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Dr Qiyuan Li

Dr Qiyuan Li

Lecturer
Engineering
School of Chemical Engineering

Dr. Qiyuan Li is a Lecturer in the Particle and Catalysis Research Group. He has received a Ph.D. degree from the school of mechanical engineering, UNSW in 2016. He worked in the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology from 2016 to 2019 and joined PartCat in 2019. His research focused on developing solar powered catalytic module/system for water treatment, hydrogen production, CO2 capture and utilization. 

He has successfully supervised/co-supervised 3 PhD students and 20+ undergraduate/master students in the field of solar energy and desalination. Currently he co-supervises 2 PhD students and 1 Taste of Research student. He has published 40 journal papers, 3 book chapters and 10 conference publications in the field of energy and environmental (e.g. Energy & Environmental Science, Applied Energy, Water Research). He is one of inventors of 3 granted Chinese patents and 1 European patent. When he was a Ph.D. student, he has received ‘Winner of UNSW Student Innovator of the Year 2014’, ‘UNSW Innovation Awards 2014’. 
E-mail
qiyuan.li@unsw.edu.au
  • Book Chapters | 2021
    Omar A; Li Q; Saldivia Salazar D; Nashed A; Dang B, 2021, 'Solar-driven water treatment: Generation III - Low technology readiness', in Mahian O; Wei J; Taylor RA; Wongwises S (ed.), Solar-Driven Water Treatment Re-engineering and Accelerating Nature’s Water Cycle, Academic Press, pp. 201 - 261
    Book Chapters | 2020
    Zhong W; Li Q; Zhao X; Chen S, 2020, 'Membrane Preparation for Unconventional Desalination by Membrane Distillation and Pervaporation', in Environmental Chemistry for a Sustainable World, Springer International Publishing, pp. 265 - 293, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-33978-4_7
    Book Chapters | 2020
    Zhong W; Li Q, 2020, 'Membrane Preparation for Unconventional Desalination by Membrane Distillation and Pervaporation', in Membranes for Environmental Applications, Springer, Cham, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-33978-4
  • Journal articles | 2025
    Gunawan D; Stern T; Zhang J; Yuwono JA; Pan J; Li Q; Yu H; Gunawan M; Hocking RK; Toe CY; Scott J; Amal R, 2025, 'Scalable solar-driven reforming of alcohol feedstock to H2 using Ni/Zn3In2S6 photocatalyst', Chemical Engineering Journal, 513, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.162965
    Journal articles | 2025
    Li Q; Gunawan D; Jiang L; Gunawan R; Gunasekara G; Sarmin S; Doyle R; Lai Q; Amal R; Scott J, 2025, 'Recent Advances in Electrochemical Organic Waste Reforming: Highlights on Anodic Chemistry, Materials Design, and System Integration', ACS Applied Engineering Materials, 3, pp. 21 - 43, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsaenm.4c00705
    Journal articles | 2024
    Gunawan D; Zhang J; Li Q; Toe CY; Scott J; Antonietti M; Guo J; Amal R, 2024, 'Materials Advances in Photocatalytic Solar Hydrogen Production: Integrating Systems and Economics for a Sustainable Future', Advanced Materials, 36, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adma.202404618
    Journal articles | 2024
    Li J; Wang C; Zhai G; Li Q; Lim SH; Abdoli S; Kook S; Yeoh GH; Chan QN, 2024, 'Evaluating the techno-economic feasibility of hydrogen-fuelled reciprocating engines for renewable base-load power generation', Energy Conversion and Management, 311, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2024.118515
    Journal articles | 2024
    Song S; Li Q; Leslie G; Shen Y, 2024, 'Water treatment methods in heavy metals removal during photovoltaic modules recycling: a review', Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 208, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107701
    Journal articles | 2024
    Song S; Zhuo Y; Li Q; Shen Y, 2024, 'Silver Recovery from Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Solar Cells Using Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactors', Advanced Materials, 36, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adma.202403653
    Journal articles | 2023
    Afsari M; Li Q; Karbassiyazdi E; Shon HK; Razmjou A; Tijing LD, 2023, 'Electrospun nanofiber composite membranes for geothermal brine treatment with lithium enrichment via membrane distillation', Chemosphere, 318, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137902
    Journal articles | 2023
    Li Q; Jiang L; Huang G; Wang DW; Shepherd J; Daiyan R; Markides CN; Taylor RA; Scott J, 2023, 'A ternary system exploiting the full solar spectrum to generate renewable hydrogen from a waste biomass feedstock', Energy and Environmental Science, 16, pp. 3497 - 3513, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d3ee00603d
    Journal articles | 2023
    Mirza NR; Fernandes D; Li Q; Omar A; Zhao S; Xie Z; Taylor R; Allen J; Feron P, 2023, 'Reclaiming water from a direct air capture plant using vacuum membrane distillation – A bench-scale study', Separation and Purification Technology, 305, pp. 1 - 30, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122418
