Minerals replacement reactions: understanding mineral formation under hydrothermal conditions. Many geological processes involve the transformation of one mineral into another. By understanding molecular-level reaction mechanisms, we can predict how fast reactions progress, and what the final product will look like. This project focuses on a reaction mechanism called 'coupled dissolution-reprecipitation', in which the parent mineral is dissolved into a thin layer of fluid at the reaction front, ....Minerals replacement reactions: understanding mineral formation under hydrothermal conditions. Many geological processes involve the transformation of one mineral into another. By understanding molecular-level reaction mechanisms, we can predict how fast reactions progress, and what the final product will look like. This project focuses on a reaction mechanism called 'coupled dissolution-reprecipitation', in which the parent mineral is dissolved into a thin layer of fluid at the reaction front, and the daughter mineral subsequently precipitates. This concept will be applied to sulfide minerals for the first time. The results have many applications for the Australian mining industry, in particular in improving the efficiency of the processing of Ni- and Au-ores.Read moreRead less
Coordination networks based on carbonate and related ions. The very familiar carbonate ion will be put to use to generate a very unfamiliar family of new coordination polymers with geometries and topologies of fundamental structural significance. Carbonate's ability to bring associated metal centres into close communication may lead to unusual and possibly useful electrical, magnetic and catalytic properties. The ability to deliberately engineer specifically targeted coordination polymers with ....Coordination networks based on carbonate and related ions. The very familiar carbonate ion will be put to use to generate a very unfamiliar family of new coordination polymers with geometries and topologies of fundamental structural significance. Carbonate's ability to bring associated metal centres into close communication may lead to unusual and possibly useful electrical, magnetic and catalytic properties. The ability to deliberately engineer specifically targeted coordination polymers with predetermined properties or functions would make possible diverse applications of great practical value; the project will contribute significantly to the basis for such capabilities leading to ?designer materials? of the future.Read moreRead less
Mapping new cathode materials for aqueous rechargeable batteries: The mechanism of intercalation of lithium in aqueous solutions. This technology could power electric vehicles of the future. With the aid of using advanced oxide and phosphate materials for an aqueous battery, the project will establish a widespread use of green energy for national benefit. This will help us to reduce the current emission observed in transport and energy conversion. The project will facilitate an understanding the ....Mapping new cathode materials for aqueous rechargeable batteries: The mechanism of intercalation of lithium in aqueous solutions. This technology could power electric vehicles of the future. With the aid of using advanced oxide and phosphate materials for an aqueous battery, the project will establish a widespread use of green energy for national benefit. This will help us to reduce the current emission observed in transport and energy conversion. The project will facilitate an understanding the electrochemical energy storage technology. The challenging and significant results from this project will contribute to the energy industries to build non-pollutant high energy storage equipments and productivity of Australia's research and development.Read moreRead less
Crystal-chemical tuning of order and disorder: a strategy for the discovery of novel solid state ionic conductors. The ultimate aim of this project is to discover novel ionic conductors suitable for use in energy technologies. By identifying, comprehensively characterising and optimising a number of such materials, this project will provide industry with the opportunity to implement them in new and improved devices.
Understanding nanostructure in lead-containing piezoceramics - the key to improved and environmentally-friendly materials. Lead-containing piezoelectric ceramics form the basis of multi-billion dollar industries, posing an increasingly serious environmental threat due to the toxicity of lead. By obtaining a detailed understanding of how their properties arise from their nanoscale structure and chemistry, our research will lead to improvements in existing materials and aid the quest for environme ....Understanding nanostructure in lead-containing piezoceramics - the key to improved and environmentally-friendly materials. Lead-containing piezoelectric ceramics form the basis of multi-billion dollar industries, posing an increasingly serious environmental threat due to the toxicity of lead. By obtaining a detailed understanding of how their properties arise from their nanoscale structure and chemistry, our research will lead to improvements in existing materials and aid the quest for environmentally-friendly alternatives. We will use a methodology for the elucidation of local structure and dynamics in which we are world leaders. The project will further enhance our standing in the field, provide excellent research training for students and early-career researchers and highlight the power and potential of Australia's new Synchrotron and OPAL research reactor.Read moreRead less
