Interactions between nanoparticles and bacteria. This project aims to understand how nanoparticles interfere with bacterial metabolism, and how these interactions lead to cell death, lysis and dispersal from biofilms. Intensive use of nanomaterials results in their continuously releases into the environment. While various nanoparticles have inhibitory and even toxic effects on microorganisms in ecosystems, the underlying mechanisms are not understood. This project will investigate model organism ....Interactions between nanoparticles and bacteria. This project aims to understand how nanoparticles interfere with bacterial metabolism, and how these interactions lead to cell death, lysis and dispersal from biofilms. Intensive use of nanomaterials results in their continuously releases into the environment. While various nanoparticles have inhibitory and even toxic effects on microorganisms in ecosystems, the underlying mechanisms are not understood. This project will investigate model organisms’ responses to nanoparticles at the cellular, enzymatic and gene expression levels. The findings are expected to help assess the immediate and long-term effect of nanoparticles on ecosystem health, for improved environmental management.Read moreRead less
Tunable antifouling behaviour on rough surfaces. The impact of subtle variations in nano and micro scale surface roughness on larger scale wetting and antifouling behaviour of surfaces is investigated. This will lead to next generation non-toxic coatings for both medical and marine applications. The environmental implications will be a significant feature of the ongoing assessment of this study.
Photoelectrocatalysis-based Techniques for Bactericidal Applications. Effective control of the quality of water supply is paramount for public health. This project aims to develop a novel photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) based bactericidal technology capable of instant inactivation and rapid decomposition of waterborne pathogens in recycled water. The PEC processes at the illuminated semiconductor photoanodes with ultraviolet (UV) and visible light activities will be innovatively utilised with the ai ....Photoelectrocatalysis-based Techniques for Bactericidal Applications. Effective control of the quality of water supply is paramount for public health. This project aims to develop a novel photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) based bactericidal technology capable of instant inactivation and rapid decomposition of waterborne pathogens in recycled water. The PEC processes at the illuminated semiconductor photoanodes with ultraviolet (UV) and visible light activities will be innovatively utilised with the aim of in-situ generation of stable di-halide radical anions, reactive oxygen species and photoholes as effectual bactericides to achieve instant inactivation and rapid decomposition of waterborne pathogens. The success of the project is expected to provide Australian water industry with enabling technology to safeguard recycled water usage.Read moreRead less
Development of the thinnest possible, multifunctional DNA-nanoparticle membranes for ultrafast filtration and smart sensing. Development of ultrathin and multifunctional membranes is currently in urgent need to improve our technologies in energy, environment and healthcare. This project will apply innovative nanobiomaterials to build such membrane systems and establish the design rules and develop key technologies.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101617
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,000.00
Summary
Novel Three Dimensional Porous Boron Nitride Foam for Water Cleaning. This project aims to develop new three-dimensional (3D) porous nanomaterials of boron nitride (BN) foam with excellent sorption properties for water purification. New chemical synthesis approaches will be used to produce 3D porous BN foams with high porosity, large surface area and high mechanical stability leading to a high adsorption capacity, easy regeneration and excellent recycle ability for water purification. The expect ....Novel Three Dimensional Porous Boron Nitride Foam for Water Cleaning. This project aims to develop new three-dimensional (3D) porous nanomaterials of boron nitride (BN) foam with excellent sorption properties for water purification. New chemical synthesis approaches will be used to produce 3D porous BN foams with high porosity, large surface area and high mechanical stability leading to a high adsorption capacity, easy regeneration and excellent recycle ability for water purification. The expected outcomes include a new class of light absorbent materials, new production techniques and a high efficiency water cleaning technique.Read moreRead less
Engineered and functionalized nanocarbons for clean energy and water. This project aims to develop a novel material platform based on metal-free graphitic carbon nitride and its functionalised composites in solar energy utilisation for water treatment, energy conversion to hydrogen, solar cell, and electrochemical battery in energy storage. The project aims to address the scientific challenges in rational nanomaterial synthesis, functionalisation and practical applications. The research outcomes ....Engineered and functionalized nanocarbons for clean energy and water. This project aims to develop a novel material platform based on metal-free graphitic carbon nitride and its functionalised composites in solar energy utilisation for water treatment, energy conversion to hydrogen, solar cell, and electrochemical battery in energy storage. The project aims to address the scientific challenges in rational nanomaterial synthesis, functionalisation and practical applications. The research outcomes are expected to provide a scientific basis for development of cutting-edge nanotechnologies for sustainable energy transformation and wastewater treatment, leading to significant benefits in Australian energy industries and environment.Read moreRead less
Quantification of airborne engineered nanoparticles: developing a scientific framework to inform their regulation and control. Despite the presence of airborne engineered nanoparticles in many commercial/research facilities, there are no established methods for their detection/characterisation. This work aims to develop a foundation for the quantitative assessment of airborne engineered nanoparticles, which is critical for controlling exposure and minimising health risks.
Detection, characteristics and dynamics of airborne engineered nanoparticles for human exposure assessment. Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to questions about the safety of airborne engineered nanoparticles in commercial and research facilities. This project aims to develop an understanding of nanoparticle emission and behaviour in the air, which is needed to control workplace exposure to these particles and minimise the risk to human health.
Porous Silica-Based Nanocapsules for Targeted and Controlled Release of Biocides. The project will lead to significant advances in nanotechnology and agrichemical biocide applications. A highly efficient insect control technology will be developed, that will be cost-effective with the ability for targeted control and release of biocides. The encapsulation technology will reduce the total usage and costs of biocides thus benefit the environment in terms of reduced environment pollution and enhanc ....Porous Silica-Based Nanocapsules for Targeted and Controlled Release of Biocides. The project will lead to significant advances in nanotechnology and agrichemical biocide applications. A highly efficient insect control technology will be developed, that will be cost-effective with the ability for targeted control and release of biocides. The encapsulation technology will reduce the total usage and costs of biocides thus benefit the environment in terms of reduced environment pollution and enhanced ecological safety.Read moreRead less
Characterisation and Modelling of Nanostructured Soft Magnetic Materials for Advanced Electromagnetic Applications. This project bridges the gap between nanomagnetic materials and practical applications. The knowledge generated and the international collaborations with world class scientists established through this cutting-edge research project will strengthen the leading status of Australia in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The research outcomes will stimulate the growth of world ....Characterisation and Modelling of Nanostructured Soft Magnetic Materials for Advanced Electromagnetic Applications. This project bridges the gap between nanomagnetic materials and practical applications. The knowledge generated and the international collaborations with world class scientists established through this cutting-edge research project will strengthen the leading status of Australia in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The research outcomes will stimulate the growth of world class Australian industries and hence the national economy through the commercial manufacturing of hi-tech nanomagnetic materials and innovative smart devices and systems. High quality PhD and honours project students will be trained.Read moreRead less