Overview
Background
Overview:
Simon Smart is an Associate Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at The University of Queensland. He is the UQ Director of the Net Zero Australia study and a Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of CO2 (GETCO2). Simon completed his BE/BSc and PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering at The University of Queensland in 2003 and 2008 respectively. From 2008 until 2012, Simon was a research fellow in the Films and Inorganic Membrane Laboratory Group of Em.Prof. Joe Diniz da Costa in Chemical Engineering at UQ, where he led inorganic membrane research into hydrogen production, carbon dioxide capture, oxygen production, desalination and membrane reactor technologies. He pioneered metal, metal oxide silica and organosilica membranes, and was amongst the first researchers globally to apply Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) to inorganic membranes.
Simon has been working with the UQ Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation since it’s inception in 2014, where he has focussed on the use of molten metals and molten salts as liquid catalysts for the production of turquoise hydrogen from methane using pyrolysis and CO2 utilisation to produce syngas using dry reforming. He also specialises in broader energy system modelling and decarbonisation pathways, exemplified in projects with the Future Fuels CRC, Net Zero Australia study and GETCO2.
Simon has 147 publications including 9 book chapters and 120 international journal articles at an h-index of 44, with two Highly Cited papers in chemistry and geoscience. He was selected as one of the 2018 Class of Influential Researchers by Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. Simon was awarded a Queensland Government Early Career Researcher Fellowship in 2012, and a prestigious UQ Foundation Research Excellence Award for work on 'Low CO2 Iron and Petrochemicals Production' in 2016. Simon was the Secretary for the Membrane Society of Australasia from 2011 - 2013, where he served on the board of directors from 2010 - 2014.
Research Interests:
Simon's research is centred around the sustainable production and use of energy and chemicals - including the development of enabling technologies and processes for the production of clean energy, materials and water. This involves: the design and development of inorganic membranes and hybrid nanocomposite materials for gas and water separation (particularly for carbon capture); the use of molten metals and molten salts as liquid catalysts for low CO2 hydrogen production through methane pyrolysis, CO2 utilisation to produce syngas through dry reforming, and low CO2 iron production via molten iron salts. Simon also specialises in broader energy system modelling and decarbonisation pathways.
Teaching and Learning:
Simon is currently the course coordinator for: Energy Systems, and Sustainable Energy Technologies and Supply Systems. He teaches into Process Systems Analysis.
Availability
- Associate Professor Simon Smart is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Engineering, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Works
Search Professor Simon Smart’s works on UQ eSpace
Featured
2018
Journal Article
The early retirement challenge for fossil fuel power plants in deep decarbonisation scenarios
Kefford, Benjamin M., Ballinger, Benjamin, Schmeda-Lopez, Diego R., Greig, Chris and Smart, Simon (2018). The early retirement challenge for fossil fuel power plants in deep decarbonisation scenarios. Energy Policy, 119, 294-306. doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2018.04.018
Featured
2018
Journal Article
Hydrogen production using methane: Techno-economics of decarbonizing fuels and chemicals
Parkinson, Brett, Tabatabaei, Mojgan, Upham, David C., Ballinger, Benjamin, Greig, Chris, Smart, Simon and McFarland, Eric (2018). Hydrogen production using methane: Techno-economics of decarbonizing fuels and chemicals. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 43 (5), 2540-2555. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.12.081
Featured
2017
Journal Article
Can coal-derived DME reduce the dependence on solid cooking fuels in India?
