Energetics and dynamics of solvated biologically relevant molecules using liquid microjet and ion imaging technologies. The shape of many biomolecules in solution plays a critical role in determining their biological activity and function. It is known that the bonds that form between the biomolecules and the water solvent control this shape. However, very little is known about the strength and structure of these bonds at different sites around the biomolecule. Many experiments have informed u ....Energetics and dynamics of solvated biologically relevant molecules using liquid microjet and ion imaging technologies. The shape of many biomolecules in solution plays a critical role in determining their biological activity and function. It is known that the bonds that form between the biomolecules and the water solvent control this shape. However, very little is known about the strength and structure of these bonds at different sites around the biomolecule. Many experiments have informed us about the strength of the bonds, others have told us where the bonds occur. This project will provide both pieces of information for the first time, allowing us to better understand, and therefore control, biological function. This work will assist in the development of new biotechnology processes, especially in the emerging area of proteomics.Read moreRead less
Laser Spectroscopic Studies of Non-Covalent Solute-Solvent Interactions Involving Non-Volatile Biomolecules in the Gas Phase. Solute-solvent interactions play a critical role in determining whether or not many biomolecules display biological activity in solution. Making use of our novel liquid microjet injection technology, we will generate micro-solvated gas phase biomolecules by rapid laser desorption from the surface of a liquid jet (here, micro-solvation describes up to ~10 solvent molecule ....Laser Spectroscopic Studies of Non-Covalent Solute-Solvent Interactions Involving Non-Volatile Biomolecules in the Gas Phase. Solute-solvent interactions play a critical role in determining whether or not many biomolecules display biological activity in solution. Making use of our novel liquid microjet injection technology, we will generate micro-solvated gas phase biomolecules by rapid laser desorption from the surface of a liquid jet (here, micro-solvation describes up to ~10 solvent molecules attached to a solute). Following desorption, laser spectroscopy will be used to directly characterise the non-volatile biomolecular solute-solvent topography. This project will create a new application of laser science to study biophysical and biochemical processes that remain difficult, if not impossible, to explore using traditional techniques.Read moreRead less
Energetics, spectroscopy and dissociation dynamics of bimolecular complexes of atmospheric importance. The Global Warming debate illustrates the importance of having a firm scientific underpinning to calculations of the atmosphere. It is important in calculations of atmospheric chemistry to have all pathways and species properly accounted for. It has recently emerged that intermolecular complexes may play a role in atmospheric chemistry. Of these, those involving water are very important beca ....Energetics, spectroscopy and dissociation dynamics of bimolecular complexes of atmospheric importance. The Global Warming debate illustrates the importance of having a firm scientific underpinning to calculations of the atmosphere. It is important in calculations of atmospheric chemistry to have all pathways and species properly accounted for. It has recently emerged that intermolecular complexes may play a role in atmospheric chemistry. Of these, those involving water are very important because of water's ability to form strong hydrogen bonds. This project will provide key experimental data on one of the most important complexes, the water-hydroxyl radical complex.Read moreRead less
Heat capacities of Bayer liquors to 300C. Alumina refining is one of Australia's most important industries, earning ~$6 billion per year export income. However, major productivity gains are required for Australian producers to remain globally competitive. More accurate thermodynamic calculations, covering the full plant operating range, are seen by the industry as an important way to increase productivity, minimise energy consumption and cut greenhouse emissions. To achieve these aims, we must e ....Heat capacities of Bayer liquors to 300C. Alumina refining is one of Australia's most important industries, earning ~$6 billion per year export income. However, major productivity gains are required for Australian producers to remain globally competitive. More accurate thermodynamic calculations, covering the full plant operating range, are seen by the industry as an important way to increase productivity, minimise energy consumption and cut greenhouse emissions. To achieve these aims, we must extend current theoretical understanding and establish an experimental capability, hitherto unavailable in Australia, for measuring heat capacities and densities of solutions to temperatures as high as 300 C.Read moreRead less
Modelling Bayer Plant Liquors for Industrial Process Simulations. Alumina refining is one of Australia's most important industries but it exists within an increasingly competitive global market. More meaningful computer simulations of the Bayer process, covering conditions far beyond current plant operating ranges, are seen by Australian producers as an important way to increase future productivity, minimise energy consumption and cut greenhouse emissions. To achieve these aims, we must develop ....Modelling Bayer Plant Liquors for Industrial Process Simulations. Alumina refining is one of Australia's most important industries but it exists within an increasingly competitive global market. More meaningful computer simulations of the Bayer process, covering conditions far beyond current plant operating ranges, are seen by Australian producers as an important way to increase future productivity, minimise energy consumption and cut greenhouse emissions. To achieve these aims, we must develop hitherto unavailable modelling capabilities for predicting the behaviour of Bayer plant liquors. The more robust thermodynamic models developed in this project will enable more realistic simulations, which are a prerequisite for innovative process design and optimisation.Read moreRead less