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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Dual Yolk-Shell Structure Of Carbon And Silica-Coated Silicon For High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries, L Y. Yang, H Z. Li, Jun Liu, Ziqi Sun, S S. Tang, M Lei Jan 2015

Dual Yolk-Shell Structure Of Carbon And Silica-Coated Silicon For High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries, L Y. Yang, H Z. Li, Jun Liu, Ziqi Sun, S S. Tang, M Lei

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

Silicon batteries have attracted much attention in recent years due to their high theoretical capacity, although a rapid capacity fade is normally observed, attributed mainly to volume expansion during lithiation. Here, we report for the first time successful synthesis of Si/void/SiO2/void/C nanostructures. The synthesis strategy only involves selective etching of SiO2 in Si/SiO2/C structures with hydrofluoric acid solution. Compared with reported results, such novel structures include a hard SiO2-coated layer, a conductive carbon-coated layer, and two internal void spaces. In the structures, the carbon can enhance conductivity, the SiO2 layer has mechanically …


Sodium-Difluoro(Oxalato)Borate (Nadfob): A New Electrolyte Salt For Na-Ion Batteries, Juner Chen, Zhenguo Huang, Caiyun Wang, Spencer H. Porter, Baofeng Wang, Wilford Lie, Hua-Kun Liu Jan 2015

Sodium-Difluoro(Oxalato)Borate (Nadfob): A New Electrolyte Salt For Na-Ion Batteries, Juner Chen, Zhenguo Huang, Caiyun Wang, Spencer H. Porter, Baofeng Wang, Wilford Lie, Hua-Kun Liu

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

A new electrolyte salt, sodium-difluoro(oxalato)borate (NaDFOB), was synthesized and studied, which enables excellent reversible capacity and high rate capability when used in Na/Na0.44MnO2 half cells. NaDFOB has excellent compatibility with various common solvents used in Na-ion batteries, in strong contrast to the solvent dependent performances of NaClO4 and NaPF6. In addition, NaDFOB possesses good stability and generates no toxic or dangerous products when exposed to air and water. All these properties demonstrate that NaDFOB could be used to prepare high performance electrolytes for emerging Na-ion batteries.


Effective Enhancement Of The Electrochemical Performance Of Layered Cathode Li1.5mn0.75ni0.25o2.5 Via A Novel Facile Molten Salt Method, Zhuo Zheng, Wei-Bo Hua, S Liao, Yan Jun Zhong, En-Hui Wang, Bin-Bin Xu, Hua-Kun Liu, Ben-He Zhong Jan 2015

Effective Enhancement Of The Electrochemical Performance Of Layered Cathode Li1.5mn0.75ni0.25o2.5 Via A Novel Facile Molten Salt Method, Zhuo Zheng, Wei-Bo Hua, S Liao, Yan Jun Zhong, En-Hui Wang, Bin-Bin Xu, Hua-Kun Liu, Ben-He Zhong

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

A series of nanocrystalline lithium-rich cathode materials Li1.5Mn0.75Ni0.25O2.5 have been prepared by a novel synthetic process, which combines the co-precipitation method and a modified molten salt method. By using a moderate excess of 0.5LiNO3-0.5LiOH eutectic salts as molten media and reactants, the usage of deionized water or alcohol in the subsequent wash process is successfully reduced, compared with the traditional molten salt method. The materials with different excess Li salt content, Li/M (M = Ni + Mn) = 1.55, 1.65, 1.75, 1.85, 1.95, 2.05, molar ratio, show distinct differences in their …


Ferroelectric And Magnetic Properties Of Aurivillius Bim+1ti3fem−3o3m+3 Thin Films, Tingting Jia, Hideo Kimura, Zhenxiang Cheng, Hongyang Zhao Jan 2015

Ferroelectric And Magnetic Properties Of Aurivillius Bim+1ti3fem−3o3m+3 Thin Films, Tingting Jia, Hideo Kimura, Zhenxiang Cheng, Hongyang Zhao