Grove, Johannes, Lant, Paul A., Greig, Chris R. and Smart, Simon (2017). Can coal-derived DME reduce the dependence on solid cooking fuels in India?. Energy for Sustainable Development, 37, 51-59. doi: 10.1016/j.esd.2017.01.001
Featured
2017
Journal Article
Techno-economic analysis of a process for CO2-free coproduction of iron and hydrocarbon chemical products
Parkinson, B., Greig, C., McFarland, E. and Smart, S. (2017). Techno-economic analysis of a process for CO2-free coproduction of iron and hydrocarbon chemical products. Chemical Engineering Journal, 313, 136-143. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2016.12.059
Featured
2014
Journal Article
Development of rapid thermal processing of tubular cobalt oxide silica membranes for gas separations
Wang, David K., Diniz da Costa, João C. and Smart, Simon (2014). Development of rapid thermal processing of tubular cobalt oxide silica membranes for gas separations. Journal of Membrane Science, 456, 192-201. doi: 10.1016/j.memsci.2014.01.014
Featured
2012
Journal Article
Long term performance cobalt oxide silica membrane module for high temperature H-2 separation
Yacou, Christelle, Smart, Simon and Diniz da Costa, Joao C. (2012). Long term performance cobalt oxide silica membrane module for high temperature H-2 separation. Energy and Environmental Science, 5 (2), 5820-5832. doi: 10.1039/c2ee03247c
Featured
2010
Conference Publication
Ceramic membranes for gas processing in coal gasification
Smart, S., Lin, C. X. C., Ding, L., Thambimuthu, K. and Diniz da Costa, J. C. (2010). Ceramic membranes for gas processing in coal gasification. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Royal Society of Chemistry. doi: 10.1039/b924327e
Featured
2006
Journal Article
The biocompatibility of carbon nanotubes
Smart, S. K., Cassady, A. I., Lu, G. Q. and Martin, D. J. (2006). The biocompatibility of carbon nanotubes. Carbon, 44 (6), 1034-1047. doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2005.10.011
2024
Journal Article
Methane pyrolysis in molten salt slurry systems: evaluation of activity and mechanism in binary salt mixtures with molybdenum disulfide suspensions
McConnachie, Mark, Yan, Penghui, Konarova, Muxina and Smart, Simon (2024). Methane pyrolysis in molten salt slurry systems: evaluation of activity and mechanism in binary salt mixtures with molybdenum disulfide suspensions. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 81, 1172-1180. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.07.225
2024
Journal Article
“Selectivity and reaction kinetics of methane pyrolysis to produce hydrogen in catalytically active molten salts”
Sheil, Alister, Konarova, Muxina, McConnachie, Mark and Smart, Simon (2024). “Selectivity and reaction kinetics of methane pyrolysis to produce hydrogen in catalytically active molten salts”. Applied Energy, 364 123137. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123137
2024
Journal Article
Fine-tuning zeolite pore structures with carbon coating for enhanced gas separation in polyimide-based mixed matrix membrane
Gunawan, Triyanda, Widiastuti, Nurul, Widyanto, Alvin Rahmad, Fansuri, Hamzah, Akhlus, Syafsir, Salleh, Wan Norharyati Wan, Ismail, Ahmad Fauzi, Sazali, Norazlianie, Lin, Rijia, Motuzas, Julius and Smart, Simon (2024). Fine-tuning zeolite pore structures with carbon coating for enhanced gas separation in polyimide-based mixed matrix membrane. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 204, 556-571. doi: 10.1016/j.cherd.2024.02.042
2024
Journal Article
Interpreting gas sorption isotherms in glassy polymers using a Bayesian framework: a view on parameter uncertainty propagation into mixture sorption predictions
Monsalve-Bravo, Gloria M., Dutta, Ravi C., Zuluaga-Bedoya, Christian C., Adams, Matthew P., Smart, Simon, Konarova, Muxina and Bhatia, Suresh K. (2024). Interpreting gas sorption isotherms in glassy polymers using a Bayesian framework: a view on parameter uncertainty propagation into mixture sorption predictions. Journal of Membrane Science, 689 122159, 1-19. doi: 10.1016/j.memsci.2023.122159
2024
Journal Article
Evaluation of heterogeneous metal-sulfide molten salt slurry systems for hydrogen production through methane pyrolysis
McConnachie, Mark, Sheil, Alister, Konarova, Muxina and Smart, Simon (2024). Evaluation of heterogeneous metal-sulfide molten salt slurry systems for hydrogen production through methane pyrolysis. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 49 (Part A), 981-991. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.08.072
2024
Other Outputs
Net Zero Australia - Slide Pack and Input Data (updated version)
Davis, Dominic, Pascale, Andrew, Vecchi, Andrea, Bharadwaj, Bishal, Jones, Ryan A., Strawhorn, Tom, Tabatabaei, M, Lopez Peralta, Maria, Zhang, Yimin, Beiraghi, Jordan, Kiri, Utkarsh, Vosshage, Oscar, Finch, Ben, Batterham, Robin, Bolt, Richard, Brear, Michael, Cullen, B, Domansky, K, Eckard, R, Greig, C, Keenan, R, Mayfield, Erin and Smart, Simon (2024). Net Zero Australia - Slide Pack and Input Data (updated version). The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/e32f6e5
2023
Journal Article
Literature review of the catalytic pyrolysis of methane for hydrogen and carbon production
McConnachie, Mark, Konarova, Muxina and Smart, Simon (2023). Literature review of the catalytic pyrolysis of methane for hydrogen and carbon production. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 48 (66), 25660-25682. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.03.123
2023
Journal Article
Catalytic alkali and transition metal cations to produce low-emission hydrogen from methane pyrolysis
Sheil, Alister, Konarova, Muxina and Smart, Simon (2023). Catalytic alkali and transition metal cations to produce low-emission hydrogen from methane pyrolysis. ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, 11 (30), 11248-11258. doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c02384
