Learning to predict polymorphism through simulation of nucleation and nanoparticle evolution. Many substances are capable of exhibiting a myriad of different structures despite having the same composition. This behaviour can have a significant impact on the production of new pharmaceuticals, since the sudden appearance of a new form can lead to instant withdrawal of the drug. By understanding how different forms grow, rather than focusing on just the stability of the product, this research will ....Learning to predict polymorphism through simulation of nucleation and nanoparticle evolution. Many substances are capable of exhibiting a myriad of different structures despite having the same composition. This behaviour can have a significant impact on the production of new pharmaceuticals, since the sudden appearance of a new form can lead to instant withdrawal of the drug. By understanding how different forms grow, rather than focusing on just the stability of the product, this research will lead to more reliable prediction of how pharmaceutical molecules might assemble. The same technology will potentially have impacts in many areas of nanoscience through improvements in efficiency, including the production of minerals, desalination and undersea gas recovery.Read moreRead less
A virtual exploration of iron-sulphur-world in search of the precursors to life on earth. The greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, that currently presents a threat to the continued existence of humanity, ironically represents the starting point from which life on Earth probably originated. This research will probe the chemistry of how this gas, dissolved in ancient oceans, came to be converted to molecules that form the basis of living organisms through interaction with minerals, such as iron sulphid ....A virtual exploration of iron-sulphur-world in search of the precursors to life on earth. The greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, that currently presents a threat to the continued existence of humanity, ironically represents the starting point from which life on Earth probably originated. This research will probe the chemistry of how this gas, dissolved in ancient oceans, came to be converted to molecules that form the basis of living organisms through interaction with minerals, such as iron sulphide. Aside from answering a fundamental question, it will offer insights into processes that convert a pollutant into a useful chemical, as well as what might happen if carbon dioxide is placed in mineral deposits for long-term storage.Read moreRead less
Distribution and origin of 4 billion-year-old zircons from Western Australia: Implications for the early history of the earth and moom. We aim to determine the distribution and origin of >4 billion year old (Ga) zircons in rocks from north-western Western Australia, using geological mapping, mineralogical and chemical techniques and SHRIMP zircon geochronology. The >4Ga zircons are the oldest known crustal material, and the only material which can give direct information on the earliest evoluti ....Distribution and origin of 4 billion-year-old zircons from Western Australia: Implications for the early history of the earth and moom. We aim to determine the distribution and origin of >4 billion year old (Ga) zircons in rocks from north-western Western Australia, using geological mapping, mineralogical and chemical techniques and SHRIMP zircon geochronology. The >4Ga zircons are the oldest known crustal material, and the only material which can give direct information on the earliest evolution of the Earth. In this research, we will collaborate with international research groups also intending to investigate the early history of the Earth using the >4Ga zircons. Outcomes will be new ideas on the origin of the zircons, the differentiation of the Earth, the formation of the Moon and the Earth's oceans, and the development of ancient life forms.Read moreRead less
Defects and Deformation in Olivine: From Molecules to Mantle. This project establishes the role of hydrogen in controlling olivine deformation, plate tectonics and mantle geodynamics. The unique application of innovative nanoscale simulation, microscale observation and geophysical characterisation ensures that results will have far-reaching impact in the Australian and International Earth Science community. In particular, our results will enable greater understanding of water migration in the m ....Defects and Deformation in Olivine: From Molecules to Mantle. This project establishes the role of hydrogen in controlling olivine deformation, plate tectonics and mantle geodynamics. The unique application of innovative nanoscale simulation, microscale observation and geophysical characterisation ensures that results will have far-reaching impact in the Australian and International Earth Science community. In particular, our results will enable greater understanding of water migration in the mantle, the formation of deep Earth mineral resources and lead to significant improvements in the interpretation of geophysical variations in Earth's lithosphere.Read moreRead less
The Effects of Crystal-Plastic Deformation on Zircon Geochemical Systems. This project establishes the significance of deformation-related fast-diffusion pathways on the zircon geochemical system and develops intragrain compositional variations as new tools for tracking geological processes. The unique application of zircon to constrain geological processes in numerous Earth Science disciplines over 4.4 billion years of Earth history ensures that results will have far-reaching impact in the Aust ....The Effects of Crystal-Plastic Deformation on Zircon Geochemical Systems. This project establishes the significance of deformation-related fast-diffusion pathways on the zircon geochemical system and develops intragrain compositional variations as new tools for tracking geological processes. The unique application of zircon to constrain geological processes in numerous Earth Science disciplines over 4.4 billion years of Earth history ensures that results will have far-reaching impact in the Australian and International Earth Science community. As such this project will maintain Australia's leading international reputation in accessory mineral research.Read moreRead less