Rational Design of Novel Multiferroic Materials for Energy Harvesting and Energy Efficiency. Multiferroics are a class of fundamentally complex materials in which several ferroic orders (for example, ferroelectric and ferromagnetic) coexist. The coupling between their electric and magnetic degrees of freedom is controllable via stress and external fields, thus opening the possibility for breakthrough technological developments. By working at the frontier of complex nanostructured oxide materials ....Rational Design of Novel Multiferroic Materials for Energy Harvesting and Energy Efficiency. Multiferroics are a class of fundamentally complex materials in which several ferroic orders (for example, ferroelectric and ferromagnetic) coexist. The coupling between their electric and magnetic degrees of freedom is controllable via stress and external fields, thus opening the possibility for breakthrough technological developments. By working at the frontier of complex nanostructured oxide materials, this project aims to establish the rational basis for systematic design of novel artificially layered multiferroics, develop accurate and computationally affordable methods to simulate these materials under finite-temperature conditions, and exploit this knowledge to devise likely revolutionary photovoltaic, nanoelectronic and energy conversion applications.Read moreRead less
Electronic functionality in nanoscale materials: from discovery to design. This project will develop innovative multifunctional carbon/boron-nitride nanomaterials by devising new strategies to manipulate their electronic functionality. Outcomes will include technological breakthroughs leading to smart materials for energy storage, greenhouse gas emission reduction and nanoelectronics.
Solving the solvent problem in chemical modelling. This project aims to produce highly accurate, user-friendly chemical solvent models using interdisciplinary theoretical chemistry techniques. The benefits of these novel models are extremely broad since chemical modelling is more impactful than traditional laboratory based techniques in solving multi-faceted modern chemical problems. The proposed outcomes of the project are significant, as they will transform how applied research solves difficul ....Solving the solvent problem in chemical modelling. This project aims to produce highly accurate, user-friendly chemical solvent models using interdisciplinary theoretical chemistry techniques. The benefits of these novel models are extremely broad since chemical modelling is more impactful than traditional laboratory based techniques in solving multi-faceted modern chemical problems. The proposed outcomes of the project are significant, as they will transform how applied research solves difficult and expensive real world chemical problems by allowing researchers to reliably include solvents in their models. It will have economic benefits for the chemical, mining and materials sectors in Australia, which represent billion-dollar industries.Read moreRead less
Simulating quantum states of matter: connecting theory to applications in science and technology. Quantum phenomena are ubiquitous and critical to the functioning of many modern technological devices, for example sensors and computer chips used in mobile phones. Although great strides have been made in recent decades in describing quantum phenomena theoretically, computational modelling is an essential ingredient to describe real experiments and devices. This project aims to develop the next gen ....Simulating quantum states of matter: connecting theory to applications in science and technology. Quantum phenomena are ubiquitous and critical to the functioning of many modern technological devices, for example sensors and computer chips used in mobile phones. Although great strides have been made in recent decades in describing quantum phenomena theoretically, computational modelling is an essential ingredient to describe real experiments and devices. This project aims to develop the next generation of computational tools aimed at two major themes: characterising topological states of matter, and modelling non-equilibrium phenomena. These tools will be invaluable for the design and modelling of quantum devices and novel materials and will enable the development of the next generation of technological devices.Read moreRead less
Information transfer in topological matter: how relativity speeds up memory. In the 21st century our economy and security rely on fast information processing, which requires state-of-the-art computer memory. Emerging memory technologies rely on magnets, which retain data during power outages and switch faster than currently used semiconductor devices. This Fellowship will establish a breakthrough paradigm for ultra-fast information processing using magnets and newly-discovered topological materi ....Information transfer in topological matter: how relativity speeds up memory. In the 21st century our economy and security rely on fast information processing, which requires state-of-the-art computer memory. Emerging memory technologies rely on magnets, which retain data during power outages and switch faster than currently used semiconductor devices. This Fellowship will establish a breakthrough paradigm for ultra-fast information processing using magnets and newly-discovered topological materials. It will develop a computational tool to enhance the switching rate of devices incorporating topological materials that emulate industry blueprints for memory building blocks. If successful, it will vastly improve the speed and functionality of computer memory, logic elements, artificial intelligence devices and sensors.Read moreRead less
Transforming carbon onions into nanodiamond: technological and astrophysical implications. This project will develop a novel approach for converting carbon into nanometre-sized diamond. Control of the process will lead to a new technology for making diamond coatings and insight into how nanodiamonds form in space.