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)

81 - 100 of 111 works

2018

Journal Article

Porous scandia-stabilized zirconia layer for enhanced performance of reversible solid oxide cells

Khan, Muhammad Shirjeel, Xu, Xiaoyong, Knibbe, Ruth and Zhu, Zhonghua (2018). Porous scandia-stabilized zirconia layer for enhanced performance of reversible solid oxide cells. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 10 (30), 25295-25302. doi: 10.1021/acsami.8b05504

Porous scandia-stabilized zirconia layer for enhanced performance of reversible solid oxide cells

2017

Journal Article

A porous yttria-stabilized zirconia layer to eliminate the delamination of air electrode in solid oxide electrolysis cells

Khan, Muhammad Shirjeel, Xu, Xiaoyong, Zhao, Jie, Knibbe, Ruth and Zhu, Zhonghua (2017). A porous yttria-stabilized zirconia layer to eliminate the delamination of air electrode in solid oxide electrolysis cells. Journal of Power Sources, 359, 104-110. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2017.05.049

A porous yttria-stabilized zirconia layer to eliminate the delamination of air electrode in solid oxide electrolysis cells

2017

Journal Article

Recent Progress on Advanced Materials for Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells Operating Below 500 °C

Zhang, Yuan, Knibbe, Ruth, Sunarso, Jaka, Zhong, Yijun, Zhou, Wei, Shao, Zongping and Zhu, Zhonghua (2017). Recent Progress on Advanced Materials for Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells Operating Below 500 °C. Advanced Materials, 29 (48) 1700132, 1-33. doi: 10.1002/adma.201700132

Recent Progress on Advanced Materials for Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells Operating Below 500 °C

2017

Journal Article

Enhanced low-temperature critical current by reduction of stacking faults in REBCO coated conductors

Puichaud, A-H, Wimbush, S. C. and Knibbe, R. (2017). Enhanced low-temperature critical current by reduction of stacking faults in REBCO coated conductors. Superconductor Science & Technology, 30 (7) 074005, 074005. doi: 10.1088/1361-6668/aa6ce8

Enhanced low-temperature critical current by reduction of stacking faults in REBCO coated conductors

2016

Journal Article

New composites of nanoparticle Cu (I) oxide and titania in a novel inorganic polymer (geopolymer) matrix for destruction of dyes and hazardous organic pollutants

Falah, Mahroo, MacKenzie, Kenneth J.D., Knibbe, Ruth, Page, Samuel J. and Hanna, John V. (2016). New composites of nanoparticle Cu (I) oxide and titania in a novel inorganic polymer (geopolymer) matrix for destruction of dyes and hazardous organic pollutants. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 318, 772-782. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.06.016

New composites of nanoparticle Cu (I) oxide and titania in a novel inorganic polymer (geopolymer) matrix for destruction of dyes and hazardous organic pollutants

2016

Journal Article

Structure property relationships in a nanoparticle-free SmBCO coated conductor

Knibbe, R., Strickland, N. M., Wimbush, S. C., Puichaud, A-H and Long, N. J. (2016). Structure property relationships in a nanoparticle-free SmBCO coated conductor. Superconductor Science and Technology, 29 (6) 065006, 065006. doi: 10.1088/0953-2048/29/6/065006

Structure property relationships in a nanoparticle-free SmBCO coated conductor

2013

Journal Article

Electrochemical characterization of La0.6Ca0.4Fe 0.8Ni0.2O3-δ perovskite cathode for IT-SOFC

Ortiz-Vitoriano, N., Hauch, A., Ruiz de Larramendi, I., Bernuy-Lopez, C., Knibbe, R. and Rojo, T. (2013). Electrochemical characterization of La0.6Ca0.4Fe 0.8Ni0.2O3-δ perovskite cathode for IT-SOFC. Journal of Power Sources, 239, 196-200. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2013.03.121

Electrochemical characterization of La0.6Ca0.4Fe 0.8Ni0.2O3-δ perovskite cathode for IT-SOFC

