Associate Professor Simon Smart
Associate Professor

Simon Smart

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 58591

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

Carbon capture engineering (excl. sequestration) Engineering Separation technologies Water treatment processes

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Engineering, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Search Professor Simon Smart’s works on UQ eSpace

150 works between 2006 and 2024
All (150) Journal Article (120) Book Chapter (10) Conference Publication (12) Other Outputs (8)

81 - 100 of 150 works

2016

Journal Article

Pervaporation of ammonia solution with gamma-alumina supported organosilica membranes

Yang, Xing, Ding, Lining, Wolf, Martin, Velterop, Frans, Bouwmeester, Henny J. M., Smart, Simon, da Costa, Joao C. Diniz, Liubinas, Audra, Li, Jun-De, Zhang, Jianhua and Duke, Mikel (2016). Pervaporation of ammonia solution with gamma-alumina supported organosilica membranes. Separation and Purification Technology, 168, 141-151. doi: 10.1016/j.seppur.2016.05.017

Pervaporation of ammonia solution with gamma-alumina supported organosilica membranes

2016

Journal Article

Mixed matrix carbon molecular sieve and alumina (CMS-Al2O3) membranes

Song, Yingjun, Wang, David K., Birkett, Greg, Martens, Wayde, Duke, Mikel C., Smart, Simon and Diniz da Costa, Joao C. (2016). Mixed matrix carbon molecular sieve and alumina (CMS-Al2O3) membranes. Scientific Reports, 6 (1) 30703, 30703. doi: 10.1038/srep30703

Mixed matrix carbon molecular sieve and alumina (CMS-Al2O3) membranes

2016

Journal Article

Ultra-microporous membrane separation using toluene to simulate tar-containing gases

Deonarine, Beshan, Ji, Guozhao, Smart, Simon, Diniz da Costa, João C., Reed, Graham and Millan, Marcos (2016). Ultra-microporous membrane separation using toluene to simulate tar-containing gases. Fuel Processing Technology, 161, 259-264. doi: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2016.07.003

Ultra-microporous membrane separation using toluene to simulate tar-containing gases

2015

Journal Article

Improved pore connectivity by the reduction of cobalt oxide silica membranes

Ji, Guozhao, Smart, Simon, Bhatia, Suresh K. and Diniz da Costa, João C. (2015). Improved pore connectivity by the reduction of cobalt oxide silica membranes. Separation and Purification Technology, 154, 338-344. doi: 10.1016/j.seppur.2015.09.065

Improved pore connectivity by the reduction of cobalt oxide silica membranes

2015

Journal Article

Binary gas mixture and hydrothermal stability investigation of cobalt silica membranes

Liu, Liang, Wang, David K., Martens, Dana L., Smart, Simon and Diniz da Costa, Joao C. (2015). Binary gas mixture and hydrothermal stability investigation of cobalt silica membranes. Journal of Membrane Science, 493, 470-477. doi: 10.1016/j.memsci.2015.06.058

Binary gas mixture and hydrothermal stability investigation of cobalt silica membranes

2015

Journal Article

Interlayer-free microporous cobalt oxide silica membranes via silica seeding sol-gel technique

Liu, Liang, David Wang, Martens, Dana L., Smart, Simon and Diniz da Costa, Joao C. (2015). Interlayer-free microporous cobalt oxide silica membranes via silica seeding sol-gel technique. Journal of Membrane Science, 492, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.memsci.2015.05.028

Interlayer-free microporous cobalt oxide silica membranes via silica seeding sol-gel technique

2015

Journal Article

Ternary Phase-Separation Investigation of Sol-Gel Derived Silica from Ethyl Silicate 40

Wang, Shengnan, Wang, David K., Smart, Simon and Diniz Da Costa, Joao C. (2015). Ternary Phase-Separation Investigation of Sol-Gel Derived Silica from Ethyl Silicate 40. Scientific Reports, 5 (Art No.: 14560) 14560, 14560. doi: 10.1038/srep14560

Ternary Phase-Separation Investigation of Sol-Gel Derived Silica from Ethyl Silicate 40

2015

Journal Article

Temperature dependent transition point of purity versus flux for gas separation in Fe/Co-silica membranes

Darmawan, Adi, Motuzas, Julius, Smart, Simon, Julbe, Anne and Diniz Da Costa, Joao.C. (2015). Temperature dependent transition point of purity versus flux for gas separation in Fe/Co-silica membranes. Separation and Purification Technology, 151 12474, 284-291. doi: 10.1016/j.seppur.2015.07.055

Temperature dependent transition point of purity versus flux for gas separation in Fe/Co-silica membranes

