Guest Speaker: Dr. Leigh Sheppard（University of Western Sydney）
Time: 2014-10-21, 10:30 – 11:30
Location: Conference Room, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering

Abstract:

The worldwide use of fossil fuels for the supply of mankind’s energy demands has led to the establishment of two major issues threatening human civilisation. The first is climate change, and the second is continued economic prosperity in the absence of fossil fuels. Hydrogen fuel is a promising alternative to fossil fuels due to the absence of carbon emissions during its utilisation. However, its current method of generation is dependent upon the availability of natural gas, and ultimately leads to the emission of carbon dioxide. Hence, at present, hydrogen fuel is not an answer to society’s need for clean energy.

As an alternative method of producing hydrogen fuel, the solar-driven photo-electrochemical splitting of water is particularly attractive since it provides a carbon-free way to obtain hydrogen. Utilising sunlight as a renewable energy input, this method has potential to provide clean, carbon-free fuel on a global scale. The challenge with this technology is the development of the necessary materials can combine strong solar energy conversion abilities with corrosion resistance and low cost.

This talk by Dr Sheppard will outline the research being undertaken by his team at the University of Western Sydney into the development of novel forms of TiO2-based solar materials for hydrogen production. Dr Sheppard’s scientific approach involves the imposition of key material functional properties into TiO2, an inexpensive and highly corrosion resistant material, so that its abilities to harvest sunlight are improved. Dr Sheppard’s talk will also introduce opportunities for interested students to join his team in Australia and contribute to its research program.

Biography：

Dr. Sheppard is responsible for the Hawkesbury component of the Solar Energy Technologies research group at the University of Western Sydney. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Western Sydney, having recently completed an Australian Research Council Research Fellowship in 2013. Dr Sheppard’s research interests are in the processing of advanced oxide materials for solar energy conversion. In this area, Dr Sheppard has published over 50 refereed journal publications. He obtained his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of New South Wales in 2007, and a B.E in Ceramic Engineering (Honours I) is 2003.