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

452 works between 1999 and 2025
All (452) Journal Article (396) Book Chapter (10) Conference Publication (44) Book (1) Other Outputs (1)

161 - 180 of 452 works

2017

Journal Article

Porous MOF with highly efficient selectivity and chemical conversion for CO2

Wang, Hai-Hua, Hou, Lei, Li, Yong-Zhi, Jiang, Chen-Yu, Wang, Yao-Yu and Zhu, Zhonghua (2017). Porous MOF with highly efficient selectivity and chemical conversion for CO2. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 9 (21), 17969-17976. doi: 10.1021/acsami.7b03835

Porous MOF with highly efficient selectivity and chemical conversion for CO2

2017

Journal Article

An in situ formed MnO-Co composite catalyst layer over Ni-Ce0.8Sm0.2O2-x anodes for direct methane solid oxide fuel cells

Zhao, Jie, Xu, Xiaoyong, Zhou, Wei and Zhu, Zhonghua (2017). An in situ formed MnO-Co composite catalyst layer over Ni-Ce0.8Sm0.2O2-x anodes for direct methane solid oxide fuel cells. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 5 (14), 6494-6503. doi: 10.1039/c6ta10473h

An in situ formed MnO-Co composite catalyst layer over Ni-Ce0.8Sm0.2O2-x anodes for direct methane solid oxide fuel cells

2017

Journal Article

A facile method to synthesize boron-doped Ni/Fe alloy nano-chains as electrocatalyst for water oxidation

Yang, Yisu, Linzhou Zhuang, Rijia Lin, Mengran Li, Xu, Xiaoyong, Rufford, Thomas and Zhu, Zhonghua (2017). A facile method to synthesize boron-doped Ni/Fe alloy nano-chains as electrocatalyst for water oxidation. Journal of Power Sources, 349, 68-74. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2017.03.028

A facile method to synthesize boron-doped Ni/Fe alloy nano-chains as electrocatalyst for water oxidation

2017

Journal Article

A-site excess (La0.8Ca0.2)1.01Fe0(3-delta) (LCF) perovskite hollow fiber membrane for oxygen permeation in CO2-containing atmosphere

Yang, Dong, Yang, Naitao, Meng, Bo, Tan, Xiaoyao, Zhang, Chi, Sunarso, Jaka, Zhu, Zhonghua and Liu, Shaomin (2017). A-site excess (La0.8Ca0.2)1.01Fe0(3-delta) (LCF) perovskite hollow fiber membrane for oxygen permeation in CO2-containing atmosphere. Energy and Fuels, 31 (4), 4531-4538. doi: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.7b00121

A-site excess (La0.8Ca0.2)1.01Fe0(3-delta) (LCF) perovskite hollow fiber membrane for oxygen permeation in CO2-containing atmosphere

2017

Journal Article

Ultrathin iron-cobalt oxide nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancies for the oxygen evolution reaction

Zhuang, Linzhou, Ge, Lei, Yang, Yisu, Li, Mengran, Jia, Yi, Yao, Xiangdong and Zhu, Zhonghua (2017). Ultrathin iron-cobalt oxide nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancies for the oxygen evolution reaction. Advanced Materials, 29 (17) 1606793, 1606793. doi: 10.1002/adma.201606793

Ultrathin iron-cobalt oxide nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancies for the oxygen evolution reaction

2017

Journal Article

Surface-etched halloysite nanotubes in mixed matrix membranes for efficient gas separation

Ge, Lei, Lin, Rijia, Wang, Li, Rufford, Thomas E., Villacorta, Byron, Liu, Shaomin, Liu, Lian X. and Zhu, Zhonghua (2017). Surface-etched halloysite nanotubes in mixed matrix membranes for efficient gas separation. Separation and Purification Technology, 173, 63-71. doi: 10.1016/j.seppur.2016.09.015

Surface-etched halloysite nanotubes in mixed matrix membranes for efficient gas separation

