Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240101045
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$448,407.00
Summary
Bioinspired 2D nanocatalysts for inorganic nitrogen cycle. This project aims to develop novel catalysts for high-efficient nitrogen fixation by learning from the natural enzymes, which can convert nitrogen or nitrate into reactive ammonia at very mild conditions. It is expected that the enzyme-mimicking catalysts possessing the nitrogen active sites similar with the natural enzymes will allow the effective fixation of nitrogen from both the atmosphere and the nitrogen excessively fertilized envi ....Bioinspired 2D nanocatalysts for inorganic nitrogen cycle. This project aims to develop novel catalysts for high-efficient nitrogen fixation by learning from the natural enzymes, which can convert nitrogen or nitrate into reactive ammonia at very mild conditions. It is expected that the enzyme-mimicking catalysts possessing the nitrogen active sites similar with the natural enzymes will allow the effective fixation of nitrogen from both the atmosphere and the nitrogen excessively fertilized environment into reusable ammonia. The outcomes of this project will provide a sustainable approach to solve the issues in current unbalanced inorganic nitrogen cycle in the world and contribute to a green artificial nitrogen cycle while with minimized environmental impact.Read moreRead less
All-Solid-state Sodium-ion Batteries for Renewable Energy Industry. Sodium-ion batteries have been widely recognised as scalable and sustainable system for renewable energy storage and conversion owing to abundant resource of sodium and low cost. However, the electrochemical performance and safety of this technology must be improved for practical deployment. This project aims to rationally design and synthesise solid-state polymer electrolytes with high sodium ion conductivity and high sodium io ....All-Solid-state Sodium-ion Batteries for Renewable Energy Industry. Sodium-ion batteries have been widely recognised as scalable and sustainable system for renewable energy storage and conversion owing to abundant resource of sodium and low cost. However, the electrochemical performance and safety of this technology must be improved for practical deployment. This project aims to rationally design and synthesise solid-state polymer electrolytes with high sodium ion conductivity and high sodium ion transfer number. The expected outcome of the project is to manufacture all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries for renewable energy industry in Australia. The project will support the transition of energy supply to renewables, and therefore attain a secure and reliable zero-carbon emission energy future. Read moreRead less
Silicon-based Anode Materials for Next Generation Lithium-ion Batteries. This project aims to develop low-cost high-performance silicon-based anode materials for next generation high-energy lithium-ion batteries. A cutting-edge in situ reduction and encapsulation technique will be developed to synthesise sub-nanometer silicon nanoparticles homogeneously embedded in graphite matrix. The newly developed silicon-based anode material is expected to deliver high specific capacity and long cycle life. ....Silicon-based Anode Materials for Next Generation Lithium-ion Batteries. This project aims to develop low-cost high-performance silicon-based anode materials for next generation high-energy lithium-ion batteries. A cutting-edge in situ reduction and encapsulation technique will be developed to synthesise sub-nanometer silicon nanoparticles homogeneously embedded in graphite matrix. The newly developed silicon-based anode material is expected to deliver high specific capacity and long cycle life. The novel silicon-based anode materials will boost the energy density of next generation lithium-ion batteries, which will be used to power electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. This project will benefit the industry partner to launch commercial production of silicon-based anode materials for global market. Read moreRead less
Degradation of atomically dispersed M-N-C carbon catalysts in acidic media. This project aims to provide a clear understanding of the degradation mechanisms of transition metal (M) and nitrogen (N) co-doped carbon (M-N-C) catalysts in acidic media by utilising new model catalysts, standardised degradation tests, comprehensive catalyst characterisation, and machine learning tools to interrogate mechanistic hypotheses and link degradation mechanisms to specific catalyst characteristics. This proje ....Degradation of atomically dispersed M-N-C carbon catalysts in acidic media. This project aims to provide a clear understanding of the degradation mechanisms of transition metal (M) and nitrogen (N) co-doped carbon (M-N-C) catalysts in acidic media by utilising new model catalysts, standardised degradation tests, comprehensive catalyst characterisation, and machine learning tools to interrogate mechanistic hypotheses and link degradation mechanisms to specific catalyst characteristics. This project expects to generate new knowledge on rationally designing robust hydrogen fuel cell catalysts. This will provide significant benefits, such as new knowledge on catalyst degradation, new catalysts for energy conversion applications, and collaborations with the industry to accelerate Australia’s shift to renewable energy.Read moreRead less
Quest for Sustainable Electrochemical Energy Storage System. This project aims to develop high performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries for grid-scale renewable energy storage. Rechargeable zinc-ion battery is a promising electrochemical energy storage technology owing to its high safety, low-cost and environmental friendliness. By developing high capacity cathode materials, dendrite-free zinc metal anodes and advanced electrolytes, this project expects to achieve practical aqueous zinc-ion batter ....Quest for Sustainable Electrochemical Energy Storage System. This project aims to develop high performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries for grid-scale renewable energy storage. Rechargeable zinc-ion battery is a promising electrochemical energy storage technology owing to its high safety, low-cost and environmental friendliness. By developing high capacity cathode materials, dendrite-free zinc metal anodes and advanced electrolytes, this project expects to achieve practical aqueous zinc-ion batteries with high energy density, long cycle life and cost-effectiveness. The deployment of zinc-ion batteries will enable integration of renewable energies and stabilisation of electricity networks. The project will directly support Australia’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.Read moreRead less