2013

Journal Article

Relating critical currents to defect populations in superconductors

Long, N. J., Wimbush, S. C., Strickland, N. M., Talantsev, E. F., D'Souza, P., Xia, J. A. and Knibbe, R. (2013). Relating critical currents to defect populations in superconductors. IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, 23 (3) 6387283, 8001705-8001705. doi: 10.1109/TASC.2012.2235116

Relating critical currents to defect populations in superconductors

2013

Journal Article

Oxygen deficiency, stacking faults and calcium substitution in MOD YBCO coated conductors

Talantsev, E. F., Wimbush, S. C., Strickland, N. M., Xia, J. A., D'Souza, P., Storey, J. G., Tallon, J. L., Ingham, B., Knibbe, R. and Long, N. J. (2013). Oxygen deficiency, stacking faults and calcium substitution in MOD YBCO coated conductors. IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, 23 (3) 6380554, 7200205-7200205. doi: 10.1109/TASC.2012.2233843

Oxygen deficiency, stacking faults and calcium substitution in MOD YBCO coated conductors

2013

Journal Article

Oxidation in ceria infiltrated metal supported SOFCs - a TEM investigation

Knibbe, Ruth, Wang, Hsiang-Jen, Blennow, Peter, Thyden, Karl, Persson, Asa H., Mikkelsen, Lars and Klemenso, Trine (2013). Oxidation in ceria infiltrated metal supported SOFCs - a TEM investigation. Journal of Power Sources, 228, 75-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.11.051

Oxidation in ceria infiltrated metal supported SOFCs - a TEM investigation

2013

Journal Article

Optimizing solid oxide fuel cell cathode processing route for intermediate temperature operation

Ortiz-Vitoriano, N., Bernuy-Lopez, C., Ruiz de Larramendi, I., Knibbe, R., Thyden, K., Hauch, A., Holtappels, P. and Rojo, T. (2013). Optimizing solid oxide fuel cell cathode processing route for intermediate temperature operation. Applied Energy, 104, 984-991. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.12.003

Optimizing solid oxide fuel cell cathode processing route for intermediate temperature operation

2013

Journal Article

Modeling degradation in SOEC impedance spectra

Jensen, Soren Hojgaard, Hauch, Anne, Knibbe, Ruth, Jacobsen, Torben and Mogensen, Mogens (2013). Modeling degradation in SOEC impedance spectra. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 160 (3), F244-F250. doi: 10.1149/2.023303jes

Modeling degradation in SOEC impedance spectra

2012

Journal Article

Efficient dual layer interconnect coating for high temperature electrochemical devices

Palcut, Marian, Mikkelsen, Lars, Neufeld, Kai, Chen, Ming, Knibbe, Ruth and Hendriksen, Peter Vang (2012). Efficient dual layer interconnect coating for high temperature electrochemical devices. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 37 (19), 14501-14510. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2012.07.038

Efficient dual layer interconnect coating for high temperature electrochemical devices

2012

Conference Publication

Improved oxidation resistance of ferritic steels with LSM coating for high temperature electrochemical applications

Palcut, Marian, Mikkelsen, Lars, Neufeld, Kai, Chen, Ming, Knibbe, Ruth and Hendriksen, Peter Vang (2012). Improved oxidation resistance of ferritic steels with LSM coating for high temperature electrochemical applications. 7th Petite Workshop on the Defect Chemical Nature of Energy Materials, Storaas, Kongsberg, Norway, 14-17 March 2011. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.11.138

Improved oxidation resistance of ferritic steels with LSM coating for high temperature electrochemical applications

2011

Journal Article

Cation inter-diffusion between LaMnO3 and LaCoO3 materials

Palcut, Marian, Knibbe, Ruth, Wiik, Kjell and Grande, Tor (2011). Cation inter-diffusion between LaMnO3 and LaCoO3 materials. Solid State Ionics, 202 (1), 6-13. doi: 10.1016/j.ssi.2011.09.003

Cation inter-diffusion between LaMnO3 and LaCoO3 materials

2011

Conference Publication

Electrochemical characterisation of solid oxide cell electrodes for hydrogen production

Bernuy-Lopez, Carlos, Knibbe, Ruth, He, Zeming, Mao, Xiaojian, Hauch, Anne and Nielsen, Karsten A. (2011). Electrochemical characterisation of solid oxide cell electrodes for hydrogen production. Spanish National Congress of Fuel Cells (CONAPPICE 2010), Spain, 2010. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2010.10.102

