X-ray tomographic analysis and modelling of metallurgical coke. This project will apply 3D X-ray micro-tomography and model-based computational analysis to develop innovative approaches to the micro-structural characterisation of metallurgical coke. This has significant ramifications for the iron industry since coke characterisation is of primary importance to improved blast furnace productivity. The project will deliver new quantitative indices of coke microstructure, develop models for simulat ....X-ray tomographic analysis and modelling of metallurgical coke. This project will apply 3D X-ray micro-tomography and model-based computational analysis to develop innovative approaches to the micro-structural characterisation of metallurgical coke. This has significant ramifications for the iron industry since coke characterisation is of primary importance to improved blast furnace productivity. The project will deliver new quantitative indices of coke microstructure, develop models for simulation of micro-structural properties and coke transport properties, and examine coke reactivity in 3D contexts. This project will also be the first study to use multi-scale 3D X-ray tomographic analysis to examine the structural dynamics of coke during both its production and its use in the blast furnace.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775721
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$520,000.00
Summary
Near Net Shaped Casting and Alloy Development Facility. Nearly all metal production is based around an initial casting phase, often followed by other deformation and thermal processes. This facility will allow us to study current and future advanced alloys and processing routes, including metals of strategic importance to Australia such as aluminium, titanium and magnesium. One of the major innovations for these metals is to directly cast to strip, followed by minimal processing to provide str ....Near Net Shaped Casting and Alloy Development Facility. Nearly all metal production is based around an initial casting phase, often followed by other deformation and thermal processes. This facility will allow us to study current and future advanced alloys and processing routes, including metals of strategic importance to Australia such as aluminium, titanium and magnesium. One of the major innovations for these metals is to directly cast to strip, followed by minimal processing to provide strip products with novel properties, low capital costs and short lead times. The outcomes from this research will support the development of existing and new metal industries in Australia.Read moreRead less
All-solid-state Z-scheme photocatalysts for water treatment. The project aims to develop high-performance Z-scheme photocatalysts by using two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors as building blocks for low-cost, highly-efficient pathogen inactivation and emerging pollutant degradation in stormwater treatment. The project expects to generate new fundamental knowledge in the area of photocatalyst design and Z-scheme photocatalytic system, and advance the application of photocatalytic oxidation in wate ....All-solid-state Z-scheme photocatalysts for water treatment. The project aims to develop high-performance Z-scheme photocatalysts by using two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors as building blocks for low-cost, highly-efficient pathogen inactivation and emerging pollutant degradation in stormwater treatment. The project expects to generate new fundamental knowledge in the area of photocatalyst design and Z-scheme photocatalytic system, and advance the application of photocatalytic oxidation in water treatment. The expected outcomes of the project include novel 2D Z-scheme photocatalysts and enhanced capacity in stormwater management.Read moreRead less
Cold catalysis for water splitting. This project aims to develop photocatalysts via AC magnetic field through nanoscale heating for efficient H2 generation. This project is to introduce cold catalysis concept, which heats catalysts only but not solution, thus called cold catalysis, in the area of production of renewable energy. Expected outcome is the creation of clean and low cost catalysts to effectively harvest the chemical energy from the sun via splitting of water into H2 and O2 without cau ....Cold catalysis for water splitting. This project aims to develop photocatalysts via AC magnetic field through nanoscale heating for efficient H2 generation. This project is to introduce cold catalysis concept, which heats catalysts only but not solution, thus called cold catalysis, in the area of production of renewable energy. Expected outcome is the creation of clean and low cost catalysts to effectively harvest the chemical energy from the sun via splitting of water into H2 and O2 without causing any environmental damage. This unique technology will also help to address clean energy generation, which is in line with H2 economy plan by Australia government, and provide opportunities for new industries that will benefit Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR180100023
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$940,000.00
Summary
Thermal decomposition of PFAS. This project aims to investigate the thermal decomposition of per- and poly-fluroalkyl substances (PFAS). The project will focus on the catalytic destruction of PFAS reactions at elevated temperatures, which is expected to transform PFAS in a controlled and predictable way into benign products. By understanding the fate of these compounds during thermal decomposition, the project will allow the development of a new technology aimed at treating materials which have ....Thermal decomposition of PFAS. This project aims to investigate the thermal decomposition of per- and poly-fluroalkyl substances (PFAS). The project will focus on the catalytic destruction of PFAS reactions at elevated temperatures, which is expected to transform PFAS in a controlled and predictable way into benign products. By understanding the fate of these compounds during thermal decomposition, the project will allow the development of a new technology aimed at treating materials which have been contaminated with or have been used as absorbants for PFAS. The project will provide the technical underpinning of a new technology developed to treat fluorochemical-contaminated material and, in doing so, reduce the environmental impact of these contaminants.Read moreRead less
