New metal-molecule binding motifs for self-assembled monolayers and nanodevices. The goal of this research is to investigate technologically interesting electronic materials using new molecular assemblies. We explore their application in some fundamental components of molecular electronic systems and anticipate that knowledge gained from our investigations will have significant impact on the field of nanotechnology, especially in the area of molecular electronics. Our basic research will contrib ....New metal-molecule binding motifs for self-assembled monolayers and nanodevices. The goal of this research is to investigate technologically interesting electronic materials using new molecular assemblies. We explore their application in some fundamental components of molecular electronic systems and anticipate that knowledge gained from our investigations will have significant impact on the field of nanotechnology, especially in the area of molecular electronics. Our basic research will contribute to Australia's reputation as a source of innovative research and ideas in an area where there is growing international momentum.Read moreRead less
Targeted process development for drug delivery. Matrix assisted ball milling and continuous flow process intensification on rotating surfaces in the form of spinning discs and rotating tubes, and combinations of these, allow the fabrication of nanoparticles for the pharmaceutical industry, with the ability to fine tune the properties of the particles to improve their uptake profiles, while minimising side effects. The research will be conducted through the Centre for Strategic Nano-Fabrication w ....Targeted process development for drug delivery. Matrix assisted ball milling and continuous flow process intensification on rotating surfaces in the form of spinning discs and rotating tubes, and combinations of these, allow the fabrication of nanoparticles for the pharmaceutical industry, with the ability to fine tune the properties of the particles to improve their uptake profiles, while minimising side effects. The research will be conducted through the Centre for Strategic Nano-Fabrication with its science based attention to quality by design for product development at the inception of the science. This, coupled with the involvement of iCeutica which has a strong commercially focused R and D profile, provides a more innovative research culture, and excellent research training. Read moreRead less
Nanocrystal Electronics: A Sol-Gel Approach. Australia is building capability in printable electronics, which will supersede traditional semiconductor fabrication methods. The main goals are to mass produce key electronic structures such as display devices, solar cells and sensors using cheaper, non-clean room based technologies via ink-jet printing and other high throughput methods. The integration of sol-gel based materials into roll-to-roll manufacturing will advance Australian manufacturing ....Nanocrystal Electronics: A Sol-Gel Approach. Australia is building capability in printable electronics, which will supersede traditional semiconductor fabrication methods. The main goals are to mass produce key electronic structures such as display devices, solar cells and sensors using cheaper, non-clean room based technologies via ink-jet printing and other high throughput methods. The integration of sol-gel based materials into roll-to-roll manufacturing will advance Australian manufacturing capabilities and generate new jobs in the rapidly growing printable electronics field.Read moreRead less
Engineered materials for future energy technologies. The development of new technologies to be applied in fuel generation, energy conversion and environmental remediation will have wide national and international impact. The cross-disciplinary and cross-institution research program proposed will draw on expertise within Australia and in Europe for the fabrication of materials for next generation energy devices. In the future, there is the potential that these materials could be fabricated within ....Engineered materials for future energy technologies. The development of new technologies to be applied in fuel generation, energy conversion and environmental remediation will have wide national and international impact. The cross-disciplinary and cross-institution research program proposed will draw on expertise within Australia and in Europe for the fabrication of materials for next generation energy devices. In the future, there is the potential that these materials could be fabricated within Australia and therefore lead to employment nationally, and income generated through the export of advanced catalysts, solar cells and sequestration materials.Read moreRead less
Controlling Anisotropic Growth of Metal Oxide Crystals in Aqueous Solution by Selective Adsorption of Small Molecules. The proposed research will enhance our ability to make both light emitting diodes (LEDs) and piezoelectric actuators from ZnO. LEDs are a high efficiency light source that save energy compared to conventional illumination sources and can be fabricated in thin films. The proposal is to also bring the technology for device fabrication to Australia where it can ultimately be used ....Controlling Anisotropic Growth of Metal Oxide Crystals in Aqueous Solution by Selective Adsorption of Small Molecules. The proposed research will enhance our ability to make both light emitting diodes (LEDs) and piezoelectric actuators from ZnO. LEDs are a high efficiency light source that save energy compared to conventional illumination sources and can be fabricated in thin films. The proposal is to also bring the technology for device fabrication to Australia where it can ultimately be used to broaden the economic base of the country. The knowledge of crystal growth rate and crystal morphology control can be applied to improvements in the efficiency of alumina production which is already an important contributor to Australian exports.Read moreRead less
Spectroscopy of Single Quantum Dots. Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots are materials with promising applications in flat panel displays, biosensors, quantum dot lasers, and optical communication elements. Many of the applications are novel and require firm understanding of the physical and chemical properties of quantum dots to optimise reliability and performance. To fulfil the technological promise of fluorescent quantum dots, problems relating to quantum yield and photostability urgently n ....Spectroscopy of Single Quantum Dots. Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots are materials with promising applications in flat panel displays, biosensors, quantum dot lasers, and optical communication elements. Many of the applications are novel and require firm understanding of the physical and chemical properties of quantum dots to optimise reliability and performance. To fulfil the technological promise of fluorescent quantum dots, problems relating to quantum yield and photostability urgently need to be resolved. These issues will be addressed through spectroscopic studies of single quantum dots both in vacuum and in condensed phases. Ultimately, the findings will guide rational design of nanoscale devices based on quantum dot luminescence.Read moreRead less
Materials World Network: Nanostructured Polymer Templating of Liquid Crystals. Liquid crystals have a range of technological applications, with the most successful being displays used in computers, watches and calculators. These applications are dependent on controlling the interfaces of liquid crystals. This project will combine the areas of liquid crystals and polymer adsorption for the preparation of a new class of intelligent nanomaterials with well-defined properties. These engineered mater ....Materials World Network: Nanostructured Polymer Templating of Liquid Crystals. Liquid crystals have a range of technological applications, with the most successful being displays used in computers, watches and calculators. These applications are dependent on controlling the interfaces of liquid crystals. This project will combine the areas of liquid crystals and polymer adsorption for the preparation of a new class of intelligent nanomaterials with well-defined properties. These engineered materials are of interest in industrial applications, including the development of chemical and biological sensors and drug delivery vehicles. This program also strengthens the ties between two world-class nanotechnology groups, capturing new opportunities in nanostructured materials.Read moreRead less
Material Properties of Nanocrystals. The mechanical characteristics of nanocrystals determine the viability of many novel applications and devices emerging from the field of nanotechnology. Despite their fundamental importance, the mechanical properties of these nanocrystals is only vaguely understood, because their size has prohibited their measurement. In this project, we shall investigate the mechanical properties of these materials for the first time using a combination of theoretical modell ....Material Properties of Nanocrystals. The mechanical characteristics of nanocrystals determine the viability of many novel applications and devices emerging from the field of nanotechnology. Despite their fundamental importance, the mechanical properties of these nanocrystals is only vaguely understood, because their size has prohibited their measurement. In this project, we shall investigate the mechanical properties of these materials for the first time using a combination of theoretical modelling, atomic force microscopy, and a new form of spectroscopy that allows the actual deformation of nanocrystals to be measured. The fundamental scientific knowledge gained is expected to impact on the development of current and future nanodevices.Read moreRead less
Nanotribology-The Chemical Rolling Resistance of Single Nanocrystals. Australian efforts in biosensors, environmental monitoring and mobile-health are predicated on the establishment of a nanotechnology based manufacturing sector. The key to this will be understanding how ultrasmall mechanical devices work. This application explores how we can make novel mechanical devices from molecules and small crystals.