The role of water uptake in novel all solid-state polymeric ion sensors. This research will enable the development of robust all solid-state polymeric ion sensors based on unplasticized copolymers. Significantly, the physical and chemical robustness of these copolymer ion sensors will allow their widespread use in new and exciting analytical applications, e.g., in-situ analysis of environmental samples in submersible instruments, clinical analysis of whole blood, in-vivo use of miniaturized ele ....The role of water uptake in novel all solid-state polymeric ion sensors. This research will enable the development of robust all solid-state polymeric ion sensors based on unplasticized copolymers. Significantly, the physical and chemical robustness of these copolymer ion sensors will allow their widespread use in new and exciting analytical applications, e.g., in-situ analysis of environmental samples in submersible instruments, clinical analysis of whole blood, in-vivo use of miniaturized electrodes in biological media, especially single cells and minute samples in biology and forensic science, etc. Extensive use of neutron characterization techniques aligns strongly this project with the new OPAL reactor to be commissioned in 2007.Read moreRead less
Probing the internal contacts of all solid-state polymeric ion sensors. The results of this research will enable the development of robust and reliable all solid-state polymeric ion sensors. These sensors will enable solutions to significant environmental problems such as soil salinity and acidity, and may pave the way for new and exciting analytical applications, e.g., miniaturized implantable sensors for in-vivo use, microfluidics and Forensic Science, single blood droplet clinical analyzers, ....Probing the internal contacts of all solid-state polymeric ion sensors. The results of this research will enable the development of robust and reliable all solid-state polymeric ion sensors. These sensors will enable solutions to significant environmental problems such as soil salinity and acidity, and may pave the way for new and exciting analytical applications, e.g., miniaturized implantable sensors for in-vivo use, microfluidics and Forensic Science, single blood droplet clinical analyzers, rugged solid contact ion sensors for use in submersible oceanographic analyzers, etc. The research will develop a unique in-situ neutron reflectometry technique for the study of electrochemical interfaces, providing scientific opportunities for the new Australian Replacement Research Reactor.Read moreRead less
Probing the interfaces of electrochemical sensors. The nanostructured surfaces of electrochemical sensors for iron, mercury and cadmium will be characterised by using a range of state-of-the-art surface analysis techniques. Whilst electrochemical sensors are extremely valuable in monitoring of trace metals in the aquatic environment, a knowledge of the surface chemical physics of the systems is vital in order to widen their use in analytical/environmental chemistry. This project will derive a u ....Probing the interfaces of electrochemical sensors. The nanostructured surfaces of electrochemical sensors for iron, mercury and cadmium will be characterised by using a range of state-of-the-art surface analysis techniques. Whilst electrochemical sensors are extremely valuable in monitoring of trace metals in the aquatic environment, a knowledge of the surface chemical physics of the systems is vital in order to widen their use in analytical/environmental chemistry. This project will derive a universal model for the surface chemistry and physics of electrochemical sensors, enabling environmental scientists to develop unique sensor methods for studying the speciation of environmentally important trace metals such as those mentioned above.Read moreRead less
Friction and capillary forces. Reducing friction forces is important for improving the performance of moving components in devices, and also useful for relieving people from pains at joints. In ambient conditions, confined liquids have a great influence on friction forces because an attractive force is induced by capillary condensation and adsorption between the surfaces. The correlation between capillary and friction forces will be clarified by force measurements with newly developed surface fo ....Friction and capillary forces. Reducing friction forces is important for improving the performance of moving components in devices, and also useful for relieving people from pains at joints. In ambient conditions, confined liquids have a great influence on friction forces because an attractive force is induced by capillary condensation and adsorption between the surfaces. The correlation between capillary and friction forces will be clarified by force measurements with newly developed surface force apparatuses in various conditions. Theoretical interpretation of influences of molecular layered liquids between the sliding surfaces on frictional behaviour will be also given based on thermodynamics.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130100970
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,600.00
Summary
Solar energy conversion: illuminating the origin of long-lived charge-separated states in organic donor/acceptor blends. The origin of exceptionally long-lived charges in organic donor/acceptor solid-state blends will be established. This will substantially enhance the efficiency and commercial viability of applications that rely on these long-lived charge-separated states, such as organic solar cells.
