Research
Research Interests
Nanomaterials
- Zeolites, Metal organic frameworks (MOF), and Nanoporous carbons
- Nanocomposites, Nanofibers, and Nanostructured ceramics
Membranes and catalysts
- Ceramic membranes, Polymer membranes, Nanoporous (zeolite, MOF, carbon) membranes, and Composite membranes
- Electrode catalysts, and Nanocatalysts
Separation and fuel cells
- Gas separation, wastewater treatment and desalination
- Proton exchange membranes and anion exchange membranes for fuel cells
- Nanoporous electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells and low temperature fuel cells
Green chemical technology
- Energy-efficient separation
- Biofuel powered fuel cells
Research Projects
Current Projects
Smart pack / coatings design to optimise meat quality (Monash GRIP)
ARC Research Hub for Energy-efficient Separation
The Hub aims to develop advanced separation materials, innovative products and smart processes to reduce the energy consumption of separation processes which underpin Australian industry. The Hub focuses on the development, synthesis, characterisation and integration of advanced materials (membranes, adsorbents and resins), across scales to enable novel products. The intended research outcomes allow the majority of Australian industry to become more energy-efficient and cost-competitive in a global economy. The Hub also aims to develop a highly-trained, industry-ready workforce and advance Australia's capability as a world-leading technology provider in manufacturing advanced separation materials and equipment.
Development of Graphene-polymer ion exchange membranes for acid recovery
Development of Graphene-polymer ion exchange membranes for acid recovery from mining process water and wastewater and an examination of the feasibility of specific minerals recovery from mining tailing and mining process water and wastewater.
Non-polyamide-based polymer composite membranes for water processing
This proposal aims to develop an innovative two-dimensional nanosheets scaffold directed polymerisation technique for the fabrication of advanced membranes to address the key issues faced in the current polyamide membranes. The expected outcomes of the project include new membrane fabrication technology and nonpolyamide-based polymer membranes with outstanding oxidation tolerance and separation properties, thereby significantly simplifying membrane processes, and improving water processing efficiency in various industries such as wastewater treatment for power generation and clean drinking water production.
Structurally-bridged crystalline molecular sieve-polymer membranes
This project aims to produce an innovative membrane platform technology for highly efficient and cost effective separation in a range of important applications such as natural gas processing, using highly effective crystalline sieve materials. It will address the key current issue of the mismatch of mechanical properties between crystalline molecular sieve materials (zeolites and metal organic frameworks) and polymers, as well as the existence of coating flaws which limit their use as gas separation membranes. Nano-reinforcement will be created in the coating and polymer substrate, with nano-bridges between them. The resulting membranes will be mechanically tough and show superior separation performance compared to existing membranes.
Green Manufacturing of Graphene from Indigenous Natural Graphite and Graphene-based Nanofiltration Membranes
We will establish green chemical routes for transforming an industrial by-product into high-value material – graphene and further, develop scalable coating methods for producing asymmetric, inert, robust, and highly permeable graphene-membranes for safe and economical treatment of corrosive mining effluents and recovery of precious metals.
Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) Facility for Advanced Materials Processing
Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) is a novel materials processing technique with a unique combination of a high amperage and a high pressure in sintering. It is used for densification of powdered metal alloys, intermetallics, ceramics and composites in a very rapid manner (within a few minutes) and at significantly reduced temperature, thus it is especially useful for manufacturing nanostructured materials. The lack of this facility has severely restricted the research capability and creativity of Australian researchers. This proposal seeks to establish the first SPS facility in the country to meet the increasing demands by research organisations and companies nationwide for the development of advanced materials.