Structure of Epitaxial Semiconductor Quantum Dots. Epitaxially grown semiconductor quantum dots have received extensive attention in recent years due to their potential applications in electronic and optoelectronic devises. However, the quality of current grown quantum dots is still very far from that required for real device applications due to a lack of detailed knowledge of their nanostructures. This project aims to combine the strength of growing semiconductor quantum dots at Fudan Universit ....Structure of Epitaxial Semiconductor Quantum Dots. Epitaxially grown semiconductor quantum dots have received extensive attention in recent years due to their potential applications in electronic and optoelectronic devises. However, the quality of current grown quantum dots is still very far from that required for real device applications due to a lack of detailed knowledge of their nanostructures. This project aims to combine the strength of growing semiconductor quantum dots at Fudan University and the world-class characterisation facilities (advanced transmission electron microscopy) at the University of Queensland to actively explore optimum paths for epaxially growing device-quality semiconductor quantum dots.Read moreRead less
Efficient Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells: New Cathodic Materials and Systems. Accelerating the uptake of renewable energy through new and diverse sources is critical to Australia's commitment to sustainable future, and Australia's energy security. This project will address key issues in commercially emerging Dye Solar Cell (DSC) technology, which has been accepted as a credible avenue to cost effective solar electricity. To date, significant development both in industry and Academia, has resulted in ....Efficient Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells: New Cathodic Materials and Systems. Accelerating the uptake of renewable energy through new and diverse sources is critical to Australia's commitment to sustainable future, and Australia's energy security. This project will address key issues in commercially emerging Dye Solar Cell (DSC) technology, which has been accepted as a credible avenue to cost effective solar electricity. To date, significant development both in industry and Academia, has resulted in Australia's leading and often pioneering position in this field. The project will maintain and enhance this position through both scientific and commercial outcomes, including opening up new markets for flexible DSC and exporting products and technological solutions through commercial activities of the Partner Organisation.Read moreRead less
Epitaxial growth of Zn-VI/III-N nanowire-based structures for future device applications. This project, aiming for developing zinc and nitrogen epitaxial nanowires, addresses specific National Research Priorities in the areas of breakthrough science, frontier technology and advanced materials. Outcomes will significantly advance the understanding of the evolution of epitaxial nanowire structures and their demonstrated properties. This project will provide informative guidelines for designing, de ....Epitaxial growth of Zn-VI/III-N nanowire-based structures for future device applications. This project, aiming for developing zinc and nitrogen epitaxial nanowires, addresses specific National Research Priorities in the areas of breakthrough science, frontier technology and advanced materials. Outcomes will significantly advance the understanding of the evolution of epitaxial nanowire structures and their demonstrated properties. This project will provide informative guidelines for designing, developing and manufacturing nanowire-based nanostructures for future nanodevices and nanosystems, which is strategically important to Australia's emerging high-tech industries. This project will also enhance the international reputation and impact of Australian research in the internationally focused field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.Read moreRead less
Understanding the role of catalysts in the growth of epitaxial semiconductor nanowires and their hierarchical heterostructures. This Fellowship aims to comprehensively determine the role of catalysts during nanowire growth, solving the bottle-neck problem for growing device-applicable nanowires. In order to address this complicated scientific challenge, the project plans to collaborate with several world-leading researchers in different areas, such as growth, property measurements and modelling. ....Understanding the role of catalysts in the growth of epitaxial semiconductor nanowires and their hierarchical heterostructures. This Fellowship aims to comprehensively determine the role of catalysts during nanowire growth, solving the bottle-neck problem for growing device-applicable nanowires. In order to address this complicated scientific challenge, the project plans to collaborate with several world-leading researchers in different areas, such as growth, property measurements and modelling. The outcomes of this Fellowship will not only provide new science in terms of nanowire growth, but also provide guidelines for designing, developing and manufacturing nanowire-based nanostructures for future nanodevices and nanosystems. This is strategically important to place Australia at the forefront of developments on nanoscience and nanotechnology.Read moreRead less
Nanostrutured Magnesium-base Composites for High-density Hydrogen Storage. This project aims to develop nanocrstalline magnesium-based composites for effective hydrogen storage, overcoming two main technical barriers of current metal hydride systems: high charging/discharging temperature and slow kinetics. Nanoscale catalysts based on mesoporous carbons and metal nanoparticles will be introduced into the magnesium to increase storage capacity and increase the rate at low temperatures. Fundament ....Nanostrutured Magnesium-base Composites for High-density Hydrogen Storage. This project aims to develop nanocrstalline magnesium-based composites for effective hydrogen storage, overcoming two main technical barriers of current metal hydride systems: high charging/discharging temperature and slow kinetics. Nanoscale catalysts based on mesoporous carbons and metal nanoparticles will be introduced into the magnesium to increase storage capacity and increase the rate at low temperatures. Fundamental understanding on the effects of catalysts, and adsorption and desorption mechanisms will be obtained to optimise the composite materials. This project will lead to effective and practical technology for hydrogen storage that will meet the target of commercial fuel cell vehicles.Read moreRead less
Functional Renewable Plastics: Developing Novel Polysaccharide, Protein and Natural Polyester Based Polymer Nanocomposites. Biopolymer based plastics (eg starch and proteins from plants; polylactic acid from wastes) are made from renewable sources and are readily biodegradable, making them good substitutes for synthetic plastics for uses like packaging and agricultural film.
