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Synthesis and characterisation of cadmium-free quantum dots. Quantum dots (QDs) - a highly functional class of nanocrystals - have a tremendous potential for applications in life sciences, energy conversion and electronics; however, their toxicity represents a problem for almost any utilisation. This project aims to find new synthesis methods for less toxic QDs and will thus pave the way for the use of these particles.
Designing reactivity of homogeneous and heterogeneous water-splitting catalysts using muti-dimensional site-selective spectroscopies. New classes of heterogeneous manganese-calcium water splitting catalysts analogous to the unique biological water splitting cofactor have recently emerged but with far lower catalytic rates than seen for the biological system. These new materials are promising targets for large-scale hydrogen fuel production with low cost, high efficiency and ease of manufacture. ....Designing reactivity of homogeneous and heterogeneous water-splitting catalysts using muti-dimensional site-selective spectroscopies. New classes of heterogeneous manganese-calcium water splitting catalysts analogous to the unique biological water splitting cofactor have recently emerged but with far lower catalytic rates than seen for the biological system. These new materials are promising targets for large-scale hydrogen fuel production with low cost, high efficiency and ease of manufacture. To achieve this, the performance gap between these materials and the homogenous biological catalyst must be bridged. Multi-dimensional site-selective spectroscopies, including magneto/optical resonance methods which are aimed to be developed in this project are expected to provide new, atomic level understanding of properties needed to achieve high catalytic efficiency, thus guiding rational catalyst design.Read moreRead less
Precision luminescent solar concentrators from robust quantum dot arrays. Precision luminescent solar concentrators from robust quantum dot arrays. This project aims to make luminescent solar concentrators that can harness solar energy from surfaces not suited for conventional solar cells, such as car windows. It will design, synthesise and conduct detailed energy transfer studies of robust inorganic quantum dot arrays with fit-for-purpose precise spectral properties. Synthetic light-harvesting ....Precision luminescent solar concentrators from robust quantum dot arrays. Precision luminescent solar concentrators from robust quantum dot arrays. This project aims to make luminescent solar concentrators that can harness solar energy from surfaces not suited for conventional solar cells, such as car windows. It will design, synthesise and conduct detailed energy transfer studies of robust inorganic quantum dot arrays with fit-for-purpose precise spectral properties. Synthetic light-harvesting dye arrays have often been proposed to solve bottleneck challenges in the solar energy sector but there are issues with stability, processing and their photophysical output matching market needs. This project’s dyes are expected to create market opportunities for Australian luminescent solar concentrator technology.Read moreRead less
Tuning the electrolytes for high efficiency solar splitting of water. This project will develop a new technology that uses ionic liquids and sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen to be used as a clean fuel. Australia has abundant sunlight, is very close to the growing energy markets of the Asia-Pacific region, and is ideally placed to benefit from this new technology.
Selective photocatalytic lignin biomass conversion. If the prospective ‘hydrogen economy’ is to use hydrogen as a fuel and energy carrier to replace fossil sources, vast amounts of renewable cheap hydrogen must be available. A likely candidate is catalytic water splitting by sunlight. The hydrogen can be made affordable, by coupling hydrogen production to a higher value-added stream. The aim of this project is to produce a stable, hybrid heterogenous catalyst system able to oxidise organic subst ....Selective photocatalytic lignin biomass conversion. If the prospective ‘hydrogen economy’ is to use hydrogen as a fuel and energy carrier to replace fossil sources, vast amounts of renewable cheap hydrogen must be available. A likely candidate is catalytic water splitting by sunlight. The hydrogen can be made affordable, by coupling hydrogen production to a higher value-added stream. The aim of this project is to produce a stable, hybrid heterogenous catalyst system able to oxidise organic substrates derived from lignin biomass as an adjunct to visible light hydrogen generation from water. The significance will be to provide fuels and organic chemicals for industry from biomass, water and sunlight and catalytically remediate waste water with sunlight.Read moreRead less
Interactions, phase behavior and self-assembly of colloidal nanorods: Establishing design rules for creating new nano-structured materials. This project aims to apply new computational methods developed by the applicant to characterise the interactions between colloidal nanorods and their self-assembly in the presence of interfaces and directional interactions. While nanoparticles can currently be made in a staggering array of shapes, patterns and materials, organising such objects into extended ....Interactions, phase behavior and self-assembly of colloidal nanorods: Establishing design rules for creating new nano-structured materials. This project aims to apply new computational methods developed by the applicant to characterise the interactions between colloidal nanorods and their self-assembly in the presence of interfaces and directional interactions. While nanoparticles can currently be made in a staggering array of shapes, patterns and materials, organising such objects into extended structures that could revolutionise technology remains a challenge. The expected outcome is a robust strategy for making monolayer films of rods aligned perpendicular to a variety of interfaces for the fabrication of solar cells, microfiltration membranes and biosensors.Read moreRead less
Chemical physics for nanotechnology and biotechnology. Computational methods solving the motions of electrons and nuclei will be developed and applied to the science and technology of single-molecule devices. Applications include design of extremely dense memories, photosynthesis, design of a new type of solar cell, concepts in quantum computing, and high-quality protein structure determination.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100158
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,000.00
Summary
Supercontinuum fibre laser consortium for the chemical and materials sciences. A supercontinuum fibre laser facility will be established across nodes at The University of Adelaide and The University of Melbourne, and used to probe the chemical basis of photosynthesis, explore the properties of organic solar cell materials and biomaterials, develop efficient metal catalysts, and detect metal vapours in gases.
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: DE130100970
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,600.00
Summary
Solar energy conversion: illuminating the origin of long-lived charge-separated states in organic donor/acceptor blends. The origin of exceptionally long-lived charges in organic donor/acceptor solid-state blends will be established. This will substantially enhance the efficiency and commercial viability of applications that rely on these long-lived charge-separated states, such as organic solar cells.