Multifunctional mixed matrix membranes incorporating aligned carbon nanotubes. The pressure on water supplies in Australia will only increase in coming years meaning that effective and cheap means of recycling water must be found. By developing a carbon nanotube-based water filtration system, we intend to promote the growth of Australia's world-class reputation in water remediation. The technological outcomes from this research will lead to direct economic and environmental benefits for the comm ....Multifunctional mixed matrix membranes incorporating aligned carbon nanotubes. The pressure on water supplies in Australia will only increase in coming years meaning that effective and cheap means of recycling water must be found. By developing a carbon nanotube-based water filtration system, we intend to promote the growth of Australia's world-class reputation in water remediation. The technological outcomes from this research will lead to direct economic and environmental benefits for the community and offer commercial opportunities for industry. Training research scientists of the future forms an integral part of our program as it is crucial to maintain a critical mass in this potentially forthcoming water based economy.
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Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101788
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Shape sorting of nanoparticles at oil-water interfaces in microchannels. This project aims to study the effect of shape on the adsorption of nanoparticles at an oil/water interface and develop a rapid, inexpensive, efficient, versatile method for shape sorting of nanoparticles using a microfluidic approach. This technique can be applied for fractionation of synthetic nanoparticles, biosample analysis and environmental monitoring.
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
Electrochemical sensors as early alert screening tools for water quality assessment. This project will impact on water safety assessment and provide better management tools for water pollutant control. It will address a real need to develop on-line detection technologies for application in the water industry and will demonstrate the potential broad applicability of this technology to a wide range of analytes of concern.
Engineered Nanotube Membranes for Molecular Separation and Biosensing. This broad research effort on the development of nanotube technology will provide potential applications not just in separation and biosensors but also in nanotechnology, biotechnology, drug delivery, energy storage, and catalysis. Development of advanced separation technologies and ultra sensitive biosensing devices based on functionalised gold nanotube membranes and low-cost fabrications are an important direction for Austr ....Engineered Nanotube Membranes for Molecular Separation and Biosensing. This broad research effort on the development of nanotube technology will provide potential applications not just in separation and biosensors but also in nanotechnology, biotechnology, drug delivery, energy storage, and catalysis. Development of advanced separation technologies and ultra sensitive biosensing devices based on functionalised gold nanotube membranes and low-cost fabrications are an important direction for Australian innovation in these fields. They will bring competitive advantages for further developments and applications for molecular separation and biomedical diagnostics. These research outcomes will enhance Australia's capacity in frontier technology and build strength in new analytical and separation technologies.Read moreRead less
Optimising Froth Zone Performance in Mineral Flotation. Froth flotation is the most widely applied technique for the selective separation of valuable mineral from gangue mineral particles. This project aims to optimize the selective separation of valuable minerals from gangue minerals within the froth zone of flotation. This project has very high national significance as deficiencies in the froth zone performance of industrial flotation plants, leads to a significant loss of valuable mineral f ....Optimising Froth Zone Performance in Mineral Flotation. Froth flotation is the most widely applied technique for the selective separation of valuable mineral from gangue mineral particles. This project aims to optimize the selective separation of valuable minerals from gangue minerals within the froth zone of flotation. This project has very high national significance as deficiencies in the froth zone performance of industrial flotation plants, leads to a significant loss of valuable mineral from mineral concentrates, as well as a reduction in concentrate grade and quality. An expected outcome of this project will be a series of new tools and methodologies to optimize froth zone performance, which will have industry wide application.Read moreRead less
Lab-on-a-chip mass spectrometry tools for testing illicit drugs. This project aims to develop fit-for-purpose mass spectrometry tools for roadside and workplace testing of illicit drugs. The technology will be based on nanostructured semiconductor chips that are surface-functionalised to enable molecular capture without extensive sample processing and subsequent detection by a novel combination of techniques. The technology is expected to be applicable to saliva, sweat and urine samples.
Correlation between surface force and morphology of self-assembled monolayer. As a most potential solid support for biological molecules without denaturing their functions, gold thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been studied extensively for surface fabrication. In this project we will prepare functional monolayers using newly synthesized thiol derivatives, evaluate correlation between surface force and surface morphology of the SAMs using the surface forces apparatus, and optimize the ....Correlation between surface force and morphology of self-assembled monolayer. As a most potential solid support for biological molecules without denaturing their functions, gold thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been studied extensively for surface fabrication. In this project we will prepare functional monolayers using newly synthesized thiol derivatives, evaluate correlation between surface force and surface morphology of the SAMs using the surface forces apparatus, and optimize the condition to fabricate biological devices such as immune sensors.Read moreRead less
Optimizing tailings dewatering through interfacial chemistry and particle interactions. This project aims to improve the dewatering behaviour of waste tailings from mineral processing activites. Dewatering and disposal of tailings containing fine particles are serious issues which confront the mineral industry. Effective dewatering of tailings is determined by particle-solution interfacial chemistry and particle interactions. These properties will be manipulated by matching the molecular arch ....Optimizing tailings dewatering through interfacial chemistry and particle interactions. This project aims to improve the dewatering behaviour of waste tailings from mineral processing activites. Dewatering and disposal of tailings containing fine particles are serious issues which confront the mineral industry. Effective dewatering of tailings is determined by particle-solution interfacial chemistry and particle interactions. These properties will be manipulated by matching the molecular architecture and functionality of flocculants to mineral particle surface chemistry. Optimization of tails interfacial chemistry and particle interactions through conventional and non-conventional flocculants will be investigated and electoosmosis will be applied to achieve maximum dewatering behaviour.The scientific and environmental outcomes will be beneficial to all stakeholders.Read moreRead less