Charge transfer kinetics at nanostructured semiconductor surfaces. This project aims to enhance understanding of the interface science associated with charge-transfer reactions at nanostructured semiconductor surfaces. Experimental and modelling approaches will be used to unravel the contributions of surface wetting and nanostructure geometry to the kinetics of charge transfer reactions at the surfaces. Expected outcomes include an enhanced capacity to engineer nanostructured semiconductor surf ....Charge transfer kinetics at nanostructured semiconductor surfaces. This project aims to enhance understanding of the interface science associated with charge-transfer reactions at nanostructured semiconductor surfaces. Experimental and modelling approaches will be used to unravel the contributions of surface wetting and nanostructure geometry to the kinetics of charge transfer reactions at the surfaces. Expected outcomes include an enhanced capacity to engineer nanostructured semiconductor surfaces for designed functionality and an extended collaborative network which can collectively address significant problems in energy science. It is anticipated that these outcomes will be realised in reliable, low-cost metallisation for silicon photovoltaics and increased power densities for electrochemical storage systems.Read moreRead less
Metal-free catalysts for clean production of energy and hydrogen peroxide. This project aims to create novel metal-free carbon-based catalysts to replace the scarce and expensive noble metal catalysts. Noble metal catalysts are needed for clean production of electricity by fuel cells or hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen gases. A combined theoretical and experimental approach will be developed for controlled synthesis of heteroatom-doped carbon catalysts and to improve our understanding ....Metal-free catalysts for clean production of energy and hydrogen peroxide. This project aims to create novel metal-free carbon-based catalysts to replace the scarce and expensive noble metal catalysts. Noble metal catalysts are needed for clean production of electricity by fuel cells or hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen gases. A combined theoretical and experimental approach will be developed for controlled synthesis of heteroatom-doped carbon catalysts and to improve our understanding of the catalytic mechanism and structure-activity relationship for the novel carbon catalysts. The project is expected to lay fundamental groundwork for a new paradigm in carbon-based catalysts that should be of considerable significance for energy and chemical production in a clean and cost effective way.Read moreRead less
Highly-efficient, reversible fuel cell. This project aims to develop a reversible fuel cell - electrolyser capable of storing electricity (in the form of hydrogen gas) with the same overall energy efficiency as the best present storage system, pumped hydro. Whereas pumped hydro requires large infrastructure like dams, the proposed cell will be extremely inexpensive and easily scalable.