2017

Journal Article

Highly CO2-tolerant cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells: samarium-doped ceria-protected SrCo0.85Ta0.15O3-δ hybrid

Li, Mengran, Zhou, Wei and Zhu, Zhonghua (2017). Highly CO2-tolerant cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells: samarium-doped ceria-protected SrCo0.85Ta0.15O3-δ hybrid. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 9 (3), 2326-2333. doi: 10.1021/acsami.6b12606

Highly CO2-tolerant cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells: samarium-doped ceria-protected SrCo0.85Ta0.15O3-δ hybrid

2017

Journal Article

A novel CO2-resistant ceramic dual-phase hollow fiber membrane for oxygen separation

Bi, Xiuxiu, Meng, Xiuxia, Liu, Pengyun, Yang, Naitao, Zhu, Zhonghua, Ran, Ran and Liu, Shaomin (2017). A novel CO2-resistant ceramic dual-phase hollow fiber membrane for oxygen separation. Journal of Membrane Science, 522, 91-99. doi: 10.1016/j.memsci.2016.09.008

A novel CO2-resistant ceramic dual-phase hollow fiber membrane for oxygen separation

2017

Journal Article

A niobium and tantalum co-doped perovskite cathode for solid oxide fuel cells operating below 500 °C

Li, Mengran, Zhao, Mingwen, Li, Feng, Zhou, Wei, Peterson, Vanessa K., Xu, Xiaoyong, Shao, Zongping, Gentle, Ian and Zhu, Zhonghua (2017). A niobium and tantalum co-doped perovskite cathode for solid oxide fuel cells operating below 500 °C. Nature communications, 8 (1) 13990, 13990. doi: 10.1038/ncomms13990

A niobium and tantalum co-doped perovskite cathode for solid oxide fuel cells operating below 500 °C

2017

Conference Publication

Hemp hurd derived activated carbon for CO2 adsorption

Liu, Shan, Ge, Lei, Zhu, Zhonghua and Wang, Hao (2017). Hemp hurd derived activated carbon for CO2 adsorption. 21st International Conference on Composite Materials, ICCM 2017, Xi'an, China, 20-25 August 2017. International Committee on Composite Materials.

Hemp hurd derived activated carbon for CO2 adsorption

2016

Journal Article

Ionic liquids as the MOFs/polymer interfacial binder for efficient membrane separation

Lin, Rijia, Ge, Lei, Diao, Hui, Rudolph, Victor and Zhu, Zhonghua (2016). Ionic liquids as the MOFs/polymer interfacial binder for efficient membrane separation. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 8 (46), 32041-32049. doi: 10.1021/acsami.6b11074

Ionic liquids as the MOFs/polymer interfacial binder for efficient membrane separation

2016

Journal Article

Defective-activated-carbon-supported Mn–Co nanoparticles as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction

Yan, Xuecheng, Jia, Yi, Chen, Jie, Zhu, Zhonghua and Yao, Xiangdong (2016). Defective-activated-carbon-supported Mn–Co nanoparticles as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction. Advanced Materials, 28 (39), 8771-8778. doi: 10.1002/adma.201601651

Defective-activated-carbon-supported Mn–Co nanoparticles as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction

2016

Journal Article

Surface controlled generation of reactive radicals from persulfate by carbocatalysis on nanodiamonds

Duan, Xiaoguang, Su, Chao, Zhou, Li, Sun, Hongqi, Suvorova, Alexandra, Odedairo, Taiwo, Zhu, Zhonghua, Shao, Zongping and Wang, Shaobin (2016). Surface controlled generation of reactive radicals from persulfate by carbocatalysis on nanodiamonds. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 194, 7-15. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2016.04.043

Surface controlled generation of reactive radicals from persulfate by carbocatalysis on nanodiamonds

2016

Journal Article

Boosting oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution at the edge sites of a web-like carbon nanotube-graphene hybrid

