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)

421 - 440 of 451 works

2005

Journal Article

The physical and surface chemical characteristics of activated carbons and the adsorption of methylene blue from wastewater

Wang, S. B., Zhu, Z. H., Coomes, A., Haghseresht, F. and Lu, G. Q . (2005). The physical and surface chemical characteristics of activated carbons and the adsorption of methylene blue from wastewater. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 284 (2), 440-446. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2004.10.050

The physical and surface chemical characteristics of activated carbons and the adsorption of methylene blue from wastewater

2005

Conference Publication

Functional nanomaterials as adsorbents and membranes for clean energy technologies

Lu, G. Q., Diniz Da Costa, J., Zhu, Z. H., Yao, X., Duke, M., Ding, R. G. and Meredy, R. (2005). Functional nanomaterials as adsorbents and membranes for clean energy technologies. 5th Asia Pacific Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environmental Technologies (APCSEET), Wellington, New Zealand, 9-11 May 2005.

Functional nanomaterials as adsorbents and membranes for clean energy technologies

2005

Journal Article

Insights into hydrogen atom adsorption on and the electrochemical properties of nitrogen-substituted carbon materials

Zhu, ZH, Hatori, H, Wang, SB and Lu, GQ (2005). Insights into hydrogen atom adsorption on and the electrochemical properties of nitrogen-substituted carbon materials. Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 109 (35), 16744-16749. doi: 10.1021/jp051787o

Insights into hydrogen atom adsorption on and the electrochemical properties of nitrogen-substituted carbon materials

2005

Journal Article

Sonochemical treatment of fly ash for dye removal from wastewater

Wang, SB and Zhu, ZH (2005). Sonochemical treatment of fly ash for dye removal from wastewater. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 126 (1-3), 91-95. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.06.009

Sonochemical treatment of fly ash for dye removal from wastewater

2005

Journal Article

Enhancement of hydrogen physisorption on single-walled carbon nanotubes resulting from defects created by carbon bombardment

Xia, Yueyuan, Zhu, John Zhonghua, Zhao, Mingwen, Feng, Li, Huang, Boda, Yanju, Ji., Liu, Xiangdong, Tan, Zhenyu, Song, Chen and Yin, Yanyan (2005). Enhancement of hydrogen physisorption on single-walled carbon nanotubes resulting from defects created by carbon bombardment. Physical Review B, Condensed matter and materials physics, 71 (7) 075412, 075412-1-075412-8. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevB.71.075412

Enhancement of hydrogen physisorption on single-walled carbon nanotubes resulting from defects created by carbon bombardment

2005

Conference Publication

Metal-carbon Interactions in Adsorption and Catalysis

Lu, G., Zhu, Z., Xiangdong, Y., Hui-Ming, and Hartori, (2005). Metal-carbon Interactions in Adsorption and Catalysis. Carbon 2005 International Conference on Carbon, Gyeongju, Korea, 3-7 July, 2005.

Metal-carbon Interactions in Adsorption and Catalysis

2005

Journal Article

Removal of dyes from aqueous solution using fly ash and red mud

Wang, S.B., Boyjoo, Y., Choueib, A. and Zhu, Z.H. (2005). Removal of dyes from aqueous solution using fly ash and red mud. Water Research, 39 (1), 129-138. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2004.09.011

Removal of dyes from aqueous solution using fly ash and red mud

2004

Journal Article

Preface

Jiang, Houyuan, Krishnamoorthy, Mohan and Sier, David (2004). Preface. Annals of Operations Research, 128 (1-4), 17-20. doi: 10.1023/b:anor.0000019146.40715.1d

Preface

2004

Journal Article

Comparative study of hydrogen storage in Li- and K-doped carbon materials - theoretically revisited

Zhu, Z. H., Lu, G. Q. and Smith, S. C. (2004). Comparative study of hydrogen storage in Li- and K-doped carbon materials - theoretically revisited. Carbon, 42 (12-13), 2509-2514. doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2004.05.019

Comparative study of hydrogen storage in Li- and K-doped carbon materials - theoretically revisited

2004

Journal Article

Comparative study of Li, Na, and K adsorptions on graphite by using ab initio method

Zhu, Z. H. and Lu, G. Q. (2004). Comparative study of Li, Na, and K adsorptions on graphite by using ab initio method. Langmuir, 20 (24), 10751-10755. doi: 10.1021/la040062t

Comparative study of Li, Na, and K adsorptions on graphite by using ab initio method

2004

Book Chapter

Hydrogen Storage by Carbon Nanotubes

Ding, R. G., Finnerty, J. J., Zhu, Z. H., Yan, Z. F. and Lu, M. G. (2004). Hydrogen Storage by Carbon Nanotubes. Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. (pp. 13-33) edited by H. S. Nalwa. USA: American Scientific Publishers.

Hydrogen Storage by Carbon Nanotubes

2004

Journal Article

Catalytic conversion of alkanes to olefins by carbon dioxide oxidative dehydrogenation - A review

Wang, SB and Zhu, ZH (2004). Catalytic conversion of alkanes to olefins by carbon dioxide oxidative dehydrogenation - A review. Energy & Fuels, 18 (4), 1126-1139. doi: 10.1021/ef0340716

Catalytic conversion of alkanes to olefins by carbon dioxide oxidative dehydrogenation - A review

2003

Journal Article

Electronic structure methods applied to gas-carbon reactions

Zhu, Z. H., Lu, G. Q., Finnerty, J. and Yang, R. T. (2003). Electronic structure methods applied to gas-carbon reactions. Carbon, 41 (4), 635-658. doi: 10.1016/S0008-6223(02)00380-9

Electronic structure methods applied to gas-carbon reactions

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

New insights into NO-carbon and N2O-carbon reactions from quantum mechanical calculations

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

Preparation and characterization of copper catalysts supported on mesoporous Al2O3 nanofibers for N2O reduction to N2

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.

Why is H2 released at a higher temperature than CH4 during H2O-carbon reaction? An ab Initio Study

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

Molecular orbital theory calculations of the H2O-carbon reaction

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

A comparative study of carbon gasification with O-2 and CO2 by density functional theory calculations

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+

Role of oxygen in the nitrous oxide/carbon reaction

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.

Molecular Engineered Porous Nanocomposites of Metal Oxide and Clay Using Surfactants

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

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • 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

  • 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

Completed supervision

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