An account of wetting phenomena on nano-engineered surfaces. This project aims to provide researchers and industry with a toolbox to predict wetting behaviour on surfaces with nanoscale topography. A combined experimental and numerical study will lead to the discovery of the mechanisms by which topographical and chemical properties of the surface trigger the formation of nanostructure-induced air pockets and how these phenomena determine surface wettability. This will provide significant benefi ....An account of wetting phenomena on nano-engineered surfaces. This project aims to provide researchers and industry with a toolbox to predict wetting behaviour on surfaces with nanoscale topography. A combined experimental and numerical study will lead to the discovery of the mechanisms by which topographical and chemical properties of the surface trigger the formation of nanostructure-induced air pockets and how these phenomena determine surface wettability. This will provide significant benefits, as the predictive surface-wettability model will enhance controllability and productivity of diverse manufacturing processes and lead to new applications, high-value products and economic benefits in mining, energy, electronics, biomedicine and other fields.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190100641
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,079.00
Summary
Brillouin microscopy for high-speed imaging of rigidity within cells. This project aims to improve the sensitivity and speed of Brillouin microscopes. Brillouin microscopes use light to measure the stiffness of samples in 3D without requiring physical access, allowing their use in inaccessible locations such as the interior of cells or within intact tissue. However, Brillouin microscopes are too slow to be used in most research. This project introduces a new approach based on different optical p ....Brillouin microscopy for high-speed imaging of rigidity within cells. This project aims to improve the sensitivity and speed of Brillouin microscopes. Brillouin microscopes use light to measure the stiffness of samples in 3D without requiring physical access, allowing their use in inaccessible locations such as the interior of cells or within intact tissue. However, Brillouin microscopes are too slow to be used in most research. This project introduces a new approach based on different optical physics that is expected to enable faster and more precise imaging. The microscope will be used to study the movement of amoeba, where it is expected to reveal the controlled stiffening and fluidising of the different regions of protoplasm believed to underlie the cell mobility.Read moreRead less
The crucial role of organic-inorganic interfaces in the performance of organic optoelectronic devices. Organic electronic devices such as organic light emitting diodes and organic solar cells are expected to lead to substantial benefits over conventional electronic components. However, there is increasing evidence that the interface between the organic layers and the inorganic electrodes (or active components in hybrid devices) could be sub-optimal in terms of critical properties such as electro ....The crucial role of organic-inorganic interfaces in the performance of organic optoelectronic devices. Organic electronic devices such as organic light emitting diodes and organic solar cells are expected to lead to substantial benefits over conventional electronic components. However, there is increasing evidence that the interface between the organic layers and the inorganic electrodes (or active components in hybrid devices) could be sub-optimal in terms of critical properties such as electron transfer and stability. The aim of this project is to understand the structure and properties of such interfaces and to probe their behaviour at elevated temperatures. The results will pave the way for organic electronic devices to become a commercial reality.Read moreRead less
Diffusion – the key to performance in organic optoelectronic devices. In the future, new types of displays, solar cells and sensors for explosives based on organic materials will be common. This project will provide understanding and control of the movement of molecules between the layers that make up these devices leading to optimised performance and durability.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101073
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$355,000.00
Summary
Defying conventions with a liquid metal-embedded hybrid elastomer composite. Conductive elastic composites are one of the key components used in flexible/wearable electronic devices in the manufacture of sensors and interconnects; however, conventional composites experience a relatively low sensitivity to strain, and their conductivity decreases when stretched (i.e. they exhibit a negative piezoconductive effect). This project aims to understand the unprecedented positive piezoconductive effect ....Defying conventions with a liquid metal-embedded hybrid elastomer composite. Conductive elastic composites are one of the key components used in flexible/wearable electronic devices in the manufacture of sensors and interconnects; however, conventional composites experience a relatively low sensitivity to strain, and their conductivity decreases when stretched (i.e. they exhibit a negative piezoconductive effect). This project aims to understand the unprecedented positive piezoconductive effect exhibited on the liquid metal-embedded hybrid elastomer (LMHE) and explore its potential to address the key challenges faced by conventional materials. The outcomes of this project will benefit the advanced manufacturing sector by developing high-performance composites to revolutionise future wearable electronic technologies.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220101577
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$446,639.00
Summary
Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework for Next-Generation Batteries. This project aims to develop advanced two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic framework (COF) materials for sodium and potassium-ion batteries. It expects to generate a new family of few-layered 2D COF materials and their 2D-2D heterostructured composites with improved electrochemical properties, and develop processing technologies and fundamental understanding of COF-based electrodes for flexible sodium and potassium-ion ba ....Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework for Next-Generation Batteries. This project aims to develop advanced two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic framework (COF) materials for sodium and potassium-ion batteries. It expects to generate a new family of few-layered 2D COF materials and their 2D-2D heterostructured composites with improved electrochemical properties, and develop processing technologies and fundamental understanding of COF-based electrodes for flexible sodium and potassium-ion batteries. Expected outcomes include novel materials, technologies, and energy-storage options for Australia. Significant economic and environmental benefits are expected from developing advanced sodium and potassium-ion batteries with low cost, high energy density, and improved safety for renewable energy storage.Read moreRead less
Next generation hybrid nanomaterials: bispecific antibody-targeted polymers. This project aims to develop and optimise a novel platform technology that will assist in the development of hybrid materials consisting of nanomaterials and biomolecules, which form the basis of many commercial diagnostic devices. A novel antibody, MIL38, will provide the test bed for the technology, which will aim to deliver a platform that is stable under physiological conditions and that enables facile conjugation o ....Next generation hybrid nanomaterials: bispecific antibody-targeted polymers. This project aims to develop and optimise a novel platform technology that will assist in the development of hybrid materials consisting of nanomaterials and biomolecules, which form the basis of many commercial diagnostic devices. A novel antibody, MIL38, will provide the test bed for the technology, which will aim to deliver a platform that is stable under physiological conditions and that enables facile conjugation of nanomaterials with antibodies. This project has the potential to rapidly improve the ligation process between synthetic nanomaterials and biologics, leading to more efficient synthesis of targeted diagnostics. This would provide a significant commercial advantage for any nanomaterials developed for the field, and specifically for this project, expedite translation of MIL38.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE200100032
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,000.00
Summary
Advanced Multifunctional Electro-Opto-Magneto-Mechanical Analysis Platform. This project aims to build an advanced multi-functional Electro-Opto-Magneto-Mechanical analysis platform for characterizing nanomaterials and micro-/nano-scale devices. This platform expects to provide rich and unique characterization capabilities (electrical, optical, magnetic and mechanical) for hybrid devices with low temperature and high vacuum environment. The expected outcomes include multidisciplinary research co ....Advanced Multifunctional Electro-Opto-Magneto-Mechanical Analysis Platform. This project aims to build an advanced multi-functional Electro-Opto-Magneto-Mechanical analysis platform for characterizing nanomaterials and micro-/nano-scale devices. This platform expects to provide rich and unique characterization capabilities (electrical, optical, magnetic and mechanical) for hybrid devices with low temperature and high vacuum environment. The expected outcomes include multidisciplinary research collaborations and a wide range of next-generation technologies including non-invasive medical instruments, wearable devices, communication, quantum information systems and energy storage solutions. This should enable local design and construction of hybrid devices and advance the growth of local high-technology industries.Read moreRead less
Neural mechanisms of water flow perception and spatial integration. This project aims to develop a novel zebrafish platform for elucidating the circuits that mediate lateral line perception. The sensory modality by which fish detect and respond to water flow is poorly understood. This project proposes a novel preparation in the zebrafish model for applying controlled water flow using microfluidics, thereby stimulating the lateral line. Because the animal remains stationary, it is possible to per ....Neural mechanisms of water flow perception and spatial integration. This project aims to develop a novel zebrafish platform for elucidating the circuits that mediate lateral line perception. The sensory modality by which fish detect and respond to water flow is poorly understood. This project proposes a novel preparation in the zebrafish model for applying controlled water flow using microfluidics, thereby stimulating the lateral line. Because the animal remains stationary, it is possible to perform whole-brain calcium imaging of cells and circuits that respond to water flow, and to use optogenetics to stimulate or silence these neurons. This will reveal the circuitry mediating flow perception, and its relationship with other senses, in a way that has been previously impossible.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE180100030
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$541,705.00
Summary
National facility for nanoscale characterisation of luminescent materials. The project aims to establish a national facility for nanoscale characterisation of advanced optoelectronic materials, including atomically-thin materials, luminescent nanocrystals, metamaterials, and plasmonic nanostructures. The combination of a highly focused electron beam, and novel light detection optics, will enable temperature-dependent, angle, polarisation and time-resolved luminescence analysis with unprecedented ....National facility for nanoscale characterisation of luminescent materials. The project aims to establish a national facility for nanoscale characterisation of advanced optoelectronic materials, including atomically-thin materials, luminescent nanocrystals, metamaterials, and plasmonic nanostructures. The combination of a highly focused electron beam, and novel light detection optics, will enable temperature-dependent, angle, polarisation and time-resolved luminescence analysis with unprecedented resolution. It is expected this will yield discoveries in nanoscale physics and materials science. It will create interdisciplinary collaborations by linking Australian scientists who use high-resolution multimodal characterisation methods to innovate and develop materials and device technologies.Read moreRead less