News Letter – 2017 December Issue
We aim to publish a newsletter every 3 months to report carbon research related activities. Please send information about your activities to Chair so they can be incorporated in the coming newsletters.
We aim to publish a newsletter every 3 months to report carbon research related activities. Please send information about your activities to Chair so they can be incorporated in the coming newsletters.
Recent activities:
2017-12-01
Royal Australian Chemical Institute Carbon Division, which is associated with the Australian Carbon Society for Australian chemists working in Carbon material area, has a new leadership team.
President: Nishar Hameed (Swinburne)
Treasurer: Nisa Salim (Deakin)
Secretary: Joe Shapter (Flinders)
Nishar Hameed from Swinburne University will also serve as a new board member for the Australian Carbon Society.
2017-11-10
Australian Research Council (ARC) awards multiple projects related to Carbon research. The details can be found in this Issue below.
2017-12-01
Royal Australian Chemical Institute Carbon Division, which is associated with the Australian Carbon Society for Australian chemists working in Carbon material area, has a new leadership team.
President: Nishar Hameed (Swinburne)
Treasurer: Nisa Salim (Deakin)
Secretary: Joe Shapter (Flinders)
Nishar Hameed from Swinburne University will also serve as a new board member for the Australian Carbon Society.
2017-11-10
Australian Research Council (ARC) awards multiple projects related to Carbon research. The details can be found in this Issue below.
Coming activities:
ICONN 2018 - International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 29 Jan -2 Feb 2018, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
Carbon 2018 - The world conference on Carbon will be held from July 1st to 6th in Madrid, Spain. It is organised by The Spanish Carbon Group. The congress website is at:www.carbon2018.org . The call for abstracts is now open. The submission process is detailed in the Call for abstracts page. Note that the short abstract deadline will be 31st December, 2017.
NT18 - The 19th nanotube conference, 15 July - 20 July, Peking University, Beijing, China
Jan. 2nd 2018: Registration & Submission Open
Apr. 15th 2018: Abstract Submission Closes
ICONN 2018 - International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 29 Jan -2 Feb 2018, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
Carbon 2018 - The world conference on Carbon will be held from July 1st to 6th in Madrid, Spain. It is organised by The Spanish Carbon Group. The congress website is at:www.carbon2018.org . The call for abstracts is now open. The submission process is detailed in the Call for abstracts page. Note that the short abstract deadline will be 31st December, 2017.
NT18 - The 19th nanotube conference, 15 July - 20 July, Peking University, Beijing, China
Jan. 2nd 2018: Registration & Submission Open
Apr. 15th 2018: Abstract Submission Closes
Research showcases:
In this session, we showcase research outcomes of Australian carbon researchers. You are welcome to send your important publications (including journal covers) to us.
Diamond Nanothread: A New Ultra-thin Material with Great Potential
Looking for lighter, stronger and multifunctional products, carbon material is one of the key players. Dr Haifei Zhan from Western Sydney University, is leading a global effort to uncover the promising potentials of a novel ultra-thin carbon material - diamond nanothread (DNT). Using large-scale molecular dynamics simulations, Dr Zhan found that DNT is an effective cue to enhance the mechanical performance of the nanocomposite (Zhan et al., Advanced Functional Materials, 26, 5279-5283, 2016). It can also be used to build carbon nanofibers as multifunctional nano-textiles with excellent mechanical performance that out-perform traditional carbon and polymeric fibers (Zhan et al., Nature Communications 8, 14863, 2017).
First uncovered by Pennsylvania State University, DNT is a one-dimensional material similar to carbon nanotube, in which the carbon atoms are packed as that in diamond. Collaborating with Professor Yuantong Gu and Professor John Bell (from Queensland University of Technology), and Professor Gang Zhang (from Institute of High Performance Computing, Singapore), Dr Zhan found that DNT not only has excellent mechanical properties, but also has tunable flexibility by varying the number of the so-called structural Stone-Wales (SW) transformation defect (Zhan et al., Nanoscale 8, 11177, 2016; Zhan et al., Carbon 107, 304, 2016). The SW defects are like hinges, connecting short pieces of straight sections of DNT. The existence of SW defects also provides an effective way to tune the thermal transport properties of DNT (Zhan et al., Carbon 98, 232, 2016). Benefiting from its intriguing properties and structures, DNT is showing broad applications.
References:
Zhan, H., Zhang, G., Tan, V. B. C., & Gu, Y. (2017). The best features of diamond nanothread for nanofibre applications. Nature Communications, 8, 14863.
Zhan, H., Zhang, G., Tan, V. B., Cheng, Y., Bell, J. M., Zhang, Y. W., & Gu, Y. (2016). Diamond nanothread as a new reinforcement for nanocomposites. Advanced Functional Materials, 26, 5279-5283.
Zhan, H., Zhang, G., Bell, J. M., & Gu, Y. (2016). The morphology and temperature dependent tensile properties of diamond nanothreads. Carbon, 107, 304-309.
Zhan, H., Zhang, G., Tan, V. B. C., Cheng, Y., Bell, J. M., Zhang, Y.-W., & Gu, Y. (2016). From brittle to ductile: a structure dependent ductility of diamond nanothread. Nanoscale, 8(21), 11177-11184.
Zhan, H., Zhang, G., Zhang, Y., Tan, V. B. C., Bell, J. M., & Gu, Y. (2016). Thermal conductivity of a new carbon nanotube analog: the diamond nanothread. Carbon, 98, 232-237.
