Research

Project Title: Advancing Green Electrochemical Engineering of Functional 2D Nanomaterials (FT200100015)

Investigator(s): Zhong, Y. L.

Funding Amount: $866,351 for 2021 - 2025

Project Summary: This project aims to produce value-added functional 2D nanomaterials by advancing the green, scalable and costeffective electrochemical production method developed by the candidate. In addition to developing transformational electrochemical engineering technology to utilise Australian raw resources, this project will generate new knowledge in the area of materials chemistry and innovative additive manufacturing technology. Expected outcomes of this project include improved pilot-scale electrochemical reactors for producing various functional 2D nanomaterials and enabling precise control of their molecular and bulk properties. These tailored 2D nanomaterials will significantly improve the performances of flexible and energy-related devices.

Project Title: Towards High-Performance Wearable Devices: Materials and Microfabrication (DP190100120)

Investigator(s): Zhong, Y. L., Wang, S. Shi, G., Zheng, Z. (PI), Jiong, L. (PI)

Funding Amount: $390,000 for 2019 - 2022

Project Summary: This project aims to design and develop functional nanomaterials and nanocomposites for high-performance wearable tactile sensors, integrating the sensors with nanogenerator and charge storage devices. In addition to the functional materials approach, precise control of device architecture through additive manufacturing and laser patterning will be implemented to maximise device performance. The expected outcomes of this project include the detailed understanding of the nanomaterials structural-property relationship under constant mechanical stresses and establishing fundamental principle on the microfabrication of nano device wearable devices. This project will advance the field of materials chemistry and advanced manufacturing with niche high value-added products.

Project Title: Low Cost Solution Processable 2D Nanomaterials for Smart Windows (LP160101521)

Investigator(s): Zhao, H., Zhong, Y. L., Zhang, H. (PI), Zhuo, Z. (PI)

Funding Amount: $513,210 + $300,000 for 2017 - 2020

Project Summary: This project aims to develop low cost and scalable synthesis of the active functional nanomaterials in smart windows, their facile application techniques, and their integration into the glass manufacturing process. Smart windows, with thermochromic and electrochromic functionalities, will play important roles towards efficient energy usage and conservation (in terms of airconditioning and lighting) in most buildings including offices, schools, and residential homes. The intended outcome of this project is to facilitate the commercialisation of lowcost, energy-saving smart windows for efficient energy usage and conservation, which is an integral part of a sustainable environment.

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Project Title: Tailoring Nanocomposites with Controllable Structural-Property Relationship (DP170104157)

Investigator(s): Thang, S. H., Zhong, Y. L., Talemi, P. (PI), Cook, W. D. (PI)

Funding Amount: $300,000 for 2017 - 2019

Project Summary: New insights into nanocomposite structure-property relationships are crucial for the rapid development of functional devices. This project will utilise the outstanding properties of graphene in the form of nanocomposites and will attain their precise construction in devices via 3D printing. This will be achieved through the polymer chemistry and interfacial engineering of graphene for enhanced dispersibility and self-assembly in the targeted polymer matrix, thus affording maximum synergistic properties. Besides solving existing challenges and developing new 3D printing techniques, this project seeks to control and understand the impact of micro-patterning and nano-structuring on the properties of the printed graphene nanocomposites.

Project Title: Non-Oxidative and Scalable Electrochemical Production of Functional Graphene and its Nanohybrids (DE140101662)

Investigator(s): Zhong, Y. L.

Funding Amount: $395,220 for 2014 - 2016

Project Summary: The lack of cost-effective and scalable graphene production methods is the current bottleneck that impedes the commercialisation of advanced graphene-based nanomaterials. Novel electrochemical production of those functional materials directly from bulk graphite not only holds the key to the solution but also provides a non-oxidative route for the production of highly conductive graphene which is well suited for applications such as biosensing, energy storage and conversion. Besides achieving scientific breakthroughs in graphene electrochemistry, this project will directly benefit many Australian socio-economic objectives, including manufacturing of Australia's natural resources into valuable energy related products.

Research Interest

· Develop novel physicochemical methods to couple and manipulate molecular building blocks on nanomaterials that exhibit excellent properties.

· Study and elucidate the mechanism of synergistic properties arising from the formation of such nanohybrids by means of surface science and electrochemical techniques.

· Engineer the superior nanohybrids into advanced functional devices and apply them to their niche applications to solve real world problems.