Novel Fuel Materials for Radiation-Free Proton-Boron Fusion Power Source. Laser proton-boron fusion reactions are a radiation-free nuclear energy source but are limited by a low reaction rate due to a lack of efficient fuel materials. This project aims to develop new fuel materials by synthesising isotope boron 11 enriched hydrogen borides and hydrogen adsorbed boron nitride nanosheets using our research experience in hydrogen storage and nanomateials synthesis. The expected outcomes include tw ....Novel Fuel Materials for Radiation-Free Proton-Boron Fusion Power Source. Laser proton-boron fusion reactions are a radiation-free nuclear energy source but are limited by a low reaction rate due to a lack of efficient fuel materials. This project aims to develop new fuel materials by synthesising isotope boron 11 enriched hydrogen borides and hydrogen adsorbed boron nitride nanosheets using our research experience in hydrogen storage and nanomateials synthesis. The expected outcomes include two new hydrogen storage nanomaterials, the associated new synthesis technologies, and a clean and safe nuclear power source, which helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.Read moreRead less
NANO-SCALE CATALYST SYSTEMS FOR HYDROGEN GENERATION FOR FUEL CELLS. The project aims to develop nano-scale catalyst materials for micro-channel fuel processing systems. Micro-channel reactors have the benefits over conventional technology of being more compact and potential for much lower costs. This will assist in the development of hydrogen generation systems for fuel cells, as well as other chemical processing applications such as gas-to-liquids technology. The technology has the potential t ....NANO-SCALE CATALYST SYSTEMS FOR HYDROGEN GENERATION FOR FUEL CELLS. The project aims to develop nano-scale catalyst materials for micro-channel fuel processing systems. Micro-channel reactors have the benefits over conventional technology of being more compact and potential for much lower costs. This will assist in the development of hydrogen generation systems for fuel cells, as well as other chemical processing applications such as gas-to-liquids technology. The technology has the potential to generate significant IP in an evolving multi-billion dollar fuel cell industry. Support from Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd. and the Gas Technology Institute will ensure that the work has an international as well as national perspective, and a route to exploitation.Read moreRead less
Development of nano-structured thermoelectric materials for power generation from heat. To make thermoelectric technology attractive for practical power generation purposes, new high efficiency materials have to be developed. Our fabricated nanostructured thermoelectric materials will have improved performance due to the peculiarities in electrical and thermal transport. The novel thermoelectric materials and constructed prototype devices with high thermoelectric performance will be practically ....Development of nano-structured thermoelectric materials for power generation from heat. To make thermoelectric technology attractive for practical power generation purposes, new high efficiency materials have to be developed. Our fabricated nanostructured thermoelectric materials will have improved performance due to the peculiarities in electrical and thermal transport. The novel thermoelectric materials and constructed prototype devices with high thermoelectric performance will be practically used for various power generation purposes. This offers a long-term solution to the global warming threat through decreasing amounts of waste heat presently generated. It will also strengthen Australia's position in world-wide research on thermoelectricity.Read moreRead less
Development of novel high efficiency thermoelectric oxides for high temperature power generation. Thermoelectric materials are considered as a key factor in clean energy production, based on the conversion of waste heat emitted by power plants and automobiles to electricity. A series of novel high performance Co-based oxide thermoelectric materials will be developed by this project using nanotechnology and advanced material processing techniques. Significant improvement of the heat-to-electricit ....Development of novel high efficiency thermoelectric oxides for high temperature power generation. Thermoelectric materials are considered as a key factor in clean energy production, based on the conversion of waste heat emitted by power plants and automobiles to electricity. A series of novel high performance Co-based oxide thermoelectric materials will be developed by this project using nanotechnology and advanced material processing techniques. Significant improvement of the heat-to-electricity conversion factor is expected to result from the proposed program. The novel thermoelectric oxides with high thermoelectric performance will be practically used for high temperature power generation. This will provide a long-term solution to the global warming threat through decreasing amounts of waste heat presently generated. Read moreRead less
Laser nanoprinting of active graphene micro-tag for terahertz digital ID. This project aims at harnessing the unique THz response of laser nanoprinted graphene metamaterials and developing disruptive micro-tag technology. Through actively tuning the structured metamaterials, THz micro-tags with ultrahigh data security and energy efficiency, low cost, flexibility and attachable to any object can be enabled. Such high performance graphene THz ID tags will be first of their kind and are expected t ....Laser nanoprinting of active graphene micro-tag for terahertz digital ID. This project aims at harnessing the unique THz response of laser nanoprinted graphene metamaterials and developing disruptive micro-tag technology. Through actively tuning the structured metamaterials, THz micro-tags with ultrahigh data security and energy efficiency, low cost, flexibility and attachable to any object can be enabled. Such high performance graphene THz ID tags will be first of their kind and are expected to underpin every sector of our life including manufacturing, logistics, biomedicine, personal care, supply chain, retail and security. The outcomes will secure Australia’s international leading position in next generation tag and digitalisation technology and create significant social and economic benefits to Australians.Read moreRead less
