Chong Meng Nan

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.

This PhD opportunity at Monash University Malaysia focuses on the solar-driven co-production of hydrogen and green chemicals using advanced photoelectrochemical systems. As the world transitions toward net zero energy systems, there is a critical need for hydrogen production technologies that are not only low carbon but also resource efficient and economically viable. This project aims to develop next-generation photoelectrochemical platforms that leverage sunlight to drive coupled oxidation and hydrogen evolution reactions, enabling the simultaneous production of renewable hydrogen and valuable chemical products under mild conditions. The research will emphasize materials innovation, reaction selectivity, and integrated system performance. Key areas include the development of advanced semiconductor photoelectrodes and catalytic interfaces for efficient solar energy conversion, as well as the design of complete photoelectrochemical cells and reactor concepts. A central theme is the selective formation of green chemicals, particularly low-carbon organic acids such as formic acid, oxalic acid, and glycolic acid, which have significant industrial relevance. Their co-production alongside hydrogen offers a pathway to enhance both the environmental and economic performance of solar-driven hydrogen technologies. The project combines laboratory experimentation with performance evaluation under simulated sunlight and chemical analysis of reaction products. Broader system-level considerations, such as energy efficiency and sustainability indicators, will also be addressed to assess the future deployment potential of these technologies. The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary research environment spanning chemical engineering, materials science, and renewable energy technologies, contributing to high-quality publications in the fields of solar fuels, sustainable chemistry, and circular economy systems. Applicants should have a strong undergraduate or master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline, and demonstrate enthusiasm for renewable energy research and laboratory-based investigation. 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 interface of sustainability and advanced engineering. Funding includes a stipend and tuition waiver for Malaysian applicants. The application process involves contacting the main supervisor to discuss your fit for the project, submitting an Expression of Interest with a research proposal, and, if eligible, applying for PhD candidature and scholarship consideration. Note that application instructions will change after 4 May 2026; please refer to the project page for updates.

This PhD project at Monash University Malaysia focuses on the financial modelling and economic assessment of emerging low-carbon energy systems within 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 for sustainable energy infrastructure. Key aspects of the project include scenario analysis to account for market variability and policy conditions, supporting informed decision-making, risk assessment, and strategic planning for future low-carbon industrial systems. The research will leverage interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from data science, financial economics, chemical engineering, and the Internet of Things to address the challenges of transitioning to sustainable energy solutions. Supervision is provided by Professor Chong Meng Nan, an expert in the field. The position is fully funded through the GRES scholarship, which offers a stipend and tuition waiver for students worldwide. To be eligible, applicants must hold a First Class Honours (H1) degree or its equivalent (H1E) as recognized by Monash University Malaysia and meet the university's English language requirements. Interested candidates should prepare a cover letter outlining their skills and experience, a CV detailing their educational background and publication record (if any), and evidence of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) if available. The application process involves contacting the supervisor to discuss fit, followed by submission of an Expression of Interest and, if eligible, a formal application for PhD candidature and scholarship consideration. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2026.

This PhD opportunity at Monash University Malaysia focuses on the development of advanced data-driven modelling approaches for the design and optimisation of low-carbon industrial energy systems. The project aims to integrate process simulation, system-level analysis, and digital tools to evaluate and enhance the performance, efficiency, and operational reliability of emerging energy infrastructures in industrial applications. Research will explore how digitalisation and data science can support improved system integration, informed decision-making, and the scalability of sustainable energy solutions. Students will work within the Department of Engineering and Information Technology, engaging with interdisciplinary research areas such as Data Science, Internet of Things, and Chemical Engineering. The outcomes of this research are expected to contribute significantly to the development of more sustainable and resilient industrial energy systems, addressing global challenges in energy efficiency and carbon reduction. The position is supervised by Professor Chong Meng Nan, an expert in the field. The project is fully funded for students worldwide, offering both a living stipend and a tuition waiver under the GRES scheme. Applicants must hold a First Class Honours (H1) degree or its equivalent, as recognised by Monash University Malaysia, and meet the university’s English language requirements. Evidence of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) is required if applicable. To apply, candidates should first contact Prof Chong Meng Nan with their academic background and achievements to discuss suitability for the project. If a good fit is established, applicants should complete an Expression of Interest (EoI) via the provided link, including a research proposal relevant to the project. Eligible candidates will be invited to formally apply for PhD candidature and may be selected for a scholarship interview. Note that the application process will change after May 2026, with updated instructions available from 4 May 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for highly qualified candidates interested in sustainable energy, digital modelling, and industrial innovation to pursue doctoral research at a leading international institution.

