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
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
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE240100060
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,853.00
Summary
High speed multi modal in-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy platform. This project aims to establish an in situ transmission electron microscope that will allow the atomic scale imaging of materials, while simultaneously measuring physical, chemical, electrical and optical properties, using a novel combination of cutting edge in-situ sample holders and an instrument mounted laser system. The instrument will be optimised for imaging of dynamic phenomena and the combination of spatial resoluti ....High speed multi modal in-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy platform. This project aims to establish an in situ transmission electron microscope that will allow the atomic scale imaging of materials, while simultaneously measuring physical, chemical, electrical and optical properties, using a novel combination of cutting edge in-situ sample holders and an instrument mounted laser system. The instrument will be optimised for imaging of dynamic phenomena and the combination of spatial resolution in the picometre scale, with microsecond level temporal resolution will be unique. The instrument will accelerate research into hydrogen production and carbon dioxide transformation, and thus support Australia's move to a more sustainable economy. 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: 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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Nanobionic plants. This project aims to develop nanobionic plants as network of semi-permanent sensors capable of rapid, sensitive, selective and unmanned detection and detoxification of chemical warfare agents in aquatic environments and in open air on-site, to allow timely and effective countermeasures. The anticipated goal is to advance the field of advanced manufacturing, environmental change, and nanotechnology with potential to support new national defence capabilities and to value-add Aus ....Nanobionic plants. This project aims to develop nanobionic plants as network of semi-permanent sensors capable of rapid, sensitive, selective and unmanned detection and detoxification of chemical warfare agents in aquatic environments and in open air on-site, to allow timely and effective countermeasures. The anticipated goal is to advance the field of advanced manufacturing, environmental change, and nanotechnology with potential to support new national defence capabilities and to value-add Australian manufacturing industries with innovative, disruptive technologies that lead to achievable opportunities to address its unique needs and to claim Australia’s position within the competitive global manufacturing and defence technology market.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230101105
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,318.00
Summary
Developing Polymer Electrolytes for Operational All-Solid-State Batteries. This project aims to advance the development of safe rechargeable all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) by innovating fluorinated block copolymers as solid-state electrolytes. ASSBs are the most promising power source for emerging energy storage goals, however, low ionic conductivity and poor long-term cycling stability are critical bottlenecks to their successful application. This project seeks to tackle these challenges by ....Developing Polymer Electrolytes for Operational All-Solid-State Batteries. This project aims to advance the development of safe rechargeable all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) by innovating fluorinated block copolymers as solid-state electrolytes. ASSBs are the most promising power source for emerging energy storage goals, however, low ionic conductivity and poor long-term cycling stability are critical bottlenecks to their successful application. This project seeks to tackle these challenges by fabricating unique ionic conduction channels and stabilising electrode-electrolyte interfaces using fluorinated block copolymer electrolytes. The expected outcomes are new knowledge in polymer electrolytes and advancement in the commercialisation of ASSBs toward more efficient, safe and reliable energy storage technologies.Read moreRead less