Plasmonic Graphene Quantum Dots
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are emerging luminescent nanomaterials for energy, bioimaging, and optoelectronic applications. However, unlike conventional fluorophores, GQDs contain multiple emissive centres that result in a complex interaction with external electromagnetic fields. A collaborative research team from Griffith University, The University of Queensland and University of Technology Sydney utilise core–shell plasmonic nanoparticles to simultaneously enhance and modulate the photoluminescence (PL) intensities and spectral profiles of GQDs. By analysing the spectral profiles, they show that the emissive centres are highly influenced by the proximity to the metal particles. Under optimal spacer thickness of 25 nm, the overall PL displays a four-fold enhancement compared with a pristine GQD. However, detailed lifetime measurements indicate the presence of midgap states that act as the bottleneck for further enhancement. Their results offer new perspectives for fundamental understanding and new design of functional luminescent materials (e.g., GQDs, graphene oxide, carbon dots) for imaging, sensing, and light harvesting.
Reference:
Shujun Wang, Ashleigh Clapper, Peng Chen, Lianzhou Wang, Igor Aharonovich, Dayong Jin, Qin Li, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2017, 8 (22), pp 5673–5679
In this session, we showcase research outcomes of Australian carbon researchers. You are welcome to send your important publications (including journal covers) to us.
Diamond Nanothread: A New Ultra-thin Material with Great Potential
Looking for lighter, stronger and multifunctional products, carbon material is one of the key players. Dr Haifei Zhan from Western Sydney University, is leading a global effort to uncover the promising potentials of a novel ultra-thin carbon material - diamond nanothread (DNT). Using large-scale molecular dynamics simulations, Dr Zhan found that DNT is an effective cue to enhance the mechanical performance of the nanocomposite (Zhan et al., Advanced Functional Materials, 26, 5279-5283, 2016). It can also be used to build carbon nanofibers as multifunctional nano-textiles with excellent mechanical performance that out-perform traditional carbon and polymeric fibers (Zhan et al., Nature Communications 8, 14863, 2017).
First uncovered by Pennsylvania State University, DNT is a one-dimensional material similar to carbon nanotube, in which the carbon atoms are packed as that in diamond. Collaborating with Professor Yuantong Gu and Professor John Bell (from Queensland University of Technology), and Professor Gang Zhang (from Institute of High Performance Computing, Singapore), Dr Zhan found that DNT not only has excellent mechanical properties, but also has tunable flexibility by varying the number of the so-called structural Stone-Wales (SW) transformation defect (Zhan et al., Nanoscale 8, 11177, 2016; Zhan et al., Carbon 107, 304, 2016). The SW defects are like hinges, connecting short pieces of straight sections of DNT. The existence of SW defects also provides an effective way to tune the thermal transport properties of DNT (Zhan et al., Carbon 98, 232, 2016). Benefiting from its intriguing properties and structures, DNT is showing broad applications.
References:
Zhan, H., Zhang, G., Tan, V. B. C., & Gu, Y. (2017). The best features of diamond nanothread for nanofibre applications. Nature Communications, 8, 14863.
Zhan, H., Zhang, G., Tan, V. B., Cheng, Y., Bell, J. M., Zhang, Y. W., & Gu, Y. (2016). Diamond nanothread as a new reinforcement for nanocomposites. Advanced Functional Materials, 26, 5279-5283.
Zhan, H., Zhang, G., Bell, J. M., & Gu, Y. (2016). The morphology and temperature dependent tensile properties of diamond nanothreads. Carbon, 107, 304-309.
Zhan, H., Zhang, G., Tan, V. B. C., Cheng, Y., Bell, J. M., Zhang, Y.-W., & Gu, Y. (2016). From brittle to ductile: a structure dependent ductility of diamond nanothread. Nanoscale, 8(21), 11177-11184.
Zhan, H., Zhang, G., Zhang, Y., Tan, V. B. C., Bell, J. M., & Gu, Y. (2016). Thermal conductivity of a new carbon nanotube analog: the diamond nanothread. Carbon, 98, 232-237.
Plasmonic Graphene Quantum Dots
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are emerging luminescent nanomaterials for energy, bioimaging, and optoelectronic applications. However, unlike conventional fluorophores, GQDs contain multiple emissive centres that result in a complex interaction with external electromagnetic fields. A collaborative research team from Griffith University, The University of Queensland and University of Technology Sydney utilise core–shell plasmonic nanoparticles to simultaneously enhance and modulate the photoluminescence (PL) intensities and spectral profiles of GQDs. By analysing the spectral profiles, they show that the emissive centres are highly influenced by the proximity to the metal particles. Under optimal spacer thickness of 25 nm, the overall PL displays a four-fold enhancement compared with a pristine GQD. However, detailed lifetime measurements indicate the presence of midgap states that act as the bottleneck for further enhancement. Their results offer new perspectives for fundamental understanding and new design of functional luminescent materials (e.g., GQDs, graphene oxide, carbon dots) for imaging, sensing, and light harvesting.
Reference:
Shujun Wang, Ashleigh Clapper, Peng Chen, Lianzhou Wang, Igor Aharonovich, Dayong Jin, Qin Li, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2017, 8 (22), pp 5673–5679
Career opportunities
Various career opportunities for Australian carbon researchers are shared in this session. You are welcome to send your job advertisements to Chair.
PhD and Postdoctoral positions at University of Technology, Sydney
Exciting Opportunities to join a new multi-disciplinary institute with the mission to “transform advances in physics, nanophotonics and nanomaterials into revolutionary biomedical technologies”.
Join a vibrant team of researchers and academics in the heart of Sydney with cutting edge labs and unique capabilities
Contribute to the emerging fields of nanophotonics, bio-photonics and nano-devices.
Competitive PhD scholarships (~ $28,000 p.a.) and postdoctoral salaries (~ $72,000 p.a.)
