Associate Professor Ruth Knibbe
Associate Professor

Ruth Knibbe

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 54500

Background

My research focuses on materials for electrochemical energy systems, with a particular emphasis on electrochemistry, electron microscopy, and dabblings in the application of machine learning in materials discovery.

I joined the School of Mechanical & Mining Engineering at The University of Queensland (UQ) as a Lecturer in 2016 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2020 and Associate Professor in 2023.

I earned my PhD in Chemical Engineering from UQ in 2007. Following this, I spent four years at DTU Energy (Technical University of Denmark) and five years at the Robinson Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington.

My fundamental research interests include:

  • Operando electron microscopy characterisation for electrochemical systems - electrolysers and batteries
  • Development of novel battery materials, for sodium-based batteries including solid state batteries and anode free battery systems
  • Understanding degradation mechanisms in electrochemical systems - a current focus on carbon dioxide electrolysis systems.
  • Machine learning-driven material design.

My industry facing research interests include

  • Development of printed batteries for health monitoring and logistics applications.
  • Large-scale implementation of electrochemical energy systems for industry.
  • Understanding fire safety for large-scale battery systems.

Availability

Associate Professor Ruth Knibbe is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Operando Electron Microscopy Characterisation for Electrochemical Systems

    Characterising materials under near-operating conditions provides invaluable insights into their real-world behaviour. In electron microscopy, achieving operando characterisation is particularly challenging due to the high-vacuum environment of the microscope. For battery systems with liquid electrolytes, this requires encapsulating the cell while maintaining electron transparency—a demanding experimental task. However, the ability to observe nanoscale phenomena in real time offers a unique advantage, enabling the development of more efficient and durable battery technologies.

  • Development of Novel Battery Materials

    Sodium-based batteries, which includes solid state batteries and anode-free systems, represent the future of sustainable and high-performance energy storage. A key focus of our research is the development of novel materials to optimise electrode interfaces and enhance cathode performance. By engineering interfaces, we aim to improve slow interfacial kinetics to reduce degradation. These advancements are essential for overcoming current limitations in next-generation battery technologies and enabling their large-scale commercial adoption.

  • Machine learning and robotics in new material design

    Leveraging machine learning for materials discovery is critical in the design of next-generation functional materials. Despite extensive research into new materials for various applications, many commercial systems continue to rely on well-established compositions. With a wealth of experimental data available, machine learning holds significant potential for unlocking the design of superior alternatives. In addition, the development of robotic systems to assist in high-throughput synthesis is accelerating the discovery and optimisation of novel materials. This approach fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together expertise from fields such as machine learning and robotics to drive innovation in materials science.

  • Understanding Fire Safety for Large-Scale Battery Systems

    As energy storage systems scale up, safety becomes an increasingly critical concern. Research in this area is essential for developing safer battery technologies, mitigating thermal runaway risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance for grid-scale and industrial applications. This work is conducted in collaboration with fire safety experts to assess the unique fire risks associated with large-scale battery systems. By combining expertise, the goal is to develop strategies and technologies that enhance the safety of large-scale energy storage systems.

Search Professor Ruth Knibbe’s works on UQ eSpace

111 works between 2005 and 2025
All (111) Journal Article (98) Book Chapter (3) Conference Publication (9) Other Outputs (1)

41 - 60 of 111 works

2022

Journal Article

The role of stacking faults in the enhancement of the a-b plane peak in silver ion-irradiated commercial MOD REBCO wires

Soman, Arya A., Wimbush, Stuart C., Rupich, Martin W., Notthoff, Christian, Kluth, Patrick, Knibbe, Ruth, Li, Ming and Strickland, Nicholas M. (2022). The role of stacking faults in the enhancement of the a-b plane peak in silver ion-irradiated commercial MOD REBCO wires. IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, 32 (4) 8000405, 1-5. doi: 10.1109/tasc.2022.3142648

The role of stacking faults in the enhancement of the a-b plane peak in silver ion-irradiated commercial MOD REBCO wires

2022

Journal Article

In Operando Closed-cell Transmission Electron Microscopy for Rechargeable Battery Characterization: Scientific Breakthroughs and Practical Limitations

Tao, Shiwei, Li, Ming, Lyu, Miaoqiang, Ran, Lingbing, Wepf, Roger, Gentle, Ian and Knibbe, Ruth (2022). In Operando Closed-cell Transmission Electron Microscopy for Rechargeable Battery Characterization: Scientific Breakthroughs and Practical Limitations. Nano Energy, 96 107083, 1-27. doi: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2022.107083

In Operando Closed-cell Transmission Electron Microscopy for Rechargeable Battery Characterization: Scientific Breakthroughs and Practical Limitations

