Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100664
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,847.00
Summary
Pushing the limits of electronic delocalization in organic molecules. This project aims to uncover the factors which control how molecules delocalize electrons in 1, 2, and 3 dimensions. Electronic delocalization is essential for many applications of molecular materials, such as light-harvesting and energy storage, but it remains poorly understood. The expected outcomes of this project include new highly-conductive molecules, transferrable knowledge about aromaticity, and design principles for f ....Pushing the limits of electronic delocalization in organic molecules. This project aims to uncover the factors which control how molecules delocalize electrons in 1, 2, and 3 dimensions. Electronic delocalization is essential for many applications of molecular materials, such as light-harvesting and energy storage, but it remains poorly understood. The expected outcomes of this project include new highly-conductive molecules, transferrable knowledge about aromaticity, and design principles for future organic materials. The expected benefits flow from the foundational nature of this research: pi-conjugated organic molecules have many potential uses, including: sensors (e.g. for environmental monitoring), solar cells, and OLED screens, and this project is expected to improve these technologies and industries.Read moreRead less
Organic Linchpin Reagents to Construct Structural Diversity and Complexity. High-energy chemical species such as carbenes, nitrenes or free radicals are often used as reactive intermediates in organic reactions to rapidly generate new bonds, structures and structural complexities. Due to their reactive nature, traditionally only one type of high-energy chemical species can be featured at a time to avoid unwanted complicated side reactions. This project aims to develop novel synthetic substrates ....Organic Linchpin Reagents to Construct Structural Diversity and Complexity. High-energy chemical species such as carbenes, nitrenes or free radicals are often used as reactive intermediates in organic reactions to rapidly generate new bonds, structures and structural complexities. Due to their reactive nature, traditionally only one type of high-energy chemical species can be featured at a time to avoid unwanted complicated side reactions. This project aims to develop novel synthetic substrates bearing multiple carbene and nitrene precursors of different types. These high-energy intermediates can be released in a relayed fashion by controlling orthogonal stimuli and therefore acting as linchpin reagents for quick construction of bio- or photo-active compounds and unprecedented complicated structures.Read moreRead less
New photoinitiators and polymers for tack-free LED cured surface coatings. This project aims to develop surface coatings curable by energy from Light Emitting Diodes (LEDS) by overcoming existing hurdles, while improving workplace health and safety.
The project expects to achieve this by developing a new class of photoinitiator molecules, with enhanced reactivity, via a unique understanding of synthesis, photochemistry and commercial coatings formulation.
Outcomes will be new surface coatings ....New photoinitiators and polymers for tack-free LED cured surface coatings. This project aims to develop surface coatings curable by energy from Light Emitting Diodes (LEDS) by overcoming existing hurdles, while improving workplace health and safety.
The project expects to achieve this by developing a new class of photoinitiator molecules, with enhanced reactivity, via a unique understanding of synthesis, photochemistry and commercial coatings formulation.
Outcomes will be new surface coatings for a wide range of end uses, publication in high ranking journals and commercialisation of the technology.
Benefits of this project will include elimination of mercury and reduction in exposure to solvents in the Australian workplace, and a lower energy requirement to produce high-quality surface coated products.Read moreRead less
A new molecular platform for catalytic synthesis of heterocycles. This project aims to address the lack of efficient methods to prepare cyclic molecules of biological relevance by utilising novel molecular platforms developed in our laboratories. This project expects to generate new cyclic molecules using these innovative molecular platforms by employing catalysts to reduce raw material and energy cost. The expected outcomes of this project include enhanced chemical technology to prepare cyclic ....A new molecular platform for catalytic synthesis of heterocycles. This project aims to address the lack of efficient methods to prepare cyclic molecules of biological relevance by utilising novel molecular platforms developed in our laboratories. This project expects to generate new cyclic molecules using these innovative molecular platforms by employing catalysts to reduce raw material and energy cost. The expected outcomes of this project include enhanced chemical technology to prepare cyclic molecules of pharmaceutical importance and the training of highly skilled PhD students. This should provide significant benefits, such as increased capacity for the development of new pharmaceuticals and advanced materials.Read moreRead less
Designer solvents to control reaction outcome. This project aims to control outcomes of chemical reactions using specifically designed ionic liquids as solvents. Ionic liquids are distinct from molecular solvents and are underused due to the limited understanding of their effects on chemical processes. We are developing a predictive framework to explain such effects and this project aims to exploit this new knowledge, using both new and rarely applied ionic liquids to control reaction outcomes. ....Designer solvents to control reaction outcome. This project aims to control outcomes of chemical reactions using specifically designed ionic liquids as solvents. Ionic liquids are distinct from molecular solvents and are underused due to the limited understanding of their effects on chemical processes. We are developing a predictive framework to explain such effects and this project aims to exploit this new knowledge, using both new and rarely applied ionic liquids to control reaction outcomes. The significance lies in the ability to optimise reaction outcomes without the need for solvent screening. The innovation lies in the measurement of microscopic interactions between solvent and reagents, and the use of these interactions to affect a given process.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC190100034
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,574,272.00
Summary
