Direct air capture (DAC) is emerging as a critical technology for achieving net-zero emissions, but its deployment is currently limited by the performance and energy requirements of CO₂ adsorbents. Among various materials, poly(ethylenimine) (PEI)-based solid sorbents supported on porous substrates (e.g., silica or alumina) have shown strong potential due to their high affinity toward CO₂ at low concentrations (~400 ppm). However, challenges remain in balancing adsorption capacity, kinetics, stability, and regenerability under realistic operating conditions. This project aims to synthesise and evaluate PEI-based solid sorbents for DAC applications. The student will prepare supported amine sorbents using wet impregnation methods and investigate their CO₂ capture performance under simulated air conditions. Key variables such as PEI loading, support structure, and adsorption/desorption conditions will be systematically studied.
School
Chemical Engineering
Research Area
Solid adsorbent | Direct air capture | Chemical engineering
Suitable for recognition of Work Integrated Learning (industrial training)?
To be discussed
- Research environment
- Expected outcomes
- Supervisory team
- Reference material/links
The student will have the opportunity to join the Particles and Catalysis Research Group (PartCat) under the supervision of Dr Bingqiao Xie, Dr. Qiyuan Li and Prof Rose Amal. The student will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced experimental facilities for sorbent synthesis and gas adsorption testing. This project offers a multidisciplinary research environment where the student will develop a broad set of technical and professional skills, supporting future career opportunities in both academia and industry.
The student is expected to:
- Gain hands-on experience in sorbent synthesis and gas adsorption measurements;
- Understand key performance metrics in DAC (capacity, kinetics, cyclic stability);
- Develop skills in data analysis and interpretation of adsorption behaviour;
- Contribute to a dataset that supports ongoing research on DAC materials;
- Continuation of the research as an Honours thesis project is possible.
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