Soil microbial ecology and function in forest nutrient cycling: Improving the understanding and management with bio-molecular and stable isotope techniques. An improved understanding of soil microbial ecology and function is required to advance our knowledge and management of important carbon and nutrient cycling processes underpinning forest productivity and sustainability. Recent advances in bio-molecular techniques and application of stable isotope 13C and 15N methodologies have highlighted t ....Soil microbial ecology and function in forest nutrient cycling: Improving the understanding and management with bio-molecular and stable isotope techniques. An improved understanding of soil microbial ecology and function is required to advance our knowledge and management of important carbon and nutrient cycling processes underpinning forest productivity and sustainability. Recent advances in bio-molecular techniques and application of stable isotope 13C and 15N methodologies have highlighted the exciting opportunities and potential for studying soil microbial ecology and function in forest nutrient cycling. These innovative bio-molecular and stable isotope techniques will be effectively used to examine the impacts of management practices and global change on the soil carbon and nutrient cycling processes for enhancing both productivity and environmental benefits of forest ecosystems.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882787
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,000.00
Summary
An Integrated Raman Microscope and in Situ STM-TEM Analysis System. The imaging and analytical capabilities of SEM and chemical and structural characterisation afforded by Raman spectroscopy will be unique, allowing both rapid morphological observation and elemental analysis at the macro and nanoscale. The in-situ TEM holder will further assist through in-situ characterization of advanced materials at the nano-scale level. In combination, these instruments will underpin groundbreaking research i ....An Integrated Raman Microscope and in Situ STM-TEM Analysis System. The imaging and analytical capabilities of SEM and chemical and structural characterisation afforded by Raman spectroscopy will be unique, allowing both rapid morphological observation and elemental analysis at the macro and nanoscale. The in-situ TEM holder will further assist through in-situ characterization of advanced materials at the nano-scale level. In combination, these instruments will underpin groundbreaking research in diverse research fields developing new advanced nanomaterials and bio-nanomaterials with significant impact on many industries with great economical and environmental benefits. Read moreRead less
Development of an efficient oxygen-thiosulfate process for the recovery of gold from ores. Gold is currently recovered from the ore by a cyanide leaching process. This high risk procedure is used because there is currently no safe alternative. The research we propose to undertake will investigate a novel thiosulfate-oxygen process to dissolve gold. Successful completion of the project will identify the mechanism of the process and could lead to the replacement of the highly toxic cyanide with th ....Development of an efficient oxygen-thiosulfate process for the recovery of gold from ores. Gold is currently recovered from the ore by a cyanide leaching process. This high risk procedure is used because there is currently no safe alternative. The research we propose to undertake will investigate a novel thiosulfate-oxygen process to dissolve gold. Successful completion of the project will identify the mechanism of the process and could lead to the replacement of the highly toxic cyanide with the non toxic thiosulfate. Thus the proposed project has the potential to substantially alter the gold recovery process, particularly in an era where environmental and public concerns exist over the use of cyanide.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0347937
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
Imaging Raman Spectrometer. An Imaging Raman spectrometer generates image maps 10x faster than older instruments and is required to meet escalating demand. This results from innovative use of Raman to characterise organics, polymers, thin films and biomaterials, which underpins rapidly evolving research in nanotechnology and biotechnology. Many innovations have come from QUT's Centre for Instrumental and Developmental Chemistry, which will host the spectrometer and is a key resource for all Qu ....Imaging Raman Spectrometer. An Imaging Raman spectrometer generates image maps 10x faster than older instruments and is required to meet escalating demand. This results from innovative use of Raman to characterise organics, polymers, thin films and biomaterials, which underpins rapidly evolving research in nanotechnology and biotechnology. Many innovations have come from QUT's Centre for Instrumental and Developmental Chemistry, which will host the spectrometer and is a key resource for all Queensland universities. The availability of its high quality spectroscopic facility has enabled leading edge developments by local companies and the Imaging Raman spectrometer will significantly accelerate and enhance current and future project outcomes.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0560680
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$901,862.00
Summary
Vibrational Spectroscopy Microprobe/FESEM/AFM Imaging of Cells, Tissues and Materials. State-of-the-art vibrational mapping and imaging equipment (integrated with a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM)) will provide enabling technologies for cutting-edge research in disease diagnosis, identification of pathogens, mapping of the entry and distribution of pharmaceutics into cells, and materials research. An InVia Renishaw Raman spectrometer (sub ....Vibrational Spectroscopy Microprobe/FESEM/AFM Imaging of Cells, Tissues and Materials. State-of-the-art vibrational mapping and imaging equipment (integrated with a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM)) will provide enabling technologies for cutting-edge research in disease diagnosis, identification of pathogens, mapping of the entry and distribution of pharmaceutics into cells, and materials research. An InVia Renishaw Raman spectrometer (sub-micron spatial positioning and micron spatial resolution) will be interfaced to an FEI Quanta FESEM for combined Raman (spectroscopic), EDS and SEM (morphological) imaging/mapping at the sub-cellular level. Complementary new-generation Raman and IR spectrometer upgrades will provide an integrated world-class equipment platform.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0667984
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$210,000.00
Summary
Near Excitation Raman Micro Spectrometer. The unique properties of nanomaterials have recently been fully realized, and their use has resulted in new technologies, transforming industrial processes. Our research teams at Griffith, Monash and Queensland University of Technology develop optimal, nanostructured materials for technological applications. To maintain a competitive edge in this research, we require a near excitation Raman spectrometer. Used in-situ, it rapidly yields structural infor ....Near Excitation Raman Micro Spectrometer. The unique properties of nanomaterials have recently been fully realized, and their use has resulted in new technologies, transforming industrial processes. Our research teams at Griffith, Monash and Queensland University of Technology develop optimal, nanostructured materials for technological applications. To maintain a competitive edge in this research, we require a near excitation Raman spectrometer. Used in-situ, it rapidly yields structural information on the materials, enabling their formation and function to be better understood. This information will allow enhanced design and synthesis of nanomaterials, producing advanced products and processes for the energy, biotechnology, environmental and mining fields.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0237888
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$580,000.00
Summary
An advanced facility for materials characterisation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is a powerful technique for determining the chemical makeup of the top few Angstroms of a solid material. It has very wide applicability in materials science research, and industry problem solving. Brisbane Surface Analysis Facility has nearly twenty years experience in the use of XPS in the study of advanced materials, polymers, thin films and metallurgy. While the existing instrument is still functional, i ....An advanced facility for materials characterisation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is a powerful technique for determining the chemical makeup of the top few Angstroms of a solid material. It has very wide applicability in materials science research, and industry problem solving. Brisbane Surface Analysis Facility has nearly twenty years experience in the use of XPS in the study of advanced materials, polymers, thin films and metallurgy. While the existing instrument is still functional, it lacks the resolution and imaging capabilities of modern machines, and this proposal is intended to make state of the art imaging XPS available to Queensland institutions, to support initiatives in materials science.Read moreRead less