Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation in different substrates. Carbonates in the form of limestone represent an important reservoir of carbon on earth. They are recorded in several natural geological formations as corals, stromatolites, beach rocks. Microbes play an important role in the formation as well as dissolution of carbonates during microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) reactions on different substrates in natural and built environments. Much of our kno ....Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation in different substrates. Carbonates in the form of limestone represent an important reservoir of carbon on earth. They are recorded in several natural geological formations as corals, stromatolites, beach rocks. Microbes play an important role in the formation as well as dissolution of carbonates during microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) reactions on different substrates in natural and built environments. Much of our knowledge on MICP is limited due to poor understanding of the reaction kinetics at a molecular level. This project will develop new methods to enable and advance the knowledge of MICP process with profound implications for understanding natural geological formations as well as widen the scope of current engineering applications.Read moreRead less
Continuous Reaction Networks that Model Chemical Evolution of RNA. This Project aims to develop experimental models for chemical evolution that may have happened on the early Earth and which were important to the emergence of life. This Project expects to uncover synthetic pathways for ribonucleotide production using a combination of ionizing radiation and dry-wet cycles. Expected outcomes include an increased understanding of the range of physical and chemical parameters that will allow for rib ....Continuous Reaction Networks that Model Chemical Evolution of RNA. This Project aims to develop experimental models for chemical evolution that may have happened on the early Earth and which were important to the emergence of life. This Project expects to uncover synthetic pathways for ribonucleotide production using a combination of ionizing radiation and dry-wet cycles. Expected outcomes include an increased understanding of the range of physical and chemical parameters that will allow for ribonucleotide production to occur under the proposed geochemical settings. The knowledge gained in this Project will benefit the understanding of the chemical evolution of complex chemical mixtures relevant to early Earth environments and provide new mechanisms for how ribonucleotides could have arisen abiotically.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR120200004
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$30,000,000.00
Summary
Australian Synchrotron Access Program. The Australian Synchrotron epitomises scientific research excellence in Australian and New Zealand. Its impact spans nearly every research sector. This proposal brings together over 30 Australian universities working together to ensure that world-class peer-reviewed science continues to be performed at the Australian Synchrotron.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE180100160
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$297,463.00
Summary
Femtosecond laser micropyrolysis gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. This project aims to build a femtosecond-laser, micropyrolysis gas-chromatographmass spectrometer. The facility will have the capability to selectively analyse very small petrographically-recognisable organic components, hence bridging the analytical gap between organic petrography and organic geochemistry. The project aims to understand the early evolution of life, the response of the biosphere to mass extinction, the migrati ....Femtosecond laser micropyrolysis gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. This project aims to build a femtosecond-laser, micropyrolysis gas-chromatographmass spectrometer. The facility will have the capability to selectively analyse very small petrographically-recognisable organic components, hence bridging the analytical gap between organic petrography and organic geochemistry. The project aims to understand the early evolution of life, the response of the biosphere to mass extinction, the migration of fluids in petroleum reservoirs, the heterogeneity of organic matter in shale gas reservoirs, and the composition of macromolecules in biominerals and macerals. The facility will contribute to a broad range of Australia’s theoretical and applied problems in geoscience and geobiology.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE140100040
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,375,000.00
Summary
An advanced electron microscope facility for nanomaterials, functional materials and minerals. An advanced electron microscope facility for nanomaterials, functional materials and minerals: Recent advances in electron microscopy provide instruments that can resolve at the atomic level and image both morphologically and chemically at these resolutions. These modern instruments are also less complex to operate therefore allowing many more researchers to access them directly. The High Resolution Sc ....An advanced electron microscope facility for nanomaterials, functional materials and minerals. An advanced electron microscope facility for nanomaterials, functional materials and minerals: Recent advances in electron microscopy provide instruments that can resolve at the atomic level and image both morphologically and chemically at these resolutions. These modern instruments are also less complex to operate therefore allowing many more researchers to access them directly. The High Resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope will allow a complete, nano-scale characterisation of natural and synthetic materials in a broad range of scientific, engineering and industrial applications. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope will provide nano-science users with a tool that can image many of the processes in the formation of these nanostructures and particles.Read moreRead less
