Top of page

Student/Staff Portal
Global Site Navigation

School of Science

Local Section Navigation
You are here: Main Content

Related Contents

Kurt Lewis Macri

Overview of thesis

The aim of my PhD project is to optimize the synthesis of copper-based catalysts, specifically through the use of RF sputtering techniques, and apply those catalysts in the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) with the ultimate goal of enhancing the efficiency of CO₂ reduction into more valuable products such as ethylene.

The catalysts for the electrochemical reaction with be synthesised using the sputtering technique, followed by testing of those catalysts in an electrochemical cell where they facilitate the conversion of CO₂ into targeted value-added products.

The process involves preparation of substrate materials, before coating them with a carefully selected metal or compound, such as copper or copper oxide, to facilitate the formation of the desired product, ethylene. Several sputtering parameters will be systematically varied to optimize catalyst performance as well as post-sputtering treatments in order to enhance catalyst selectivity, activity and stability. Following synthesis, the coated substrates will be integrated into an H-type electrochemical cell where other parameters, such as electrolyte type, electrochemical potential and temperature, will also be varied to optimize catalyst performance. Gaseous reaction products will be analysed in real-time using gas chromatography (GC), equipped with both Flame Ionization Detection (FID) and Thermal Conductivity Detection (TCD). Upon achieving an optimized process in the H-cell setup, the system will be scaled up and tested in a more efficient flow-cell configuration.

The goal of this research project is to maximise the faradaic efficiency for ethylene production and provide groundwork for potential upscaling of this process for industrial applications.

Qualifications

  • Master of Science by Research, Edith Cowan University, 2025.
  • Bachelor of Science, Edith Cowan University, 2022.

Research

Research Interests

  • Carbon dioxide reduction and transformation
  • Synthetic fuel synthesis
  • R.F. magnetron sputtering
  • Electrochemical applications

Past Research employment history

  • 2025 - Current: Scientific Officer, Edith Cowan University

Other work

  • 2022 - 2025: Industrial Chemical Manufacturer, Rowe Scientific
  • 2022 - 2022: Work Integrated Learning, ChemCentre

Scholarships and Awards

  • 2024 – Research Student Symposium Best Presentation

Supervisors

Contact

Kurt Lewis Macri
PhD Student
School of Science
Skip to top of page