Novel graphene-based soft materials for versatile applications. This research program will develop new techniques to convert natural graphite into new carbon nanomaterials for use in energy storage/conversion devices, water purification, sensors and biomedical devices. It will enable many technological innovations in related areas and enhance Australia's engineering and manufacturing innovations.
Image correlation spectroscopy on gold nanorod based plasmonic random media for nanophotonic applications. The push for high capacity storage and high speed plasmonic switching beyond terahertz (THz) is continuing, but the question remains whether this limit can be overcome. This project tackles these issues using plasmonic random media, which will help realise the elusive terabyte storage capacity and THz switching speed.
Engineering nanoscale tools for cellular interrogation. The aim is to address fundamental hurdles to engineering seamless nanobiointerfaces between electroactive nanoscale tools and living cells. This is expected to allow efficient delivery of many bioactive cargo types into cells, intracellular sampling of cytosol contents, and probing of action potential, all at the cell—material interface. New, powerful, electroactive nanoscale tools that deliver precise spatio-temporal resolution and minimal ....Engineering nanoscale tools for cellular interrogation. The aim is to address fundamental hurdles to engineering seamless nanobiointerfaces between electroactive nanoscale tools and living cells. This is expected to allow efficient delivery of many bioactive cargo types into cells, intracellular sampling of cytosol contents, and probing of action potential, all at the cell—material interface. New, powerful, electroactive nanoscale tools that deliver precise spatio-temporal resolution and minimal invasiveness and perturbation are likely to transform ex-vivo cellular processes. The intended outcomes are crucial for maximising precision in engineering and implementing of ex-vivo cellular processes. Fundamental advances in knowledge may eventually be a platform for developing cell-based therapies.
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Enhance ferromagnetic ordering by exchange coupling and defect engineering. This project aims to achieve room temperature ferromagnetism in two-dimensional materials via magnetic element doping and defect and interface engineering. Achieving high spin polarisation, high spin diffusion length and effective spin manipulation, the pre-requisites for functional spintronics devices, makes research into two-dimensional materials for spintronics applications difficult. This project could establish a so ....Enhance ferromagnetic ordering by exchange coupling and defect engineering. This project aims to achieve room temperature ferromagnetism in two-dimensional materials via magnetic element doping and defect and interface engineering. Achieving high spin polarisation, high spin diffusion length and effective spin manipulation, the pre-requisites for functional spintronics devices, makes research into two-dimensional materials for spintronics applications difficult. This project could establish a solid foundation for realising qualified spintronics materials for spintronics devices. The expected outcomes are low power, high speed, spintronics devices, enhancing Australia’s strength in spintronics research.Read moreRead less
Development of Novel Functionalised Two-dimensional Nanomaterials. This project aims to develop a series of novel 2D nanomaterials and their nanocomposites that have applications ranging from energy storage via a functional separator for batteries to thermal management devices. Developing novel functional 2D nanomaterials is important for several applications including energy storage, composite materials, and thermal management, as well as advancing knowledge in the control design of 2D nanomate ....Development of Novel Functionalised Two-dimensional Nanomaterials. This project aims to develop a series of novel 2D nanomaterials and their nanocomposites that have applications ranging from energy storage via a functional separator for batteries to thermal management devices. Developing novel functional 2D nanomaterials is important for several applications including energy storage, composite materials, and thermal management, as well as advancing knowledge in the control design of 2D nanomaterials and to promote the development of sustainable energy storage and thermal management technologies. The benefits to Australia, will be in addressing energy and environmental concerns by developing new clean and environmentally friendly energy devices and boosting national economic growth.Read moreRead less
Two-dimensional transition metal nitrides for energy applications. This project aims to develop novel nanomaterials for sustainable energy applications such as blue energy generation and energy storage. The focus is to explore novel 2D transition metal nitride nanomaterials and their advanced heterostructures with large specific surface area, high electrical conductivity and chemical stability. The expected outcomes include development of high-performance devices such as osmotic energy harvestin ....Two-dimensional transition metal nitrides for energy applications. This project aims to develop novel nanomaterials for sustainable energy applications such as blue energy generation and energy storage. The focus is to explore novel 2D transition metal nitride nanomaterials and their advanced heterostructures with large specific surface area, high electrical conductivity and chemical stability. The expected outcomes include development of high-performance devices such as osmotic energy harvesting devices for blue energy generation and micro-supercapacitors for energy storage. This should promote the growth of sectors in advanced materials, sustainable energy generation, smart energy storage and manufacturing, bringing efficient energy generation and storage system benefits to the Australia and the world.Read moreRead less
Engineering nanosheet-based novel structures. Microscopic structures will be engineered based on super thin materials, which promise to deliver significant advancements in the development of high sensitivity detectors, and efficient energy conversion and storage devices. This project will develop techniques that are not only green but also possess the flexibility to tailor-make novel structures.
Bridging the interface between nanoengineered materials and biological systems. Advances in nanotechnology have the potential to revolutionise how we treat many diseases. Nanoengineered drug carriers can deliver drugs to the areas in the body where they are required, limiting harmful side effects. This project will investigate how nanomaterials interact with biological systems and understand any potential side effects.
Nanobionic sensors for Real-Time Plant Health Monitoring. This project aims to develop nanosensors to detect and monitor plant health in real-time by measuring stress molecules. The project will create new knowledge on functional materials with unique optical, electronic and thermal properties as well as their bio-nano interactions with plants. The expected outcomes of the project will provide insight into 1) how localised nanosensors target organelles in living plants to 2) generate signals tha ....Nanobionic sensors for Real-Time Plant Health Monitoring. This project aims to develop nanosensors to detect and monitor plant health in real-time by measuring stress molecules. The project will create new knowledge on functional materials with unique optical, electronic and thermal properties as well as their bio-nano interactions with plants. The expected outcomes of the project will provide insight into 1) how localised nanosensors target organelles in living plants to 2) generate signals that can be picked up by portable devices to 3) report on plant health. Functional nanosensors will enable smart farming, precision agriculture and contribute to future agronomic research, further strengthening Australia’s position as an international leader in nanobiotechnology.Read moreRead less
Prefrontal dopamine in the dynamic processes of learning across lifetime. To facilitate age-specific adaptive action in a changing environment, how we learn changes not only as we grow, but also as we age. However, the neurobiological processes in these age-related changes are poorly studied. This is a significant knowledge gap that needs to be addressed to promote healthy cognitive development and ageing. This research program aims to examine the contribution of prefrontal dopamine and its rece ....Prefrontal dopamine in the dynamic processes of learning across lifetime. To facilitate age-specific adaptive action in a changing environment, how we learn changes not only as we grow, but also as we age. However, the neurobiological processes in these age-related changes are poorly studied. This is a significant knowledge gap that needs to be addressed to promote healthy cognitive development and ageing. This research program aims to examine the contribution of prefrontal dopamine and its receptors D1 and D2 in associative learning and its inhibition at 9 distinct ages spanning development to ageing in male and female rats. The outcomes will provide a new neuroscientific framework to understand learning and memory throughout life, which will foster new research opportunities and inform our education and health.Read moreRead less