Advanced lanthanide-doped nanomaterials for new-generation security inks. Current security labelling technologies using pattern coding (“barcoding”) and/or UV-excited phosphorescent inks are relatively easily counterfeited. The project aims to identify optimal design, fabrication and surface treatment of infrared-excited lanthanide nanoparticles for use as pigments in UV-curable polymer inks. This is expected to result in a new-generation of jet-printable security inks with ultimate capability f ....Advanced lanthanide-doped nanomaterials for new-generation security inks. Current security labelling technologies using pattern coding (“barcoding”) and/or UV-excited phosphorescent inks are relatively easily counterfeited. The project aims to identify optimal design, fabrication and surface treatment of infrared-excited lanthanide nanoparticles for use as pigments in UV-curable polymer inks. This is expected to result in a new-generation of jet-printable security inks with ultimate capability for multidimensional coding (using multiple luminescence wavelengths and lifetimes) and robust readability. Expected outcomes are world leadership in codable inks for secure labelling against counterfeiting, greatly enhancing both global ink-product sales and the value of Australian exports subject to product substitution.Read moreRead less
Next generation easy-clean lenses by robust liquid-repellent nanotextures. This project aims to produce better performing self-cleaning lenses, which are less likely to get dirty and are easy to clean. It will develop water and oil repellent coatings with superior optical transparency and mechanical, solvent and UV stability for both hard coated and anti-reflection coated optical lenses. Engineering of stable, ultra-liquid repellent nanomaterials on transparent surfaces will create a foundation ....Next generation easy-clean lenses by robust liquid-repellent nanotextures. This project aims to produce better performing self-cleaning lenses, which are less likely to get dirty and are easy to clean. It will develop water and oil repellent coatings with superior optical transparency and mechanical, solvent and UV stability for both hard coated and anti-reflection coated optical lenses. Engineering of stable, ultra-liquid repellent nanomaterials on transparent surfaces will create a foundation of knowledge for the industrial development of the future generation of easy care coatings, with vast application potential.Read moreRead less
Harnessing Interlayer Biexcitons in Atomically Thin Heterostructures. This project aims to investigate the generation of high-quality quantum light sources by harnessing interlayer biexcitons in atomically thin heterostructures. This research expects to expand our understanding of fundamental physics of photon pair generation in atomically thin heterostructures. The expected outcome is demonstration of a prototype light-weight and intense quantum photon source based on novel materials, which can ....Harnessing Interlayer Biexcitons in Atomically Thin Heterostructures. This project aims to investigate the generation of high-quality quantum light sources by harnessing interlayer biexcitons in atomically thin heterostructures. This research expects to expand our understanding of fundamental physics of photon pair generation in atomically thin heterostructures. The expected outcome is demonstration of a prototype light-weight and intense quantum photon source based on novel materials, which can be readily integrated with photonic circuits for quantum communication technologies, enbling the developments of light weight portable devices, such as mobile phones, displays, and wearable photonics. This research could strengthen the development of new industries and lead to job creation in Australia. Read moreRead less
Clay nanoparticle-facilitated RNAi for non-transgenic modification of crops. This project aims to define the most effective spray formulations, consisting of clay nanoparticles and induced RNA interference (RNAi) to manipulate gene expression in plants. Topical application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for RNAi represents an attractive alternative to genetically engineered crops. However, naked dsRNA is unstable and is not efficiently taken up by plants. For these reasons, topical application o ....Clay nanoparticle-facilitated RNAi for non-transgenic modification of crops. This project aims to define the most effective spray formulations, consisting of clay nanoparticles and induced RNA interference (RNAi) to manipulate gene expression in plants. Topical application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for RNAi represents an attractive alternative to genetically engineered crops. However, naked dsRNA is unstable and is not efficiently taken up by plants. For these reasons, topical application of dsRNA has thus far produced only modest induction of RNAi in plants. Nanoparticle-facilitated manipulation of gene expression in plants will enable sustainable clean green strategies for protecting crops from diseases. This project will result in improved crop protection and productivity and boost the export potential of Australian crops.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101102
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,748.00
Summary
Single-Atom Catalysts on Atomically Thin Nanomaterials for H2O2 Production. Single-atomic sites supported on graphene analogs is an ideal structural mode for the design of electrocatalysts due to its ultimate small size limit, atomic thickness, and easily tuned electronic properties. This project aims to use a theory-guided approach to develop efficient electrocatalysts for the production of value-added hydrogen peroxide. The structural advantages of graphene analogs will be fully utilised to un ....Single-Atom Catalysts on Atomically Thin Nanomaterials for H2O2 Production. Single-atomic sites supported on graphene analogs is an ideal structural mode for the design of electrocatalysts due to its ultimate small size limit, atomic thickness, and easily tuned electronic properties. This project aims to use a theory-guided approach to develop efficient electrocatalysts for the production of value-added hydrogen peroxide. The structural advantages of graphene analogs will be fully utilised to unlock the catalytic power of single-atomic sites, and consequently achieve high catalytic activity and selectivity. The outcome will set a solid scientific foundation to enable economically viable technologies for eco-friendly hydrogen peroxide production and bring significant socioeconomic benefits to Australia.Read moreRead less
