Environmentally responsive clean coatings. Nature makes use of a range of fascinating surface properties, such as the leaves of the Lotus plant which stay clean even in dirty environments. In this project we will explore the molecular properties of novel polymer coated surfaces that-similar to some natural surfaces-can adapt to changing environmental stimuli and be resistant to contamination. Specifically, we aim to develop self-cleaning polymer coatings which can reversibly switch from wettab ....Environmentally responsive clean coatings. Nature makes use of a range of fascinating surface properties, such as the leaves of the Lotus plant which stay clean even in dirty environments. In this project we will explore the molecular properties of novel polymer coated surfaces that-similar to some natural surfaces-can adapt to changing environmental stimuli and be resistant to contamination. Specifically, we aim to develop self-cleaning polymer coatings which can reversibly switch from wettable to non-wettable with changing temperature and humidity. These self-cleaning polymer surfaces with environmentally responsive properties will add value to pre-painted steel products and other coatings.Read moreRead less
Imaging defects at atomic resolution via state-of-the-art atomic force microscopy and petascale simulations. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) promises to deliver resolution of individual atoms on surfaces and therefore, in principle, is capable of observing surface defects. However, the image obtained is a convolution of many complex interactions. Thus the key questions are what is being actually observed when we see something with “atomic resolution” in AFM and can point defects be really detected ....Imaging defects at atomic resolution via state-of-the-art atomic force microscopy and petascale simulations. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) promises to deliver resolution of individual atoms on surfaces and therefore, in principle, is capable of observing surface defects. However, the image obtained is a convolution of many complex interactions. Thus the key questions are what is being actually observed when we see something with “atomic resolution” in AFM and can point defects be really detected? The aim of this proposal is to combine state-of-the-art experimental AFM techniques with computer simulations that are capable of generating AFM images to answer these questions. Our ability to harness the potential of AFM for many applications in areas such as nanoscience and crystal engineering hinges on being able to correctly interpret AFM images.Read moreRead less
Exploiting shear to form new structures of carbon. This project aims to create new, technologically-interesting, materials by combining shear (sliding forces) with high pressure. The work will use both modelling and experiments to understand the pathways to form new materials such as a different form of diamond that is predicted to be harder than regular diamond. Such a material could be used in coatings for cutting tools or ultra-low-scratch surfaces. Expected outcomes include both an understan ....Exploiting shear to form new structures of carbon. This project aims to create new, technologically-interesting, materials by combining shear (sliding forces) with high pressure. The work will use both modelling and experiments to understand the pathways to form new materials such as a different form of diamond that is predicted to be harder than regular diamond. Such a material could be used in coatings for cutting tools or ultra-low-scratch surfaces. Expected outcomes include both an understanding of the importance of shear in the study of high-pressure science, and as a tool to manufacture new functional materials.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE150100151
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$760,000.00
Summary
Probe and engineer interactions in atomic-scale devices with a LT STM. A low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscope: The project aims to establish a facility to exploit the spectroscopic and spatial resolution of an ultra-low temperature scanning tunnelling microscope in conjunction with atomically controlled dopant engineering. In a variety of experiments the research team will explore ultra-scaled transistors, quantum information science devices, and engineered quantum matter. Improving ou ....Probe and engineer interactions in atomic-scale devices with a LT STM. A low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscope: The project aims to establish a facility to exploit the spectroscopic and spatial resolution of an ultra-low temperature scanning tunnelling microscope in conjunction with atomically controlled dopant engineering. In a variety of experiments the research team will explore ultra-scaled transistors, quantum information science devices, and engineered quantum matter. Improving our ability to investigate semiconductor materials at the atomic scale impacts fields ranging from electronics, telecommunication, quantum information to renewable energy research and puts Australia at the forefront of the field of controlled atomic systems in semiconductors.Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems. The future of technology lies in controlling the quantum world. The ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQuS) will deliver the building blocks of future quantum technologies and, critically, ensure Australian primacy in this endeavour. Three strategic research programs will target Quantum Measurement and Control; Synthetic Quantum Systems and Simulation; and Quantum-Enabled Sensors and Metrology. Within these programs, ....ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems. The future of technology lies in controlling the quantum world. The ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQuS) will deliver the building blocks of future quantum technologies and, critically, ensure Australian primacy in this endeavour. Three strategic research programs will target Quantum Measurement and Control; Synthetic Quantum Systems and Simulation; and Quantum-Enabled Sensors and Metrology. Within these programs, our Centre will exploit the deepest principles and resources of quantum physics to solve specific problems in engineering, chemistry biology and medicine, stimulating the Australian scientific and engineering communities to exploit (and benefit from) transformative quantum devices.Read moreRead less
Transforming carbon onions into nanodiamond: technological and astrophysical implications. This project will develop a novel approach for converting carbon into nanometre-sized diamond. Control of the process will lead to a new technology for making diamond coatings and insight into how nanodiamonds form in space.