Electrochemical characterisation of solid oxide cell electrodes for hydrogen production

2011

Journal Article

High performance cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells prepared by infiltration of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ into Gd-doped ceria

Samson, A., Sogaard, M., Knibbe, R. and Bonanos, N. (2011). High performance cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells prepared by infiltration of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ into Gd-doped ceria. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 158 (6), B650-B659. doi: 10.1149/1.3571249

High performance cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells prepared by infiltration of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ into Gd-doped ceria

2011

Journal Article

Durability of solid oxide cells

Knibbe, Ruth, Hauch, Anne, Hjelm, Johan, Ebbesen, Sune D. and Mogensen, Mogens (2011). Durability of solid oxide cells. Green, 1 (2), 141-169. doi: 10.1515/GREEN.2011.015

Durability of solid oxide cells

2010

Journal Article

Corrosion stability of ferritic stainless steels for solid oxide electrolyser cell interconnects

Palcut, Marian, Mikkelsen, Lars, Neufeld, Kai, Chen, Ming, Knibbe, Ruth and Hendriksen, Peter V. (2010). Corrosion stability of ferritic stainless steels for solid oxide electrolyser cell interconnects. Corrosion Science, 52 (10), 3309-3320. doi: 10.1016/j.corsci.2010.06.006

Corrosion stability of ferritic stainless steels for solid oxide electrolyser cell interconnects

2010

Journal Article

Cathode-electrolyte interfaces with CGO barrier layers in SOFC

Knibbe, Ruth, Hjelm, Johan, Menon, Mohan, Pryds, Nini, Sogaard, Martin, Wang, Hsiang Jen and Neufeld, Kai (2010). Cathode-electrolyte interfaces with CGO barrier layers in SOFC. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 93 (9), 2877-2883. doi: 10.1111/j.1551-2916.2010.03763.x

Cathode-electrolyte interfaces with CGO barrier layers in SOFC

Current funding

  • 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

  • 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

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

Available projects

  • Design of membranes for lithium recovery and batteries.

    Develop the next generation of metal-organic framework membranes that allows for fast and selective ion transport, which has important applications in critical minerals recovery and energy storage systems. Come join our growing group working on the leading edge of ion membrane design.

  • Design of membranes for lithium recovery and batteries.

    Develop the next generation of metal-organic framework membranes that allows for fast and selective ion transport, which has important applications in critical minerals recovery and energy storage systems. Come join our growing group working on the leading edge of ion membrane design.

  • Advanced imaging of electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide conversion

    Development of advanced electron microscopy methods to understand the behaviour of carbon dioxide electrolyser electrocatalysts.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Durable Solid-State Batteries

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Qingbing Xia

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Interface design in solid state batteries

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Ian Gentle

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Advanced imaging of CO2 electrochemical conversion materials.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Tom Rufford

  • Doctor Philosophy

    In-situ characterisation of electrochemical energy systems

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Ian Gentle, Dr Qingbing Xia

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Developing Stable, Flexible and Scalable Zinc Batteries for Future Electronics

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Ian Gentle, Dr Miaoqiang Lyu

  • Doctor Philosophy

    CO2 electrolyser degradation mechanisms and accelerated testing methods

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Ray Bi, Professor Tom Rufford

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of a new electro-chemical technology to remove nitrate and heavy metals from groundwater for remote communities.

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Bernardino Virdis, Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Design of New Conductive Nanoarchitectured Materials

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Yusuke Yamauchi

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Efficient and Sustainable Ni-Based Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Ian Gentle

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Design of New Wrought Aluminium Alloys with Improved Performance Assisted by Machine Learning

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Qiyang Tan, Professor Mingxing Zhang

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Materials for electrocatalysis

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Ian Gentle

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Design of New Conductive Nanoarchitectured Materials

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Yusuke Yamauchi

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Efficient and Sustainable Ni-Based Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Ian Gentle

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Additive manufacturing of H13 steel

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Qiyang Tan, Professor Mingxing Zhang

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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