Next generation core-shell materials based on biomolecular dual-templating. This project aims to discover and develop new methods and knowledge for the precision engineering of next-generation core-shell materials using sustainable biomolecular dual-templating processes. This research builds on a recent breakthrough - emulsion and biomimetic dual-templating technology for facile preparation of silica capsules, and is expected to revolutionise current approaches for making core-shell materials. S ....Next generation core-shell materials based on biomolecular dual-templating. This project aims to discover and develop new methods and knowledge for the precision engineering of next-generation core-shell materials using sustainable biomolecular dual-templating processes. This research builds on a recent breakthrough - emulsion and biomimetic dual-templating technology for facile preparation of silica capsules, and is expected to revolutionise current approaches for making core-shell materials. Significant outcomes are expected to be achieved through building fundamental understanding around this breakthrough, including new concepts for hierarchical nanomaterials based on biomolecular design, new molecular and engineering design rules for core-shell materials, and novel materials for applications in sustained release and delivery systems.Read moreRead less
Electronic coupling and nanoscale engineering of two-dimensional nanojunctions. This project aims to improve the design of photovoltaic, energy storage, and nanocatalytic devices by using quantum-size tuning, orientation control, strain engineering, and surface modification to manipulate the electronic coupling and charge transfer of two-dimensional nanojunctions. The limitations of and potential environmental damage from fossil-fuel-based energy resources have increased interest in renewable en ....Electronic coupling and nanoscale engineering of two-dimensional nanojunctions. This project aims to improve the design of photovoltaic, energy storage, and nanocatalytic devices by using quantum-size tuning, orientation control, strain engineering, and surface modification to manipulate the electronic coupling and charge transfer of two-dimensional nanojunctions. The limitations of and potential environmental damage from fossil-fuel-based energy resources have increased interest in renewable energy research. The expected outcomes are electron-scale understanding of the tuneable functionalisation of two-dimensional nanojunctions and the design of low-cost and high-efficiency renewable energy devices.Read moreRead less
Interfacial design for high performance carbon fibre polymer composites. This project aims to develop customisable surfaces on carbon fibres to complement any intended resin for composite materials. Poor fibre-to-matrix adhesion is currently a known weakness of carbon fibre composites, hindering the large scale translation of these materials into mass transport solutions The outcomes of this project will be the development of superior composites and the fundamental knowledge of what interfacial ....Interfacial design for high performance carbon fibre polymer composites. This project aims to develop customisable surfaces on carbon fibres to complement any intended resin for composite materials. Poor fibre-to-matrix adhesion is currently a known weakness of carbon fibre composites, hindering the large scale translation of these materials into mass transport solutions The outcomes of this project will be the development of superior composites and the fundamental knowledge of what interfacial molecular interactions are required to obtain composites able to tolerate high shear forces.Read moreRead less
A design-led approach for multifunctional composites . This project aims to remove some of the limitations of carbon fibre composites by introducing novel functionality into the underlying carbon fibre. The project expects to modify carbon fibres, predict their functionality and develop new high-performance resins. The expected outcomes include enabling carbon composite materials to have high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, toughness, minimal maintenance, without compromising processabilit ....A design-led approach for multifunctional composites . This project aims to remove some of the limitations of carbon fibre composites by introducing novel functionality into the underlying carbon fibre. The project expects to modify carbon fibres, predict their functionality and develop new high-performance resins. The expected outcomes include enabling carbon composite materials to have high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, toughness, minimal maintenance, without compromising processability and the ability to manufacture at high volumes. The benefits should include a significant boost to Australia’s ability to lead economically important manufacturing innovations across a range of sectors including defence, energy and construction. Read moreRead less
Catalysts for hydrogen-free ammonia production by electrochemical method. This project aims to realise the next generation of ammonia production under ambient conditions without hydrogen feedstock. Through a combination of theoretical molecular-level understanding and experimental materials engineering, a range of catalysts will be developed under a materials discovery scheme for electrochemical nitrogen reduction to ammonia. These new catalysts, featuring high activity, efficiency, selectivity, ....Catalysts for hydrogen-free ammonia production by electrochemical method. This project aims to realise the next generation of ammonia production under ambient conditions without hydrogen feedstock. Through a combination of theoretical molecular-level understanding and experimental materials engineering, a range of catalysts will be developed under a materials discovery scheme for electrochemical nitrogen reduction to ammonia. These new catalysts, featuring high activity, efficiency, selectivity, and stability, will facilitate an alternative artificial nitrogen fixation technology powered by renewable energies. This technology will enable the production of green fertilisers and provide renewable energy storage, which are key environmental and energy challenges that Australia and the world currently face.Read moreRead less