Some biopolymer plastics properties (eg water migration barrier, strength) are not as high as synthetic plastics. Creat ....Functional Renewable Plastics: Developing Novel Polysaccharide, Protein and Natural Polyester Based Polymer Nanocomposites. Biopolymer based plastics (eg starch and proteins from plants; polylactic acid from wastes) are made from renewable sources and are readily biodegradable, making them good substitutes for synthetic plastics for uses like packaging and agricultural film.
Some biopolymer plastics properties (eg water migration barrier, strength) are not as high as synthetic plastics. Creating nano-biocomposites (biopolymer plastics mixed with low levels of nano particles) will improve the properties of biopolymer plastics, giving novel materials that can be substituted for synthetic plastics in a wider range of applications.
These products will reduce our environmental impact, and also create economic benefits from novel, high-value nano-biocomposites.Read moreRead less
THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF CATALYST DOPING AND DEFECTS IN CARBON NANOTUBES FOR HYDROGEN STORAGE. This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the adsorption mechanism of hydrogen in carbon nanotubes through theoretical calculations and experimental studies. This addresses an important area of hydrogen storage in nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, which promises efficient and clean energy supply in the hydrogen economy in 15-20 years time. Specifically, the proj ....THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF CATALYST DOPING AND DEFECTS IN CARBON NANOTUBES FOR HYDROGEN STORAGE. This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the adsorption mechanism of hydrogen in carbon nanotubes through theoretical calculations and experimental studies. This addresses an important area of hydrogen storage in nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, which promises efficient and clean energy supply in the hydrogen economy in 15-20 years time. Specifically, the project aims to elucidate the effects of catalyst doping and defects in the carbon nanotube walls on the adsorption mechanism and capacity of hydrogen. Such an understanding is crucial to developing the improved carbon nanotubes with high adsorption capacity.Read moreRead less
The investigation of the effects of catalyst doping, element substitution and defects design in carbon materials for hydrogen storage. The successful introduction of an efficient and clean hydrogen economy is contingent on developing a cost-effective storage technology. Carbon materials have demonstrated significant promise in this area. The project aims to investigate the storage capacity of hydrogen in carbon materials by doping catalysts, substituting elements and introducing designed defect ....The investigation of the effects of catalyst doping, element substitution and defects design in carbon materials for hydrogen storage. The successful introduction of an efficient and clean hydrogen economy is contingent on developing a cost-effective storage technology. Carbon materials have demonstrated significant promise in this area. The project aims to investigate the storage capacity of hydrogen in carbon materials by doping catalysts, substituting elements and introducing designed defects into the structures of carbon materials, with both theoretical and experimental methods. This project also aims to foster a long term linkage with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan thus enhancing Australian Universities's integration with the research institutions overseas in research and developmentRead moreRead less
An integrated system for high-efficiency hydrogen assisted electricity generation from solar energy. Energy security and climate change have intensified the search for renewable energy technologies that will reduce the carbon footprint of our economies. This project will lead to a technology platform, enabling hydrogen production and electricity generation by a clean way, which is high potential in solar-abundance Australia. Its success will definitely benefit Australia both economically and env ....An integrated system for high-efficiency hydrogen assisted electricity generation from solar energy. Energy security and climate change have intensified the search for renewable energy technologies that will reduce the carbon footprint of our economies. This project will lead to a technology platform, enabling hydrogen production and electricity generation by a clean way, which is high potential in solar-abundance Australia. Its success will definitely benefit Australia both economically and environmentally. It will speed up the utilisation of solar energy and help Australia reduce greenhouse emissions. It would also lead to advanced technologies that can be commercialised and exported overseas, thus positioning Australia at the forefront of renewable energy development.Read moreRead less
Nano-machining of diamond-like carbon (DLC): Scientific basis and technical potential. Nanotechnology will be the basis for the next post-industrial revolution, and will be the main driver of future national economies. It is crucially important that at the very least Australia is a significant niche player in those developments. The project represents an effort to promote those goals.