Research students
PHD students
Ali Reza Ranjbartoreh
Research topic: Ab initio calculations and simulations on carbon nanotube and graphene
Carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets are hexagonally configured carbon atoms in one and two dimensions. Outstanding mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, surface area, thermal stability and optical transparency of carbon nanostructures make them promising materials for numerous advanced applications (e.g., composites, nano-electromechanical devices, nano-sensors etc.). However, before any practical application, their mechanical properties under various loading conditions must be considered precisely. This research employs experimental, continuum mechanics and molecular dynamics simulation approaches to determine the mechanical properties of carbon nanostubes and graphene sheets and investigate their mechanical behaviours during synthesis, characterization and applications. Obtained results of this project introduce new potential applications for carbon nanostructures.
Qualified users for XRD, SEM.
Bing Sun
Research topic: Lithium-air battery
Rechargeable lithium batteries are widely used as the power source for portable electronic devices, electric and hybrid electric vehicles, which are primary solutions to global warming. Nevertheless, before any practical and industrial applications, their energy densities should be improved considerably. This project investigates synthesis and characterization of nanostructures as basic elements of stable and high capacity cathodes for lithium ion and lithium air batteries to enhance their energy densities. Preparation of novel catalysts and investigation of their electrochemical performances for oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction in lithium air batteries are main objectives of my research.
Qualified users for XRD, SEM, UV.
Bei Wang
Research topic: Carbon materials for energy storage
Due to the shortage of fossil fuel resources and their negative effects on the environment, green and sustainable energy sources are in high demand nowadays. Small size and fast charge-discharge rate of lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors render them as renewable and green energy sources for a wide range of applications. This research studies nano-sized transition metal oxides, carbon materials (e.g. graphene, mesoporous carbon), and their composites as electrode materials for lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors. Once feasible and reliable materials are discovered for research-scale applications, they would be further commercialized to be suitable for more practical applications, such as energy supply for electronic vehicle, mobile phones, and laptops.
Qualified users for XRD, SEM, AFM, Raman, FT-IR, UV.
Ying Wang
Research topic: Cathode materials and ionic liquid electrolyte for lithium battery
Energy storage and conversion system, particularly in secondary lithium ion batteries as eco-friendly energy resource is the subject of my research project. This research considers the preparation and characterization of electrode materials for industrial applications (e.g., Electric and Hybrid electric vehicles industry). Finding safe, durable and feasible electrode materials with higher specific and rate capability than current materials is the aim of my project. Another aspect of this project is to explore large-scale production methods of room-temperature ionic liquids which possess high thermal and electrochemical stability.
Qualified users for XRD, SEM, NMR, FT-IR.
Dawei Su
Research topic: First principles calculation and modelling on battery materials
The most convenient form of energy storage is portable chemical energy which is efficiently convertible to electrical energy. Lithium batteries as rechargeable source of energy attract the attention of numerous researchers; however, low energy density, slow charge/discharge rate, and short service life of them are serious issues which remain unresolved. This research aims to prepare anode and cathode materials with high charge capacity, low overall cost, and high thermal and chemical stability. This project investigates synthesis methods, characterization of phase structures, morphologies, chemical constitutions and electrochemical stability of cathode and anode materials to improve their performance in lithium ion batteries.
Qualified users for XRD, SEM, TEM, High-Performance Computer Workstation.
Anjon Kumar Mondal
Research topic: Graphene materials for energy storage and drug delivery
Exceptional physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials make them superior to counter bulk materials for advanced technical applications. Graphene nanosheet (GN) possesses low cost and high absorption capacity of lithium which renders it promising material for lithium ion battery. However, aggregation of GN declines its surface area which prevents GN from loading high amount of Li. To overcome this issue, this research project investigate novel preparation methods of nanocomposite materials from GN and metal oxide nanoparticles with higher lithium loading capacity as suitable electrode materials for lithium ion batteries.
Shuangqiang Chen
UTS-China Scholarship Council (CSC) Doctor of Philosophy Scholarship
Research topic: graphene nanocomposites and metal-oxides/metal alloy for renewable energy
Qualified users for XRD, SEM, TEM, AFM, Raman, FT-IR, UV.
Kefei Li
Research topic: Lithium-Sulphur battery
As the modifications of cell fabrication have reached their limits, innovative cell chemistries are required for further improvement in energy density and power density of lithium ion batteries. High specific energy of lithium–sulfur batteries outperforms other conventional lithium batteries as the most promising candidate for next generation of batteries. However, this pioneering system still suffers from short cycle life and low capacity retention rate. This study will consider solutions to improve the cycle performance of lithium-sulfur battery. The objective of this project is to create innovative sulfur-contained electrodes with higher specific energy and cycle lives than conventional lithium ion batteries.
Qualified users for XRD, SEM.
Yiying Wei
UTS-China Scholarship Council (CSC) Doctor of Philosophy Scholarship
Research topic: High energy density and high power density supercapacitor with graphene composites for electrical vehicle
Qualified users: XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman.
Yanqing Qu
UTS-China Scholarship Council (CSC) Doctor of Philosophy Scholarship
Research topic: Intelligent power flow control and energe management strategy for PHEV
Qualified users: Matlab, EIS, Labview
Master student
Jinqiang Zhang
Qualified users for SEM