This PhD project at Monash University Malaysia focuses on the solar-driven co-production of hydrogen and green chemicals using advanced photoelectrochemical systems. The research addresses the global need for net zero energy solutions by developing technologies that are both low carbon and resource efficient. Through the use of sunlight to drive coupled oxidation and hydrogen evolution reactions, the project aims to produce renewable hydrogen alongside valuable organic acids such as formic acid, oxalic acid, and glycolic acid, which have significant industrial relevance. The project will involve the innovation of semiconductor photoelectrodes and catalytic interfaces to enhance solar energy conversion efficiency. Candidates will design and evaluate complete photoelectrochemical cells and reactor concepts, focusing on reaction selectivity and integrated system performance. Laboratory experimentation will be combined with performance evaluation under simulated sunlight and chemical analysis of reaction products. Broader system-level considerations, including energy efficiency and sustainability indicators, will be assessed to determine the future deployment potential of these technologies. Students 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. The ideal candidate should have a strong undergraduate or master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline, and demonstrate enthusiasm for renewable energy research and laboratory-based investigation. Prior experience in electrochemistry, catalysis, or materials research is advantageous. Funding is available in the form of a stipend and tuition waiver for Malaysians only. Applicants are encouraged to contact the main supervisor, Professor Chong Meng Nan, to discuss their academic background and suitability for the project. If a good fit is determined, applications should be submitted via the provided link, referencing the advertised research topic. The application deadline is June 1, 2026.

Green hydrogen production through solar-powered water electrolysis is a critical pathway for global decarbonisation. Conventional photovoltaic-electrolyser systems often waste substantial thermal energy generated during operation, limiting overall efficiency. Concentrated photovoltaic-thermal (CPVT) systems address this challenge by simultaneously generating electrical power and recoverable high-grade thermal energy from solar input. While CPVT technology is promising in regions with high direct normal irradiance, adapting these systems for tropical and equatorial climates—where diffuse radiation is significant—remains a key research challenge. Additionally, optimal strategies for thermal energy harvesting and integration with hydrogen production systems are not fully explored. This PhD project at Monash University Malaysia focuses on the design, modelling, and optimisation of advanced CPVT systems for solar hydrogen production. The research will emphasise optical system design, thermal management strategies, and multi-physics modelling to develop high-efficiency CPVT architectures capable of operating under variable irradiance conditions. A major objective is to investigate how CPVT-generated thermal energy can be strategically utilised to enhance water electrolysis performance and improve system economics. The project is predominantly simulation and modelling-based, with scope for targeted experimental validation. Key research 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 system performance under various conditions Techno-economic assessment and performance evaluation of CPVT-based hydrogen production systems Advanced numerical simulation and multi-physics modelling are primary methodologies. Geometry modelling, optical modelling, computational fluid dynamics, electrical circuit modelling, and electrochemical performance models will be integrated to capture coupled system behaviour. Simulation platforms such as EES, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, ANSYS/COMSOL, or similar tools will be used extensively. Physics-informed machine learning approaches may be applied to accelerate model development, performance prediction, and system optimisation. Eligibility & Requirements: Applicants must hold a First Class Honours (H1) or equivalent degree in Engineering or Science, preferably in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related disciplines. Strong command of written and oral English is required. Demonstrated interest in renewable energy systems, solar technologies, or hydrogen production is expected. Solid foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and/or electrochemistry is necessary. Experience with modelling and simulation tools is highly valued. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities and capacity for independent research are required. Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research environments is important. Evidence of English proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL) may be required. Funding: This project is funded by Monash University Malaysia. Successful PhD candidates will receive a stipend and fully-funded tuition fees. Supervisory Team: Prof. Chong Meng Nan (main supervisor), Dr. Sridhar Sripadmanabhan Indira, and Dr. Chan Ping Yi. How to Apply: Contact the main supervisor with your academic background and achievements to determine fit for the research topic. If suitable, submit your application via the provided link and ensure you enter the same research topic as advertised. Review the application requirements in the submission guide. Include a cover letter, CV, and evidence of English proficiency test (if any). Applications are accepted year-round.

This PhD project at Monash University Malaysia focuses on developing advanced data-driven modelling approaches for the design and optimisation of low-carbon industrial energy systems. The research integrates process simulation, system-level analysis, and digital tools to evaluate performance, efficiency, and operational reliability in industrial applications. By leveraging digital technologies and data science, the project aims to improve system integration, support decision-making, and enhance the scalability of future energy infrastructure. Students will explore how emerging modelling techniques can contribute to more sustainable and resilient industrial energy systems, addressing the challenges of decarbonisation and operational efficiency. The research is situated within the Department of Engineering and Information Technology, offering interdisciplinary opportunities in chemical engineering, environmental science, and computer science. Funding is available for students worldwide, including a stipend and tuition waiver. To be eligible, applicants must have a First Class Honours (H1) or its equivalence (H1E) recognised by Monash University Malaysia and meet English language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent). The application process involves contacting the main supervisor, Prof Chong Meng Nan, with your academic background and achievements to assess fit. If suitable, candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and evidence of English proficiency. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the project webpage. This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in sustainable energy, digital modelling, and industrial innovation.