Ambient Electrochemical C-N Coupling via Co-electrolysis of N2 and CO2. To overcome the hurdles in N2 fixation (massive energy consumption and CO2 emission), investigators creatively hypothesize that the simultaneous electrocatalytic coupling of N2 and CO2 would enable the selective formation of N-products and thus realize their conversion into N--fertilizers and acetamides. Based on the CI's recent discoveries, this project will develop an innovative / sustainable system, which could promote th ....Ambient Electrochemical C-N Coupling via Co-electrolysis of N2 and CO2. To overcome the hurdles in N2 fixation (massive energy consumption and CO2 emission), investigators creatively hypothesize that the simultaneous electrocatalytic coupling of N2 and CO2 would enable the selective formation of N-products and thus realize their conversion into N--fertilizers and acetamides. Based on the CI's recent discoveries, this project will develop an innovative / sustainable system, which could promote the N2 fixation along with CO2 conversion process, a significant alternative approach to simplify the pathways of C-N bond formation. It will thereby contribute to mitigation of greenhouse emissions and create an ecofriendly protocol/technology for distributed production of C-N products under ambient conditions. Read moreRead less
Geological sequestration of carbon dioxide in deep saline aquifers: coupled flow-mechanical considerations. Deep saline aquifers have been routinely proposed as sites for long-term, large-scale storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as an option to assist the abatement of global warming. This project investigates expected engineering behaviour of deep saline aquifer reservoirs and their stability following CO2 sequestration.
Carbon-free Energy Storage and Conversion Using Ammonia as a Mediator. This project aims to develop essential technologies for ammonia-mediated energy storage, hydrogen production, and electricity generation. This project expects to generate new understandings on designing novel multi-atom-cluster catalysts for the critical ammonia synthesis, electrolysis, and oxidation processes using interdisciplinary approaches. The expected outcomes of this project include multi-functional electrocatalysts, ....Carbon-free Energy Storage and Conversion Using Ammonia as a Mediator. This project aims to develop essential technologies for ammonia-mediated energy storage, hydrogen production, and electricity generation. This project expects to generate new understandings on designing novel multi-atom-cluster catalysts for the critical ammonia synthesis, electrolysis, and oxidation processes using interdisciplinary approaches. The expected outcomes of this project include multi-functional electrocatalysts, fundamental insights of principles for electrocatalyst design, and prototype technologies. This should provide significant benefits for the harvest of clean energy, the safe utilization of hydrogen, and the development of carbon-free fuels, which are essential for optimizing the energy structure of Australia.Read moreRead less
Controlling and Understanding Interface Chemistry for Energy Conversions. This project aims to develop a promising electrocatalyst technology platform, based on novel 2D material architectures that have applications ranging from hydrogen generation via water splitting through to carbon dioxide reduction. The project is expected to generate advanced knowledge for the rational design of electrocatalysts and to promote the development of renewable energy technologies. Expected outcomes include a cl ....Controlling and Understanding Interface Chemistry for Energy Conversions. This project aims to develop a promising electrocatalyst technology platform, based on novel 2D material architectures that have applications ranging from hydrogen generation via water splitting through to carbon dioxide reduction. The project is expected to generate advanced knowledge for the rational design of electrocatalysts and to promote the development of renewable energy technologies. Expected outcomes include a clear understanding of the relevant fundamental science and mechanisms, a framework for designing and optimising for specific applications, and a demonstration of prototype devices. This project is of great benefit for addressing Australia’s energy and environmental concerns and boosting national economic growth as well.Read moreRead less
Innovative hands-free technology to give the severely disabled greater mobility control. Half of the serious neurological injuries in Australia result in tetraplegia. Combined with other disabilities that involve severe mobility impairments the cost to the community economically, psychologically and socially is huge. This new Australian technology will facilitate effective sharing of control between a disabled person and a computer control system, taking advantage of their unique strengths and e ....Innovative hands-free technology to give the severely disabled greater mobility control. Half of the serious neurological injuries in Australia result in tetraplegia. Combined with other disabilities that involve severe mobility impairments the cost to the community economically, psychologically and socially is huge. This new Australian technology will facilitate effective sharing of control between a disabled person and a computer control system, taking advantage of their unique strengths and enabling each to aid the other in areas of weakness. The social and personal benefits are potentially very large. Scope also exists to significantly reduce healthcare costs and to develop a new industry in hands-free technology.Read moreRead less
