Self-assembly and complexity: networks and patterns from materials to markets. Self-assembly leads the formation of patterns without external directing agents. It is responsible for the growth of complex multiscale structures found in biology and materials science and is a crucial concept for development of viable nanotechnologies. Complex systems, from biological ecosystems to financial markets and the Internet, are also characterized by spontaneous clustering and linkages that determine their ....Self-assembly and complexity: networks and patterns from materials to markets. Self-assembly leads the formation of patterns without external directing agents. It is responsible for the growth of complex multiscale structures found in biology and materials science and is a crucial concept for development of viable nanotechnologies. Complex systems, from biological ecosystems to financial markets and the Internet, are also characterized by spontaneous clustering and linkages that determine their collective behaviour. The project will investigate in detail the geometry, topology, materials science and statistical physics of networks, leading to design and characterization of robust self-assembled materials and complex systems.Read moreRead less
Tailoring the optical properties of matter with Sol-Gel: innovative optical materials for 3D photonic crystals with complete photonic band-gap. The success of this project will allow for improvement of existing technologies in diverse fields, from optics to green energy production. Realization of 3D complete Photonic Band-Gap (PBG) structures is the first step toward full optic-based data processing systems, which will be one of the most revolutionary achievements in technology after introductio ....Tailoring the optical properties of matter with Sol-Gel: innovative optical materials for 3D photonic crystals with complete photonic band-gap. The success of this project will allow for improvement of existing technologies in diverse fields, from optics to green energy production. Realization of 3D complete Photonic Band-Gap (PBG) structures is the first step toward full optic-based data processing systems, which will be one of the most revolutionary achievements in technology after introduction of electronic-based processors. Improvement of energy conversion efficiency of existing solar cells and polymer-based solar cells will be achievable thanks to implementation of PhCs as high-reflective layers. The establishment of scaleable protocols for production of high quality materials for photonics will put Australia among the leading countries in the future photonic-devices market.Read moreRead less
Improvement of critical current density in MgB2 wires and tapes and Y-Ba-Cu-O coated conductors. The technology of superconducting wires and tapes has emerged as one of the most important basic engineering technologies, which can create technical innovation and improvement in the quality of life in the fields of electric power, energy, machinery, transportation and the environment in the 21st century. The aim of the proposed program is to develop magnesium diboride superconductor and YBCO coated ....Improvement of critical current density in MgB2 wires and tapes and Y-Ba-Cu-O coated conductors. The technology of superconducting wires and tapes has emerged as one of the most important basic engineering technologies, which can create technical innovation and improvement in the quality of life in the fields of electric power, energy, machinery, transportation and the environment in the 21st century. The aim of the proposed program is to develop magnesium diboride superconductor and YBCO coated conductors by using novel nano-precursor powders. Superconducting tapes doped with nano-sized powders are expected to show enhancement in flux pinning properties. The expected outcome is the capability to produce a new generation of superconductors having high performance at low cost.Read moreRead less
Nanoporous Epoxy Thermosets via Microphase Separation of Block Copolymers. This project has many expected outcomes and benefits to Australia: (1) Development of the first technology to produce nanoporous epoxy thermosets (i.e. epoxy nanofoams) that may have many applications in microelectronics, optical waveguides and biological separations; (2) Providing impetus for an advanced materials synthesis and manufacturing industry for Australia and contributing to the Frontier Technologies National Re ....Nanoporous Epoxy Thermosets via Microphase Separation of Block Copolymers. This project has many expected outcomes and benefits to Australia: (1) Development of the first technology to produce nanoporous epoxy thermosets (i.e. epoxy nanofoams) that may have many applications in microelectronics, optical waveguides and biological separations; (2) Providing impetus for an advanced materials synthesis and manufacturing industry for Australia and contributing to the Frontier Technologies National Research Priority-Advanced Materials Priority Goals; (3) The development of new niche markets with these new materials and the new technologies, which is an excellent vehicle for Australia to move to a high-value added industrial portfolio that maximises return and promotes job growth.Read moreRead less
Synthesis of nanowires and application as nanosensors for chemical and biological detections. This project is expected to bring significant scientific, economic and social benefits. We will develop a number of techniques for the controlled growth of nanowires and making functional nanoscale systems such as nanosensors. The nanosensors will have important applications in chemistry and biology. Some chemical species can be detected by nanosensors on molecular scale. The nanosensors could be used f ....Synthesis of nanowires and application as nanosensors for chemical and biological detections. This project is expected to bring significant scientific, economic and social benefits. We will develop a number of techniques for the controlled growth of nanowires and making functional nanoscale systems such as nanosensors. The nanosensors will have important applications in chemistry and biology. Some chemical species can be detected by nanosensors on molecular scale. The nanosensors could be used for early diagnostics of cancer disease, detection of viruses, and genomic DNA screening. The nanosensors could also provide a molecular tool for probing living cells without destroying them, through which we can track life within cells in real time.Read moreRead less
