Dissection of nodule and lateral root development in the model legume Lotus japonicus. We propose to isolate and decipher the function of plant genes involved in nodule development, with the view to extend and compare this knowledge to lateral root formation. While nodulation and lateral root formation are distinct processes, they appear to share anatomical and biochemical features. Working hypothesis is that nodule formation borrowed functions from lateral root development. Our approach impleme ....Dissection of nodule and lateral root development in the model legume Lotus japonicus. We propose to isolate and decipher the function of plant genes involved in nodule development, with the view to extend and compare this knowledge to lateral root formation. While nodulation and lateral root formation are distinct processes, they appear to share anatomical and biochemical features. Working hypothesis is that nodule formation borrowed functions from lateral root development. Our approach implements T-DNA and transposon insertional mutagenesis in the model legume Lotus japonicus. The success of this project will contribute significantly to the studies of plant-microbe interaction and plant morphogenesis.Read moreRead less
Development of novel high efficiency thermoelectric oxides for high temperature power generation. Thermoelectric materials are considered as a key factor in clean energy production, based on the conversion of waste heat emitted by power plants and automobiles to electricity. A series of novel high performance Co-based oxide thermoelectric materials will be developed by this project using nanotechnology and advanced material processing techniques. Significant improvement of the heat-to-electricit ....Development of novel high efficiency thermoelectric oxides for high temperature power generation. Thermoelectric materials are considered as a key factor in clean energy production, based on the conversion of waste heat emitted by power plants and automobiles to electricity. A series of novel high performance Co-based oxide thermoelectric materials will be developed by this project using nanotechnology and advanced material processing techniques. Significant improvement of the heat-to-electricity conversion factor is expected to result from the proposed program. The novel thermoelectric oxides with high thermoelectric performance will be practically used for high temperature power generation. This will provide a long-term solution to the global warming threat through decreasing amounts of waste heat presently generated. Read moreRead less
TAILORING OF CARBON MATERIALS FOR USE IN DIRECT CARBON FUEL CELLS. This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of and methods for tailoring carbon materials to be used in high efficiency (80-85%) direct carbon fuel cells (DCFC). This project addresses an important area in clean and efficient energy supply to meet the World's long-term energy and environmental requirements. Specifically, we aim to focus on the carbon particulates based on carbon black materials with a turbostratic st ....TAILORING OF CARBON MATERIALS FOR USE IN DIRECT CARBON FUEL CELLS. This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of and methods for tailoring carbon materials to be used in high efficiency (80-85%) direct carbon fuel cells (DCFC). This project addresses an important area in clean and efficient energy supply to meet the World's long-term energy and environmental requirements. Specifically, we aim to focus on the carbon particulates based on carbon black materials with a turbostratic structure, and to investigate the relationship between the microstructures of synthetic carbon black materials and their efficacy in DCFC systems. Ultimately, we aim to engineer novel carbon particulates for use in DCFCs.Read moreRead less
New High Temperature Proton Conducting Polymer Electrolyte For Sustainable Energy Conversion Applications. This project will bring the following significant benefit to the Australian community and economy:i)Energy and Environmental benefit: will provide the nation with an ultimate solution to zero emission vehicles and urban pollution; ii)Global Standing: will position Australia to become a global leader in sustainable energy conversion technology through the efficient fuel cell systems developm ....New High Temperature Proton Conducting Polymer Electrolyte For Sustainable Energy Conversion Applications. This project will bring the following significant benefit to the Australian community and economy:i)Energy and Environmental benefit: will provide the nation with an ultimate solution to zero emission vehicles and urban pollution; ii)Global Standing: will position Australia to become a global leader in sustainable energy conversion technology through the efficient fuel cell systems development;iii)Intellectual Property (IP): will deliver the nation a strong intellectual property (IP) position in the frontier technology, and; iv)Training: will train 2 high quality graduates in an emerging and multidisciplinary area of research with commercial turnover of more than $1000 million in Australia.Read moreRead less
Engineered functional metal silica membranes for hydrogen processing. This project focuses on hydrogen processing technologies for the petrochemical, agricultural and coal/energy industries. These sectors employ 110,000 people with annual combined revenues of $80 billion. Advanced technologies are vital for the competitiveness of the Australian economy, and to sustain Australia's social stability and economic growth.
