![Professor John Zhu](/sites/default/files/profiles/552.jpeg)
Overview
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
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
Works
Search Professor John Zhu’s works on UQ eSpace
2003
Journal Article
New insights into NO-carbon and N2O-carbon reactions from quantum mechanical calculations
Zhu, Z. H. and Lu, G. Q. (2003). New insights into NO-carbon and N2O-carbon reactions from quantum mechanical calculations. Energy & Fuels, 17 (4), 1057-1061. doi: 10.1021/ef02079
2003
Journal Article
Preparation and characterization of copper catalysts supported on mesoporous Al2O3 nanofibers for N2O reduction to N2
Zhu, Z. H., Zhu, H. Y., Wang, S. B. and Lu, M. G. (2003). Preparation and characterization of copper catalysts supported on mesoporous Al2O3 nanofibers for N2O reduction to N2. Catalysis Letters, 91 (1-2), 73-81. doi: 10.1023/B:CATL.0000006320.85524.f1
2003
Conference Publication
Why is H2 released at a higher temperature than CH4 during H2O-carbon reaction? An ab Initio Study
Zhu, Z. H. and Lu, M.G. (2003). Why is H2 released at a higher temperature than CH4 during H2O-carbon reaction? An ab Initio Study. 31st Australasian Chemical Engineering Conference CHEMECA 2003, Adelaide, Australia, 28 September - 1 October 2003. Australia: The Institution of Engineers, Australia.
2002
Journal Article
Molecular orbital theory calculations of the H2O-carbon reaction
Zhu, Z. H., Finnerty, J., Lu, G. Q., Wilson, M. A. and Yang, R. T. (2002). Molecular orbital theory calculations of the H2O-carbon reaction. Energy & Fuels, 16 (4), 847-854. doi: 10.1021/ef010267z
2002
Journal Article
A comparative study of carbon gasification with O-2 and CO2 by density functional theory calculations
Zhu, Z. H., Finnerty, J., Lu, G. Q. and Yang, R. T. (2002). A comparative study of carbon gasification with O-2 and CO2 by density functional theory calculations. Energy & Fuels, 16 (6), 1359-1368. doi: 10.1021/ef0200020
2002
Journal Article
Role of oxygen in the nitrous oxide/carbon reaction
Byrne, C.P., Yang, R.T., Zhu, Z.H. and Lu, G.Q. (2002). Role of oxygen in the nitrous oxide/carbon reaction. Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 106 (10), 2592-2596. doi: 10.1021/jp012715+
2002
Conference Publication
Molecular Engineered Porous Nanocomposites of Metal Oxide and Clay Using Surfactants
Zhu, Z. and Lu, M.G. (2002). Molecular Engineered Porous Nanocomposites of Metal Oxide and Clay Using Surfactants. Symposium V: Nanophase and Nanocomposite Materials IV, Boston, Massachusetts, 26-29 November 2001. Warrendale, USA: Materials Research Society.
2002
Other Outputs
Fundamental study of carbon reactions with oxygen containing gases using quantum mechanics calculations
Zhu, Zhonghua (2002). Fundamental study of carbon reactions with oxygen containing gases using quantum mechanics calculations. PhD Thesis, School of Engineering, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/334948
2001
Journal Article
Opposite roles of O-2 in NO- and N2O-carbon reactions: An ab initio study
Zhu, ZH, Finnerty, J, Lu, GQ and Yang, RT (2001). Opposite roles of O-2 in NO- and N2O-carbon reactions: An ab initio study. Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 105 (4), 821-830. doi: 10.1021/jp003036m
2000
Journal Article
New insights into alkali-catalyzed gasification reactions of carbon: Comparison of N2O reduction with carbon over Na and K catalysts
Zhu, Z. H., Lu, G. Q. and Yang, R. T. (2000). New insights into alkali-catalyzed gasification reactions of carbon: Comparison of N2O reduction with carbon over Na and K catalysts. Journal of Catalysis, 192 (7), 77-87. doi: 10.1006/jcat.2000.2817
2000
Journal Article
Effects of acid treatments of carbon on N2O and NO reduction by carbon-supported copper catalysts
Zhu, Z. H., Radovic, L. R. and Lu, G. Q. (2000). Effects of acid treatments of carbon on N2O and NO reduction by carbon-supported copper catalysts. Carbon, 38 (3), 451-464. doi: 10.1016/S0008-6223(99)00127-X
2000
Journal Article
Controlled doping of transition metal cations in alumina pillared clays
Zhu, H. Y., Zhu, Z. H. and Lu, G. Q. (2000). Controlled doping of transition metal cations in alumina pillared clays. Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 104 (24), 5674-5680. doi: 10.1021/jp994385n
1999
Journal Article
Highly effective catalysts for N 2O conversion to N 2 - a preliminary study
Zhu, Zhonghua, Zhuang, Yahui, Shen, Dixin and Lu, G. Q. (1999). Highly effective catalysts for N 2O conversion to N 2 - a preliminary study. Developments in Chemical Engineering and Mineral Processing, 7 (5), 563-575. doi: 10.1002/apj.5500070510
1999
Journal Article
Catalytic conversion to N2O to N2 over potassium catalyst supported on activated carbon
Zhu, Z. and Lu, G. (1999). Catalytic conversion to N2O to N2 over potassium catalyst supported on activated carbon. Journal of Catalysis, 187 (2) jcat.1999.2599, 262-274. doi: 10.1006/jcat.1999.2599
1999
Journal Article
A comparative study of N2O conversion to N-2 over Co/AC and Cu/AC catalysts
Zhu, Z. H., Lu, G. Q. M., Zhuang, Y. H. and Shen, D. X. (1999). A comparative study of N2O conversion to N-2 over Co/AC and Cu/AC catalysts. Energy & Fuels, 13 (4), 763-772. doi: 10.1021/ef980181e
1999
Journal Article
Highly effective catalysts for N2O conversion to N2 - A preliminary study
Zhu, Z. H., Zhuang, Y. H., Shen, D. X. and Lu, G. Q. (1999). Highly effective catalysts for N2O conversion to N2 - A preliminary study. Developments in Chemical Engineering & Mineral Processing, 7 (5/6), 563-575.