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

Aurivillius Bim+1Ti3Fem−3O3m+3 (m = 4, 5, 6) thin films have been deposited by a pulsed laser deposition system. The x-ray diffraction patterns indicate the formation of orthorhombic phase. The remanent polarization (2Pr) of Bim+1Ti3Fem−3O3m+3 thin films is decreased with the m-number. Positive-up-negative-down measurements indicate the presence of ferroelectric (FE) polarization in as-obtained thin films. Piezoresponse force microscopy investigations confirm the existence of FE domains and the switchable polarization. Weak magnetic moment is detected in the Aurivillius films at room temperature. The present work …


Free-Standing Composite Hydrogel Films For Superior Volumetric Capacitance, Mahmoud Moussa, Zhiheng Zhao, Maher F. El-Kady, Hua-Kun Liu, Andrew Michelmore, Nobuyuki Kawashima, Peter Majewski, Jun Ma Jan 2015

Free-Standing Composite Hydrogel Films For Superior Volumetric Capacitance, Mahmoud Moussa, Zhiheng Zhao, Maher F. El-Kady, Hua-Kun Liu, Andrew Michelmore, Nobuyuki Kawashima, Peter Majewski, Jun Ma

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

High volumetric capacitance is vital for the development of wearable and portable energy storage devices. We herein introduce a novel simple route for the fabrication of a highly porous, binder-free and free-standing polyaniline/reduced graphene oxide composite hydrogel (PANi/graphene hydrogel) as an electrode with a packing density of 1.02 g cm-3. PANi played critical roles in gelation, which include reduction, crosslinking, creation of pseudocapacitance and as a spacer preventing graphene sheets from stacking. The composite hydrogel film delivered a volumetric capacitance of 225.42 F cm-3 with a two-electrode supercapacitor configuration, which was enhanced to 592.96 F cm-3 …


Super-Paramagnetic Particles Chemically Bound To Luminescent Diamond: Single Nano-Crystals Probed With Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance, Taras Plakhotnik, Haroon Aman, Shaohua Zhang, Zhen Li Jan 2015

Super-Paramagnetic Particles Chemically Bound To Luminescent Diamond: Single Nano-Crystals Probed With Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance, Taras Plakhotnik, Haroon Aman, Shaohua Zhang, Zhen Li

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

We have synthesized novel composite particles made of single-domain nanomagnets chemically bound to nanocrystals of diamond. Optically detected magnetic resonance spectra of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond allowed us to estimate the magnetic field of the nanomagnets and to observe the saturation of their magnetization when an external field of a few tens of mT has been applied. The saturation effect is in agreement with the size of the domains measured using transmission electron microscopy and a simple model of magnetization.


Bio-Interface Of Conducting Polymer-Based Materials For Neuroregeneration, Bo Weng, Jianglin Diao, Qun Xu, Yuqing Liu, Changming Li, Ailing Ding, Jun Chen Jan 2015

Bio-Interface Of Conducting Polymer-Based Materials For Neuroregeneration, Bo Weng, Jianglin Diao, Qun Xu, Yuqing Liu, Changming Li, Ailing Ding, Jun Chen

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

Nerve system diseases like Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, etc. seriously affect thousands of patients' lives every year, making them suffer from pains and inconvenience. Recently, bio-interfaces between neural cells/tissues and polymer based biomaterials attracted worldwide attention due to the ability of polymer based biomaterials to serve as nerve conduits, drug carriers and neurites guidance platform in neuroregeneration. The role that bio-interface played and the way it interacted with neural tissues and cells have been thoroughly investigated by the researchers. In this paper we mainly focus on reviewing the bio-interface between nerve tissues/cells and advanced functional biocompatible polymers, such …


From Science Fiction To Reality: The Dawn Of The Biofabricator, Gordon G. Wallace Jan 2015

From Science Fiction To Reality: The Dawn Of The Biofabricator, Gordon G. Wallace

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

[extract] Science is catching up to science fiction. Last year a paralysed man walked again after cell treatment bridged a gap in his spinal cord. Dozens of people have had bionic eyes implanted, and it may also be possible to augment them to see into the infra-red or ultra-violet. Amputees can control bionic limb implant with thoughts alone.