ARC Training Centre for Green Chemistry in Manufacturing. Globally, there is demand for products that are effective, safe and environmentally benign. The ARC Training Centre for Green Chemistry in Manufacturing aims to utilise local and global experts to provide the next generation of Australian chemists and engineers, with skills to develop innovative products and processes that are intrinsically safe and benign. It will provide collaborating partners and the broader manufacturing industry with ....ARC Training Centre for Green Chemistry in Manufacturing. Globally, there is demand for products that are effective, safe and environmentally benign. The ARC Training Centre for Green Chemistry in Manufacturing aims to utilise local and global experts to provide the next generation of Australian chemists and engineers, with skills to develop innovative products and processes that are intrinsically safe and benign. It will provide collaborating partners and the broader manufacturing industry with new products and processes with strong export potential, and the ability to respond to the market pressures, underpinned by green chemistry and sustainable principles. Resulting benefits include increased competitiveness for Australia's manufacturing industry, jobs, social as well as environmental benefitsRead moreRead less
Rational design of new synthetic antifreeze molecules for cryopreservation. This project aims to synthesise new carbohydrate-based surfactants optimised for use as cryoprotectants, and to accurately measure, model and optimise their performance. The project will use state-of-the-art experimental methods and advanced phase-field modelling techniques to optimise the cryoprotectants so that they reduce osmotic stress in cells and inhibit ice crystal growth during freezing and thawing. The expected ....Rational design of new synthetic antifreeze molecules for cryopreservation. This project aims to synthesise new carbohydrate-based surfactants optimised for use as cryoprotectants, and to accurately measure, model and optimise their performance. The project will use state-of-the-art experimental methods and advanced phase-field modelling techniques to optimise the cryoprotectants so that they reduce osmotic stress in cells and inhibit ice crystal growth during freezing and thawing. The expected outcomes will be novel cryoprotectants that are easy to synthesise, non-toxic and effective, opening up new possibilities for the cryopreservation of cells, organs and possibly even whole organisms. This will have broad impact in critical applications such as long-term blood storage, reproductive technology and stem cell therapy, as well as preservation of endangered species.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH200100023
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,950,000.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Innovative Nitrogen Fertilisers and Inhibitors. This Hub aims to transform agriculture by delivering a new class of nitrogen (N) fertilisers and inhibitors designed to stem the 50-80% losses to the environment in current products. It is intended to generate new knowledge and valuable intellectual property in controlled released and coated N fertiliser products using a novel co-design process involving representatives of the whole value chain from product design through to va ....ARC Research Hub for Innovative Nitrogen Fertilisers and Inhibitors. This Hub aims to transform agriculture by delivering a new class of nitrogen (N) fertilisers and inhibitors designed to stem the 50-80% losses to the environment in current products. It is intended to generate new knowledge and valuable intellectual property in controlled released and coated N fertiliser products using a novel co-design process involving representatives of the whole value chain from product design through to validation and adoption. The project estimates possible 20% gains in efficiency of N use, delivering large costs savings, improved productivity, increased profitability and decreased environmental impacts, helping the Australian food and agribusiness sector to reach its 2030 target of $100B value added.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH170100020
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,641,142.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Processing Lignocellulosics into High Value Products. The ARC Research Hub for Processing Lignocellulosics into High Value Products aims to convert renewable and readily-available biomass material and waste streams from the Australian Pulp, Paper and Forest Industry into new, high-value products that are in high demand in existing and developing markets. The Research Hub will translate leading scientific discoveries in biomass conversion into the manufacture of advanced mate ....ARC Research Hub for Processing Lignocellulosics into High Value Products. The ARC Research Hub for Processing Lignocellulosics into High Value Products aims to convert renewable and readily-available biomass material and waste streams from the Australian Pulp, Paper and Forest Industry into new, high-value products that are in high demand in existing and developing markets. The Research Hub will translate leading scientific discoveries in biomass conversion into the manufacture of advanced materials that can be used in the industries of the future. Research aims to identify new applications and products. They will be derived from lignocellulose through the advent of new smart paper packaging, green chemical and materials with unique properties. Benefits will flow to the pharmaceutical, chemicals, plastics and food packaging industries.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210100053
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,710.00
Summary
Computational Discovery & Design of New Catalytic Halogenophilic Reactions. Computational chemistry will be used to discover and predict new halogenophilic (halogeno = halogen; philic = like) substitution reactions (SN2X) catalysed by positively charged (cationic) catalysts. SN2X is a less known substitution reaction compared to accepted textbook nucleophilic (nucleo = electron-rich) substitution reactions. This proposal capitalises on previous theoretical-experimental understanding of a cation- ....Computational Discovery & Design of New Catalytic Halogenophilic Reactions. Computational chemistry will be used to discover and predict new halogenophilic (halogeno = halogen; philic = like) substitution reactions (SN2X) catalysed by positively charged (cationic) catalysts. SN2X is a less known substitution reaction compared to accepted textbook nucleophilic (nucleo = electron-rich) substitution reactions. This proposal capitalises on previous theoretical-experimental understanding of a cation-catalysed SN2X to develop new chemical reactions using SN2X synthetic strategies to access difficult-to-make molecules of potential medicinal relevance with heavily substituted carbon-carbon and carbon heteroatom bonds. Read moreRead less