Mohan Jacob

Professor Mohan Jacob is the Associate Dean of Research Education for the College of Science and Engineering since 2014. Previously, he was the Dean of Research Infrastructure of JCU (2024).  Also, he was the Head of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (2014-2023), where he initiated new accredited undergraduate and master's programs, along with multiple campus deliveries.

Professor Mohan Jacob is an expert in electrical engineering and materials science, with a focus on sustainable technologies and advanced materials. He leads pioneering research in plasma-based material fabrication, polymer coatings, nanomaterials, and microwave-assisted waste processing systems. 
His work in microwave pyrolysis has advanced the conversion of various waste into valuable products like biochar and bio-oil, contributing to circular economy initiatives. Prof. Jacob has developed innovative methods to transform microplastics into graphene, offering sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. 
Prof. Jacob's research has significantly impacted fields such as bio-based polymers, electronics, and biomaterials for medical devices. 
He is instrumental in establishing the TropEnergy Research Hub at JCU with strong collaborations across academia, government, and industry. His leadership and collaborative approach continue to drive advancements in sustainable materials and technologies.

PhD Supervision

Under his supervision, 28 PhD/ MPhil candidates have completed their research degrees. Prof. Jacob has received several research and commercialisation awards, particularly for Graduate Research Leadership and Excellence in PhD Supervision. He has published over 270 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers and has received over $14 million in competitive research funding.

Ph.D. research positions are available in the following areas for 2027 commencing:

• Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
• Graphene - Fabrication and Applications
• R.F. Plasma Polymerisation and thin films
• Organic Semiconductors and Applications
• Microwave Pyrolysis and waste treatment
• Biomaterials for biomedical applications

Polymer Thin Films; Organic Electronics; Biomaterials; Graphene; Microwave Pyrolysis; Material Characterisation; Microwave Characterisation of Dielectric Materials; Dielectric Resonators; Dielectric Characterisation;

Research Highlights

• Plasma Processing of Polymers and Nanomaterials: Pioneered RF plasma polymerization and Microwave plasma techniques to create functional surfaces for electronics, photonics, biomedical, and environmental use.
• Graphene and Advanced Composites: Engineered graphene and graphene composites for infrastructure, energy storage, and anti-biofouling, enhancing durability and corrosion resistance.
  
• Sensor and Supercapacitor Development: Developed high-performance sensors and supercapacitors using nano-engineered materials for efficient energy and environmental monitoring.
• Energy and Waste-to-Resource Systems: Leader in the development of Microwave Assisted Pyrolysis (MAP) systems including deployable MAP systems and support Waste to Energy for renewable and off-grid applications.
• Sustainable Materials and Circular Economy: Converted waste into high-value materials via MAP, supporting decarbonisation and sustainable manufacturing.
• Agricultural and Environmental Applications: Applied biochar to improve soil stability, water retention, and reduce emissions, aiding climate-resilient agriculture

• Fabrication of plasma polymer thin films from essential oil – first work to convert essential oils and its components into polymeric materials useful for biomedical and electronics encapsulation
  
• Retention of bioactive components of essential oil in polymeric thin films for biomedical applications and hence use as antibacterial coatings
  
• Conversion of essential oil into high quality graphene
  
• Design and fabrication of customised microwave pyrolysis systems for waste processing.  
  
• Conversion of biochar obtained from waste into graphene oxide.
  
• Fast and Direct Conversion of micro=plastics into graphene
  
• Development sensors for detection of nitites, pharmacecutical materials, pesticides, herbicides etc