Functionalised Inherently Conducting Polymers As Low Biofouling Materials, Binbin Zhang, Alexander Nagle, Gordon G. Wallace, Timothy W. Hanks, Paul J. Molino Jan 2015

Functionalised Inherently Conducting Polymers As Low Biofouling Materials, Binbin Zhang, Alexander Nagle, Gordon G. Wallace, Timothy W. Hanks, Paul J. Molino

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

Diatoms are a major component of microbial biofouling layers that develop on man-made surfaces placed in aquatic environments, resulting in significant economic and environmental impacts. This paper describes surface functionalisation of the inherently conducting polymers (ICPs) polypyrrole (PPy) and polyaniline (PANI) with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and their efficacy as fouling resistant materials. Their ability to resist interactions with the model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) was tested using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). The capacity of the ICP-PEG materials to prevent settlement and colonisation of the fouling diatom Amphora coffeaeformis (Cleve) was also assayed. Variations were demonstrated …


Superior Critical Current Density Obtained In Mg11b2 Low Activation Superconductor By Using Reactive Amorphous 11b And Optimizing Sintering Temperature, Fang Cheng, Yongchang Liu, Zongqing Ma, Huijun Li, Md Shahriar Hossain Jan 2015

Superior Critical Current Density Obtained In Mg11b2 Low Activation Superconductor By Using Reactive Amorphous 11b And Optimizing Sintering Temperature, Fang Cheng, Yongchang Liu, Zongqing Ma, Huijun Li, Md Shahriar Hossain

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

The un-doped Mg11B2 and Cu-doped Mg11B2 bulks using 11B as a boron precursor were fabricated by solid-state reaction and sintered at different temperature in present work. By analyzing the sintering process, it was found that 11B original powder is more reactive and can react with Mg severely even at low temperature before Mg melting, which leads to the formation of refined Mg11B2 grains. Consequently, the critical current density of Mg11B2 sample prepared in this work is higher than that of natural MgB2. Furthermore, it was found that proper Cu addition …


Probe Current Determination In Analytical Tem/Stem And Its Application To The Characterization Of Large Area Eds Detectors, David R. G Mitchell, Mitchell John Bromley Nancarrow Jan 2015

Probe Current Determination In Analytical Tem/Stem And Its Application To The Characterization Of Large Area Eds Detectors, David R. G Mitchell, Mitchell John Bromley Nancarrow

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

A simple procedure, which enables accurate measurement of transmission electron microscopy (TEM)/STEM probe currents using an energy loss spectrometer drift tube is described. The currents obtained are compared with those measured on the fluorescent screen to enable the losses due to secondary and backscattered electrons to be determined. The current values obtained from the drift tube allow the correction of fluorescent screen current densities to yield true current. They also enable CCD conversion efficiencies to be obtained, which in turn allows images to be calibrated in terms of electron fluence. Using probes of known current in conjunction with a NiO …


Delocalized Surface State In Epitaxial Si(111) Film With Spontaneous √3 X √3 Superstructure, Jian Chen, Yi Du, Zhi Li, Wenbin Li, Baojie Feng, Jinlan Qiu, Peng Cheng, S X. Dou, Lan Chen, Ke-Hui Wu Jan 2015

Delocalized Surface State In Epitaxial Si(111) Film With Spontaneous √3 X √3 Superstructure, Jian Chen, Yi Du, Zhi Li, Wenbin Li, Baojie Feng, Jinlan Qiu, Peng Cheng, S X. Dou, Lan Chen, Ke-Hui Wu

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

The " multilayer silicene" films were grown on Ag(111), with increasing thickness above 30 monolayers (ML). Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) observations suggest that the " multilayer silicene" is indeed a bulk-like Si(111) film with a (√ 3 x √ 3)R30° honeycomb superstructure on surface. The possibility for formation of Si(111)(√ 3 x √ 3)R30°-Ag reconstruction on the surface can be distinctively ruled out by peeling off the surface layer with the STM tip. On this surface, delocalized surface state as well as linear energy-momentum dispersion was observed from quasiparticle interference patterns. Our results indicate that a bulklike silicon film with …


The Effect Of Symmetry On Resonant And Nonresonant Photoresponses In A Field-Effect Terahertz Detector, J D. Sun, H Qin, Roger A. Lewis, Xiaoyu Yang, Y F. Sun, Zhenpu Zhang, Xianghu Li, Xiaoqin Zhang, Y Cai, D M. Wu, B S. Zhang Jan 2015

