Modification of optical properties of photocatalytic titania. The aim of the project is to capitalise on and optimise the recently discovered successful modification of the optical properties of titanium oxide (TiO2), such that efficient solar splitting of water is possible. TiO2 photocatalysts of adequate efficiency will be implemented as photoanodes in photoelectrochemical cells capable of large-scale production of hydrogen.
Design of hollow nanoparticles of titania for the sustainable production of hydrogen from water using sunlight. Hydrogen is a clean and non-polluting fuel that is the natural and sustainable replacement for greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuels. Because of its abundant sunlight and vast titanium reserves (the world's largest) Australia is especially well-placed to develop the technology of producing hydrogen directly from water and sunlight using a titanium dioxide photo-anode. This research, whi ....Design of hollow nanoparticles of titania for the sustainable production of hydrogen from water using sunlight. Hydrogen is a clean and non-polluting fuel that is the natural and sustainable replacement for greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuels. Because of its abundant sunlight and vast titanium reserves (the world's largest) Australia is especially well-placed to develop the technology of producing hydrogen directly from water and sunlight using a titanium dioxide photo-anode. This research, which consists of computational and experimental parts, is focused on laying the scientific foundation for that technology to be commercially viable. The national and community benefits are the availability of an inexpensive, limitless and clean fuel, reduction in reliance on energy imports, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and resultant global warming.Read moreRead less
Some Outstanding Mechanics Problems in Layered Ferroelectromagnetic Composites with Enhanced Magnetoelectric Effect. The proposed research has high impact on both science and technology of ferroelectromagnetic materials. The outcomes will expand Australia's knowledge base and research capability in this emerging field. Relevant industries, such as smart materials and devices, can benefit from the results of this project. The theoretical, experimental and numerical results can be directly transfo ....Some Outstanding Mechanics Problems in Layered Ferroelectromagnetic Composites with Enhanced Magnetoelectric Effect. The proposed research has high impact on both science and technology of ferroelectromagnetic materials. The outcomes will expand Australia's knowledge base and research capability in this emerging field. Relevant industries, such as smart materials and devices, can benefit from the results of this project. The theoretical, experimental and numerical results can be directly transformed to design and application guidelines for the materials engineers and scientists to develop innovative and structurally/functionally reliable ferroelectromagnetic composites and their various devices and products.Read moreRead less
Enhanced electro-active properties in polycrystalline ceramics: a multi-length-scale approach. Electro-active materials are used in a wide range of devices including ultrasound imaging equipment and nano-positioning systems. This project will determine the most fundamental mechanisms at work in these materials allowing for the optimisation of high-performance and environmentally friendly electro-active devices for future industries.
Wet Particulate Materials - Flow or Fracture? Most advanced materials are produced from starting materials in the form of fine particles. Powders, especially in ceramic engineering, are first processed wet into near-final shape. Improved understanding of the fracture of particle networks is critical in order to process nano-sized advanced ceramic materials for use in solar energy harvesting and extreme heat engine applications as well as minimising drying cracks in paints and coatings. The resea ....Wet Particulate Materials - Flow or Fracture? Most advanced materials are produced from starting materials in the form of fine particles. Powders, especially in ceramic engineering, are first processed wet into near-final shape. Improved understanding of the fracture of particle networks is critical in order to process nano-sized advanced ceramic materials for use in solar energy harvesting and extreme heat engine applications as well as minimising drying cracks in paints and coatings. The research aims to identify the fundamental link between particle network strength and structure and the fracture of wet powder bodies. The microscopic mechanisms that control the behaviour will be investigated with a particular focus on toughening mechanisms including the influence of plasticity.Read moreRead less