5 PhD and 2 Postdoctoral positions are available immediately.
For more details, please contact A/Prof Igor Aharonovich ([email protected])
PhD and Postdoctoral positions at The University of Sydney
One postdoctoral position available at School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney. We are seeking a candidate with expertise in metal-ion battery and carbon materials to undertake research on the charging mechanisms of carbon electrode materials in metal-ion batteries. Suitably qualified applicants should have demonstrated experience in the synthesis of carbon materials, the assembly and characterisation of metal-ion batteries, publishing in high impact scientific journals. Additional skills in solid-state NMR and modelling of ion transport phenomena will be ideal for this position. Full-time, fixed term for one year (further offer up to 12 months, subject to performance). Remuneration package: $109,000 p.a. which includes leave loading and up to 17% superannuation.
Multiple PHD positions are available. You are expected to have a master degree with good GPA or an undergraduate degree with First class honour to secure a scholarship.
For more details, please contact Prof Yuan Chen ([email protected])
Various career opportunities for Australian carbon researchers are shared in this session. You are welcome to send your job advertisements to Chair.
PhD and Postdoctoral positions at University of Technology, Sydney
Exciting Opportunities to join a new multi-disciplinary institute with the mission to “transform advances in physics, nanophotonics and nanomaterials into revolutionary biomedical technologies”.
Join a vibrant team of researchers and academics in the heart of Sydney with cutting edge labs and unique capabilities
Contribute to the emerging fields of nanophotonics, bio-photonics and nano-devices.
Competitive PhD scholarships (~ $28,000 p.a.) and postdoctoral salaries (~ $72,000 p.a.)
5 PhD and 2 Postdoctoral positions are available immediately.
For more details, please contact A/Prof Igor Aharonovich ([email protected])
PhD and Postdoctoral positions at The University of Sydney
One postdoctoral position available at School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney. We are seeking a candidate with expertise in metal-ion battery and carbon materials to undertake research on the charging mechanisms of carbon electrode materials in metal-ion batteries. Suitably qualified applicants should have demonstrated experience in the synthesis of carbon materials, the assembly and characterisation of metal-ion batteries, publishing in high impact scientific journals. Additional skills in solid-state NMR and modelling of ion transport phenomena will be ideal for this position. Full-time, fixed term for one year (further offer up to 12 months, subject to performance). Remuneration package: $109,000 p.a. which includes leave loading and up to 17% superannuation.
Multiple PHD positions are available. You are expected to have a master degree with good GPA or an undergraduate degree with First class honour to secure a scholarship.
For more details, please contact Prof Yuan Chen ([email protected])
ARC awarded carbon related grants in 2017:
All information listed in this session is obtained from ARC Funding Announcement kits 2017.
Copyright © Commonwealth of Australia http://www.arc.gov.au/
Australian Laureate Fellowships 2017
FL170100101, Professor Xiu Song Zhao, The University of Queensland
Towards sustainable electrochemical energy storage technology. This project aims to address fundamental issues on electrochemical energy storage technology using sodium-ion capacitors, by designing novel electrode materials and utilising advanced, in-situ and ex-situ instrumental techniques in combination with modern computational simulation methods. The project will lead to a complete understanding of the charge storage mechanism and transport kinetics in sodium-ion capacitors, providing guidelines for developing sustainable electrochemical energy storage technology. The project expects to generate new knowledge in energy storage including capacity building, training of young scientists, and intellectual property with potential commercialised products.
FL170100154, Professor Shizhang Qiao, The University of Adelaide
Solar-driven sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. This project aims to address the efficient and sustainable production of fuels and chemicals using abundant sources like water, carbon dioxide and sunlight by an integrated reaction system. Through understanding molecular design principles and material engineering, this project expects to develop a range of novel electrocatalysts featuring high activity, efficiency, selectivity and stability for carbon dioxide reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions. These new catalysts will facilitate a hybrid reaction cell as artificial leaf mimics by associating photocatalysis and electrocatalysis processes. The expected outcome of this project is of great importance for solar fuel generation and carbon dioxide utilisation, which are the key energy and environmental challenges facing Australia and the world today. This will provide benefits such as an innovative system of solar energy transformation that will lead to the production of fuels and key chemicals in an efficient, selective and sustainable form, ultimately bringing environmental benefits through much smaller greenhouse gas emissions.
ARC Future Fellowships 2017
FT170100224, Associate Professor Chuan Zhao, The University of New South Wales
Nanoconfined ionic liquids for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. This project aims to develop ionic liquid-based nanoporous composite catalysts for efficient electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals and fuels using electricity generated from renewable sources. Novel nanoporous catalysts will be constructed and impregnated with a secondary phase of task-specific ionic liquids to promote carbon dioxide reduction. An expected outcome of the project is an understanding of the fundamental physicochemical and electrochemical behaviour of the nanoconfined ionic liquid/catalyst interfaces which will allow optimisation and enhancement of their properties. This project is expected to contribute to clean energy and sustainable environments.
Discovery Projects 2018
DP180100094, Professor Tiffany Walsh; Associate Professor Luke Henderson; Professor Russell Varley, Deakin University
Interfacial design for high performance carbon fibre polymer composites.. This project aims to develop customisable surfaces on carbon fibres to complement any intended resin for composite materials. Poor fibre-to-matrix adhesion is currently a known weakness of carbon fibre composites, hindering the large scale translation of these materials into mass transport solutions The outcomes of this project will be the development of superior composites and the fundamental knowledge of what interfacial molecular interactions are required to obtain composites able to tolerate high shear forces.