The Effect Of Symmetry On Resonant And Nonresonant Photoresponses In A Field-Effect Terahertz Detector, J D. Sun, H Qin, Roger A. Lewis, Xiaoyu Yang, Y F. Sun, Zhenpu Zhang, Xianghu Li, Xiaoqin Zhang, Y Cai, D M. Wu, B S. Zhang

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

The effect of the symmetries in the terahertz (THz) field distribution and the field-effect channel on THz photoresponse is examined. Resonant excitation of cavity plasmon modes and nonresonant self-mixing of THz waves are demonstrated in a GaN/AlGaN two-dimensional electron gas with symmetrically designed nanogates, antennas, and filters. We found that the self-mixing signal can be effectively suppressed by the symmetric design and the resonant response benefits from the residual asymmetry. The findings suggest that a single detector may provide both high sensitivity from the self-mixing mechanism and spectral resolution from the resonant response by optimizing the degree of geometrical and/or …


Robust Scalable Synthesis Of Surfactant-Free Thermoelectric Metal Chalcogenide Nanostructures, Chao Han, Zhen Li, Gao Qing (Max) Lu, S X. Dou Jan 2015

Robust Scalable Synthesis Of Surfactant-Free Thermoelectric Metal Chalcogenide Nanostructures, Chao Han, Zhen Li, Gao Qing (Max) Lu, S X. Dou

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

A robust low-cost ambient aqueous method for the scalable synthesis of surfactant-free nanostructured metal chalcogenides (MaXb, M=Cu, Ag, Sn, Pb, and Bi; X=S, Se, and Te; a=1 or 2; and b=1 or 3) is developed in this work. The effects of reaction parameters, such as precursor concentration, ratio of precursors, and amount of reducing agent, on the composition, size, and shape of the resultant nanostructures have been comprehensively investigated. This environmentally friendly approach is capable of producing metal chalcogenide nanostructures in a one-pot reaction on a large scale, which were investigated for their thermoelectric properties towards conversion of waste heat …


Synthesis Of Different Cuo Nanostructures By A New Catalytic Template Method As Anode Materials For Lithium-Ion Batteries, Xiaohang Ma, Shuang Zeng, Bangkun Zou, Xin Liang, Jia-Ying Liao, Chunhua Chen Jan 2015

Synthesis Of Different Cuo Nanostructures By A New Catalytic Template Method As Anode Materials For Lithium-Ion Batteries, Xiaohang Ma, Shuang Zeng, Bangkun Zou, Xin Liang, Jia-Ying Liao, Chunhua Chen

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

CuO powders composed of different rod-like clusters or dandelion-like nanospheres are prepared by a low-temperature thermal decomposition process of Cu(OH)2 precursors, which are obtained via a catalytic template method. A tentative mechanism is proposed to explain the formation and transformation of different Cu(OH)2 nanostructures. X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectra analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurements, and galvanostatic cell cycling are employed to characterize the structures and electrochemical performance of these CuO samples. The results show that these CuO samples obtained after 500 °C calcination have a stable cycling performance with a reversible …


N-Doped Pierced Graphene Microparticles As A Highly Active Electrocatalyst For Li-Air Batteries, Tao Yuan, Weimin Zhang, Wen-Ting Li, Chuantao Song, Yu-Shi He, Joselito M. Razal, Zi-Feng Ma, Jun Chen Jan 2015

N-Doped Pierced Graphene Microparticles As A Highly Active Electrocatalyst For Li-Air Batteries, Tao Yuan, Weimin Zhang, Wen-Ting Li, Chuantao Song, Yu-Shi He, Joselito M. Razal, Zi-Feng Ma, Jun Chen

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

In this work we report a novel scalable strategy to prepare a lithium-air battery electrode from 3D N-doped pierced graphene microparticles (N-PGM) with highly active performance. This approach has combined the merits of spray drying technology and the hard template method. The pierced structured graphene microparticles were characterized physically and electrochemically. An x-ray photoelectron spectrometer and Raman spectra have revealed that the novel structure possesses a higher N-doping level than conventional graphene without the pierced structure. A much higher BET surface area was also achieved for the N-PGM than the conventional N-doped graphene microparticles (N-GM). Cyclic voltammetry indicated that the …


