Available Positions
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Positions
No positions are currently being advertised.
No positions are currently being advertised.
Higher Degree by Research Positions
Prof Matthew Hill is open for HDR positions and is currently accepting students. Master of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) and Doctor of Philosophy (Chemical Engineering) positions are available. Prospective students are encouraged read through the below section on available Research Topics, see our prior work on the Publications tab and familiarise themselves with the scholarship requirements in the following link:
https://www.monash.edu/engineering/future-students/graduate-research/phd
It is possible to attract the Researcher Training Program Scholarship and University/Department specific scholarships. After reading through these sections, please contact to Prof Matthew Hill with a research topic in mind.
Prof Matthew Hill is open for HDR positions and is currently accepting students. Master of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) and Doctor of Philosophy (Chemical Engineering) positions are available. Prospective students are encouraged read through the below section on available Research Topics, see our prior work on the Publications tab and familiarise themselves with the scholarship requirements in the following link:
https://www.monash.edu/engineering/future-students/graduate-research/phd
It is possible to attract the Researcher Training Program Scholarship and University/Department specific scholarships. After reading through these sections, please contact to Prof Matthew Hill with a research topic in mind.
Research Topics Available
Metal-Organic Frameworks
This topic covers development of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as advanced materials for separations, catalysis, biomolecule encapsulation and drug delivery. MOFs are micro-to-mesoporous materials constructed of metal nodes and organic linkers.
Our focus in primarily on the applications of known MOFs (ZIFs, UiO series, etc) to improve separations and expanding these materials with new functionalities.
Flow Batteries
Flow batteries utilise two charged electrolytes (anolyte and catholyte) that pass over an ion selective membrane to allow for transport of a charge carrier without other molecules crossing over. Advanced membrane separators and new chemistries are being investigated to improve reliability, reduce cost and enhance lifetime.
Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Here we are developing technology to combat known issues in lithium-sulfur batteries such as volumetric expansion, low cyclability and poor rate capability.
We are developing advanced materials for coating cathodes, anodes and separators. Importantly, lithium-sulfur batteires have excellent performance and low cost and ease of manufacturing, with more environmentally friendly waste.
Membranes
Synthesis, characterisation and application of polymer or Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) membranes in a variety of separations. Separation of industrially relevant gases, isomers, water/heat tolerant membranes, Synthesis, characterisation and application of Mixed-Matrix Membranes (MMMs) comprised of a polymer and microporous additive. Recently, we demonstrate porous additives that can reduce the aging of polymer membranes and that the solvent variation can control the rate of physical ageing and selectivity.
Separations
Separations requires a massive portion of global energy consumption. Improving the energy efficiency of these separations is one technique to reduce overall energy consumption and environmental impact. Recently in ion separation, we have demonstrated that Metal-Organic-Framework (MOF) nanochannels are able to selectively separate cations in water.
Flow Chemistry
Many Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) having performance beyond current industrial processes, but transitioning from milligram laboratory scale to the kilograms required for small industrial demonstrators and tonnes in applications is limited by synthetic processes. The typical batch method required to synthesise grams of MOFs is replaced by flow chemistry, where MOFs are continuously created through a heated, pressurised pipe. This synthetic method reduces chemical waste.
Our flow chemistry research aims on developing synthetic conditions in flow reactors to synthesise advanced porous materials and post-synthesis treatment to reach a final activated product.
Gas Storage
Current gases are stored under high pressure and sometimes under cryogenic temperatures, both safety risks that require robust casing and cooling. To reduce these risks and store gases such as CO2, O2, or H2, advanced microporous materials may be used.
We aim to synthesise advanced porous materials to allow for the storage of gases at reduced pressures/elevated temperatures relative to current industrial standards. Chemical and physical tuning of adsorption properties to allow for high storage, controlled adsorption heat, and near total release of gases from these materials.
Carbon Capture
CO2 emissions are mainly targeted at two areas, at source where CO2 is in high concentration, at high temperatures and with various other gases (eg steam) and atmospheric where CO2 is at approximately 400 ppm. In both cases, CO2 is selectively captured and then placed under storage or utilised in synthesis.
Our carbon capture materials are being developed into devices as small scale demonstrators. We are also investigating the development of new materials for more finely tuned heat of adsorption and hence the strength of binding between CO2 and the material.
