Environmentally benign polymer solar cells. The project aims to prepare polymer solar cells, by developing water-compatible conjugated materials for the active layer. This technology would be cost-efficient and not use environmentally harmful solvents. The project would achieve aqueous compatibility of these hydrophobic molecules through substitution and careful positioning of functional groups. Fabrication processes will be optimised to incorporate these materials into solar cells, with a focus ....Environmentally benign polymer solar cells. The project aims to prepare polymer solar cells, by developing water-compatible conjugated materials for the active layer. This technology would be cost-efficient and not use environmentally harmful solvents. The project would achieve aqueous compatibility of these hydrophobic molecules through substitution and careful positioning of functional groups. Fabrication processes will be optimised to incorporate these materials into solar cells, with a focus on controlling the morphology of the active material. Determining the relationships between conjugated molecular design and cell performance should provide a new direction in solar-cell technology.Read moreRead less
Piezoelectric nanofibre membranes with built-in p-n junction: new self-rectifying piezoelectric power generators. This project will aim to develop new knowledge about how to efficiently convert small mechanical energy into directly usable electric power using piezoelectric nanofibre membranes and will fill this knowledge gap by systematically understanding the influence of doping agents on the charge transport during energy conversion.
Active channel organic transistors. The objective of our project is to create the next generation of electronic transistors based upon organic semiconductors. Specifically, the project will create devices for use in applications such as low power lighting, chemical sensing and lasers.
Using anisotropic thermal expansion in organic semiconductor thin films. This project aims to capitalise upon the recent discovery of negative thermal expansion in high-performance organic semiconductor films. Certain molecules’ chemical structures have a planar conjugated core and flexible sidechains. When highly anisotropic thermal expansion occurs, the sidechains take up most of the thermal expansion. When a negative thermal expansion occurs, the pi-pi stacking distance decreases upon anneali ....Using anisotropic thermal expansion in organic semiconductor thin films. This project aims to capitalise upon the recent discovery of negative thermal expansion in high-performance organic semiconductor films. Certain molecules’ chemical structures have a planar conjugated core and flexible sidechains. When highly anisotropic thermal expansion occurs, the sidechains take up most of the thermal expansion. When a negative thermal expansion occurs, the pi-pi stacking distance decreases upon annealing. This effect has been linked with higher charge mobilities, and a tighter molecular packing is locked in upon cooling. The potential applications of these high performance organic semiconductors includes chemical/biosensors, electronic paper, and radio frequency identification cards.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE180100141
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$326,367.00
Summary
Thermo-gravimetric infra-red imaging system for functional materials study. This proposal seeks to establish a multi-functional system for investigating surface, interface, and thermal properties of functional materials. The instrumentation features thermo-gravimetric, infra-red imaging hyphenated with gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry. The expected benefits are an enhanced research capability in solid-electrolyte-interphase and electrolyte decomposition on electrodes being used in alkaline-i ....Thermo-gravimetric infra-red imaging system for functional materials study. This proposal seeks to establish a multi-functional system for investigating surface, interface, and thermal properties of functional materials. The instrumentation features thermo-gravimetric, infra-red imaging hyphenated with gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry. The expected benefits are an enhanced research capability in solid-electrolyte-interphase and electrolyte decomposition on electrodes being used in alkaline-ion batteries, which could potentially pose risks during manufacturing and application. The system will not only facilitate high-quality research and impact the training of young researchers, but also provide a platform from which to enhance Australian materials research capabilities.Read moreRead less
Novel fuel-cell structures based on electroactive polymers. This project will tackle some of the challenges currently hindering progression of our society into a post-petroleum era via materials developments that will lead to in-expensive, more efficient fuel cell technologies. Specifically, a new class of organic catalysts and novel ion conducting membranes will be integrated into functional fuel-cells.
Advanced glazing systems for solar energy harvesting and radiation control. Development of advanced energy-saving glass and glazings capable of generating electricity is expected to lead towards new products of significant commercial potential. The outcomes of this project undertaken by Edith Cowan University and Tropiglas will raise the energy efficiency of commercial buildings and vehicles to levels not possible with other technologies.
Nitride-based Compound Semiconductors for Solar Water Splitting. Global warming warrants urgent investment in clean and sustainable energy generation. This project aims to investigate the use of nitride semiconductors, a commonly used material for LEDs, and solar energy to generate hydrogen by splitting water molecules. These semiconductors have excellent light absorption efficiency and can be designed to better match the solar spectrum. The project will explore the underlying mechanism of light ....Nitride-based Compound Semiconductors for Solar Water Splitting. Global warming warrants urgent investment in clean and sustainable energy generation. This project aims to investigate the use of nitride semiconductors, a commonly used material for LEDs, and solar energy to generate hydrogen by splitting water molecules. These semiconductors have excellent light absorption efficiency and can be designed to better match the solar spectrum. The project will explore the underlying mechanism of light interaction with the semiconductor through band bending and surface engineering, and determine how this interaction affects the dissociation of water molecules. The concepts demonstrated in the project are expected to pave the way for further development of this technology for future applications. Read moreRead less
New generation high efficiency thermoelectric materials and modules for waste heat recovery in steelworks. The development of thermoelectric materials and devices, and their subsequent uptake by the steel industry, will bring tremendous socio-economic benefits in terms of decreased operational costs, a significantly reduced carbon footprint and will set an excellent example for other industries on how to comply with strict environmental regulations.