Transformative Battery Recycling Centre awarded funding

A University of Adelaide researcher will help transform Australia’s battery and resource industry after being awarded a $5 million Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation grant. 

Professor Shizhang Qiao from the University of Adelaide’s School of Chemical Engineering has received an ARC grant for the development of a Training Centre for Battery Recycling.  

The Training Centre aims to transform Australia’s battery and resource industry by building advanced manufacturing capability for recycling mixed battery materials and promoting 2nd-life re-use. It will redesign high performance batteries towards a battery circular economy and advance the supporting regulatory landscape. 

Professor Qiao is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, an ARC Australian Laureate Fellow, and inaugural ARC Australian Industry Laureate Fellow. He focuses his research on the synthesis, characterisation, and simulation of functional materials as well as their applications in catalysis, energy storage and conversion (rechargeable batteries, hydrogen production, 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,” said Professor Qiao. 

“Research at the Training Centre will address the challenges associated with battery recycling, deliver industrial demonstrations and promotion policies, and create 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.” 

"The Training Centre for Battery Recycling will further contribute to Australia’s international standing in new energy and catalysis technologies.”Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research) at the University of Adelaide

Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research) at the University of Adelaide, said: “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.” 

More than $64.8 million in funding has been awarded to 8 new ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres and 5 new ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hubs to mentor and train Australia’s next generation of research professionals.  

The ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme fosters close partnerships between researchers, with a focus on creating end-user research capability vital to Australia's future. They will further support partnerships between universities and industry that will generate real-world outcomes that are vital to Australia’s economic growth. 

More information about each of the successful 2023 Industrial Transformation Training Centres and Research Hubs is available on the ARC website.