One-dimensional nanostructured catalysts for heterogeneous catalytic conversion of biomass to furan derivatives. A sustainable future depends on the partial replacement of petrochemicals, and the use of bioresources synthesise fine chemicals and fuels. This project will develop new-generation novel catalysts to make this possible by syntheisising essential starting compounds from biomass using a green chemical process.
Well-designed Metal Oxide Semiconductors for Photocatalytic Water Splitting. The project seeks to provide new insights into the effects that structure and composition of catalyst materials have on photocatalytic properties, to tackle the bottlenecks inhibiting the commercialisation of water-splitting technology. The main objective of this project is to strategically design and synthesise highly efficient photo-harvesting mesostructural materials (multi-shelled hollow microspheres) and use them f ....Well-designed Metal Oxide Semiconductors for Photocatalytic Water Splitting. The project seeks to provide new insights into the effects that structure and composition of catalyst materials have on photocatalytic properties, to tackle the bottlenecks inhibiting the commercialisation of water-splitting technology. The main objective of this project is to strategically design and synthesise highly efficient photo-harvesting mesostructural materials (multi-shelled hollow microspheres) and use them for efficient photocatalytic water splitting. Based on an understanding of photoharvesting materials and the current challenges that plague water-splitting reactions, the project plans to use state-of-the-art materials synthesis and theoretical calculations to develop next-generation photo-harvesting materials for water-splitting systems.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH130100017
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,000,000.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing. ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing. The aim of this Research Hub is to develop breakthrough process and product innovations to enable the Australian steel industry to improve its global competitiveness. Based on an integrated, value chain-wide approach to innovation in the steel sector the Research Hub includes projects on innovation strategy and management, customer-focused product development, innovation in coating and surfa ....ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing. ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing. The aim of this Research Hub is to develop breakthrough process and product innovations to enable the Australian steel industry to improve its global competitiveness. Based on an integrated, value chain-wide approach to innovation in the steel sector the Research Hub includes projects on innovation strategy and management, customer-focused product development, innovation in coating and surface engineering technology, and economic and environmental sustainability of iron and steelmaking.Read moreRead less
Biodegradable magnesium alloy scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. This project aims to develop a class of porous, biocompatible, biofunctional and biodegradable magnesium alloy scaffolds with designed pore architecture and mechanical properties mimicking those of natural bone for tissue engineering applications. These magnesium alloy scaffolds will be biocompatible, able to bear loads, and will be gradually replaced by natural bone. The outcomes are expected to benefit the ageing population a ....Biodegradable magnesium alloy scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. This project aims to develop a class of porous, biocompatible, biofunctional and biodegradable magnesium alloy scaffolds with designed pore architecture and mechanical properties mimicking those of natural bone for tissue engineering applications. These magnesium alloy scaffolds will be biocompatible, able to bear loads, and will be gradually replaced by natural bone. The outcomes are expected to benefit the ageing population and people with bone abnormalities.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE140100156
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,000.00
Summary
Advanced Laser Additive Manufacturing System for Extended Applications to Surface Engineering, Direct Manufacturing and New Alloy Development. Advanced laser additive manufacturing system for extended applications to surface engineering, direct manufacturing and new alloy development: This project will provide an advanced laser additive manufacturing system for extended applications. Although the facility was originally designed for forefront additive manufacturing, it enables innovative resear ....Advanced Laser Additive Manufacturing System for Extended Applications to Surface Engineering, Direct Manufacturing and New Alloy Development. Advanced laser additive manufacturing system for extended applications to surface engineering, direct manufacturing and new alloy development: This project will provide an advanced laser additive manufacturing system for extended applications. Although the facility was originally designed for forefront additive manufacturing, it enables innovative research on surface engineering to solve the long standing corrosion and wear problems associated with metal components and to produce biomedical coatings on titanium implants. The facility can also be used to develop high quality alloys, including titanium and magnesium alloys, through an accelerated metallurgy approach, leading to breakthrough progress in metal research. Such alloys are highly desired by automotive and aerospace industries to improve fuel efficiency through weight reduction. Read moreRead less
Towards energy-efficient lighting based on light-emitting diodes: the role of silicon carbide grown on Si Wafers. This project will investigate a potential solution to the problems of cost and quality of light-emitting diodes for solid-state lighting. The expected outcome is knowledge to underpin future development of solid-state lighting that is suitable for a wide replacement of the much less efficient and effective incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes.
High performance sustainable carbon fibres from Australian spinifex grass. Spinifex grasses cover approximately 30 per cent of our Australian continent, in the driest regions. It has been found that, presumably because of this harsh environment, they are uniquely easy to break down into ultra-long, thin cellulose nanofibrils. Through the use of novel catalysts and advanced processing techniques, this project aims to take advantage of this trait to deliver the cost-effective production of high st ....High performance sustainable carbon fibres from Australian spinifex grass. Spinifex grasses cover approximately 30 per cent of our Australian continent, in the driest regions. It has been found that, presumably because of this harsh environment, they are uniquely easy to break down into ultra-long, thin cellulose nanofibrils. Through the use of novel catalysts and advanced processing techniques, this project aims to take advantage of this trait to deliver the cost-effective production of high strength, sustainable carbon fibres from nanocellulose. It is expected that the use of the world's first university based research facility capable of producing high quality carbon fibre (CarbonNexus) will ensure the product is industrially relevant, with real potential to capture a share of the $14 billion carbon-fibre-composite market.Read moreRead less
Low cost solution-processable 2D nanomaterials for smart windows. This project aims to develop low cost and scalable synthesis of the active functional nanomaterials in smart windows, their facile application techniques, and their integration into the glass manufacturing process. Smart windows, with thermochromic and electrochromic functionalities, will play important roles towards efficient energy usage and conservation (in terms of air-conditioning and lighting) in most buildings including off ....Low cost solution-processable 2D nanomaterials for smart windows. This project aims to develop low cost and scalable synthesis of the active functional nanomaterials in smart windows, their facile application techniques, and their integration into the glass manufacturing process. Smart windows, with thermochromic and electrochromic functionalities, will play important roles towards efficient energy usage and conservation (in terms of air-conditioning and lighting) in most buildings including offices, schools, and residential homes. . The intended outcome of this project is to facilitate the commercialisation of low-cost, energy-saving smart windows for efficient energy usage and conservation, which is an integral part of a sustainable environment.Read moreRead less
High performance cast magnesium alloys. Reducing the weight of cars, particularly their engines, enables substantial reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. A new generation of magnesium alloys will be developed by this project for the manufacture of considerably lighter components with improved mechanical performance for powertrain and structural applications.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190101176
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$407,000.00
Summary
High-performance flame retardant polymer foams by bioinspired nanocoating. This project aims to develop high-performance flame retardant polymer foams by creating a flame-retardant nanocoating on their surfaces based utilising layer-by-layer assembly. Polymer foams are widely used as thermal insulation materials for modern buildings because of their low density and excellent heat insulation. However they are highly flammable, which poses a great fire threat to life and property. The flame retard ....High-performance flame retardant polymer foams by bioinspired nanocoating. This project aims to develop high-performance flame retardant polymer foams by creating a flame-retardant nanocoating on their surfaces based utilising layer-by-layer assembly. Polymer foams are widely used as thermal insulation materials for modern buildings because of their low density and excellent heat insulation. However they are highly flammable, which poses a great fire threat to life and property. The flame retardancy, durability and wear-resistance of the resultant polymer foams will be tailored by manipulating the layer-by-layer construction parameters. The flame retardant polymer foams developed in this project will not only contribute to saving energy, but also to minimise the potential of fire hazards to life, property and the environment.Read moreRead less