    Journal articles | 2023
    Tan S; Li Q; Guo L; Wang Y; Zhong W, 2023, 'Investigation of foaming behavior in herbal extracts via the characterization of solution environment for reverse osmosis concentration', Food and Bioproducts Processing, 137, pp. 28 - 44, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fbp.2022.10.011
    Journal articles | 2023
    Zhang W; He Y; Xing X; Wang Y; Li Q; Wang L; Zhu Y, 2023, 'In-depth insight into the effects of intrinsic calcium compounds on the pyrolysis of hazardous petrochemical sludge', Journal of Hazardous Materials, 455, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131593
    Journal articles | 2023
    Zhou C; Wang Y; Li J; Ma X; Li Q; Yang M; Zhao X; Zhu Y, 2023, 'Simulation and economic analysis of an innovative indoor solar cooking system with energy storage', Solar Energy, 263, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2023.111816
    Journal articles | 2022
    Jiang L; Pan J; Li Q; Chen H; Zhou S; Yu Z; Jiang S; Yin H; Guan J; Taylor RA; Fisher R; Leslie G; Scott J; Zhao H; Wang DW, 2022, 'A holistic green system coupling hydrogen production with wastewater valorisation', EcoMat, 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eom2.12254
    Journal articles | 2022
    Li Q; Charlton AJ; Omar A; Dang B; Le-Clech P; Scott J; Taylor RA, 2022, 'A novel concentrated solar membrane-distillation for water purification in a building integrated design', Desalination, 535, pp. 115828, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2022.115828
    Journal articles | 2022
    Li Q; Zhang H; Tan C; Lian B; García-Pacheco R; Taylor RA; Fletcher J; Le-Clech P; Ranasinghe B; Senevirathna T; Leslie G, 2022, 'Numerical and experimental investigation of a DC-powered RO system for Sri-Lankan villages', Renewable Energy, 182, pp. 772 - 786, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2021.10.056
    Journal articles | 2022
    Yue Y; Zhuo Y; Li Q; Shen Y, 2022, 'Experimental and numerical study of extracting silver from end-of-life c-Si photovoltaic solar cells in rotating systems', Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 186, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106548
    Journal articles | 2021
    Cha-umpong W; Li Q; Razmjou A; Chen V, 2021, 'Concentrating brine for lithium recovery using GO composite pervaporation membranes', Desalination, 500, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2020.114894
    Journal articles | 2021
    Dang BV; Charlton AJ; Li Q; Kim YC; Taylor RA; Le-Clech P; Barber T, 2021, 'Can 3D-printed spacers improve filtration at the microscale?', Separation and Purification Technology, 256, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117776
    Journal articles | 2021
    García-Pacheco R; Li Q; Comas J; Taylor RA; Le-Clech P, 2021, 'Novel housing designs for nanofiltration and ultrafiltration gravity-driven recycled membrane-based systems', Science of the Total Environment, 767, pp. 144181, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144181
    Journal articles | 2021
    Li Q; Zhuo Y; Shanks K; Taylor RA; Conneely B; Tan A; Shen Y; Scott J, 2021, 'A winged solar biomass reactor for producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF)', Solar Energy, 218, pp. 455 - 468, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2021.03.001
    Journal articles | 2021
    Li W; Li Q; Guo L; Liu J; Wang K; Zhong W, 2021, 'Traditional chinese medicine extract properties incorporated energy analysis for membrane concentration processes', Membranes, 11, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/membranes11090673
    Journal articles | 2021
    Omar A; Li Q; Nashed A; Guan J; Dai P; Taylor RA, 2021, 'Experimental and numerical investigation of a new hollow fiber-based multi-effect vacuum membrane distillation design', Desalination, 501, pp. 114908, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2020.114908
    Journal articles | 2021
    Omar A; Nashed A; Li Q; Taylor RA, 2021, 'Experimental and numerical evaluation of the energy requirement of multi-stage vacuum membrane distillation designs', Separation and Purification Technology, 257, pp. 117303, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117303
    Journal articles | 2021
    Omar A; Saldivia D; Li Q; Barraza R; Taylor RA, 2021, 'Techno-economic optimization of coupling a cascaded MED system to a CSP-sCO2 power plant', Energy Conversion and Management, 247, pp. 1 - 38, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2021.114725
    Journal articles | 2020
    Li Q; Lian B; Zhong W; Omar A; Razmjou A; Dai P; Guan J; Leslie G; Taylor RA, 2020, 'Improving the performance of vacuum membrane distillation using a 3D-printed helical baffle and a superhydrophobic nanocomposite membrane', Separation and Purification Technology, 248, pp. 117072, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117072
