Ferroelectric piezoelectric materials and key problems associated with their applications in mechanical, electrical and optical energy transformations. This project aims to investigate the dynamic microstructure of ferroelectric piezoelectric materials in response to electrical fields or mechanical stresses, and therefore identify the factors enhancing the mechanical, electrical and optical couplings for intentional improvement and development of these materials for use in energy transformations ....Ferroelectric piezoelectric materials and key problems associated with their applications in mechanical, electrical and optical energy transformations. This project aims to investigate the dynamic microstructure of ferroelectric piezoelectric materials in response to electrical fields or mechanical stresses, and therefore identify the factors enhancing the mechanical, electrical and optical couplings for intentional improvement and development of these materials for use in energy transformations.Read moreRead less
Developing an Essential Research Platform for the Molecular Engineering of Photosystem II. Sunlight reaching the earth is used by plants and algae to drive photosynthesis and to store chemical energy. Possibly the most fundamental contribution photosynthesis makes to earth is to generate gaseous oxygen, the result of solar driven water-splitting chemistry. However, the mechanism behind water-splitting is not exactly known. In this proposal we will construct a new model cyanobacteria host to stu ....Developing an Essential Research Platform for the Molecular Engineering of Photosystem II. Sunlight reaching the earth is used by plants and algae to drive photosynthesis and to store chemical energy. Possibly the most fundamental contribution photosynthesis makes to earth is to generate gaseous oxygen, the result of solar driven water-splitting chemistry. However, the mechanism behind water-splitting is not exactly known. In this proposal we will construct a new model cyanobacteria host to study water splitting. The host organism will be genetically modified to enable mechanistic questions of water oxidation to be tested and will provide new and pure forms of isolated protein. This model organism will provide team of international researchers with a remarkable tool new to study photosynthesis.Read moreRead less
The charXive challenge and the clean coal quest: thermokinetic principles and methods for capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide. Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol, which Australia signed in 2007, states that a transfer of carbon credits may only take place if the associated activity provides a reduction in emissions by sources or an enhancement of removals by sinks that is additional to any that would otherwise occur. Since biochar production reduces emissions from biomass decay and transfers ....The charXive challenge and the clean coal quest: thermokinetic principles and methods for capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide. Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol, which Australia signed in 2007, states that a transfer of carbon credits may only take place if the associated activity provides a reduction in emissions by sources or an enhancement of removals by sinks that is additional to any that would otherwise occur. Since biochar production reduces emissions from biomass decay and transfers oxidized carbon from the atmosphere to the inactive black carbon pool this project will contribute to the national effort in additional greenhouse gas abatements. The Australian Government is also committed to clean coal technologies, which are expensive. An economically viable method of capturing carbon emissions from electricity generators will result from this project.Read moreRead less
Responsive porous materials for the triggered release of stored target molecules. This project will create a new generation of ultraporous materials capable of releasing a valuable molecule, stored within their pores, when an external trigger is applied. The porous materials, including metal organic frameworks and porous aromatic frameworks, will have components incorporated within them that can respond to stimuli such as ultraviolet or visible light, microwave, ultrasound, or pH change, causing ....Responsive porous materials for the triggered release of stored target molecules. This project will create a new generation of ultraporous materials capable of releasing a valuable molecule, stored within their pores, when an external trigger is applied. The porous materials, including metal organic frameworks and porous aromatic frameworks, will have components incorporated within them that can respond to stimuli such as ultraviolet or visible light, microwave, ultrasound, or pH change, causing the stored target molecule to be released. Target molecules will include carbon dioxide, fertilisers, clean burning gaseous fuels and medicines.Read moreRead less