In-situ grain boundary engineering via metal additive manufacturing. We aim to develop a capability for targeted specialty alloy microstructure design via metal 3D printing. Our approach to generate customised grain boundary networks in stainless steels and superalloys will unlock superior mechanical, corrosion and technological properties, without subsequent thermomechanical treatments. Scientific outcomes are new physical metallurgy knowledge on the targeted selection of desirable interfaces v ....In-situ grain boundary engineering via metal additive manufacturing. We aim to develop a capability for targeted specialty alloy microstructure design via metal 3D printing. Our approach to generate customised grain boundary networks in stainless steels and superalloys will unlock superior mechanical, corrosion and technological properties, without subsequent thermomechanical treatments. Scientific outcomes are new physical metallurgy knowledge on the targeted selection of desirable interfaces via recrystallisation and coupled segregation-precipitation phenomena. Technological outcomes are processing maps for printing parts with customised microstructures. This will diminish anisotropy, residual stress and defects, benefitting defence, aerospace and energy applications, all vital to the Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Nano-toughening of Conductive Composites with High Electrical Ductility. This project aims to develop a new technology to effectively toughen conductive thin films including metals and conductive polymers with significantly improved mechanical robustness for next-generation stretchable electronics. This new technique will tackle the major limitation of stretchable electronics propensity to abrupt electrical failure caused by plastic deformation and long channel cracks in conductive thin films of ....Nano-toughening of Conductive Composites with High Electrical Ductility. This project aims to develop a new technology to effectively toughen conductive thin films including metals and conductive polymers with significantly improved mechanical robustness for next-generation stretchable electronics. This new technique will tackle the major limitation of stretchable electronics propensity to abrupt electrical failure caused by plastic deformation and long channel cracks in conductive thin films of low yield strain and ductility. By overcoming the bottleneck issue of low stretchability and ductility of existing conductive thin film materials, it will be possible to significantly expand the design space of flexible and stretchable electronic devices.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
Liquid metal solvents for high entropy and atomically configured systems. Significant challenges remain in developing high entropy alloys, which are future disruptors in metallurgy, ranging from configurational entropy to atomic ordering. To address such challenges, we will explore liquid metal solvents for synthesising high entropy and atomically configured systems from the combination of reactive and high melting point elements stabilised in metallic solvents. Molecular imprinting, mechanical ....Liquid metal solvents for high entropy and atomically configured systems. Significant challenges remain in developing high entropy alloys, which are future disruptors in metallurgy, ranging from configurational entropy to atomic ordering. To address such challenges, we will explore liquid metal solvents for synthesising high entropy and atomically configured systems from the combination of reactive and high melting point elements stabilised in metallic solvents. Molecular imprinting, mechanical and electrochemical triggers will control interfacial atomic organisation and precipitation. The growth mechanisms, both at the interface and in the bulk, will be explored by high energy probing techniques and computational simulations. We will offer new metallurgical paradigms for future catalysis and sensing concepts.Read moreRead less
Tandem Photocatalytic Conversion of CO2 to High Value Hydrocarbon Products. Converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into hydrocarbon products is ideal for combating anthropogenic emissions whilst reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Despite the significant advantages, CO2 valorisation is hindered by barriers such as high energy requirements and low-value products (methane and carbon monoxide). This project will establish a sustainable approach to CO2 valorisation using a unique tandem solar-driven hie ....Tandem Photocatalytic Conversion of CO2 to High Value Hydrocarbon Products. Converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into hydrocarbon products is ideal for combating anthropogenic emissions whilst reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Despite the significant advantages, CO2 valorisation is hindered by barriers such as high energy requirements and low-value products (methane and carbon monoxide). This project will establish a sustainable approach to CO2 valorisation using a unique tandem solar-driven hierarchical catalyst array to offset energy requirements and directly yield high-value hydrocarbon products, such as ethane (C2H6) and ethanol (CH3CH2OH), from captured CO2.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