2023
Journal Article
High oxygen production membranes by Ag catalytic surface modified BSCC perovskite
Yacou, Christelle, Leo, Adrian, Motuzas, Julius, Smart, Simon, Zhang, Shude, Liu, Shaomin and Diniz da Costa, João C. (2023). High oxygen production membranes by Ag catalytic surface modified BSCC perovskite. Separation and Purification Technology, 317 123829, 123829. doi: 10.1016/j.seppur.2023.123829
2023
Journal Article
Byproduct use optimization in a combined sinter plant and blast furnace model
McMahon, C., Cameron, I., Zughbi, H., Biasutti, M., Halstead, A. and Smart, S. (2023). Byproduct use optimization in a combined sinter plant and blast furnace model. Chemical Engineering and Processing, 183 109216, 109216. doi: 10.1016/j.cep.2022.109216
2023
Other Outputs
Net Zero Australia - GIS and Map Data
Davis, D, Pascale, Andrew, Vecchi, Andrea, Bharadwaj, Bishal, Ryan A. Jones, Strawhorn, Tom, Tabatabaei, M, Lopez Peralta, Maria, Zhang, Yimin, Beiraghi, Jordan, Kiri, U, Vosshage, Finch, B, Batterham, R, Richard Bolt, Brear, Michael, Cullen, B, Domansky, K, Eckard, R, Greig, C, Keenan, R and Smart, Simon (2023). Net Zero Australia - GIS and Map Data. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/5615114
2023
Other Outputs
Net Zero Australia - Slide Pack Data (old version)
Davis, Dominic, Pascale, Andrew, Vecchi, Andrea, Bharadwaj, Bishal, Ryan A. Jones, Strawhorn, Tom, Tabatabaei, M, Lopez Peralta, Maria, Zhang, Yimin, Beiraghi, Jordan, Kiri, U, Vosshage, Finch, B, Batterham, R, Bolt, R, Brear, Michael, Cullen, B, Domansky, K, Eckard, R, Greig, C, Keenan, R and Smart, Simon (2023). Net Zero Australia - Slide Pack Data (old version). The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/6850369
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Simon Smart is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
-
Perception and uptake of novel CO2 transformation technologies: What can we do with the CO2?
We seek a student interested in understanding how the public perceives new technologies for transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful products and chemicals. The student will collaborate with experts to:
- conduct life-cycle and cost-benefit analyses of different CO2 transformation technologies;
- develop frameworks to consider both the CO2 mitigation potential and/or benefit of products produced from CO2; and
- develop methodology to integrate circular economy concepts for the fulfillment of sustainable development objectives.
- In addition, based on surveys and experimental data, the student will also model public perception and technology preferences/choices along the supply chain.
The student’s earlier training can be in a variety of disciplines but students with a background in: systems thinking, life-cycle assessment, process engineering, and/or an aptitude for applying a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods in industrial ecology are encouraged to apply. Surveys, behavioural experiments, and some econometric tools may be used in parts of the study. There would be opportunities for some methodological skills development as part of the PhD. The student should be willing to work with a team of scholars from engineering, natural and social sciences as well.
The student will be funded through the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence on Green Electrochemical Transformation of CO2 (GETCO2). Students will be based at The University of Queensland in the School of Chemical Engineering under the principal supervisor of A/Prof Simon Smart. This position will have co-supervision with partner investigator Professor Saleem H. Ali who is based at the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences at the University of Delaware, USA and there will also be funds available for the student to spend some significant time there.
The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide (GETCO2) gathers a critical mass of expertise to tackle the world’s biggest challenge – carbon dioxide. Led by Professor Xiwang Zhang, GETCO2 is a $45M, 7-year collaboration funded by the ARC, university, industry, and government partners. Our national university partners are The University of Queensland, Griffith University, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, RMIT, Monash University and University of Adelaide. GETCO2 is the world’s largest research endeavour focusing on electrochemical conversion of CO2 into useful products such as fuels and chemicals. Acting as a focal point for research, training, technology translation and advice, GETCO2 is positioned as a global leader in carbon dioxide transformation. The Centre aims to generate long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits by building capacity and capability to address national and international net-zero obligations. Further information about the Centre can be found at www.getco2.org
-
Perception and uptake of novel CO2 transformation technologies: What can we do with the CO2?
We seek a student interested in understanding how the public perceives new technologies for transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful products and chemicals. The student will collaborate with experts to:
- conduct life-cycle and cost-benefit analyses of different CO2 transformation technologies;
- develop frameworks to consider both the CO2 mitigation potential and/or benefit of products produced from CO2; and
- develop methodology to integrate circular economy concepts for the fulfillment of sustainable development objectives.
- In addition, based on surveys and experimental data, the student will also model public perception and technology preferences/choices along the supply chain.