Pre-Differentiation Of Human Neural Stem Cells Into Gabaergic Neurons Prior To Transplant Results In Greater Repopulation Of The Damaged Brain And Accelerates Functional Recovery After Transient Ischemic Stroke, Hima C. S Abeysinghe, Laita Bokhari, Anita F. Quigley, Mahesh A. Choolani, Jerry Chan, Gregory J. Dusting, Jeremy M. Crook, Nao R. Kobayashi, Carli Roulston Jan 2015

Pre-Differentiation Of Human Neural Stem Cells Into Gabaergic Neurons Prior To Transplant Results In Greater Repopulation Of The Damaged Brain And Accelerates Functional Recovery After Transient Ischemic Stroke, Hima C. S Abeysinghe, Laita Bokhari, Anita F. Quigley, Mahesh A. Choolani, Jerry Chan, Gregory J. Dusting, Jeremy M. Crook, Nao R. Kobayashi, Carli Roulston

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

2015 Abeysinghe et al. Introduction: Despite attempts to prevent brain injury during the hyperacute phase of stroke, most sufferers end up with significant neuronal loss and functional deficits. The use of cell-based therapies to recover the injured brain offers new hope. In the current study, we employed human neural stem cells (hNSCs) isolated from subventricular zone (SVZ), and directed their differentiation into GABAergic neurons followed by transplantation to ischemic brain. Methods: Pre-differentiated GABAergic neurons, undifferentiated SVZ-hNSCs or media alone were stereotaxically transplanted into the rat brain (n=7/group) 7 days after endothelin-1 induced stroke. Neurological outcome was assessed by neurological deficit …


Harvesting Temperature Fluctuations As Electrical Energy Using Torsional And Tensile Polymer Muscles, Shi Hyeong Kim, Marcio Dias Lima, Mikhail E. Kozlov, Carter S. Haines, Geoffrey M. Spinks, Shazed Aziz, Changsoon Choi, Hyeon Jun Sim, Xuemin Wang, Hongbing Lu, Dong Qian, John D. W Madden, Ray H. Baughman, Seon Jeong Kim Jan 2015

Harvesting Temperature Fluctuations As Electrical Energy Using Torsional And Tensile Polymer Muscles, Shi Hyeong Kim, Marcio Dias Lima, Mikhail E. Kozlov, Carter S. Haines, Geoffrey M. Spinks, Shazed Aziz, Changsoon Choi, Hyeon Jun Sim, Xuemin Wang, Hongbing Lu, Dong Qian, John D. W Madden, Ray H. Baughman, Seon Jeong Kim

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

Diverse means have been deployed for harvesting electrical energy from mechanical actuation produced by low-grade waste heat, but cycle rate, energy-per-cycle, device size and weight, or cost have limited applications. We report the electromagnetic harvesting of thermal energy as electrical energy using thermally powered torsional and tensile artificial muscles made from inexpensive polymer fibers used for fishing line and sewing thread. We show that a coiled 27 μm-diameter nylon muscle fiber can be driven by 16.7 °C air temperature fluctuations to spin a magnetic rotor to a peak torsional rotation speed of 70 000 rpm for over 300 000 heating-cooling …


Harvesting Temperature Fluctuations As Electrical Energy Using Torsional And Tensile Polymer Muscles, Shi Hyeong Kim, Marcio Dias Lima, Mikhail E. Kozlov, Carter S. Haines, Geoffrey M. Spinks, Shazed Aziz, Changsoon Choi, Hyeon Jun Sim, Xuemin Wang, Hongbing Lu, Dong Qian, John D. W Madden, Ray H. Baughman, Seon Jeong Kim Jan 2015

Harvesting Temperature Fluctuations As Electrical Energy Using Torsional And Tensile Polymer Muscles, Shi Hyeong Kim, Marcio Dias Lima, Mikhail E. Kozlov, Carter S. Haines, Geoffrey M. Spinks, Shazed Aziz, Changsoon Choi, Hyeon Jun Sim, Xuemin Wang, Hongbing Lu, Dong Qian, John D. W Madden, Ray H. Baughman, Seon Jeong Kim

