Photodesorption Phenomena and Photoreactive Nanosorbent Materials for Water and Wastewater Purification. Introducing more efficient production of drinking water and wastewater treatment methods for reuse is important to address increasing water scarcity in Australia. The proposed project will develop a water purification technology to remove pollutants using a recently discovered process. This process offers simple and affordable operation that is clean, robust and requires minimal attention. Th ....Photodesorption Phenomena and Photoreactive Nanosorbent Materials for Water and Wastewater Purification. Introducing more efficient production of drinking water and wastewater treatment methods for reuse is important to address increasing water scarcity in Australia. The proposed project will develop a water purification technology to remove pollutants using a recently discovered process. This process offers simple and affordable operation that is clean, robust and requires minimal attention. The technology is particularly suitable for small-scale applications in rural and remote areas, and has significant export potential. The project will strengthen established links between Australian and Korean research centres through the production of improved nanomaterials, and the development of the novel water purification technologyRead moreRead less
Nanosilver antimicrobial resistance in target pathogens. This project aims to elucidate the important phenomena of bacterial resistance to antimicrobial nanosilver, currently one of the most developed and commercialised products of nanotechnology. The integrated research approach comprises of concurrent identification of the origins and routes of nanosilver toxicity in bacteria and the arising emergence and mechanisms of bacterial defence to the toxicity. The generated knowledge is to form a bas ....Nanosilver antimicrobial resistance in target pathogens. This project aims to elucidate the important phenomena of bacterial resistance to antimicrobial nanosilver, currently one of the most developed and commercialised products of nanotechnology. The integrated research approach comprises of concurrent identification of the origins and routes of nanosilver toxicity in bacteria and the arising emergence and mechanisms of bacterial defence to the toxicity. The generated knowledge is to form a base template for novel nanosilver engineering with less tendency for resistance development and to facilitate tracking of resistance and its spread amongst microorganisms. The knowledge has far-reaching implications on the better governance of nanosilver use, including its disposal.Read moreRead less
The Molecular Basis of Nanoparticle Resistance in Mixed-Species Biofilm. The project aims to understand how the globally significant mixed-species growth of pathogens develop resistance to silver nanoparticle, currently one of the most important alternative antimicrobials to antibiotics. The integrated research is to elucidate, for the first time, the nanoparticle multi-targeting toxicity on mixed-species bacterial community and how, in turn, the bacteria activate their cell-to-cell signalling f ....The Molecular Basis of Nanoparticle Resistance in Mixed-Species Biofilm. The project aims to understand how the globally significant mixed-species growth of pathogens develop resistance to silver nanoparticle, currently one of the most important alternative antimicrobials to antibiotics. The integrated research is to elucidate, for the first time, the nanoparticle multi-targeting toxicity on mixed-species bacterial community and how, in turn, the bacteria activate their cell-to-cell signalling for a synergistic defence to adapt to the nanoparticle toxicity. The pioneering knowledge is the foundation for technologies targeting the interspecies metabolite cross-talking to overcome the resistance phenomena, ensuring a long-term efficacy of the alternative antimicrobial on the difficult-to-control pathogenic growth.Read moreRead less
Nano-scale tuning: a path to functional materials for hydrogen storage. If the nano-stores discovered can be taken from bench to markets, the way energy is produced and used will be revolutionised. New markets based on clean energy technologies will appear. The emergence of miniaturised hydrogen stores would create unforeseen markets. By utilising Australia's abundant resources in lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg) and aluminium (Al) to store hydrogen, the beneficiaries would be the Australian industr ....Nano-scale tuning: a path to functional materials for hydrogen storage. If the nano-stores discovered can be taken from bench to markets, the way energy is produced and used will be revolutionised. New markets based on clean energy technologies will appear. The emergence of miniaturised hydrogen stores would create unforeseen markets. By utilising Australia's abundant resources in lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg) and aluminium (Al) to store hydrogen, the beneficiaries would be the Australian industry and academia interested in the knowledge gained and the application of the unique features of nano-hydride materials. By reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, society would also benefit from a cleaner environment and better health.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120102967
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Interaction between silver ions, silver nanoparticles and reactive oxygen species: implication to toxicity. The project investigates the ability of various different (supported and stabilised) types of nanosized silver particles (SNPs) to oxidatively degrade selected contaminants and or kill microorganism. The project also aims to determine the effect of solution condition (for example pH) and light on SNP longevity and hence their oxidative capacity.