2022

Journal Article

Effect of shearing prestrain on the hydrogen embrittlement of 1180 MPa grade martensitic advanced high-strength steel

Li, Huixing, Venezuela, Jeffrey, Zhou, Qingjun, Shi, Zhiming, Yan, Ming, Knibbe, Ruth, Zhang, Mingxing, Dong, Futao and Atrens, Andrej (2022). Effect of shearing prestrain on the hydrogen embrittlement of 1180 MPa grade martensitic advanced high-strength steel. Corrosion Science, 199 110170, 110170. doi: 10.1016/j.corsci.2022.110170

Effect of shearing prestrain on the hydrogen embrittlement of 1180 MPa grade martensitic advanced high-strength steel

2022

Journal Article

Cobalt‐doped Cu6Sn5 lithium‐ion battery anodes with enhanced electrochemical properties

Tan, Xin F., Tao, Shiwei, Ran, Lingbing, Knibbe, Ruth and Nogita, Kazuhiro (2022). Cobalt‐doped Cu6Sn5 lithium‐ion battery anodes with enhanced electrochemical properties. Nano Select, 3 (8), 1264-1276. doi: 10.1002/nano.202200056

Cobalt‐doped Cu6Sn5 lithium‐ion battery anodes with enhanced electrochemical properties

2022

Journal Article

Charge storage behaviour of α‐MoO3 in aqueous electrolytes – effect of charge density of electrolyte cations

Elkholy, Ayman E., Duignan, Timothy T., Hussain, Tanveer, Knibbe, Ruth and Zhao, Xiu Song (2022). Charge storage behaviour of α‐MoO3 in aqueous electrolytes – effect of charge density of electrolyte cations. ChemElectroChem, 9 (3) e202101449. doi: 10.1002/celc.202101449

Charge storage behaviour of α‐MoO3 in aqueous electrolytes – effect of charge density of electrolyte cations

2022

Journal Article

Isotropic and anisotropic flux pinning induced by heavy-ion irradiation

Strickland, Nicholas M., Wimbush, Stuart C., Ambadiyil Soman, Arya, Kluth, Patrick, Notthoff, Christian, Knibbe, Ruth, Li, Ming and Rupich, Martin W. (2022). Isotropic and anisotropic flux pinning induced by heavy-ion irradiation. IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, 32 (4), 1-5. doi: 10.1109/tasc.2022.3142715

Isotropic and anisotropic flux pinning induced by heavy-ion irradiation

2022

Journal Article

Effects of abrasive rock type on CVF-dependent performance trends of white cast irons in the inner circumference abrasion test

Demirer, E., Pourasiabi, Hamid, McInnes, L. J., Knibbe, R. and Gates, J. D. (2022). Effects of abrasive rock type on CVF-dependent performance trends of white cast irons in the inner circumference abrasion test. Tribology Transactions, 65 (2), 308-323. doi: 10.1080/10402004.2021.2020385

Effects of abrasive rock type on CVF-dependent performance trends of white cast irons in the inner circumference abrasion test

2021

Journal Article

Enhanced safety and performance of high-voltage solid-state sodium battery through trilayer, multifunctional electrolyte design

Ran, Lingbing, Li, Ming, Cooper, Emily, Luo, Bin, Gentle, Ian, Wang, Lianzhou and Knibbe, Ruth (2021). Enhanced safety and performance of high-voltage solid-state sodium battery through trilayer, multifunctional electrolyte design. Energy Storage Materials, 41, 8-13. doi: 10.1016/j.ensm.2021.05.040

Enhanced safety and performance of high-voltage solid-state sodium battery through trilayer, multifunctional electrolyte design

2021

Journal Article

Stable interfaces in a sodium metal-free, solid-state sodium-ion battery with gradient composite electrolyte

Ran, Lingbing, Tao, Shiwei, Gentle, Ian, Luo, Bin, Li, Ming, Rana, MdMasud, Wang, Lianzhou and Knibbe, Ruth (2021). Stable interfaces in a sodium metal-free, solid-state sodium-ion battery with gradient composite electrolyte. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 13 (33) acsami.1c09792, 39355-39362. doi: 10.1021/acsami.1c09792

Stable interfaces in a sodium metal-free, solid-state sodium-ion battery with gradient composite electrolyte

2021

Journal Article

Hydrogen-induced fast fracture in notched 1500 and 1700 MPa class automotive martensitic advanced high-strength steel

Venezuela, Jeffrey, Hill, Timothy, Zhou, Qingjun, Li, Huixing, Shi, Zhiming, Dong, Futao, Knibbe, Ruth, Zhang, Mingxing, Dargusch, Matthew S. and Atrens, Andrej (2021). Hydrogen-induced fast fracture in notched 1500 and 1700 MPa class automotive martensitic advanced high-strength steel. Corrosion Science, 188 109550, 1-17. doi: 10.1016/j.corsci.2021.109550

