Crack Propagation within Graded Interfaces. Functionally graded interfaces are a technologically new way of joining materials in a wide range of biomedical and industrial applications. The reduction in the interfacial stresses resulting from the graded interface increases the structural integrity of the component, however, existing models do not fully address issues of plasticity and cyclic fatigue to their fracture. The intention of this study is to investigate how modifications to the ductil ....Crack Propagation within Graded Interfaces. Functionally graded interfaces are a technologically new way of joining materials in a wide range of biomedical and industrial applications. The reduction in the interfacial stresses resulting from the graded interface increases the structural integrity of the component, however, existing models do not fully address issues of plasticity and cyclic fatigue to their fracture. The intention of this study is to investigate how modifications to the ductile reinforcement phase and how the cyclic loading influence crack extension within a graded interface. These results will assist in future design and prediction of the in-service lifetime of components containing gradient interfaces.Read moreRead less
Modification of optical properties of photocatalytic titania. The aim of the project is to capitalise on and optimise the recently discovered successful modification of the optical properties of titanium oxide (TiO2), such that efficient solar splitting of water is possible. TiO2 photocatalysts of adequate efficiency will be implemented as photoanodes in photoelectrochemical cells capable of large-scale production of hydrogen.
Design of hollow nanoparticles of titania for the sustainable production of hydrogen from water using sunlight. Hydrogen is a clean and non-polluting fuel that is the natural and sustainable replacement for greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuels. Because of its abundant sunlight and vast titanium reserves (the world's largest) Australia is especially well-placed to develop the technology of producing hydrogen directly from water and sunlight using a titanium dioxide photo-anode. This research, whi ....Design of hollow nanoparticles of titania for the sustainable production of hydrogen from water using sunlight. Hydrogen is a clean and non-polluting fuel that is the natural and sustainable replacement for greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuels. Because of its abundant sunlight and vast titanium reserves (the world's largest) Australia is especially well-placed to develop the technology of producing hydrogen directly from water and sunlight using a titanium dioxide photo-anode. This research, which consists of computational and experimental parts, is focused on laying the scientific foundation for that technology to be commercially viable. The national and community benefits are the availability of an inexpensive, limitless and clean fuel, reduction in reliance on energy imports, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and resultant global warming.Read moreRead less
Some Outstanding Mechanics Problems in Layered Ferroelectromagnetic Composites with Enhanced Magnetoelectric Effect. The proposed research has high impact on both science and technology of ferroelectromagnetic materials. The outcomes will expand Australia's knowledge base and research capability in this emerging field. Relevant industries, such as smart materials and devices, can benefit from the results of this project. The theoretical, experimental and numerical results can be directly transfo ....Some Outstanding Mechanics Problems in Layered Ferroelectromagnetic Composites with Enhanced Magnetoelectric Effect. The proposed research has high impact on both science and technology of ferroelectromagnetic materials. The outcomes will expand Australia's knowledge base and research capability in this emerging field. Relevant industries, such as smart materials and devices, can benefit from the results of this project. The theoretical, experimental and numerical results can be directly transformed to design and application guidelines for the materials engineers and scientists to develop innovative and structurally/functionally reliable ferroelectromagnetic composites and their various devices and products.Read moreRead less
Design of Nanoporous BCN with Tunable Pores for CO2 Capture and Conversion. This project aims to design and develop advanced boron carbon nitride-based materials with high specific surface areas, tunable pores and functional groups, guided by theoretical calculations for the capture of CO2 at ambient conditions. By introducing single metal atoms in the above nanostructures, we also aim to design a novel catalytic system for the effective conversion of CO2 into fine chemicals. This project will o ....Design of Nanoporous BCN with Tunable Pores for CO2 Capture and Conversion. This project aims to design and develop advanced boron carbon nitride-based materials with high specific surface areas, tunable pores and functional groups, guided by theoretical calculations for the capture of CO2 at ambient conditions. By introducing single metal atoms in the above nanostructures, we also aim to design a novel catalytic system for the effective conversion of CO2 into fine chemicals. This project will offer new knowledge on the design of low-cost advanced materials with specific functionalities for the simultaneous capture and conversion of CO2. This project will make a significant impact on Australian industries and further offer job opportunities and economic benefits by offering new technologies for a clean environment.Read moreRead less
Enhanced electro-active properties in polycrystalline ceramics: a multi-length-scale approach. Electro-active materials are used in a wide range of devices including ultrasound imaging equipment and nano-positioning systems. This project will determine the most fundamental mechanisms at work in these materials allowing for the optimisation of high-performance and environmentally friendly electro-active devices for future industries.
