Advanced glazing systems for solar energy harvesting and radiation control. Development of advanced energy-saving glass and glazings capable of generating electricity is expected to lead towards new products of significant commercial potential. The outcomes of this project undertaken by Edith Cowan University and Tropiglas will raise the energy efficiency of commercial buildings and vehicles to levels not possible with other technologies.
New mesoporous materials for use in high temperature proton exchange fuel cell membranes. A novel high temperature proton exchange membrane based on heteropolyacid (HPA) functionalised mesoporous silica will be developed. This research into the fundamental materials science of novel proton exchange membranes is expected to impact significantly on the advancement and commercialisation of portable fuel cell devices.
Oxide-based high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are one of the most efficient energy conversion technologies for producing electricity from fuels such as hydrogen and methanol. Current PEMFCs use precious metal catalysts, and the performance of liquid methanol fuel is disappointingly low due to the inability of polymer or hybrid membranes to operate at temperatures above 160-180 degrees centigrade. This work aims to develop an all ox ....Oxide-based high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are one of the most efficient energy conversion technologies for producing electricity from fuels such as hydrogen and methanol. Current PEMFCs use precious metal catalysts, and the performance of liquid methanol fuel is disappointingly low due to the inability of polymer or hybrid membranes to operate at temperatures above 160-180 degrees centigrade. This work aims to develop an all oxide-based PEMFC technology using a recently developed sintered and heteropolyacid functionalised mesoporous silica membrane. The utilisation of all-oxide-PEMFCs using non-precious metal catalysts is expected to significantly enhance the power density, reduce costs, and enhance the commercial viability of PEMFC technologies.Read moreRead less
New carbon nanotube electrocatalysts for water splitting and fuel cells. The demand for clean, secure and sustainable energy sources has stimulated great interest in electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies such as water splitting and fuel cells. The efficiency of water splitting and fuel cells is however strongly dependent on the activity of the electrocatalysts. The objective of the project is to develop new electrocatalysts based on the recently discovered phenomena that car ....New carbon nanotube electrocatalysts for water splitting and fuel cells. The demand for clean, secure and sustainable energy sources has stimulated great interest in electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies such as water splitting and fuel cells. The efficiency of water splitting and fuel cells is however strongly dependent on the activity of the electrocatalysts. The objective of the project is to develop new electrocatalysts based on the recently discovered phenomena that carbon nanotubes with specific size and number of walls are very active and significantly promote the reaction of water splitting and fuel cells. The proposed project is expected to open a new research field in the development of new electrocatalysts and photoelectrocatalysts for advanced energy conversion and storage technologies.Read moreRead less
Interface/Boundary Engineering Towards Better Solid-State Lithium Batteries. This project aims to develop high-performance solid-state lithium batteries by engineering the design of grain boundaries within the oxide electrolyte and interfaces between the electrolyte and both anode and cathode. This project expects to propose a novel cation exsolution strategy for comprehensively engineering the interfaces and boundaries. This project should provide significant benefits on energy safety and susta ....Interface/Boundary Engineering Towards Better Solid-State Lithium Batteries. This project aims to develop high-performance solid-state lithium batteries by engineering the design of grain boundaries within the oxide electrolyte and interfaces between the electrolyte and both anode and cathode. This project expects to propose a novel cation exsolution strategy for comprehensively engineering the interfaces and boundaries. This project should provide significant benefits on energy safety and sustainable development of Australia. The successful completion of this project can lead to the development of battery technologies that may lift Australia to a better position in the international market and may also help boost the prosperity of Australia’s world-leading lithium mining industry.Read moreRead less