University of Wollongong

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Potassium ion batteries for large scale renewable energy storage. The project aims to develop potassium ion batteries for renewable energy storage and conversion. Potassium ion batteries could be the most promising choice for large-scale electrical energy storage, particularly for renewable energy sources and smart electrical grids, due to their low cost, natural abundance and the advantages of potassium compared to lithium/sodium ion batteries. This study will research the electrochemical reactions and charge transfer pathway of electrode materials with excellent potassium ion storage performance. This project is expected to develop high performance potassium ion batteries and advance the prominence of Australia in the global renewable energy market. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage. The ARC Centre of Excellence of Australian Biodiversity and Heritage will create a world-class interdisciplinary research programme to understand Australia’s unique biodiversity and heritage. The Centre will track the changes to Australia’s environment to examine the processes responsible for the changes and the lessons that can be used to continue to adapt to Australia’s changing environment. The Centre will support connections between the sciences and humanities and train future generations of researchers to deal with future global challenges and inform policy in an interdisciplinary context. Field of research: 2101 - Archaeology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Redox-gel integrated electrode for ThermoCells. This project aims to synthesise flexible redox gel-electrolyte interpenetrated electrodes for an eco-friendly prototype wearable thermo-electrochemical cell that can power body-worn low-power wearable electronics. Wearable devices in the future are expected to include products related to personal wellness and healthcare and medical technology. These devices require a sustainable power source (without having to change a battery) for real time monitoring/communication. Turning body-heat into electricity by wearable thermo-electrochemical cells may provide a solution. The project could also contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse emissions. Field of research: 0306 - Physical Chemistry (Incl. Structural)

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Radiation detectors to better understand ion interactions. This project aims to build a Heavy Ion Therapy Research and Treatment Centre in Australia. Understanding how ions interact with matter and their radiobiological effectiveness (RBE) is important. The project will introduce an Australian detector technology platform to research ion interaction physics and their RBE. It will develop radiation detectors for ion measurement with a wide energy range, including a practical RBE quality assurance tool with submillimetre spatial resolution. The proposed Australian radiation detection technology is expected to improve understanding of the scientific mechanisms underpinning the radiobiological effectiveness of heavy ion radiation. Field of research: 0299 - Other Physical Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Liquidity in financial markets. This project aims to develop a theory which models the effect of liquidity on option prices under different market conditions. Economic or financial crises are inevitable and affect economics. During or after a major financial crisis, market liquidity usually becomes risky and needs to be studied. Through both empirical and theoretical explorations, this project will quantify and measure liquidity risk and its effect on the options markets. It will develop a framework to help market regulators manage illiquidity, enhance the efficiency of option trading in illiquid markets and help in the detection of market manipulation. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Nanoparticle radiosensitisation. This project aims to develop new knowledge through a better understanding of physics interactions of particles in compounds with sub-micron size. Research on radiosensitisation by sub-micrometre sized nanoparticles (NPs) is hot worldwide because it could treat cancer, but the physical/physico-chemical/biological mechanism of radiosensitisation is unclear because no physical models describe particle interactions at nanometre scale in solid state nanometre sized objects. This project will develop and evaluate specialised physics models to describe particle interactions in NPs and help optimise nanoparticle technology. It will develop expertise in Australia in physics modelling for nanomedicine and other applications of nanotechnology exposed to radiation (e.g. telecommunications, aviation and space). Field of research: 0299 - Other Physical Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Deformation mechanisms of metastable titanium alloys. This project aims to understand the response of deformation-induced products in metastable titanium alloys to external loading. Metastable titanium alloys are mechanically tuneable because they can readily twin and phase transform under load during forming or in service. This project will develop a crystal plasticity model that accounts for these deformation mechanisms. These new alloys are expected to make titanium a viable lightweight alternative for components in the aerospace and transport industries, with the weight savings helping reduce overall energy consumption. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Engineering planetary habitability: Earth’s first billion years. This project aims to establish the critical physical-chemical factors in the early surface environment and tectonic regime that supported early life and continuing habitability. Life was established on Earth within the first billion years of its 4.56-billion-year history. This project’s integrated geological and geochemical study will investigate this period’s rare sedimentary and volcanic record, including the oldest fossiliferous sequences discovered recently, to show how the early Earth’s chemistry supported life and evolution. The project expects to enhance understanding of why life prospers on some habitable zone planets but not on others. Field of research: 0403 - Geology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

