Degradation of atomically dispersed M-N-C carbon catalysts in acidic media. This project aims to provide a clear understanding of the degradation mechanisms of transition metal (M) and nitrogen (N) co-doped carbon (M-N-C) catalysts in acidic media by utilising new model catalysts, standardised degradation tests, comprehensive catalyst characterisation, and machine learning tools to interrogate mechanistic hypotheses and link degradation mechanisms to specific catalyst characteristics. This proje ....Degradation of atomically dispersed M-N-C carbon catalysts in acidic media. This project aims to provide a clear understanding of the degradation mechanisms of transition metal (M) and nitrogen (N) co-doped carbon (M-N-C) catalysts in acidic media by utilising new model catalysts, standardised degradation tests, comprehensive catalyst characterisation, and machine learning tools to interrogate mechanistic hypotheses and link degradation mechanisms to specific catalyst characteristics. This project expects to generate new knowledge on rationally designing robust hydrogen fuel cell catalysts. This will provide significant benefits, such as new knowledge on catalyst degradation, new catalysts for energy conversion applications, and collaborations with the industry to accelerate Australia’s shift to renewable energy.Read moreRead less
All-Metal Nanoporous Materials as Highly Active Electrocatalysts. This project aims to create new avenues for well-controlled large-scale synthesis of hierarchical nanoporous platinum-based architectures, and develop applications for the resultant new electrocatalysts. Developing novel high-performance, low-cost, and long-life electrode catalysts can improve the efficiency, cost, and durability of energy conversion technology. The project plans to use the unique properties of well-defined nanoar ....All-Metal Nanoporous Materials as Highly Active Electrocatalysts. This project aims to create new avenues for well-controlled large-scale synthesis of hierarchical nanoporous platinum-based architectures, and develop applications for the resultant new electrocatalysts. Developing novel high-performance, low-cost, and long-life electrode catalysts can improve the efficiency, cost, and durability of energy conversion technology. The project plans to use the unique properties of well-defined nanoarchitectures to reduce platinum content and to improve electrocatalytic performance. Nanoporous systems in electrocatalysts can provide more active sites and effective surface permeability, which should enhance catalytic activity. Project outcomes may also contribute to our understanding of the relationships among morphologies, pore structures, surface atomic structures and catalytic activities to guide the development of other kinds of high performance nanoporous catalysts.Read moreRead less
Hydrogen fuel cells with non-precious metal cathode catalysts. Low-cost and robust fuel cell technology is a cornerstone towards the success of the hydrogen economy. The project aims to address the cost and durability of hydrogen fuel cells by advancing low-cost electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions. Novel non-precious catalysts will be developed, and their stability understood in fuel cells using a new approach with in situ current mapping and X-ray computed tomography. The expected ....Hydrogen fuel cells with non-precious metal cathode catalysts. Low-cost and robust fuel cell technology is a cornerstone towards the success of the hydrogen economy. The project aims to address the cost and durability of hydrogen fuel cells by advancing low-cost electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions. Novel non-precious catalysts will be developed, and their stability understood in fuel cells using a new approach with in situ current mapping and X-ray computed tomography. The expected outcomes of this project include material development, improved characterisation techniques and new knowledge on electrocatalysis. The project will benefit Kohodo Hydrogen Energy by positioning them as an Australian leader in low-cost catalysts, and to Australian industries in developing the hydrogen economy. Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230100637
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,154.00
Summary
An integrated electrolyser for CO2 conversion from capture media. This project aims to develop an efficient electrochemical method to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) to valuable chemicals. It expects to displace the energy-costly step of its upstream CO2 capture process. The key novelty is the use of flow-through electrodes and optimal solvents to promote CO2 conversion at high rates. Expected outcomes include enhanced efficiency of CO2 sequestration, and new techniques to develop electrodes with w ....An integrated electrolyser for CO2 conversion from capture media. This project aims to develop an efficient electrochemical method to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) to valuable chemicals. It expects to displace the energy-costly step of its upstream CO2 capture process. The key novelty is the use of flow-through electrodes and optimal solvents to promote CO2 conversion at high rates. Expected outcomes include enhanced efficiency of CO2 sequestration, and new techniques to develop electrodes with well-controlled local reaction environments, which are essential for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. This will benefit Australia's environment and industries such as cement and aluminium manufacturing in managing carbon emissions, and accelerate Australia’s transition to a carbon-neutral economy.Read moreRead less
Doped metal perovskites for electrocatalysis. This project aims to discover and design perovskite metal-oxide electrocatalyst materials and develop electrocatalytic methods for efficiently driving the oxygen evolution reaction and the oxygen reduction reaction. These are the two most crucial reactions in sustainable energy cycles involving water, hydrogen and oxygen. The project’s anticipated advances in electrocatalysis efficiency for these two reactions will benefit sustainable energy technolo ....Doped metal perovskites for electrocatalysis. This project aims to discover and design perovskite metal-oxide electrocatalyst materials and develop electrocatalytic methods for efficiently driving the oxygen evolution reaction and the oxygen reduction reaction. These are the two most crucial reactions in sustainable energy cycles involving water, hydrogen and oxygen. The project’s anticipated advances in electrocatalysis efficiency for these two reactions will benefit sustainable energy technologies such as fuel cells, metal air batteries and water splitting.Read moreRead less
Corrosion of heat resisting alloys in steam/hydrogen-rich environment . Hydrogen is a clean fuel for energy future. Its production and utilisation unavoidably involve water vapour and hydrogen at high temperature which is however corrosive to materials used in the system. This project aims to investigate corrosion behaviour of heat resistant alloys in the presence of both hydrogen and water vapour, mechanisms of water transport in oxide scale, and the effect of hydrogen on water vapour corrosion ....Corrosion of heat resisting alloys in steam/hydrogen-rich environment . Hydrogen is a clean fuel for energy future. Its production and utilisation unavoidably involve water vapour and hydrogen at high temperature which is however corrosive to materials used in the system. This project aims to investigate corrosion behaviour of heat resistant alloys in the presence of both hydrogen and water vapour, mechanisms of water transport in oxide scale, and the effect of hydrogen on water vapour corrosion. Alloying effects on corrosion rates will be defined and methods of slowing or preventing water vapour corrosion in the presence of hydrogen will be devised. The results will provide a basis for improved design/selection of heat resisting alloys for hydrogen production and hydrogen utilisation industries.Read moreRead less
Advanced electrocatalysts for ammonia synthesis with validated analysis. Ammonia is one of the most produced chemicals worldwide but current manufacturing industries consume massive amounts of energy and emit harmful greenhouse gases. This project aims to develop a sustainable electrochemical system for ammonia synthesis using electricity and atmospheric nitrogen. A family of porous catalysts with nanoconfined ionic liquids will be developed to drive nitrogen reduction by enhancing the reaction ....Advanced electrocatalysts for ammonia synthesis with validated analysis. Ammonia is one of the most produced chemicals worldwide but current manufacturing industries consume massive amounts of energy and emit harmful greenhouse gases. This project aims to develop a sustainable electrochemical system for ammonia synthesis using electricity and atmospheric nitrogen. A family of porous catalysts with nanoconfined ionic liquids will be developed to drive nitrogen reduction by enhancing the reaction kinetics. Rigorous experimental protocols and novel analytical methods will be developed for quantification of electro-synthesised ammonia. A prototype gas diffusion layer-assisted electrolyser will be demonstrated by coupling with oxygen evolution reactions for selective ammonia synthesis at a reasonable production rate.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100229
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$230,000.00
Summary
Carbon-free high temperature vacuum sintering facility. This facility will provide an extremely clean sintering environment for development of advanced materials free from imperfections for applications which range from energy conversion to medical components. It will ensure that Australia is an important international leader in both fundamental research and industrial innovation.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE240100084
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$950,000.00
Summary
Australia’s fuel cells and electrolysers prototyping and testing facility. This project aims to address a major gap in Australian infrastructure for researching and developing technologies for Power to X, including hydrogen production and use. The aspiration is to establish an integrated fuel cell and electrolyser prototyping and testing facility to support Australia’s excellent fundamental research in advanced energy materials, electrocatalysis, and engineering design. The aim is to equip the r ....Australia’s fuel cells and electrolysers prototyping and testing facility. This project aims to address a major gap in Australian infrastructure for researching and developing technologies for Power to X, including hydrogen production and use. The aspiration is to establish an integrated fuel cell and electrolyser prototyping and testing facility to support Australia’s excellent fundamental research in advanced energy materials, electrocatalysis, and engineering design. The aim is to equip the research community with the capability to fabricate electrolyser and fuel cell prototypes at relevant scales to accelerate translational research in these areas. Doing so will also enable the technical and expertise platform needed to support industry's transition toward Australia’s 2050 net zero objective.Read moreRead less