Molecular signatures of complex photodissociation reactions. All energy on earth comes from the sun, either directly (e.g photosynthesis) or indirectly (e.g fossil fuels). Photochemistry is the study of how this light is absorbed and what happens to a molecule afterwards. Despite significant experimental and theoretical advances in the past decade (some in our lab), scientists still cannot predict the outcomes of most photochemical reactions. In this project we will determine the reactivity o ....Molecular signatures of complex photodissociation reactions. All energy on earth comes from the sun, either directly (e.g photosynthesis) or indirectly (e.g fossil fuels). Photochemistry is the study of how this light is absorbed and what happens to a molecule afterwards. Despite significant experimental and theoretical advances in the past decade (some in our lab), scientists still cannot predict the outcomes of most photochemical reactions. In this project we will determine the reactivity of several small, fundamental organic molecules. Not only are these molecules pollutants around our cities, but discovery of how they react in the presence of light will allow us to understand and predict the photochemistry of a much wider range of organic species.Read moreRead less
Helium droplets: a nanoscale laboratory for studying intermolecular bonding and chemical reactivity. This type of research requires a rather complicated apparatus capable of creating a stream of helium droplets, embedding molecules and interrogating their properties using laser spectroscopy. The apparatus built in Sydney is the only one capable of this in Australia and using this new apparatus we will create many novel, bizarre and intriguing aggregates of molecules and atoms. The project involv ....Helium droplets: a nanoscale laboratory for studying intermolecular bonding and chemical reactivity. This type of research requires a rather complicated apparatus capable of creating a stream of helium droplets, embedding molecules and interrogating their properties using laser spectroscopy. The apparatus built in Sydney is the only one capable of this in Australia and using this new apparatus we will create many novel, bizarre and intriguing aggregates of molecules and atoms. The project involves cutting-edge scientific methods and will shift the boundaries of can-do science in the laser laboratory at the University of Sydney and in Australia in general.Read moreRead less
Predicting Environmental Effects on Structure and Reactivity. This project tackles one of the most important and fundamental problems in theoretical chemistry: solvent effects on chemical reactions. The new methods and computer programs generated will be freely available to the Australian (and international) scientific communitities and will further enhance Australia's strong reputation in Theoretical Chemistry.
The applications chosen will allow new technologies in biosensing and strategies in ....Predicting Environmental Effects on Structure and Reactivity. This project tackles one of the most important and fundamental problems in theoretical chemistry: solvent effects on chemical reactions. The new methods and computer programs generated will be freely available to the Australian (and international) scientific communitities and will further enhance Australia's strong reputation in Theoretical Chemistry.
The applications chosen will allow new technologies in biosensing and strategies in computational drug design to be investigated. This will benefit the Australian biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and may substantially aid in understanding the mechanism and treatment of disease. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100118
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,000.00
Summary
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy facilities for the Sydney region. The determination of molecular structure is crucial in the chemical and biomolecular sciences, leading to the development of new drugs and other types of molecules and providing an understanding of how molecules interact with each other. The requested equipment will provide the ability for researchers in the Sydney region to advance our knowledge at this fundamental level by expanding the number and types of experiments th ....Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy facilities for the Sydney region. The determination of molecular structure is crucial in the chemical and biomolecular sciences, leading to the development of new drugs and other types of molecules and providing an understanding of how molecules interact with each other. The requested equipment will provide the ability for researchers in the Sydney region to advance our knowledge at this fundamental level by expanding the number and types of experiments that can be performed.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100135
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,000.00
Summary
Federated single crystal X-ray structural analysis facility. X-ray crystallography is the most widely applied method for the determination of three-dimensional molecular structures. These structures range in size from small systems such as materials and pharmaceuticals through to large biological structures such as proteins. This application will provide a multidisciplinary facility covering the structural characterisation needs of chemistry, pharmacy, biology, and medicine. This will position l ....Federated single crystal X-ray structural analysis facility. X-ray crystallography is the most widely applied method for the determination of three-dimensional molecular structures. These structures range in size from small systems such as materials and pharmaceuticals through to large biological structures such as proteins. This application will provide a multidisciplinary facility covering the structural characterisation needs of chemistry, pharmacy, biology, and medicine. This will position local universities for key scientific breakthroughs that benefit the Australian community by providing improved healthcare technologies, and processes. Furthermore, access to this world-class facility will provide state-of-the-art training for undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775676
