Professor John Zhu
Professor

John Zhu

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 53528

Background

Biography:

John Zhu is currently a Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering, UQ. He is also the inaugural Director of Carbon Energy Research Centre. He received his PhD in Chemical Engineering, UQ in 2002, then worked as a lecturer in Curtin University of Technology from 2002 to 2004. He moved back to UQ at the end of 2004 and has been working in the same school until present. He is the recipient of a number of awards and fellowships, including RK Murphy Medal 2013, Freehills Award IChemE 2011, runner up of Innovator of the Year Award International IChemE 2011, the University of Queensland Foundation Research Excellence Award 2007, an ARC Future Fellowship from 2013 to 2016, an ARC Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship from 2008 to 2012, an ARC Postdoctoral Fellowship from 2003 – 2005. In May 2012, John Zhu’s long term collaborative research with Eden Energy was recognised by Thomson Reuters Innovation Award for Innovative Collaboration between the University of Queensland and Eden Energy.

Research:

John Zhu’s research interests and expertise exist in advanced catalysis, gas adsorption and separation, direct carbon fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells with strong application focus on clean energy and environment. His current projects include research into scale up of direct carbon fuel cells, next generation solid oxide fuel cells, hierarchically-structured bulk materials for gas storage and catalytic reaction, carbon nanotubes/MOFs composite membranes, carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composites for automotive applications, advanced plasma-assisted catalytic processes for clean energy production and air pollution control.

Teaching and Learning:

John has taught several engineering courses including Research Methods (CHEE7200), Heat and mass transfer (CHEE3002), and Engineering investigation and analysis (CHEE3010). He is currently lecturing a third year course, Reaction Engineering (CHEE3005).

Projects:

1. Transport Processes in Flexible Porous Materials for Gas Separation and Storage, ARC DP

2. Prototype test of Direct Carbon Fuel Cells, QLD Research Partnership Program

3. Carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composites for automotive applications, ARC LP

4. Development of a Novel One Step Process for Gas Conversion to Liquid, ARC LP

5. Fundamentals and practical applications of hierarchically-structured bulk materials, ARC Future Fellowship

6. Development of novel cathodes for next generation solid oxide fuel cells, ARC DP

Availability

Professor John Zhu is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Chemical Sciences Engineering

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Engineering, Xi'an Institute of Metallurgy and Construction
  • Masters (Coursework) of Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology (西安建筑科技大学)
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Search Professor John Zhu’s works on UQ eSpace

451 works between 1999 and 2025
All (451) Journal Article (395) Book Chapter (10) Conference Publication (44) Book (1) Other Outputs (1)

41 - 60 of 451 works

2023

Journal Article

Rational construction of ultrahigh thermal stable MOF for efficient separation of MTO products and natural gas

Wang, Gang-Ding, Krishna, Rajamani, Li, Yong-Zhi, Ma, Yao-Yu, Hou, Lei, Wang, Yao-Yu and Zhu, Zhonghua (2023). Rational construction of ultrahigh thermal stable MOF for efficient separation of MTO products and natural gas. ACS Materials Letters, 5 (4), 1091-1099. doi: 10.1021/acsmaterialslett.3c00096

Rational construction of ultrahigh thermal stable MOF for efficient separation of MTO products and natural gas

2023

Journal Article

A new operando surface restructuring pathway via ion-pairing of catalyst and electrolyte for water oxidation

Zhuang, Linzhou, Li, Zhiheng, Li, Mengran, Tao, Haolan, Mao, Xin, Lian, Cheng, Ge, Lei, Du, Aijun, Xu, Zhi, Shao, Zongping and Zhu, Zhonghua (2023). A new operando surface restructuring pathway via ion-pairing of catalyst and electrolyte for water oxidation. Chemical Engineering Journal, 454 (Part 1) 140071, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2022.140071

A new operando surface restructuring pathway via ion-pairing of catalyst and electrolyte for water oxidation