An Integrated surface conversion for life extension of oil pipelines. This project will propose a novel, cost-effective surface engineering technique that synthesizes an effective surface coating during the pipeline manufacturing process. Seamless Steel pipelines conveying oil and contaminants can have a short life due to erosion-corrosion. The need to develop mitigation techniques against the internal corrosion-erosion has increased significantly as steel pipelines are used in more aggressive environments. The project expects to develop an integrated surface coating during the manufacturing process, which will provide long-term integrity and extend the life of the pipeline. The forensic evaluation and prediction of the life performance of the pipeline will quantify how the coating will combat effectively erosion-corrosion related problems in oil pipelines. Field of research: 0910 - Manufacturing Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Phosphorous and iron recovery from steelmaking slag for effective recycling. This project aims to understand the principles that control phosphorus (P) partitioning in steel plant slags and to optimise the treatment process to produce P- and Fe-rich streams for recycling. Changing ore grades in Australia, especially increasing P content, are placing a substantial proportion of these ore products at a competitive disadvantage. The project will use an integrated approach to demonstrate, experimentally and theoretically, how key properties of slags can be manipulated to enhance partitioning and couple this analysis with fluid dynamics to model the kinetics of the separation process. The expected outcomes of this research are to: first, provide possible solutions to address the increasing P content in Australian iron ores, which could place future ore products at a competitive disadvantage within the global iron ore market; and second, to identify treatment methods and practices which would promote higher recycling rates of steelmaking slag, significantly reducing the volume of material stockpiled or sent to landfill. Field of research: 0914 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Investigating the controls on the extent of tidewater glaciers. This project aims to improve our ability to model tidewater glaciers. The project will conduct studies of two iconic glacial systems in Alaska: Glacier Bay and Columbia Glacier. These glaciers have recently experienced rapid retreat and contributed to sea level rise. In particular, the Grand Pacific Glacier has retreated 100 kilometres up Glacier Bay, the greatest recorded glacier retreat in the last 200 years. The project will use geomorphic mapping, dating and climate reanalysis to better understand the long term behaviour of these glaciers and the drivers of recent retreat. An expected outcome from the project is a better understanding of the long term behaviour of tidewater glaciers and an improvement in our ability to predict sea level rise from them. Field of research: 0406 - Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

ARC Training Centre for Advanced Technologies in Rail Track Infrastructure. The ARC Training Centre for Advanced Technologies in Rail Track Infrastructure aims to transform Australia’s rail construction and maintenance technologies through specialist training of industry-focused researchers. Generation of new knowledge and close collaboration with companies within the rail supply chain will result in enhanced rail capacity and supply chain efficiency across the rail network. This will include increased axle loads and higher speeds, greater safety margins, reduced construction and maintenance costs, and a body of competent railway professionals in the nation’s work force. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Large-volume gradient materials: Manufacturing and deformation mechanism. This project aims to develop a low-cost and high productivity process to produce large-volume metals with high strength and good ductility, suitable for engineering application. Ultrafine grained (UFG) materials and nano-grained (NG) materials are usually strong, but not very ductile. This project will use an accumulative skin-pass rolling (ASPR) technique to fabricate the metallic strips with gradient structure. The numerical simulations developed in the project are expected to contribute to understanding the deformation mechanism of gradient materials. Field of research: 0910 - Manufacturing Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Electrode materials for sodium storage. This project aims to develop phosphide-based electrode materials for high-performance sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) with high reversible capacity, superior rate capability and long cycle life. SIBs have great advantages in terms of low cost and infinite sodium resources, but the large size of the sodium-ion creates kinetic problems and a significant volume change for electrode materials. This project aims to design and synthesise phosphide-carbon hybrids with multi-scale, multi-dimension and hierarchical architectures as electrodes to overcome these problems. Expected outcomes include understanding the sodium-storage mechanisms, the size effect, and the architecture role for phosphide-based electrodes. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Two-dimensional plasmonic heterogeneous nanostructures for photocatalysis. This project aims to design and explore two-dimensional heterogeneous photocatalysts that can convert solar energy into usable chemical energy. This project will investigate the correlation between surface plasmonic resonance and photocatalytic activities on the atomic level. Heterogeneous engineering and in-situ investigation of atomic-level photocatalytic dynamics is expected to yield several new full-solar-spectrum photocatalysts. The project is expected to contribute to the understanding of the processes and mechanisms underlying photocatalysis, and lead to useable, stable and durable photocatalytics. The outcomes will enable efficient, cost-effective and reliable production of clean energy in a low-emission way. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Hybrid multiple-tube concrete columns incorporating composite materials. The project aims to investigate the behaviour of and design hybrid multiple-tube concrete columns, a form of column. These columns allow the use of small circular high-strength steel tubes, readily available in the market, to suit the specific needs of construction projects of various scales. In the column, a durable outer tube made of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites protects steel tubes, and their high yield stress can be fully exploited through section configuration. The new column is expected to enable wider, safer and more economical use of FRP and high-strength steel, and meet demands for resilient civil infrastructure. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Minds in skilled performance: Explanatory framework and comparative study. This project aims to develop an explanatory framework to characterise states of mind necessary for skilled performance, and show how intelligence and emotion affect performance. The theoretical grounding of skilled performance is controversial. This project will use and refine core ideas from enactivist approaches to embodied cognition to address philosophical challenges that block understanding of its basis. The project will draw on Phenomenology, Pragmatism and Japanese "do". clarifying and recontextualising what they have to offer to contemporary thinking about skilled performance. Field of research: 2203 - Philosophy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

