Towards non-thermal hydrogen-boron fusion. Laser-induced non-thermal fusion of hydrogen and boron 11 is a promising approach to reach practical sustainable energy generation. In addition, being aneutronic, this specific fusion reaction virtually avoids the deleterious environmental impact associated with high energy neutron radiation. The recent observation of this reaction under non-thermal conditions is not only exciting but begs for a better understanding of its dynamics. This industry suppor ....Towards non-thermal hydrogen-boron fusion. Laser-induced non-thermal fusion of hydrogen and boron 11 is a promising approach to reach practical sustainable energy generation. In addition, being aneutronic, this specific fusion reaction virtually avoids the deleterious environmental impact associated with high energy neutron radiation. The recent observation of this reaction under non-thermal conditions is not only exciting but begs for a better understanding of its dynamics. This industry supported proposal thus aims at establishing an experimentally-proven analysis framework underpinning the future development of a viable hydrogen-boron fusion reactor. In the long term, its successful implementation would constitute a sea change by providing a virtually limitless source of energy.Read moreRead less
Nanostructure engineered low activation superconductors for fusion energy. This project aims to develop a novel, low activation and liquid helium-free superconducting solution with superior electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal properties for use in fusion reactors. Superconducting magnets and their associated cryogenic cooling systems represent a key determinant of thermal efficiency and the construction/operating costs of fusion reactors. The project expects to overcome these barriers so tha ....Nanostructure engineered low activation superconductors for fusion energy. This project aims to develop a novel, low activation and liquid helium-free superconducting solution with superior electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal properties for use in fusion reactors. Superconducting magnets and their associated cryogenic cooling systems represent a key determinant of thermal efficiency and the construction/operating costs of fusion reactors. The project expects to overcome these barriers so that widespread uptake of these reactors becomes viable. Outcomes from the project will include a fundamental understanding of pure and doping-induced isotopic magnesium diboride superconductors and their behaviour under high neutron flux and harsh plasma atmosphere, which are specifically designed for application in next-generation, low-cost fusion reactors.Read moreRead less
Advanced shield materials for compact fusion energy. We aim to predict how materials used for shielding sensitive components in nuclear fusion reactors will degrade over time. We will use this knowledge to design advanced alloys for radiation shield, which are critical for the development of more compact fusion reactors design, with lower construction cost, and shorter assembly time. These advanced shield materials may also be used in other applications in radiation fields (e.g. space, nuclear m ....Advanced shield materials for compact fusion energy. We aim to predict how materials used for shielding sensitive components in nuclear fusion reactors will degrade over time. We will use this knowledge to design advanced alloys for radiation shield, which are critical for the development of more compact fusion reactors design, with lower construction cost, and shorter assembly time. These advanced shield materials may also be used in other applications in radiation fields (e.g. space, nuclear medicine). The project also seeks to extend the Australian nuclear research capability by developing an innovative technique to study radiation damage using the OPAL reactor at ANSTO.Read moreRead less
Mid-Career Industry Fellowships - Grant ID: IM230100125
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,053,296.00
Summary
Life prediction and optimisation of advanced first-wall fusion materials. The project focusses on accelerating the development radiation-tolerant materials for fusion energy, in collaboration with HB11 and Tokamak Energy. Specifically, we aim to understand the degradation mechanisms of the “first-wall” component, which is exposed to high energy radiation. In turn, this will (a) enable accurate life assessments of the component, and (b) inform how to optimise it material for longer-lasting fusion ....Life prediction and optimisation of advanced first-wall fusion materials. The project focusses on accelerating the development radiation-tolerant materials for fusion energy, in collaboration with HB11 and Tokamak Energy. Specifically, we aim to understand the degradation mechanisms of the “first-wall” component, which is exposed to high energy radiation. In turn, this will (a) enable accurate life assessments of the component, and (b) inform how to optimise it material for longer-lasting fusion devices. The outcomes directly reduce the cost of energy produced by the partner’s fusion devices, help bridge the gap from TRL 3 to 6, and provide valuable inputs for techno-economic models and licensing applications. The fellowship will also enhance Australia’s prominence in the international fusion energy stage.Read moreRead less
Dust Physics: a Challenge in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. This proposal is highly relevant to development of the electricity-producing fusion power plants. The outcomes will contribute to the achievement of greater control, predictability, and cost efficiency of fusion reactors operation. The project falls within the " An Environmentally Sustainable Australia " research priority and will contribute to development of widely available energy source with essentially unlimited ....Dust Physics: a Challenge in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. This proposal is highly relevant to development of the electricity-producing fusion power plants. The outcomes will contribute to the achievement of greater control, predictability, and cost efficiency of fusion reactors operation. The project falls within the " An Environmentally Sustainable Australia " research priority and will contribute to development of widely available energy source with essentially unlimited supply and manageable environmental impact. Read moreRead less
