PhD Scholarship – Integrated Thermochemical Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass for High-Value Chemicals and Fuel-Grade Bio-Slurry Full-time

PhD Scholarship – Integrated Thermochemical Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass for High-Value Chemicals and Fuel-Grade Bio-Slurry

Job No.: 685952

Location: Clayton campus

Faculty / Portfolio: Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering

Main Supervisor: Professor Sankar Bhattacharya

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: $36,000 pa (pro-rata) 2025 rate. International students will be considered for a Monash International Tuition Scholarship (course tuition fees and single OSHC scholarships) in addition to the living scholarship if successful.

The Opportunity

Expressions of interest are sought from outstanding candidates for a PhD study in the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering at Monash University. This project is jointly supported by industry and the Australian Government.

Project Snapshot

We invite motivated and passionate candidates to join our innovative research project focused on the thermocatalytic conversion of biomass into high-value platform chemicals and bio-slurry fuels. The project builds on our patented and published bench-scale work, aiming to scale up the process to continuous operation using fluidized bed reactor. Alongside the production and separation of high-purity chemicals such as Levoglucosenone (LGO) and 5-Chloromethyl furfural (CMF), the project also explores the valorisation of biochar residues into bio-slurry fuels for stationary or industrial heating applications, thereby enabling full-spectrum utilisation of biomass and zero-waste process integration.

Project Significance

The global market for platform chemicals and bio-based fuels is expanding rapidly, driven by the need to reduce fossil fuel dependency. This project directly contributes to this transition by:

• Scaling up a continuous process for chemical and fuel production from waste biomass
• Producing high-value chemicals like LGO and CMF (worth >$10,000/kg and $15,000/kg respectively)
• Developing biochar-to-bioslurry fuel applications, which can replace coal in low-to-medium temperature combustion or co-firing units
• Supporting circular economy and sustainable manufacturing aligned with Australia's national Recycling and Clean Energy priority

Project Scope

The core scope involves the design, construction, and commissioning of a novel two-stage continuous fluidized bed reactor system capable of 5 kg/h feed capacity, a development that is already underway. The research will explore acid-catalysed pyrolysis pathways using both organic (e.g., acetic/citric acid) and inorganic (HCl) acids, with subsequent optimisation of reaction conditions to maximise product yield and selectivity. Advanced separation and analytical methods will be used to isolate and purify the chemical products, while the solid biochar by-product will be formulated into slurry fuels through rheological control. The project also encompasses fundamental kinetic modelling, mechanistic studies using in-situ spectroscopy, and preliminary techno-economic assessments for future scale-up to industrial capacities (up to 50 kg/h). Through collaboration with industry partner this research will contribute to a zero-waste, circular bioeconomy and demonstrate a scalable, sustainable alternative to fossil-derived chemical and energy sources.

Expected Outcomes

• Demonstrated yields and separation of high-purity LGO and CMF under optimised conditions
• A detailed kinetic model and mechanistic insights into acid-catalysed biomass pyrolysis
• Development of bio-slurry fuels with measurable energy density, stability, and combustion characteristics suitable for industrial users
• A comprehensive process and techno-economic model for commercial deployment with the industry partner
• Contributions to high-impact journals and potential IP commercialisation through Monash Innovation

Qualifications

• A strong academic background in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or a related field
• Experience with experimental design, sound knowledge on laboratory experiments, reactor construction, and process optimization
• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as GC, GC-MS, HPLC, FT-IR, SEM, and TGA
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for documenting and presenting research findings

To Apply

Domestic and international applicants with engineering or chemistry backgrounds can apply. Prior Q1 journal publications will be an advantage for obtaining scholarships. For initial details, if required, please contact Chandan.Kundu1@monash.edu

Note: Applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants will be considered provided that they fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/apply

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, over zoom if necessary.

Enquiries: Chandan Kundu, Chandan.Kundu1@monash.edu

Applications Close: Friday 31 October 2025, 11:55pm AEDT

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