A New Paradigm for the Solid State Synthesis of Layered Materials. Advanced ceramic materials with outstanding properties or combinations of properties are usually made from three (ternary) or more components. Their solid-state synthesis is hampered by the formation and retention of intermediate phases which degrade their performance. We have devised a method for circumventing intermediate phase formation in advanced materials and reducing synthesis temperatures by up to 600 degrees. This projec ....A New Paradigm for the Solid State Synthesis of Layered Materials. Advanced ceramic materials with outstanding properties or combinations of properties are usually made from three (ternary) or more components. Their solid-state synthesis is hampered by the formation and retention of intermediate phases which degrade their performance. We have devised a method for circumventing intermediate phase formation in advanced materials and reducing synthesis temperatures by up to 600 degrees. This project will explore the underlying atomic scale mechanism of the method. This knowledge will allow the low cost, low greenhouse gas emission synthesis of advanced ceramics for use in renewable, conventional and nuclear power generation.Read moreRead less
Understanding nanostructure in lead-containing piezoceramics - the key to improved and environmentally-friendly materials. Lead-containing piezoelectric ceramics form the basis of multi-billion dollar industries, posing an increasingly serious environmental threat due to the toxicity of lead. By obtaining a detailed understanding of how their properties arise from their nanoscale structure and chemistry, our research will lead to improvements in existing materials and aid the quest for environme ....Understanding nanostructure in lead-containing piezoceramics - the key to improved and environmentally-friendly materials. Lead-containing piezoelectric ceramics form the basis of multi-billion dollar industries, posing an increasingly serious environmental threat due to the toxicity of lead. By obtaining a detailed understanding of how their properties arise from their nanoscale structure and chemistry, our research will lead to improvements in existing materials and aid the quest for environmentally-friendly alternatives. We will use a methodology for the elucidation of local structure and dynamics in which we are world leaders. The project will further enhance our standing in the field, provide excellent research training for students and early-career researchers and highlight the power and potential of Australia's new Synchrotron and OPAL research reactor.Read moreRead less
Development of advanced metal oxide materials for next generation nonvolatile memory devices. The purpose of the project is to explore a new memory technology, resistive random-access memory, that can be made smaller than those of today, as well as preferably being faster, power saving and nonvolatile. The project is expected to bring resistive random-access memory materials a step closer to nonvolatile memory devices application.
Nano-Particle Suspension Behaviour in Salt Solutions: Effect of Ion Hydration and Attractive Forces. Understanding and controlling the flow behaviour of nano-particle suspensions is crucial to the processing of ceramics with nano-scale features. Interparticle forces influence the flow behaviour and depend upon the the adsorption of ions to the particle's surface. The proposed research investigates the effect of ion hydration and surface type on ion adsorption, the resulting attractive forces a ....Nano-Particle Suspension Behaviour in Salt Solutions: Effect of Ion Hydration and Attractive Forces. Understanding and controlling the flow behaviour of nano-particle suspensions is crucial to the processing of ceramics with nano-scale features. Interparticle forces influence the flow behaviour and depend upon the the adsorption of ions to the particle's surface. The proposed research investigates the effect of ion hydration and surface type on ion adsorption, the resulting attractive forces and suspension flow behaviour. The outcomes of the project have potential for significant increase in fundamental understanding of the relationship between ions, surfaces and forces. The benefits of this knowledge include producing nano-ceramics with improved properties and better understanding biopolymer behaviour.Read moreRead less
Crystalline Mesoporous Metal Oxides for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrodes. Our crystalline mesoporous electrodes will help realise the full potentials of solid oxide fuel cells. Such advanced fuel cell technology will drastically increase the power generation efficiency, and reduce CO2 emissions from present power plants, thereby transforming Australian energy industry and improving our environment. The design and development of novel crystalline mesoporous materials that find widespread industri ....Crystalline Mesoporous Metal Oxides for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrodes. Our crystalline mesoporous electrodes will help realise the full potentials of solid oxide fuel cells. Such advanced fuel cell technology will drastically increase the power generation efficiency, and reduce CO2 emissions from present power plants, thereby transforming Australian energy industry and improving our environment. The design and development of novel crystalline mesoporous materials that find widespread industrial applications will advance Australia's knowledge and skill base, and help Australia's high-tech industries to stay competitive, including the development of new high-tech industries in Australia.Read moreRead less