DP180100568, Professor San Ping Jiang; Dr Jian Liu; Dr Jean-Pierre Veder; Professor Roland De Marco, Curtin University
Single-atom catalysts for electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion. This project aims to develop a new synthetic technique for the fabrication of template-free and metal single-atoms embedded in doped carbon nano tubes. It will generate fundamental knowledge about multiple proton and electron transfer steps in carbon dioxide (CO2RR) using in-situ synchrotron characterisation techniques. Expected outcomes of the research include the development of new single-atom catalysts for production of the key feed-stock of CO for sustainable use in hydrocarbon fuels, providing significant benefits in the reduction of greenhouse emissions.
DP180100762, Associate Professor Songlin Ding, RMIT University
Electrical arc machining of polycrystalline diamond with a wheel electrode. This project aims to discover new theories to overcome the core challenge in electrical discharge machining of polycrystalline diamond. Diamond materials provide the ultimate performance in cutting difficult-to-machine materials such as titanium alloys which are widely used in the aerospace and biomedical industries. However, the extremely slow erosion speed of electrical discharge machining severely impedes their applications. The project will use high energy electrical arcs for the fast machining of polycrystalline diamond. The expected outcome is a new approach and breakthroughs in fundamental knowledge that pave the way for developing new electrical machining methods and lead to significant reductions in manufacturing costs.
DP180101285, Dr Damien Maher; Associate Professor Christian Sanders; Professor Scott Johnston; Professor David Ho; Professor Lindsay Hutley, Southern Cross University
Beyond burial: redefining the blue carbon paradigm. This project aims to constrain the magnitude and drivers of alkalinity and greenhouse gas fluxes in mangroves. Mangroves cover less than 0.03 per cent of the Earth’s surface yet account for approximately 14 per cent of oceanic carbon burial. Mangroves also export alkalinity to the coastal ocean, and act as sources of methane and nitrous oxide. The effect of these fluxes on climate may exceed carbon burial by several-fold, but are unaccounted for in blue carbon budgets. This project will couple high-resolution radionuclide geochronology of soil carbon cycling with autonomous measurements of aquatic exports and greenhouse gas fluxes. This study will provide the detailed data required to refine the blue carbon paradigm.
DP180101436, Professor Veena Sahajwalla; Professor Sankar Bhattacharya; Dr Rakesh Joshi, The University of New South Wales
Thermal isolation: a novel pathway to transforming complex waste. This project aims to establish a novel pathway for transforming complex waste otherwise destined for landfill into valuable products and resources. By leveraging high temperature reactions, the team plans to thermally isolate useful carbons and silica from within automotive shredder residue (ASR) in situ, to produce activated carbon products and silica layers, and so completely recycle this bulk toxic waste for the first time. Such innovative new pathways for separating out valuable materials from complex and toxic wastes offer industries an alternative low-cost and sustainable source of raw materials, while reducing pressures on landfills and finite natural resources.
DP180102210, Professor Yuan Chen; Dr Li Wei; Professor Liming Dai; Associate Professor Qiang Zhang, The University of Sydney
Layered and scrolled carbon materials for advancing energy storage systems. This project aims to reveal the structure–property relations in carbon electrodes through the design of model carbon systems that allow the simultaneous control of graphitic interlayer distance, ion diffusion pathway length, and surface functional group density. The project is expected to generate new knowledge on the charging mechanisms of micro-supercapacitors and sodium-ion batteries and technologies for emerging portable electronics and renewable energy storage applications. The demonstration of high-performance and sustainable energy storage devices is anticipated. This will help to advance the prominence of Australia in the global renewable energy market and the move towards more sustainable economies and lifestyles.
DP180102402, Professor Min Gu; Professor Shanhui Fan; Professor Alan Willner, RMIT University
Tuning the multiplexing of optical angular momentum with graphene photonics. This project aims to develop a conceptually new graphene nano-device that allows for tuning the multiplexing of optical angular momentum from the near-infrared to mid-infrared wavelength regions. The innovation of this project is nano-engineering of the cutting-edge graphene-on-silicon technology in designing the world-first tunable optical-angular-momentum multiplexer for on-chip integration. This project will result in a new horizon of ultra-high-capacity chip-scale devices which can enable the new applications including wireless optical communications and thus accelerate the realisation of the emerging LiFi-based big data technology platform.
DP180102890, Professor Dan Li; Dr Zhe Liu, Monash University
A new design strategy for supercapacitors. This project aims to build a new equivalent electric circuit model using structurally tuneable graphene-based porous electrodes to establish a quantitative structure-property-performance relationship for super-capacitors. The new model will then be used to design novel electrode and device architectures to realise new energy storage devices with high usable storage capacity at high operation rates. This new computer-aided strategy will greatly accelerate the design of next-generation high-performance super-capacitors, and bring significant benefit to Australia's emerging knowledge-based manufacturing industry.
DP180103430, Professor Dan Wang; Dr Bin Luo; Professor Dr Yi Cui, Griffith University
New hierarchical electrode design for high-power lithium ion batteries. This project aims to develop new types of hierarchical electrodes for high-rate lithium ion batteries with long cycling life. The key concepts are the development of multi-shelled hollow structured silicon-based anode and Li-rich layered oxides cathode to achieve both high power and energy density, and the adoption of graphene to further improve rate capability and cycling stability. Effective energy storage systems play an important role in the development of renewable energies and electric vehicles. The project outcomes will lead to innovative technologies in low carbon emission transportation and efficient energy storage systems.