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

Diverse means have been deployed for harvesting electrical energy from mechanical actuation produced by low-grade waste heat, but cycle rate, energy-per-cycle, device size and weight, or cost have limited applications. We report the electromagnetic harvesting of thermal energy as electrical energy using thermally powered torsional and tensile artificial muscles made from inexpensive polymer fibers used for fishing line and sewing thread. We show that a coiled 27 μm-diameter nylon muscle fiber can be driven by 16.7 °C air temperature fluctuations to spin a magnetic rotor to a peak torsional rotation speed of 70 000 rpm for over 300 000 heating-cooling …


A Comparison Of Chemical And Electrochemical Synthesis Of Pedot: Dextran Sulphate For Bio-Application, Leo Stevens, David G. Harman, Kerry J. Gilmore, Marc In Het Panhuis, Gordon G. Wallace Jan 2015

A Comparison Of Chemical And Electrochemical Synthesis Of Pedot: Dextran Sulphate For Bio-Application, Leo Stevens, David G. Harman, Kerry J. Gilmore, Marc In Het Panhuis, Gordon G. Wallace

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is an organic conducting polymer that has been the focus of significant research over the last decade, in both energy and biological applications. Most commonly, PEDOT is doped by the artificial polymer polystyrene sulfonate due to the excellent electrical characteristics yielded by this pairing. The biopolymer dextran sulphate (DS) has been recently reported as a promising alternative to PEDOT: PSS for biological application, having electrical properties rivaling PEDOT: PSS, complimented by the potential bioactivity of the polysaccharide. In this work we compared chemical and electrochemical polymerisations of PEDOT: DS in terms of their impact on the electrical, morphological …


The Codes Of Matter And Their Applications, Xiaolin Wang Jan 2015

The Codes Of Matter And Their Applications, Xiaolin Wang

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

The elements in the periodic table are the building blocks used to form substances with different compositions. Nevertheless, it is the properties of substances that are decisive for their existence and practical applications. Searching for new class of materials with exotic properties has always been challenging because of the complexity of both the theoretical and the experimental approaches developed so far. Here, we propose that the three ubiquitous and paramount attributes of all existing matter charge (Q), spin (S) or rotational motion, and linear motion (K) can be used to account for the formation of different types of matter/materials and …


An Intermediate Band Dye-Sensitised Solar Cell Using Triplet-Triplet Annihilation, Catherine Simpson, Tracey M. Clarke, Rowan W. Macqueen, Yuen Yap Cheng, Adam J. Trevitt, Attila J. Mozer, Pawel W. Wagner, Timothy W. Schmidt, Andrew Nattestad Jan 2015

An Intermediate Band Dye-Sensitised Solar Cell Using Triplet-Triplet Annihilation, Catherine Simpson, Tracey M. Clarke, Rowan W. Macqueen, Yuen Yap Cheng, Adam J. Trevitt, Attila J. Mozer, Pawel W. Wagner, Timothy W. Schmidt, Andrew Nattestad

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

A new mechanism of charge photogeneration is demonstrated for the first time, based on organic molecular structures. This intermediate band approach, integrated into a dye-sensitised solar cell configuration is shown to generate charges upon illumination with low energy photons. Specifically 610 nm photoexcitation of Pt porphyrins, through a series of energy transfer steps and triplet-triplet annihilation, excites a higher energy absorption onset molecule, which is then capable of charge injection into TiO2. Transient absorption measurements reveal further detail of the processes involved.


