Terry Humphries

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.