1999
Conference Publication
Activated carbon-supported catalysts for N2O reduction
Zhu, Z. and Lu, G. (1999). Activated carbon-supported catalysts for N2O reduction. Chemeca 99, Newcastle, 26-29 September. ACT: Institutes of Engineers.
1999
Journal Article
The role of carbon surface chemistry in N2O conversion to N2 over Ni catalyst supported on activated carbon
Zhu, Z. H., Wang, S., Lu, G. Q. and Zhang, D. K. (1999). The role of carbon surface chemistry in N2O conversion to N2 over Ni catalyst supported on activated carbon. Catalysis Today, 53 (4), 669-681. doi: 10.1016/S0920-5861(99)00154-6
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor John Zhu is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Hydrogel modified coiled fibre for artificial muscles
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Shazed Aziz
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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 adsorbents for CO2 capture
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
Completed supervision
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Morphology control of metal-organic frameworks and their application on adsorption and catalysis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Lei Ge
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Development of CO2 Tolerant Cathode Materials for Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ruth Knibbe
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Air Electrode Stability for Solid Oxide Cells
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ruth Knibbe
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Study of Cracking and Breakage Behaviour of Gibbsite Particles at Smelter Grade Alumina Production Conditions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Zhi-Gang Chen
-
2019
Master Philosophy
Metal-organic frameworks based materials for electro-catalysis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Lei Ge
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Defect Engineering of Nonprecious Metal Based Catalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Principal Advisor
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Develop Anode Materials for Direct Methane Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Principal Advisor
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Foam structured carbon monoliths for gas adsorption
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Tom Rufford, Dr Lei Ge
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Design and Preparation of Novel Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Tom Rufford
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
MOFs-based mixed matrix membranes for gas separation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Lei Ge
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Development of Cathode Materials for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Principal Advisor
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Development of Hybrid Catalytic Systems for CO2 Reforming of Methane
Principal Advisor
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Preparation of Novel Metal-Organic Frameworks for Selective Gas Adsorption
Principal Advisor
-
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Improvement of anode performance of solid oxide electrolyte-based direct carbon fuel cell
Principal Advisor
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Theory and Application of Gas Storage and Separation by Adsorption-Diffusion Processes
Principal Advisor
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Non precious metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in PEM fuel cells
Principal Advisor
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Controlled synthesis of supported Ru nanoparticles for catalytic ammonia decomposition and preferential CO oxidation
Principal Advisor
-
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
Insights into Gas Adsorption and Separation by Nitrogen Doped Materials Using Molecular Simulations
Principal Advisor
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
Mesoporous materials supported catalysts for removal of nitric oxide using carbon monoxide as reducing agent
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Tom Rufford
-
2011
Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis of graphitic mesoporous carbon for electric double layer capacitor
Principal Advisor
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Tailoring Carbon Materials as Fuels for the Direct Carbon Fuel Cells
Principal Advisor
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
A Flue Gas Desulphurisation System Utilising Alumina Causticiser Residue
Principal Advisor
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Dynamics of anisotropic permeability in coal seam gas reservoirs
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Tom Rufford
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Novel Adsorbents for Natural Gas Separation and Purification
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Greg Birkett, Associate Professor Tom Rufford
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
MULTISCALE MODELLING OF TRANSPORT IN POROUS MEDIA
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Suresh Bhatia
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Media
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