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,000.00
Summary
An X-ray Diffraction Facility for Molecular Structure Determination. Characterisation of new chemical compounds demands proof of molecular structure. Whether for the identification of a new drug candidate, a material with novel properties or in the exploration of previously unknown types of compounds, X-ray crystallography is the definitive technique for this purpose. This proposal is for an X-ray diffractometer that will significantly enhance the capabilities of all synthetic and natural produc ....An X-ray Diffraction Facility for Molecular Structure Determination. Characterisation of new chemical compounds demands proof of molecular structure. Whether for the identification of a new drug candidate, a material with novel properties or in the exploration of previously unknown types of compounds, X-ray crystallography is the definitive technique for this purpose. This proposal is for an X-ray diffractometer that will significantly enhance the capabilities of all synthetic and natural products chemistry research programs undertaken at the Universities of Queensland and Newcastle, all currently in receipt of ARC funding. This research is aligned with the ARC National Research Priorities, of Promoting and Maintaining Good Health and Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries.Read moreRead less
Thin Films of Oxide Ceramics. Aluminium oxide films are used extensively in the Australian industries of Protective & Decorative Coatings (examples include door-knobs and cutting-tools). The industry will be offered a remarkably simple process for preparation of high quality films. In the microelectronic industry, the uses of aluminium oxide films as a dielectric alternative to silicon dioxide has just started to emerge world - wide and this new process would make a dramatic impact with commerci ....Thin Films of Oxide Ceramics. Aluminium oxide films are used extensively in the Australian industries of Protective & Decorative Coatings (examples include door-knobs and cutting-tools). The industry will be offered a remarkably simple process for preparation of high quality films. In the microelectronic industry, the uses of aluminium oxide films as a dielectric alternative to silicon dioxide has just started to emerge world - wide and this new process would make a dramatic impact with commercial benefits for Australia. Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354775
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
Australian Synchrotron Sciences Network. A synchrotron light source is a critical piece of infrastructure for a modern technological nation. In 2001, the Victorian government announced that it would contribute $157M towards the establishment of a national synchrotron facility, becoming operational in 2007. The research performed at such a facility is exceedingly diverse, and often the underpinning technology is the only point of contact for users. A vibrant and productive facility requires a tra ....Australian Synchrotron Sciences Network. A synchrotron light source is a critical piece of infrastructure for a modern technological nation. In 2001, the Victorian government announced that it would contribute $157M towards the establishment of a national synchrotron facility, becoming operational in 2007. The research performed at such a facility is exceedingly diverse, and often the underpinning technology is the only point of contact for users. A vibrant and productive facility requires a transparent interface between the scientist and the technology. This Network will set up the communication channels within the user base, and between the users and the facility development program.Read moreRead less
Structural and Electronic Properties of Layered Bismuth Oxides. A systematic study of the role of cation substitutions and temperature on the structural and electronic properties of a number of layered bismuth oxides will undertaken with the aim of developing improved ferroelectric materials for use in electronic devices.
Complex Phenomena and Phase Transitions in Ferroric Perovskites. The ultimate aim of this project is to identify high performance, multiferroic magnetoelectrics suitable for use in the next generation electronic devices. These oxides exhibit a strong interaction between the polarisation and magnetic response. Understanding the factors that control the response of such materials to applied magnetic and electric fields is critical to the discovery, optimization and, ultimately, industrial exploi ....Complex Phenomena and Phase Transitions in Ferroric Perovskites. The ultimate aim of this project is to identify high performance, multiferroic magnetoelectrics suitable for use in the next generation electronic devices. These oxides exhibit a strong interaction between the polarisation and magnetic response. Understanding the factors that control the response of such materials to applied magnetic and electric fields is critical to the discovery, optimization and, ultimately, industrial exploitation of such materials. Through comprehensive experimental and theoretical studies of a number of such materials this project will enhance the ability of industry to develop new and improved materials. Development of advanced materials is a designated National Research Priority area. Read moreRead less