Photonic crystals: The key to breaking the silicon-solar cell efficiency barrier. This project aims to investigate solar light harvesting using light trapping by photonic crystal on an amorphous-Silicon thin-film combining passivation technologies with light trapping. Using this new light trapping method, based on a specially designed periodic surface structure, the project expects to set a new standard in solar energy conversion efficiency. The expected outcomes of this project represent a ste ....Photonic crystals: The key to breaking the silicon-solar cell efficiency barrier. This project aims to investigate solar light harvesting using light trapping by photonic crystal on an amorphous-Silicon thin-film combining passivation technologies with light trapping. Using this new light trapping method, based on a specially designed periodic surface structure, the project expects to set a new standard in solar energy conversion efficiency. The expected outcomes of this project represent a step change in Silicon solar cell efficiency, applicable to different materials and especially useful for thin flexible cells. The project has the potential to benefit the renewable energy sector, increasing the efficiency of sustainable energy production, with positive economic and environmental impacts.Read moreRead less
Development of Metal-Titania Core-Shell Nanostructures for Photocatalysis. The aim of this project is to develop innovative techniques for the synthesis of advanced nanomaterials for pollutant removal and antibacterial applications. Improving the photocatalysis efficiency of titanium oxide (TiO2) is critical in energy and environmental applications. This project aims to develop innovative strategies to prepare metal–TiO2 core-shell nanostructures, in which metals (eg gold, silver) can be used as ....Development of Metal-Titania Core-Shell Nanostructures for Photocatalysis. The aim of this project is to develop innovative techniques for the synthesis of advanced nanomaterials for pollutant removal and antibacterial applications. Improving the photocatalysis efficiency of titanium oxide (TiO2) is critical in energy and environmental applications. This project aims to develop innovative strategies to prepare metal–TiO2 core-shell nanostructures, in which metals (eg gold, silver) can be used as light absorbers for visible incident light and generate intense electromagnetic fields, thus improving efficiency.Read moreRead less
Functionalised two-dimensional nanomaterials for future energy storage. This project aims to identify new ways to enhance the properties of two-dimensional nanomaterials and to tailor material attributes that can meet the fabrication and application needs of flexible and high performance supercapacitors. Two-dimensional nanomaterials are proving critical for pushing the boundaries in energy storage devices, making them more powerful and longer lasting than current state-of-the-art devices. This ....Functionalised two-dimensional nanomaterials for future energy storage. This project aims to identify new ways to enhance the properties of two-dimensional nanomaterials and to tailor material attributes that can meet the fabrication and application needs of flexible and high performance supercapacitors. Two-dimensional nanomaterials are proving critical for pushing the boundaries in energy storage devices, making them more powerful and longer lasting than current state-of-the-art devices. This project is expected to result in a scalable approach to producing novel materials and devices which will enhance Australia’s capacity for advanced manufacturing.Read moreRead less
Exploring the bio-nano interface in plants to enhance crop growth. This project aims to improve the delivery of nutrients and therapeutics to plants by understanding their interactions with nanomaterials. This will create new knowledge on the impact of air, water, and soilborne nanomaterials utilizing cutting-edge bio-nano characterization techniques, innovative lab testing, and high-throughput nanoparticle coating and screening. Expected outcomes of the project include 1) an understanding into ....Exploring the bio-nano interface in plants to enhance crop growth. This project aims to improve the delivery of nutrients and therapeutics to plants by understanding their interactions with nanomaterials. This will create new knowledge on the impact of air, water, and soilborne nanomaterials utilizing cutting-edge bio-nano characterization techniques, innovative lab testing, and high-throughput nanoparticle coating and screening. Expected outcomes of the project include 1) an understanding into how nanomaterial coating technologies impact nanomaterial properties, which will 2) shed light on how nanomaterials interact with plants, which leads to 3) breakthroughs in using nanomaterials to deliver nutrients, fertilizers, and pesticides to boost crop yields and productivity in Australian agriculture.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140100716
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,420.00
Summary
Novel Boron Carbon Nitride (BCN) Nanosheets for Future Electrochemical Energy Storage. This project will develop new two-dimensional nanomaterials of boron carbon nitride (BCN nanosheets) with excellent electrochemical properties for energy storage application. New chemical approaches will be used to produce BCN nanosheets with a few layered structure, controlled chemical composition, high porosity and large surface area leading to a high electrical conductivity and enhanced electrochemical perf ....Novel Boron Carbon Nitride (BCN) Nanosheets for Future Electrochemical Energy Storage. This project will develop new two-dimensional nanomaterials of boron carbon nitride (BCN nanosheets) with excellent electrochemical properties for energy storage application. New chemical approaches will be used to produce BCN nanosheets with a few layered structure, controlled chemical composition, high porosity and large surface area leading to a high electrical conductivity and enhanced electrochemical performances. The BCN nanosheets will be used as the anode in lithium ion batteries and expected to improve capacity, rate capability and cycling stability. The expected outcomes include a new class of light and safe electrode materials, new production techniques and high-performance batteries.Read moreRead less