Giant Magnetocaloric Materials and Room Temperature Refrigeration. The objectives of this project are to develop new magnetocaloric materials, study their properties and their potential as components of advanced magnetic refrigeration systems. The outcomes of this project will provide an opportunity for Australian industry to produce magnetocaloric materials and magnetic refrigeration systems with higher quality, to embark on this novel innovation technology in an effective way, and to access th ....Giant Magnetocaloric Materials and Room Temperature Refrigeration. The objectives of this project are to develop new magnetocaloric materials, study their properties and their potential as components of advanced magnetic refrigeration systems. The outcomes of this project will provide an opportunity for Australian industry to produce magnetocaloric materials and magnetic refrigeration systems with higher quality, to embark on this novel innovation technology in an effective way, and to access the international magnetic refrigeration market. In the longer term, the successful outcome of this research could lead to energy savings and an overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as contributing to the associated economic and social goals.Read moreRead less
Advanced Functional Properties in Coordination Framework Materials. The design and construction of advanced nanomaterials represents both a key area of fundamental research and a critical step in the push towards smarter and more efficient high-level technologies. Here we explore the strategic synthesis of molecular materials that have entirely new and highly useful properties, namely, nanoporosity and negative thermal expansion. This innovative work will lead to important fundamental advances ....Advanced Functional Properties in Coordination Framework Materials. The design and construction of advanced nanomaterials represents both a key area of fundamental research and a critical step in the push towards smarter and more efficient high-level technologies. Here we explore the strategic synthesis of molecular materials that have entirely new and highly useful properties, namely, nanoporosity and negative thermal expansion. This innovative work will lead to important fundamental advances in nanoscience and will forge deep understandings of how physical properties relate to nanoscale structure. These advances will spur a wide range of important new technologies, with future application of the materials in molecular separations, sensing, energy conversion, electronics and photonics.Read moreRead less
P-Type Titanium Dioxide for Hydrogen Generation from Water using Solar Energy. This project aims to develop a completely new processing technology for photo-sensitive oxide materials based on titanium dioxide for the conversion of renewable energy (solar energy) into chemical energy (hydrogen) or electrical energy (photovoltaic). When commercialised, the resultant technology will allow Australia to achieve the following: a) reduction in air pollution, b) reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, c) ....P-Type Titanium Dioxide for Hydrogen Generation from Water using Solar Energy. This project aims to develop a completely new processing technology for photo-sensitive oxide materials based on titanium dioxide for the conversion of renewable energy (solar energy) into chemical energy (hydrogen) or electrical energy (photovoltaic). When commercialised, the resultant technology will allow Australia to achieve the following: a) reduction in air pollution, b) reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, c) reduction in reliance on foreign energy sources, d) development of a range of ancillary technologies and infrastructure, and e) export of solar energy in the form of solar-hydrogen. This project addresses National Priorities #1 and #3.Read moreRead less
Coordination Networks and Supramolecules with Chemically Active Reaction Sites. Supramolecular chemistry and crystal engineering are two related areas of chemistry which examine the way molecules can come together to form larger structures. Usually, however, the aggregations formed are chemically inert, limiting the scope of their potential applications. This project aims to design and synthesise such assemblies that are capable of actively participating in chemical reactions after assembly. The ....Coordination Networks and Supramolecules with Chemically Active Reaction Sites. Supramolecular chemistry and crystal engineering are two related areas of chemistry which examine the way molecules can come together to form larger structures. Usually, however, the aggregations formed are chemically inert, limiting the scope of their potential applications. This project aims to design and synthesise such assemblies that are capable of actively participating in chemical reactions after assembly. The realisation of these aims will give new routes to the production of new catalysts (analogous to enzymes in biological systems), nanoscale molecular sieves, molecular sensors, or materials that show unusual host-guest chemistryRead moreRead less
Coordination Networks and Supramolecules with Potential Post-Assembly Chemical Activity. Two areas of chemistry currently receiving a great deal of attention are supramolecular chemistry and crystal engineering. However, in the majority of these systems, once synthesised the assemblies are chemically inert. This project aims to assemble supramolecules and coordination polymers which are capable of actively participating in chemical reactions. Such systems show potential as new heterogeneous or h ....Coordination Networks and Supramolecules with Potential Post-Assembly Chemical Activity. Two areas of chemistry currently receiving a great deal of attention are supramolecular chemistry and crystal engineering. However, in the majority of these systems, once synthesised the assemblies are chemically inert. This project aims to assemble supramolecules and coordination polymers which are capable of actively participating in chemical reactions. Such systems show potential as new heterogeneous or homogeneous catalysts, selective molecular sieves, or show unusual host-guest chemistry. Techniques developed will provide a means by which present homogeneous catalysts used widely in industry could be converted into heterogeneous species. This would have many benefits, including improved recovery and re-use of catalysts.Read moreRead less