Hot exciton dissociation in donor / acceptor organic solar cells: breaking the efficiency limit of organic photovoltaics. Australia will benefit from this project in several key areas with immediate impact. The development of an innovative solar cell architecture through the use of hot exiton dissociation will deliver a potential increase in the maximum achievable power conversion efficiency. The experimental results will significantly advance fundamental knowledge of organic solar cells. This ....Hot exciton dissociation in donor / acceptor organic solar cells: breaking the efficiency limit of organic photovoltaics. Australia will benefit from this project in several key areas with immediate impact. The development of an innovative solar cell architecture through the use of hot exiton dissociation will deliver a potential increase in the maximum achievable power conversion efficiency. The experimental results will significantly advance fundamental knowledge of organic solar cells. This has significant economic benefits by making these solar cells more affordable and also opening up the opportunity to use new materials unconstrained by existing proprietary interests. The training of personnel will contribute towards solving the biggest challenge facing the solar industry in Australia: lack of skilled personnel in a highly specialised industry.Read moreRead less
Modifying Structure and Properties of Carbon Nanotubes for Device Applications (MWN). The focus of this project is to develop new heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube materials for use in conjugated-polymer composite photovoltaic cells. Synthesis of boron and of nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by the US researchers will be complemented by ion-implantation post-synthesis of CNTs by the Australian team, to gain a thorough and detailed understanding of how the CNTs can act effectively as both an ....Modifying Structure and Properties of Carbon Nanotubes for Device Applications (MWN). The focus of this project is to develop new heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube materials for use in conjugated-polymer composite photovoltaic cells. Synthesis of boron and of nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by the US researchers will be complemented by ion-implantation post-synthesis of CNTs by the Australian team, to gain a thorough and detailed understanding of how the CNTs can act effectively as both an electron acceptor and charge transport medium in a conjugated polymer. Outcomes will include fundamental advances in our understanding of charge transport in the composite devices and prototype organic photovoltaic devices of improved efficiency.Read moreRead less
Exploiting the properties of gold nanoparticles for nanolithography using visible wavelengths. The next generation of nano-devices, such as biosensors and molecular electronics, will require nanopatterning as part of the production process. Conventional optical lithographies cannot provide sufficient resolution, and alternative techniques, such as e-beam lithographies are expensive. This project aims to demonstrate a solution to this problem with obvious commercial benefit. It is the first t ....Exploiting the properties of gold nanoparticles for nanolithography using visible wavelengths. The next generation of nano-devices, such as biosensors and molecular electronics, will require nanopatterning as part of the production process. Conventional optical lithographies cannot provide sufficient resolution, and alternative techniques, such as e-beam lithographies are expensive. This project aims to demonstrate a solution to this problem with obvious commercial benefit. It is the first time a multidisciplinary team has made such a concerted effort to understand the unusual science of gold nanoparticles and will strengthen Australia's already considerable reputation in this field.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190101450
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$392,556.00
Summary
Tuning non-plasmonic metals to high performance photocatalysts. This project aims to develop non-plasmonic, transition metal-based, photocatalysts with enhanced light absorption, to achieve irradiation controllable product selectivity in organic synthesis. The project demonstrates how hollow-particle morphology alloy nano-structures can enhance photocatalytic activity. Alloy structures such as iridium-nickel (IrNi), iridium-cobalt (IrCo) and iridium-tin (IrSn) nanoparticles with a hollow morphol ....Tuning non-plasmonic metals to high performance photocatalysts. This project aims to develop non-plasmonic, transition metal-based, photocatalysts with enhanced light absorption, to achieve irradiation controllable product selectivity in organic synthesis. The project demonstrates how hollow-particle morphology alloy nano-structures can enhance photocatalytic activity. Alloy structures such as iridium-nickel (IrNi), iridium-cobalt (IrCo) and iridium-tin (IrSn) nanoparticles with a hollow morphology, exhibit dramatically increased photocatalytic activity over their individual components, Ir, Ni, Co and Sn respectively. The project is expected to expand the application of photocatalysis and generate knowledge that can be used to design efficient photocatalysts from non-plasmonic metals. Intended benefits are the generation of new knowledge and capabilities in synthetic catalysis and applications in fields such as the conversion of solar energy to chemical energy.Read moreRead less
Integration of crystal engineering and electrochemistry: tuneable multifunctional organic-inorganic hybrid materials with redox capability. Multi-dimensional technologically important materials containing organic redox activity and organic, inorganic or biologically important functionality will be rationally synthesised. Scientists from different backgrounds will exploit opportunities for applied research outcomes derived from advances achieved in chemical, biological and materials sciences.