Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100656
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,742.00
Summary
Aqueous-based potassium ion batteries for scalable energy storage. The aim of this project is to develop aqueous-based potassium ion batteries for new energy storage applications that currently have barely been studied. This project will design novel cathode/anode materials and electrolytes to significantly advance knowledge in this new technology. The expected outcomes include high-performance aqueous-based potassium ion batteries, while new fundamental knowledge of the reaction mechanisms will ....Aqueous-based potassium ion batteries for scalable energy storage. The aim of this project is to develop aqueous-based potassium ion batteries for new energy storage applications that currently have barely been studied. This project will design novel cathode/anode materials and electrolytes to significantly advance knowledge in this new technology. The expected outcomes include high-performance aqueous-based potassium ion batteries, while new fundamental knowledge of the reaction mechanisms will enhance our research capabilities to position Australia as a leader in potassium ion storage.Read moreRead less
Recyclable and Rechargeable All-Solid-State Sodium Ion Batteries. This project aims to design a new generation recyclable and rechargeable all-solid-state sodium ion battery. We will use low cost and abundant sodium as a substitute for expensive and limited lithium to reduce material and environmental costs, and will develop ceramic/polymer composites as safe and environmentally friendly solid-state electrolytes to replace flammable and toxic organic liquid electrolytes. Furthermore, we design a ....Recyclable and Rechargeable All-Solid-State Sodium Ion Batteries. This project aims to design a new generation recyclable and rechargeable all-solid-state sodium ion battery. We will use low cost and abundant sodium as a substitute for expensive and limited lithium to reduce material and environmental costs, and will develop ceramic/polymer composites as safe and environmentally friendly solid-state electrolytes to replace flammable and toxic organic liquid electrolytes. Furthermore, we design a recyclable battery configuration to allow rapid, low cost and green recycling of end-of-life batteries. The new battery will be a safe, low cost and sustainable energy storage technology for the multi-billion dollar electric vehicle and smart grid markets while simultaneously addressing battery recycling issues.Read moreRead less
Degradation of atomically dispersed M-N-C carbon catalysts in acidic media. This project aims to provide a clear understanding of the degradation mechanisms of transition metal (M) and nitrogen (N) co-doped carbon (M-N-C) catalysts in acidic media by utilising new model catalysts, standardised degradation tests, comprehensive catalyst characterisation, and machine learning tools to interrogate mechanistic hypotheses and link degradation mechanisms to specific catalyst characteristics. This proje ....Degradation of atomically dispersed M-N-C carbon catalysts in acidic media. This project aims to provide a clear understanding of the degradation mechanisms of transition metal (M) and nitrogen (N) co-doped carbon (M-N-C) catalysts in acidic media by utilising new model catalysts, standardised degradation tests, comprehensive catalyst characterisation, and machine learning tools to interrogate mechanistic hypotheses and link degradation mechanisms to specific catalyst characteristics. This project expects to generate new knowledge on rationally designing robust hydrogen fuel cell catalysts. This will provide significant benefits, such as new knowledge on catalyst degradation, new catalysts for energy conversion applications, and collaborations with the industry to accelerate Australia’s shift to renewable energy.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160101293
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$350,000.00
Summary
Nanoporous Iron-Based Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting. This project aims to develop high-performance water splitting devices based on nanoporous iron-based oxygen evolution electrocatalysts. The devices, which will produce hydrogen to relieve the energy shortage in Australia, can be powered by photovoltaic and wind-generated electricity or directly use solar energy. The development of new energy materials that can be used to make renewable and clean fuels from abundant and ....Nanoporous Iron-Based Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting. This project aims to develop high-performance water splitting devices based on nanoporous iron-based oxygen evolution electrocatalysts. The devices, which will produce hydrogen to relieve the energy shortage in Australia, can be powered by photovoltaic and wind-generated electricity or directly use solar energy. The development of new energy materials that can be used to make renewable and clean fuels from abundant and easily accessible resources is among the most challenging and demanding tasks today. The combination of iron doping and nanoporous structure are intended to improve both the intrinsic and extrinsic catalytic activities of the electrocatalysts to be developed in the project.Read moreRead less
Solid-state lithium batteries using phase-stabilised electrolytes. This project aims to develop advanced lithium batteries using multifunctional phase-stabilised solid-state electrolytes. Solid-state lithium batteries are the ultimate end goal of the battery industry, owing to their unique features including no fire hazard, high energy and power densities, and long service lifespan. By combining nanofabrication and novel electrolyte materials, the project expects to boost the performances of sol ....Solid-state lithium batteries using phase-stabilised electrolytes. This project aims to develop advanced lithium batteries using multifunctional phase-stabilised solid-state electrolytes. Solid-state lithium batteries are the ultimate end goal of the battery industry, owing to their unique features including no fire hazard, high energy and power densities, and long service lifespan. By combining nanofabrication and novel electrolyte materials, the project expects to boost the performances of solid-state lithium batteries, establishing them as an advanced energy technology to meet future energy storage and conversion needs. The newly developed battery technology will be widely used for portable electronics, electric vehicles and smart electricity grids that integrate renewable energy sources.Read moreRead less