DP180103769, Professor Rob Atkin; Professor Gregory Warr; Dr Rico Tabor; Professor Agilio Padua, The University of Western Australia
Ionic lquids for scalable production of monolayer two-dimensional materials. This project aims to produce stable solutions of high quality, two-dimensional materials (2DMs, exemplified by graphene) in ionic liquids by spontaneous exfoliation. The project will develop processes for producing significant quantities of high quality 2DMs for use in a diverse range of technologies, and train graduate students in experimental and computational chemistry techniques.
DP180103955, Dr Jing Fu; Dr Ross Marceau; Professor Jian Li, Monash University
Engineering approaches towards atomic imaging of bacterial cells. This project aims to develop novel approaches for analysis of single biological cells at atomic scale. The project will first develop an approach by utilising nanoscale ion beam to interact with the frozen cells in a controllable manner, followed by performing nanoscale dissection and analyses. By introducing engineered two-dimensional materials, namely graphene, atomic resolution three-dimensional imaging of the cellular chemistry will become feasible, which will shed light on various fundamental mechanisms inside the cells. This will provide significant benefits upon success, and will impact a wide spectrum of fields from understanding cellular functions to developing effective drugs.
DP180104076, Professor Paul Webley; Professor Suresh Bhargava; Dr Mannepalli Kantam, The University of Melbourne
Novel conversion process for carbon dioxide to chemicals. This project aims to develop a novel sorption enhanced material and system to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to methanol. Climate change is one of the primary long-term problems confronting humankind today. Since the production of CO2 through burning fossil fuel is far greater than the current usage of CO2, there is currently little alternative to storage. As a result, there is concerted effort globally to develop alternate uses and conversion technologies for CO2. This project will help further this goal.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award 2018
DE180100294, Dr Xianjue Chen, The University of New South Wales
Topochemical conversion of layers of graphene into diamond-like thin films. This project aims to experimentally convert layers of graphene into diamond-like thin films via novel chemical hydrogenation and fluorination approaches. Unconventional diamond-like thin films that possess remarkable physicochemical properties will be produced to trigger significant theoretical and technological interests in nano-carbon research. The project expects to impact the fundamental understanding of this new class of graphene-derived materials whilst driving cutting-edge technological advances in electrochemical applications, membrane technologies and quantum computing.
DE180100810, Dr Carlo Bradac, University of Technology Sydney
Optical tweezers for bio-nanotechnologies. This project aims to develop a platform of diamond nanosensors and novel optical tweezers for probing cellular processes with single-molecule resolution, in vivo and over physiologically relevant time scales. In biomedicine, long-term imaging of single-molecules is beyond reach with existing bio-labels. The project combines the superior properties of nanodiamond biomarkers (brightness, stability, small size and non-toxicity), with new optical tweezers which exploit laser trapping of atoms to manipulate nanodiamonds in three-dimensional biological environments. By accessing smaller size and higher force regimes, the platform will improve bio-imaging and bio-manipulation techniques, and potentially advance pathogentracking and early detection of diseases.
DE180101030, Dr Yi Jia, Griffith University
Monoatomic metal doping of carbon-based nanomaterials for hydrogen storage. This project aims to present a new concept of monoatomic metal doped carbon-based nanomaterials as advanced solid-state hydrogen storage materials (S-HSMs) for hydrogen fuel cells. The key feature for this synthesis is the use of the unique “defect” structures in carbon lattice as the efficient anchoring sites to immobilise the metal species at atomic level. This project is expected to create new knowledge of atomic interface catalysis and develop practical applications of S-HSMs in storage tanks for fuel cells, leading to reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and alleviation of air pollution. The success of this project will greatly enhance the Australian clean energy industries.
DE180101138, Dr Lin Tian, RMIT University
A multi-scale risk assessment platform for inhaled carbon nanotubes. This project aims to develop a coherent risk assessment platform to evaluate human respiratory exposure to carbon nanotubes. Compared to the exponential growth of carbon nanotubes technology, capability of inhalation risk assessment is lagging. The project expects to generate new knowledge on the unique role and risk of carbon nanotube geometry. It will develop a new transport model and create a unified risk assessment. The expected outcome is the enhanced risk assessment capability of human exposure to carbon nanotubes, which will provide a significant benefit to the nanotechnology industry through ensuring safety in developing an emergent technology.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities 2018
LE180100002, Professor Paul Compston; Professor Gangadhara Prusty; Professor Andrei Rode; Professor Chun Wang; Professor Kevin Thompson; Professor Paul Hazell; Associate Professor Shannon Notley; Associate Professor Antonio Tricoli; Associate Professor David Nisbet; Associate Professor Stephen Trathen; Dr Garth Pearce, The Australian National University
A facility for laser-based automated manufacturing of carbon composites. The project aims to create an advanced manufacturing facility for carbon-composites research by integrating laser-based processing and robotic automation. It will enable fundamental research on rapid processing of high-performance thermoplastics and metal-composite hybrids, including functionalisation of the composite through nano-material coating technology, and new instrumentation for structural health monitoring. The facility will significantly enhance the research capability in the newly established ARC Training Centre for Automated Manufacture of Advanced Composites, which will engage with Australian industry to improve productivity and material performance for industry sectors such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and sport.
LE180100053, Professor Michael Bird; Professor Sean Ulm; Dr Timothy Cohen; Professor Richard Roberts; Professor Zenobia Jacobs; Professor Lindsay Hutley; Professor Balwant Singh; Professor Dr Hamish McGowan; Associate Professor Patrick Moss; Dr Jessica Reeves; Professor Simon Haberle; Professor Susan O'Connor; Associate Professor Scott Mooney; Professor Chris Turney; Dr Michael-Shawn Fletcher, James Cook University
A national facility for the analysis of pyrogenic carbon. This project aims to develop a national facility for pyrogenic carbon analysis. Pyrogenic carbon is a poorly constrained, slow-cycling terrestrial carbon pool with significant carbon sequestration potential. The project expects to expand the newly developed hydrogen pyrolysis analytical capability to provide high throughput, robust measurement of the abundance and isotope composition of pyrogenic carbon in soils and sediments. This will provide significant benefit, such as the ability to make significant advances in areas as diverse as geochronology, archaeology, palaeoecology, soil science geomorphology and carbon cycle/sequestration science.
