Functionalisation of boron nitride nanotubes: preparation, underlying mechanism and potential sensor applications. Building on Australian expertise in synthesis and characterisations of nanomaterials, this project will carry out comprehensive and systematic research in functionalisation of boron nitride nanotubes and explore their potential applications. The success of this project will enhance Australian international reputation in nanotechnology development and ensure our leading position in t ....Functionalisation of boron nitride nanotubes: preparation, underlying mechanism and potential sensor applications. Building on Australian expertise in synthesis and characterisations of nanomaterials, this project will carry out comprehensive and systematic research in functionalisation of boron nitride nanotubes and explore their potential applications. The success of this project will enhance Australian international reputation in nanotechnology development and ensure our leading position in this highly competitive area. The outcome of this project will promote the potentially functional applications of boron nitride nanotubes in various nanodevices and nanosensors. It will also offer trainings for Australia's future scientists and will further strengthen international scientific collaboration in these fields.Read moreRead less
Applying advanced synchrotron radiation-based techniques to determine the connection between the geometric and electronic structure of semiconductor nanocrystals. As the dimensions of nanocrystals become small unique optical and electronic properties are observed, forming the basis of many new technologies. The properties of interest depend on the fine-scale, local details of the nanocrystal structure, which may differ considerably from bulk-like. Advanced synchrotron radiation techniques wil ....Applying advanced synchrotron radiation-based techniques to determine the connection between the geometric and electronic structure of semiconductor nanocrystals. As the dimensions of nanocrystals become small unique optical and electronic properties are observed, forming the basis of many new technologies. The properties of interest depend on the fine-scale, local details of the nanocrystal structure, which may differ considerably from bulk-like. Advanced synchrotron radiation techniques will be used to investigate the relationship between the local geometric and electronic structure of semiconductor nanocrystals. Insight will be provided to their formation and stability, and the important mechanisms of their unique optical and electronic properties will be identified. Such fundamental information is necessary to facilitate innovative application of future nanocrystal technology.Read moreRead less
New Biomimetic Nanostructured Coatings for Hip Implants. Over 30,000 hip implants operations take place in Australia each year, due largely to a significant and growing proportion of the population suffering from conditions such as osteoporosis. The coating on the implants, required to cause good bone ingrowth and adhesion between bone and implant, is far from perfect. We propose to spray coatings which mimic the structure of bone, and thus offer improved mechanical properties such as appropriat ....New Biomimetic Nanostructured Coatings for Hip Implants. Over 30,000 hip implants operations take place in Australia each year, due largely to a significant and growing proportion of the population suffering from conditions such as osteoporosis. The coating on the implants, required to cause good bone ingrowth and adhesion between bone and implant, is far from perfect. We propose to spray coatings which mimic the structure of bone, and thus offer improved mechanical properties such as appropriate rigidity and toughness, and stimulate better bone growth at the interface. In this way the implant should be much longer lasting and the need for undesirable revision surgery reduced. The processing technique proposed could also be a useful platform coating technology in a number of other industries.Read moreRead less
Nanoparticle inks for electronic applications employing nanostructured thin-films. The development of next-generation technologies requires careful engineering of materials at the nanoscale. Using nanoparticle inks, many of the engineering difficulties which exist at these length scales can be overcome, thus allowing for technologies such as thin-film solar cells to become cheaper and more efficient.
Using nanostructured biomaterials and stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries. There is currently no effective cure for spinal cord injuries and the consequences to the patient are devastating. Spinal cord injuries affects limb, bowel, bladder and sexual function, and many people with these injuries strugle to maintain their independence. Because people can live for many years after spinal cord damage, the financial and social costs are immense, as many are dependent on the help of others for ....Using nanostructured biomaterials and stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries. There is currently no effective cure for spinal cord injuries and the consequences to the patient are devastating. Spinal cord injuries affects limb, bowel, bladder and sexual function, and many people with these injuries strugle to maintain their independence. Because people can live for many years after spinal cord damage, the financial and social costs are immense, as many are dependent on the help of others for their survival. This proposal tackles this urgent problem by applying advanced nanostructured materials with stem cells, to assist the body in the repair of the spinal cord following injury. Read moreRead less
Ultra-fast alchemy: a new strategy to synthesise super-dense nanomaterials. We have recently created a new super-dense aluminium phase by ultrafast laser microexplosion. This project will search further for new super-dense material phases with drastically different and exotic properties, such as those inside planets and stars, and which have great potential as new nanomaterials for industrial applications.
Unlocking exceptional properties through pressure-induced phase transitions. The aim of this project is to produce novel hybrid boron nitride materials by utilizing advanced green techniques of mechanochemistry and high-pressure methods to achieve a phase transition from hexagonal to wurtzite structure. The development of these materials is critical in tackling contemporary environmental and technological issues, particularly those linked to cooling systems in electronic devices and batteries. T ....Unlocking exceptional properties through pressure-induced phase transitions. The aim of this project is to produce novel hybrid boron nitride materials by utilizing advanced green techniques of mechanochemistry and high-pressure methods to achieve a phase transition from hexagonal to wurtzite structure. The development of these materials is critical in tackling contemporary environmental and technological issues, particularly those linked to cooling systems in electronic devices and batteries. The outcome of this study will be new nanomaterials with exceptional mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties, as well as new insights into mechanical-force induced green chemistry and an environmentally friendly synthesis process, and help with heat management, energy preservation, and advanced manufacturing.Read moreRead less