Hot carrier cooling mechanisms in nano structures. This project aims to systematically investigate possible mechanisms of hot carrier cooling in nano structures and to identify the most dominant mechanisms. These are important for efficient hot carrier solar cells and thermoelectrics. This project will develop new physics to understand hot carrier dynamics in nano structures. This project is expected to result in photovoltaic systems with a lower balance of system and levelised cost of electrici ....Hot carrier cooling mechanisms in nano structures. This project aims to systematically investigate possible mechanisms of hot carrier cooling in nano structures and to identify the most dominant mechanisms. These are important for efficient hot carrier solar cells and thermoelectrics. This project will develop new physics to understand hot carrier dynamics in nano structures. This project is expected to result in photovoltaic systems with a lower balance of system and levelised cost of electricity compared to conventional technologies. This should boost solar industry, create green jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Read moreRead less
Nitride materials: In the “bond ionicity Goldilocks zone” for solar energy. Progress towards commercial devices for solar-driven hydrogen generation as well as in-situ electricity generation for vehicles is currently hampered by a lack of earth-abundant, stable, non-toxic semiconductor materials that can be fabricated by scalable methods. This project aims to develop the first scalable solution synthesis methods for a new class of earth-abundant Zn-based nitride semiconductor nanocrystals that h ....Nitride materials: In the “bond ionicity Goldilocks zone” for solar energy. Progress towards commercial devices for solar-driven hydrogen generation as well as in-situ electricity generation for vehicles is currently hampered by a lack of earth-abundant, stable, non-toxic semiconductor materials that can be fabricated by scalable methods. This project aims to develop the first scalable solution synthesis methods for a new class of earth-abundant Zn-based nitride semiconductor nanocrystals that have favourable bond ionicity and establish their optoelectronic properties for renewable energy devices for the first time. Flexible solution processing methods will be exploited to tune surface composition, remove defects and create devices to achieve optimised performance in these challenging new nitride material systems.Read moreRead less
Microscopy characterisation for the designing of Li-based batteries. This project aims to optimise the design of all-solid-state batteries by employing state-of-the-art microscopy and atomic tomography techniques. Demand for safer rechargeable batteries with higher energy densities has been rapidly increasing. The safety issues associated with current lithium batteries become more serious with the size change (small for portable electronics and large for vehicles) because of the difficulty in ha ....Microscopy characterisation for the designing of Li-based batteries. This project aims to optimise the design of all-solid-state batteries by employing state-of-the-art microscopy and atomic tomography techniques. Demand for safer rechargeable batteries with higher energy densities has been rapidly increasing. The safety issues associated with current lithium batteries become more serious with the size change (small for portable electronics and large for vehicles) because of the difficulty in handling of flammable organic liquid electrolytes. The scientific knowledge and engineering understanding acquired through this project will enable the battery industry to produce higher performance solid state batteries.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101565
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,193.00
Summary
An Emerging Ionic Chalcogenide Perovskites for Solar Energy Conversion. This project aims to develop a library of earth-abundant chalcogenide perovskite nanocrystals (CPNCs) for efficient solar energy conversion applications. The key concept is to design non-toxic and stable CPNCs using a facile solution process for solar-to-electricity and fuel generation. The intended outcomes include a fundamental understanding of the relationships between the synthesis, structure, photophysics, and electroch ....An Emerging Ionic Chalcogenide Perovskites for Solar Energy Conversion. This project aims to develop a library of earth-abundant chalcogenide perovskite nanocrystals (CPNCs) for efficient solar energy conversion applications. The key concept is to design non-toxic and stable CPNCs using a facile solution process for solar-to-electricity and fuel generation. The intended outcomes include a fundamental understanding of the relationships between the synthesis, structure, photophysics, and electrochemistry by advanced modeling and multiscale characterizations and ultimately the solar-to-electricity and fuel generation performances of new material systems. This project will build a national research capacity in an emerging field and put Australia at the forefront of practical solar energy conversion technologies.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE210100084
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$269,020.00
Summary
Flexible Flame Aerosol Synthesis Technology. Funding is requested to establish a world-leading fabrication facility for nanostructured materials via flame synthesis. This is a scalable fabrication route used for industrial production of most nanoparticle commodities. The aim is to advance current capabilities by providing control over the reaction environment and flame reaction sources. This will extend the range of feasible materials from the current metal oxides to a broad family of nitrides, ....Flexible Flame Aerosol Synthesis Technology. Funding is requested to establish a world-leading fabrication facility for nanostructured materials via flame synthesis. This is a scalable fabrication route used for industrial production of most nanoparticle commodities. The aim is to advance current capabilities by providing control over the reaction environment and flame reaction sources. This will extend the range of feasible materials from the current metal oxides to a broad family of nitrides, sulphides, and metal-organic frameworks, enabling the engineering of electrocatalysts, optoelectronic- and bio-materials. Benefits are expected in terms of fundamental and applied knowledge generation, with impact to the Australian industry sectors of Advanced Manufacturing, Energy and Health.Read moreRead less
