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)

401 - 420 of 451 works

2007

Journal Article

Catalytic ammonia decomposition over CMK-3 supported Ru catalysts: Effects of surface treatments of supports

Li, L, Zhu, ZH, Lu, GQ, Yan, ZF and Qiao, SZ (2007). Catalytic ammonia decomposition over CMK-3 supported Ru catalysts: Effects of surface treatments of supports. Carbon, 45 (1), 11-20. doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2006.08.017

Catalytic ammonia decomposition over CMK-3 supported Ru catalysts: Effects of surface treatments of supports

2007

Journal Article

Mass transfer in coal seams for CO2 sequestration

Wang, F. Y., Zhu, Z. H., Massarotto, P. and Rudolph, V. (2007). Mass transfer in coal seams for CO2 sequestration. AIChE Journal, 53 (4), 1028-1049. doi: 10.1002/aic.11115

Mass transfer in coal seams for CO2 sequestration

2007

Journal Article

First-principles design of well-ordered silica nanotubes from silica monolayers and nanorings

Zhao, M.W., Zhu, Z.H., Gale, J.D., Xia, Y.Y. and Lu, G.Q. (2007). First-principles design of well-ordered silica nanotubes from silica monolayers and nanorings. Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 111 (27), 9652-9657. doi: 10.1021/jp070032+

First-principles design of well-ordered silica nanotubes from silica monolayers and nanorings

2007

Journal Article

Effects of acidic treatment of activated carbons on dye adsorption

Zhu, Z. H. and Wang, Shaobin (2007). Effects of acidic treatment of activated carbons on dye adsorption. Dyes and Pigments, 75 (2), 306-314. doi: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2006.06.005

Effects of acidic treatment of activated carbons on dye adsorption

2007

Conference Publication

Magnesium loaded carbon for hydrogen adsorption

Rufford, Thomas, Takagi, Hideyuki, Zhu, Zhonghua, Hatori, Hiraoki and Lu, Gaoqing (2007). Magnesium loaded carbon for hydrogen adsorption. Nanostructures for Electronics Energy and Environment (NanoE3), Couran Cove, Qld, Australia, 23-28 September, 2007.

Magnesium loaded carbon for hydrogen adsorption

2006

Conference Publication

Hydrogen adsorption properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes treated with nitric acid

Takagi, H., Soneda, Y., Hatori, H., Zhu, Z. H. and Lu, G. Q. (2006). Hydrogen adsorption properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes treated with nitric acid. 2006 International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, ICONN 2006, , , July 3, 2006-July 6, 2006. doi: 10.1109/ICONN.2006.340548

Hydrogen adsorption properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes treated with nitric acid

2006

Journal Article

Synthesis and structure characterization of chromium oxide prepared by solid thermal decomposition reaction

Li, Li, Yan, Zi F., Lu, Gao Q. and Zhu, Zhong H. (2006). Synthesis and structure characterization of chromium oxide prepared by solid thermal decomposition reaction. Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 110 (1), 178-183. doi: 10.1021/jp053810b

Synthesis and structure characterization of chromium oxide prepared by solid thermal decomposition reaction

2006

Conference Publication

Technology options for onboard hydrogen storage

Rufford, T. E., Zhu, Z. and Lu, G. Q. (2006). Technology options for onboard hydrogen storage. Perth, W.A.: Curtin University of Technology. doi: 10.1002/apj.5500140107

Technology options for onboard hydrogen storage

2006

Journal Article

Geopolymeric adsorbents from fly ash for dye removal from aqueous solution

Li, L, Wang, SB and Zhu, ZH (2006). Geopolymeric adsorbents from fly ash for dye removal from aqueous solution. Journal of Colloid And Interface Science, 300 (1), 52-59. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2006.03.062

Geopolymeric adsorbents from fly ash for dye removal from aqueous solution

2006

Journal Article

Coal ash conversion into effective adsorbents for removal of heavy metals and dyes from wastewater

Wang, SB, Soudi, M, Li, L and Zhu, ZH (2006). Coal ash conversion into effective adsorbents for removal of heavy metals and dyes from wastewater. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 133 (1-3), 243-251. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.10.034

Coal ash conversion into effective adsorbents for removal of heavy metals and dyes from wastewater

2006

Conference Publication

Mesoporous carbon fabricated with an alumina template

Rufford, Thomas, Zhu, Zhonghua and Lu, Gaoqing (2006). Mesoporous carbon fabricated with an alumina template. Australian National Science Graduates Conference, Manly, NSW, Australia, 26-28 May, 2006. Sydney, NSW, Australia: International College of Management.