LE180100190, Professor Christopher Pakes; Professor Steven Prawer; Dr Dongchen Qi; Professor David Jamieson; Dr Brett Johnson; Associate Professor Jeffrey McCallum, La Trobe University
High through-put facility for measurement of quantum materials and devices. This projects aims to accelerate the development of quantum technologies by expanding our capacity to rapidly evaluate the low temperature electrical and optical properties of novel materials and devices. The project expects to generate new knowledge in quantum coherent phases of diamond, high mobility two-dimensional spintronics, hybrid semiconductor-superconductor devices, novel phases of silicon and germanium, and single photon sources based on silicon-carbide. Expected outcomes of the project include the establishment of high performing, efficient, new facilities for low temperature quantum measurement, the strengthening of collaborative links between participating researchers and the expansion of opportunities for research students.
All information listed in this session is obtained from ARC Funding Announcement kits 2017.
Copyright © Commonwealth of Australia http://www.arc.gov.au/
Australian Laureate Fellowships 2017
FL170100101, Professor Xiu Song Zhao, The University of Queensland
Towards sustainable electrochemical energy storage technology. This project aims to address fundamental issues on electrochemical energy storage technology using sodium-ion capacitors, by designing novel electrode materials and utilising advanced, in-situ and ex-situ instrumental techniques in combination with modern computational simulation methods. The project will lead to a complete understanding of the charge storage mechanism and transport kinetics in sodium-ion capacitors, providing guidelines for developing sustainable electrochemical energy storage technology. The project expects to generate new knowledge in energy storage including capacity building, training of young scientists, and intellectual property with potential commercialised products.
FL170100154, Professor Shizhang Qiao, The University of Adelaide
Solar-driven sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. This project aims to address the efficient and sustainable production of fuels and chemicals using abundant sources like water, carbon dioxide and sunlight by an integrated reaction system. Through understanding molecular design principles and material engineering, this project expects to develop a range of novel electrocatalysts featuring high activity, efficiency, selectivity and stability for carbon dioxide reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions. These new catalysts will facilitate a hybrid reaction cell as artificial leaf mimics by associating photocatalysis and electrocatalysis processes. The expected outcome of this project is of great importance for solar fuel generation and carbon dioxide utilisation, which are the key energy and environmental challenges facing Australia and the world today. This will provide benefits such as an innovative system of solar energy transformation that will lead to the production of fuels and key chemicals in an efficient, selective and sustainable form, ultimately bringing environmental benefits through much smaller greenhouse gas emissions.
ARC Future Fellowships 2017
FT170100224, Associate Professor Chuan Zhao, The University of New South Wales
Nanoconfined ionic liquids for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. This project aims to develop ionic liquid-based nanoporous composite catalysts for efficient electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals and fuels using electricity generated from renewable sources. Novel nanoporous catalysts will be constructed and impregnated with a secondary phase of task-specific ionic liquids to promote carbon dioxide reduction. An expected outcome of the project is an understanding of the fundamental physicochemical and electrochemical behaviour of the nanoconfined ionic liquid/catalyst interfaces which will allow optimisation and enhancement of their properties. This project is expected to contribute to clean energy and sustainable environments.
Discovery Projects 2018
DP180100094, Professor Tiffany Walsh; Associate Professor Luke Henderson; Professor Russell Varley, Deakin University
Interfacial design for high performance carbon fibre polymer composites.. This project aims to develop customisable surfaces on carbon fibres to complement any intended resin for composite materials. Poor fibre-to-matrix adhesion is currently a known weakness of carbon fibre composites, hindering the large scale translation of these materials into mass transport solutions The outcomes of this project will be the development of superior composites and the fundamental knowledge of what interfacial molecular interactions are required to obtain composites able to tolerate high shear forces.
DP180100568, Professor San Ping Jiang; Dr Jian Liu; Dr Jean-Pierre Veder; Professor Roland De Marco, Curtin University
Single-atom catalysts for electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion. This project aims to develop a new synthetic technique for the fabrication of template-free and metal single-atoms embedded in doped carbon nano tubes. It will generate fundamental knowledge about multiple proton and electron transfer steps in carbon dioxide (CO2RR) using in-situ synchrotron characterisation techniques. Expected outcomes of the research include the development of new single-atom catalysts for production of the key feed-stock of CO for sustainable use in hydrocarbon fuels, providing significant benefits in the reduction of greenhouse emissions.
DP180100762, Associate Professor Songlin Ding, RMIT University
Electrical arc machining of polycrystalline diamond with a wheel electrode. This project aims to discover new theories to overcome the core challenge in electrical discharge machining of polycrystalline diamond. Diamond materials provide the ultimate performance in cutting difficult-to-machine materials such as titanium alloys which are widely used in the aerospace and biomedical industries. However, the extremely slow erosion speed of electrical discharge machining severely impedes their applications. The project will use high energy electrical arcs for the fast machining of polycrystalline diamond. The expected outcome is a new approach and breakthroughs in fundamental knowledge that pave the way for developing new electrical machining methods and lead to significant reductions in manufacturing costs.