New Pillared Nanoporous Materials for Hydrogen Production by Photoinduced Water Splitting. The increasing concern over the limited supply of conventional energy sources has triggered world-wide efforts in developing alternative energy generation systems. Hydrogen produced from sunlight and water is considered as an ultimate solution for the hydrogen economy. This project addresses the material needs for more efficient and cleaner means of generating/utilising energy. The novel nanoporous materia ....New Pillared Nanoporous Materials for Hydrogen Production by Photoinduced Water Splitting. The increasing concern over the limited supply of conventional energy sources has triggered world-wide efforts in developing alternative energy generation systems. Hydrogen produced from sunlight and water is considered as an ultimate solution for the hydrogen economy. This project addresses the material needs for more efficient and cleaner means of generating/utilising energy. The novel nanoporous materials with increased photocatalytic water splitting efficiency will lead to new breakthrough in technologies for energy conversion materials. The preparation approach is also applicable to other functional layered materials, providing new opportunities for innovative nanotechnology to more efficient and greener energy industries.Read moreRead less
Development of Superflux Carbon Nanotube Membranes for Gas Separation. The project seeks to develop gas separation membranes displaying superfluxes - throughputs 10 to 100 times higher than current systems, with lower operating costs. There is compelling evidence that very high flow rates are achievable and they have been shown for single gas transport. Theory predicts that highly selective separations are possible, but this has not yet been experimentally shown - a key outcome from this proje ....Development of Superflux Carbon Nanotube Membranes for Gas Separation. The project seeks to develop gas separation membranes displaying superfluxes - throughputs 10 to 100 times higher than current systems, with lower operating costs. There is compelling evidence that very high flow rates are achievable and they have been shown for single gas transport. Theory predicts that highly selective separations are possible, but this has not yet been experimentally shown - a key outcome from this project. The applications are widespread and include separation of carbon dioxide from power station flue gas for sequestration, purification of natural gas and provision of pure component gases such as oxygen and nitrogen amongst others.Read moreRead less
THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF CATALYST DOPING AND DEFECTS IN CARBON NANOTUBES FOR HYDROGEN STORAGE. This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the adsorption mechanism of hydrogen in carbon nanotubes through theoretical calculations and experimental studies. This addresses an important area of hydrogen storage in nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, which promises efficient and clean energy supply in the hydrogen economy in 15-20 years time. Specifically, the proj ....THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF CATALYST DOPING AND DEFECTS IN CARBON NANOTUBES FOR HYDROGEN STORAGE. This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the adsorption mechanism of hydrogen in carbon nanotubes through theoretical calculations and experimental studies. This addresses an important area of hydrogen storage in nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, which promises efficient and clean energy supply in the hydrogen economy in 15-20 years time. Specifically, the project aims to elucidate the effects of catalyst doping and defects in the carbon nanotube walls on the adsorption mechanism and capacity of hydrogen. Such an understanding is crucial to developing the improved carbon nanotubes with high adsorption capacity.Read moreRead less
The investigation of the effects of catalyst doping, element substitution and defects design in carbon materials for hydrogen storage. The successful introduction of an efficient and clean hydrogen economy is contingent on developing a cost-effective storage technology. Carbon materials have demonstrated significant promise in this area. The project aims to investigate the storage capacity of hydrogen in carbon materials by doping catalysts, substituting elements and introducing designed defect ....The investigation of the effects of catalyst doping, element substitution and defects design in carbon materials for hydrogen storage. The successful introduction of an efficient and clean hydrogen economy is contingent on developing a cost-effective storage technology. Carbon materials have demonstrated significant promise in this area. The project aims to investigate the storage capacity of hydrogen in carbon materials by doping catalysts, substituting elements and introducing designed defects into the structures of carbon materials, with both theoretical and experimental methods. This project also aims to foster a long term linkage with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan thus enhancing Australian Universities's integration with the research institutions overseas in research and developmentRead moreRead less
An integrated system for high-efficiency hydrogen assisted electricity generation from solar energy. Energy security and climate change have intensified the search for renewable energy technologies that will reduce the carbon footprint of our economies. This project will lead to a technology platform, enabling hydrogen production and electricity generation by a clean way, which is high potential in solar-abundance Australia. Its success will definitely benefit Australia both economically and env ....An integrated system for high-efficiency hydrogen assisted electricity generation from solar energy. Energy security and climate change have intensified the search for renewable energy technologies that will reduce the carbon footprint of our economies. This project will lead to a technology platform, enabling hydrogen production and electricity generation by a clean way, which is high potential in solar-abundance Australia. Its success will definitely benefit Australia both economically and environmentally. It will speed up the utilisation of solar energy and help Australia reduce greenhouse emissions. It would also lead to advanced technologies that can be commercialised and exported overseas, thus positioning Australia at the forefront of renewable energy development.Read moreRead less