Rechargeable lithium carbon dioxide battery - catalyst design to prototype . This project aims to develop a new concept of rechargeable lithium carbon dioxide batteries and scaled-up prototypes. Such a battery will be first of its kind to show high power comparable to gasoline and superior rechargeability over existing gas-involved batteries, ensuring realistic use for industrial purposes. Expected outcomes include 2-dimensional catalysts made from earth-abundant elements lowering large-scale pr ....Rechargeable lithium carbon dioxide battery - catalyst design to prototype . This project aims to develop a new concept of rechargeable lithium carbon dioxide batteries and scaled-up prototypes. Such a battery will be first of its kind to show high power comparable to gasoline and superior rechargeability over existing gas-involved batteries, ensuring realistic use for industrial purposes. Expected outcomes include 2-dimensional catalysts made from earth-abundant elements lowering large-scale production cost, a novel but reliable working principle based on reversible carbon dioxide/oxalate conversion, and prototypes featuring high specific capacity, large energy density and excellent durability. Via industrial pilot trials, commercial benefits will be fast tracked for energy security and carbon dioxide utilisation.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170101069
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Two-dimensional inorganic nanostructures for hydrogen evolution reaction. This project aims to synthesise highly active electrochemical catalysts of two-dimensional (2D) inorganic nanostructure for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The electrocatalysis of water to produce hydrogen gas could generate clean energy, but the platinum catalyst’s cost and low activity make it impractical. This project will develop 2D inorganic nanosheets with tuneable pores and electronic band structures, hybridised ....Two-dimensional inorganic nanostructures for hydrogen evolution reaction. This project aims to synthesise highly active electrochemical catalysts of two-dimensional (2D) inorganic nanostructure for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The electrocatalysis of water to produce hydrogen gas could generate clean energy, but the platinum catalyst’s cost and low activity make it impractical. This project will develop 2D inorganic nanosheets with tuneable pores and electronic band structures, hybridised with organic and/or inorganic semiconductor nanomaterials for HER, and use density functional theory calculation to investigate these hybridised nanosheets’ mechanisms for HER. These highly efficient and low-cost catalysts are expected to generate clean energy and create opportunities for Australian industries.Read moreRead less
Perovskite-Based Ferroelectrics for Solar Fuel Production. This project aims to develop perovskite-based ferroelectrics for photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction to produce solar fuels. It is expected to reveal the relationship of ferroelectric polarisation and photocatalytic behaviour, thereby promoting solar energy utilisation and greenhouse gas reduction. Expected outcomes include delivery of a novel family of chemically and structurally controlled ferroelectrics and catalytic reaction prot ....Perovskite-Based Ferroelectrics for Solar Fuel Production. This project aims to develop perovskite-based ferroelectrics for photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction to produce solar fuels. It is expected to reveal the relationship of ferroelectric polarisation and photocatalytic behaviour, thereby promoting solar energy utilisation and greenhouse gas reduction. Expected outcomes include delivery of a novel family of chemically and structurally controlled ferroelectrics and catalytic reaction prototypes for efficient carbon dioxide photoreduction, and in-depth understanding of structure-performance correlation to guide future polar catalysts design. This project should provide significant benefits in minimising fossil fuel consumption, increasing energy security, and expanding clean energy industry.Read moreRead less
Monolithic Solar Thermal Photocatalytic Membrane for Hydrogen Production. This ambitious project aims to develop a new concept of monolithic membranes composed of photocatalysts embedded in highly efficient solar thermal graphene. Such a membrane will be first of its kind and is able to utilise full solar spectrum for scalable seawater desalination and direct splitting to produce hydrogen without the need to concentrate sunlight. Expected outcomes include chemically and structurally tailored mem ....Monolithic Solar Thermal Photocatalytic Membrane for Hydrogen Production. This ambitious project aims to develop a new concept of monolithic membranes composed of photocatalysts embedded in highly efficient solar thermal graphene. Such a membrane will be first of its kind and is able to utilise full solar spectrum for scalable seawater desalination and direct splitting to produce hydrogen without the need to concentrate sunlight. Expected outcomes include chemically and structurally tailored membranes and 2D floating prototypes for real life hydrogen production, and in-depth understanding of working mechanism to facilitate up-scaled renewable hydrogen generation. Significant benefits in minimising fossil fuel consumption, increasing energy security, and expanding competitive clean energy industry are promised.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH200100005
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,000,000.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Innovation. The Hub’s overarching goal is to support the transition of Australia’s steel manufacturing industry to a more sustainable, competitive and resilient position based on the creation of new, higher value-added products and more advanced manufacturing processes. It anticipates delivering original, innovative research designed to enable a necessary technological shift in the supply chain through integrating advanced enabling technologies in large and ....ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Innovation. The Hub’s overarching goal is to support the transition of Australia’s steel manufacturing industry to a more sustainable, competitive and resilient position based on the creation of new, higher value-added products and more advanced manufacturing processes. It anticipates delivering original, innovative research designed to enable a necessary technological shift in the supply chain through integrating advanced enabling technologies in large and small businesses, developing step-change performance in anti-corrosion treatments and coating lines, generating more functional and durable products, and increasing resource intensities. It expects to train a more skillful and diverse workforce that will be critical in achieving this transformation.Read moreRead less
