Developing novel lithium production methods.

I led manufacturing and operations at SunGreenH2's Melbourne site, including electrode development and materials engineering on ferrous and related materials used in green hydrogen generation, from the pilot stage up to full scale manufacturing.

I developed novel green hydrogen electrodes from nanomaterials. I successfully tested various ways of manufacture and upscale and maximized conductivity, surface area and mass flow while minimizing cost.

New product development, management and coordination of projects in cutting tool and wear part manufacturing involving powder metallurgy. General engineering support for manufacturing. Continuous process improvement in manufacturing. Materials research and development. Oversight of the apprentice mentorship and training program. Mentorship and training for junior engineers and visiting researchers.

Analysis of the powder manufacturing process. I optimized the company’s chemical formulations, milling rate and controls, slurry properties and powder spray drying to ensure the required powder behaviour in tablet manufacturing and subsequent processes. This required research and development on the powders in terms of: comminution behaviour and particle breakdown, size and shape distribution of the powders, powder flowability (using various techniques e.g., various powder density measurement methods, flow rate, shear response, repeatability and variability i.e., detailed powder rheology), as well as the compaction behaviour, strength and fracture response of compacted tablets. A detailed understanding of the precursor slurry rheology, composition and production methods (of the slurries prior to spray drying and powder manufacturing) was required to ultimately control the powder properties. New polymer additives and their effects on powder performance, was investigated and solutions were successfully implemented.