Assembling multi-functional nanocomposites for carbon dioxide reduction by hybrid catalytic and photochemical approach. The overall aim of this project is to assemble multi-functional nanocomposites for carbon dioxide reduction by an integrated catalytic and photocatalytic approach. The issues of impending depletion of fossil fuel resources and irreversible climate change due to carbon dioxide emissions have stimulated research for the sustainable utilisation of carbon dioxide. In situ spectros ....Assembling multi-functional nanocomposites for carbon dioxide reduction by hybrid catalytic and photochemical approach. The overall aim of this project is to assemble multi-functional nanocomposites for carbon dioxide reduction by an integrated catalytic and photocatalytic approach. The issues of impending depletion of fossil fuel resources and irreversible climate change due to carbon dioxide emissions have stimulated research for the sustainable utilisation of carbon dioxide. In situ spectroscopic studies combined with theoretical calculations will be used to elucidate the underlying reaction mechanisms of the synergistic effects of photon and thermal reduction of carbon dioxide . The success of the proposed project will allow the reduction of carbon dioxide, generate a cheap energy source in the form of environmentally benign hydrocarbons and close the carbon loop. Read moreRead less
Covalently immobilised molecular catalysts for carbon dioxide reduction. This project aims to develop innovative catalytic systems on semiconductor surfaces, to use sunlight for conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into high energy-content products. Sustainable chemical transformation of CO2 into valuable products, especially fuels, is one of the most important chemical processing challenges. This project will use innovative molecular engineering to covalently fix light-harvester to semiconductors ....Covalently immobilised molecular catalysts for carbon dioxide reduction. This project aims to develop innovative catalytic systems on semiconductor surfaces, to use sunlight for conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into high energy-content products. Sustainable chemical transformation of CO2 into valuable products, especially fuels, is one of the most important chemical processing challenges. This project will use innovative molecular engineering to covalently fix light-harvester to semiconductors. The expected outcome will be an efficient system to enhance CO2 conversion, which will not only reduce the environmental impact but also generate a cheap source of energy by closing the carbon loop. Using this approach, existing high carbon-emitting processes will be able to be replaced by new carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative ones for much-reduced environmental impact on our society.Read moreRead less
De-risking new surfactant and polymer classes in personal care formulations. Personal care products are almost completely reliant on palm oil feedstocks for the surfactants or soaps that provide cleansing and conditioning. Yet, there is considerable risk in moving to alternative feedstocks for new surfactant formulations, where the design rules based in fundamental colloid science do not yet exist. In collaboration with world leading formulation expertise, this project aims to use a combination ....De-risking new surfactant and polymer classes in personal care formulations. Personal care products are almost completely reliant on palm oil feedstocks for the surfactants or soaps that provide cleansing and conditioning. Yet, there is considerable risk in moving to alternative feedstocks for new surfactant formulations, where the design rules based in fundamental colloid science do not yet exist. In collaboration with world leading formulation expertise, this project aims to use a combination of high-throughput microfluidic platforms to direct more detailed colloidal, surface and scattering techniques to drive mechanistic studies to link microstructure to formulation properties. This will lead to the design rules needed to control the synergistic interactions between surfactants and polymers in these formulations.Read moreRead less