Controlling nickel-base alloy high temperature corrosion in CO2-rich gases. Coal provides cheap energy for Australia but emits carbon dioxide (CO2) in large quantities. The solution is to improve the efficiency of coal fired power plants and use CO2 capture technology. This is feasible by raising steam temperatures and using oxyfuel process where coal is burnt in oxygen rather than in air. Thus the hot combustion gas is very rich in CO2 plus water vapour, which is however very corrosive at high ....Controlling nickel-base alloy high temperature corrosion in CO2-rich gases. Coal provides cheap energy for Australia but emits carbon dioxide (CO2) in large quantities. The solution is to improve the efficiency of coal fired power plants and use CO2 capture technology. This is feasible by raising steam temperatures and using oxyfuel process where coal is burnt in oxygen rather than in air. Thus the hot combustion gas is very rich in CO2 plus water vapour, which is however very corrosive at high temperatures. Traditional steels are inadequate. Instead, nickel-base alloys are needed. This project aims to investigate the corrosion behaviour of nickel base alloys in carbon dioxide - water atmospheres, and ways of preventing this corrosion by controlling gas composition and appropriate alloying, which is essential for next generation power plant design.Read moreRead less
Role of oxide grain boundaries in controlling high temperature corrosion of steels by carbon dioxide-rich gases. Advanced coal combustion technologies make carbon dioxide capture possible, but require improved materials to handle hot carbon dioxide-rich gases. These gases are surprisingly corrosive and the corrosion process is not fully understood. This project aims to achieve this understanding and to provide the basis for future alloy design.
Bioinspired Nanoionic Materials for Watt-scale Nano-Hydroelectric Generator. Inspired by electric eels, this project aims to develop next generation flexible and eco-friendly power sources that can directly generate electricity from water droplets for self-powered, light-weight wearable electronics. The goal will be achieved by designing a new class of nanoionic materials for nano-hydroelectric generators, through optimizing the ion diffusion channel, interfacial architecture, electrode configu ....Bioinspired Nanoionic Materials for Watt-scale Nano-Hydroelectric Generator. Inspired by electric eels, this project aims to develop next generation flexible and eco-friendly power sources that can directly generate electricity from water droplets for self-powered, light-weight wearable electronics. The goal will be achieved by designing a new class of nanoionic materials for nano-hydroelectric generators, through optimizing the ion diffusion channel, interfacial architecture, electrode configuration, and power management systems. The expected outcomes will be new nanoionic materials for a wide range of end uses in portable power supply with much higher capacity compared with conventional thin film batteries, significant advances in wearable electronics, and advancing knowledge in energy conversion sector.
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Learning to Pinpoint Emerging Software Vulnerabilities. This project aims to develop learning-based software vulnerability detection techniques to improve the reliability and security of modern software systems. The existing techniques relying on conventional yet rigid software analysis and testing techniques are ineffective and/or inefficient when detecting a wide variety of emerging software vulnerabilities. The outcomes of this project will be a deep-learning-based detection approach and an ....Learning to Pinpoint Emerging Software Vulnerabilities. This project aims to develop learning-based software vulnerability detection techniques to improve the reliability and security of modern software systems. The existing techniques relying on conventional yet rigid software analysis and testing techniques are ineffective and/or inefficient when detecting a wide variety of emerging software vulnerabilities. The outcomes of this project will be a deep-learning-based detection approach and an open-source tool that can capture precision correlations between deep code features and diverse vulnerabilities to pinpoint emerging vulnerabilities without the need for bug specifications. Significant benefits include greatly improved quality, reliability and security for modern software systems.Read moreRead less
Improved design and operational efficiency of small wind turbines in unsteady flows. The purpose of this research is to improve the design and performance of small wind turbines for energy generation. The expected outcomes are novel control strategies and mechanical designs that account for unsteady aerodynamics and its effects on structural loads and power quality. Recommendations to improve current design standards will be made.