Jingchun Zhou holds a Master of Materials Engineering from the University of Adelaide and continued his research training through the ARC Training Centre for Integrated Operations for Complex Resources. His research interests focus on functional polyelectrolyte multilayer films, interfacial chemistry, and chemical sensing technologies for metal-ion monitoring in mineral processing.
PhD project: Pulp chemistry monitoring for mineral processing applications
Project’s Aims/Goals: To develop polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM)-based sensing platforms for monitoring metal ions relevant to mineral processing. The project investigated gravimetric and optical sensing approaches for Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺, with the longer-term goal of enabling rapid, in-situ or online pulp-chemistry monitoring.
TRL level: TRL 3 – Critical Function or Proof of Concept Established.
Research outcomes: The project demonstrated selective Fe³⁺ sensing using PEI/PASP/CS multilayers and developed dye-functionalised PDADMAC/PSS systems using myricetin and AM1 for optical metal-ion sensing. The work provides a laboratory proof of concept for functional thin-film sensors that could support faster and more accessible monitoring of pulp chemistry in mineral-processing applications; manuscripts arising from the thesis are currently in preparation.
“The Training Centre gave me the opportunity to work at the interface of fundamental materials science and a real mineral-processing challenge. Through collaboration with my supervisors, researchers and industry partners, I developed not only my research skills but also a stronger understanding of how fundamental research can be translated toward practical applications.”
Following graduation, Jingchun will continue his academic research career as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Great Bay University in Dongguan, China, applying his experience in functional materials, interfaces and sensing to new research challenges.
Sincerely thanks to all supervisors for their guidance and support David Beattie Marta Krasowska Anton Blencowe and Anna Nikitina and industry partners Chris Greet Magotteaux BHP
If you are interested in learning more about Jingchun’s project, please reach out!
