Clay nanoparticle-facilitated RNAi for non-transgenic modification of crops. This project aims to define the most effective spray formulations, consisting of clay nanoparticles and induced RNA interference (RNAi) to manipulate gene expression in plants. Topical application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for RNAi represents an attractive alternative to genetically engineered crops. However, naked dsRNA is unstable and is not efficiently taken up by plants. For these reasons, topical application o ....Clay nanoparticle-facilitated RNAi for non-transgenic modification of crops. This project aims to define the most effective spray formulations, consisting of clay nanoparticles and induced RNA interference (RNAi) to manipulate gene expression in plants. Topical application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for RNAi represents an attractive alternative to genetically engineered crops. However, naked dsRNA is unstable and is not efficiently taken up by plants. For these reasons, topical application of dsRNA has thus far produced only modest induction of RNAi in plants. Nanoparticle-facilitated manipulation of gene expression in plants will enable sustainable clean green strategies for protecting crops from diseases. This project will result in improved crop protection and productivity and boost the export potential of Australian crops.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE210100036
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$950,000.00
Summary
A customised triple-beam microscope for precise fabricating/characterising . This project aims to establish a customised triple-beam microscope to enable precise fabrication and polishing (using ion beams) and characterisation (using electron beam) of a wide range of advanced materials. It will provide solutions to prepare ultra-high quality and artefact-free specimens for transmission electron microscopy studies, and allow fabrication of unique nanostructures and nanostructured templates for hi ....A customised triple-beam microscope for precise fabricating/characterising . This project aims to establish a customised triple-beam microscope to enable precise fabrication and polishing (using ion beams) and characterisation (using electron beam) of a wide range of advanced materials. It will provide solutions to prepare ultra-high quality and artefact-free specimens for transmission electron microscopy studies, and allow fabrication of unique nanostructures and nanostructured templates for high-performance applications. The customised features of the proposed instrument are the first of its kind in Australia. The new knowledge developed through this project will significantly impact on scientific insights and practical applications of new materials related to physics, chemistry, biology, geology and engineering.Read moreRead less
High Quality Gallium Oxide for Power Electronics. This project aims to combine advanced nanocharacterisation techniques with complementary expertise in semiconductor growth to produce high-quality gallium oxide that will enable fabrication of high efficiency, cost-effective power electronics. These state-of-the-art devices are urgently required to significantly reduce power conversion losses to maximise the performance and benefits of electricity generation systems using renewable energy sources ....High Quality Gallium Oxide for Power Electronics. This project aims to combine advanced nanocharacterisation techniques with complementary expertise in semiconductor growth to produce high-quality gallium oxide that will enable fabrication of high efficiency, cost-effective power electronics. These state-of-the-art devices are urgently required to significantly reduce power conversion losses to maximise the performance and benefits of electricity generation systems using renewable energy sources. The availability of superior oxide materials with bespoke electrical properties will enable the construction of fast high-voltage electronic switches, converters and other components with enhanced performance and unique capabilities.Read moreRead less
Bioprogramming the behaviour of nanoparticles in live cells by nanoscopy . The project aims to develop safer materials that are sustainably sourced from sweet corn, and investigate using advanced imaging technologies, how these materials are processed in biological systems, including human and plant cells. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the optimal design of materials that can be used safely and effectively in biological applications in medicine and in agriculture. Expected ou ....Bioprogramming the behaviour of nanoparticles in live cells by nanoscopy . The project aims to develop safer materials that are sustainably sourced from sweet corn, and investigate using advanced imaging technologies, how these materials are processed in biological systems, including human and plant cells. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the optimal design of materials that can be used safely and effectively in biological applications in medicine and in agriculture. Expected outcomes of this multidisciplinary project include a library of highly biocompatible nanomaterials and expanded knowledge on imaging technologies and structure-function relationship of nanomaterials in biological cells. This should provide significant benefits, such as improved crop yields and safer transfection agents.Read moreRead less