    Journal articles | 2020
    Li Q; Omar A; Cha-Umpong W; Liu Q; Li X; Wen J; Wang Y; Razmjou A; Guan J; Taylor RA, 2020, 'The potential of hollow fiber vacuum multi-effect membrane distillation for brine treatment', Applied Energy, 276, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.115437
    Journal articles | 2020
    Omar A; Nashed A; Li Q; Leslie G; Taylor RA, 2020, 'Pathways for integrated concentrated solar power - Desalination: A critical review', Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 119, pp. 109609, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2019.109609
    Journal articles | 2019
    Li Q; Tan J; Lian B; Wang Y; Le Clech P; Liu X; Leslie G; Taylor R, 2019, 'An integrated, solar-driven membrane distillation system for water purification and energy generation', Applied Energy, 237, pp. 534 - 548, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.12.069
    Journal articles | 2019
    Liu X; Wang Y; Shi Y; Li Q; Dai P; Guan J; Waite TD; Leslie G, 2019, 'CFD modelling of uneven flows behaviour in flat-sheet membrane bioreactors: From bubble generation to shear stress distribution', Journal of Membrane Science, 570-571, pp. 146 - 155, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2018.10.040
    Journal articles | 2018
    Li Q; Lian B; Wang Y; Taylor R; Liu X; Tan J; Leslie G, 2018, 'Development of a mobile groundwater desalination system for communities in rural India', Water Research, 144, pp. 642 - 655, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2018.08.001
    Journal articles | 2017
    Crisostomo F; Hjerrild N; Mesgari S; Li Q; Taylor RA; Mesgari Hagh S, 2017, 'A hybrid PV/T collector using spectrally selective absorbing nanofluids', Applied Energy, 193, pp. 1 - 14, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.02.028
    Journal articles | 2017
    Li Q; Tehrani SSM; Taylor RA, 2017, 'Techno-economic analysis of a concentrating solar collector with built-in shell and tube latent heat thermal energy storage', Energy, 121, pp. 220 - 237, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.01.023
    Journal articles | 2017
    Li Q; Zheng C; Shirazi A; Bany Mousa O; Moscia F; Scott JA; Taylor RA; Shirazi A, 2017, 'Design and analysis of a medium-temperature, concentrated solar thermal collector for air-conditioning applications', Applied Energy, 190, pp. 1159 - 1173, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.01.040
    Journal articles | 2017
    Zheng C; Li Q; Rosengarten G; Hawkes E; Taylor RA, 2017, 'Compact, semi-passive beam steering prism array for solar concentrators', Applied Optics, 56, pp. 4158 - 4167, http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/AO.56.004158
    Journal articles | 2017
    Zheng C; Li Q; Rosengarten G; Hawkes E; Taylor RA, 2017, 'Design and indoor testing of a compact optical concentrator', Optical Engineering, 56, pp. 015102 - 015102, http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.56.1.015102
    Journal articles | 2016
    Li Q; Shirazi A; Zheng C; Rosengarten G; Scott J; Taylor RA, 2016, 'Energy concentration limits in solar thermal heating applications', Energy, 96, pp. 253 - 267, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2015.12.057
    Journal articles | 2016
    Li Q; Zheng C; mesgari S; Hewkuruppu Y; Hjerrild N; Crisostomo F; Rosengarten G; Scott J; Taylor R; Mesgari Hagh S, 2016, 'Experimental and numerical investigation of volumetric versus surface solar absorbers for a concentrated solar thermal collector', Solar Energy, 136, pp. 349 - 364, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2016.07.015
    Journal articles | 2016
    Mesgari S; Taylor RA; Hjerrild NE; Crisostomo F; Li Q; Scott J; Mesgari Hagh S; Crisostomo Munoz F, 2016, 'An investigation of thermal stability of carbon nanofluids for solar thermal applications', Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 157, pp. 652 - 659, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2016.07.032
    Journal articles | 2015
    Gu X; Taylor RA; Li Q; Scott JA; Rosengarten G, 2015, 'Thermal analysis of a micro solar thermal collector designed for methanol reforming', Solar Energy, 113, pp. 189 - 198, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2014.12.030
  • Conference Papers | 2023
    Li Q; Omar A; Oliver M; Mohsenzadeh M; Huang Y; Zhao S; Kaag A; Aranovitch B; Taylor RA, 2023, 'Uncovering the feasibility of a double-glazed solar still', 5-7 Dec 2023, RMIT, Melbourne, Australia, presented at Asia-Pacific Solar Research Conference, 5-7 Dec 2023, RMIT, Melbourne, Australia, 05 December 2023 - 07 December 2023, https://apvi.org.au/solar-research-conference/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Omar-A-Uncovering-the-feasibility-of-a-double-glazed-solar-still.pdf
    Conference Papers | 2020
    Omar A; Saldivia D; Nashed A; Li Q; Taylor R, 2020, 'Can concentrated solar-driven supercritical CO2 power cycles help address the energy-water nexus?', Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, presented at SolarPACES Conference 20, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, 29 September 2020 - 02 October 2020