Photochemical toolkit based on tetracyanoquinodimethane metal-organic semiconducting hybrids. This project aims to develop low-cost light-activated materials for flexible electronics, wearable sensors, antimicrobial fabrics and highly active catalysts. A photochemical toolkit will be developed comprising ultraviolet-active zinc oxide, visible-active metals and visible/infrared-active charge transfer semiconducting materials. Hybridisation of these components will create materials photoactive acr ....Photochemical toolkit based on tetracyanoquinodimethane metal-organic semiconducting hybrids. This project aims to develop low-cost light-activated materials for flexible electronics, wearable sensors, antimicrobial fabrics and highly active catalysts. A photochemical toolkit will be developed comprising ultraviolet-active zinc oxide, visible-active metals and visible/infrared-active charge transfer semiconducting materials. Hybridisation of these components will create materials photoactive across the solar spectrum, leading to photo-redox catalysis and light-activated antimicrobial applications. These materials are expected to lead to cost-effective industrial processes, efficient environmental monitoring, clean-up of industrially-contaminated water streams, infection control in wounds and healthcare settings, and advancing consumer technology platforms.Read moreRead less
All-Solid-state Sodium-ion Batteries for Renewable Energy Industry. Sodium-ion batteries have been widely recognised as scalable and sustainable system for renewable energy storage and conversion owing to abundant resource of sodium and low cost. However, the electrochemical performance and safety of this technology must be improved for practical deployment. This project aims to rationally design and synthesise solid-state polymer electrolytes with high sodium ion conductivity and high sodium io ....All-Solid-state Sodium-ion Batteries for Renewable Energy Industry. Sodium-ion batteries have been widely recognised as scalable and sustainable system for renewable energy storage and conversion owing to abundant resource of sodium and low cost. However, the electrochemical performance and safety of this technology must be improved for practical deployment. This project aims to rationally design and synthesise solid-state polymer electrolytes with high sodium ion conductivity and high sodium ion transfer number. The expected outcome of the project is to manufacture all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries for renewable energy industry in Australia. The project will support the transition of energy supply to renewables, and therefore attain a secure and reliable zero-carbon emission energy future. 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
Quest for Sustainable Electrochemical Energy Storage System. This project aims to develop high performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries for grid-scale renewable energy storage. Rechargeable zinc-ion battery is a promising electrochemical energy storage technology owing to its high safety, low-cost and environmental friendliness. By developing high capacity cathode materials, dendrite-free zinc metal anodes and advanced electrolytes, this project expects to achieve practical aqueous zinc-ion batter ....Quest for Sustainable Electrochemical Energy Storage System. This project aims to develop high performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries for grid-scale renewable energy storage. Rechargeable zinc-ion battery is a promising electrochemical energy storage technology owing to its high safety, low-cost and environmental friendliness. By developing high capacity cathode materials, dendrite-free zinc metal anodes and advanced electrolytes, this project expects to achieve practical aqueous zinc-ion batteries with high energy density, long cycle life and cost-effectiveness. The deployment of zinc-ion batteries will enable integration of renewable energies and stabilisation of electricity networks. The project will directly support Australia’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100375
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,000.00
Summary
Generating fuels through carbon dioxide electrolysis. This project aims to develop highly efficient integrated carbon dioxide electrolysis systems that can achieve overall solar-to-fuel energy efficiencies larger than the ten percent usually needed for practical applications. The integrated system will comprise three main components, including an efficient anode that oxidises water to oxygen, an active cathode that reduces carbon dioxide to chemical fuels and photovoltaic cells as the source of ....Generating fuels through carbon dioxide electrolysis. This project aims to develop highly efficient integrated carbon dioxide electrolysis systems that can achieve overall solar-to-fuel energy efficiencies larger than the ten percent usually needed for practical applications. The integrated system will comprise three main components, including an efficient anode that oxidises water to oxygen, an active cathode that reduces carbon dioxide to chemical fuels and photovoltaic cells as the source of electricity. Successful implementation of this project is expected to lead to commercialisation of photovoltaic cells-powered carbon dioxide electrolysis systems, which can be used in both households and industry.Read moreRead less