2023

Journal Article

A novel C2H2-selective microporous Cd-MOF for C2H2/C2H4 and C2H2/CO2 separation

Li, Yong-Zhi, Krishna, Rajamani, Xu, Fan, Zhang, Wan-Fang, Sui, Yanwei, Hou, Lei, Wang, Yao-Yu and Zhu, Zhonghua (2023). A novel C2H2-selective microporous Cd-MOF for C2H2/C2H4 and C2H2/CO2 separation. Separation and Purification Technology, 306 122678, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122678

A novel C2H2-selective microporous Cd-MOF for C2H2/C2H4 and C2H2/CO2 separation

2023

Journal Article

Synthesis of zeolite from low-cost feeds and its sustainable environmental applications

Gao, Shuai, Peng, Hong, Song, Bing, Zhang, Jinxuan, Wu, Weixi, Vaughan, James, Zardo, Peter, Vogrin, John, Tulloch, Sylvia and Zhu, Zhonghua (2023). Synthesis of zeolite from low-cost feeds and its sustainable environmental applications. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 11 (1) 108995, 1-18. doi: 10.1016/j.jece.2022.108995

Synthesis of zeolite from low-cost feeds and its sustainable environmental applications

2023

Journal Article

Extraordinary separation of acetylene-containing mixtures in a honeycomb calcium-based MOF with multiple active sites

Ma, Li-Na, Wang, Zi-Han, Zhang, Lin, Hou, Lei, Wang, Yao-Yu and Zhu, Zhonghua (2023). Extraordinary separation of acetylene-containing mixtures in a honeycomb calcium-based MOF with multiple active sites. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 15 (2), 2971-2978. doi: 10.1021/acsami.2c19321

Extraordinary separation of acetylene-containing mixtures in a honeycomb calcium-based MOF with multiple active sites

2023

Journal Article

A new honeycomb MOF for C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>4</sub> purification and C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>6</sub> enrichment by separating methanol to olefin products

Zhang, Lin, Ma, Li-Na, Wang, Gang-Ding, Hou, Lei, Zhu, Zhonghua and Wang, Yao-Yu (2023). A new honeycomb MOF for C2H4 purification and C3H6 enrichment by separating methanol to olefin products. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 11 (5), 2343-2348. doi: 10.1039/d2ta08977g

A new honeycomb MOF for C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>4</sub> purification and C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>6</sub> enrichment by separating methanol to olefin products

2023

Journal Article

Dative B←N bonds based crystalline organic framework with permanent porosity for acetylene storage and separation

Wang, Weize, Wang, Linxia, Du, Fei, Wang, Gang-Ding, Hou, Lei, Zhu, Zhonghua, Liu, Bo and Wang, Yao-Yu (2023). Dative B←N bonds based crystalline organic framework with permanent porosity for acetylene storage and separation. Chemical Science, 14 (3), 533-539. doi: 10.1039/d2sc06016g

Dative B←N bonds based crystalline organic framework with permanent porosity for acetylene storage and separation

2022

Journal Article

Boosting ethane/ethylene separation by MOFs through the amino‐functionalization of pores

Wang, Gang‐Ding, Krishna, Rajamani, Li, Yong‐Zhi, Shi, Wen‐Juan, Hou, Lei, Wang, Yao‐Yu and Zhu, Zhonghua (2022). Boosting ethane/ethylene separation by MOFs through the amino‐functionalization of pores. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 61 (48) e202213015, 1-7. doi: 10.1002/anie.202213015

Boosting ethane/ethylene separation by MOFs through the amino‐functionalization of pores

2022

Journal Article

Magnetic hydrogel composite for wastewater treatment

Salahuddin, Bidita, Aziz, Shazed, Gao, Shuai, Hossain, Md. Shahriar A., Billah, Motasim, Zhu, Zhonghua and Amiralian, Nasim (2022). Magnetic hydrogel composite for wastewater treatment. Polymers, 14 (23) 5074, 1-14. doi: 10.3390/polym14235074