2015

Journal Article

Gas permeation redox effect on binary lanthanum cobalt silica membranes with enhanced silicate formation

Ballinger, Benjamin, Motuzas, Julius, Smart, Simon and Diniz da Costa, Joao C. (2015). Gas permeation redox effect on binary lanthanum cobalt silica membranes with enhanced silicate formation. Journal of Membrane Science, 489, 220-226. doi: 10.1016/j.memsci.2015.04.025

Gas permeation redox effect on binary lanthanum cobalt silica membranes with enhanced silicate formation

2015

Journal Article

Redox structural control of Pd and PdO silica matrices

Ballinger, Benjamin J., Motuzas, Julius., Smart, Simon. and Diniz Da Costa, Joao C. (2015). Redox structural control of Pd and PdO silica matrices. RSC Advances, 5 (90), 74144-74149. doi: 10.1039/c5ra11085h

Redox structural control of Pd and PdO silica matrices

2015

Journal Article

Mesoporous organosilica membranes: Effects of pore geometry and calcination conditions on the membrane distillation performance for desalination

Chua, Yen, Lin, Chun Xiang Cynthia, Kleitz, Freddy and Smart, Simon (2015). Mesoporous organosilica membranes: Effects of pore geometry and calcination conditions on the membrane distillation performance for desalination. Desalination, 370, 53-62. doi: 10.1016/j.desal.2015.05.015

Mesoporous organosilica membranes: Effects of pore geometry and calcination conditions on the membrane distillation performance for desalination

2015

Journal Article

Hydrothermal stability investigation of micro- and mesoporous silica containing long-range ordered cobalt oxide clusters by XAS

Liu, Liang, Wang, David K., Kappen, Peter, Martens, Dana L., Smart, Simon and Diniz da Costa, Joao C. (2015). Hydrothermal stability investigation of micro- and mesoporous silica containing long-range ordered cobalt oxide clusters by XAS. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 17 (29), 19500-19506. doi: 10.1039/c5cp02309b

Hydrothermal stability investigation of micro- and mesoporous silica containing long-range ordered cobalt oxide clusters by XAS

2015

Journal Article

Stainless steel hollow fibres - sintering, morphology and mechanical properties

Schmeda-Lopez, Diego R., Smart, Simon, Nunes, Eduardo H. M., Vasconcelos, Daniela, Vasconcelos, Wander L., Bram, Martin, Meulenberg, Wilhelm A. and Diniz da Costa, Joao C. (2015). Stainless steel hollow fibres - sintering, morphology and mechanical properties. Separation and Purification Technology, 147, 379-387. doi: 10.1016/j.seppur.2015.02.026

Stainless steel hollow fibres - sintering, morphology and mechanical properties

2015

Journal Article

Mesoporous TiO2 based membranes for water desalination and brine processing

Yacou, Christelle, Smart, Simon and Diniz da Costa, Joao C. (2015). Mesoporous TiO2 based membranes for water desalination and brine processing. Separation and Purification Technology, 147 12310, 166-171. doi: 10.1016/j.seppur.2015.04.028

Mesoporous TiO2 based membranes for water desalination and brine processing

2015

Journal Article

Synthesis of mesoporous carbon-silica nanocomposite water-treatment membranes using a triconstituent co-assembly method

Chua, Yen T., Lin, Chun Xiang C., Kleitz, Freddy and Smart, Simon (2015). Synthesis of mesoporous carbon-silica nanocomposite water-treatment membranes using a triconstituent co-assembly method. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 3 (19), 10480-10491. doi: 10.1039/c5ta01328c

Synthesis of mesoporous carbon-silica nanocomposite water-treatment membranes using a triconstituent co-assembly method

2015

Journal Article

Nanoporous organosilica membrane for water desalination: theoretical study on the water transport

Chua, Yen Thien, Ji, Guozhao, Birkett, Greg, Lin, Chun Xiang Cynthia, Kleitz, Freddy and Smart, Simon (2015). Nanoporous organosilica membrane for water desalination: theoretical study on the water transport. Journal of Membrane Science, 482, 56-66. doi: 10.1016/j.memsci.2015.01.060

Nanoporous organosilica membrane for water desalination: theoretical study on the water transport

2015

Journal Article

Influence of sol-gel conditioning on the cobalt phase and the hydrothermal stability of cobalt oxide silica membranes

Liu, Liang, Wang, David K., Martens, Dana L., Smart, Simon and Diniz da Costa, Joao C. (2015). Influence of sol-gel conditioning on the cobalt phase and the hydrothermal stability of cobalt oxide silica membranes. Journal of Membrane Science, 475, 425-432. doi: 10.1016/j.memsci.2014.10.037