Hydrogen-induced fast fracture in notched 1500 and 1700 MPa class automotive martensitic advanced high-strength steel

2021

Journal Article

Nanoconfined topochemical conversion from MXene to ultrathin non‐layered TiN nanomesh toward superior electrocatalysts for lithium‐sulfur batteries

Huang, Xia, Tang, Jiayong, Qiu, Tengfei, Knibbe, Ruth, Hu, Yuxiang, Schülli, Tobias U., Lin, Tongen, Wang, Zhiliang, Chen, Peng, Luo, Bin and Wang, Lianzhou (2021). Nanoconfined topochemical conversion from MXene to ultrathin non‐layered TiN nanomesh toward superior electrocatalysts for lithium‐sulfur batteries. Small, 17 (32) 2101360, 1-8. doi: 10.1002/smll.202101360

Nanoconfined topochemical conversion from MXene to ultrathin non‐layered TiN nanomesh toward superior electrocatalysts for lithium‐sulfur batteries

2021

Journal Article

Prediction of mechanical properties of wrought aluminium alloys using feature engineering assisted machine learning approach

Hu, Mingwei, Tan, Qiyang, Knibbe, Ruth, Wang, Sen, Li, Xue, Wu, Tianqi, Jarin, Sams and Zhang, Ming-Xing (2021). Prediction of mechanical properties of wrought aluminium alloys using feature engineering assisted machine learning approach. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A: Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science, 52 (7), 2873-2884. doi: 10.1007/s11661-021-06279-5

Prediction of mechanical properties of wrought aluminium alloys using feature engineering assisted machine learning approach

2021

Journal Article

Air electrodes and related degradation mechanisms in solid oxide electrolysis and reversible solid oxide cells

Khan, M. S., Xu, X., Knibbe, R. and Zhu, Z. (2021). Air electrodes and related degradation mechanisms in solid oxide electrolysis and reversible solid oxide cells. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 143 110918, 1-17. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.110918

Air electrodes and related degradation mechanisms in solid oxide electrolysis and reversible solid oxide cells

2021

Journal Article

Hydrogen fracture maps for sheared-edge-controlled hydrogen-delayed fracture of 1180 MPa advanced high-strength steels

Li, Huixing, Venezuela, Jeffrey, Qian, Zhen, Zhou, Qingjun, Shi, Zhiming, Yan, Ming, Knibbe, Ruth, Zhang, Mingxing, Dong, Futao and Atrens, Andrej (2021). Hydrogen fracture maps for sheared-edge-controlled hydrogen-delayed fracture of 1180 MPa advanced high-strength steels. Corrosion Science, 184 109360, 109360. doi: 10.1016/j.corsci.2021.109360

Hydrogen fracture maps for sheared-edge-controlled hydrogen-delayed fracture of 1180 MPa advanced high-strength steels

2021

Journal Article

Hydrogen-induced delayed fracture of a 1180 MPa martensitic advanced high-strength steel under U-bend loading

Li, Huixing, Venezuela, Jeffrey, Zhou, Qingjun, Luzin, Vladimir, Yan, Ming, Shi, Zhiming, Knibbe, Ruth, Zhang, Mingxing, Dong, Futao, Dargusch, Matthew S. and Atrens, Andrej (2021). Hydrogen-induced delayed fracture of a 1180 MPa martensitic advanced high-strength steel under U-bend loading. Materials Today Communications, 26 101887, 101887. doi: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.101887

Hydrogen-induced delayed fracture of a 1180 MPa martensitic advanced high-strength steel under U-bend loading

2021

Journal Article

ZIF-8 derived hollow carbon to trap polysulfides for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries

Rana, Masud, Kim, Jeonghum, Peng, Lingyi, Qiu, He, Kaiser, Rejaul, Ran, Lingbing, Hossain, Md. Shahriar A., Luo, Bin, Gentle, Ian, Wang, Lianzhou, Knibbe, Ruth and Yamauchi, Yusuke (2021). ZIF-8 derived hollow carbon to trap polysulfides for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries. Nanoscale, 13 (25), 11086-11092. doi: 10.1039/d1nr01674a

ZIF-8 derived hollow carbon to trap polysulfides for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries

2020

Journal Article

Oriented nanoporous MOFs to mitigate polysulfides migration in lithium-sulfur batteries

Rana, Masud, AL-Fayaad, Hydar A., Luo, Bin, Lin, Tongen, Ran, Lingbing, Clegg, Jack K., Gentle, Ian and Knibbe, Ruth (2020). Oriented nanoporous MOFs to mitigate polysulfides migration in lithium-sulfur batteries. Nano Energy, 75 105009, 105009. doi: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.105009