DP180101285, Dr Damien Maher; Associate Professor Christian Sanders; Professor Scott Johnston; Professor David Ho; Professor Lindsay Hutley, Southern Cross University
Beyond burial: redefining the blue carbon paradigm. This project aims to constrain the magnitude and drivers of alkalinity and greenhouse gas fluxes in mangroves. Mangroves cover less than 0.03 per cent of the Earth’s surface yet account for approximately 14 per cent of oceanic carbon burial. Mangroves also export alkalinity to the coastal ocean, and act as sources of methane and nitrous oxide. The effect of these fluxes on climate may exceed carbon burial by several-fold, but are unaccounted for in blue carbon budgets. This project will couple high-resolution radionuclide geochronology of soil carbon cycling with autonomous measurements of aquatic exports and greenhouse gas fluxes. This study will provide the detailed data required to refine the blue carbon paradigm.
DP180101436, Professor Veena Sahajwalla; Professor Sankar Bhattacharya; Dr Rakesh Joshi, The University of New South Wales
Thermal isolation: a novel pathway to transforming complex waste. This project aims to establish a novel pathway for transforming complex waste otherwise destined for landfill into valuable products and resources. By leveraging high temperature reactions, the team plans to thermally isolate useful carbons and silica from within automotive shredder residue (ASR) in situ, to produce activated carbon products and silica layers, and so completely recycle this bulk toxic waste for the first time. Such innovative new pathways for separating out valuable materials from complex and toxic wastes offer industries an alternative low-cost and sustainable source of raw materials, while reducing pressures on landfills and finite natural resources.
DP180102210, Professor Yuan Chen; Dr Li Wei; Professor Liming Dai; Associate Professor Qiang Zhang, The University of Sydney
Layered and scrolled carbon materials for advancing energy storage systems. This project aims to reveal the structure–property relations in carbon electrodes through the design of model carbon systems that allow the simultaneous control of graphitic interlayer distance, ion diffusion pathway length, and surface functional group density. The project is expected to generate new knowledge on the charging mechanisms of micro-supercapacitors and sodium-ion batteries and technologies for emerging portable electronics and renewable energy storage applications. The demonstration of high-performance and sustainable energy storage devices is anticipated. This will help to advance the prominence of Australia in the global renewable energy market and the move towards more sustainable economies and lifestyles.
DP180102402, Professor Min Gu; Professor Shanhui Fan; Professor Alan Willner, RMIT University
Tuning the multiplexing of optical angular momentum with graphene photonics. This project aims to develop a conceptually new graphene nano-device that allows for tuning the multiplexing of optical angular momentum from the near-infrared to mid-infrared wavelength regions. The innovation of this project is nano-engineering of the cutting-edge graphene-on-silicon technology in designing the world-first tunable optical-angular-momentum multiplexer for on-chip integration. This project will result in a new horizon of ultra-high-capacity chip-scale devices which can enable the new applications including wireless optical communications and thus accelerate the realisation of the emerging LiFi-based big data technology platform.
DP180102890, Professor Dan Li; Dr Zhe Liu, Monash University
A new design strategy for supercapacitors. This project aims to build a new equivalent electric circuit model using structurally tuneable graphene-based porous electrodes to establish a quantitative structure-property-performance relationship for super-capacitors. The new model will then be used to design novel electrode and device architectures to realise new energy storage devices with high usable storage capacity at high operation rates. This new computer-aided strategy will greatly accelerate the design of next-generation high-performance super-capacitors, and bring significant benefit to Australia's emerging knowledge-based manufacturing industry.
DP180103430, Professor Dan Wang; Dr Bin Luo; Professor Dr Yi Cui, Griffith University
New hierarchical electrode design for high-power lithium ion batteries. This project aims to develop new types of hierarchical electrodes for high-rate lithium ion batteries with long cycling life. The key concepts are the development of multi-shelled hollow structured silicon-based anode and Li-rich layered oxides cathode to achieve both high power and energy density, and the adoption of graphene to further improve rate capability and cycling stability. Effective energy storage systems play an important role in the development of renewable energies and electric vehicles. The project outcomes will lead to innovative technologies in low carbon emission transportation and efficient energy storage systems.
DP180103769, Professor Rob Atkin; Professor Gregory Warr; Dr Rico Tabor; Professor Agilio Padua, The University of Western Australia
Ionic lquids for scalable production of monolayer two-dimensional materials. This project aims to produce stable solutions of high quality, two-dimensional materials (2DMs, exemplified by graphene) in ionic liquids by spontaneous exfoliation. The project will develop processes for producing significant quantities of high quality 2DMs for use in a diverse range of technologies, and train graduate students in experimental and computational chemistry techniques.
DP180103955, Dr Jing Fu; Dr Ross Marceau; Professor Jian Li, Monash University
Engineering approaches towards atomic imaging of bacterial cells. This project aims to develop novel approaches for analysis of single biological cells at atomic scale. The project will first develop an approach by utilising nanoscale ion beam to interact with the frozen cells in a controllable manner, followed by performing nanoscale dissection and analyses. By introducing engineered two-dimensional materials, namely graphene, atomic resolution three-dimensional imaging of the cellular chemistry will become feasible, which will shed light on various fundamental mechanisms inside the cells. This will provide significant benefits upon success, and will impact a wide spectrum of fields from understanding cellular functions to developing effective drugs.
