Nanotribology and Nanorheometry: A Fundamental Study of the Dynamic Interactions of Particles and Surfaces at the Molecular Level. Friction and deformation occur from the mutual motion and interaction of microscopic particles and surfaces. This research aims to develop new theories and measurement techniques for these non-equilibrium phenomena by combining mathematical analysis and numerical computations with dynamic force measurement, surface modification, and surface characterisation on nanom ....Nanotribology and Nanorheometry: A Fundamental Study of the Dynamic Interactions of Particles and Surfaces at the Molecular Level. Friction and deformation occur from the mutual motion and interaction of microscopic particles and surfaces. This research aims to develop new theories and measurement techniques for these non-equilibrium phenomena by combining mathematical analysis and numerical computations with dynamic force measurement, surface modification, and surface characterisation on nanometre and molecular length scales. These insights and data will be critically important in designing low-friction surfaces that save energy and wear, in developing nanoscopic probes for the mechanical and structural properties of soft polymeric and bio-materials, and in making high performance coatings that control adhesion and particle aggregation in technologically advanced applications.Read moreRead less
Development of a New Type of Large-Area Robust Superhydrophobic Surfaces (MWN). Electrochemical manipulation will be used to produce robust metal surfaces of controlled roughness and characteristic size of the surface features in the 10-1000 nanometre range. Subsequent surface modification (e.g. self-assembled monolayers, silane chemisorption, plasma polymer deposition) will render these surfaces superhydrophobic. The surfaces will have highly depressed adhesion properties and hence a significan ....Development of a New Type of Large-Area Robust Superhydrophobic Surfaces (MWN). Electrochemical manipulation will be used to produce robust metal surfaces of controlled roughness and characteristic size of the surface features in the 10-1000 nanometre range. Subsequent surface modification (e.g. self-assembled monolayers, silane chemisorption, plasma polymer deposition) will render these surfaces superhydrophobic. The surfaces will have highly depressed adhesion properties and hence a significantly improved chemical resistance and corrosion stability. A viable procedure for the making of polymer imprints from the metal surfaces will be developed. This will form the basis of a new method for cheap fabrication of various superhydrophobic surfaces with large areas and specific functionality.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100146
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$800,000.00
Summary
Ultra high vacuum scanning probe microscope facility. Ultra high-vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy underpins advances in the understanding of novel materials for electronics, engineering and medical applications, including thin-films, nanostructures, advanced semiconductors, nanostructured (organic or inorganic) conductors, and nanoscale interfaces (heteronanostructures). It is a core technique underpinning the new Superscience agenda in Future Technologies. A number of present and future re ....Ultra high vacuum scanning probe microscope facility. Ultra high-vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy underpins advances in the understanding of novel materials for electronics, engineering and medical applications, including thin-films, nanostructures, advanced semiconductors, nanostructured (organic or inorganic) conductors, and nanoscale interfaces (heteronanostructures). It is a core technique underpinning the new Superscience agenda in Future Technologies. A number of present and future research fields will benefit from the presence of this instrument, which will enhance Australia's competitiveness in nanotechnology research and development. Training of PhD and graduate students in this area is essential to exploit the potentiality of nanotechnology for the future benefit of Australia.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989068
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,120.00
Summary
Equipment for Metastable Induced Electron Spectroscopy: surface analysis with excellent surface sensitivity. One of the major research strengths of Australia is surface science as it is important for both fundamental and industry related research. In many cases it is crucial to investigate the outermost layer of a material or mineral. Metastable Induced Electron Spectroscopy is an ideal technique as it is sensitive exclusively to the outermost layer of a broad range of samples. The information g ....Equipment for Metastable Induced Electron Spectroscopy: surface analysis with excellent surface sensitivity. One of the major research strengths of Australia is surface science as it is important for both fundamental and industry related research. In many cases it is crucial to investigate the outermost layer of a material or mineral. Metastable Induced Electron Spectroscopy is an ideal technique as it is sensitive exclusively to the outermost layer of a broad range of samples. The information gained is not accessible by any other method. The proposed equipment will be the first of this type in Australia and will complement existing surface science facilities. The project will enhance Australia's position in surface science internationally and a large number of projects will benefit from access to the equipment.Read moreRead less
Novel Tunable Nanostructured Electrodes. This project aims to build novel, highly efficient electrodes using a nanostructured layer approach. The layers are proposed to be made of chirally-selected carbon nanotubes, conducting polymers and charge carrier blocking layers and provide tunable energy pathways for electrons and holes. The project aims to probe these pathways to understand carrier lifetimes and how charge is transported from one layer to the next, ultimately leading to an ability tune ....Novel Tunable Nanostructured Electrodes. This project aims to build novel, highly efficient electrodes using a nanostructured layer approach. The layers are proposed to be made of chirally-selected carbon nanotubes, conducting polymers and charge carrier blocking layers and provide tunable energy pathways for electrons and holes. The project aims to probe these pathways to understand carrier lifetimes and how charge is transported from one layer to the next, ultimately leading to an ability tune electrodes such that matched 'downhill' energetic pathways exist leading to unprecedented charge carrying capability. The electrode properties can be tuned with the selection of the layer materials and is expected to find applications in fields ranging from photovoltaics to sensors to electronics.Read moreRead less