Magnetic hydrogel composite for wastewater treatment

2022

Journal Article

Regulating the reaction zone of electrochemical CO2 reduction on gas-diffusion electrodes by distinctive hydrophilic-hydrophobic catalyst layers

Rabiee, Hesamoddin, Ge, Lei, Zhao, Jing, Zhang, Xueqin, Li, Mengran, Hu, Shihu, Smart, Simon, Rufford, Thomas E., Zhu, Zhonghua, Wang, Hao and Yuan, Zhiguo (2022). Regulating the reaction zone of electrochemical CO2 reduction on gas-diffusion electrodes by distinctive hydrophilic-hydrophobic catalyst layers. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 310 121362, 121362. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2022.121362

Regulating the reaction zone of electrochemical CO2 reduction on gas-diffusion electrodes by distinctive hydrophilic-hydrophobic catalyst layers

2022

Journal Article

One-step C2H4 purification from ternary C2H6/C2H4/C2H2 mixtures by a robust metal–organic framework with customized pore environment

Wang, Gang-Ding, Li, Yong-Zhi, Shi, Wen-Juan, Hou, Lei, Wang, Yao-Yu and Zhu, Zhonghua (2022). One-step C2H4 purification from ternary C2H6/C2H4/C2H2 mixtures by a robust metal–organic framework with customized pore environment. Angewandte Chemie - International Edition, 61 (28) e202205427, 1-7. doi: 10.1002/anie.202205427

One-step C2H4 purification from ternary C2H6/C2H4/C2H2 mixtures by a robust metal–organic framework with customized pore environment

2022

Journal Article

Porous coordination polymer-based composite membranes for high-temperature polymer exchange membrane fuel cells

Chen, Guoliang, Ge, Lei, Lee, Joong Hee, Zhu, Zhonghua and Wang, Hao (2022). Porous coordination polymer-based composite membranes for high-temperature polymer exchange membrane fuel cells. Matter, 5 (7), 2031-2053. doi: 10.1016/j.matt.2022.05.033

Porous coordination polymer-based composite membranes for high-temperature polymer exchange membrane fuel cells

2022

Journal Article

Composite cathodes for protonic ceramic fuel cells: rationales and materials

Wang, Meng, Su, Chao, Zhu, Zhonghua, Wang, Hao and Ge, Lei (2022). Composite cathodes for protonic ceramic fuel cells: rationales and materials. Composites Part B: Engineering, 238 109881, 1-18. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2022.109881

Composite cathodes for protonic ceramic fuel cells: rationales and materials

2022

Journal Article

Efficient one-step purification of C1 and C2 hydrocarbons over CO2 in a new CO2-selective MOF with a gate-opening effect

Ma, Li-Na, Wang, Gang-Ding, Hou, Lei, Zhu, Zhonghua and Wang, Yao-Yu (2022). Efficient one-step purification of C1 and C2 hydrocarbons over CO2 in a new CO2-selective MOF with a gate-opening effect. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 14 (23), 26858-26865. doi: 10.1021/acsami.2c06744

Efficient one-step purification of C1 and C2 hydrocarbons over CO2 in a new CO2-selective MOF with a gate-opening effect

2022

Journal Article

C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub> capture and separation in a MOF based on Ni<sub>6</sub> trigonal-prismatic units

Zhang, Bin, Li, Xiu-Yuan, Lu, Yu-Ke, Hou, Lei, Wang, Yao-Yu and Zhu, Zhonghua (2022). C2H2 capture and separation in a MOF based on Ni6 trigonal-prismatic units. Chemical Communications, 58 (42), 6208-6211. doi: 10.1039/d2cc01506d

C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub> capture and separation in a MOF based on Ni<sub>6</sub> trigonal-prismatic units

2022

Journal Article

Methane internal steam reforming in solid oxide fuel cells at intermediate temperatures

Khan, Muhammad Shirjeel, Miura, Yohei, Fukuyama, Yosuke, Gao, Shuai and Zhu, Zhonghua (2022). Methane internal steam reforming in solid oxide fuel cells at intermediate temperatures. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 47 (29), 13969-13979. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.02.128