Surface immobilisation of enzymes for the synthesis of ethanol. The efficiency of ethanol production will be increased by preventing poisoning of enzymes by reaction products as in current technology. Enzymes will be robustly attached to porous surfaces so that a high efficiency continuous flow process can be used. A novel selective membrane for the continuous removal of ethanol will be developed, allowing water to be saved and unreacted inputs to be recycled. The ultimate outcome will be a proc ....Surface immobilisation of enzymes for the synthesis of ethanol. The efficiency of ethanol production will be increased by preventing poisoning of enzymes by reaction products as in current technology. Enzymes will be robustly attached to porous surfaces so that a high efficiency continuous flow process can be used. A novel selective membrane for the continuous removal of ethanol will be developed, allowing water to be saved and unreacted inputs to be recycled. The ultimate outcome will be a process which achieves dramatic water saving and greatly reduced environmental impact. In the final stage of the project we will apply our methods to the processing of cellulose from agricultural and forestry waste, with the potential of preventing the diversion of food resources into the transport fuel industry.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230100789
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,613.00
Summary
Photo-thermal ammonia decomposition . This project aims to develop of novel catalysts targeted to utilise light and heat for the photo-thermal decomposition of ammonia to produce hydrogen and generate new understanding on the role of light in thermal catalytic reactions. The emergence of the hydrogen economy has resulted in the urgent need for safe and efficient hydrogen transport and storage vectors. Ammonia, a hydrogen carrier, is being increasingly considered as a potential key to facilitate ....Photo-thermal ammonia decomposition . This project aims to develop of novel catalysts targeted to utilise light and heat for the photo-thermal decomposition of ammonia to produce hydrogen and generate new understanding on the role of light in thermal catalytic reactions. The emergence of the hydrogen economy has resulted in the urgent need for safe and efficient hydrogen transport and storage vectors. Ammonia, a hydrogen carrier, is being increasingly considered as a potential key to facilitate the hydrogen economy due to its relative ease of storage. The development of catalysts tailored toward capturing light for ammonia decomposition will enable a new potential pathway for the hydrogen economy, with ammonia as a hydrogen vector. Read moreRead less
An Australian Program in Precision Flavour Physics. Particle physics is a breakthrough scientific endeavour, addressing fundamental questions about the nature of the laws that govern the Universe we live in. Through engaging in appropriately chosen collaborative experiments at the cutting edge of the field, Australian science can make leading contributions to a deepening understanding that flows from discoveries in this area. Excellent training of young Australian researchers, enhancement of pub ....An Australian Program in Precision Flavour Physics. Particle physics is a breakthrough scientific endeavour, addressing fundamental questions about the nature of the laws that govern the Universe we live in. Through engaging in appropriately chosen collaborative experiments at the cutting edge of the field, Australian science can make leading contributions to a deepening understanding that flows from discoveries in this area. Excellent training of young Australian researchers, enhancement of public interest in science, and fostering of international cooperation and networking are all outcomes which this project will provide.Read moreRead less
A programme to study quarkonium-like states at ATLAS. Particle physics, the study of the fundamental building blocks of matter, has pioneered the use of large collaborations --- hundreds of scientists working in dozens of countries --- to solve difficult research problems. Australian groups have contributed to several such experiments, studying cosmic rays, neutrinos, and broken symmetries, as well as developing ATLAS, a vast experiment dedicated to understanding the origin of mass. This projec ....A programme to study quarkonium-like states at ATLAS. Particle physics, the study of the fundamental building blocks of matter, has pioneered the use of large collaborations --- hundreds of scientists working in dozens of countries --- to solve difficult research problems. Australian groups have contributed to several such experiments, studying cosmic rays, neutrinos, and broken symmetries, as well as developing ATLAS, a vast experiment dedicated to understanding the origin of mass. This project seeks to use ATLAS for a new purpose: searching for exotic mesons. Our existing commitment to ATLAS provides an opportunity to develop this as a new avenue of fundamental research in this country.Read moreRead less
High Precision Silicon Pixel Detectors for High Energy Physics , Synchrotron and Medical Imaging Applications. Australia participates actively in the frontier field of high-energy particle physics to understand the fundamental building blocks of matter, their origins and interactions. This field excites the best minds in the scientific world and provides excellent training. To maintain our position in this field we must continue the development of the powerful instrumentation required for high- ....High Precision Silicon Pixel Detectors for High Energy Physics , Synchrotron and Medical Imaging Applications. Australia participates actively in the frontier field of high-energy particle physics to understand the fundamental building blocks of matter, their origins and interactions. This field excites the best minds in the scientific world and provides excellent training. To maintain our position in this field we must continue the development of the powerful instrumentation required for high-energy experiments. This project will satisfy that role. The application of particle detector expertise to state-of-the-art X-ray imaging detectors for the Australian Synchrotron and medical imaging is a perfect example of fundamental science tools applied to other fields. Australian Synchrotron experiments stand to gain much.Read moreRead less