High Efficiency Electrochemical Cells. This project will study a recently developed, energy efficient ‘capillary-fed’ electrochemical cell architecture in the facilitation of various electro-energy and electro-synthetic transformations. The new cell architecture will be examined as a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell and as a cell for extracting pure hydrogen from a 5-10% mixture of hydrogen in methane (natural gas), amongst others. The work seeks to improve upon the electrochemical performance of the b ....High Efficiency Electrochemical Cells. This project will study a recently developed, energy efficient ‘capillary-fed’ electrochemical cell architecture in the facilitation of various electro-energy and electro-synthetic transformations. The new cell architecture will be examined as a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell and as a cell for extracting pure hydrogen from a 5-10% mixture of hydrogen in methane (natural gas), amongst others. The work seeks to improve upon the electrochemical performance of the best commercial and academic cells of such types, if possible. In increasing the efficiency with which renewable electricity can be converted into renewable hydrogen and back, this project will support the national priority of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.Read moreRead less
Advanced Molecular Frameworks for Sodium Battery Electrode Applications. This project aims to develop new molecular materials capable of high capacity sodium-ion insertion. Through an innovative interdisciplinary approach that targets the synthesis and detailed characterisation of an extensive family of materials this project expects to generate major advances in the understanding of how the chemical, physical and structural attributes of the materials relate to their electrical charge/discharge ....Advanced Molecular Frameworks for Sodium Battery Electrode Applications. This project aims to develop new molecular materials capable of high capacity sodium-ion insertion. Through an innovative interdisciplinary approach that targets the synthesis and detailed characterisation of an extensive family of materials this project expects to generate major advances in the understanding of how the chemical, physical and structural attributes of the materials relate to their electrical charge/discharge behaviours. Significant anticipated outcomes and benefits include the development of new material design approaches that optimise battery electrode performance across a diverse parameter space, and the generation of advanced new materials worthy of commercial development in low-cost, large-scale battery applications.Read moreRead less
Development of novel safe lithium metal-free sulphur batteries. Development of novel safe lithium metal-free sulphur batteries. This project aims to develop a lithium-metal-free sulphur battery system, and technology to commercialise this battery technology. Expected outcomes include an electrochemical system consisting of a selected promising lithium sulphide cathode, an alloying type anode and a liquid-based electrolyte, and large lithium-ion sulphur batteries with selected advanced electrode ....Development of novel safe lithium metal-free sulphur batteries. Development of novel safe lithium metal-free sulphur batteries. This project aims to develop a lithium-metal-free sulphur battery system, and technology to commercialise this battery technology. Expected outcomes include an electrochemical system consisting of a selected promising lithium sulphide cathode, an alloying type anode and a liquid-based electrolyte, and large lithium-ion sulphur batteries with selected advanced electrode materials and electrolytes. Anticipated outcomes are the improved safety of typical lithium-sulphur batteries; that Australia will be internationally competitive in the area of energy storage; and increased overseas demand for Australian raw materials for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries.Read moreRead less
Electrolytic Recovery of Titanium and Direct Deposition of Fe-Ti Alloys using Novel Electrolytes. The use of novel electrolytes based on ionic liquids will be investigated with a view to developing efficient means of titanium (Ti) recovery and purification. The nature of the electrolyte used as well as the electrode substrate and the electrochemical parameters will be optimised with a view to achieving Ti deposits of high purity or Fe-Ti alloys of controlled composition. The effect of these pa ....Electrolytic Recovery of Titanium and Direct Deposition of Fe-Ti Alloys using Novel Electrolytes. The use of novel electrolytes based on ionic liquids will be investigated with a view to developing efficient means of titanium (Ti) recovery and purification. The nature of the electrolyte used as well as the electrode substrate and the electrochemical parameters will be optimised with a view to achieving Ti deposits of high purity or Fe-Ti alloys of controlled composition. The effect of these parameters on the morphology of the deposits obtained will be determined. The products obtained here are expected to find application in construction industries and for energy storage.Read moreRead less
Silicon-based Anode Materials for Next Generation Lithium-ion Batteries. This project aims to develop low-cost high-performance silicon-based anode materials for next generation high-energy lithium-ion batteries. A cutting-edge in situ reduction and encapsulation technique will be developed to synthesise sub-nanometer silicon nanoparticles homogeneously embedded in graphite matrix. The newly developed silicon-based anode material is expected to deliver high specific capacity and long cycle life. ....Silicon-based Anode Materials for Next Generation Lithium-ion Batteries. This project aims to develop low-cost high-performance silicon-based anode materials for next generation high-energy lithium-ion batteries. A cutting-edge in situ reduction and encapsulation technique will be developed to synthesise sub-nanometer silicon nanoparticles homogeneously embedded in graphite matrix. The newly developed silicon-based anode material is expected to deliver high specific capacity and long cycle life. The novel silicon-based anode materials will boost the energy density of next generation lithium-ion batteries, which will be used to power electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. This project will benefit the industry partner to launch commercial production of silicon-based anode materials for global market. Read moreRead less