Advanced lanthanide-doped nanomaterials for new-generation security inks. Current security labelling technologies using pattern coding (“barcoding”) and/or UV-excited phosphorescent inks are relatively easily counterfeited. The project aims to identify optimal design, fabrication and surface treatment of infrared-excited lanthanide nanoparticles for use as pigments in UV-curable polymer inks. This is expected to result in a new-generation of jet-printable security inks with ultimate capability f ....Advanced lanthanide-doped nanomaterials for new-generation security inks. Current security labelling technologies using pattern coding (“barcoding”) and/or UV-excited phosphorescent inks are relatively easily counterfeited. The project aims to identify optimal design, fabrication and surface treatment of infrared-excited lanthanide nanoparticles for use as pigments in UV-curable polymer inks. This is expected to result in a new-generation of jet-printable security inks with ultimate capability for multidimensional coding (using multiple luminescence wavelengths and lifetimes) and robust readability. Expected outcomes are world leadership in codable inks for secure labelling against counterfeiting, greatly enhancing both global ink-product sales and the value of Australian exports subject to product substitution.Read moreRead less
Next generation easy-clean lenses by robust liquid-repellent nanotextures. This project aims to produce better performing self-cleaning lenses, which are less likely to get dirty and are easy to clean. It will develop water and oil repellent coatings with superior optical transparency and mechanical, solvent and UV stability for both hard coated and anti-reflection coated optical lenses. Engineering of stable, ultra-liquid repellent nanomaterials on transparent surfaces will create a foundation ....Next generation easy-clean lenses by robust liquid-repellent nanotextures. This project aims to produce better performing self-cleaning lenses, which are less likely to get dirty and are easy to clean. It will develop water and oil repellent coatings with superior optical transparency and mechanical, solvent and UV stability for both hard coated and anti-reflection coated optical lenses. Engineering of stable, ultra-liquid repellent nanomaterials on transparent surfaces will create a foundation of knowledge for the industrial development of the future generation of easy care coatings, with vast application potential.Read moreRead less
Harnessing Interlayer Biexcitons in Atomically Thin Heterostructures. This project aims to investigate the generation of high-quality quantum light sources by harnessing interlayer biexcitons in atomically thin heterostructures. This research expects to expand our understanding of fundamental physics of photon pair generation in atomically thin heterostructures. The expected outcome is demonstration of a prototype light-weight and intense quantum photon source based on novel materials, which can ....Harnessing Interlayer Biexcitons in Atomically Thin Heterostructures. This project aims to investigate the generation of high-quality quantum light sources by harnessing interlayer biexcitons in atomically thin heterostructures. This research expects to expand our understanding of fundamental physics of photon pair generation in atomically thin heterostructures. The expected outcome is demonstration of a prototype light-weight and intense quantum photon source based on novel materials, which can be readily integrated with photonic circuits for quantum communication technologies, enbling the developments of light weight portable devices, such as mobile phones, displays, and wearable photonics. This research could strengthen the development of new industries and lead to job creation in Australia. Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101102
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,748.00
Summary
Single-Atom Catalysts on Atomically Thin Nanomaterials for H2O2 Production. Single-atomic sites supported on graphene analogs is an ideal structural mode for the design of electrocatalysts due to its ultimate small size limit, atomic thickness, and easily tuned electronic properties. This project aims to use a theory-guided approach to develop efficient electrocatalysts for the production of value-added hydrogen peroxide. The structural advantages of graphene analogs will be fully utilised to un ....Single-Atom Catalysts on Atomically Thin Nanomaterials for H2O2 Production. Single-atomic sites supported on graphene analogs is an ideal structural mode for the design of electrocatalysts due to its ultimate small size limit, atomic thickness, and easily tuned electronic properties. This project aims to use a theory-guided approach to develop efficient electrocatalysts for the production of value-added hydrogen peroxide. The structural advantages of graphene analogs will be fully utilised to unlock the catalytic power of single-atomic sites, and consequently achieve high catalytic activity and selectivity. The outcome will set a solid scientific foundation to enable economically viable technologies for eco-friendly hydrogen peroxide production and bring significant socioeconomic benefits to Australia.Read moreRead less
Scalable and reversible computing with integrated nanomechanics. This project aims to build the first scalable computing architecture based on nanomechanical motion, integrated on a silicon chip and proven in harsh environments. This could extend the performance of computers in space and high-radiation environments, e.g. allowing robust satellite stabilisation. The project will leverage our know-how in phononics and nanofabrication to enable previously unprecedented control of nanomechanical mot ....Scalable and reversible computing with integrated nanomechanics. This project aims to build the first scalable computing architecture based on nanomechanical motion, integrated on a silicon chip and proven in harsh environments. This could extend the performance of computers in space and high-radiation environments, e.g. allowing robust satellite stabilisation. The project will leverage our know-how in phononics and nanofabrication to enable previously unprecedented control of nanomechanical motion, and exquisitely low energy dissipation. It aims to construct a nanomechanical processor capable of digital servo control, built from nanomechanical waveguides, transistors, logic gates and analogue-to-digital converters. It will also develop reversible logic gates, a key step towards ultralow-power computing.Read moreRead less