Mohan Jacob

Projects

12

Publications

221

Awards

7

Biography

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.

Expertise

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

Research

Research Interests

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

Innovation

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

Projects

Optimising Transmission Grid Planning and Operations in North Queensland

21 Jun 2024 - 01 Jan 2027

Effective PPE waste processing using microwave pyrolysis (Old ID 28926)

01 Jul 2022 - 30 Jun 2023

Deployable Waste to Energy System (Old ID 27701)

24 May 2022 - 31 Dec 2025

Advanced manufacturing of Antennas and Microwave Components for Radio Astronomy and Space Applications (Old ID 27259)

01 Mar 2021 - 31 Aug 2024

Plasma polymers from natural extracts for wound healing applications (Old ID 27080)

12 Jan 2021 - 30 Jun 2024

Sustainable use of tailings as land-fill and non-structural construction material - Phase 1 (Old ID 27170)

01 Jan 2021 - 31 Dec 2021

Applying new technologies to enhance biosecurity and cattle quality. (Old ID 23456)

15 Jan 2018 - 30 Jun 2021

A low power flexible sensor network system for viticulture (Old ID 22420)

04 Apr 2016 - 05 Sep 2020

Plasma assisted fabrication of nanofirous membranes for energy applications (Old ID 22343)

01 Oct 2015 - 30 Sep 2016

Irradiation of Polymer Thin Films to Develop Carbon Nano-Clusters (Old ID 22094)

01 Jul 2015 - 30 Jun 2016

SENSOR-Q: Sensor data solutions (Old ID 21566)

14 Nov 2014 - 14 Mar 2017

Microwave Assisted Pyrolysis of Biosolids (Old ID 20736)

01 Jul 2013 - 17 May 2017

Teaching

Taught Modules

[EE5610] Industrial System Automation and ControlCoordinator

2024

[EG5312] Research Project 2Coordinator

2022

[EE5510] Advanced Electrical Engineering DesignLecturer, Coordinator

2022

[EE4500] Electrical and Electronic Engineering DesignCoordinator, Lecturer

2022

[EG5312] Research Project 2Coordinator

2021

[EE5510] Advanced Electrical Engineering DesignLecturer, Coordinator

2024

[EG4011] Thesis Part 1 of 2Lecturer

2024

[EG4011] Thesis Part 1 of 2Lecturer

2023

[EG5312] Research Project 2Coordinator

2023

[EG5311] Research Project 1Coordinator

2023