Learned Academies Special Projects - Grant ID: LS140100016
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$474,334.00
Summary
Science decadal plans for a stronger, healthier, more prosperous Australia. This project will bring greater focus to Australia’s future research investment, ensuring that Australia has the science it needs to succeed in a rapidly changing world. It will develop Strategic Decadal Plans in the key science disciplines, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, and Earth Sciences, that are fundamental to key pillars of the Australian economy, such as manufacturing, agriculture and minerals exploration. Worki ....Science decadal plans for a stronger, healthier, more prosperous Australia. This project will bring greater focus to Australia’s future research investment, ensuring that Australia has the science it needs to succeed in a rapidly changing world. It will develop Strategic Decadal Plans in the key science disciplines, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, and Earth Sciences, that are fundamental to key pillars of the Australian economy, such as manufacturing, agriculture and minerals exploration. Working with the research sector, industry and government, this project will identify Australia’s future needs for key science disciplines, and outline how future research investment should be prioritised to ensure that Australia is positioned to succeed.Read moreRead less
Understanding mineral reactivity using computer simulations at realistic pH. The results of fundamental environmental and technological processes such as the production of alumina and the management of mine wastes largely depend on careful controlling the conditions at which the chemical reactions occur. Throughout this project, atomistic simulations will be used to unravel the effects of pH on the stability of minerals and to improve our knowledge of the dissolution and re-precipitation mechani ....Understanding mineral reactivity using computer simulations at realistic pH. The results of fundamental environmental and technological processes such as the production of alumina and the management of mine wastes largely depend on careful controlling the conditions at which the chemical reactions occur. Throughout this project, atomistic simulations will be used to unravel the effects of pH on the stability of minerals and to improve our knowledge of the dissolution and re-precipitation mechanisms of these materials. A better understanding of the basic science underpinning minerals’ reactivity will eventually translate into the development of new technologies and contribute to helping Australia’s advancement in developing a sustainable future as well as environment preservation and remediation.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100012
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$230,000.00
Summary
Enhanced powder X-ray diffraction capabilities for South Australia. This X-ray diffraction facility will provide structural information on the properties of novel materials which is important for investigations ranging from post-combustion carbon dioxide capture through to the identification of new mineralogical samples. Rapid, local access to this integrated facility will position South Australian researchers to make breakthroughs that benefit Australia.
Producing clean energy through geomimetic chemistry. This project aims to provide new chemical pathways able to produce clean energy by following a computational geomimetic approach. It will generate new knowledge in the field of materials science, by characterising the rich mineral chemistry observed on ocean floors and in extra-terrestrial environments that is naturally able to produce fuel through harvesting carbon dioxide. Expected outcomes include a full understanding of chemical reactions ....Producing clean energy through geomimetic chemistry. This project aims to provide new chemical pathways able to produce clean energy by following a computational geomimetic approach. It will generate new knowledge in the field of materials science, by characterising the rich mineral chemistry observed on ocean floors and in extra-terrestrial environments that is naturally able to produce fuel through harvesting carbon dioxide. Expected outcomes include a full understanding of chemical reactions that are at present unexplored at a fundamental level. This will open new perspectives in their potential employment to address the contemporary challenge of producing clean energy and will generate environmental and economic benefit to the Australian and international communities.Read moreRead less
Uncovering molecular pathways to minerals for control of crystallisation. This project aims to increase our knowledge of the processes of mineral formation and crystallisation. Minerals play a vital role in our environment, for example as reservoirs for carbon dioxide, while also substantially contributing to the Australian economy. Conversely, undesirable formation of minerals can be detrimental to industries from the oil/gas sector through to desalination. Despite the benefits that would come ....Uncovering molecular pathways to minerals for control of crystallisation. This project aims to increase our knowledge of the processes of mineral formation and crystallisation. Minerals play a vital role in our environment, for example as reservoirs for carbon dioxide, while also substantially contributing to the Australian economy. Conversely, undesirable formation of minerals can be detrimental to industries from the oil/gas sector through to desalination. Despite the benefits that would come from controlling such crystal growth, progress has been limited by the lack of a complete understanding of how minerals form at the microscopic level. This project aims to combine computer simulation, using the latest petascale resources, with experimental data to yield knowledge that would allow us to manipulate minerals, such as calcium carbonate, with the same control found in nature.Read moreRead less