete an Expression of Interest with a relevant research proposal. Eligible candidates will be invited to apply for PhD candidature and may be selected for a scholarship interview. Updated application instructions will be available from 4 May 2026.

This PhD project at Monash University Malaysia focuses on the financial modelling and economic assessment of emerging low-carbon energy systems in industrial applications. The research aims to develop advanced frameworks that integrate system performance insights with techno-economic and cash flow analysis, enabling comprehensive evaluation of capital investment, operating costs, and long-term economic viability. By exploring various scenarios—including market variability and policy conditions—the project seeks to understand their impact on system performance and investment outcomes, supporting informed decision-making, risk assessment, and strategic planning for sustainable energy infrastructure. The research areas span Data Science, Internet of Things, Financial Economics, and Chemical Engineering, offering a multidisciplinary approach to the study. The project is supervised by Professor C Chong, a leading expert in the field. Students will benefit from a stipend and tuition waiver, making this opportunity accessible to candidates worldwide. Eligibility requires a minimum academic qualification of First Class Honours (H1) or its equivalence (H1E) recognised by Monash University Malaysia, along with evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent). Applicants should prepare a cover letter outlining relevant skills and experience, a CV detailing educational background and publication record (if any), and evidence of English proficiency. The application process involves contacting Prof Chong Meng Nan to discuss your academic background and suitability for the research topic. If you are a good fit, submit your application via the provided link, ensuring you reference the research topic as advertised. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2026. For further details, consult the application submission guide and scholarship information available on the university website.