Can The Wet - State Conductivity Of Hydrogels Be Improved By Incorporation Of Spherical Conducting Nanoparticles?, Katharina Schirmer, Cody Wright, Holly Warren, Brianna C. Thompson, Anita F. Quigley, Robert M. I Kapsa, Gordon G. Wallace Jan 2015

Can The Wet - State Conductivity Of Hydrogels Be Improved By Incorporation Of Spherical Conducting Nanoparticles?, Katharina Schirmer, Cody Wright, Holly Warren, Brianna C. Thompson, Anita F. Quigley, Robert M. I Kapsa, Gordon G. Wallace

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

In nerve and muscle regeneration applications, the incorporation of conducting elements into biocompatible materials has gained interest over the last few years, as it has been shown that electrical stimulation of some regenerating cells has a positive effect on their development. A variety of different materials, ranging from graphene to conducting polymers, have been incorporated into hydrogels and increased conductivities have been reported. However, the majority of conductivity measurements are performed in a dry state, even though material blends are designed for applications in a wet state, in vivo environment. The focus of this work is to use polypyrrole nanoparticles …


Ultrafast Spin Polarization In A Multiferroic Manganite Bife0.5mn0.5o3 Thin Film, Zeyu Zhang, Zuanming Jin, Xian Lin, Zhenxiang Cheng, H Y. Zhao, Hideo Kimura, Guohong Ma Jan 2015

Ultrafast Spin Polarization In A Multiferroic Manganite Bife0.5mn0.5o3 Thin Film, Zeyu Zhang, Zuanming Jin, Xian Lin, Zhenxiang Cheng, H Y. Zhao, Hideo Kimura, Guohong Ma

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

In this work, we present observations of ultrafast carrier dynamics and spin polarization in a multiferroic manganite BiFe0.5Mn0.5O3 film excited by linearly and circularly polarized femtosecond pulses, respectively. The d-band charge transfer transition is reasonably assigned to Γ3 → Γ5. The transient reflectivity decay on a time scale as fast as only 0.3 ps is consistent with the picture of ultrafast electron-phonon coupling. The ultrafast switching of polarization ellipticity (< 150 fs) originates from a transient coherent spin polarization by optical orientation. The ultrafast spin polarization switching is assigned to the Raman coherence process.


A Decaheme Cytochrome As A Molecular Electron Conduit In Dye-Sensitized Photoanodes, Ee Taek Hwang, Khizar Sheikh, Katherine L. Orchard, Daisuke Hojo, Valentin Radu, Chong-Yong Lee, Emma Ainsworth, Colin Lockwood, Manuela A. Gross, Tadafumi Adschiri, Erwin Reisner, Julea N. Butt, Lars J. C Jeuken Jan 2015

A Decaheme Cytochrome As A Molecular Electron Conduit In Dye-Sensitized Photoanodes, Ee Taek Hwang, Khizar Sheikh, Katherine L. Orchard, Daisuke Hojo, Valentin Radu, Chong-Yong Lee, Emma Ainsworth, Colin Lockwood, Manuela A. Gross, Tadafumi Adschiri, Erwin Reisner, Julea N. Butt, Lars J. C Jeuken

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

In nature, charge recombination in light-harvesting reaction centers is minimized by efficient charge separation. Here, it is aimed to mimic this by coupling dye-sensitized TiO2 nanocrystals to a decaheme protein, MtrC from Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, where the 10 hemes of MtrC form a ≈7-nm-long molecular wire between the TiO2 and the underlying electrode. The system is assembled by forming a densely packed MtrC film on an ultra-flat gold electrode, followed by the adsorption of approximately 7 nm TiO2 nanocrystals that are modified with a phosphonated bipyridine Ru(II) dye (RuP). The step-by-step construction of the MtrC/TiO2 system is monitored with (photo)electrochemistry, …


Tuning The Conductance Of H2o@C60 By Position Of The Encapsulated H2o, Chengbo Zhu, Xiaolin Wang Jan 2015

Tuning The Conductance Of H2o@C60 By Position Of The Encapsulated H2o, Chengbo Zhu, Xiaolin Wang

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

The change of conductance of single-molecule junction in response to various external stimuli is the fundamental mechanism for the single-molecule electronic devices with multiple functionalities. We propose the concept that the conductance of molecular systems can be tuned from inside. The conductance is varied in C60 with encapsulated H2O, H2O@C60. The transport properties of the H2O@ C60-based nanostructure sandwiched between electrodes are studied using first-principles calculations combined with the non-equilibrium Green's function formalism. Our results show that the conductance of the H2O@C60 is sensitive to the position of the H2O and its dipole direction inside the cage with changes in …


