Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230100357
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,118.00
Summary
Catalyst design for converting carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals. This project aims to use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas that drives global climate change, into valuable chemicals via catalytic reduction. This project expects to facilitate the selective production of valuable ethylene from carbon dioxide reduction by developing novel cocatalyst materials derived from metal-oxo cluster molecules. Expected outcomes include fundamental understanding of the ....Catalyst design for converting carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals. This project aims to use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas that drives global climate change, into valuable chemicals via catalytic reduction. This project expects to facilitate the selective production of valuable ethylene from carbon dioxide reduction by developing novel cocatalyst materials derived from metal-oxo cluster molecules. Expected outcomes include fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationship in new catalytic systems, and technological breakthroughs in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The success of this project will bring significant environmental and economic benefits, and position Australia at the frontier of global transition to a low-carbon economy.Read moreRead less
Synthesis and Characterisation of Tracer-Functionalised Nanoparticles . This project aims to engineer nanomaterials by utilising gold nanochemistry and neural tracing capabilities of plant-based, nontoxic proteins. In a significant departure from current nanomaterials being developed, functionalising nanoparticles with the tracers enable them to undergo path-specific axonal retrograde transport, transneuronal transport, and anatomical tract flow to bypass the blood-brain barrier. Microfluidics w ....Synthesis and Characterisation of Tracer-Functionalised Nanoparticles . This project aims to engineer nanomaterials by utilising gold nanochemistry and neural tracing capabilities of plant-based, nontoxic proteins. In a significant departure from current nanomaterials being developed, functionalising nanoparticles with the tracers enable them to undergo path-specific axonal retrograde transport, transneuronal transport, and anatomical tract flow to bypass the blood-brain barrier. Microfluidics will be used to characterise the neuronal activities of the synthesised nanoconjugates of different sizes and compositions to understand their bio-interactions with axons, synapses, and neuromuscular junctions. The results will lead to a new class of functional nanomaterials as well as cell-based functional assays.Read moreRead less
Accessing Liquid Noble Metals for Low Temperature Chemical Reactions. We will explore noble metals in liquid form at low temperatures. We will show that while noble metals melting points are above 1000°C, a gallium matrix will allow their existence in liquid form at low temperatures (<75°C). A variety of noble metal gallium alloy combinations will be investigated for their catalytic activities which are expected to show very high kinetics. We will study both bulk and low dimensional analogues to ....Accessing Liquid Noble Metals for Low Temperature Chemical Reactions. We will explore noble metals in liquid form at low temperatures. We will show that while noble metals melting points are above 1000°C, a gallium matrix will allow their existence in liquid form at low temperatures (<75°C). A variety of noble metal gallium alloy combinations will be investigated for their catalytic activities which are expected to show very high kinetics. We will study both bulk and low dimensional analogues to understand the atomic dispersion of noble metals on interface and in the core of the alloys, for discoveries regarding the liquid state catalytic properties of the mixes. Subsequently, model chemical reactions will reveal the enhancement of the kinetics and what the project can offer to industrial innovations. Read moreRead less
Two-dimensional nanomaterials for wearable zinc ion battery . The project aims to develop a new wearable battery system, based on advanced two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials with robust energy storage performance and lifespan, for industrial application across the rapidly emerging industries of health monitoring, movement tracking, and smart clothing. The project addresses the critical challenges of control functionalization of advanced 2D nanomaterials for developing wearable energy storage. Th ....Two-dimensional nanomaterials for wearable zinc ion battery . The project aims to develop a new wearable battery system, based on advanced two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials with robust energy storage performance and lifespan, for industrial application across the rapidly emerging industries of health monitoring, movement tracking, and smart clothing. The project addresses the critical challenges of control functionalization of advanced 2D nanomaterials for developing wearable energy storage. The research outcomes are expected to result in a scalable approach, a variety of advanced 2D nanomaterials, and wearable new battery system, which will bring significant economic and environmental, social, and cultural benefits to Australia and the world.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100743
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,067.00
Summary
High-mobility transparent p-type materials synthesised from metal surfaces. This project aims to investigate the novel high mobility atomically thin materials synthesised from solid and liquid metal surfaces and to analyse the interfacial properties of their crystal. This project is expected to generate fundamental knowledge and applied research capability in interdisciplinary fields of advanced materials, nanomaterials, and electrical and chemical engineering using innovative synthesis approach ....High-mobility transparent p-type materials synthesised from metal surfaces. This project aims to investigate the novel high mobility atomically thin materials synthesised from solid and liquid metal surfaces and to analyse the interfacial properties of their crystal. This project is expected to generate fundamental knowledge and applied research capability in interdisciplinary fields of advanced materials, nanomaterials, and electrical and chemical engineering using innovative synthesis approaches. This project promises to support the development of new sustainable, low-waste and green technology for transparent, reliable, energy-efficient, high-performance nanoelectronics that can help to build high throughput and low dissipating power electronics components for energy generation, distribution and utilisation.
Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100917
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,647.00
Summary
Manufacturing Nanostructured Metallic Materials via 3D Printed Polymers. This project aims to develop additive manufacturing processes capable of rapidly producing nanostructured polymer and metallic materials with tuneable physical and chemical properties. This project expects to develop new knowledge and chemical processes, allowing the rational design of functional materials with applications in catalysis, energy storage, and chemical separations. Expected outcomes include more energy efficie ....Manufacturing Nanostructured Metallic Materials via 3D Printed Polymers. This project aims to develop additive manufacturing processes capable of rapidly producing nanostructured polymer and metallic materials with tuneable physical and chemical properties. This project expects to develop new knowledge and chemical processes, allowing the rational design of functional materials with applications in catalysis, energy storage, and chemical separations. Expected outcomes include more energy efficient and environmentally benign methods for functional materials synthesis, and increased understanding of structure-property-performance relationships in nanostructured materials. This should provide benefits to Australia by providing cost-effective routes for materials used in energy, health, and water.Read moreRead less
CO2-coupled photothermal catalysis on superlattice structures. This project aims to develop a structure-tailored platform of superlattice materials for photothermal catalytic conversion of natural gases to valuable fuels and chemicals. Innovations lie in engineered atomic and bulk scale nanocrystals for high-efficiency sunlight harvesting to drive CO2-coupled catalysis of C-H bond activation. Advanced characterisations and multiscale computations will enable mechanistic insights into the synergy ....CO2-coupled photothermal catalysis on superlattice structures. This project aims to develop a structure-tailored platform of superlattice materials for photothermal catalytic conversion of natural gases to valuable fuels and chemicals. Innovations lie in engineered atomic and bulk scale nanocrystals for high-efficiency sunlight harvesting to drive CO2-coupled catalysis of C-H bond activation. Advanced characterisations and multiscale computations will enable mechanistic insights into the synergy of photo and thermal catalysis in hydrocarbon conversions. The projects will result in next-generation intelligent materials and clean technologies for solar fuels production and CO2 recycling. Outcomes will benefit Australia’s long-term energy security and sustainability toward a carbon-neutral society. Read moreRead less
Multi-energy driven photothermal evaporators for all-weather desalination. This project aims to develop advanced Interfacial solar evaporation (ISE) technology to stably deliver clean water. This project expects to facilitate desalination practices by generating new ISE systems that use multiple energy sources from the environment and can operate under different weather conditions. Expected outcomes of this project include new knowledge in the area of renewable energy, improved ISE technique and ....Multi-energy driven photothermal evaporators for all-weather desalination. This project aims to develop advanced Interfacial solar evaporation (ISE) technology to stably deliver clean water. This project expects to facilitate desalination practices by generating new ISE systems that use multiple energy sources from the environment and can operate under different weather conditions. Expected outcomes of this project include new knowledge in the area of renewable energy, improved ISE technique and enhanced capacity for desalination and industrial wastewater treatment. This should provide significant benefits to remote communities who suffer from severe freshwater shortages and enhance research capabilities to position Australia as a global leader in developing green and affordable desalination technologies.Read moreRead less
Photoelectrode design for solar driven methane to methanol conversion. This project aims to achieve efficient photoelectrocatalytic partial oxidation of greenhouse gas methane for methanol production with high selectivity. The program will design new semiconductor materials through rational defect engineering and co-catalyst selection to revolutionise methane conversion. The expected outcomes include sustainable processes to convert methane into valuable liquid chemicals like methanol, and compr ....Photoelectrode design for solar driven methane to methanol conversion. This project aims to achieve efficient photoelectrocatalytic partial oxidation of greenhouse gas methane for methanol production with high selectivity. The program will design new semiconductor materials through rational defect engineering and co-catalyst selection to revolutionise methane conversion. The expected outcomes include sustainable processes to convert methane into valuable liquid chemicals like methanol, and comprehensive understanding on functional material design for solar driven catalytic reactions. The significant benefits will include revolutionary methane mitigation technologies and sustainable processes for value-added chemical production, alleviating key environmental and energy challenges facing Australia and the world.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100810
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,072.00
Summary
Solar-powered methanol conversion for on-demand hydrogen production. Methanol is an ideal hydrogen carrier due to its low cost, high hydrogen content, and liquid phase for easy storage and transport but facing problems with hydrogen release. This project aims to achieve cost-effective and emission-free methanol conversion for on-demand hydrogen production. The key concept is the rational design of high-performance single-atom catalytic materials for solar-powered photocatalytic methanol conversi ....Solar-powered methanol conversion for on-demand hydrogen production. Methanol is an ideal hydrogen carrier due to its low cost, high hydrogen content, and liquid phase for easy storage and transport but facing problems with hydrogen release. This project aims to achieve cost-effective and emission-free methanol conversion for on-demand hydrogen production. The key concept is the rational design of high-performance single-atom catalytic materials for solar-powered photocatalytic methanol conversion to hydrogen and value-added chemical formaldehyde with high productivity and selectivity. Expected outcomes include cutting-edge knowledge in the synthesis of functional materials and technology for efficient methanol-to-hydrogen conversion, contributing to the development of the hydrogen economy in Australia.Read moreRead less