Prof Chong partners QUT-led team on ARC-funded solar-driven CO₂ conversion project

Professor Chong Meng Nan (Director of Centre for Net-Zero Technology (CNZT)) has been awarded funding by the Australian Research Council (ARC) for the project “Solar-Driven Biotransformation of CO₂ into Renewable Energy”.

Led by Professor Yang Liu from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), the project has been awarded AUD 799,533 (MYR 2,277,062.79) under the ARC Discovery Project scheme. It aims to develop an innovative solar-powered electro-active Biotic-Abiotic Hybrid (e-BAH) platform that converts carbon dioxide (CO₂) into renewable energy. This project seeks to create efficient and sustainable pathways for carbon utilisation while advancing clean energy technologies by integrating environmental biotechnology, materials science, bioinformatics, omics, and advanced bioreactor engineering. The multidisciplinary consortium also includes researchers from The University of Queensland and Griffith University

As a key collaborator, Professor Chong will contribute his expertise in photocatalysis, solar-driven environmental technologies, and advanced materials engineering to support the development of next-generation photocatalytic systems for CO₂ conversion. His participation as a key collaborator will strengthen the CNZT’s contribution to international research that addresses climate change, decarbonisation, and the global energy transition.

This marks Prof Chong's second ARC Discovery Project in three years, underscoring his continued leadership in internationally collaborative research on sustainable energy and environmental technologies.

Beyond scientific advances, the project is expected to contribute to renewable energy production, greenhouse gas mitigation, technology commercialisation, and evidence-based policy development through close engagement with industry and government stakeholders.

CNZT congratulates Prof Chong on this momentous achievement, which further reinforces the Centre's commitment to delivering impactful research and fostering global partnerships that accelerate the transition towards a net-zero future.

Contact: Chong Meng Nan

Email: chong.meng.nan@monash.edu