Fundamental Investigation of Kinetics of Ferro-Silicon Reactions in Cupola Scrap Melting Processes. The aims of this project include development of fundamental understanding of Ferro-silicon reactions in cupola scrap melting processes. This project will advance the scrap melting processes by enhancing their economic viability and environmental compatibility by optimising the reactions of Ferro-silicon which is one of the major sources of operating problems. Specifically the project will achieve ....Fundamental Investigation of Kinetics of Ferro-Silicon Reactions in Cupola Scrap Melting Processes. The aims of this project include development of fundamental understanding of Ferro-silicon reactions in cupola scrap melting processes. This project will advance the scrap melting processes by enhancing their economic viability and environmental compatibility by optimising the reactions of Ferro-silicon which is one of the major sources of operating problems. Specifically the project will achieve optimisation of Ferro-silicon utilisation, reduction in refractory consumption, minimisation of industrial slag waste generation, improved product composition control. The scientific outcomes include data and mechanisms of Ferro-silicon reactions with gas and graphite phases, kinetic models to describe the influence of Ferro-silicon and process variables.Read moreRead less
Nanoscale heating towards high efficient nitrogen reduction reduction. This project aims to develop nanoscale heating technique using AC magnetic field for efficient synthesis of ammonia, widely used for fertiliser and having potential for hydrogen storage. This project is to introduce nanoscale heating concept by heating catalyst only but not solution in electrochemical catalysis to achieve high catalytic activity. Expected outcome is the creation of low cost catalysts having high selectivity a ....Nanoscale heating towards high efficient nitrogen reduction reduction. This project aims to develop nanoscale heating technique using AC magnetic field for efficient synthesis of ammonia, widely used for fertiliser and having potential for hydrogen storage. This project is to introduce nanoscale heating concept by heating catalyst only but not solution in electrochemical catalysis to achieve high catalytic activity. Expected outcome is the creation of low cost catalysts having high selectivity and formation rate for ammonia production. This unique technology has the potential to replace current ammonia production based on Haber-Bosch process, which consumes 2% of world energy and contributes 3% of overall CO2 emission. The project provides opportunities for new industries that will benefit Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Reforming of Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels for Application in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Technology. The project will aim at developing a fuel processing system for solid oxide fuel cells which will have the advantages of being fuel flexible through the conversion of liquid fuels (gasoline, LPG, diesel) for application in small to medium stationary power generation systems. This investigation will also generate fundamental information and understanding concerning the catalytic reforming of liquid hydroca ....Reforming of Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels for Application in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Technology. The project will aim at developing a fuel processing system for solid oxide fuel cells which will have the advantages of being fuel flexible through the conversion of liquid fuels (gasoline, LPG, diesel) for application in small to medium stationary power generation systems. This investigation will also generate fundamental information and understanding concerning the catalytic reforming of liquid hydrocarbon fuels to produce adequate feeds for SOFCs. These distributed energy devices are of high efficiency and with a novel technology the industrial partner will aim to offer products with high value propositions in the critical areas of price, reliability and service.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0560661
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$245,300.00
Summary
Particulate Characterisation for Pharmaceutical and Engineering Applications. The aim of this proposal is to establish joint facilities between the University of Sydney, Monash University and UNSW for the characterization of surface properties and particle sizes of pharmaceutical aerosols and industrial powders. Such knowledge is important for controlling aerosol production and delivery of drug particles to the lungs. This will have a significant benefit to the pharmaceutical industry and patien ....Particulate Characterisation for Pharmaceutical and Engineering Applications. The aim of this proposal is to establish joint facilities between the University of Sydney, Monash University and UNSW for the characterization of surface properties and particle sizes of pharmaceutical aerosols and industrial powders. Such knowledge is important for controlling aerosol production and delivery of drug particles to the lungs. This will have a significant benefit to the pharmaceutical industry and patients requiring aerosol treatment. Further, the proposed facilities will enhance research in complex particulate processes and modelling, functional nanomaterials, and soft sensor development, thus keeping Australia at the forefront of powder research into various high value adding particulate areas.Read moreRead less
Biofocussed Prostate Cancer RadioTherapy (BiRT): A Personalised Approach To Delivering The Right Dose To The Right Place
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$753,565.00
Summary
We propose a new approach to treating prostate cancer with radiotherapy to move from the standard whole prostate treatment to a personalised treatment that varies radiation intensity throughout the prostate. We will mathematically combine features that influence radiotherapy effect from advanced imaging, clinical and biopsy information. This model will map out the radiotherapy dose required at each part of the prostate, to maximise killing of the cancer whilst minimising harm to normal tissue