University of Adelaide researcher Professor Shizhang Qiao has been awarded a $5 million Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation grant to develop a Training Centre for Battery Recycling.
The Training Centre for Battery Recycling intends to improve Australia’s battery and resource industry by developing advanced manufacturing capabilities for recycling mixed battery materials and encouraging second-life re-use. It will redesign high-performance batteries in the direction of a battery circular economy and enhance the regulatory landscape.
Professor Qiao is an Australian Academy of Science Fellow, an ARC Laureate Fellow, and the inaugural ARC Australian Industry Laureate Fellow. His research focuses on the synthesis, characterisation, and modelling of functional materials and their applications in catalysis, energy storage, and conversion (rechargeable batteries, hydrogen generation, and carbon dioxide reduction for fuels and chemicals).
“I am truly honoured to receive this distinguished opportunity to lead my group in making further scientific contributions to benefit our society,” Professor Qiao said.
According to him, research at the Training Centre will tackle issues related to battery recycling, provide industrial demonstrations and promotion policies, and develop a dynamic, skilled workforce.
“Outcomes are expected to shape a distinctive battery recycling model that shifts Australia to zero battery waste to landfill; establishing a profitable and self-sustaining onshore industry chain. We want to help ensure the future of Australia’s energy security,” he stated.
University of Adelaide Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research) Professor Anton Middelberg commented, “I congratulate Professor Qiao on this achievement, which demonstrates that the University of Adelaide continues to deliver world-class research leadership in material and catalyst development for sustainable, industry-relevant energy generation, storage and conversion.”
“The Training Centre for Battery Recycling will further contribute to Australia’s international standing in new energy and catalysis technologies,” Professor Middelberg stated.
Over $64.8 million in funding has been given to eight new ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres and five new ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hubs to mentor and train the country’s next generation of research professionals.
The ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres initiative encourages close collaboration among researchers, emphasising developing end-user research competency critical to Australia’s future. They will continue to encourage university-industry collaborations that produce real-world outcomes critical to Australia’s economic growth.