Capturing full-spectrum of solar energy using TiO2 ordered suprastructures. The project aims to develop a titanium dioxide (TiO2) semiconductor that can use full-spectrum solar energy. Solar-driven photocatalytic processes have important applications in water decontamination and energy production. Their effectiveness is dictated by the semiconductor’s absorbance and conversion of photoenergy to chemical energy. Being inexpensive, chemically and mechanically robust, TiO2 is the most promising mat ....Capturing full-spectrum of solar energy using TiO2 ordered suprastructures. The project aims to develop a titanium dioxide (TiO2) semiconductor that can use full-spectrum solar energy. Solar-driven photocatalytic processes have important applications in water decontamination and energy production. Their effectiveness is dictated by the semiconductor’s absorbance and conversion of photoenergy to chemical energy. Being inexpensive, chemically and mechanically robust, TiO2 is the most promising material for the semiconductor. However, unmodified TiO2 only absorbs ultraviolet light (5 per cent of solar energy). With current progress made in visible absorbance, this project aims to significantly improve TiO2’s absorbance in near infrared by doping with upconversion lanthanides and rendering colloidal crystal suprastructures that can trap light.Read moreRead less
Electro-Optical Primers for Safe Use and Clean Manufacturing. Conventional primers contain a mechanically-sensitive primary explosive that is used to detonate the more stable propellant in a bullet. This project aims to address the health and environmental impacts of heavy metals in current primers by replacing them with benign, electrically or optically activated silicon-based materials. Modern semiconductor fabrication techniques will be used to develop safe and clean primers through cost-effe ....Electro-Optical Primers for Safe Use and Clean Manufacturing. Conventional primers contain a mechanically-sensitive primary explosive that is used to detonate the more stable propellant in a bullet. This project aims to address the health and environmental impacts of heavy metals in current primers by replacing them with benign, electrically or optically activated silicon-based materials. Modern semiconductor fabrication techniques will be used to develop safe and clean primers through cost-effective doping and deposition protocols. The expected outcomes of the project include a sovereign primer manufacturing capability for Australia. This will provide a significant strategic advantage and health benefits for law enforcement and defence personnel during live fire training and firing range exercises.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH150100003
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,611,346.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Graphene Enabled Industry Transformation. ARC Research Hub for Graphene Enabled Industry Transformation. This research hub aims to provide the advanced materials industry with innovative solutions to tackle critical and complex challenges of national significance. The hub intends to leverage substantial existing and new investments to overcome fundamental scientific barriers and develop fit-for-purpose graphene products with and for its partners. Advanced materials, particul ....ARC Research Hub for Graphene Enabled Industry Transformation. ARC Research Hub for Graphene Enabled Industry Transformation. This research hub aims to provide the advanced materials industry with innovative solutions to tackle critical and complex challenges of national significance. The hub intends to leverage substantial existing and new investments to overcome fundamental scientific barriers and develop fit-for-purpose graphene products with and for its partners. Advanced materials, particularly graphene, are now considered promising for maintaining competitive advantages for industrial transformational progress; and advanced industries to drive prosperity where innovation underpins business to thrive globally. The anticipated impacts are long-term economic prosperity and growth.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH210100025
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,379,165.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacturing with 2D Materials (AM2D). Australia holds large resources of critical 2D minerals – key enablers of several existing and emerging technologies in Energy Storage, Purification and Printed Electronics. The AM2D hub aims to provide a sophisticated environment for researchers and an industrial translation platform for manufacturers; a hub where leading academics, bright students, and industry partners come together to learn, apply, collaborate, innovate, a ....ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacturing with 2D Materials (AM2D). Australia holds large resources of critical 2D minerals – key enablers of several existing and emerging technologies in Energy Storage, Purification and Printed Electronics. The AM2D hub aims to provide a sophisticated environment for researchers and an industrial translation platform for manufacturers; a hub where leading academics, bright students, and industry partners come together to learn, apply, collaborate, innovate, and deliver industry transformation in advanced manufacturing. Anticipated outcomes include the transformation of newly discovered materials into globally traded, high-value 2D products, enabling Australian industries to capture more wealth and jobs from this large and growing market.
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