Influence of sol-gel conditioning on the cobalt phase and the hydrothermal stability of cobalt oxide silica membranes

2015

Journal Article

Modulation of microporous/mesoporous structures in self-templated cobalt-silica

Martens, Dana L., Wang, David K., Motuzas, Julius, Smart, Simon and Diniz da Costa, João C. (2015). Modulation of microporous/mesoporous structures in self-templated cobalt-silica. Scientific Reports, 5 (1) 07970, 7970.1-7970.8. doi: 10.1038/srep07970

Modulation of microporous/mesoporous structures in self-templated cobalt-silica

2015

Journal Article

Binary iron cobalt oxide silica membrane for gas separation

Darmawan, Adi, Motuzas, Julius, Smart, Simon, Julbe, Anne and Diniz da Costa, Joao C. (2015). Binary iron cobalt oxide silica membrane for gas separation. Journal of Membrane Science, 474, 32-38. doi: 10.1016/j.memsci.2014.09.033

Binary iron cobalt oxide silica membrane for gas separation

2015

Journal Article

Improved hydrothermal stability of silica materials prepared from ethyl silicate 40

Wang, Shengnan, Wang, David K., Jack, Kevin S., Smart, Simon and da Costa, Joao C. Diniz (2015). Improved hydrothermal stability of silica materials prepared from ethyl silicate 40. RSC Advances, 5 (8), 6092-6099. doi: 10.1039/c4ra12483a

Improved hydrothermal stability of silica materials prepared from ethyl silicate 40

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2030
    ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide
    ARC Centres of Excellence
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    Advanced chemical recycling of mixed plastics for monomer recovery (ARC Discovery Project administered by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    Net Zero Australia
    Worley Services Pty Limited
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2025
    A techno-economic assessment of clean energy production from Latrobe Valley brown coal
    Exergen Pty Ltd
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2024
    Decarbonisation Strategic Technology Roadmap
    KPMG
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Efficient hydrogen generation via alkaline water electrolysis on low cost electrocatalyst
    HBIS Group Co, Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Net Zero Australia
    Future Fuels CRC Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Efficient conversion of hydrogen into alternative future fuels
    Future Fuels CRC Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2024
    Novel technology to produce low-cost blue hydrogen via methane pyrolysis
    Future Fuels CRC Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Dehydrating Coal Seam Gas using Membranes (CRC-P administered by Ezi Fab & Insulation Pty Ltd)
    Ezi Fab & Insulation Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Techno-economic modelling of fuel production processes and supply chains
    Future Fuels CRC Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Optical Equipment for Advanced Thermofluid Measurements
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Supply of Services to develop and deliver the Industry and Resource Sector Adaptation Plan
    Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2023
    ARC Research Hub for Energy-efficient Separation (ARC Research Hub administered by Monash University)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2023
    Mitigation of silica nanoparticle scaling in water treatment
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017
    HCI Regeneration Reactor Testing
    Australian BioRefining Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Self cleaning membranes for tallow recovery from abattoir wastewater
    Australian Meat Processor Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Engineering Models of Permeation in Mixed Matrix Membranes
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2017
    Carbon Capture Shift Reactors
    Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Oxygen membranes for oxyfuel combustion and/or brown and black coal gasification
    Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Standards for the scoping & estimating early mover CCS projects
    Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    Smart Futures Fellowship (Early): Inorganic membranes of coal seam gas water and brine treatment
    Queensland Government Smart Futures Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    A Raman facility for advanced research supporting Australia's natural gas, oil, coal and minerals industries (ARC LIEF Grant administered by UWA)
    ARC LIEF Collaborating/Partner Organisation Contributions
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    A facility for non-destructive quantification of coal structures, composition and percolation fluid flows in energy and environmental applications
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    ResTeach Funding 2012 0.15 FTE School of Chemical Engineering
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Metal oxide silica membrane for hydrogen separation in coal gasification
    CRC for Greenhouse Gas Technologies
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    High water recovery inland desalination using membrane distillation with ceramic membranes (National Centre for Excellence in Desalination project administered by Murdoch University)
    Murdoch University
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Complete laboratory to semi-industry scale high energy milling and dispersion facility.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Engineered Functional Metal Silica Membranes for Hydrogen Processing
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Metal Oxide/Silica Membranes for Desalination
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Non-brittle ceramic hollow fiber membranes
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Novel Hybrid Silica Membranes for Desalination
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Polymer gas barrier property facility for development of smart membranes, packing and biomedical films
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011
    ResTeach 2011 0.2 FTE School of Chemical Engineering
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Simon Smart is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Integrating hydrogen from methane pyrolysis into the iron and steel industry

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Travis Mitchell, Dr Christopher Leonardi

  • 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

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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communications@uq.edu.au