Methane internal steam reforming in solid oxide fuel cells at intermediate temperatures

2022

Journal Article

Microwave plasma rapid heating towards robust cathode/electrolyte interface for solid oxide fuel cells

Liang, Fengli, Tseng, Po-hung, Sun, Qiang, Li, Mengran, Zhou, Wei, Liu, Lian X., Wang, Hao and Zhu, Zhonghua (2022). Microwave plasma rapid heating towards robust cathode/electrolyte interface for solid oxide fuel cells. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 607 (Pt 1), 53-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.08.182

Microwave plasma rapid heating towards robust cathode/electrolyte interface for solid oxide fuel cells

2022

Journal Article

Mechanochemically synthesised flexible electrodes based on bimetallic metal–organic framework glasses for the oxygen evolution reaction

Lin, Rijia, Li, Xuemei, Krajnc, Andraž, Li, Zhiheng, Li, Mengran, Wang, Wupeng, Zhuang, Linzhou, Smart, Simon, Zhu, Zhonghua, Appadoo, Dominique, Harmer, Jeffrey R., Wang, Zhiliang, Buzanich, Ana Guilherme, Beyer, Sebastian, Wang, Lianzhou, Mali, Gregor, Bennett, Thomas D., Chen, Vicki and Hou, Jingwei (2022). Mechanochemically synthesised flexible electrodes based on bimetallic metal–organic framework glasses for the oxygen evolution reaction. Angewandte Chemie, 134 (4) e202112880, 21-7. doi: 10.1002/ange.202112880

Mechanochemically synthesised flexible electrodes based on bimetallic metal–organic framework glasses for the oxygen evolution reaction

2022

Journal Article

Phase control of ZIF-7 nanoparticles via mechanochemical synthesis

Bin Zulkifli, Muhammad Yazid, Yao, Yuqi, Chen, Ruiqi, Chai, Milton, Su, Kun, Li, Xuemei, Zhou, Yinghong, Lin, Rijia, Zhu, Zhonghua, Liang, Kang, Chen, Vicki and Hou, Jingwei (2022). Phase control of ZIF-7 nanoparticles via mechanochemical synthesis. Chemical Communications, 58 (88), 12297-12300. doi: 10.1039/d2cc04054a

Phase control of ZIF-7 nanoparticles via mechanochemical synthesis

2021

Journal Article

Acetylene separation by a Ca-MOF containing accessible sites of open metal centers and organic groups

Wang, Gang-Ding, Li, Yong-Zhi, Zhang, Wan-Fang, Hou, Lei, Wang, Yao-Yu and Zhu, Zhonghua (2021). Acetylene separation by a Ca-MOF containing accessible sites of open metal centers and organic groups. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 13 (49) acsami.1c20533, 58862-58870. doi: 10.1021/acsami.1c20533

Acetylene separation by a Ca-MOF containing accessible sites of open metal centers and organic groups