Development of high efficiency nanocatalysts using novel electron beam fabrication and imaging techniques. This project will develop a new approach for fabricating and studying nanocatalysts based on our expertise in electron beam induced deposition (EBID) of nanostructured materials and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). ESEM will be used to conduct unique, time-resolved studies of nano-scale, catalysed chemical reactions at elevated temperatures and pressures. The project will ....Development of high efficiency nanocatalysts using novel electron beam fabrication and imaging techniques. This project will develop a new approach for fabricating and studying nanocatalysts based on our expertise in electron beam induced deposition (EBID) of nanostructured materials and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). ESEM will be used to conduct unique, time-resolved studies of nano-scale, catalysed chemical reactions at elevated temperatures and pressures. The project will advance fundamental understanding and applicability of EBID, ESEM and nanocatalysis. It will yield novel, highly efficient, industrially relevant nanocatalysts for the production of renewable (green) and low emission (clean) energy, with particular applications in hydrogen fuel cells and the catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE200101669
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,316.00
Summary
Hydrogel Electrolytes for Flexible Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries. This project aims to advance the development of flexible rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) by innovating functional hydrogels as solid-state electrolytes. Flexible rechargeable ZABs are the most promising power source for emerging flexible electronics, but lacking of high-performance flexible electrolytes is a critical bottleneck for their applications. Based on hydrogel innovation, this project will address the most critic ....Hydrogel Electrolytes for Flexible Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries. This project aims to advance the development of flexible rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) by innovating functional hydrogels as solid-state electrolytes. Flexible rechargeable ZABs are the most promising power source for emerging flexible electronics, but lacking of high-performance flexible electrolytes is a critical bottleneck for their applications. Based on hydrogel innovation, this project will address the most critical challenges of flexible electrolytes in flexible rechargeable ZABs. Findings from this project will create new knowledge generated from multidisciplinary research and pave the way to realise a new generation of flexible rechargeable ZABs as a highly efficient and durable flexible energy storage technology.Read moreRead less
Highly Efficient Solar Window Technology Enabled by Quantum Dots. The transition to zero-greenhouse gas emitting buildings is hindered by the lack of efficient energy generating building components with good aesthetics. This project will develop integrated solar windows that can effectively convert the facades of urban buildings into energy generation sites, enabled by our nanomaterials having outstanding light emission efficiencies of over 90%, accompanied by our advanced light guiding strategi ....Highly Efficient Solar Window Technology Enabled by Quantum Dots. The transition to zero-greenhouse gas emitting buildings is hindered by the lack of efficient energy generating building components with good aesthetics. This project will develop integrated solar windows that can effectively convert the facades of urban buildings into energy generation sites, enabled by our nanomaterials having outstanding light emission efficiencies of over 90%, accompanied by our advanced light guiding strategies and innovative PV cell integration. This next generation technology can reduce the electricity cost and increase renewable energy adoption, placing Australia in a competitive position in the billion-dollar building integrated photovoltaic market whilst also contributing to decarbonising electricity generation.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130101264
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Carbon nanotube-based supercapacitors: breaking the energy density limit. Novel electrodes will be nano-architectured by using ultralong single-walled carbon nanotube arrays and transition metal oxides to produce next-generation supercapacitors. The outcomes will lead to unprecedented energy densities in energy storage devices for sustainable future energy solutions.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160101100
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$310,000.00
Summary
Nanostructured Cu2ZnSnS4 for solar-driven electricity and hydrogen. This project aims to develop cost-effective Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals for two solar devices for electricity and hydrogen production. The copper-zinc-tin-sulphide (Cu2ZnSnS4) nanoparticle for solar cells has been less than two per cent efficient for years and photoelectrochemical devices have been recently recognised but less explored. The combined innovative modification of its nanocrystals, and grain growth approach for enhancing ....Nanostructured Cu2ZnSnS4 for solar-driven electricity and hydrogen. This project aims to develop cost-effective Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals for two solar devices for electricity and hydrogen production. The copper-zinc-tin-sulphide (Cu2ZnSnS4) nanoparticle for solar cells has been less than two per cent efficient for years and photoelectrochemical devices have been recently recognised but less explored. The combined innovative modification of its nanocrystals, and grain growth approach for enhancing light absorption and photogenerated carrier collection efficiency should elucidate underlying mechanism of and provide solutions to the problem which has baffled researchers in above areas for several years. The intended resulting simple, cost-effective solar-driven electricity and hydrogen devices should make significant contributions to goals of commercially viable storage of solar energy and solutions to global energy and environment issues.Read moreRead less