Microstructure control of hot-dip coated Al-Zn based alloy layers on steel . The process of hot-dip metal coating of steel has evolved to provide reliable products that find widespread application in many industries, including building and construction. This project aims to address and understand an intermittent processing problem using innovative approaches involving characterisation by synchrotron techniques and state-of-the art microscopy. Expected outcomes include increased manufacturing e ....Microstructure control of hot-dip coated Al-Zn based alloy layers on steel . The process of hot-dip metal coating of steel has evolved to provide reliable products that find widespread application in many industries, including building and construction. This project aims to address and understand an intermittent processing problem using innovative approaches involving characterisation by synchrotron techniques and state-of-the art microscopy. Expected outcomes include increased manufacturing efficiencies by identifying the cause of an intermittent processing defect and implementing methods of controlling this defect. This will help BlueScope and Australia maintain a world-leading reputation for high-quality coating products for domestic and export markets.Read moreRead less
Stronger zinc alloys for more flexible biodegradable stents. This project aims to develop stronger zinc alloys for a new class of biodegradable metallic stents. A key challenge for biodegradable stent technology is to make stents as thin as possible while also being strong. This project will develop ultra-high strength zinc alloys that can be used to fabricate thinner biodegradable stents for easier surgical operation. The project outcomes should be a major step in the design and development of ....Stronger zinc alloys for more flexible biodegradable stents. This project aims to develop stronger zinc alloys for a new class of biodegradable metallic stents. A key challenge for biodegradable stent technology is to make stents as thin as possible while also being strong. This project will develop ultra-high strength zinc alloys that can be used to fabricate thinner biodegradable stents for easier surgical operation. The project outcomes should be a major step in the design and development of a new generation of biodegradable stents that will avoid the risks associated with existing products and potentially create a better life for millions of patients worldwide.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190100614
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,000.00
Summary
New classes of aluminium-magnesium-silicon alloys via scandium additions. This project aims to establish the knowledge required to be able to improve Aluminium (Al) alloys using scandium (Sc). The transport sector accounts for 20 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions globally, and the use of Al to reduce the weight of vehicles offers the potential to significantly reduce these emissions, however the properties of current Al alloys do not meet the necessary requirements. To overcome this chall ....New classes of aluminium-magnesium-silicon alloys via scandium additions. This project aims to establish the knowledge required to be able to improve Aluminium (Al) alloys using scandium (Sc). The transport sector accounts for 20 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions globally, and the use of Al to reduce the weight of vehicles offers the potential to significantly reduce these emissions, however the properties of current Al alloys do not meet the necessary requirements. To overcome this challenge there is a need for new Al alloys with optimal balance of cost and performance. One opportunity in this area is the use of Sc, however the high Sc price has restricted research thus far. With the recent discovery of rich sources of Sc in Australia, the price of Sc will drop and become a viable solution. This will provide benefits by securing Australia’s position as a leader in the field of advanced Al products for engineering applications.Read moreRead less
Nanoarchitectured anti-corrosion coatings for zinc-plated steel. Zinc-plated steel is widely used in buildings, households and vehicles, but the long-term performance is limited due to corrosion resulting from exposure to high humidity or alkaline conditions. Currently, available chromium coatings are toxic, while polymeric coatings lack durability. This project aims to use nanotechnology to develop highly effective, multifunctional anti-corrosive coatings in which long-term protection is achiev ....Nanoarchitectured anti-corrosion coatings for zinc-plated steel. Zinc-plated steel is widely used in buildings, households and vehicles, but the long-term performance is limited due to corrosion resulting from exposure to high humidity or alkaline conditions. Currently, available chromium coatings are toxic, while polymeric coatings lack durability. This project aims to use nanotechnology to develop highly effective, multifunctional anti-corrosive coatings in which long-term protection is achieved by controlling the wettability and self-healing properties. The project is excepted to generate new knowledge in coating materials that limit corrosion and address environmental problems. This advanced manufacturing technology should be of high-value benefit to manufacturers and consumers of zinc-plated steel.Read moreRead less
High temperature corrosion induced by multiple secondary oxidants . Heat resisting chromia-forming alloys passivate successfully in clean, dry air at temperatures up to about 950°C. However, this performance is degraded by secondary oxidants (carbon, sulphur, chlorine, water vapour), leading to corrosion failure in important industries. The project aims to investigate the effect of these secondary oxidants on corrosion behaviour of chromia-forming alloys, to identify interactions between multipl ....High temperature corrosion induced by multiple secondary oxidants . Heat resisting chromia-forming alloys passivate successfully in clean, dry air at temperatures up to about 950°C. However, this performance is degraded by secondary oxidants (carbon, sulphur, chlorine, water vapour), leading to corrosion failure in important industries. The project aims to investigate the effect of these secondary oxidants on corrosion behaviour of chromia-forming alloys, to identify interactions between multiple oxidants within the scale, to establish the mechanisms of oxide scale penetration by foreign species, and to evaluate scales on different alloy types. The results will provide a basis for improved design/selection of heat resisting chromia-forming alloys, key to power generation industries.Read moreRead less