Magnetic Induction
On-demand, total release of guests within porous materials is currently difficult without introduction of another guest species or disassembly of the material. One promising method to release adsorbed guests is by heat, but some materials such as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are insulating.
Our magnetic induction work focuses on characterisation and use of magnetic framework composites (MFCs) to allow for magnetic induction heating to repeatedly release O2 and CO2 from materials.
Metal-Organic Frameworks
This topic covers development of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as advanced materials for separations, catalysis, biomolecule encapsulation and drug delivery. MOFs are micro-to-mesoporous materials constructed of metal nodes and organic linkers.
Our focus in primarily on the applications of known MOFs (ZIFs, UiO series, etc) to improve separations and expanding these materials with new functionalities.
Flow Batteries
Flow batteries utilise two charged electrolytes (anolyte and catholyte) that pass over an ion selective membrane to allow for transport of a charge carrier without other molecules crossing over. Advanced membrane separators and new chemistries are being investigated to improve reliability, reduce cost and enhance lifetime.
Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Here we are developing technology to combat known issues in lithium-sulfur batteries such as volumetric expansion, low cyclability and poor rate capability.
We are developing advanced materials for coating cathodes, anodes and separators. Importantly, lithium-sulfur batteires have excellent performance and low cost and ease of manufacturing, with more environmentally friendly waste.
Membranes
Synthesis, characterisation and application of polymer or Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) membranes in a variety of separations. Separation of industrially relevant gases, isomers, water/heat tolerant membranes, Synthesis, characterisation and application of Mixed-Matrix Membranes (MMMs) comprised of a polymer and microporous additive. Recently, we demonstrate porous additives that can reduce the aging of polymer membranes and that the solvent variation can control the rate of physical ageing and selectivity.
Separations
Separations requires a massive portion of global energy consumption. Improving the energy efficiency of these separations is one technique to reduce overall energy consumption and environmental impact. Recently in ion separation, we have demonstrated that Metal-Organic-Framework (MOF) nanochannels are able to selectively separate cations in water.
Flow Chemistry
Many Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) having performance beyond current industrial processes, but transitioning from milligram laboratory scale to the kilograms required for small industrial demonstrators and tonnes in applications is limited by synthetic processes. The typical batch method required to synthesise grams of MOFs is replaced by flow chemistry, where MOFs are continuously created through a heated, pressurised pipe. This synthetic method reduces chemical waste.
Our flow chemistry research aims on developing synthetic conditions in flow reactors to synthesise advanced porous materials and post-synthesis treatment to reach a final activated product.
Gas Storage
Current gases are stored under high pressure and sometimes under cryogenic temperatures, both safety risks that require robust casing and cooling. To reduce these risks and store gases such as CO2, O2, or H2, advanced microporous materials may be used.
We aim to synthesise advanced porous materials to allow for the storage of gases at reduced pressures/elevated temperatures relative to current industrial standards. Chemical and physical tuning of adsorption properties to allow for high storage, controlled adsorption heat, and near total release of gases from these materials.
Carbon Capture
CO2 emissions are mainly targeted at two areas, at source where CO2 is in high concentration, at high temperatures and with various other gases (eg steam) and atmospheric where CO2 is at approximately 400 ppm. In both cases, CO2 is selectively captured and then placed under storage or utilised in synthesis.
Our carbon capture materials are being developed into devices as small scale demonstrators. We are also investigating the development of new materials for more finely tuned heat of adsorption and hence the strength of binding between CO2 and the material.
Magnetic Induction
On-demand, total release of guests within porous materials is currently difficult without introduction of another guest species or disassembly of the material. One promising method to release adsorbed guests is by heat, but some materials such as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are insulating.
Our magnetic induction work focuses on characterisation and use of magnetic framework composites (MFCs) to allow for magnetic induction heating to repeatedly release O2 and CO2 from materials.
Consulting Service
Prof Hill has extensive experience engaging with industry. He is available on a consulting basis for technology assessment, particularly where porous material or separation processes are involved. For further information please contact A/Prof Hill directly.
Prof Hill has extensive experience engaging with industry. He is available on a consulting basis for technology assessment, particularly where porous material or separation processes are involved. For further information please contact A/Prof Hill directly.