Interfacial engineering of multilayered metal organic framework membranes . Metal-organic frameworks are a popular class of microporous materials with tunable structural properties and functionalities. This project aims to investigate the designed synthesis of thin, hierarchically structured films of this material on membranes, which displays extraordinary ion selectivity and ion rectification properties. A better understanding of the interfacial properties will be gained through advanced charac ....Interfacial engineering of multilayered metal organic framework membranes . Metal-organic frameworks are a popular class of microporous materials with tunable structural properties and functionalities. This project aims to investigate the designed synthesis of thin, hierarchically structured films of this material on membranes, which displays extraordinary ion selectivity and ion rectification properties. A better understanding of the interfacial properties will be gained through advanced characterisation, and with proper design and tuning of the film, will ultimately lead to the development of high performing ion-selective membranes that will be applied for energy storage and separation applications. This project is expected to benefit Australia’s renewable energy and resource sectors.Read moreRead less
Big Data-based Distributed Control using a Behavioural Systems Framework. With Industry 4.0 turning into reality, industrial processes are becoming distributed cyber-physical systems which generate, process, store and communicate large amounts of data. Using the behavioural systems framework, this project aims to develop a novel distributed control approach for complex processes directly based on big process data. A new model-free framework will be developed to represent and analyse the process/ ....Big Data-based Distributed Control using a Behavioural Systems Framework. With Industry 4.0 turning into reality, industrial processes are becoming distributed cyber-physical systems which generate, process, store and communicate large amounts of data. Using the behavioural systems framework, this project aims to develop a novel distributed control approach for complex processes directly based on big process data. A new model-free framework will be developed to represent and analyse the process/controller networks and interaction effects, and determine the feasibility of desired control performance under distributed control. Novel big data-based distributed control design approaches will be developed by extending the dissipativity, contraction and differential dissipativity conditions for behavioural systems.Read moreRead less
Nano-engineering of hierarchical catalysts for renewable chemicals. Producing high-value chemicals based on renewable alternatives -biomass resources is vital for the climate and a sustainable economy. This project will develop a unique nano-engineering approach to design hierarchical catalysts for the selective conversion of biomass into tailor-made products. Advanced in situ spectroscopic techniques will be employed to establish the structure-reactivity relationship of working catalysts and th ....Nano-engineering of hierarchical catalysts for renewable chemicals. Producing high-value chemicals based on renewable alternatives -biomass resources is vital for the climate and a sustainable economy. This project will develop a unique nano-engineering approach to design hierarchical catalysts for the selective conversion of biomass into tailor-made products. Advanced in situ spectroscopic techniques will be employed to establish the structure-reactivity relationship of working catalysts and thereby manipulate the key factors governing the activity/selectivity. Such cutting-edge knowledge gained is crucial for optimising process efficiency and resource utilisation, which is essential for the success of the biorefining industry and a more environmentally-friendly chemical economy in Australia.Read moreRead less
Design of Nanoporous BCN with Tunable Pores for CO2 Capture and Conversion. This project aims to design and develop advanced boron carbon nitride-based materials with high specific surface areas, tunable pores and functional groups, guided by theoretical calculations for the capture of CO2 at ambient conditions. By introducing single metal atoms in the above nanostructures, we also aim to design a novel catalytic system for the effective conversion of CO2 into fine chemicals. This project will o ....Design of Nanoporous BCN with Tunable Pores for CO2 Capture and Conversion. This project aims to design and develop advanced boron carbon nitride-based materials with high specific surface areas, tunable pores and functional groups, guided by theoretical calculations for the capture of CO2 at ambient conditions. By introducing single metal atoms in the above nanostructures, we also aim to design a novel catalytic system for the effective conversion of CO2 into fine chemicals. This project will offer new knowledge on the design of low-cost advanced materials with specific functionalities for the simultaneous capture and conversion of CO2. This project will make a significant impact on Australian industries and further offer job opportunities and economic benefits by offering new technologies for a clean environment.Read moreRead less
Early Career Industry Fellowships - Grant ID: IE230100365
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,237.00
Summary
Solar-driven catalytic production of high-value product from waste glycerol. Sustainable bio-refining requires an efficient and economical way of utilising the surplus amount of glycerol generated as a by-product in biodiesel industries. This project aims to construct an industry-scale solar-driven catalytic system to generate high-value-added chemicals and green hydrogen fuel from biomass wastes simultaneously. The structure-reactivity relationship of working catalysts will be established to fi ....Solar-driven catalytic production of high-value product from waste glycerol. Sustainable bio-refining requires an efficient and economical way of utilising the surplus amount of glycerol generated as a by-product in biodiesel industries. This project aims to construct an industry-scale solar-driven catalytic system to generate high-value-added chemicals and green hydrogen fuel from biomass wastes simultaneously. The structure-reactivity relationship of working catalysts will be established to fit the up-scale applications. The gained cutting-edge knowledge and technology will significantly contribute to biomass waste utilisation and sustainable fabrication, further bringing significant economic and social benefits by creating a new competitive business for Australian chemical and fuel areas. Read moreRead less
Early Career Industry Fellowships - Grant ID: IE230100437
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$417,237.00