Switchable interfaces. The discovery project will challenge some of the most demanding issues regarding adhesion and molecular separation: - Surfaces that can release/prevent bio-film formation can provide novel solutions for corrosion-protection, implants, anti-fouling in medical devices as well as in industrial piping and reactors. - Materials for separation on the molecular level, which can bring new possibilities for fast and selective processes to the pharmaceutical industry. The novel comb ....Switchable interfaces. The discovery project will challenge some of the most demanding issues regarding adhesion and molecular separation: - Surfaces that can release/prevent bio-film formation can provide novel solutions for corrosion-protection, implants, anti-fouling in medical devices as well as in industrial piping and reactors. - Materials for separation on the molecular level, which can bring new possibilities for fast and selective processes to the pharmaceutical industry. The novel combination of the two materials research fields - plasma-polymerisation and electroactive materials- will lead to an international capability at the forefront of separation and adhesion research.Read moreRead less
Investigation of a series of metallic sustrate materials suitable for developing long Y-Ba-Cu-O superconductors. Aims: Researchers from Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, the University of Wollongong (UoW) & the Dept. Mat. Sci & Eng., University of Cincinnati (UC) in USA will build strong collaborations through joint research on a series of metallic substrate materials. Significance: The research work will contribute to the development of the second generation of high temper ....Investigation of a series of metallic sustrate materials suitable for developing long Y-Ba-Cu-O superconductors. Aims: Researchers from Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, the University of Wollongong (UoW) & the Dept. Mat. Sci & Eng., University of Cincinnati (UC) in USA will build strong collaborations through joint research on a series of metallic substrate materials. Significance: The research work will contribute to the development of the second generation of high temperature superconducting wire technology. Expected outcomes: strengthen international research experience for junior researchers and develop new collaborations between senior researchers from UoW in Australia and UC in USA.Read moreRead less
Synthesis of functionalised metal oxide beads with hierarchical pores for radionuclide and metal sequestration. The central aim of this project is to fabricate nanostructured materials to address the worldwide issue of nuclear waste. These novel materials, with tailored porosity and surface functionality, will decrease both radioactive waste volume and the potential for environmental risk. The collaboration between the Caruso group at the University of Melbourne and the Luca group at ANSTO will ....Synthesis of functionalised metal oxide beads with hierarchical pores for radionuclide and metal sequestration. The central aim of this project is to fabricate nanostructured materials to address the worldwide issue of nuclear waste. These novel materials, with tailored porosity and surface functionality, will decrease both radioactive waste volume and the potential for environmental risk. The collaboration between the Caruso group at the University of Melbourne and the Luca group at ANSTO will educate more scientists and students in the areas of nuclear science and engineering, and the environmental impact of nuclear power generators. Such expertise is currently in high demand around the world, thereby enhancing Australia's position in the global nuclear field.Read moreRead less
Crystalline Mesoporous Metal Oxides for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrodes. Our crystalline mesoporous electrodes will help realise the full potentials of solid oxide fuel cells. Such advanced fuel cell technology will drastically increase the power generation efficiency, and reduce CO2 emissions from present power plants, thereby transforming Australian energy industry and improving our environment. The design and development of novel crystalline mesoporous materials that find widespread industri ....Crystalline Mesoporous Metal Oxides for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrodes. Our crystalline mesoporous electrodes will help realise the full potentials of solid oxide fuel cells. Such advanced fuel cell technology will drastically increase the power generation efficiency, and reduce CO2 emissions from present power plants, thereby transforming Australian energy industry and improving our environment. The design and development of novel crystalline mesoporous materials that find widespread industrial applications will advance Australia's knowledge and skill base, and help Australia's high-tech industries to stay competitive, including the development of new high-tech industries in Australia.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0453973
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$696,093.00
Summary
Surface Spectroscopic and Microstructure Analysis. Funding is requested for an X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS) and an Image Plate Guinier Camera (IPGC), to update and expand capabilities in surface spectroscopic and microstructural analysis of a wide range of materials. The XPS unit, to be located at the University of SA, will replace two 18-year old XPS units at UniSA and Flinders University. The IPGC is a new and unique instrument which will be located at the University of Adelaide. The ....Surface Spectroscopic and Microstructure Analysis. Funding is requested for an X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS) and an Image Plate Guinier Camera (IPGC), to update and expand capabilities in surface spectroscopic and microstructural analysis of a wide range of materials. The XPS unit, to be located at the University of SA, will replace two 18-year old XPS units at UniSA and Flinders University. The IPGC is a new and unique instrument which will be located at the University of Adelaide. These items will be incorporated into the SA Regional Facility, which provides seamless access to instrumentation across nodes. Applications include materials science, geological and biological research projects.Read moreRead less