Application of Silver Coatings to medical Devices for Antimicrobial Properties using Electroless Deposition. Silver compounds, eg. in topical creams, can be used to treat chronic infections. The results are mediocre, and there may be significant side effects. Metallic silver when coated on bandages or medical devices is gaining wider acceptance, but the dissolution rate muct be improved to minimise infection. In this project an electroless silver coating process will be developed, with bath ch ....Application of Silver Coatings to medical Devices for Antimicrobial Properties using Electroless Deposition. Silver compounds, eg. in topical creams, can be used to treat chronic infections. The results are mediocre, and there may be significant side effects. Metallic silver when coated on bandages or medical devices is gaining wider acceptance, but the dissolution rate muct be improved to minimise infection. In this project an electroless silver coating process will be developed, with bath chemistry and coating conditions optimised for an ideal dissolution rate. This project will lead to the development of improved medical devices that will have significant social and economic benefits for Australia.Read moreRead less
High energy density, long life, safe lithium Ion battery for electric cars. This project aims to develop next-generation lithium-ion batteries with high energy density, safety, long cycle life, and fast charge capability, using a Ni-rich layered oxide cathode and silicon/carbon composite anode. This lithium-ion battery system is expected to meet 2020 targets for electric vehicles. The project will also investigate the reaction/electrode fading mechanism of the proposed anode/cathode materials fo ....High energy density, long life, safe lithium Ion battery for electric cars. This project aims to develop next-generation lithium-ion batteries with high energy density, safety, long cycle life, and fast charge capability, using a Ni-rich layered oxide cathode and silicon/carbon composite anode. This lithium-ion battery system is expected to meet 2020 targets for electric vehicles. The project will also investigate the reaction/electrode fading mechanism of the proposed anode/cathode materials for the deep understanding of these electrode materials, and provide guidance for future electrode materials design and battery research. This will provide significant benefits for automotive industries, smart grid, and business in storing renewable energy and better environment and sustainability.Read moreRead less
Hydrogen fuel cells with non-precious metal cathode catalysts. Low-cost and robust fuel cell technology is a cornerstone towards the success of the hydrogen economy. The project aims to address the cost and durability of hydrogen fuel cells by advancing low-cost electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions. Novel non-precious catalysts will be developed, and their stability understood in fuel cells using a new approach with in situ current mapping and X-ray computed tomography. The expected ....Hydrogen fuel cells with non-precious metal cathode catalysts. Low-cost and robust fuel cell technology is a cornerstone towards the success of the hydrogen economy. The project aims to address the cost and durability of hydrogen fuel cells by advancing low-cost electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions. Novel non-precious catalysts will be developed, and their stability understood in fuel cells using a new approach with in situ current mapping and X-ray computed tomography. The expected outcomes of this project include material development, improved characterisation techniques and new knowledge on electrocatalysis. The project will benefit Kohodo Hydrogen Energy by positioning them as an Australian leader in low-cost catalysts, and to Australian industries in developing the hydrogen economy. Read moreRead less
Improved Management of Australian Port Infrastructure by Development of Predictive Ageing Simulation. Exposure of built infrastructure to corrosive marine conditions causes deterioration and reduced service life. Asset managers lack predictive models of in-service durability. Using data gathered from Australian ports, life-cycle predictions will be developed, simulating durability and incorporating geographical location, structure type, composition, and levels of maintenance. The modelling has ....Improved Management of Australian Port Infrastructure by Development of Predictive Ageing Simulation. Exposure of built infrastructure to corrosive marine conditions causes deterioration and reduced service life. Asset managers lack predictive models of in-service durability. Using data gathered from Australian ports, life-cycle predictions will be developed, simulating durability and incorporating geographical location, structure type, composition, and levels of maintenance. The modelling has not been undertaken on Australian port assets, whereas international models reflect very different infrastructure and exposures and are based on simpler 2D conditions that do not simulate actual deterioration. The three-dimensional (3D) modelling and graphics will be unique worldwide, providing decision support for construction and maintenance.Read moreRead less
Highly-efficient, reversible fuel cell. This project aims to develop a reversible fuel cell - electrolyser capable of storing electricity (in the form of hydrogen gas) with the same overall energy efficiency as the best present storage system, pumped hydro. Whereas pumped hydro requires large infrastructure like dams, the proposed cell will be extremely inexpensive and easily scalable.