A New Paradigm for the Solid State Synthesis of Layered Materials. Advanced ceramic materials with outstanding properties or combinations of properties are usually made from three (ternary) or more components. Their solid-state synthesis is hampered by the formation and retention of intermediate phases which degrade their performance. We have devised a method for circumventing intermediate phase formation in advanced materials and reducing synthesis temperatures by up to 600 degrees. This projec ....A New Paradigm for the Solid State Synthesis of Layered Materials. Advanced ceramic materials with outstanding properties or combinations of properties are usually made from three (ternary) or more components. Their solid-state synthesis is hampered by the formation and retention of intermediate phases which degrade their performance. We have devised a method for circumventing intermediate phase formation in advanced materials and reducing synthesis temperatures by up to 600 degrees. This project will explore the underlying atomic scale mechanism of the method. This knowledge will allow the low cost, low greenhouse gas emission synthesis of advanced ceramics for use in renewable, conventional and nuclear power generation.Read moreRead less
Development of advanced metal oxide materials for next generation nonvolatile memory devices. The purpose of the project is to explore a new memory technology, resistive random-access memory, that can be made smaller than those of today, as well as preferably being faster, power saving and nonvolatile. The project is expected to bring resistive random-access memory materials a step closer to nonvolatile memory devices application.
Nano-Particle Suspension Behaviour in Salt Solutions: Effect of Ion Hydration and Attractive Forces. Understanding and controlling the flow behaviour of nano-particle suspensions is crucial to the processing of ceramics with nano-scale features. Interparticle forces influence the flow behaviour and depend upon the the adsorption of ions to the particle's surface. The proposed research investigates the effect of ion hydration and surface type on ion adsorption, the resulting attractive forces a ....Nano-Particle Suspension Behaviour in Salt Solutions: Effect of Ion Hydration and Attractive Forces. Understanding and controlling the flow behaviour of nano-particle suspensions is crucial to the processing of ceramics with nano-scale features. Interparticle forces influence the flow behaviour and depend upon the the adsorption of ions to the particle's surface. The proposed research investigates the effect of ion hydration and surface type on ion adsorption, the resulting attractive forces and suspension flow behaviour. The outcomes of the project have potential for significant increase in fundamental understanding of the relationship between ions, surfaces and forces. The benefits of this knowledge include producing nano-ceramics with improved properties and better understanding biopolymer behaviour.Read moreRead less
New nanolaminate ternary and quaternary alloy phases by thin film synthesis. The availability of suitable materials is a driver of new technologies. We will develop a new class of ternary and quaternary alloys with nanolaminate structures at the atomic scale using a combination of theoretical modeling, novel thin film synthesis and advanced characterization methods. The nanostructure of these materials is expected to promote a rare combination of metallic and ceramic like properties, such as low ....New nanolaminate ternary and quaternary alloy phases by thin film synthesis. The availability of suitable materials is a driver of new technologies. We will develop a new class of ternary and quaternary alloys with nanolaminate structures at the atomic scale using a combination of theoretical modeling, novel thin film synthesis and advanced characterization methods. The nanostructure of these materials is expected to promote a rare combination of metallic and ceramic like properties, such as low friction, high mechanical strength, resistance to heat shock, fracture, corrosion and oxidation, up to very high temperatures. Careful characterisation of the growth process and structure-property relationships will allow us to develop methods of tailoring the property mix for operation in harsh environments.Read moreRead less