Overview
Background
Dr Mike is an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) Research Fellow and Sub-Group Leader at UQ Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation and ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide(GETCO2), working with Professor Xiwang Zhang. Mike's current main research interests rotate around water and electrochemical systems such as electrochemical carbon dioxide capture using water-based approaches, electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from water, co-production of hydrogen and peroxide from treated wastewater and electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction to valuable chemicals. He completed his PhD at The Australian National University (ANU) in July 2022, where his research was predominantly focused on optical spectroscopy and advanced characterization of semiconducting materials and their devices for energy technologies. Mike also holds a Master's in Materials Processing Engineering from Donghua University, Shanghai, where his research focused on fibrous materials for flexible energy storage. Mike supervises projects for undergraduate, master's, and PhD students on topics related to the following research interests;
- Electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide and/or hydrogen from water
- Electrochemical CO2 capture and reduction to valuable chemicals
- Reconstructed graphite for sodium-ion batteries
- High surface area electrospun fibre materials for various applications
- Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecules and their engineered applications
- Light-matter understanding of 2D materials and other semiconductor materials for optoelectronics
Featured works
- 2022: His work on 2D materials (https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-physical-science/fulltext/S2666-3864(21)00213-7) was selected in the Cell Reports Physical Science “Influential papers-2021” and "Editor's Choice-2021" collection.
- 2021: His works (https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2017/sc/c8ee02607f) and other co-authored works (https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.abb8687), ( https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2017.11.012 ) are listed as "Highly Cited Papers" and "Hot Papers" in Web of Science.
- 2020:His work on nanofibers has continuously been listed as one of the highly cited articles for Advanced Fiber Materials (https://doi.org/10.1007/s42765-020-00049-5), since it was published to date.
- 2019:His work on nanofibers ( https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaem.7b00057 ) was listed as the most-read article for ACS Applied Energy Materials in 2018.
Availability
- Dr Mike Tebyetekerwa is:
- Available for supervision
Qualifications
- Doctoral (Research) of Engineering, Australian National University
Research interests
-
Electrochemical CO2 Capture and reduction to valuable chemicals.
My research in this space heavily leans on using water and electricity to capture CO2. Fully funded in 2024 by ARC ($412,037), this project on electrochemical CO2 capture aims to improve the capture capacity for CO2 by first understanding the underlying mechanisms. At the end of the project, more energy-efficient CO2 devices built for use at different scales are expected to be possible. See more: Tebyetekerwa et al. Adv. Energy Mater. 2024, 14, 2400625.
-
Electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most commonly used chemicals in the world. Despite its widespread use, its traditional production method—the anthraquinone process—is indirect, energy-intensive, and not environmentally friendly. My research aims to find and optimise electrochemical hydrogen peroxide production via the so-called two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e-ORR) or two-electron water oxidation reaction (2e-WOR).
-
Light-matter interactions in low-dimension 2D transition-metal dichalcogenides and other semiconductors
My work in this space involves mainly utilising optical spectroscopy, such as steady-state micro-photoluminescence, time-resolved photoluminescence, and absorbance/transmission spectroscopy, to study semiconductors (mainly 2D materials, Silicon, and Perovskites) and understand their light-matter interaction properties. This can help uncover and predict their properties in devices such as solar cells, transistors, LEDs, and related devices. See more: Tebyetekerwa et al ACS Nano, 14 (2020) 14579-14604.
-
Functional fiber materials for energy and environment
Traditionally, textile fibers are used for clothing, upholstery, and insulation in homes, offices, and industries due to their insulating properties derived from pure insulating polymers. However, this is changing rapidly. My work in this area of research involves the incorporation of nanomaterials into fibers for new functional properties to expand their use in several other industries, such as automotive, electronics, energy, water purification, construction, agro-food sectors, and more. See more: Tebyetekerwa et al. Energy Environ. Sci., 12 (2019) 2148-2160. Tebyetekerwa et al , Matter, 2 (2020) 279-283.
-
Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecules and their applications
Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecules are a relatively new class of materials known to have the so-called molecular rotors in their structures. These rotors can be restricted or left to rotate as they wish. The extent of their restriction gives them unique properties, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, such as molecular machines, sensors, photodetectors, LEDs, paints, solar concentrators, and more. My research direction involves studying their possible applications in various fields. See more: Tebyetekerwa et al, ACS Nano, 14 (2020) 7444-7453.