DP180104076, Professor Paul Webley; Professor Suresh Bhargava; Dr Mannepalli Kantam, The University of Melbourne
Novel conversion process for carbon dioxide to chemicals. This project aims to develop a novel sorption enhanced material and system to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to methanol. Climate change is one of the primary long-term problems confronting humankind today. Since the production of CO2 through burning fossil fuel is far greater than the current usage of CO2, there is currently little alternative to storage. As a result, there is concerted effort globally to develop alternate uses and conversion technologies for CO2. This project will help further this goal.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award 2018
DE180100294, Dr Xianjue Chen, The University of New South Wales
Topochemical conversion of layers of graphene into diamond-like thin films. This project aims to experimentally convert layers of graphene into diamond-like thin films via novel chemical hydrogenation and fluorination approaches. Unconventional diamond-like thin films that possess remarkable physicochemical properties will be produced to trigger significant theoretical and technological interests in nano-carbon research. The project expects to impact the fundamental understanding of this new class of graphene-derived materials whilst driving cutting-edge technological advances in electrochemical applications, membrane technologies and quantum computing.
DE180100810, Dr Carlo Bradac, University of Technology Sydney
Optical tweezers for bio-nanotechnologies. This project aims to develop a platform of diamond nanosensors and novel optical tweezers for probing cellular processes with single-molecule resolution, in vivo and over physiologically relevant time scales. In biomedicine, long-term imaging of single-molecules is beyond reach with existing bio-labels. The project combines the superior properties of nanodiamond biomarkers (brightness, stability, small size and non-toxicity), with new optical tweezers which exploit laser trapping of atoms to manipulate nanodiamonds in three-dimensional biological environments. By accessing smaller size and higher force regimes, the platform will improve bio-imaging and bio-manipulation techniques, and potentially advance pathogentracking and early detection of diseases.
DE180101030, Dr Yi Jia, Griffith University
Monoatomic metal doping of carbon-based nanomaterials for hydrogen storage. This project aims to present a new concept of monoatomic metal doped carbon-based nanomaterials as advanced solid-state hydrogen storage materials (S-HSMs) for hydrogen fuel cells. The key feature for this synthesis is the use of the unique “defect” structures in carbon lattice as the efficient anchoring sites to immobilise the metal species at atomic level. This project is expected to create new knowledge of atomic interface catalysis and develop practical applications of S-HSMs in storage tanks for fuel cells, leading to reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and alleviation of air pollution. The success of this project will greatly enhance the Australian clean energy industries.
DE180101138, Dr Lin Tian, RMIT University
A multi-scale risk assessment platform for inhaled carbon nanotubes. This project aims to develop a coherent risk assessment platform to evaluate human respiratory exposure to carbon nanotubes. Compared to the exponential growth of carbon nanotubes technology, capability of inhalation risk assessment is lagging. The project expects to generate new knowledge on the unique role and risk of carbon nanotube geometry. It will develop a new transport model and create a unified risk assessment. The expected outcome is the enhanced risk assessment capability of human exposure to carbon nanotubes, which will provide a significant benefit to the nanotechnology industry through ensuring safety in developing an emergent technology.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities 2018
LE180100002, Professor Paul Compston; Professor Gangadhara Prusty; Professor Andrei Rode; Professor Chun Wang; Professor Kevin Thompson; Professor Paul Hazell; Associate Professor Shannon Notley; Associate Professor Antonio Tricoli; Associate Professor David Nisbet; Associate Professor Stephen Trathen; Dr Garth Pearce, The Australian National University
A facility for laser-based automated manufacturing of carbon composites. The project aims to create an advanced manufacturing facility for carbon-composites research by integrating laser-based processing and robotic automation. It will enable fundamental research on rapid processing of high-performance thermoplastics and metal-composite hybrids, including functionalisation of the composite through nano-material coating technology, and new instrumentation for structural health monitoring. The facility will significantly enhance the research capability in the newly established ARC Training Centre for Automated Manufacture of Advanced Composites, which will engage with Australian industry to improve productivity and material performance for industry sectors such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and sport.
LE180100053, Professor Michael Bird; Professor Sean Ulm; Dr Timothy Cohen; Professor Richard Roberts; Professor Zenobia Jacobs; Professor Lindsay Hutley; Professor Balwant Singh; Professor Dr Hamish McGowan; Associate Professor Patrick Moss; Dr Jessica Reeves; Professor Simon Haberle; Professor Susan O'Connor; Associate Professor Scott Mooney; Professor Chris Turney; Dr Michael-Shawn Fletcher, James Cook University
A national facility for the analysis of pyrogenic carbon. This project aims to develop a national facility for pyrogenic carbon analysis. Pyrogenic carbon is a poorly constrained, slow-cycling terrestrial carbon pool with significant carbon sequestration potential. The project expects to expand the newly developed hydrogen pyrolysis analytical capability to provide high throughput, robust measurement of the abundance and isotope composition of pyrogenic carbon in soils and sediments. This will provide significant benefit, such as the ability to make significant advances in areas as diverse as geochronology, archaeology, palaeoecology, soil science geomorphology and carbon cycle/sequestration science.
LE180100190, Professor Christopher Pakes; Professor Steven Prawer; Dr Dongchen Qi; Professor David Jamieson; Dr Brett Johnson; Associate Professor Jeffrey McCallum, La Trobe University
High through-put facility for measurement of quantum materials and devices. This projects aims to accelerate the development of quantum technologies by expanding our capacity to rapidly evaluate the low temperature electrical and optical properties of novel materials and devices. The project expects to generate new knowledge in quantum coherent phases of diamond, high mobility two-dimensional spintronics, hybrid semiconductor-superconductor devices, novel phases of silicon and germanium, and single photon sources based on silicon-carbide. Expected outcomes of the project include the establishment of high performing, efficient, new facilities for low temperature quantum measurement, the strengthening of collaborative links between participating researchers and the expansion of opportunities for research students.