    Conference Posters | 2018
    Beier L; Li Q; taylor R; leslie G; Tan J; Lian B; Wang Y; Le Clech P; Liu X, 2018, 'An integrated solar-driven membrane distillation system for water purification and energy production', Valencia, Spain, Vol. 237, pp. 534 - 548, presented at Euromembrane 2018, Valencia, Spain, 09 July 2018 - 13 July 2018, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.12.069
    Conference Presentations | 2017
    Li Q; Leslie G; Taylor R; Ashraf MM; Lian B; Wang Y; Liu X, 2017, 'Development of a Mobile Groundwater Desalination System for Communities in Rural India', presented at Chemeca 2017, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf VIC, 23 July 2017 - 26 July 2017, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2018.08.001
    Conference Papers | 2016
    Li Q; Guinard Y; Taylor R; Diarce G, 2016, 'Performance of a Low Profile, Concentrating Solar Thermal Collector for Industrial Process Heating Applications', World Energy and Environment Technology Ltd., Coventry, United Kingdom, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, presented at WEENTECH Proceedings in Energy- International Conference on Energy, Environment and Economics, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 16 August 2016 - 18 August 2016
    Creative Written Works | 2016
    Taylor R; Rosengarten G; Li Q, 2016, Bright ideas for the future of industrial heating
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Li Q; Zheng C; Mesgari S; Hewakuruppu Y; Hjerrild N; Crisostomo F; Morrison K; Woffenden A; Rosengarten G; SCOTT J; Taylor R; Mesgari Hagh S, 2015, 'Experimental investigation of a nanofluid absorber employed in a low-profile, concentrated solar thermal collector', in Eggleton BJ; Palomba S (ed.), Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, pp. 96683p-96683p-13, presented at SPIE Micro+Nano Materials, Devices, and Systems, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 06 December 2015 - 09 December 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.2202513
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Zheng C; Li Q; Rosengarten G; Hawkes E; Taylor R, 2015, 'A new optical concentrator design and analysis for rooftop solar applications', in Winston R; Gordon J (ed.), Proceedings of SPIE Vol 9572, Nonimaging Optics: Efficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration XII, SPIE, San Diego, California, United States, presented at SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, San Diego, California, United States, 09 August 2015 - 13 August 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.2186477
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Gu X; Taylor R; Li Q; Rosengarten G, 2014, 'THERMAL ANALYSIS OF A COMPOUND PARABOLIC CONCENTRATORBASED MICRO SOLAR COLLECTOR FOR METHANOL REFORMING', in Charoenphonphanich C (ed.), The 25th International Symposium on Transport Phenomena, The 25th International Symposium on Transport Phenomena, Krabi, Thailand, presented at The 25th International Symposium on Transport Phenomena, Krabi, Thailand, 05 November 2014 - 07 November 2014
    Conference Posters | 2014
    Li Q; Woffenden A; Zheng C; Taylor R, 2014, 'Design and Analysis of a Low Profile Concentrating Solar Thermal Collector', The University of New South Wales, presented at 2014 Asia-Pacific Solar Research Conference, The University of New South Wales, 08 December 2014 - 10 December 2014
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Li Q; Zheng C; Gu X; Rosengarten G; Hawkes E; Yang M; Taylor R, 2014, 'Design and analysis of a low-profile, concentrating solar thermal collector', in Kasagi N (ed.), International Heat Transfer Conference 15, Begell House, Kyoto, Japan, presented at Proceedings of the 15th International Heat Transfer Conference, Kyoto, Japan, 10 August 2014 - 15 August 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.1615/IHTC15.sol.008611
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Zheng C; Li Q; Rosengarten G; Hawkes E; Taylor R, 2014, 'Design and Analysis of Compact Optical Concentrators for Roof-Integrated Solar Thermal Applications', in Light, Energy and the Environment OSA Technical Digest, presented at 2014 Light, Energy and the Environment (Energy) Congress, 02 December 2014 - 05 December 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OSE.2014.RTu3B.2
    Preprints |
    Charlton A; Li Q; Omar A; Dang B; Le-Clech P; Taylor R, A Novel Concentrated Solar Membrane-Distillation for Water Purification in a Building Integrated Design, http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3972691
    Preprints |
    Mirza NR; Fernandes D; Li Q; Omar A; Zhao S; Xie Z; Taylor R; Allen J; Feron P, Reclaiming Water from a Direct Air Capture Plant Using Vacuum Membrane Distillation – a Bench-Scale Study, http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4176064