Research impacts
In 2023, Mike was awarded an ARC DECRA fellowship (commenced in 2024), which is one of the country's most competitive fellowships for early career researchers. His ARC DECRA fellowship aims to develop new electrochemical carbon capture technology. Mike's research on fibers, AIEgens, 2D materials, and other semiconducting materials has been widely recognized and published in leading peer-reviewed journals such as Science, Advanced Materials, Energy and Environmental Science, and ACS Nano. His work focuses on solving global energy and environmental issues and has resulted in groundbreaking discoveries. Some of his notable achievements include quantifying the maximum open-circuit voltage that can be achieved by a 2D monolayer solar cell (Advanced Materials), contributing to the first certified 21.6% efficiency in perovskite solar cells larger than one square centimeter (Science), and proposing a new method for measuring fiber/wearable battery performance (Energy and Environmental Science). Mike's work has also received extensive media coverage, having been featured by over 60 media channels worldwide.
Some International Media Releases.
- 04/2024:GETCO2 Nanogenerator turns CO2 into Sustainable Power. ABC News, Brisbane Times, UQ News, GETCo2, etc
- 08/2023: ARC supports UQ research and innovation-UQ News
- 08/2021: Twist brings new possibilities for ultra-thin 2D materials - ANU, The Graphene Council, Physics.org, etc
- 01/2021: New study reveals secrets to solar success (a world-record perovskite solar cell) - ANU, Renew Economy, etc
- 08/2020: Notable mentions in CECS's 2020 Remote Teaching and Student Experience awards for exceptional support to the convenor and students in course ENG4524/ENGN6524 Photovoltaic Technologies
- 05/2019: Scientists unlock the potential of ultra-thin 2D materials - ANU, CECS ANU, 2CC Radio Canberra Weekender, Physics.org, Opli, etc.
- 02/2019: What lies in the future of fibre materials and devices - DHU, China News, etc
Works
Search Professor Mike Tebyetekerwa’s works on UQ eSpace
2025
Journal Article
Unveiling O2 adsorption on non-metallic active site for selective photocatalytic H2O2 production
Yang, Jindi, Yin, Hanqing, Du, Aijun, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Bie, Chuanbiao, Wang, Zhuyuan, Sun, Zhimeng, Zhang, Zhongguo, Zeng, Xiangkang and Zhang, Xiwang (2025). Unveiling O2 adsorption on non-metallic active site for selective photocatalytic H2O2 production. Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy, 361 124586, 124586. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2024.124586
2024
Journal Article
Improved properties of epoxy composite coatings enabled by multi-dimension filler materials
Wang, Xiaomei, Li, Weili, Wang, Xiao, Bu, Mingsheng, Sun, Xin, Zhao, Zhengbai, Xu, Lixin, Chen, Lizhuang, Li, Zhaolei and Tebyetekerwa, Mike (2024). Improved properties of epoxy composite coatings enabled by multi-dimension filler materials. Progress in Organic Coatings, 197 108800, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.porgcoat.2024.108800
2024
Journal Article
Pairing oxygen reduction and water oxidation for dual−pathway H2O2 production
Sun, Xin, Yang, Jindi, Zeng, Xiangkang, Guo, Lijun, Bie, Chuanbiao, Wang, Zhuyuan, Sun, Kaige, Sahu, Aloka Kumar, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Rufford, Thomas E. and Zhang, Xiwang (2024). Pairing oxygen reduction and water oxidation for dual−pathway H2O2 production. Angewandte Chemie International Edition e202414417. doi: 10.1002/anie.202414417
2024
Journal Article
1D Textile Yarn Battery with MoS<sub>2</sub>@Si Anode and NCM Cathode
Marriam, Ifra, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Memon, Hifza Aamna, Chathuranga, Hiran, Yang, Jindi, Sun, Kaige, Chu, Dewei and Yan, Cheng (2024). 1D Textile Yarn Battery with MoS2@Si Anode and NCM Cathode. Advanced Materials Technologies. doi: 10.1002/admt.202400753
2024
Journal Article
Recent advances in MXene/elastomer nanocomposites: Synthesis, properties and applications
Wijesinghe, Ishara, Wimalachandra, Sajani, Chathuranga, Hiran, Marriam, Ifra, Sampath Kumara, Buddhika, Kondarage, Yashodha, Ponnuru, Hanisha, Abdolazizi, Amir, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Bai, Ruixiang, Lei, Zhenkun, Tesfamichael, Tuquabo and Yan, Cheng (2024). Recent advances in MXene/elastomer nanocomposites: Synthesis, properties and applications. European Polymer Journal, 214 113180. doi: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2024.113180