Uniform Yolk-Shell Iron Sulfide-Carbon Nanospheres For Superior Sodium-Iron Sulfide Batteries, Yunxiao Wang, Jianping Yang, Shulei Chou, Hua-Kun Liu, Weixian Zhang, Dongyuan Zhao, S X. Dou Jan 2015

Uniform Yolk-Shell Iron Sulfide-Carbon Nanospheres For Superior Sodium-Iron Sulfide Batteries, Yunxiao Wang, Jianping Yang, Shulei Chou, Hua-Kun Liu, Weixian Zhang, Dongyuan Zhao, S X. Dou

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

Sodium-metal sulfide battery holds great promise for sustainable and cost-effective applications. Nevertheless, achieving high capacity and cycling stability remains a great challenge. Here, uniform yolk-shell iron sulfide-carbon nanospheres have been synthesized as cathode materials for the emerging sodium sulfide battery to achieve remarkable capacity of ∼545 mA h g-1 over 100 cycles at 0.2 C (100 mA g-1), delivering ultrahigh energy density of ∼438 Wh kg-1. The proven conversion reaction between sodium and iron sulfide results in high capacity but severe volume changes. Nanostructural design, including of nanosized iron sulfide yolks (∼170 nm) with porous carbon shells (∼30 nm) and …


Effects Of Nanostructure On Clean Energy: Big Solutions Gained From Small Features, Jinyan Xiong, Chao Han, Zhen Li, S X. Dou Jan 2015

Effects Of Nanostructure On Clean Energy: Big Solutions Gained From Small Features, Jinyan Xiong, Chao Han, Zhen Li, S X. Dou

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

The increasing energy consumption and environmental concerns have driven the development of cost-effective, high-efficiency clean energy. Advanced functional nanomaterials and relevant nanotechnologies are playing a crucial role and showing promise in resolving some energy issues. In this view, we focus on recent advances of functional nanomaterials in clean energy applications, including solar energy conversion, water splitting, photodegradation, electrochemical energy conversion and storage, and thermoelectric conversion, which have attracted considerable interests in the regime of clean energy.


High Acetic Acid Production Rate Obtained By Microbial Electrosynthesis From Carbon Dioxide, Ludovic Jourdin, Timothy Grieger, Juliette Monetti, Victoria Flexer, Stefano Freguia, Yang Lu, Jun Chen, Mark S. Romano, Gordon G. Wallace, Jurg Keller Jan 2015

High Acetic Acid Production Rate Obtained By Microbial Electrosynthesis From Carbon Dioxide, Ludovic Jourdin, Timothy Grieger, Juliette Monetti, Victoria Flexer, Stefano Freguia, Yang Lu, Jun Chen, Mark S. Romano, Gordon G. Wallace, Jurg Keller

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

High product specificity and production rate are regarded as key success parameters for large-scale applicability of a (bio)chemical reaction technology. Here, we report a significant performance enhancement in acetate formation from CO2, reaching comparable productivity levels as in industrial fermentation processes (volumetric production rate and product yield). A biocathode current density of -102 ± 1 A m-2 and an acetic acid production rate of 685 ± 30 (g m-2 day-1) have been achieved in this study. High recoveries of 94 ± 2% of the CO2 supplied as the sole carbon source and 100 ± 4% of electrons into the final …


Multiple Fermi Pockets Revealed By Shubnikov-De Haas Oscillations In Wte2, Feixiang Xiang, Menno Veldhorst, S X. Dou, Xiaolin Wang Jan 2015

Multiple Fermi Pockets Revealed By Shubnikov-De Haas Oscillations In Wte2, Feixiang Xiang, Menno Veldhorst, S X. Dou, Xiaolin Wang

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

The recently discovered non-saturating and parabolic magnetoresistance and the pressure-induced superconductivity at low temperature in WTe2 imply its rich electronic structure and possible practical applications. Here we use magnetotransport measurements to investigate the electronic structure of WTe2 single crystals. A non-saturating and parabolic magnetoresistance is observed from low temperature to high temperature up to 200 K with magnetic fields up to 8 T. Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations with beating patterns are observed, the fast Fourier transform of which reveals three oscillation frequencies, corresponding to three pairs of Fermi pockets with comparable effective masses, m∗∼0.31 me. By fitting the Hall resistivity, …