Mesoporous carbon fabricated with an alumina template

2006

Conference Publication

Characterization of turbostratic carbons synthesized by catalytic decomposition of acetylene

Li, Xiang, Zhu, Zhonghua, Lu, Max and De Marcot, Roland (2006). Characterization of turbostratic carbons synthesized by catalytic decomposition of acetylene. International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Brisbane Australia, 3 - 7 July 2006. New York, NY, United States: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. doi: 10.1109/ICONN.2006.340694

Characterization of turbostratic carbons synthesized by catalytic decomposition of acetylene

2006

Conference Publication

Hydrogen adsorption properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes treated with nitric acid

Takagi, H., Soneda, Y., Hatori, H., Zhu, Z. H. and Lu, G. Q. (2006). Hydrogen adsorption properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes treated with nitric acid. International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Brisbane Australia, Jul 03-07, 2006. NEW YORK: IEEE.

Hydrogen adsorption properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes treated with nitric acid

2006

Journal Article

Synthesis and characterization of turbostratic carbons prepared by catalytic chemical vapour decomposition of acetylene

Li, L., Zhu, Z. H., Lu, G. Q., Yan, Z. F. and De Marco, R. (2006). Synthesis and characterization of turbostratic carbons prepared by catalytic chemical vapour decomposition of acetylene. Applied catalysis. A, General, 309 (2), 201-209. doi: 10.1016/j.apcata.2006.05.013

Synthesis and characterization of turbostratic carbons prepared by catalytic chemical vapour decomposition of acetylene

2006

Journal Article

New insights into the interaction of hydrogen atoms with boron-substituted carbon

Zhu, ZH, Lu, GQ and Hatori, H (2006). New insights into the interaction of hydrogen atoms with boron-substituted carbon. Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 110 (3), 1249-1255. doi: 10.1021/jp0516590

New insights into the interaction of hydrogen atoms with boron-substituted carbon

2006

Journal Article

Characterisation and environmental application of an Australian natural zeolite for basic dye removal from aqueous solution

Wang, S. B. and Zhu, Z. H. (2006). Characterisation and environmental application of an Australian natural zeolite for basic dye removal from aqueous solution. Journal Of Hazardous Materials, 136 (3), 946-952. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2006.01.038

Characterisation and environmental application of an Australian natural zeolite for basic dye removal from aqueous solution

2005

Journal Article

Unburned carbon as a low-cost adsorbent for treatment of methylene blue-containing wastewater

Wang, SB, Li, L, Wu, HW and Zhu, ZH (2005). Unburned carbon as a low-cost adsorbent for treatment of methylene blue-containing wastewater. Journal of Colloid And Interface Science, 292 (2), 336-343. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2005.06.014

Unburned carbon as a low-cost adsorbent for treatment of methylene blue-containing wastewater

2005

Conference Publication

Synthesis of turbostratic carbon black from pyrolysis of hydrocarbons

Zhu, Z., Li, L., De Marco, and Lu, G. (2005). Synthesis of turbostratic carbon black from pyrolysis of hydrocarbons. Carbon 2005 International Conference on Carbon, Gyeongju, Korea, 3-7 July, 2005. Gyeongju, Korea: Korean Carbon Society.

Synthesis of turbostratic carbon black from pyrolysis of hydrocarbons

2005

Conference Publication

Effect of micropore structure of activated carbon fibers on hydrogen storage

Ding, R. G., Lu, G. Q., Zhu, Z. H. and Yan, Z. F. (2005). Effect of micropore structure of activated carbon fibers on hydrogen storage. 2005 ARC Centre for Functional Materials Annual Conference, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, 1-3 December, 2005.

Effect of micropore structure of activated carbon fibers on hydrogen storage

2005

Journal Article

Role of unburnt carbon in adsorption of dyes on fly ash

Wang, SB, Boyjoo, Y, Choueib, A, Ng, E, Wu, HW and Zhu, ZH (2005). Role of unburnt carbon in adsorption of dyes on fly ash. Journal of Chemical Technology And Biotechnology, 80 (10), 1204-1209. doi: 10.1002/jctb.1299

Role of unburnt carbon in adsorption of dyes on fly ash

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 - 2019
    Fundamentals and Practical Applications of Hierarchically Structured Bulk Materials
    Vice-Chancellor's Senior Research Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2016
    Fundamentals and Practical Applications of Hierarchically Structured Bulk Materials
    ARC Future Fellowships
    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

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

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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