Exploiting the properties of gold nanoparticles for nanolithography using visible wavelengths. The next generation of nano-devices, such as biosensors and molecular electronics, will require nanopatterning as part of the production process. Conventional optical lithographies cannot provide sufficient resolution, and alternative techniques, such as e-beam lithographies are expensive. This project aims to demonstrate a solution to this problem with obvious commercial benefit. It is the first t ....Exploiting the properties of gold nanoparticles for nanolithography using visible wavelengths. The next generation of nano-devices, such as biosensors and molecular electronics, will require nanopatterning as part of the production process. Conventional optical lithographies cannot provide sufficient resolution, and alternative techniques, such as e-beam lithographies are expensive. This project aims to demonstrate a solution to this problem with obvious commercial benefit. It is the first time a multidisciplinary team has made such a concerted effort to understand the unusual science of gold nanoparticles and will strengthen Australia's already considerable reputation in this field.Read moreRead less
New platforms for molecular electronics. Molecular electronics involves the integration of molecules with solid-state electronics and is seen as an answer to the growing need for ultradense and ultrafast computation. This project will design molecular-based components specifically intended for solid-state applications, such as molecular-based memory.
Atomistic mechanisms of the mechanical behaviour of nanostructured silicon carbide films. Advanced silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics are leading candidates for applications in high-power, high-speed machining and high-temperature structural components. Superhardness and high ductility (or high fracture toughness), which have been realized in some nanostructured (ns) SiC films and nanowires, respectively, are desirable properties for many applications. This project aims to understand the mechanisms ....Atomistic mechanisms of the mechanical behaviour of nanostructured silicon carbide films. Advanced silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics are leading candidates for applications in high-power, high-speed machining and high-temperature structural components. Superhardness and high ductility (or high fracture toughness), which have been realized in some nanostructured (ns) SiC films and nanowires, respectively, are desirable properties for many applications. This project aims to understand the mechanisms behind the exceptional properties in ns SiC and to explore the possibility of realizing the two properties in the same ns SiC. The results obtained from this research will be very important for guiding the structural design of SiC with exceptional mechanical properties which will have a wide range of structural applications.Read moreRead less
A novel nanoimprinting technology for infrared photovoltaic sensor applications. There is a demonstrated need for state-of-the-art optoelectronic infrared sensors to be available to Australian industry to enable it to be more competitive in national and international marketplaces in strategically important fields such as defence, remote sensing, agriculture, medicine and the environment. The world market for IR optoelectronic sensors is expanding, but at present there is no manufacturer of devic ....A novel nanoimprinting technology for infrared photovoltaic sensor applications. There is a demonstrated need for state-of-the-art optoelectronic infrared sensors to be available to Australian industry to enable it to be more competitive in national and international marketplaces in strategically important fields such as defence, remote sensing, agriculture, medicine and the environment. The world market for IR optoelectronic sensors is expanding, but at present there is no manufacturer of devices in Australia, which puts Australian industry and national security at a disadvantage. This project will go a long way towards providing a national capability by developing a very low cost, simple infrared sensor fabrication process, based on nanoimprint technology. Read moreRead less
Nano-scale modification of gold surfaces for sensing mercury from gaseous effluents of alumina refineries. The Australian alumina industry contributes more than $5.4 billion export income annually. It is also a major driver of the rural economy with all but one of Australia's seven alumina refineries located in rural areas. In response to the industry's attempts to reduce the environmental impact of its processes, this project will conduct basic strategic research into the interaction between m ....Nano-scale modification of gold surfaces for sensing mercury from gaseous effluents of alumina refineries. The Australian alumina industry contributes more than $5.4 billion export income annually. It is also a major driver of the rural economy with all but one of Australia's seven alumina refineries located in rural areas. In response to the industry's attempts to reduce the environmental impact of its processes, this project will conduct basic strategic research into the interaction between mercury vapour and gold surfaces at the nano-level. Our principal aim is to develop mercury sensor technology suited to alumina refineries. This innovative technology will be a significant breakthrough in the control of mercury emissions and have many other applications.
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Mesoporous Metal Scaffolds: Reactive Containment Vessels. The storage of hydrogen is one of the most important issues that remains to be solved before the mass implementation of hydrogen as an energy carrier becomes commercially viable. This project aims to determine the kinetic and thermodynamic benefits of mesoporous metal scaffolds as reactive containment vessels for hydrogen storage materials. Fundamental experimental research into the synthesis, characterisation, and modification of nano-co ....Mesoporous Metal Scaffolds: Reactive Containment Vessels. The storage of hydrogen is one of the most important issues that remains to be solved before the mass implementation of hydrogen as an energy carrier becomes commercially viable. This project aims to determine the kinetic and thermodynamic benefits of mesoporous metal scaffolds as reactive containment vessels for hydrogen storage materials. Fundamental experimental research into the synthesis, characterisation, and modification of nano-confined hydrogen storage materials will be carried out. The results of this research are expected be used to tune hydrogen desorption temperatures and pressures of various light weight hydrogen storage materials to generate new materials attractive to the automobile industry.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0560850
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$295,320.00
Summary
Scanning Cathodoluminescence Microscopy and Spectroscopy Facility. Cathodoluminescence (CL), the emission of light during electron irradiation, has emerged as a unique analytical tool to characterise luminescence centres and study luminescence mechanisms in technologically important materials at the nano-scale. The main aim of this project is to establish a state-of-the-art scanning CL microscopy and spectroscopy facility in Australia. The facility will enable high spatial resolution CL analysis ....Scanning Cathodoluminescence Microscopy and Spectroscopy Facility. Cathodoluminescence (CL), the emission of light during electron irradiation, has emerged as a unique analytical tool to characterise luminescence centres and study luminescence mechanisms in technologically important materials at the nano-scale. The main aim of this project is to establish a state-of-the-art scanning CL microscopy and spectroscopy facility in Australia. The facility will enable high spatial resolution CL analysis of technologically important semiconductors and novel nano-structured materials, e.g. quantum dots and ceramic nano-crystals. These studies will facilitate a deeper understanding of the physics of light emission from nano-structured materials and enable the fabrication of higher quality opto-electronic materials.Read moreRead less
ARC Nanotechnology Research Network. The field of nano scale science, engineering and technology (in short nanotechnology) is just emerging and it is predicted to make a major impact in all technologies and areas of society. Australian Nanotechnology Network intends to harness the combined Australian capability to enable Australia to take a leading role in this rapidly growing field.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE140100075
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$580,000.00
Summary
Next Generation Small Angle X-Ray Scattering Facility. Next generation small angle X-ray scattering facility: The ability to determine the nanostructure of bulk materials is of utmost importance in an array of cutting-edge research fields. A state-of-the-art small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) facility will address this for a wide range of materials covering a diverse range of research topics such as energy storage materials, catalytic species, drug delivery systems, protein structures, biologic ....Next Generation Small Angle X-Ray Scattering Facility. Next generation small angle X-ray scattering facility: The ability to determine the nanostructure of bulk materials is of utmost importance in an array of cutting-edge research fields. A state-of-the-art small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) facility will address this for a wide range of materials covering a diverse range of research topics such as energy storage materials, catalytic species, drug delivery systems, protein structures, biological membranes, medical diagnostics and therapy, magnetic nanosystems, polymers, novel technologies for the clean utilisation of biomass, and minerals processing. The facility will underpin a range of current and planned multidisciplinary research programs leading to vital nanostructural information and innovative research solutions.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