Odedairo, Taiwo, Yan, Xuecheng, Gao, Guoping, Yao, Xiangdong, Du, Aijun and Zhu, Zhonghua (2016). Boosting oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution at the edge sites of a web-like carbon nanotube-graphene hybrid. Carbon, 107, 739-746. doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2016.06.080

Boosting oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution at the edge sites of a web-like carbon nanotube-graphene hybrid

2016

Journal Article

A chiral metal-organic framework with polar channels: unique interweaving six-fold helices and high CO2/CH4 separation

Liu, Bo, Zhou, Hui-Fang, Hou, Lei, Zhu, Zhonghua and Wang, Yao-Yu (2016). A chiral metal-organic framework with polar channels: unique interweaving six-fold helices and high CO2/CH4 separation. Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers, 3 (10), 1326-1331. doi: 10.1039/c6qi00282j

A chiral metal-organic framework with polar channels: unique interweaving six-fold helices and high CO2/CH4 separation

2016

Journal Article

Structural diversity of cadmium(II) coordination polymers induced by tuning the coordination sites of isomeric ligands

Liu, Bo, Zhou, Hui-Fang, Hou, Lei, Wang, Jian-Ping, Wang, Yao-Yu and Zhu, Zhonghua (2016). Structural diversity of cadmium(II) coordination polymers induced by tuning the coordination sites of isomeric ligands. Inorganic Chemistry, 55 (17), 8871-8880. doi: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.6b01416

Structural diversity of cadmium(II) coordination polymers induced by tuning the coordination sites of isomeric ligands

2016

Journal Article

Cobalt oxide and cobalt-graphitic carbon core–shell based catalysts with remarkably high oxygen reduction reaction activity

Yu, Jie, Chen, Gao, Sunarso, Jaka, Zhu, Yinlong, Ran, Ran, Zhu, Zhonghua, Zhou, Wei and Shao, Zongping (2016). Cobalt oxide and cobalt-graphitic carbon core–shell based catalysts with remarkably high oxygen reduction reaction activity. Advanced Science, 3 (9) 1600060, 1600060. doi: 10.1002/advs.201600060

Cobalt oxide and cobalt-graphitic carbon core–shell based catalysts with remarkably high oxygen reduction reaction activity

2016

Journal Article

The preparation of activated carbon discs from tar pitch and coal powder for adsorption of CO2, CH4 and N2

Gao, Shuai, Ge, Lei, Rufford, Thomas and Zhu, Zhonghua (2016). The preparation of activated carbon discs from tar pitch and coal powder for adsorption of CO2, CH4 and N2. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 238 (SI), 19-26. doi: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2016.08.004

The preparation of activated carbon discs from tar pitch and coal powder for adsorption of CO2, CH4 and N2

2016

Journal Article

Nitrogen-doped carbon foams synthesized from banana peel and zinc complex template for adsorption of CO2, CH4 and N2

Arami-Niya, Arash, Rufford, Thomas E. and Zhu, Zhonghua (2016). Nitrogen-doped carbon foams synthesized from banana peel and zinc complex template for adsorption of CO2, CH4 and N2. Energy & Fuels, 30 (9), 7298-7308. doi: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.6b00971

Nitrogen-doped carbon foams synthesized from banana peel and zinc complex template for adsorption of CO2, CH4 and N2

2016

Journal Article

Cr-doped La-Ni-O catalysts derived from perovskite precursors for CH4-CO2 reforming under microwave irradiation

Odedairo, Taiwo, Ma, Jun, Chen, Jiuling and Zhu, Zhonghua (2016). Cr-doped La-Ni-O catalysts derived from perovskite precursors for CH4-CO2 reforming under microwave irradiation. Chemical Engineering and Technology, 39 (8), 1551-1560. doi: 10.1002/ceat.201500702

Cr-doped La-Ni-O catalysts derived from perovskite precursors for CH4-CO2 reforming under microwave irradiation

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

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Professor John Zhu's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au