Quantification of airborne engineered nanoparticles: developing a scientific framework to inform their regulation and control. Despite the presence of airborne engineered nanoparticles in many commercial/research facilities, there are no established methods for their detection/characterisation. This work aims to develop a foundation for the quantitative assessment of airborne engineered nanoparticles, which is critical for controlling exposure and minimising health risks.
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354656
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$20,000.00
Summary
Particulate Science and Technology Network. Particulate Science and Technology (PST) is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary research field concerned with particle-related phenomena at different time and length scales and represents a very significant research and development effort in Australia for many years. This network is formed by linking the world-recognized research centres/groups with different expertise. Its aim is to provide greater collaboration among the Australian and overseas re ....Particulate Science and Technology Network. Particulate Science and Technology (PST) is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary research field concerned with particle-related phenomena at different time and length scales and represents a very significant research and development effort in Australia for many years. This network is formed by linking the world-recognized research centres/groups with different expertise. Its aim is to provide greater collaboration among the Australian and overseas researchers and enhance the scale and focus of particulate research. It will help develop and maintain Australia's leading position in PST, generating massive research outcomes and training that can lead to improvement in resource, energy, process and allied industries.Read moreRead less
Nanostructured Silicon-Based Tandem Solar Cells. The expected outcome from the project is a new generation of low-cost silicon solar cell that will significantly reduce the costs of generating electricity from sunlight. Solar cells are presently the world's most rapidly growing energy source, with Australians and Australian companies already major players in the associated rapidly expanding industry. Solar cells represent the most benign technology yet suggested for supplying the world's future ....Nanostructured Silicon-Based Tandem Solar Cells. The expected outcome from the project is a new generation of low-cost silicon solar cell that will significantly reduce the costs of generating electricity from sunlight. Solar cells are presently the world's most rapidly growing energy source, with Australians and Australian companies already major players in the associated rapidly expanding industry. Solar cells represent the most benign technology yet suggested for supplying the world's future energy needs. A cleaner environment in the future than would otherwise be likely is another expected outcome as is the creation of major new opportunities for Australian industry.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0560683
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$321,953.00
Summary
A furnace stack for advanced photovoltaic, photonic and microfabrication applications. Advanced silicon photovoltaic, photonic, optoelectronic and micro-electromechanical devices require state of the art processing equipment for the deposition of thin dielectric films and for controlled doping of the devices. Key techniques include the deposition of stoichiometric and silicon rich silicon nitride and silicon dioxide films, and the controlled wafer doping with boron and phosphorus. A state of the ....A furnace stack for advanced photovoltaic, photonic and microfabrication applications. Advanced silicon photovoltaic, photonic, optoelectronic and micro-electromechanical devices require state of the art processing equipment for the deposition of thin dielectric films and for controlled doping of the devices. Key techniques include the deposition of stoichiometric and silicon rich silicon nitride and silicon dioxide films, and the controlled wafer doping with boron and phosphorus. A state of the art furnace stack is to be procured which will satisfy these requirements on industrially relevant wafer sizes up to 150mm. The equipment will support a broad range of research projects in the above fields, ranging from fundamental investigations to applied research carried out in collaboration with industry partners.Read moreRead less
Materials Optimization and Interfacial Engineering of Cobalt and Europium Codoped ZnO for Multifunctional Spintronic Devices. Recent advances in new materials engineering holds a promise of surmounting the miniaturization limits of silicon technology by exploiting the spin of electrons in semiconductors. Spin transistor is among a number of nanoscale devices that may revolutionize telecommunications, computing and daily life. Current transistors are electronic circuits that make up most semico ....Materials Optimization and Interfacial Engineering of Cobalt and Europium Codoped ZnO for Multifunctional Spintronic Devices. Recent advances in new materials engineering holds a promise of surmounting the miniaturization limits of silicon technology by exploiting the spin of electrons in semiconductors. Spin transistor is among a number of nanoscale devices that may revolutionize telecommunications, computing and daily life. Current transistors are electronic circuits that make up most semiconductors; an international market will grow to US$1000bn per year in 2013. In a few years, the spin transistor will be on par with electronics. Success of this program will facilitate the development of spintronic materials and technologies, and also generated patents and intellectual properties, thus resulting in revenue for Australia through their commercialisations.Read moreRead less