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.
Low-cost, Lightweight and Liquid Helium-free Superconducting MRI Magnet. This project aims to develop a liquid-helium-free superconducting technology to address the need for more affordable MRI magnets that currently rely on expensive, limited supplies of liquid helium. This project expects to generate a world-first, much needed MRI systems to be operated in persistent mode without a power supply, to obtain high-resolution images and low-cost operation. The expected outcomes include a novel, lig ....Low-cost, Lightweight and Liquid Helium-free Superconducting MRI Magnet. This project aims to develop a liquid-helium-free superconducting technology to address the need for more affordable MRI magnets that currently rely on expensive, limited supplies of liquid helium. This project expects to generate a world-first, much needed MRI systems to be operated in persistent mode without a power supply, to obtain high-resolution images and low-cost operation. The expected outcomes include a novel, lightweight, easy-to-operate magnesium diboride superconducting MRI magnet prototype under persistent mode operation. This should provide significant benefits, including reducing the cost associated with conventional liquid helium-dependent technologies and ensuring Australia at the forefront of MRI development worldwide.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101687
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,000.00
Summary
Nanostructure Tailoring of Inorganic Membranes by Rapid Thermal Processing. This project aims to produce inorganic membranes with desired nanostructures using a Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) technique for gas separation applications. The key concept of the research is that the RTP will be able to achieve thin-film membrane layer with a finer microstructure and pore size control without heat stress-induced cracking. RTP aims to deliver superior membrane performance with less than 10 per cent of ....Nanostructure Tailoring of Inorganic Membranes by Rapid Thermal Processing. This project aims to produce inorganic membranes with desired nanostructures using a Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) technique for gas separation applications. The key concept of the research is that the RTP will be able to achieve thin-film membrane layer with a finer microstructure and pore size control without heat stress-induced cracking. RTP aims to deliver superior membrane performance with less than 10 per cent of the fabrication time compared to normal slow calcination. The outcomes of this new technology aims to make inorganic membranes a commercial reality and maximize the membrane manufacturing capability and productivity of petrochemcial, chemical and clean coal/energy industries.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150100280
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$373,536.00
Summary
Bio-inspired multifunctional inorganic nanostructured interfaces. Learning from nature involves taking ideas from nature and developing novel functional materials. This project aims to design novel bio-inspired multifunctional interfaces to prevent the adherence of crystals and solid particles to surfaces, achieve excellent mechanical resilience, and provide multiple photoresponses, based on a deep understanding of the fundamental physiochemical, mechanical, structural, and optical characteristi ....Bio-inspired multifunctional inorganic nanostructured interfaces. Learning from nature involves taking ideas from nature and developing novel functional materials. This project aims to design novel bio-inspired multifunctional interfaces to prevent the adherence of crystals and solid particles to surfaces, achieve excellent mechanical resilience, and provide multiple photoresponses, based on a deep understanding of the fundamental physiochemical, mechanical, structural, and optical characteristics of natural multifunctional surfaces/interfaces in the target natural species. This project aims to aid in the design of new bio-inspired smart materials and deliver novel technologies for materials synthesis for potential uses in the chemical industry, sustainable energy applications, and agriculture.Read moreRead less
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
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775559
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$400,000.00
Summary
16 Tesla Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS). Success of this proposal will enhance national and international collaboration through access to the proposed 16-Tesla PPMS by a large number of collaborating groups. This state-the-art facility will substantially enhance the materials characterisation capability of Australia. Equipped with this 16-Tesla PPMS and other related facilities the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials at the University of Wollongong will continue a ....16 Tesla Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS). Success of this proposal will enhance national and international collaboration through access to the proposed 16-Tesla PPMS by a large number of collaborating groups. This state-the-art facility will substantially enhance the materials characterisation capability of Australia. Equipped with this 16-Tesla PPMS and other related facilities the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials at the University of Wollongong will continue as an important national and international centre for physical property characterisation. It will allow Australian researchers to remain competitive in this important of materials research.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.