Develop Catalyst Materials for Future Fuels by Operando Computation. This project aims to design catalyst materials for the production of future fuels (green ammonia, hydrocarbon and alcohol). Using carbon and nitrogen as energy carriers, these fuels are generated from renewable sources such as wind or solar; they are safe, reliable, and possess high energy density. The outcomes include advance in computational electrochemistry to the Opeando level, electrocatalysts design principles with clearl ....Develop Catalyst Materials for Future Fuels by Operando Computation. This project aims to design catalyst materials for the production of future fuels (green ammonia, hydrocarbon and alcohol). Using carbon and nitrogen as energy carriers, these fuels are generated from renewable sources such as wind or solar; they are safe, reliable, and possess high energy density. The outcomes include advance in computational electrochemistry to the Opeando level, electrocatalysts design principles with clearly articulated reaction mechanisms, and candidate materials for experimental validation. Facilitated by advanced computation techniques and reliable catalyst materials design procedure, this project will address the biggest challenge in future fuel generation, which is the lack of efficient catalyst materials. Read moreRead less
Advanced adsorbents for gas separations. Efficient purification of natural gas and separation of similarly-sized molecules in gas mixtures is increasingly important in our drive to develop a more sustainable way of living in an energy-constrained world. This project will develop a new class of adsorbents to deliver a level of separation efficiency much higher than that currently in use.
Design guidelines for safety-critical controllers in high-risk environments. This project aims to generate novel product design guidelines for developing safer controllers for use by potentially stressed individuals in high-risk situations. It will do this by generating specific insights and verifying generalisable solutions from the context of total artificial heart recipients –who must engage with critical controllers constantly. This project expects to generate new knowledge in design by esta ....Design guidelines for safety-critical controllers in high-risk environments. This project aims to generate novel product design guidelines for developing safer controllers for use by potentially stressed individuals in high-risk situations. It will do this by generating specific insights and verifying generalisable solutions from the context of total artificial heart recipients –who must engage with critical controllers constantly. This project expects to generate new knowledge in design by establishing a new research topic around an under-examined user cohort. Expected outcomes of this project include interaction design theory developments and improved controller design techniques. This should provide significant benefits and competitive advantages by lowering stress and improving safety across a range of contexts.Read moreRead less
Safe and efficient biomedical nanomaterials. This project aims to rationally engineer nanomaterials with controlled biological responses. Nanomaterials are becoming widespread in biomedicine and engineering, but are inefficient and unsafe. This project will develop atomic scale models to understand interactions between engineered nanoparticles and the crowded cellular environment. It will design extremely sensitive biosensors and theranostic nanodevices combining medical imaging capacity with pr ....Safe and efficient biomedical nanomaterials. This project aims to rationally engineer nanomaterials with controlled biological responses. Nanomaterials are becoming widespread in biomedicine and engineering, but are inefficient and unsafe. This project will develop atomic scale models to understand interactions between engineered nanoparticles and the crowded cellular environment. It will design extremely sensitive biosensors and theranostic nanodevices combining medical imaging capacity with precision targeted drug delivery to improve efficiency and safety of nanomaterials for biomedical applications in both vitro and in vivo enabling cost effective early diagnostics and more efficient treatments.Read moreRead less
Understanding biomolecular interactions of nanoparticles for engineering efficient biomedical materials and devices. Recent studies suggest that proteins bind differently to nano-patterned materials. This phenomenon holds a great potential for engineering of novel materials and devices for biomedical applications. At the same time, there are increasing concerns due to formation of biomolecular "coronas" of nanoparticles which can change their biological identity. This project will develop knowle ....Understanding biomolecular interactions of nanoparticles for engineering efficient biomedical materials and devices. Recent studies suggest that proteins bind differently to nano-patterned materials. This phenomenon holds a great potential for engineering of novel materials and devices for biomedical applications. At the same time, there are increasing concerns due to formation of biomolecular "coronas" of nanoparticles which can change their biological identity. This project will develop knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of nanomaterials interactions with molecular components of biological environment which will be exploited to improve molecular recognition needed in biosensors and drug delivery applications. The project outcomes will help formulate rational design principles for efficient biomedical materials and nanodevices.Read moreRead less