Concepts towards the next generation of dye-sensitised solar cells: tandem and plasmonic solar cells. This project aims at exploring the feasibility of novel device concepts to enhance the performance of dye-sensitised solar cells. These concepts include tandem solar cells as well as novel energy relay systems based on the ability of nanoparticles to effectively act as antenna systems that can funnel energy towards a sensitising dye molecule.
Development of novel cathodes for next generation solid oxide fuel cells. This project will provide novel cathodes to reduce the operating temperature of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) as low as 500 degrees celsius. The technology may lead to widespread utilization of SOFCs, thus providing great assistance to Australia's industries in term of reducing carbon dioxide emission and easing pressure from carbon tax.
Novel fuel-cell structures based on electroactive polymers. This project will tackle some of the challenges currently hindering progression of our society into a post-petroleum era via materials developments that will lead to in-expensive, more efficient fuel cell technologies. Specifically, a new class of organic catalysts and novel ion conducting membranes will be integrated into functional fuel-cells.
Innovative High Temperature Carbon–Air Batteries for High Power Generation. The project intends to develop carbon-air batteries which are expected to have energy density 10 times that of lithium-ion batteries. The battery is designed to use naturally-rich carbon as fuel, highly energy-efficient solid oxide fuel cells as electrochemical reactors, and an integrated mixed conducting ceramic membrane for in situ carbon dioxide separation. The success of this project would provide us with a low-carbo ....Innovative High Temperature Carbon–Air Batteries for High Power Generation. The project intends to develop carbon-air batteries which are expected to have energy density 10 times that of lithium-ion batteries. The battery is designed to use naturally-rich carbon as fuel, highly energy-efficient solid oxide fuel cells as electrochemical reactors, and an integrated mixed conducting ceramic membrane for in situ carbon dioxide separation. The success of this project would provide us with a low-carbon energy system based on Australia’s rich coal resources. New knowledge about carbon dioxide separation may also facilitate carbon dioxide sequestration in other fields.Read moreRead less
Hybrid cathode for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells. This project aims to develop molten carbonate-perovskite hybrid cathode materials for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs) possessing both high catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and high tolerance to carbon dioxide poisoning. Carbon dioxide in air can poison nearly all the perovskite cathode materials developed for LT-SOFCs (below 600 degrees C) so far. These materials will not be practically useful ....Hybrid cathode for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells. This project aims to develop molten carbonate-perovskite hybrid cathode materials for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs) possessing both high catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and high tolerance to carbon dioxide poisoning. Carbon dioxide in air can poison nearly all the perovskite cathode materials developed for LT-SOFCs (below 600 degrees C) so far. These materials will not be practically useful until carbon dioxide poisoning can be prevented. This project expects to make these LT-SOFC cathode materials commercially viable, solving a problem for the widespread use of low temperature solid oxide fuel cells.Read moreRead less
Magnetically controlled drug release from tissue scaffolds for the treatment of acute burns. Severe skin burns are frequently associated with functionally disabling scarring and the risk of death. New magnetically activated wound seals for the treatment of acute burns will be developed that reduce the need for frequent painful dressing changes and hence facilitate rapid healing with a significantly reduced chance of scarring.
Engineering the Microstructure of Electrodes for Advanced Fuel Cells. A polymer solution-based integration technique is proposed to be developed to fabricate polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, allowing for effective engineering of the porous networks and interfaces within electrodes and cells. This novel systems materials engineering approach is expected to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional hot pressing method, enabling precise integration of nanostructured electrodes and membrane ....Engineering the Microstructure of Electrodes for Advanced Fuel Cells. A polymer solution-based integration technique is proposed to be developed to fabricate polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, allowing for effective engineering of the porous networks and interfaces within electrodes and cells. This novel systems materials engineering approach is expected to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional hot pressing method, enabling precise integration of nanostructured electrodes and membrane into high-performance, flexible fuel cells. The outcomes of this research aim to provide a unique opportunity for Australia to become a world leader in the rapidly-emerging clean energy technology, and critical manufacturing of new energy generation systems for domestic uses and exports, thereby producing important economic benefits.Read moreRead less
A novel air-cooled fuel cell system. This project presents a novel cooling technology for fuel cell systems. This new design will not only save up to 50 per cent of the material cost but also leads to 20 per cent less fuel consumption compared to the existing fuel cells. This can save us billions of dollars per year with profound impact on our nation's carbon-emission-free alternative energy sources.
Atomic-scale structural characterisation of quantum-dot nanostructures for novel photovoltaic applications. This project aims to design, fabricate and characterise innovative quantum-dot solar cells in order to overcome the atomic-scale defects that limit current approaches. The scientific and engineering understanding acquired through this project will enable the rapidly growing global solar-cell industry to produce higher-efficiency III-V solar cells.
A defect mechanism for oxygen reduction reaction. This project aims to use defective carbon to replace expensive platinum as a catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. Defective carbons incorporating non-precious metals are better than platinum in terms of over-potential, current density and number of electron transfer. They reduce the overall fuel cell cost but their better stability and higher open voltage and power density promise huge commercial benefit. This project is ex ....A defect mechanism for oxygen reduction reaction. This project aims to use defective carbon to replace expensive platinum as a catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. Defective carbons incorporating non-precious metals are better than platinum in terms of over-potential, current density and number of electron transfer. They reduce the overall fuel cell cost but their better stability and higher open voltage and power density promise huge commercial benefit. This project is expected to be important for large-scale implementation of fuel cells.Read moreRead less