Oriented nanoporous MOFs to mitigate polysulfides migration in lithium-sulfur batteries

2020

Journal Article

New insights into the degradation behavior of air electrodes during solid oxide electrolysis and reversible solid oxide cell operation

Khan, Muhammad Shirjeel, Xu, Xiaoyong, Knibbe, Ruth, Rehman, Ateeq ur, Li, Zhiheng, Yago, Anya Josefa, Wang, Hao and Zhu, Zhonghua (2020). New insights into the degradation behavior of air electrodes during solid oxide electrolysis and reversible solid oxide cell operation. Energy Technology, 8 (9) 2000241, 2000241. doi: 10.1002/ente.202000241

New insights into the degradation behavior of air electrodes during solid oxide electrolysis and reversible solid oxide cell operation

2020

Journal Article

Hydrogen embrittlement of an automotive 1700 MPa martensitic advanced high-strength steel

Venezuela, Jeffrey, Lim, Fang Yan, Liu, Li, James, Sonia, Zhou, Qingjun, Knibbe, Ruth, Zhang, Mingxing, Li, Huixing, Dong, Futao, Dargusch, Matthew S. and Atrens, Andrej (2020). Hydrogen embrittlement of an automotive 1700 MPa martensitic advanced high-strength steel. Corrosion Science, 171 108726, 108726. doi: 10.1016/j.corsci.2020.108726

Hydrogen embrittlement of an automotive 1700 MPa martensitic advanced high-strength steel

2020

Journal Article

Sn4P3@Porous carbon nanofiber as a self-supported anode for sodium-ion batteries

Ran, Lingbing, Gentle, Ian, Lin, Tongen, Luo, Bin, Mo, Ning, Rana, Masud, Li, Ming, Wang, Lianzhou and Knibbe, Ruth (2020). Sn4P3@Porous carbon nanofiber as a self-supported anode for sodium-ion batteries. Journal of Power Sources, 461 228116, 228116. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2020.228116

Sn4P3@Porous carbon nanofiber as a self-supported anode for sodium-ion batteries

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2026
    Printable zinc ion batteries for flexible devices
    Australia's Economic Accelerator Ignite Grants
    Open grant
  • 2025
    High speed multi modal in-situ TEM platform (ARC LIEF grant administered by QUT)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2030
    ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide
    ARC Centres of Excellence
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2025
    Integrated high-throughput material synthesis and characterisation system
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    Interfacial engineering of multilayered metal organic framework membranes (ARC DP grant administered by UTS)
    University of Technology Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    Understanding dynamic interfaces in electrochemical systems
    ARC Future Fellowships
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2025
    Micro-Computed Tomography for Studying the Microstructural Evolution of Sodium Metal Anodes in High-Capacity Sodium Metal Batteries
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2024
    In-Situ X-Ray Powder Diffraction Study the Sodium Ion Storage Mechanism in Sodium Titanate Nanobelts
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2024
    In-Situ X-Ray Powder Diffraction Study the Sodium Ion Storage Mechanism in Prussian Blue Analogue Cathode Materials
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2024
    Understanding the Anion Intercalation/De-intercalation in Graphite Cathodes for Dual-Ion Batteries using In Situ Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2023
    In-Situ X-Ray Powder Diffraction Study the Sodium Ion Storage Mechanism in Graphite Analogues
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2023
    Study of Potassium-Ion Storage Mechanism in Titanium Oxide Anode Using In-situ X-ray Powder Diffraction
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2023
    Understanding Na deposition behaviours on brass current collectors in batteries using in-situ X-ray power diffraction
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Battery and Fuel Cell Technology for Locomotive Decarbonisation
    Aurizon Operations Limited
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    Sodium ion interactions with biomass-derived hard carbon electrodes
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    A correlative cryo-microscopy suite (ARC LIEF project administered by USYD)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    An Integrated Materials Surface Analytical Facility
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    An ion-beam engineered microstructure for high-performance superconducting films (Royal Society of New Zealand grant administered by Victoria University of Wellington)
    Victoria University of Wellington
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Imaging in the nano-scale age: terahertz and millimetre wave microanalysis
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Hydrogen embrittlement and hydrogen-influenced low-cycle fatigue of advanced h-strength steels and parts for auto service
    Baosteel-Australia Joint Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2017
    In-situ transmission electron microscopy of Li-S batteries
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Ruth Knibbe is:
Available for supervision

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Available projects

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Ruth Knibbe directly for media enquiries about:

  • Batteries
  • Electrochemistry
  • Electron microscopy
  • Fuel cells
  • Materials engineering

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