Supercritical Highly-Integrated and Modular, Continuous Solid-Catalysed Biodiesel Production from Plant and Animal Feedstocks. We propose to revolutionise biodiesel production by creating a new reactor type and associated process that allows the production of 160,000 tonnes of biodiesel a year in a supercritical reactor volume of one cubic metre after scale-up. In this project, we propose to design the appropriate catalysts and pilot plant to study our ideas which should lead to a highly effici ....Supercritical Highly-Integrated and Modular, Continuous Solid-Catalysed Biodiesel Production from Plant and Animal Feedstocks. We propose to revolutionise biodiesel production by creating a new reactor type and associated process that allows the production of 160,000 tonnes of biodiesel a year in a supercritical reactor volume of one cubic metre after scale-up. In this project, we propose to design the appropriate catalysts and pilot plant to study our ideas which should lead to a highly efficient and sustainable system that offers a real alternative to current mineral oil-based technologies.Read moreRead less
Manufacturing high value carbon products and chemicals from spent tyres. Manufacturing high value carbon products and chemicals from spent tyres. This project aims to develop an innovative and integrated thermochemical process for use of spent tyres. Australia disposes of more than 400,000 tonnes of spent tyres per annum in landfills, stockpiles and random dumping, incurring significant environmental hazards, serious health risks and wastage of resources. This research is expected to result in n ....Manufacturing high value carbon products and chemicals from spent tyres. Manufacturing high value carbon products and chemicals from spent tyres. This project aims to develop an innovative and integrated thermochemical process for use of spent tyres. Australia disposes of more than 400,000 tonnes of spent tyres per annum in landfills, stockpiles and random dumping, incurring significant environmental hazards, serious health risks and wastage of resources. This research is expected to result in new knowledge of the thermal behaviour of rubber and new techniques to identify, extract and use high value carbon materials and chemicals from thermochemical processing of spent tyres. The research outcomes are expected to provide a technological foundation for an emerging industry for environmentally responsible and economically self-sustaining use of spent tyres.Read moreRead less
Synthesis and Production of High Value Pyridines Combining the Concepts of Alternative Reaction Media and Process Intensification. This project aims to develop novel syntheses and process route for substituted pyridines by bringing together expertise in the fields of green chemistry and process intensification. Minimisation of waste, energy efficiency, and improved selectivity and control will be the key process and chemistry targets, which will produce high value compounds. Traditional approach ....Synthesis and Production of High Value Pyridines Combining the Concepts of Alternative Reaction Media and Process Intensification. This project aims to develop novel syntheses and process route for substituted pyridines by bringing together expertise in the fields of green chemistry and process intensification. Minimisation of waste, energy efficiency, and improved selectivity and control will be the key process and chemistry targets, which will produce high value compounds. Traditional approaches use organic solvents and preformed salts which are costly, generate waste and the processes are energy intensive due to poor selectivity, low yield and extensive separation steps. This is a generic investigation which will have wide ranging applications in the pharmaceutical, energy and advanced electronic industries.Read moreRead less
Application of process intensification on rotating surfaces (PIRS) in organic synthesis. Process intensification technologies in the form of SDP and RTP are new to Australia and present many opportunities for carrying out the synthesis of organic compounds. They have remarkable versatility in being able to control chemical reactions with greater selectivity than using classical batch technology, at the same time allowing access to new compounds. Moreover, the technologies embrace the principles ....Application of process intensification on rotating surfaces (PIRS) in organic synthesis. Process intensification technologies in the form of SDP and RTP are new to Australia and present many opportunities for carrying out the synthesis of organic compounds. They have remarkable versatility in being able to control chemical reactions with greater selectivity than using classical batch technology, at the same time allowing access to new compounds. Moreover, the technologies embrace the principles of green chemistry in minimising the generation of waste, while operating under continuous flow which is destined to be more attractive to industry. This is likely in the fine chemicals sector, and in drug discovery. The project will provide first-rate research training and promote Australian science. Read moreRead less