Increase in Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 through Intervalence Charge Transfer. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has many proposed and realised applications in energy and the environment. The main problem that has hindered development and commercialisation of devices using TiO2 is its low photocatalytic activity, which results from its poor absorption of visible and infrared light. Most researchers modify the properties of TiO2 by conventional electrochemical methods to improve its performance but the ....Increase in Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 through Intervalence Charge Transfer. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has many proposed and realised applications in energy and the environment. The main problem that has hindered development and commercialisation of devices using TiO2 is its low photocatalytic activity, which results from its poor absorption of visible and infrared light. Most researchers modify the properties of TiO2 by conventional electrochemical methods to improve its performance but these attempts have been of limited success. The present research involves a completely new approach to the problem, which is based on the method used in the heat treatment of sapphire to improve its colour. This approach uses a phenomenon involving the modification of the optical properties to improve its absorption of light.Read moreRead less
Development of Superflux Carbon Nanotube Membranes for Gas Separation. The project seeks to develop gas separation membranes displaying superfluxes - throughputs 10 to 100 times higher than current systems, with lower operating costs. There is compelling evidence that very high flow rates are achievable and they have been shown for single gas transport. Theory predicts that highly selective separations are possible, but this has not yet been experimentally shown - a key outcome from this proje ....Development of Superflux Carbon Nanotube Membranes for Gas Separation. The project seeks to develop gas separation membranes displaying superfluxes - throughputs 10 to 100 times higher than current systems, with lower operating costs. There is compelling evidence that very high flow rates are achievable and they have been shown for single gas transport. Theory predicts that highly selective separations are possible, but this has not yet been experimentally shown - a key outcome from this project. The applications are widespread and include separation of carbon dioxide from power station flue gas for sequestration, purification of natural gas and provision of pure component gases such as oxygen and nitrogen amongst others.Read moreRead less
Combined Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and CFD modelling to study particle deposition in conduits. System geometry greatly influences flow hydrodynamics and hence the transport of colloidal particles and ionic species from the bulk to the surfaces that result in formation of unwanted deposit matter on the surface. The formation of unwanted deposits has significant environmental and economic penalties. This project uses a new approach that is combining the CFD modelling and experimentation inc ....Combined Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and CFD modelling to study particle deposition in conduits. System geometry greatly influences flow hydrodynamics and hence the transport of colloidal particles and ionic species from the bulk to the surfaces that result in formation of unwanted deposit matter on the surface. The formation of unwanted deposits has significant environmental and economic penalties. This project uses a new approach that is combining the CFD modelling and experimentation including flow visualization by PIV to systematically investigate the effect of channel geometry and flow on deposit formation. The outcomes of the project will result in a better understanding and formulating of the effect of geometry on deposition of colloidal particles and ionic species on the surfaces. The results contribute not only towards the mitigation processes for unwanted deposition; it also advances the knowledge in coating applications.Read moreRead less
Hydro-mechanical interactions in coal geo-sequestration of carbon dioxide. One of the most critical environmental issues facing society is that of global warming because of increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide released from burning of fossil fuels. Storage of CO2 in the ground, geo-sequestration, offers the promise of significant reductions in atmospheric CO2 release, particularly from coal fired power stations which produce 40% of Australia's CO2 emissions. The proposed project will lead ....Hydro-mechanical interactions in coal geo-sequestration of carbon dioxide. One of the most critical environmental issues facing society is that of global warming because of increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide released from burning of fossil fuels. Storage of CO2 in the ground, geo-sequestration, offers the promise of significant reductions in atmospheric CO2 release, particularly from coal fired power stations which produce 40% of Australia's CO2 emissions. The proposed project will lead to greater understanding and reduced risks during the injection and storage of CO2 in deep unmineable coal deposits. This will contribute to national efforts to reduce global warming, safeguard the Australian coal industry, and allow continued electricity generation from coal-fired plants. Read moreRead less
Methane Coupling Using Mixed Conducting Catalytic Ceramic Hollow Fibre Membrane Reactor. The Gas product industry is one of the most important economic sectors in Australia, employing 10000 people with market value of $ 100 billion per year from power generation and LNG export. However, there are increasing concerns over issues of the green house gases emission and petroleum dwindling. This project addresses the technology needs in converting natural gas to more useful chemicals via a more effic ....Methane Coupling Using Mixed Conducting Catalytic Ceramic Hollow Fibre Membrane Reactor. The Gas product industry is one of the most important economic sectors in Australia, employing 10000 people with market value of $ 100 billion per year from power generation and LNG export. However, there are increasing concerns over issues of the green house gases emission and petroleum dwindling. This project addresses the technology needs in converting natural gas to more useful chemicals via a more efficient and cleaner means of methane utilization. The project target is to make the natural gas resources in Australia to delivery high value products with considerable economic benefits and increased employment opportunities. Read moreRead less