Synthesis of functionalised metal oxide beads with hierarchical pores for radionuclide and metal sequestration. The central aim of this project is to fabricate nanostructured materials to address the worldwide issue of nuclear waste. These novel materials, with tailored porosity and surface functionality, will decrease both radioactive waste volume and the potential for environmental risk. The collaboration between the Caruso group at the University of Melbourne and the Luca group at ANSTO will ....Synthesis of functionalised metal oxide beads with hierarchical pores for radionuclide and metal sequestration. The central aim of this project is to fabricate nanostructured materials to address the worldwide issue of nuclear waste. These novel materials, with tailored porosity and surface functionality, will decrease both radioactive waste volume and the potential for environmental risk. The collaboration between the Caruso group at the University of Melbourne and the Luca group at ANSTO will educate more scientists and students in the areas of nuclear science and engineering, and the environmental impact of nuclear power generators. Such expertise is currently in high demand around the world, thereby enhancing Australia's position in the global nuclear field.Read moreRead less
Energy Conversion and Signal Transduction in Nanomechanical Systems. Miniaturization of materials and electronic devices is an important technological goal. In order to make smaller working devices,we need to understand how to create molecular scale devices such as valves, switches, pumps and motors. This Fellowship will explore ways to make smaller, portable devices that can be used for personal health monitoring,environmental sensing and the detection of disease and pathogens.
Novel nanostructured alloy membranes for hydrogen permeation: Advanced materials technology for renewable energy. Hydrogen purification by alloy membranes is a key technology in maintaining the greenhouse gas emission low while using the fossil fuels including coal for energy generation. However, the alloys currently available for the membrane separation are mostly based on a costly precious metal palladium, making the application of the technology limited. The proposed non-equilibrium material ....Novel nanostructured alloy membranes for hydrogen permeation: Advanced materials technology for renewable energy. Hydrogen purification by alloy membranes is a key technology in maintaining the greenhouse gas emission low while using the fossil fuels including coal for energy generation. However, the alloys currently available for the membrane separation are mostly based on a costly precious metal palladium, making the application of the technology limited. The proposed non-equilibrium material processing will enable us to fabricate novel nanocomposite niobium-based alloys to which excellent hydrogen permeation characteristics are expected with high economic viability. Successful development of the proposed alloys could enhance the competitiveness of the Australian coal industry worldwide.Read moreRead less
Plasmonic Photochemistry: A nanoscopic solution to global energy and environmental problems. Harvesting energy from light sources, including our sun, can provide a significant fraction of the world's energy need over the next century. In order to meet this critical demand, it is crucial to devise ways to transform light energy into chemical fuels. This project aims to create novel nanostructures that directly couple light energy into chemical reactions. This will be achieved by the creation of ....Plasmonic Photochemistry: A nanoscopic solution to global energy and environmental problems. Harvesting energy from light sources, including our sun, can provide a significant fraction of the world's energy need over the next century. In order to meet this critical demand, it is crucial to devise ways to transform light energy into chemical fuels. This project aims to create novel nanostructures that directly couple light energy into chemical reactions. This will be achieved by the creation of metallic nanoparticles that can transform light energy into hot electrons: entities that can efficiently drive the production of chemical fuels in a process similar to that of photosynthesis.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100223
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,000,000.00
Summary
Advanced in-situ electron microscope facility for research in alloys, nanomaterials, functional materials, magnetic materials and minerals. This advanced in situ electron microscope facility will provide Australia with a new and critical capability to understand and design technologically important materials. It will enable advances in the areas of energy, environment, transport, construction and mining.