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2028
    Novel Metal-Organic Framework Crystal-Glass Proton-Exchange Membranes
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2025 - 2028
    High performance cathode for protonic ceramic fuel cells
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2030
    ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide
    ARC Centres of Excellence
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2026
    ARC Training Centre for The Global Hydrogen Economy (ARC Training Centre administered by UNSW)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024
    Insight into promotional effects of transition metal Fe on nickel/zeolite catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2024
    Sustainable Process for High Purity Alumina Production from Kaolin (RTCM Trailblazer project administered by Curtin University)
    Curtin University
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    High performance polymer fibres for recyclable composites
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    High Performance Anode for Direct Ammonia Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2020
    Manufacture of low cost SOFC
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Composites for thermal expansion matched oxygen electrodes
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Novel microwave processing of carbon nanotube/thermoplastic composites
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Integrated thin film facility for catalysis and energy materials research (ARC LIEF project administered by the University of New South Wales)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2020
    Novel Hybrid cathode for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2021
    High performance electrode materials for Reversible Solid Oxide Cells
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    A Novel Light-Weight Membrane Reactor for Converting Natural Gas to Syngas
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Value adding to agriculture waste by catalytic gasification to bio-fuel production.
    Australia-India Strategic Research Fund
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2020
    A Fundamental Study of the Breakage of Gibbsite and Smelter Grade Alumina
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Development of a novel and practical method for fabricating carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composites for automotive applications
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2017
    Prototype test of direct carbon fuel cells
    Queensland Government Smart Futures Research Partnerships Program
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2017
    Identification, characterisation and stimulation of low permeability coals (Centre for Coal Seam Gas Research Project)
    Santos Limited
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Development of novel cathodes for next generation solid oxide fuel cells
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2016
    Fundamentals and Practical Applications of Hierarchically Structured Bulk Materials
    ARC Future Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2019
    Fundamentals and Practical Applications of Hierarchically Structured Bulk Materials
    Vice-Chancellor's Senior Research Fellowship
    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
  • 2011 - 2014
    Scale up of direct carbon fuel cells
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Complete laboratory to semi-industry scale high energy milling and dispersion facility.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Transport Processes in Flexible Porous Materials for Gas Separation and Storage
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2012
    Development of a novel technology for DSP separation and soda recovery in alumina refineries
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Enabling Software and Equipment for Computational Bio- and Nano-technology
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2009
    High pressure binary absorbtion for clean energy applications
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2009
    The National hydrogen materials reference facility (ARC LIEF Administered by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Theoretical Study of Functionalized Boron Nitride Nanotubes and Their Application as Gas Sensor
    ARC Linkage International
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2011
    Development of a Novel One Step Process for Gas Conversion to Liquid
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2013
    Queensland-China Alliance in Nanomaterials for Clean Energy Technologies (QCANCET)
    Queensland Government Smart State National and International Research Alliances Program
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Scale up of Direct Carbon Fuel Cells
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    An Integrated Raman Microscope and in situ STM-TEM Analysis System
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2008
    An Integrated Fabrication and Testing Facility for Applications of Solar Energy Materials
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2012
    Development of Superflux Carbon Nanotube Membranes for Gas Separation
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Plasma-Catalytist Hybrid Process for Simultaneous Removal of NOx and SOx
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006
    LINKAGE INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP -Molecular Modelling of Growth Mechanisms and Electronic Properties of Nanostructured Metal-Oxides
    ARC Linkage International
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Novel Graphitic Mesoporous Carbon Materials for Next Generation Carbon Catalyst Supports and Carbon Electrodes
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006
    Theoretical Studies of Gas Sensing of Functionalized Boron Nitride Nanotubes Using Molecular Simulations
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2008
    Hydrogen Production by Non-thermal Plasma Assisted Catalytic Pyrolysis of Natural Gas
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2008
    Development of a Novel Flue Gas Desulphurization Technology for Alumina Refineries
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Tailoring of carbon materials for use in direct carbon fuel cells
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    The investigation of the effects of catalyst doping, element substitution and defects design in carbon materials for hydrogen storage
    ARC Linkage International
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    Theoretical and Experimental Studies of Catalyst Doping and Defects in Carbon Nanotubes for Hydrogen Storage
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Availability

Professor John Zhu is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    High performance adsorbents for CO2 capture

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Lei Ge

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of high-performance cathode materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Lei Ge

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Polymer-metal organic frameworks composite membranes for CO2 separation

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Lei Ge, Dr Byron Villacorta

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of cathode materials for low temperature protonic ceramic fuel cells

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Hydrogel modified coiled fibre for artificial muscles

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Shazed Aziz

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of high-performance cathode materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Lei Ge

  • Doctor Philosophy

    High performance electrode fuel cell

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Lei Ge

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Fabrication of uniform and well-intergrown MOF membranes for gas separation

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Lei Ge, Dr Byron Villacorta

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of high-performance cathode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Lei Ge

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Fabrication of uniform and well-intergrown MOF membranes for gas separation

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Lei Ge, Dr Byron Villacorta

Completed supervision

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