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)

441 - 451 of 451 works

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

Fundamental study of carbon reactions with oxygen containing gases using quantum mechanics calculations

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

Opposite roles of O-2 in NO- and N2O-carbon reactions: An ab initio study

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

New insights into alkali-catalyzed gasification reactions of carbon: Comparison of N2O reduction with carbon over Na and K catalysts

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

Effects of acid treatments of carbon on N2O and NO reduction by carbon-supported copper catalysts

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

Controlled doping of transition metal cations in alumina pillared clays

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

Highly effective catalysts for N 2O conversion to N 2 - a preliminary study

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

Catalytic conversion to N2O to N2 over potassium catalyst supported on activated carbon

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

The role of carbon surface chemistry in N2O conversion to N2 over Ni catalyst supported on activated carbon

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

A comparative study of N2O conversion to N-2 over Co/AC and Cu/AC catalysts

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.

Highly effective catalysts for N2O conversion to N2 - A preliminary study

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.

Activated carbon-supported catalysts for N2O reduction

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

    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

  • 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

Completed supervision

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