2024
Journal Article
Fast photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide generation by singlet oxygen-engaged sequential excitation energy and electron-transfer process
Zeng, Xiangkang, Wang, Tianyi, Wang, Zhuyuan, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Liu, Yue, Liu, Zhuoyue, Wang, Gen, Wibowo, Ary Anggara, Pierens, Gregory, Gu, Qinfen and Zhang, Xiwang (2024). Fast photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide generation by singlet oxygen-engaged sequential excitation energy and electron-transfer process. ACS Catalysis, 14 (13), 9955-9968. doi: 10.1021/acscatal.4c01591
2024
Journal Article
Stable H2O2 electrosynthesis at industrially-relevant currents by a membrane-based electrode with high oxygen accessibility
Liu, Zimou, Li, Kuiling, Liu, Lie, Song, Hang, Zhang, Yong, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Zhang, Xiwang, Wang, Ke, Xu, Lili and Wang, Jun (2024). Stable H2O2 electrosynthesis at industrially-relevant currents by a membrane-based electrode with high oxygen accessibility. Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy, 357 124311, 124311. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2024.124311
2024
Journal Article
Review of Plasma Surface Engineering Technology Toward Sustainable Textile Materials
Ssekasamba, Hakim, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Haodong, Cui, Balilonda, Andrew, Ssegwanyi, Shafik, Gao, Qiu and Xiaoliang, Tang (2024). Review of Plasma Surface Engineering Technology Toward Sustainable Textile Materials. Materials Circular Economy, 6 (1) 27. doi: 10.1007/s42824-024-00114-z
2024
Journal Article
Electrostatically Induced Black Phosphorus Infrared Photodiodes
Yan, Wei, Wang, Shifan, Xing, Kaijian, Balendhran, Sivacarendran, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Watanabe, Kenji, Taniguchi, Takashi, Fuhrer, Michael S., Crozier, Kenneth B. and Bullock, James (2024). Electrostatically Induced Black Phosphorus Infrared Photodiodes. Advanced Functional Materials, 34 (32) 2316000, 1-8. doi: 10.1002/adfm.202316000
2024
Journal Article
Engineering 2D photocatalysts for solar hydrogen peroxide production
Yang, Jindi, Zeng, Xiangkang, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Wang, Zhuyuan, Bie, Chuanbiao, Sun, Xin, Marriam, Ifra and Zhang, Xiwang (2024). Engineering 2D photocatalysts for solar hydrogen peroxide production. Advanced Energy Materials, 14 (23) 2400740. doi: 10.1002/aenm.202400740
2024
Journal Article
Confining polymer electrolyte in MOF for safe and high‐performance all‐solid‐state sodium metal batteries
Zhang, Jinfang, Wang, Yuanyuan, Xia, Qingbing, Li, Xiaofeng, Liu, Bin, Hu, Tuoping, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Hu, Shengliang, Knibbe, Ruth and Chou, Shulei (2024). Confining polymer electrolyte in MOF for safe and high‐performance all‐solid‐state sodium metal batteries. Angewandte Chemie, 136 (16). doi: 10.1002/ange.202318822
2024
Journal Article
Electricity generation from carbon dioxide adsorption by spatially nanoconfined ion separation
Wang, Zhuyuan, Hu, Ting, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Zeng, Xiangkang, Du, Fan, Kang, Yuan, Li, Xuefeng, Zhang, Hao, Wang, Huanting and Zhang, Xiwang (2024). Electricity generation from carbon dioxide adsorption by spatially nanoconfined ion separation. Nature Communications, 15 (1) 2672, 1-9. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-47040-x
2024
Journal Article
Confining polymer electrolyte in MOF for safe and high-performance all-solid-state sodium metal batteries
Zhang, Jinfang, Wang, Yuanyuan, Xia, Qingbing, Li, Xiaofeng, Liu, Bin, Hu, Tuoping, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Hu, Shengliang, Knibbe, Ruth and Chou, Shulei (2024). Confining polymer electrolyte in MOF for safe and high-performance all-solid-state sodium metal batteries. Angewandte Chemie (International Edition), 63 (16) e202318822, e202318822. doi: 10.1002/anie.202318822
2024
Journal Article
Understanding the electrochemical extraction of lithium from ultradilute solutions
Sun, Kaige, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Zeng, Xiangkang, Wang, Zhuyuan, Duignan, Timothy T. and Zhang, Xiwang (2024). Understanding the electrochemical extraction of lithium from ultradilute solutions. Environmental Science & Technology, 58 (8), 3997-4007. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09111