UNSW 2024 Research Infrastructure Scheme (2024), “Harnessing and utilizing renewable energy at a demonstration scale for research, teaching and outreach”, Amal, R, Scott, J, ...., Li, Q, et al. (AU $183,000)

NSW Department of Planning and Environment (2023), “NSW Evaporative Cooling Roadmap”, Taylor, R, Omar, A, Li, Q, Leslie, GL. (AU$ 95,179)

NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) / Circular Solar Trials Grants Program. (2022-2025)  “Highly efficient and flexible recycling technology for end-of-life silicon photovoltaic panels towards NSW circular economy: from reactors design to system optimisation”, Shen, Y, Green, M, Amal, R, Leslie, GL, Hao, X, Bao, J, Sun, K, Liu, Z, Chang, N, Deng, R, Li, Q, Zhuo, Y.  (AU$ 1,000,000)

Finalist of Academic Sharp Brain, 2017, Melbourne

Winner of UNSW Innovation Awards 2014 - UNSW Student Innovator of the Year Award

Winner of UNSW Innovation Awards 2014 - Early Stage Innovation Awards

Winner of The New Employee Award, Foxconn Technology Group 2007

Solar reforming of waste organics for clean hydrogen Production. 

Development of a solar-driven system for producing CO by Reverse Water–Gas Shift (RWGS). 

A sustainable carbon dioxide capture and utilization approach: Waste heat-powered CO2 capture and in situ hydrogenation to green fuels. 

My Research Supervision

Mr. Takuto Komatsu, Taste of Research project, Producing renewable hydrogen from sunlight and wastewater (unsw.edu.au);

Mrs. Sumaya Sarmin (PhD candidate), Transforming sugar containing wastewater to renewable hydrogen;

Mr. Che Jiang (PhD candidate), Development of a solar-driven calcination system to convert bauxite ore into alumina.

My Teaching

CEIC2007 Chemical Engineering Lab A (Demonstrator)

MMAN1130 Design and Manufacturing (Guest Lecturer)

GSOE9111 Energy Storage (Guest Lecturer)

ENGG3600 Vertically Integrated Projects (supervisor of ‘Sun to H2O’ project)

MECH9720 Solar Thermal Energy Design (Tutor)