2023 Laureate Profile: Professor Shaobin Wang

Administering Organisation: The University of Adelaide

Fellowship Project Summary

FL230100178 - Nonmetals for green catalysis

Professor Wang aims to develop nonmetal materials and technologies for frontier green catalysis that is targeted to contaminant degradation and chemical synthesis by catalytic oxidation processes. Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions and are incredibly important for many industrial processes. However, catalysts often use toxic and/or rare metals. This research project will systematically unveil the intrinsic nature of nonmetal elements in heterogeneous catalysis, develop rational design principles, and achieve scaling-up of intelligent nanomaterials and integrated green catalytic systems for high reactivity and selectivity. This research project will deepen fundamental knowledge of chemical reactions, and then use this knowledge to provide advanced solutions to accelerate adoption of green technologies by Australia’s manufacturing industry. It will also promote Australia’s capability and position as a global leader in green catalysts and bring about a transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future by reducing hazardous waste.

Australian Research Council funding: $3,343,741