Summary
Nanobubbles for effective and energy efficient water treatment. This project aims to produce new knowledge for developing ozone nanobubbles as a technological option for the water industry where commercially suitable technologies are unavailable. Australian water utilities have identified two key challenges: destruction of micropollutants and natural organic matter in recycled and reservoir water, respectively. New knowledge from the project will allow these water utilities to utilise the extrao ....Nanobubbles for effective and energy efficient water treatment. This project aims to produce new knowledge for developing ozone nanobubbles as a technological option for the water industry where commercially suitable technologies are unavailable. Australian water utilities have identified two key challenges: destruction of micropollutants and natural organic matter in recycled and reservoir water, respectively. New knowledge from the project will allow these water utilities to utilise the extraordinary properties of nanobubbles and the strong oxidation capability of ozone for effective and energy efficient water treatment. Tech-transfer to the industry is guaranteed through a scientifically designed pilot plant for benchmarking against the current state of the art ozonation process and reverse osmosis.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH230100010
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,000,000.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Smart Process Design and Control . ARC Research Hub for Smart Process Design and Control aims to develop and apply advanced computational technologies to model and optimise complex multiphase processes by integrating the novel multiscale and AI modelling approaches. The outcomes include theories, computer models and simulation techniques, advanced knowledge about process modelling and optimisation, innovative technologies and processes for low carbon operations, and tens of ....ARC Research Hub for Smart Process Design and Control . ARC Research Hub for Smart Process Design and Control aims to develop and apply advanced computational technologies to model and optimise complex multiphase processes by integrating the novel multiscale and AI modelling approaches. The outcomes include theories, computer models and simulation techniques, advanced knowledge about process modelling and optimisation, innovative technologies and processes for low carbon operations, and tens of postdoc and PhD students through academic, industrial and international collaboration. Their application will significantly improve energy/process efficiency and reduce CO2 emission. The Hub will generate a significant impact on the mineral and metallurgical industries which are important to Australia.Read moreRead less
2D vertical heterostructures for multi-functional energy applications. This project aims to develop multi-functional 2D vertical heterostructures for sustainable energy applications. A key challenge in fabricating 2D vertical heterostructures is the re-stacking of layered materials. This project will utilize edge-rich vertical graphene to unleash the full potential of 2D vertical heterostructures by combining the advantages of individual building blocks while mitigating the associated shortcomin ....2D vertical heterostructures for multi-functional energy applications. This project aims to develop multi-functional 2D vertical heterostructures for sustainable energy applications. A key challenge in fabricating 2D vertical heterostructures is the re-stacking of layered materials. This project will utilize edge-rich vertical graphene to unleash the full potential of 2D vertical heterostructures by combining the advantages of individual building blocks while mitigating the associated shortcomings. Expected outcomes will include improved electrochemical performance of materials and an integrated energy system utilizing these multi-functional materials to produce green hydrogen at low cost and high efficiency. The project should contribute largely to Australia’s transition to robust and affordable clean energy.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100987
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$402,287.00
Summary
Multifunctional polymers for combined algal inactivation and flocculation. Algal cells are harmful because they produce toxins and other undesirable metabolites. So, they are killed, aggregated, and separated from the water in distinct steps. Cell killing and aggregation are achieved via chemical dosing, which damages the cells and releases undesirable compounds. The aim is to develop multifunctional polymers that can simultaneously kill and aggregate the cells without causing cell damage. Addit ....Multifunctional polymers for combined algal inactivation and flocculation. Algal cells are harmful because they produce toxins and other undesirable metabolites. So, they are killed, aggregated, and separated from the water in distinct steps. Cell killing and aggregation are achieved via chemical dosing, which damages the cells and releases undesirable compounds. The aim is to develop multifunctional polymers that can simultaneously kill and aggregate the cells without causing cell damage. Additionally, this project provides insight into the mechanisms of polymer-induced cell damage and death that will be used to improve existing treatment methods. By combining treatment steps, chemical demand and costs will decrease, while there will be an increase in sustainability and benefits to the Australian water industry.Read moreRead less
A novel ion-selective membrane for efficient lithium recovery . This project aims to fabricate a novel membrane that display selective lithium recovery from brine in a renewable energy driven electrochemical membrane technology. The fabrication of lithium selective membranes embedded with nanomaterials and metal organic framework will create new knowledge on the dynamics of ion-size sieving and accelerating lithium transportation. This project will provide significant environmental and economic ....A novel ion-selective membrane for efficient lithium recovery . This project aims to fabricate a novel membrane that display selective lithium recovery from brine in a renewable energy driven electrochemical membrane technology. The fabrication of lithium selective membranes embedded with nanomaterials and metal organic framework will create new knowledge on the dynamics of ion-size sieving and accelerating lithium transportation. This project will provide significant environmental and economic benefit by establishing a rapid and chemical free method to recover lithium affordably and orders of magnitude more efficiently than hard rock extraction. This project will bring significant commercial benefits to Australian mining industry, desalination and water treatment sectors.Read moreRead less