Advanced refractory alloy components for aerospace and energy sectors. This project aims to employ state-of-the-art alloy modelling and a new additive manufacturing approach to fabricate advanced alloy components with superior high temperature and chemical properties. Components will be manufactured from both existing and completely new alloys. Expected outcomes include stronger and more damage resistant high temperature parts for high-speed aerospace vehicles, and more stable corrosion resistan ....Advanced refractory alloy components for aerospace and energy sectors. This project aims to employ state-of-the-art alloy modelling and a new additive manufacturing approach to fabricate advanced alloy components with superior high temperature and chemical properties. Components will be manufactured from both existing and completely new alloys. Expected outcomes include stronger and more damage resistant high temperature parts for high-speed aerospace vehicles, and more stable corrosion resistant alloys for application in molten salts. The project expects to increase our sovereign capabilities in advanced alloy component manufacture, for the benefit of sectors including high-velocity aerospace, defence and molten salt-based energy storage and power generation.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230101617
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,395.00
Summary
Re-engineering metallic-based nanostructures for carbon dioxide conversion. This project aims to fine-tune the interface of low-temperature liquid metals to produce functional hybrid nanomaterials for CO2 reduction. The expected outcomes of the projects are to develop fundamental knowledge on the integration of functional molecules on the bulk, core, and skin of liquid metals and their alloys. It intends to control the atomic arrangement of the elemental constituents, nucleation, as well as inte ....Re-engineering metallic-based nanostructures for carbon dioxide conversion. This project aims to fine-tune the interface of low-temperature liquid metals to produce functional hybrid nanomaterials for CO2 reduction. The expected outcomes of the projects are to develop fundamental knowledge on the integration of functional molecules on the bulk, core, and skin of liquid metals and their alloys. It intends to control the atomic arrangement of the elemental constituents, nucleation, as well as interaction and dissolution of organic/inorganic molecules in the interface and bulk of liquid metals. The anticipated outcomes of this project are to define a knowledge roadmap to exploit the untapped potentials of liquid metals in CO2 reduction, which would enable the production of the next generation of catalytic devices.Read moreRead less
Integrated solar to chemical production and membrane concentration system. The efficient conversion of low-cost raw materials to high-value chemicals using solar energy has been a long sought-after goal. This project aims to create an integrated photoreactor and membrane separation system for efficient photocatalytic water splitting. The integrated system will efficiently produce hydrogen and ultrapure hydrogen peroxide, a critical and costly reagent used in the semiconductor and solar panel man ....Integrated solar to chemical production and membrane concentration system. The efficient conversion of low-cost raw materials to high-value chemicals using solar energy has been a long sought-after goal. This project aims to create an integrated photoreactor and membrane separation system for efficient photocatalytic water splitting. The integrated system will efficiently produce hydrogen and ultrapure hydrogen peroxide, a critical and costly reagent used in the semiconductor and solar panel manufacturing industries. The integrated system addresses current challenges in the production of high-quality hydrogen peroxide and demonstrates a practical solar-to-chemical process with economic benefits. It also advances knowledge in the fields of nanomaterials engineering, photocatalytic devices, and membrane technology.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC230100042
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,000,000.00
Summary
ARC Training Centre for Battery Recycling. This Training Centre aims to transform Australia’s battery and resource industry by building advanced manufacturing capability for recycling mixed battery materials, promoting 2nd-life re-use, redesigning high performance batteries towards a battery circular economy, and advancing the supporting regulatory landscape. The research will address the challenges associated with battery recycling, deliver industrial demonstrations and promotion policies, and ....ARC Training Centre for Battery Recycling. This Training Centre aims to transform Australia’s battery and resource industry by building advanced manufacturing capability for recycling mixed battery materials, promoting 2nd-life re-use, redesigning high performance batteries towards a battery circular economy, and advancing the supporting regulatory landscape. The research will address the challenges associated with battery recycling, deliver industrial demonstrations and promotion policies, and create a dynamic skilled workforce. Outcomes are expected to shape a distinctive battery recycling model that shifts Australia to zero battery waste to landfill; establish a profitable and self-sustaining onshore industry chain; and help ensure the future of Australia’s energy security.Read moreRead less