The student’s earlier training can be in a variety of disciplines but students with a background in: systems thinking, life-cycle assessment, process engineering, and/or an aptitude for applying a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods in industrial ecology are encouraged to apply. Surveys, behavioural experiments, and some econometric tools may be used in parts of the study. There would be opportunities for some methodological skills development as part of the PhD. The student should be willing to work with a team of scholars from engineering, natural and social sciences as well.
The student will be funded through the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence on Green Electrochemical Transformation of CO2 (GETCO2). Students will be based at The University of Queensland in the School of Chemical Engineering under the principal supervisor of A/Prof Simon Smart. This position will have co-supervision with partner investigator Professor Saleem H. Ali who is based at the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences at the University of Delaware, USA and there will also be funds available for the student to spend some significant time there.
The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide (GETCO2) gathers a critical mass of expertise to tackle the world’s biggest challenge – carbon dioxide. Led by Professor Xiwang Zhang, GETCO2 is a $45M, 7-year collaboration funded by the ARC, university, industry, and government partners. Our national university partners are The University of Queensland, Griffith University, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, RMIT, Monash University and University of Adelaide. GETCO2 is the world’s largest research endeavour focusing on electrochemical conversion of CO2 into useful products such as fuels and chemicals. Acting as a focal point for research, training, technology translation and advice, GETCO2 is positioned as a global leader in carbon dioxide transformation. The Centre aims to generate long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits by building capacity and capability to address national and international net-zero obligations. Further information about the Centre can be found at www.getco2.org
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Master Philosophy
Decarbonising the Australian Aviation Industry: with a focus on net-zero emissions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Saphira Rekker
-
Doctor Philosophy
Investigation and Demonstration at Laboratory Scale, Novel Processes to Produce Near-Zero Carbon Oxide Emissions Hydrogen and Fuels from Methane Through Pyrolysis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Muxina Konarova
-
Doctor Philosophy
Integrating hydrogen from methane pyrolysis into the iron and steel industry
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Travis Mitchell, Dr Christopher Leonardi
Completed supervision
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the opportunities and costs of planning and operating electricity systems with high shares of variable renewable energy sources
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Joe Lane
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Methane Pyrolysis in Molten Salts to Produce Low Emission Hydrogen
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Muxina Konarova
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Access, Uptake, and Outcomes: A study of electricity access using system dynamics
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Vigya Sharma
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Trace Element Modeling and Optimization of Byproduct Use in an Integrated Steelworks
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Ian Cameron
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
2D/3D Reduced Graphene/Carbon Mixed Matrix Membranes
Principal Advisor
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Mixed Matrix Membranes for Gas Separation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Suresh Bhatia, Dr Rijia Lin
-
2016
Master Philosophy
Active Anti-Fouling and Defouling of Membranes using Electrochemical Methods
Principal Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Hybrid Organic-inorganic Molecular Templated Membranes for Water Desalination
Principal Advisor
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Starch-derived Carbon Membranes for Saline Pervaporation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Greg Birkett
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Forward Osmosis (FO) Membrane-based Technology in Urban Wastewater Treatment
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Liu Ye
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Design and Techno-economic Evaluation of Multi-stage Membrane Processes for Helium Recovery from Natural Gas
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Tom Rufford
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Informing energy projects in developing countries by leveraging lessons learnt from the water sector
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Engineering models of gas permeation in mixed-matrix membranes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Suresh Bhatia
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Energy access transitions in South Asia: A study of positive deviance and the enabling mechanisms for social change at the community level
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Elske van de Fliert, Professor Paul Lant
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Energy transitions in developing countries and the role of alternative liquid fuels in reducing energy poverty: Exploring the use of dimethyl ether (DME) to augment the use of imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a clean cooking fuel in India
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
The links between energy and human welfare
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant
-
2017
Master Philosophy
Investigation of Vacuum-Assisted Preparation Methods of Inorganic Membranes
Associate Advisor
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Private sector electrification in Base of the Pyramid marketplaces in India: opportunities for energy and business to create Shared Value
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
High Performance ES40-Derived Silica Membranes for Desalination
Associate Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Development of microporous cobalt oxide silica membrane for CO2/H2 separation
Associate Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Silica-metal and metal-metal interactions within metal doped microporous silica xerogels and membranes
Associate Advisor
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Functionalized metal oxide silica membranes for gas separation
Associate Advisor
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Morphological, mechanical and gas transport properties of stainless steel and composite hollow fibres.
Associate Advisor
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Single (Iron) and Binary (Iron and Cobalt) Metal Oxide Doped Silica Membranes for Gas Separation
Associate Advisor
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Carbon molecular sieve membranes for desalination
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Greg Birkett
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
The Effect of Yttrium Substitution and Surface Modification on BSCF Perovskites
Associate Advisor
-
2011
Doctor Philosophy
Robust Microporous Cobalt Oxide Doped Silica Membranes for High Temperature Industrial Coal Gasification Syngas Separation
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
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