Scalable and reversible computing with integrated nanomechanics. This project aims to build the first scalable computing architecture based on nanomechanical motion, integrated on a silicon chip and proven in harsh environments. This could extend the performance of computers in space and high-radiation environments, e.g. allowing robust satellite stabilisation. The project will leverage our know-how in phononics and nanofabrication to enable previously unprecedented control of nanomechanical mot ....Scalable and reversible computing with integrated nanomechanics. This project aims to build the first scalable computing architecture based on nanomechanical motion, integrated on a silicon chip and proven in harsh environments. This could extend the performance of computers in space and high-radiation environments, e.g. allowing robust satellite stabilisation. The project will leverage our know-how in phononics and nanofabrication to enable previously unprecedented control of nanomechanical motion, and exquisitely low energy dissipation. It aims to construct a nanomechanical processor capable of digital servo control, built from nanomechanical waveguides, transistors, logic gates and analogue-to-digital converters. It will also develop reversible logic gates, a key step towards ultralow-power computing.Read moreRead less
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
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100417
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$452,347.00
Summary
Light-emitting devices for next-generation optoelectronic applications. High-efficiency, multifunction light sources are essential in the new era of intelligent connectivity and hyper-automation for emerging applications in advanced display technologies (e.g., holographic/augmented reality displays), communication devices (e.g., 6th-generation (6G) telecommunication networks), and optical sensing (e.g., for self-driving vehicles & robotics). Realising such devices requires a paradigm shift in op ....Light-emitting devices for next-generation optoelectronic applications. High-efficiency, multifunction light sources are essential in the new era of intelligent connectivity and hyper-automation for emerging applications in advanced display technologies (e.g., holographic/augmented reality displays), communication devices (e.g., 6th-generation (6G) telecommunication networks), and optical sensing (e.g., for self-driving vehicles & robotics). Realising such devices requires a paradigm shift in optical technology beyond conventional optics. This project aims to develop new light-emitting device concepts that can deliver the technical requirements of these applications by tailoring advanced nanophotonic technologies and recent breakthroughs in advanced functional materials. Read moreRead less
Development and investigation of functional solid-state nano-pore membranes. This project aims to develop robust membranes with molecular size pores using atomically thin layers and silicon-based materials. Using state-of-the-art characterisation techniques and computer simulations it seeks to derive a fundamental understanding of the membrane formation processes and pore properties. Expected outcomes include industrially compatible fabrication processes that should enable rapid integration of t ....Development and investigation of functional solid-state nano-pore membranes. This project aims to develop robust membranes with molecular size pores using atomically thin layers and silicon-based materials. Using state-of-the-art characterisation techniques and computer simulations it seeks to derive a fundamental understanding of the membrane formation processes and pore properties. Expected outcomes include industrially compatible fabrication processes that should enable rapid integration of the membranes into advanced device applications as well as enhancing national capabilities for materials characterisation. Significant benefits should result from novel applications of the technologies in the areas of medical- and bio-sensing, filtration, and lab-on-the-chip devices.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180100070
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$368,446.00
Summary
Optical wavelength conversion in nonlinear dielectric nano-resonators. This project aims to uncover new opportunities to change the colour of light on the nanoscale, taking advantage of revolutionary advances in high-precision nano-fabrication. It will bring deeper understanding of the interaction between light and matter in dielectric resonators with sizes smaller than the visible light wavelength. This is expected to open a pathway for new telecommunication and microscopy-related technologies ....Optical wavelength conversion in nonlinear dielectric nano-resonators. This project aims to uncover new opportunities to change the colour of light on the nanoscale, taking advantage of revolutionary advances in high-precision nano-fabrication. It will bring deeper understanding of the interaction between light and matter in dielectric resonators with sizes smaller than the visible light wavelength. This is expected to open a pathway for new telecommunication and microscopy-related technologies and move towards increasing energy efficiency, scalability and security of optical communication networks of the future.Read moreRead less