Associate Professor Manickam Minakshi Sundaram has been awarded a prestigious research grant from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), supporting his pioneering work in sustainable battery technology. The grant, part of CSIRO’s initiative to accelerate battery innovation in Australia, provides up to $30,000 to researchers developing cutting-edge solutions and commercialisation pathways for next-generation energy systems.

Associate Professor Sundaram’s project focuses on the development of hemp-derived carbon nanosheets for use in energy storage applications. These materials offer high power density and durability, making them ideal candidates for lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery systems. The research aligns with global efforts to promote circular economy principles, including the repurposing, reuse, and recycling of battery materials and critical minerals.

As part of the CSIRO-supported Research Exchange Network, Professor Sundaram will undertake a three-month placement at Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago, USA—one of the world’s leading research institutions in energy science. During this placement, he will collaborate with international experts to advance best practices in battery system design and explore novel processing techniques for battery anodes.

“This research is about creating energy systems that are not only high-performing but also environmentally responsible,” said Professor Sundaram. “By leveraging hemp waste as a resource, we’re contributing to a more sustainable and economically viable future for energy storage.”

The outcomes of this research will be disseminated through high-impact, peer-reviewed publications and presented at the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) Meeting in San Diego, California, in March 2026. The project is scheduled for completion by that time and spans the disciplines of energy storage and chemical science.

This initiative also strengthens international collaboration between Australia and the United States, fostering deeper ties in education, research, and technological development. The insights gained will support battery industries in adopting circular, high-performance solutions, reinforcing Australia’s leadership in sustainable energy innovation.

The university congratulates Associate Professor Sundaram on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to the global impact of his research.