Cold catalysis for water splitting. This project aims to develop photocatalysts via AC magnetic field through nanoscale heating for efficient H2 generation. This project is to introduce cold catalysis concept, which heats catalysts only but not solution, thus called cold catalysis, in the area of production of renewable energy. Expected outcome is the creation of clean and low cost catalysts to effectively harvest the chemical energy from the sun via splitting of water into H2 and O2 without cau ....Cold catalysis for water splitting. This project aims to develop photocatalysts via AC magnetic field through nanoscale heating for efficient H2 generation. This project is to introduce cold catalysis concept, which heats catalysts only but not solution, thus called cold catalysis, in the area of production of renewable energy. Expected outcome is the creation of clean and low cost catalysts to effectively harvest the chemical energy from the sun via splitting of water into H2 and O2 without causing any environmental damage. This unique technology will also help to address clean energy generation, which is in line with H2 economy plan by Australia government, and provide opportunities for new industries that will benefit Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100746
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$433,000.00
Summary
Engineering ion specificity for water electrolysis. This project aims to understand how foreign ions in water can be manipulated to selectively control the activity and selectivity of electrocatalytic water splitting and explore the potential if seawater or low-grade-water can be used as water feed to mitigate the economical barrier for large-scale hydrogen production through electrolysis. The new knowledge gained will be helpful for future design of more cost-effective electrolyser systems to u ....Engineering ion specificity for water electrolysis. This project aims to understand how foreign ions in water can be manipulated to selectively control the activity and selectivity of electrocatalytic water splitting and explore the potential if seawater or low-grade-water can be used as water feed to mitigate the economical barrier for large-scale hydrogen production through electrolysis. The new knowledge gained will be helpful for future design of more cost-effective electrolyser systems to underpin Australia’s emerging hydrogen economy.Read moreRead less
Computer-Aided Design of High-Performance Photocatalysts for Solar Hydrogen Production Based on Red Titanium Dioxide. Large-scale generation of energy by solar conversion is critical for future sustainability. This project aims to develop high performance materials to efficiently convert solar energy to hydrogen - a clean fuel. Starting from the newly developed material red titanium dioxide, novel strategies for improved photocatalytic materials will be proposed and evaluated by advanced computa ....Computer-Aided Design of High-Performance Photocatalysts for Solar Hydrogen Production Based on Red Titanium Dioxide. Large-scale generation of energy by solar conversion is critical for future sustainability. This project aims to develop high performance materials to efficiently convert solar energy to hydrogen - a clean fuel. Starting from the newly developed material red titanium dioxide, novel strategies for improved photocatalytic materials will be proposed and evaluated by advanced computational approaches. Key issues for solar-to-hydrogen conversion will be clarified. The materials, knowledge and strategies achieved by this project will dramatically enhance current solar technology and in particular will advance the development of low-cost hydrogen production from water. Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190100005
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,000.00
Summary
Perovskite-based electrocatalysts for water electrolysis. This project aims to develop novel perovskite-based catalysts with high catalytic activity and long-term stability for the practical application of alkaline water splitting. A new family of overall water-splitting materials in alkaline media based on low-cost and earth-abundant perovskite oxides will be developed, which offer a viable alternative to the benchmark noble metal-based catalysts. Clean hydrogen energy generated by these effici ....Perovskite-based electrocatalysts for water electrolysis. This project aims to develop novel perovskite-based catalysts with high catalytic activity and long-term stability for the practical application of alkaline water splitting. A new family of overall water-splitting materials in alkaline media based on low-cost and earth-abundant perovskite oxides will be developed, which offer a viable alternative to the benchmark noble metal-based catalysts. Clean hydrogen energy generated by these efficient perovskite catalysts will not only reduce carbon dioxide emissions and alleviate air pollution, but also create opportunities for Australian industries, such as the widespread use of renewable solar and wind energy and fuel cell vehicles.Read moreRead less
Monolithic Solar Thermal Photocatalytic Membrane for Hydrogen Production. This ambitious project aims to develop a new concept of monolithic membranes composed of photocatalysts embedded in highly efficient solar thermal graphene. Such a membrane will be first of its kind and is able to utilise full solar spectrum for scalable seawater desalination and direct splitting to produce hydrogen without the need to concentrate sunlight. Expected outcomes include chemically and structurally tailored mem ....Monolithic Solar Thermal Photocatalytic Membrane for Hydrogen Production. This ambitious project aims to develop a new concept of monolithic membranes composed of photocatalysts embedded in highly efficient solar thermal graphene. Such a membrane will be first of its kind and is able to utilise full solar spectrum for scalable seawater desalination and direct splitting to produce hydrogen without the need to concentrate sunlight. Expected outcomes include chemically and structurally tailored membranes and 2D floating prototypes for real life hydrogen production, and in-depth understanding of working mechanism to facilitate up-scaled renewable hydrogen generation. Significant benefits in minimising fossil fuel consumption, increasing energy security, and expanding competitive clean energy industry are promised.Read moreRead less
To identify and to understand highly reactive surfaces for solar hydrogen production. This project aims to develop advanced technology to produce hydrogen - carbon-free fuel - from water with sunlight as the only energy input. Using clean energy to replace fossil fuels can help address the issues of energy supply and reduce carbon emissions, which is critically important for a sustainable Australia.