2024
Journal Article
Nickel-rich cathode yarn for wearable lithium-ion batteries
Marriam, Ifra, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Chathuranga, Hiran, Sun, Kaige, Du, Aijun and Yan, Cheng (2024). Nickel-rich cathode yarn for wearable lithium-ion batteries. Advanced Fiber Materials, 6 (2), 1-13. doi: 10.1007/s42765-023-00372-7
2024
Journal Article
Electrode, electrolyte, and membrane materials for electrochemical CO2 capture
Sun, Kaige, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Zhang, Hongxia, Zeng, Xiangkang, Wang, Zhuyuan, Xu, Zhen, Rufford, Thomas E. and Zhang, Xiwang (2024). Electrode, electrolyte, and membrane materials for electrochemical CO2 capture. Advanced Energy Materials, 14 (24) 2400625. doi: 10.1002/aenm.202400625
2024
Journal Article
Improving the performance of acrylic-epoxy ester hybrid coatings with phosphate monomers
Wang, Xiaomei, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Chen, Yujian, Sun, Xin, Cong, Weiwei, Wang, Xiao, Chen, Lizhuang, Li, Zhaolei, Gui, Taijiang and Li, Weili (2024). Improving the performance of acrylic-epoxy ester hybrid coatings with phosphate monomers. Polymer Chemistry, 15 (22), 2265-2276. doi: 10.1039/d4py00131a
2024
Journal Article
Strategies towards high-performance tin-based perovskite solar cells
Nakamanya, Barbara, Kakooza, Tonny, Sun, Qianwen, Haghayegh, Marjan, Balilonda, Andrew, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Yang, Shengyuan and Zhu, Meifang (2024). Strategies towards high-performance tin-based perovskite solar cells. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 12 (12), 1-24. doi: 10.1039/d3tc04411d
2023
Journal Article
Self-stratifying coating enables facile fabrication of robust superhydrophobic sponges for oil-water mixture separation
Xu, Lingxiang, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Zhang, Jian, Hu, Chen, Wang, Xiaomei, Bai, Yang, Zhao, Zhenbai, Ma, Yong, Chen, Yong and Li, Weili (2023). Self-stratifying coating enables facile fabrication of robust superhydrophobic sponges for oil-water mixture separation. Progress in Organic Coatings, 183 107705, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.porgcoat.2023.107705
2023
Journal Article
Hybrid alkali salt catalysts‐promoted CVD growth of 2D MoSe2–WSe2 and WSe2–MoSe2 lateral heterostructures
Wibowo, Ary Anggara, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Bui, Anh Dinh, Truong, Thien N., Saji, Sandra, Kremer, Felipe, Yang, Zhongshu, Yin, Zongyou, Lu, Yuerui, Macdonald, Daniel and Nguyen, Hieu T. (2023). Hybrid alkali salt catalysts‐promoted CVD growth of 2D MoSe2–WSe2 and WSe2–MoSe2 lateral heterostructures. Advanced Materials Technologies, 8 (15) 2300143. doi: 10.1002/admt.202300143
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Mike Tebyetekerwa is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Master Philosophy
Design of Turbo-Mechanical Hydrogen Electrolyser
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Xiwang Zhang
-
Doctor Philosophy
Rational design of semiconductors for light-driven hydrogen peroxide production
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Xiangkang Zeng, Professor Xiwang Zhang
-
Doctor Philosophy
Nanoengineered MXene-based electrode materials for capacitive deionization
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Xiwang Zhang
-
Doctor Philosophy
Nanoengineered MXene-based electrode materials for capacitive deionization
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Xiwang Zhang
-
Doctor Philosophy
Development of photocatalytic-photothermal-membrane separation systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Xiwang Zhang
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring lignocellulose-derived nanomaterials in CO2 electrochemical conversion
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Xiwang Zhang, Professor Darren Martin
-
Doctor Philosophy
2D transition metal phosphide nanomaterials for H2 production
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Xiwang Zhang
-
Doctor Philosophy
Enzyme-assisted deconstruction of lignocellulose and reconstruction into high value bio-derived advanced materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Adrian Oehmen, Professor Darren Martin
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Dr Mike Tebyetekerwa's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: