
Overview
Background
Dr Tebyetekerwa is an ARC DECRA 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. His current main research interests at UQ School of Chemical Engineering rotate around water and electrochemical systems such as electrochemical CO2 capture and conversion to valuable chemicals and electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide and/or hydrogen. He is deeply interested in designing scalable and industry-relevant chemical cells and generators. He completed his PhD from The Australian National University (ANU), where his research focused on optical spectroscopy and advanced characterization of semiconducting materials and their devices (Supervised by Prof Dan Macdonald, A/Prof. Dr. Hieu T. Nguyen and Prof. Yuerui (Larry) Lu). Dr Tebyetekerwa also holds a Master's in Materials Processing Engineering from Donghua University, Shanghai, where his research focused on fibrous materials for flexible energy storage (Supervised by Academician Meifang Zhu and A/Prof Shengyuan Yang). Mike supervises projects for undergraduate, master's, and PhD students on topics related to the following research interests;
- Scalable electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide and/or hydrogen from water*
- Scalable 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*
*Currently funded and active ongoing projects
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.
In addition to his research, Mike lectures Sustainable Energy Technologies and Supply Systems (ENGY7000) course as part of the Master of Sustainable Energy (MSE) program.
Availability
- Dr Mike Tebyetekerwa is:
- Not available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy 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 has been widely recognized and published in leading peer-reviewed journals such as Science, Adv. Mater., Energy Environ. Sci. , ACS Energy Lett., Angew. Chem., Matter, Nat. Commun., ACS Nano, etc. Also, his works have received extensive media coverage, having been featured by over 60 media channels worldwide.
Some International Media Releases.
- 09/2028:UQ-industry deal unlocks greener hydrogen peroxide supply. UQ News
- 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
2018
Journal Article
Synergistic effect of CNT films impregnated with CNT modified epoxy solution towards boosted interfacial bonding and functional properties of the composites
Marriam, Ifra, Xu, Fujun, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Gao, Yang, Liu, Wei, Liu, Xiaohua and Qiu, Yiping (2018). Synergistic effect of CNT films impregnated with CNT modified epoxy solution towards boosted interfacial bonding and functional properties of the composites. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 110, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2018.04.011
2018
Journal Article
Improved thermal and mechanical performance of ramie fibers reinforced poly(lactic acid) biocomposites via fiber surface modifications and composites thermal annealing
Debeli, Dereje Kebebew, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Hao, Jia, Jiao, Fengshuang and Guo, Jiansheng (2018). Improved thermal and mechanical performance of ramie fibers reinforced poly(lactic acid) biocomposites via fiber surface modifications and composites thermal annealing. Polymer Composites, 39 (S3), E1867-E1879. doi: 10.1002/pc.24844
2018
Journal Article
Surface Self-Assembly of Functional Electroactive Nanofibers on Textile Yarns as a Facile Approach toward Super Flexible Energy Storage
Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Xu, Zhen, Li, Weili, Wang, Xingping, Marriam, Ifra, Peng, Shengjie, Ramkrishna, Seeram, Yang, Shengyuan and Zhu, Meifang (2018). Surface Self-Assembly of Functional Electroactive Nanofibers on Textile Yarns as a Facile Approach toward Super Flexible Energy Storage. ACS Applied Energy Materials, 1 (2), 377-386. doi: 10.1021/acsaem.7b00057
2018
Journal Article
Highly sensitive and stretchable piezoresistive strain sensor based on conductive poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene)/few layer graphene composite fiber
Wang, Xingping, Meng, Si, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Li, Yilong, Pionteck, Jürgen, Sun, Bin, Qin, Zongyi and Zhu, Meifang (2018). Highly sensitive and stretchable piezoresistive strain sensor based on conductive poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene)/few layer graphene composite fiber. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 105, 291-299. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2017.11.027
2018
Journal Article
Robust, hydrophilic graphene/cellulose nanocrystal fiber-based electrode with high capacitive performance and conductivity
Chen, Guoyin, Chen, Tao, Hou, Kai, Ma, Wujun, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Cheng, Yanhua, Weng, Wei and Zhu, Meifang (2018). Robust, hydrophilic graphene/cellulose nanocrystal fiber-based electrode with high capacitive performance and conductivity. Carbon, 127, 218-227. doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2017.11.012
2018
Journal Article
Materials interaction in aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based fluorescent resin for smart coatings
Yao, Wei, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Bian, Xuehao, Li, Weili, Yang, Shengyuan, Zhu, Meifang, Hu, Rong, Wang, Zhiming, Qin, Anjun and Tang, Ben Zhong (2018). Materials interaction in aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based fluorescent resin for smart coatings. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 6 (47), 12849-12857. doi: 10.1039/c8tc04175j
2018
Journal Article
A bottom-up approach to design wearable and stretchable smart fibers with organic vapor sensing behaviors and energy storage properties
Marriam, Ifra, Wang, Xingping, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Chen, Guoyin, Zabihi, Fatemeh, Pionteck, Jürgen, Peng, Shengjie, Ramakrishna, Seeram, Yang, Shengyuan and Zhu, Meifang (2018). A bottom-up approach to design wearable and stretchable smart fibers with organic vapor sensing behaviors and energy storage properties. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 6 (28), 13633-13643. doi: 10.1039/c8ta03262a
2018
Journal Article
An attempt to adopt aggregation-induced emission to study organic-inorganic composite materials
Li, Weili, Yao, Wei, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Tang, Jijun, Yang, Shengyuan, Zhu, Meifang, Hu, Rong, Qin, Anjun, Tang, Ben Zhong and Xu, Zexiao (2018). An attempt to adopt aggregation-induced emission to study organic-inorganic composite materials. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 6 (26), 7003-7011. doi: 10.1039/C8TC01949E
2017
Journal Article
Green approach to fabricate Polyindole composite nanofibers for energy and sensor applications
Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Wang, Xingping, Marriam, Ifra, Dan, Pan, Yang, Shengyuan and Zhu, Meifang (2017). Green approach to fabricate Polyindole composite nanofibers for energy and sensor applications. Materials Letters, 209, 400-403. doi: 10.1016/j.matlet.2017.08.062
2017
Journal Article
The current working conditions in Ugandan apparel assembly plants
Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Akankwasa, Nicholus Tayari and Marriam, Ifra (2017). The current working conditions in Ugandan apparel assembly plants. Safety and Health at Work, 8 (4), 378-385. doi: 10.1016/j.shaw.2017.01.005
2017
Journal Article
Nanostructured polyaniline/poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) composite fiber for use as highly sensitive and flexible ammonia sensor
Wang, Xingping, Meng, Si, Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Weng, Wei, Pionteck, Jürgen, Sun, Bin, Qin, Zongyi and Zhu, Meifang (2017). Nanostructured polyaniline/poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) composite fiber for use as highly sensitive and flexible ammonia sensor. Synthetic Metals, 233, 86-93. doi: 10.1016/j.synthmet.2017.09.012
2017
Journal Article
Unveiling polyindole: freestanding As-electrospun polyindole nanofibers and polyindole/carbon nanotubes composites as enhanced electrodes for flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors
Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Yang, Shengyuan, Peng, Shengjie, Xu, Zhen, Shao, Wenyu, Pan, Dan, Ramakrishna, Seeram and Zhu, Meifang (2017). Unveiling polyindole: freestanding As-electrospun polyindole nanofibers and polyindole/carbon nanotubes composites as enhanced electrodes for flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors. Electrochimica Acta, 247, 400-409. doi: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.07.038
2017
Journal Article
Controlled synergistic strategy to fabricate 3D-skeletal hetero-nanosponges with high performance for flexible energy storage applications
Tebyetekerwa, Mike, Wang, Xingping, Wu, Yongzhi, Yang, Shengyuan, Zhu, Meifang and Ramakrishna, Seeram (2017). Controlled synergistic strategy to fabricate 3D-skeletal hetero-nanosponges with high performance for flexible energy storage applications. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 5 (40), 21114-21121. doi: 10.1039/c7ta06242g
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Mike Tebyetekerwa is:
- Not available for supervision
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Materials for electrochemical CO2 capture
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Lei Ge, Professor Xiwang Zhang
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sustainable materials for electrochemical capture of CO2
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Xiangkang Zeng
-
Doctor Philosophy
Engineering and Design of Industry-Relevant Hydrogen Peroxide Electrolyser and Generator
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Xiwang Zhang
-
Doctor Philosophy
Utilising co-products of water electrolysis in wastewater treatment
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Tom Rufford, Dr Ray Bi, Professor Xiwang Zhang
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring lignocellulose-derived nanomaterials in CO2 electrochemical conversion
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Xiwang Zhang, Professor Darren Martin, Dr Hima Haridevan
-
Doctor Philosophy
Enzyme-assisted deconstruction of lignocellulose and reconstruction into high value bio-derived advanced materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gary Schenk, Associate Professor Adrian Oehmen, Professor Darren Martin
-
Doctor Philosophy
Enhanced approaches to engineering the scale-up of CO2 electrolysers from bench to pilot scale
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Xiwang Zhang, Professor Tom Rufford
-
Doctor Philosophy
2D transition metal phosphide nanomaterials for H2 production
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Xiwang Zhang
Completed supervision
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Tailoring local interfacial environments for efficient electrochemical ion separation and carbon capture
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Xiwang Zhang
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Engineering Surface Oxygen Reduction Reaction in 2D Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Peroxide Production
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Xiangkang Zeng, Professor Xiwang Zhang
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Dr Mike Tebyetekerwa's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: