Nano-toughening of Conductive Composites with High Electrical Ductility. This project aims to develop a new technology to effectively toughen conductive thin films including metals and conductive polymers with significantly improved mechanical robustness for next-generation stretchable electronics. This new technique will tackle the major limitation of stretchable electronics propensity to abrupt electrical failure caused by plastic deformation and long channel cracks in conductive thin films of ....Nano-toughening of Conductive Composites with High Electrical Ductility. This project aims to develop a new technology to effectively toughen conductive thin films including metals and conductive polymers with significantly improved mechanical robustness for next-generation stretchable electronics. This new technique will tackle the major limitation of stretchable electronics propensity to abrupt electrical failure caused by plastic deformation and long channel cracks in conductive thin films of low yield strain and ductility. By overcoming the bottleneck issue of low stretchability and ductility of existing conductive thin film materials, it will be possible to significantly expand the design space of flexible and stretchable electronic devices.Read moreRead less
Achieving Nitrite Shunt For Mainstream Sewage Treatment Using Human Waste. This project aims to develop a novel technology to achieve mainstream nitrogen removal from domestic sewage via nitrite shunt. Nitrite shunt can reduce energy consumption and promote energy recovery compared with the conventional nitrogen removal process. However, it is difficult to inactivate nitrite-oxidising bacteria, which is a key barrier for achieving nitrite shunt. By advancing the underpinning science and introduc ....Achieving Nitrite Shunt For Mainstream Sewage Treatment Using Human Waste. This project aims to develop a novel technology to achieve mainstream nitrogen removal from domestic sewage via nitrite shunt. Nitrite shunt can reduce energy consumption and promote energy recovery compared with the conventional nitrogen removal process. However, it is difficult to inactivate nitrite-oxidising bacteria, which is a key barrier for achieving nitrite shunt. By advancing the underpinning science and introducing a novel technology that innovatively harnesses a human waste, the project expects to remove the barrier. Expected outcomes will support the transformation of sewage treatment plants into net-zero energy generators. This should provide economic, environmental and energy benefits for Australia’s water and energy sectors.Read moreRead less
A Green Technology for Enhancing Resource Recovery from Sewage Sludge. This project aims to develop an innovative technology to recover valuable resource from sewage sludge by enhancing transformation of sewage sludge into high-value medium chain fatty acids and methane. Wastewater treatment generates large amounts of resource-rich sewage sludge. However, the poor biodegradability of sewage sludge is a key barrier that impedes the efficient resource recovery. By advancing the underpinning scienc ....A Green Technology for Enhancing Resource Recovery from Sewage Sludge. This project aims to develop an innovative technology to recover valuable resource from sewage sludge by enhancing transformation of sewage sludge into high-value medium chain fatty acids and methane. Wastewater treatment generates large amounts of resource-rich sewage sludge. However, the poor biodegradability of sewage sludge is a key barrier that impedes the efficient resource recovery. By advancing the underpinning science and introducing a novel technology that innovatively harnesses a human waste, the project expects to remove the barrier. Expected project outcomes will turn sewage sludge from an undesirable waste to a valuable resource. This should provide significant benefits for Australia’s renewable energy and resource sectors.Read moreRead less
The secret of tiny hand movements to feel and manipulate objects. This study aims to reveal some of the fundamental sensory mechanisms underlying the uniquely human ability to manipulate objects and use tools. Signals from touch receptors are crucial for controlling grip forces so that delicate objects are held without slipping, or being crushed by excessive force. Yet we know little about how such sensory information is obtained and how it is used for the motor control. By analysing hand moveme ....The secret of tiny hand movements to feel and manipulate objects. This study aims to reveal some of the fundamental sensory mechanisms underlying the uniquely human ability to manipulate objects and use tools. Signals from touch receptors are crucial for controlling grip forces so that delicate objects are held without slipping, or being crushed by excessive force. Yet we know little about how such sensory information is obtained and how it is used for the motor control. By analysing hand movements during object manipulation and recording sensory signals from single human nerve fibres we will investigate how certain types of movement shape richness of available sensory information. This knowledge will facilitate the development of next generation sensory-controlled prosthetics and robotic manipulators.Read moreRead less
Novel test and design methods for base course reinforced flexible pavements. This project aims to develop the mechanics of geosynthetic-reinforced flexible pavements as an urgent need for the Australian pavement industry to build more sustainable and economical roads. Novel laboratory test apparatus and in-situ test programs, and mathematical models will be developed, for the first time, to capture the responses of reinforced base courses in a complete and optimised way to determine the paramete ....Novel test and design methods for base course reinforced flexible pavements. This project aims to develop the mechanics of geosynthetic-reinforced flexible pavements as an urgent need for the Australian pavement industry to build more sustainable and economical roads. Novel laboratory test apparatus and in-situ test programs, and mathematical models will be developed, for the first time, to capture the responses of reinforced base courses in a complete and optimised way to determine the parameters for pavement design and performance evaluation. The outcomes will enable reliable prediction of reinforced pavement behaviour, leading to better-performing geosynthetic products and more resilient pavements, reduced material usage and damage in pavements, and less environmental impact and maintenance cost.Read moreRead less
Early Career Industry Fellowships - Grant ID: IE230100169
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,684.00
Summary
Next-generation mRNA manufacturing and analysis technologies. Developing innovations in RNA manufacturing and technology. The project aims to develop cutting-edge manufacturing and analysis technologies by optimising Self-amplifying (SAM) RNA production towards low impurities, creating reliable purification technologies, and filling critical gaps in RNA analysis. The project expects to yield significantly cheaper, higher-quality RNA products and develop novel methods in RNA analysis. The outcome ....Next-generation mRNA manufacturing and analysis technologies. Developing innovations in RNA manufacturing and technology. The project aims to develop cutting-edge manufacturing and analysis technologies by optimising Self-amplifying (SAM) RNA production towards low impurities, creating reliable purification technologies, and filling critical gaps in RNA analysis. The project expects to yield significantly cheaper, higher-quality RNA products and develop novel methods in RNA analysis. The outcomes are expected to revolutionise RNA manufacturing, develop cutting-edge commercialisable IP, scholarly know-how, and galvanise the Australian biomanufacturing sector towards sovereign capability, biosecurity and commercialisation of new animal, human and plant RNA products.Read moreRead less
A next generation 'smart' superconducting magnet system in persistent mode. Superconducting magnet devices use splicing, a process required to maintain the persistence of operation. Currently, the formation mechanism of splicing using magnesium diboride superconductor is complex and not technologically robust for industrial magnet manufacturing. This project aims to develop novel, reliable and economical superconducting splicing technologies that can produce an ultra-stable and uniform magnetic ....A next generation 'smart' superconducting magnet system in persistent mode. Superconducting magnet devices use splicing, a process required to maintain the persistence of operation. Currently, the formation mechanism of splicing using magnesium diboride superconductor is complex and not technologically robust for industrial magnet manufacturing. This project aims to develop novel, reliable and economical superconducting splicing technologies that can produce an ultra-stable and uniform magnetic field against unexpected power outages. Expected outcomes include the development of advanced green and cryogen free superconducting technologies, which would boost the Australian manufacturing industry through access to multi-billion-dollar global markets for power grids, medical imaging and energy generation and storage.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL230100178
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,343,741.00
Summary
Nonmetals for green catalysis. This proposal aims to develop nonmetal materials and technologies for frontier green catalysis that is targeted to contaminant degradation and chemical synthesis by catalytic oxidation processes. The project will systematically unveil the intrinsic nature of nonmetal elements in heterogeneous catalysis, develop rational design principles, and achieve scaling-up of intelligent nanomaterials and integrated green catalytic systems for high reactivity and selectivity. ....Nonmetals for green catalysis. This proposal aims to develop nonmetal materials and technologies for frontier green catalysis that is targeted to contaminant degradation and chemical synthesis by catalytic oxidation processes. The project will systematically unveil the intrinsic nature of nonmetal elements in heterogeneous catalysis, develop rational design principles, and achieve scaling-up of intelligent nanomaterials and integrated green catalytic systems for high reactivity and selectivity. This cross-disciplinary research will deliver benefits to Australian industry in water treatment and fine chemical synthesis, foster Australian R&D in green technologies, synthesise catalysts from natural resources and industrial waste, and promote strong sustainability outcomes.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE240100129
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,721.00
Summary
State-of-the-art atomic force microscopy facilities for South Australia. This project aims to transform our national capability in nano-(bio)characterisation by establishing a state-of-the-art atomic force microscopy (AFM) facility in South Australia. The facility will provide unparalleled capabilities not currently available in Australia and will catapult knowledge in multiple fields, from critical minerals and clean energy to mechanobiology. Expected outcomes include more efficient and eco-fri ....State-of-the-art atomic force microscopy facilities for South Australia. This project aims to transform our national capability in nano-(bio)characterisation by establishing a state-of-the-art atomic force microscopy (AFM) facility in South Australia. The facility will provide unparalleled capabilities not currently available in Australia and will catapult knowledge in multiple fields, from critical minerals and clean energy to mechanobiology. Expected outcomes include more efficient and eco-friendly resource recovery and energy production, future foods and cures, and advanced (bio)materials. The project will strengthen and amplify Australia’s capacity and global leadership to translate fundamental nano-scale phenomena and properties into innovative materials, technologies, and processes.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230101472
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$454,054.00
Summary
Converting textiles waste to novel nanostructured porous carbon fibre . This project aims to develop innovative catalytic activation approaches for converting textiles waste to porous activated carbon fibre with potential application in energy storage and carbon capture. The project expects to address the key issue of textile upcycling and generate new knowledge in material science by revealing the principle of alkali metal-induced pore formation and carbon dot synthesis. Expected outcomes inclu ....Converting textiles waste to novel nanostructured porous carbon fibre . This project aims to develop innovative catalytic activation approaches for converting textiles waste to porous activated carbon fibre with potential application in energy storage and carbon capture. The project expects to address the key issue of textile upcycling and generate new knowledge in material science by revealing the principle of alkali metal-induced pore formation and carbon dot synthesis. Expected outcomes include advanced techniques to create value-added materials from recycling textiles waste and in-depth understanding of performance improvement mechanisms. Success will provide significant benefits in securing a sustainable future for Australia, ensuring valuable resources recovery and strategies for advanced manufacturing.Read moreRead less