Porous transparent conducting oxides for efficient solar fuel production. This project aims to develop highly porous, transparent and electrically conducting networks of oxide nanoparticles for artificial photosynthesis applications. The majority of hydrogen is currently produced via natural gas reforming, a process that generates a significant carbon footprint due to the use of fossil fuels. This project will develop novel materials and fabrication methods to improve the efficiency of hydrogen ....Porous transparent conducting oxides for efficient solar fuel production. This project aims to develop highly porous, transparent and electrically conducting networks of oxide nanoparticles for artificial photosynthesis applications. The majority of hydrogen is currently produced via natural gas reforming, a process that generates a significant carbon footprint due to the use of fossil fuels. This project will develop novel materials and fabrication methods to improve the efficiency of hydrogen production using clean and renewable solar energy. This project will contribute to development of technologies for the chemical storage of renewable energy, and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. This will have applications in the areas of optoelectronic devices, medical biosensors, and photocatalysis, offering downstream benefits for the society, the economy and the environment.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE180100129
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,200.00
Summary
Atomic layer nanofabrication system for multi-functional applications. This project aims to establish a multifunctional atomic layer nanofabrication facility in Sydney with the capacity to provide services nation-wide. The facility has powerful capabilities to produce mono-atom thin films, nanosize powders and two-dimensional nanostructures of a variety of materials, including elemental metals, metal oxides, metal nitrides, metal sulfides, metal-metal compounds, and polymers. This will significa ....Atomic layer nanofabrication system for multi-functional applications. This project aims to establish a multifunctional atomic layer nanofabrication facility in Sydney with the capacity to provide services nation-wide. The facility has powerful capabilities to produce mono-atom thin films, nanosize powders and two-dimensional nanostructures of a variety of materials, including elemental metals, metal oxides, metal nitrides, metal sulfides, metal-metal compounds, and polymers. This will significantly enhance Australian research and industrial activities in the areas of renewable energy production and storage, microelectronics, chemical and bio-sensors, protective coatings, flexible electronic devices, and catalysis.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH180100020
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,058,152.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Integrated Energy Storage Solutions. The ARC Research Hub for Integrated Energy Storage Solutions aims to develop advanced energy storage technologies, including printed batteries, structural supercapacitors, innovative fuel cells and power-to-gas systems. It plans to integrate these storage solutions with existing energy networks and applications using novel storage monitoring, control and optimisation technologies. The Hub is expected to generate new knowledge in storage t ....ARC Research Hub for Integrated Energy Storage Solutions. The ARC Research Hub for Integrated Energy Storage Solutions aims to develop advanced energy storage technologies, including printed batteries, structural supercapacitors, innovative fuel cells and power-to-gas systems. It plans to integrate these storage solutions with existing energy networks and applications using novel storage monitoring, control and optimisation technologies. The Hub is expected to generate new knowledge in storage technology manufacturing, control and management. Expected outcomes include cheaper and more effective storage devices and better storage integration solutions, supporting renewables, reducing carbon emissions, and improving efficiency in the energy sector. Resulting benefits include a more sustainable, secure, reliable and economically efficient energy supply. This Hub will contribute to improving the economic efficiency of Australia’s energy sector.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100098
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$230,000.00
Summary
A comprehensive gas/vapour sorption facility for the fast advancement of decarbonised energy technologies. Solutions to clean energy production, storage and use are critical to Australia’s prosperity, yet there is a significant lack of targeted research facilities for the development of the highly needed materials and technologies for powering a sustainable Australia. This facility will bring research efforts closer to practical solutions.