High bandwidth, high speed, terahertz optical sampling and analysis system. This project aims to promote scientific and technological research by providing access to a wide bandwidth, high speed, high resolution advanced terahertz spectrometer. Terahertz frequencies are the least-explored region of the electromagnetic spectrum and investment here is likely to yield scientific and technological reward. Expected outcomes are new commercial devices and products operating in the terahertz regime. The project’s expected effects include new commercial terahertz products; better monitoring of explosives and toxins; research training and job creation; reduced risk in decision making, especially when monitoring water; and cultural benefits, through applying terahertz methods to artworks. Field of research: 0204 - Condensed Matter Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Design and deployment of practical anonymous access systems. This project aims to design, test and deploy a practical and highly secure anonymous access system for online businesses that offer services on a free trial basis. Currently, online businesses are unable to take advantage of feedback from customers during and after trial periods; nor do currently available mechanisms offer practical privacy protection to customers. The project expects to overcome these barriers by developing innovative cryptographic solutions and security testing methods that will inform new protocol design and implementation, which will bring long-term benefits to online businesses and their customers. The project also aims to develop new, distributed ledger technology, which is a strategic technology trend. This will provide significant benefits such as a practical, reliable and highly secure anonymous access system for online businesses, in Australia and worldwide, that offer services on a free trial basis, which would enable these service providers to add value to and enhance their product offerings. Field of research: 0803 - Computer Software

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

A tribological approach to improve surface quality of silicon steel. This project aims to design a lubricant composite where multiple additives work in synergy and perform at high temperatures. In hot rolling of silicon and electrical steels, significant surface defects of red scales, severe work-roll wear and high friction are problems for traditional lubricant which cannot perform effectively under extreme thermal/loading conditions. The new lubricant is expected to eliminate red scale defects, reduce oxidation and rolling force, improve surface quality and extend roll service life. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Nanostructured metal hydrides for practical hydrogen storage applications. This project aims to synthesise nanostructured metal hydrides with particle size smaller than 5 nm. The practical applications of metal hydrides as advanced solid-state hydrogen storage materials require substantial knowledge and delicate engineering of materials on the nanoscale. Combined with controllable modification on the nanoscale, the optimised metal hydrides will enhance the performance of hydrogen storage materials. This project is expected to advance understanding of the technologies of metal hydrides as hydrogen storage materials and develop practical applications of metal hydrides in storage tanks for fuel cells. Hydrogen energy could also reduce carbon dioxide emissions and alleviate air pollution. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Self-regulation in children. This project aims to reconcile insights from education and cognitive psychology to develop an integrative model of self-regulation and evaluate it using a low-cost self-regulation intervention compatible with existing practices. Children with low self-regulation in the preschool years are likelier to have poorer intellectual, health, wealth and anti-social outcomes in adulthood. However, this knowledge has not yet yielded a framework for understanding self-regulatory change, nor generated particularly successful methods for enacting this change. This project is expected to provide theory- and evidence-based strategies for parents, educators and governments to give young children the best possible start in life. Field of research: 1301 - Education Systems

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Building resilience in wastewater infrastructure with self-healing bioconcrete. This project aims to develop a microbial self-healing bio-concrete to extend the service life of wastewater collection and treatment facilities. Water utilities worldwide struggle with asset management, because global warming and extreme weather age and corrode concrete infrastructure. This project will use microbially-induced calcium carbonate precipitation by bacteria to treat wastewater. The bacteria, added to bio-concrete, can fill cracks or reseal corroded areas by using organic substrates from wastewater to generate concrete, thus maintaining structural strength and preventing further damage. This project is expected to enhance the resilience and sustainability of wastewater infrastructure in ever more demanding environments. Field of research: 0907 - Environmental Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Statistical tools for assessing effects of environmental change. This project aims to develop statistical tools for improving prediction of environmental exceedances, such as atmospheric carbon dioxide sources and sinks. Predicting extreme environmental conditions or events is crucial for effective environmental decision-making and management. The project will develop the tools using statistical inference based on a statistical model that combines predictions from related scientific models. In the case of carbon dioxide, improving prediction reliability by reducing bias and uncertainty whilst accounting for model-based dependence is an important step toward mitigating carbon dioxide sources and protecting carbon dioxide sinks. This capability is crucial for adaptive planning and a resilient society. Field of research: 0104 - Statistics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Carbon-based catalysts for polysulphide redox reactions in lithium-sulfur batteries. This project aims to develop surface-engineered carbons as multifunctional catalysts to accelerate the polysulphide redox reactions for lithium-sulfur batteries. High capacity storage of electricity is the key to efficient use of renewable and clean energy resources and the development of emission-free technologies. This project will provide high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries with high energy density, high efficiency, and long life. Its success is expected to contribute to energy technologies, reduce the dependence of household and industrial energy consumption on fossil fuels, enhance Australia’s long-term viability, and bring economic, environmental, and social benefits to the nation. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering