Materials Australia Magazine | April 2024 | Volume 57 | No 1

buckyballs

MOFs

Nd:YAG

palladium catalysts nickel foam

perovskite crystals

europium phosphors

alternative energy

thin lm

diamond micropowder

additive manufacturing

organometallics

nanogels surface functionalized nanoparticles

YBCO

nanodispersions

glassy carbon isotopes

3D graphene foam

metamaterials

AuNPs

EuFOD

silver nanoparticles

quantum dots

transparent ceramics

sputtering targets

endohedral fullerenes

gold nanocubes

tungsten carbide

osmium

mischmetal ultralight aerospace alloys

scandium powder

biosynthetics

III-IV semiconductors ITO

NMC

CIGS

InAs wafers platinum ink

OLED lighting

The Next Generation of Material Science Catalogs

photovoltaics

graphene oxide exible electronics

chalcogenides laser crystals

CVD precursors

deposition slugs

MOCVD Invar InGaAs GDC

superconductors

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From the President - Professor Nikki Stanford B.Eng(Hons) Ph.D. CMatP

Welcome to the April 2024 edition of Materials Australia.

This is my first message as the President of Materials Australia, and I am very honoured to be joining our fantastic team.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a special thanks to the immediate past President, Dr Roger Lumley for providing mentorship throughout my years as Vice President, and giving me a very gentle landing as the new President.

Appointment of a New Vice President

I’d also like to announce that we have just confirmed that Professor Gwénaëlle Proust will be our new Vice President.

Gwen completed her PhD at Drexel University in the USA, before undertaking a post-doctoral project at Los Alamos National Laboratory. While working with Professor Carlos Tomé, Gwen became an expert in the plasticity of hexagonal metals, and is world-renowned for her work on deformation twins.

Gwen came to Australia in 2008 to join the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney. After many successful years as an academic, Gwen was recently appointed to a new role at Sydney University; she is now the Academic Director of the Sydney Manufacturing Hub.

Gwen has been a member of the organising committee for many of our conferences over the years, and cohosted APICAM in Sydney last July.

We are very excited to have her on the Materials Australia Executive Committee, and wish her every success as our new Vice President.

Appointment of a New Treasurer

We also have a new Treasurer, Leon Prentice.

Leon is the Chief Research and Development Officer at SDI Limited. In this role, he leads a team of engineers and scientists to deliver cutting-edge medical devices and technologies that improve health outcomes and quality of life for millions of people.

He has over 15 years of experience in materials-based research and development, process engineering, and biomaterials. Leon has contributed to multiple patents, publications, and awards in the field of

metallurgy and materials science.

Leon was at CSIRO for many years, and brings his years of experience and extensive scientific network to the Executive Committee of Materials Australia.

He has wasted no time throwing himself head-first into the inner workings of our finances and admin, and appears to be enjoying his important role very much!

Calendar of Events

We have a huge calendar of events in motion for the coming months and years. Preparations for CAMS 2024 are in full swing. This year will be the first year that CAMS has left the eastern seaboard, and is heading to Adelaide for the first time. The CAMS 2024 website is up and running, and calls for abstracts are now open. You can access it via: www.cams2024.com.au

Finally, I would like to thank the army of volunteers that keep Materials Australia running. Our individual branches in each of the states run fantastic local events for our members, and keep us connected to each other and to developments in the world of Materials. And to the National Executive Council, my sincere thanks for your support.

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WA Branch Technical Meeting - 11 March 2024

Prediction of Pitting Corrosion in Corrosion-Resistant Alloys

Source: Dr Ke Wang, Curtin Corrosion Centre

Ke Wang has more than ten years’ experience in materials and corrosion engineering. He gained his PhD for research at Deakin University on cathodic protection and coating disbondment. Since joining the Curtin Corrosion Centre at Curtin University four years ago, he his research has had a focus on prediction of pitting corrosion in orrosion resistance alloys. The objective of improved prediction is improved lifetime asset management, more intelligent materials selection, and cost-effective alloy design.

Dr Wang started his presentation by explaining that corrosion resistance alloys (CRAs) are extensively employed in corrosive media due to their excellent corrosion resistance to various reducing and oxidizing environments. However, the occurrence of pitting corrosion is a common issue when CRAs are exposed to aggressive conditions. It is therefore of great practical importance to be able to predict whether a CRA can be expected to withstand its intended operating conditions.

He then gave examples of how commonly used approaches to pitting prediction, such as those based on alloy content (e.g., PREN – pitting resistance equivalence number) or limits on dissolved oxygen content, are often overly conservative. This leads

to unnecessarily expensive process equipment or placing unnecessary restrictions on operating conditions. However, in the absence of better ways of predicting pitting, a conservative approach is understandable as pitting is very hard to detect non-destructively, and pitting is common initiation of corrosion-induced cracking.

The corrosion resistance of CRAs depends on a passive oxide film on the surface. However, local breakdown of the film leads to anodic areas rapid oxidation can occur, driven by the relatively much larger cathodic area provided by the passivated surface. Depending on conditions, incipient pits may either fail to grow (metastable pitting) or continue to propagate (stable pitting). Eventually, if a pit grows to a depth at which the potential at the base of the bit falls to level where the surface at the base of the pit re-passivates (which it will do, since the metal is a CRA), the pit will cease to grow. This, however, may be beyond the critical depth for cracking.

Dr Wang summarised three general approaches to predictive modelling approach as empirical, correlative and mechanistic; a fourth approach combines all three. His own approach to pitting prediction is of the mechanistic type and is essentially analytical rather than empirical. That is, experimental

L to R: Ehsan Karaji, Dr Ke Wang

measurements are used to test and validate the model, rather than serving as basis for the model.

Following this approach, he is developing a mathematical model of electrochemical and mass transfer processes inside a growing pit. The model is based on idealised 1-D (one-dimensional) pit. Experimental testing and validation of predictions is undertaken using a novel experimental arrangement comprising a wire sandwiched between glass plates, bonded with epoxy resin. Pit growth is modelled as the exposed end of the wire is dissolved producing a circular metal surface at the bottom of the epoxy-walled cylindrical hole, The glass plates allow observation of the corrosion processes.

The mathematical model combines diffusion of ions between the metal surface and the solution at the exterior of the pit with migration of charged ions in the electric field produced by the potential difference between inside and outside. Changes in species concentration are large enough to require chemical activities to be taken into account.

A key parameter that is useful in rationalising experimental and predicted behaviour is the ‘pit stability product’ denoted x.i, being the product of the depth of the pit (x) and the corrosion current density (i), expressed in units of Amperes/metre. There is a critical value of the pit stability product (in the range 0.98-0.9 A/m) for pit growth to continue. The model allows calculation of the potential at the base of the pit, and hence when the re-passivation potential is reached and growth ceases. It also allows prediction of the effect of chloride ion concentration on pit propagation. It has provided a tool for the next stages of research into pitting, which has a focus on critical values for potential, temperature, and time to establish stable pit growth.

The audience was very appreciative of the opportunity to be given an insight into Ke Wang’s ongoing research, some of which has not yet been published.

4-6 December 2024 | University of South Australia |

The 8th conference of the Combined Australian Materials Societies, incorporating Materials

Australia and the Australian Ceramic Society. Our technical program will cover a range of themes identified by researchers and industry as issues of topical interest.

Symposia Themes

> Additive manufacturing

> Advances in materials characterisation

> Metals, alloys, casting & thermomechanical processing

> Biomaterials & nanomaterials for medicine

> Ceramics, glass and refractories

> Corrosion & wear

> Materials for energy generation, conversion and storage

> Computational materials science - simulation & modelling

> Nanostructured/nanoscale materials and interfaces

> Progress in cements, geopolymers and innovative building materials

> Surfaces, thin films & coatings

> Polymer technology

> Composite technology

> Waste materials and environmental remediation/recycling

> Semiconductors and electronic materials

> Materials for nuclear and extreme environments

> Advances in Science and Technology of Ceramics (AOCF) Advancing

VIC and TAS Branch Technical Meeting Molecular Modelling Explained to MA Members

Source: Ivan Cole

In February, Dr Ernane de Freitas Martins (ICN2, Barcelona/Spain) presented to over 40 Materials Australia Victoria and Tasmania Branch and guests. Ernane is from ICN2 or Centre for Nanoscience and Nano-engineering which has a world leading reputation in both nano-technology and molecular modelling.

Dr Ernane showed attendees the most recent results obtained in collaboration with the Rapid Discovery and Fabrication team at RMIT University. He also presented the innovative molecular modelling method (NEGF-QM/MM) developed in ICN2, where both solvent and voltage effects can be taken into account in the simulations, which are

being applied to corrosion science for the first time.

The results obtained by Dr Martins and our shared PhD students (José María Castillo, Mazhar Iqbal, and Michael Morgan), led by Dr Pablo Ordejón in ICN2, demonstrate the capabilities of the new method and its potential applications to electrochemistry problems.

The work is capable of building models that represent the real physical environment but can describe processes at the molecular and so lead to new understanding and chemical design principles. It is hoped that in time we will be able to virtually and rapidly design not just corrosion inhibitors but a wide range of active molecules.

2023 POF End of Year Function

Source: Rob ODonnell

Since 2011, patent attorney firm Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick has generously sponsored the Materials Australia End of Year function in Victoria. This is a free event, open to both our members, and members of sister professional societies. The function has become a highlight of the combined technical calendar for each of the participating

professional bodies.

The function was an opportunity for attendees to enjoy an informal mix of networking, social conversation, and technical presentations related to new technologies or new challenges in technical areas. All this was conducted over some first class refreshments provided by the hosts, while enjoying a spectacular view over the north-eastern end of Melbourne afforded from Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick's premises at 333 Collins Street.

Professor Mike Tan, Ivan Cole (President Materials Australia Victoria and Tasmania Branch) Bruno Angelico and Edwin Patterson (Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick).

Attendees were treated to engaging presentations.

Professor Mike Yongjun Tan (Professor of Applied Electrochemistry and Corrosion Technologies, Deakin University Institute for Frontier Materials) spoke on

the topic New Challenges to Materials and Infrastructure Engineering in the Renewable Energy Age.

Professor Tan covered the array of challenges confronting materials science in the renewable energy age and highlighted the important role corrosion science will play in the sustainability and durability of renewable energy infrastructures.

Bruno Angelico (Managing Director, Steele Environment Solutions) then presented on the topic Emerging Energy Technology and the Need for New Materials.

Bruno identified further materials related problems confronting containment vessels and infrastructure that will be required for next generation of energy generation systems (including nuclear, hydrogen and even fusion systems).

The End of Year event is scheduled again for late 2024, information will be forthcoming on the Materials Australia website and through all sister societies.

Dr Ernane de Freitas Martins

Making Sure They Have a Safe Ride

HYPERSONIC MATERIALS CHARACTERISATION UP TO 2000°C AND BEYOND

∙ Thermal conductivity determination for temperatures up to 2800°C using laser flash analysis

∙ Determination of specific heat and degradation behaviour up to 2400°C and beyond

∙ Analyzing thermal expansion up to 2800°C with dilatometry

∙ Characterizing dynamic mechanical properties with forces up to 500N and 1500°C using DMA

2023 Victoria and Tasmania Branch Borland Forum

Source: Ivan Cole

The Borland Forum honours the memory of Dr Doug Borland who made a significant contribution to the study and teaching of metallurgy and materials engineering during his long and distinguished career. This Forum showcases high calibre postgraduate students nominated by their tertiary institution, who give a short presentation on their materials-related research project. The top presenter receives the Borland Forum Award and a cash prize.

This year the Borland Forum was hosted by RMIT University Advanced Manufacturing Precinct. Once again Victoria’s five top Universities were represented. The presentations were of a high calibre and represented a broad mix of materials research activities. The presenters and their respective topics were:

RMIT University – Jordan Noronha: High strength hollow-strut titanium lattice metamaterials by laser powder bed fusion

Monash University – Jaydeep Das: Synthetic tunable matrices for immune cell culture

University of Melbourne – Nicholas Collins: GrapheneEnhanced Single Ion Detectors for Deterministic Near-Surface Dopant Implantation in Diamond

Deakin University – Piers Coia: Multifunctional Structural Supercapacitors

Swinburne University of Technology – Daniel Ricardo: From Micro to Macro : the relationship between ice morphology and geotechnical behaviour for lunar regolith

A large crowd of Materials Australia members, post-graduate students and numerous friends and colleagues came from as far afield as Geelong and enjoyed networking and discussions

over a selection of warm savouries and refreshments provided by the host venue.

Rosy Borland (Doug’s daughter) was joined by two other independent judges from private industry to determine the best presentation on the night. While the competition was fierce due to the high quality of the science and presentations, the judges determined a winner and awarded the Borland Forum Award to Piers Coia of Deakin University for his presentation on Multifunctional Structural Supercapacitors

Materials Australia would like to express our appreciation to RMIT University for hosting an excellent evening.

All five Borland Forum presenters alongside Materials Australia Victoria and Tasmania Branch Vice President Rou Jun Toh.

The Borland Forum winner Piers Coia with Materials Australia Victoria and Tasmania Branch Vice President Rou Jun Toh.

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Decades of Discovery: The Enduring Legacy of Professor Graham Schaffer

Professor Graham Schaffer from The University of Melbourne recently retired after a decorated career in materials science and engineering, and academic leadership. Graham has made a significant contribution to the field of materials science and engineering for over three decades, particularly in the fields of powder metallurgy, rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing, material design and processing, engineering design, composites and nanomaterials.

Graham’s academic career began at the University of Cape Town, where he completed a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science supervised by Tony Ball. He then completed a PhD with Ray Smallman and Mike Loretto at the University of Birmingham. He relocated to Perth in 1988 and worked with Paul McCormick at the University of Western Australia.

In 1991, Graham moved to Brisbane,

and worked at The University of Queensland from 1991 to 2014. During this time, Graham held numerous academic and executive leadership positions. Following his time at UQ, Graham was appointed as the Pro Vice-Chancellor for College of Science, Health and Engineering at La Trobe University in Melbourne.

Graham then moved to The University of Melbourne in 2016 and served as the Melbourne School of Engineering Dean in 2018, before completing his career in a professorial role from mid-2018 to August 2023.

Graham reshaped the field of aluminium powder metallurgy and pioneered titanium powder metallurgy and metal injection moulding research in Australia. In particular, Graham and his students and postdoctoral fellows identified the critical role of magnesium, micro-alloying and nitrogen in the sintering of aluminium. Graham was an early adopter of additive manufacturing research in Australia and published his findings on “Rapid manufacturing of aluminium components” in Science in 2003.

During his time at The University of Melbourne, Graham researched multi-objective genetic algorithm in alloy design, as well as knowledge management in social networks and communities of practice. During his career, Graham published 143 journal papers, 3 scholarly book chapters and holds five patents.

Graham holds numerous fellowships, including with Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), Engineers Australia, and the American Powder Metallurgy Institute (APMI) International, as well as four honorary university appointments. He supervised 16 PhD students and 19 postdoctoral fellows, and raised over $14 million in materials-related research income. Many of his former group members have become high-flying academics or successful entrepreneurs in Australia and China.

Graham will have lasting impact on us all; professionally and personally. He will be known for his scientific rigour (including asking difficult and needed questions), encouragement, thoughtful guidance and friendship.

In the future, Graham will be establishing a foundation for retired academics to volunteer travel to tertiary institutions in the South Pacific to share their experience and enable academic excellence.

Friends, family and former colleagues celebrated Graham’s career at a surprise retirement farewell on Friday 11 August 2023, hosted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Melbourne. Three colleagues travelled from as far as China to pay tribute to Graham for his achievements and friendship, while colleagues from other parts of the world sent recorded videos honouring Graham.

SEAM Profile: Hsin-hui Huang

Hsin-hui Huang is a PhD Candidate with the Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centre in the Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM) at Swinburne University of Technology.

From a young age, Hsin-hui has been driven by a deep curiosity to understand the 'why' behind everything around her and the curiosity to unravel the mysteries of the world we inhabit. This innate passion naturally led her into the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) studies.

Hsin-hui earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder in the US with a double major in chemistry and biochemistry and a minor in mathematics. Her focus was physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry, and during her university years, she studied electron transfer to mimic photosynthesis for hydrogen generation and synthesized inorganic compounds for water splitting. She found fundamental sciences along with mathematics to be captivating and intelligible. She was guided to examine the fundamental principles of the world of natural and artificial systems. These passions led her to further studies in advanced materials focused on nanomaterials at the University of Ulm in Germany. At this University, Hsin-hui delved into the realm of surface chemistry. Her thesis was part of a project that aims to improve lithium-ion batteries with advanced atomic imaging techniques to study the interaction between ionic liquids and metal surfaces. This experience gave her an edge, not only in improving her research and analytical skills but also in broadening her mind to the fields of

applied sciences.

After earning her Master’s degree, Hsin-hui had the privilege of working at the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in the advanced processing team that was pioneering making smaller yet more powerful semiconductor chips for smartphones, cars, and other day-to-day items. This was the first time Hsin-hui saw her studies being applied in the real world and on an industrial scale. Seeing the real-world applications of science reignited her passion for research and led her back to academia to work in an intense femtosecond laser laboratory at Academia Sinica in Taipei, Taiwan. Her research topic was the interaction between intense femtosecond lasers and matter, which results in highly nonlinear optical processes. This photon conversion made the generation and control of terahertz (THz) and X-rays possible, and with this knowledge, we not only get to understand the fundamental mechanisms but also improve the current spectroscopy techniques or communication technology.

As Aristotle astutely noted, "The more you know, the more you realize you don't know." Once she set foot on this path, there was no turning back. The educational and practical experiences have uniquely prepared her for the challenge of joining the PhD program with the ARC research team called SEAM.

ARC-SEAM excites Hsin-hui the most due to the faculty, the equipment facilities, the diverse team, and the balance between fundamental science and real-world applications. This is a great opportunity to combine out-of-the-box creative thinking and a real-world solution. In this new role, she is working on understanding the fundamentals of a new class of alloy materials called High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs) with the help of THz spectroscopy methods.

As a woman in SEAM, Hsin-hui is grateful for the platform they have provided for her to speak up and show young girls that women have a wealth of capabilities to excel in STEM studies and achieve remarkable feats.

Acknowledgement: This work has been supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC). The ARC Training Centre in Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials, SEAM, has been funded under Award IC180100005. The additional support from industrial, university and other partners is critical for our success.

For more information about SEAM, please visit www.arcseam.com.au/ or email seam@swinburne.edu.au

Founded in 2019 as a partnership between three universities, SEAM’s mission is to help solve critical surface engineering problems faced by industry, while training up talented industry-ready graduates for our future

During the partnership with SEAM, CSIRO has been actively involved in the development of a cold spray process to manufacture anti-microbial coatings CSIRO has also contributed to the supervision and mentoring of two earlycareer scientists, providing them with valuable lab experience

DMTC Ltd has had a long and successful relationship with the SEAM partners in their project. It continues the evolution of developing advanced coatings for Defence applications, and most importantly, giving industrial context to training the next generation of scientists to continue this important work into the future

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CMatP Profile: Igor A. Chaves

For Igor A. Chaves, science has always been a passion. Technological and scientific research has always been the main goal in his professional career plan. Allied to the need of specialised learning, Igor understands that academic research can provide a level of knowledge to face the professional challenges of the present world.

Igor is currently an Associate Professor in Civil Structural Materials Engineering at the University of Newcastle, School of Engineering, where he was awarded a PhD in 2013 for developing novel approaches to structural steel corrosion analysis and prediction. He initiated his studies on steel structures as a research trainee in 2004 at the Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil, where he graduated as a civil engineer in 2007.

Igor’s interest for engineering scientific research lead him to the EESC University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and as result of completing a master’s degree in structural engineering in 2009, design guidelines for cold-formed composite steel and concrete beams were added to the Brazilian Standard of Steel Design.

Where do you work?

Describe your job.

I’m an Associate Professor in Civil Structural Materials Engineering at the University of Newcastle, School of Engineering.

My role includes delivering technological and scientific innovation through research grants for both government and private industry partners, post-graduate research training and supervision, coordinating and teaching construction material science and structural engineering design undergraduate courses, coordinating formal industrial placement experiences for undergraduates, and professionally collaborating with various national and international organisations and industries.

What inspired you to choose a career in materials science and engineering?

After working many years in various large civil construction projects, I learnt to value specialised learning. I understood that higher education and focused academic research can provide a unique commercial advantage and level of knowledge to face larger sector challenges.

Through my applied structural research design experience, I learnt that material science underpins the mechanical properties of design choices and their constraints. Being able to understand material behaviour, and therefore how to optimise infrastructure structural material service life, can be pivotal to many industries and societies.

Who or what has influenced you most professionally?

The rare few applied academics whom I had the pleasure of meeting or having as mentors, have been the main influence on my professional academic career strategy. Like my mentors, it is a pleasure to be able to blend my teaching, research, and service roles to create new knowledge of scientific value that also provides relevant, applicable, solutions to industry nationally and internationally. It is also very

rewarding to be able to disseminate that knowledge and understanding to others, including students, industry, and wider society for the greater good.

What has been the most challenging job or project you've worked on to date and why?

It is challenging to be able to simultaneously cater for various commercial, political, and societal goals. During my former role of National President of the Australasian Corrosion Association (ACA), and Chairman of the National Council, it was important to be able to impartially advocate and professionally represent the wider membership through their voiced concerns, ideas, and requests. Fortunately, this was been a very challenging yet rewarding growth experience, considering that since 1955 the ACA has had a long history of strong collegiality, professionalism, and service excellence.

What does being a CMatP mean to you?

Being recognised as CMatP means that I can expand my network and share expertise with colleagues for our mutual benefit. It means that as an organised and formally certified group of experts, our current and future partners have an extra level of trust for the quality and professionalism the CMatP group can deliver.

I would encourage all material professionals to consider pursuing this status as it is earned, not purchased, by demonstrating continuous professional development and commitment to the sector. It is also, in my view, a convenient way to set professional goals and an organised pathway to obtain senior mentorship or succession planning support.

What gives you the most satisfaction at work?

To pass it forward. To receive news, either in person or anecdotally, that one of my former students has

achieved success in their careers. That my former students are now in a leadership position and able to return with project ideas, promote further collaboration, and create further channels for dissemination of knowledge through new students.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

That success is not defined by anyone but ourselves. That success is being where you want to be, doing what you believe is right. Pursuing and fulfilling goals of personal value, albeit not always clear, is very much one of the most important lessons I have learnt. Example outcomes of this lesson include realising that political boundaries often restrict potential; that scientific publication metrics are relative to the end user; that true excellence comes from genuine collaboration. What are you optimistic about?

I am optimistic about the future of the energy infrastructure sector. Industry and academia have been very prudent in steadily pursuing future sustainability goals, whilst carefully considering infrastructure requirements. Change should not be feared, but pragmatically accounted for. Built infrastructure, and the future smart materials used for such developments, underpins the transition in how societies will live, adapt to new modes of transport, and utilise energy resources or commodities. I am optimistic about the technological advances made so far, and those shortly to come for the greater good.

What have been your greatest professional and personal achievements?

To have been approached for a deputy director role of a large multidisciplinary research centre

whilst, having no family support and still being able to be present as an involved father and husband to a loving and hardworking family.

What are the top three things on your “bucket list”?

To support and enable my wife to resume her ambitious professional career aspirations following maternity leave.

To support my daughters at their Scouts Australia, and Surf Life Saving endeavours.

To help establish Newcastle University and its partners as one of the main national research, development, and upskilling hubs for the offshore wind sector.

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Our Certified Materials Professionals (CMatPs)

The following members of Materials Australia have been certified by the Certification Panel of Materials Australia as Certified Materials Professionals.

They can now use the post nominal ‘CMatP‘ after their name. These individuals have demonstrated the required level of qualification and experience to obtain this status. They are also required to regularly maintain their professional standing through ongoing education and commitment to the materials community.

We now have nearly 200 Certified Materials Professionals, who are being called upon to lead activities within Materials Australia. These activities include heading special interest group networks, representation on Standards Australia Committees, and representing Materials Australia at international conferences and society meetings.

A/Prof Alexey Glushenkov ACT

Dr Syed Islam ACT

Prof Yun Liu ACT

Dr Karthika Prasad ACT

Dr Avik Sarker ACT

Dr Olga Zinovieva ACT

Prof Klaus-Dieter Liss CHINA

Mr Debdutta Mallik MALAYSIA

Prof Valerie Linton NEW ZEALAND

Prof. Jamie Quinton NEW ZEALAND

Dr Rumana Akhter NSW

Ms Maree Anast NSW

Dr Edohamen Awannegbe NSW

Ms Megan Blamires NSW

Dr Phillip Carter NSW

A/Prof Igor Chaves NSW

Dr Evan Copland NSW

Mr Peter Crick NSW

Prof Madeleine Du Toit NSW

Dr Ehsan Farabi NSW

Prof Michael Ferry NSW

Dr Yixiang Gan NSW

Mr Michele Gimona NSW

Dr Bernd Gludovatz NSW

Dr Andrew Gregory NSW

Mr Buluc Guner NSW

Dr Ali Hadigheh NSW

Dr Alan Hellier NSW

Prof Mark Hoffman NSW

Mr Simon Krismer NSW

Prof Jamie Kruzic NSW

Prof Huijun Li NSW

Dr Yanan Li NSW

A/Prof Xiaopeng Li NSW

Dr Hong Lu NSW

Mr Rodney Mackay-Sim NSW

Dr Matthew Mansell NSW

Dr Warren McKenzie NSW

Mr Edgar Mendez NSW

Mr Sam Moricca NSW

Dr Ranming Niu NSW

Dr Anna Paradowska NSW

Prof Elena Pereloma NSW

A/Prof Sophie Primig NSW

Dr Gwenaelle Proust NSW

Miss Zhijun Qiu NSW

Dr Blake Regan NSW

Mr Ehsan Rahafrouz NSW

Dr Mark Reid NSW

Prof Simon Ringer NSW

Dr Richard Roest NSW

Mr Sameer Sameen NSW

Dr Luming Shen NSW

Mr Sasanka Sinha NSW

Mr Frank Soto NSW

Mr Michael Stefulj NSW

Mr Carl Strautins NSW

Mr Alan Todhunter NSW

Ms Judy Turnbull NSW

Mr Jeremy Unsworth NSW

Dr Philip Walls NSW

Dr Alan Whittle NSW

Dr Richard Wuhrer NSW

Mr Deniz Yalniz NSW

Mr Michael Chan QLD

Prof Richard Clegg QLD

Mr Andrew Dark QLD

Dr Ian Dover QLD

Mr Oscar Duyvestyn QLD

Mr John Edgley QLD

Dr Jayantha Epaarachchi QLD

Dr Jeff Gates QLD

Mr Payam Ghafoori QLD

Mr Mo Golbahar QLD

Dr David Harrison QLD

Dr Janitha Jeewantha QLD

Dr Damon Kent QLD

Mr Jaewon Lee QLD

Mr Jeezreel Malacad QLD

Mr Sadiq Nawaz QLD

Dr Saeed Nemati QLD

Mr Bhavin Panchal QLD

Mr Bob Samuels QLD

Mr Ashley Bell SA

Ms Ingrid Brundin SA

Mr Neville Cornish SA

A/Prof Colin Hall SA

Mr Brendan Dunstall SA

Mr Nikolas Hildebrand SA

Mr Mikael Johansson SA

Mr Rahim Kurji SA

Mr Andrew Sales SA

Dr Thomas Schläfer SA

Dr Christiane Schulz SA

Prof Nikki Stanford SA

Prof Youhong Tang SA

Mr Kok Toong Leong SINGAPORE

Mr Devadoss Suresh Kumar UAE

Dr Ossama Badr VIC

Dr Qi Chao VIC

Dr Ivan Cole VIC

Dr John Cookson VIC

Miss Ana Celine Del Rosario VIC

Dr Yvonne Durandet VIC

Dr Mark Easton VIC

Dr Rajiv Edavan VIC

Dr Reza Emdad VIC

Dr Peter Ford VIC

Mr Bruce Ham VIC

Ms Edith Hamilton VIC

Dr Shu Huang VIC

Mr Long Huynh VIC

Dr Jithin Joseph VIC

Mr. Akesh Babu Kakarla VIC

Mr Russell Kennedy VIC

Mr Daniel Lim VIC

Dr Amita Iyer VIC

Mr Robert Le Hunt VIC

Dr Thomas Ludwig VIC

Dr Roger Lumley VIC

Mr Michael Mansfield VIC

Dr Gary Martin VIC

Dr Siao Ming (Andrew) Ang VIC

Mr Glen Morrissey VIC

Dr Eustathios Petinakis VIC

Dr Leon Prentice VIC

Dr Dong Qiu VIC

Mr John Rea VIC

Miss Reyhaneh Sahraeian VIC

Dr Christine Scala VIC

Mr Khan Sharp VIC

Dr Vadim Shterner VIC

Dr Antonella Sola VIC

Mr Mark Stephens VIC

Dr Graham Sussex VIC

Dr Kishore Venkatesan VIC

Mr Pranay Wadyalkar VIC

Dr Wei Xu VIC

Dr Ramdayal Yadav VIC

Dr Sam Yang VIC

Dr Matthew Young VIC

Mr Angelo Zaccari VIC

Dr Yuman Zhu VIC

Mr Mohsen Sabbagh Alvani WA

Dr Murusemy Annasamy WA

Mr Graeme Brown WA

Mr Graham Carlisle WA

Mr John Carroll WA

Mr Sridharan Chandran WA

Mr Conrad Classen WA

Mr Chris Cobain WA

Mr Adam Dunning WA

Mr Jeff Dunning WA

Dr Olubayode Ero-Phillips WA

Mr Stuart Folkard WA

Mr Toby Garrod WA

Prof Vladimir Golovanevskiy WA

Mr Chris Grant WA

Mr Paul Howard WA

Dr Paul Huggett WA

Mr Ivo Kalcic WA

Mr Srikanth Kambhampati WA

Mr Ehsan Karaji WA

Mr Ka-Seng Leung WA

Mr Mathieu Lancien WA

Dr Evelyn Ng WA

Mr Deny Nugraha WA

Mrs Mary Louise Petrick WA

Mr Johann Petrick WA

Mr Biju Kurian Pottayil WA

Dr Mobin Salasi WA

Mr Daniel Swanepoel WA

Mr James Travers WA

Why You Should Become a Certified Materials Professional

Source: Materials Australia

Accreditation as a Certified Materials Professional (CMatP) gives you recognition, not only amongst your peers, but within the materials engineering industry at large. You will be recognised as a materials scientist who maintains professional integrity, keeps up to date with developments in technology, and strives for continued personal development.

The CMatP, like a Certified Practicing Accountant or CPA, is promoted globally as the recognised standard for professionals working in the field of materials science.

There are now well over one hundred CMatPs who lead activities within Materials Australia. These activities include heading special interest group networks, representation on Standards Australia Committees, and representing Materials Australia at international conferences and society meetings.

Benefits of Becoming a CMatP

• A Certificate of Membership, often presented by the State Chapter, together with a unique Materials Australia badge.

• Access to exclusive CMatP resources and website content.

• The opportunity to attend CMatP only networking meetings.

• Promotion through Materials Australia magazine, website, social media and other public channels.

• A Certified Materials Professional can use the post nominal CMatP.

• Materials Australia will actively promote the CMatP status to the community and employers and internationally, through our partner organisations.

• A CMatP may be requested to represent Materials Australia throughout Australia and overseas, with Government, media and other important activities.

• A CMatP may be offered an opportunity as a mentor for student members.

• Networking directly with other CMatPs who have recognised levels of qualifications and experience.

• The opportunity to assume leadership roles in Special Interest Networks, to assist in the facilitation of new knowledge amongst peers and members.

What is a Certified Materials Professional?

A Certified Materials Professional is a person to whom Materials Australia has issued a certificate declaring they have attained all required professional standards. They are recognised as demonstrating excellence, and

possessing special knowledge in the practice of materials science and engineering, through their profession or workplace. A CMatP is prepared to share their knowledge and skills in the interest of others, and promote excellence and innovation in all their professional endeavours.

The Criteria

The criteria for recognition as a CMatP are structured around the applicant demonstrating substantial and sustained practice in a field of materials science and engineering. The criteria are measured by qualifications, years of employment and relevant experience, as evidenced by the applicant’s CV or submitted documentation.

Certification will be retained as long as there is evidence of continuing professional development and adherence to the Code of Ethics and Professional behaviour.

Further Information

Contact Materials Australia today: on +61 3 9326 7266 or imea@materialsaustralia.com.au or visit our website: www.materialsaustralia.com.au

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Profile: Dr Michael Bermingham ARC Future Fellow

Dr Michael Bermingham's research is primarily concerned with advanced manufacturing of metal materials. This also involves metal alloy development including understanding how the manufacturing process influences the structure and behaviour of the material and how alloy design can be optimised for the process. He has research expertise in solidification processing (including casting, welding, soldering and additive manufacturing), as well as subtractive metal machining technologies.

Michael was awarded his PhD from the University of Queensland in 2010 with a Dean's Award for Outstanding Higher Degree Theses. From 2010 to 2015 he completed a post-doctoral appointment sponsored by the then Defence Materials Research Centre (now DMTC Ltd) working with Australian manufacturers in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter supply chain. This work principally centred on developing advanced machining technologies for titanium fabrication.

During this time Michael also completed a post-doctoral appointment investigating new materials and design solutions for implantable medical devices in collaboration with a multinational medical device manufacturer.

Michael became a Lecturer in the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at the University of Queensland in 2016 and has been a Senior Lecturer since 2020. He teaches into undergraduate and postgraduate courses in materials, manufacturing and design and has won a number of teaching awards including a 2020 Australian Award for University Teaching Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning.

Can you provide brief summary of your research career?

My research career began as a PhD candidate in the former CAST CRC trying to understand grain refinement science in cast titanium products. I was fortunate to be well supported in this research environment and had some incredible times and formed lifelong friendships.

After completing my PhD I joined the then Defence Materials Research Centre (now DMTC Ltd) working alongside SMEs in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter supply chain to develop advanced machining techniques for fabricating aircraft parts.

I also held other postdoc appointments including working with Cook Medical Australia looking at materials and manufacturing related issues associated with medical devices.

In late 2015, I was fortunate to secure a continuing academic (teaching and research) position at the University of Queensland and a few days later an ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) – a truly fantastic week! Since then, my research in physical metallurgy has continued, and just recently I was awarded an ARC Future Fellowship.

What has been the most productive period in your research career and why?

During my ARC DECRA fellowship I had the opportunity to pursue my research interests in additive manufacturing (AM), which proved to be a productive period. I was able to grow and mentor a team that was working to understand how to control microstructure and properties during metal additive manufacturing. The flexibility afforded by the fellowship provided me with opportunities to travel and collaborate with others in the field.

How do you balance your time?

In a life before research, I worked in the brick manufacturing industry where among other things I learned to value my time and work efficiently. When my research journey started, I applied these same principles and found a healthy work-life balance that I still practice today.

My role has since evolved and there are more pressures on my time than previously, but I maintain a healthy balance. I have learned that it’s okay to say no to things that don’t bring value and joy.

What do you think are your

most significant research accomplishments?

I’m proud of my research contributions to the field of grain size control in titanium alloys during solidification processing. I was fortunate that when I commenced my study in this area back in 2006 I had many world class solidification experts available to mentor me along this journey including Professor David StJohn.

The research we did in grain refining cast titanium product later proved useful in addressing the pressing issue of how to control large grain sizes and textures that develop during additive manufacturing.

Additionally, the cyclic heating and cooling associated with AM can embed microstructure and phase heterogeneity which creates issues in part-to-part consistency.

Recently, our team published our work in Science which outlined a pathway toward alloy design that incorporates methods to simultaneously control grain size, texture and phase heterogeneity which resulted in uniform properties in a class of titanium alloys.

What are the big issues in your research area?

My future fellowship focuses on understanding how we can develop fit-for-purpose products directly from AM by closely examining alloys. Most

Dr Bermingham demonstrates martensitic transformations to students by heat treating steels live in a lecture.

alloys used in AM were not developed for this process and some, including titanium alloys, were originally designed for thermomechanical processing.

However, AM is unique in its nature and offers the potential to unlock new possibilities. For instance, recent research has shown that certain compositions can be successfully processed by AM without forming deleterious segregation defects which is not achievable through conventional production routes. As a result, some of the traditional rules for how we approach alloy design can be redefined, taking advantage of the novel opportunities presented by metal AM. Exploring these possibilities is a key aspect of my fellowship.

If you were starting your project or research again today, what would you do differently?

I do not harbour any regrets towards the research career I’ve had. I have

been very fortunate to have had long term supportive mentors and collaborators, particularly Professor Matthew Dargusch who has taught me so much about research and industry translation.

How do you feel about translating research outcomes to industry?

I am a firm believer that the research we do must add value to industry, and I am a strong proponent of translation. Some of my proudest research outcomes have never been published but have been directly adopted by the industry partner because the research has addressed critical issues facing them. As a researcher it is rewarding knowing that the discoveries we make are valuable to industry.

How do you feel about teaching? What is your teaching philosophy? Good teaching is critical and can profoundly influence students. Attracting students to materials

engineering is an ongoing challenge that our discipline faces and I believe that all of us in teaching roles should do our best in attracting and educating the next generation of young materials engineers. When I was a student I didn’t initially know what materials engineering was and I never contemplated a career in it.

However, thanks to an exceptional teacher, Professor Arne Dahle, I became fascinated. I remember Arne would demonstrate material properties live in class by smashing ceramic mugs and throwing (and shattering) cryogenically frozen squash balls at the wall in a lecture theatre. I’ve been inspired by Arne to make materials and manufacturing interesting and I try to implement best practice pedagogies into my classes. I’m honoured to have won several teaching awards at the university and national level.

Dr Bermingham with postgraduate researcher Dr Chi-Ho Ng and PhD candidate Mandeep Singh explore issues in wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM).

Reflective Materials and Irrigated Trees: Study Shows How to Cool One of the World’s Hottest Cities By 4.5°C

Source: Sally Wood

New cooling technologies could reduce the energy needs of one of the hottest places in the world.

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is situated in the centre of a desert, with temperatures that can exceed 50°C during summer.

Those temperatures are tipped to rise, as climate change and rapid urbanisation increase the magnitude of overheating.

However, a recent UNSW Sydney study combined highly reflective ‘super cool’ buildings with irrigated greenery and energy retrofitting measures, which could cool the city by 4.5°C.

The study, which was conducted in collaboration with the Royal Commission of Riyadh, is the first to investigate the large-scale energy benefits of modern heat mitigation technologies when implemented in a city.

The materials were developed by Australian researchers at UNSW’s High-Performance Architecture Lab.

“The project demonstrates the tremendous impact advanced heat mitigation technologies and techniques can have to reduce urban overheating, decrease cooling needs, and improve lives,” said UNSW Scientia Professor Mattheos Santamouris, who is the Anita

Lawrence Chair in High-Performance Architecture and senior author of the study.

Extreme urban heat affects more than 450 cities worldwide. It increases energy consumption needs and adversely impacts health, including heat-related illness and death.

“Limited greenery and large artificial surfaces made of conventional building materials like asphalt and concrete trap heat, meaning the city continues to heat up.”

“Additional heat from car pollution and industrial activities also increases the city’s temperature,” Professor Santamouris said.the potential of this novel edge transport in electronic and spintronic applications.

Simulating City-Scale Heat Mitigation Scenarios

The team of researchers ran large-scale cooling climatic and energy simulations of the Al Masiaf precinct of Riyadh, including the energy performance of 3,323 urban buildings, under eight different heat mitigation scenarios.

This method was designed evaluate optimal strategies for lowering the temperature of the city and reducing cooling needs.

The modelling considered different combinations of super cool materials, vegetation types and energy retrofitting levels.

It opened the possibility of decreasing the outdoor temperature in the city during summer, and improve cooling energy conservation by up to 16%.

The recommended heat mitigation (or cooling) scenario for Riyadh includes using super cool materials implemented in the roof of the buildings, and more than doubling the number of irrigated trees to improve transpiration cooling.

“By implementing the right combination of advanced heat mitigation technologies and techniques, it is possible to decrease the ambient temperature at the precinct scale.”

“For a sweltering city the size of Riyadh, significantly reducing cooling needs is also tremendous for sustainability,” Professor Santamouris said.

The researchers hope to work with the Royal Commission of Riyadh to begin implementing the tailored heat mitigation plan across the city, which would be the largest of its kind in the world.

More irrigated greenery is crucial to heat mitigation in Riyadh. Photo: Getty Images.

Temperatures can exceed 50°C during the summer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Getty Images.

Graphene Oxide Study Strengthens the Case for Smart Concrete

Source: Sally Wood

Engineers recently made stronger 3D printed concrete by adding graphene oxide to cement mixture.

The research, conducted by RMIT University and the University of Melbourne, is the first to investigate the effects of graphene oxide on the printability and compressive properties of 3D printed concrete.

Researchers found the addition of graphene oxide, a nanomaterial commonly used in batteries and electronic gadgets, gave concrete electrical conductivity and increased its strength by up to 10%.

Research supervisor and RMIT Associate Professor Jonathan Tran said it had the potential to create ‘smart’ buildings, where walls act as sensors to detect and monitor small cracks.

“The equipment for these methods is often bulky, making it difficult to regularly use for monitoring very large structures like bridges or tall buildings.”

“But the addition of graphene oxide creates the possibility of an electrical circuit in concrete structures, which could help detect structural issues, changes in temperature and other environmental factors.”

Current detection methods, such as ultrasonic or acoustic sensors, are non-destructive and widely used in the construction industry to detect large cracks in concrete structures. However, detecting smaller cracks early is still a challenge.

Professor Tran said graphene oxide has the potential to make 3D printed concrete more viable in the construction industry, leading to positive impacts on cost and sustainability.

“Current concrete structures are created using formwork, which is where you create a mold before pouring fresh concrete mixture into it.”

As 3D printed concrete uses layer-by-

layer printing, it can potentially lead to weaker bonds between each layer. However, the addition of graphene oxide in concrete makes it easier to extrude, creating better interlayer bonding, which can also help maximise strength.

“Graphene oxide has functional groups on its surface, which are like sticky spots on the surface of a material that can grab onto other things,” Professor Tran said.

“These 'sticky spots' are mainly made of various functional groups containing oxygen, which play a crucial role in facilitating its stronger bonds with other materials like cement. This strong bonding can improve the overall strength of the concrete.”

“However, more research is needed to

Left:

Above Left to right: RMIT Engineering students

Hoang Khieu, Wen Si, Thanh Ha Nguyen, Junli Liu and Shuai Li. Left: Graphene oxide in concrete has the potential to create ‘smart’ buildings where walls can act as sensors to detect and monitor small cracks. Image credits: Jonathan Tran.

test if concrete with graphene oxide can match or surpass the strength of traditionally cast concrete.”

The research assessed two dosages of graphene oxide in cement and found the lower dosage (0.015% of the weight of cement) was stronger than the higher one (0.03% of the weight of cement).

Professor Tran believes adding too much graphene oxide could impact the strength and workability of the concrete mix, which can cause potential issues with printability, strength and durability.

“Concrete is a carefully balanced mixture. Adding too much graphene oxide can disrupt this balance, particularly the hydration process, which is crucial for concrete strength,” he said.

A 3D printed concrete structure created by RMIT Engineering students.

Powder Characterisation: Reliable methods for consistent quality in Additive Manufacturing

Source: ATA Scientific Pty Ltd

Additive Manufacturing (AM) describes the methods that convert a 3D model into a real part by the layer upon layer addition of material. AM is ideal for rapid prototyping and can enable the faster, cheaper and more efficient manufacturing of complex parts like customised medical components or engine parts, often with improved strength and durability.

As exciting as the possibilities are in AM, the process itself is not without its challenges. Problems with final product consistency and a narrow range of expensive raw materials are some of the biggest obstacles to the widespread adoption of AM. Up to one-third of the production cost is the cost of the powder used, while poor powder quality or contaminants can lead to pores, cracks and inclusions, severely impacting the end product. To maintain consistent high quality components it is necessary to not only certify manufactured parts for their physical and chemical properties, but also to certify raw material.

Laser Diffraction and Image Analysis are essential techniques for certifying both feedstock powders and printed parts, as cited in ISO/ASTM 52907 standard Additive manufacturing — Feedstock materials — Methods to characterise metal powders. This is the main standard for metal powder characterisation for AM and can be applied across the entire AM value chain including academic research, metal powder manufacture and component manufacture.

Particle size distribution - choose Mastersizer 3000

Particle size distribution is critical for powder bed AM processes since it affects several characteristics of the powder including bulk density, flowability, moldability and compressibility, which impact final component properties. Figure 1 illustrates the packing density of different sized balls in a box. Too many large particles will reduce the packing density, while too many small particles can be problematic for health and safety as well as reduce flowability due to the cohesion of the powder particles. Additionally, there is a compromise for additive layer manufacturing as it’s important to ensure a consistent layer thickness and for that reason, a narrower particle size distribution is usually preferred.

The Malvern Mastersizer 3000 uses laser diffraction, an established technique for measuring the particle size distribution of metal, ceramic and polymer powders for additive manufacturing, and is employed by powder producers, component manufacturers and machine manufacturers worldwide to qualify and optimise powder

properties. A complete high-resolution particle size distribution is provided in a matter of minutes (from 10 nm to 3.5 mm) using either wet or dry dispersion. Closely matching results between dry and wet measurements of the same sample can be obtained and comparing the two allows the primary particle size, and indeed the whole size distribution, to be validated. The technique can also be integrated into a process line (Insitec) to provide real-time particle sizing.

Particle shape and compositionMalvern Morphologi 4-ID

Powder bed density and powder flowability are influenced by particle size and shape. Particle morphology is therefore another important metric for powder bed additive manufacturing, with smooth, regular-shaped particles preferable as they can flow and pack more easily than those with a rough surface and irregular shape which reduce flowability via interparticle friction and mechanical interlocking.

Suitable for particles from approximately 0.5 μm to > 1 mm, the Malvern Morphologi 4-ID enables automated optical image analysis to classify and quantify the size and shape of metal, ceramic and polymer powders. It provides a range of different shape parameters, including circularity, elongation, convexity, and solidity. It can also support customised classifications to examine features such as satelliting. The fully integrated Raman spectrometer also enables component-specific morphological descriptions of chemical species.

Figure 1: Particle size distribution versus packing density.

The Phenom ParticleX AM is a specialised high-resolution desktop scanning electron microscope (SEM) dedicated to optimising AM metal powders and final product quality. This fully integrated system is simple to operate and eliminates the need for outsourcing for quality checks, speeding up time-to-market. By combining an imaging resolution of <8nm and magnifications up to 200,000x together with X-ray analysis (EDS) for elemental composition, properties such as structural integrity, print resolution, surface uniformity, phases and the presence of impurities or defects can be identified and their location logged to contribute unique insights not possible with other systems. A scanning area of 100x100mm grants a large degree of freedom to image and assess the size and shape of whole parts or sections

of a larger component simultaneously.

Molecular structure, Malvern OMNISEC Multidetector GPC/SEC

The physical properties and behaviour of polymeric powders and photopolymer resins depends on the properties of the polymer molecules themselves. By assessing their molecular weight and distribution, molecular size and structure and controlling these properties, manufacturers can control polymer production and quality. Historically, accurate measurement of polymer molecular weight via Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) has been dependent on having standards of the same polymer but the introduction of advanced detection techniques such as light scattering and intrinsic viscosity have made absolute measurements possible.

Malvern’s OMNISEC system is a multi-detector GPC system that combines light scattering (RALS/ LALS), refractive index (RI), ultraviolet (UV) and intrinsic viscosity (IV) detectors to generate a large amount of information about a sample simultaneously enabling

measurements using less sample with lower molecular weights than ever before.

In figure 4, the light scattering chromatogram (RALS) indicates a shoulder at low retention volume (ca.15mL) for Nylon 12-recycle sample only. As no corresponding peak in the RI is observed, a high molecular weight species is likely present in the recycle sample at very low concentrations which can indicate chemical modifications may be occurring during processing.

These analyses facilitate a deeper understanding of how many times a powder can be recycled, as well as the optimum powder refresh rate (used/new powder ratio) to use in the process. This helps to ensure the quality of the powder bed, and therefore the quality of the final part is not compromised.

Go further together

At ATA Scientific, we don’t just sell our instruments – through collaboration with a broad range of industries and academic institutions, we play a key role in the AM ecosystem. We support our customers by providing optimal material characterisation techniques used in AM together with key insights into the application, measurements and analysis to fully understand material behaviour.

Contact us for more information today!

ATA Scientific Pty Ltd

+61 2 9541 3500

enquiries@atascientific. com.au

High resolution and fine surface detail - Phenom Desktop SEM

Figure 2: Particle classifications for an AM metal powder with corresponding particle images.

Figure 3: Spherical, satellite and deformed metal powder particles

Figure 4: Overlay of the RI and RALS chromatograms for duplicate injections of Nylon 12-new (red and purple) and Nylon 12-recycle (green and black).

Research Begins to Reduce Shed of Microplastics During Laundering

Source: Sally Wood

A new collaboration between Deakin University researchers and Australia's largest commercial linen supplier is tackling a global issue.

Researchers worked with Simba Global, a global textile manufacturing company, to manage the spread of harmful microplastics through our laundry.

Clothing and textiles are estimated to generate up to 35% of the microplastics found in the world's oceans.

But there is still a lot to be learnt about the characteristics of these microplastics and exactly how and why they are generated.

Simba Global is the major linen supplier to Australia's hospitals, hotels and mining camps, resulting in 950,000 tonnes of textile products going through the commercial laundering process each year.

The company wants to lead the charge to reduce the environmental impact of textiles. As such, they partnered with researchers at the ARC Research Hub for Future Fibres in Deakin's Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM).

Associate Professor Maryam Naebe, who is a lead scientist at IFM, said researchers are focussed on potential

solutions including the pre-treatment of textiles to reduce the shedding of microplastics.

"Microplastics are now ubiquitous in the environment, they're in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the earth we walk on. The magnitude of the problem is bigger than previously thought.”

"Of serious concern is the mounting evidence that microplastics are having a negative impact on human and animal health. There are not just physical, but chemical and biological impacts,” Associate Professor Naebe said.

Bringing Research to Life

The team recently presented their science at the Association of Universities for Textiles (AUTEX) Conference 2023, which started important conversations of formally categorising these types of microplastics.

"We need to have a standard definition of what is a microplastic.

Up to this point that has been lacking, which makes it difficult to compare and incorporate other studies in this area.”

"We are now developing a systematic method for sampling and identifying microplastics in laundry wastewater. It has been tricky to measure the different sizes, but this is important information to have,” Associate Professor Naebe said.

Simba Global Executive Chair Hiten Somaia said the company had a strong focus on sustainability, driven by the business's purpose statement.

"We work to contribute to a better world—for every person, every relationship, and every community.”

"But as the major supplier to the Australian commercial industry, the converse is also true—that we are part of the problem. So, to stay true to our purpose, it wasn't a difficult decision at all for Simba to take a leadership role and commit significant resources to this research," Mr Somaia said.

Shervin Ranjbar (Services Engineer, Simba Global) and David Tester (Head of Innovation, Simba Global) with a Deakin University researcher. Image credit: Deakin University.

Associate Professor Maryam Naebe (Lead Scientist, IFM) and David Tester (Head of Innovation, Simba Global). Image credit: Deakin University.

FIVE COMPELLING REASONS TO USE THE PHENOM DESKTOP SEM

Ease of use is what the Phenom Pharos name has come to mean. All the capabilities of a floor-standing FEG-SEM have been housed in a tabletop model with the simplicity that Phenom desktop SEMs are known for.

Ease of use is what the Phenom Pharos name has come to mean. All the capabilities of a floor-standing FEG-SEM have been housed in a tabletop model with the simplicity that Phenom desktop SEMs are known for.

1. Super fast, sharp, high contrast images

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Gold microparticles taken using Phenom Pharos

Speeds up project work and provides high -end imaging and analysis critical for many fields from materials, forensics to industrial manufacturing and even life sciences.

2. Unsurpassed user experience

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Easy to use without extensive training or SEM experience means the Phenom is accessible to everyone.

Easy to use without extensive training or SEM experience means the Phenom is accessible to everyone.

Easy to use without extensive training or SEM experience means the Phenom is accessible to everyone.

3. Multiple detectors reveal finer details

3. Multiple detectors reveal finer details

3. Multiple detectors reveal finer details

Fully integrated EDS and SE detector together with a low -kV beam (1 kV) allows thin contamination layers on the surface can be observed (Phenom Pharos).

Fully integrated EDS and SE detector together with a low -kV beam (1 kV) allows thin contamination layers on the surface can be observed (Phenom Pharos).

Fully integrated EDS and SE detector together with a low -kV beam (1 kV) allows thin contamination layers on the surface can be observed (Phenom Pharos).

4. Intuitive software with advanced automation

4. Intuitive software with advanced automation

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Simply click and go to work or use automated recipes with elemental mapping and line scan functionality.

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5. Huge time and money saver

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5. Huge time and money saver Provides rapid, multi -scale information in-house for process monitoring and improvement.

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Phenom Pharos FEG -SEM Phenom XL G2 SEM Phenom ProX G6 SEM

Phenom Perception GSR

• Field Emission Gun (FEG) SEM with 1 - 20 kV range

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• For large samples (100x100 mm)

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Phenom Particle X SEM

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• Automation software for Additive Manufacturing, Steel, Technical cleanliness and more

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Fully automated LUXOR sputter coaters reduce risk for sample damage

Gold or Platinum coatings ideal for high resolution FEG-SEM imaging

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Gold microparticles taken using Phenom Pharos

Phenom Pharos FEG -SEM Phenom XL G2 SEM Phenom ProX

Ultra-Thin Lithium Strips Show Great Promise as Anode Material for Enhanced Lithium Ion Batteries

Source: Sally Wood

An international research team recently developed a novel strategy for the scalable production of high-performance, thin, and freestanding lithium anodes for lithiumion batteries.

Scientists from Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China used the Australian Synchrotron to meet the growing demand for highperformance lithium-ion batteries.

The breakthrough boasts enhanced cycling stability and electrochemical properties.

Solid-state lithium metal has a high energy density and high capacity theoretically, making it an ideal replacement for traditional graphite anodes.

In a paper published in Nature Communications, the team reported that a special zinc additive dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) enhanced the performance of thin lithium metal strips.

The research demonstrated the additive increased hardness at the interface, prevented structural

degradation (growth of lithium dendrites), controlled the deposition of lithium during plating/stripping, and the lithium anode could be plated and stripped faster than other materials.

The team produced thin lithium strips with thicknesses ranging from five to 50 micrometres, with better mechanical strength, electrochemical performance and impressive cycling stability compared to untreated lithium strips.

A cycle lifetime of up to 2,800 hours was maintained even at a high area capacity.

Additionally, a symmetrical cell based on ultrathin lithium strips with a 15 micrometre thickness lasted for more than 800 hours.

Researchers also included a full cell configuration using LiFePO4(LFP) and ZDDP-coated lithium, showing excellent cycling life with over 83.2% capacity retention after 350 cycles.

In comparison, a cell without ZDDP degraded rapidly. The improved electrochemical characteristics of

the ZDDP-coated lithium anode were attributed to the creation of a highstrength artificial solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer with a high affinity for lithium.

For this study, a zinc-based oil was developed and used during the production process, in which the lithium is rolled out thinner and thinner, similar to how dough is rolled through a pasta machine.

Samples were then mailed to the synchrotron, where researchers undertook the measurements of the lithium anodes using the X-ray absorption spectroscopy beamline, which has proved particularly useful in investigating energy materials and catalysis.

The beamline produced nearly twice the number of publications through 2023 as compared to the previous year, according to instrument scientist Dr Bernt Johannessen.

“On that note, we owe our user community a debt of gratitude; they are being wonderfully productive and taking full advantage of recent developments, such as fast scanning techniques, at the beamline.”

Dr Johannessen’s study is an example of innovative work in the development of ultra-thin lithium, only microns thick that is manufactured for solidstate batteries.

He maintains connections with many of his former students, and has a decade-long association with the University of Wollongong, recently acknowledged through a Fellowship.

Mechanical properties of Li@ZDDP strips Reprinted in accordance with https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Huang, S., Wu, Z., Johannessen, B. et al. Interfacial friction enabling ≤ 20 μm thin free-standing lithium strips for lithium metal batteries. Nat Commun 14, 5678 (2023).

Energy materials define substances or materials that are intentionally designed or engineered for the purpose of storing, converting, or transmitting energy. These materials play a crucial role in various energy-related applications, including power generation, energy storage, and energy conversion.

Energy materials can encompass a diverse range of substances, ranging from traditional fossil fuels like coal and natural gas to advanced materials used in renewable energy technologies, such as solar cells, batteries, and fuel cells. The development and utilization of energy materials are essential for addressing global energy challenges, improving energy efficiency, and reducing environmental impacts associated with energy production and consumption.

This conference will include invited lectures from nationally distinguished researchers, contributed presentations and posters.

Contributions will be encouraged in the following areas of interest:

 Additive manufacturing

 Battery materials

 Lightweighting materials for energy saving applications

 Environmental impacts

 Energy and environmental issues in materials manufacturing and processing

 Magnetic and electronic materials

 Materials for circularity economy

 Materials in clean power

 Materials for coal power

 Materials for CO2 capture and storage

 Materials for fuel-cell applications

 Materials for gas and oil resources

 Materials for gas turbines

 Materials for hydrogen harvesting and storage

 Materials for nuclear energy

 Materials for solar energy conversion

 Materials for water purification

 Materials for wind energy

 Metamaterials for energy absorption

Co Chairs

Professor

Jianfeng Nie Monash University

Jianfeng.Nie@monash.edu

Distinguished Professor

Ma Qian RMIT

ma.qian@rmit.edu.au

Conference Host

Conference Partner

AXT Now Offer Aconity3D Metal 3D Printing Solutions

By Dr. Cameron Chai

Additive manufacturing is experiencing significant growth in Australia. As such AXT are pleased to announce that they will now be representing Aconity3D, making their metal 3D printing systems available to academic and industrial researchers in Australia and New Zealand and further strengthening their range of additive manufacturing solutions.

Aconity3D, established in 2014 have developed extensive expertise in powder bed laser melting, for the 3D printing of metal components using any weldable metal or alloy. They offer a range of systems produced with the engineering precision you would expect from a German manufacturer. Their modular design allows clients to customise each system to their particular needs with systems installed around the world servicing industries such as aerospace, automotive and medical.

They have larger systems suited to

printing of large components on an industrial scale with a building platform of 400mm diameter with four lasers for maximum productivity down to compact systems, ideal for production of small parts or rapid prototyping. Their systems incorporate innovative features developed in house such as automated powder refilling systems with built in sieving stations and revolutionary vibrating powder

deposition to ensure you get the best possible component quality.

AXT’s Managing Director Richard Trett commented, “we are delighted to partner with Aconity3D. Australia is a nation that will prosper based on advanced manufacturing and being able to offer cutting-edge solutions like Aconity3D’s metal 3D printers will help us fulfil a need in the local market. We foresee their highly configurable systems will help accelerate the progress of researchers to bring about faster commercial outcomes.”

Dr. Yves Hagedorn, Managing Director at Aconity3D responded, “we are extremely happy partner with AXT and we feel confident that AXT can help us replicate the success we have had in Europe on the other side of the world.”

For more details on Aconity3D’s metal 3D printing systems and AXT’s associated solutions for additive manufacturing, please visit axt.com.au

High Resolution 3D Printing on a Budget

By Dr. Cameron Chai

Are you looking to go beyond the limits of filament printing but are afraid of the capital outlay required to go to the next level? Rest assured we have the solution for you. The Prime 4K desktop 3D printer from Miicraft uses DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology to achieve a printed resolution of 39µm at a price that will not frighten you.

The Prime 4K makes the transition from filament printing to DLP simply with its easy-to-use interface which allows you to produce components with excellent uniformity and surface finish, without the need for post processing. The software also supports integration with third-party CAD software packages so you can easily bring in your designs and continue working with your existing CAD package.

Get up and running quickly with

polymers from Miicraft’s range and as you progress, their open architecture allows you to design or work with your own materials as the system is compatible with a wide range of resin types. Furthermore, with no calibration required, you will be up and microfabricating in no time and enjoying the added freedom that DLP technology brings, while producing components that look like they have been injection moulded.

Designed by a company that specialises in high-end optics, the Prime 4K offers true 4K resolution. And when you are ready to scale up to microfabricate larger parts or higher production volumes, Miicraft have you covered here as well with their Profession range.

Profile: Dr Yuman Zhu ARC Future Fellow

Dr Yuman Zhu is currently an ARC Future Fellow within the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Monash University. He earned his Master’s degree from Tsinghua University in China and subsequently completed his PhD at Monash University. Following his doctoral studies, Dr Zhu embarked a rewarding trajectory as a research fellow, including an ARC DECRA fellowship.

In 2020, Dr Zhu assumed the pivotal role of Academic Manager at the Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing (MCAM), later advancing to the position of Deputy Director of MCAM.

Dr Zhu’s current research focuses on the additive manufacturing of metallic materials, where he specialises in employing advanced microscopy techniques to probe the rapid solidification and phase transformations inherent in the additive manufacturing process. His primary objective is to establish the intricate relationships among processes, microstructures and mechanical properties, thereby advancing the application of additive manufacturing to new frontiers.

What are the big issues in your research area?

During my exploration of the prominent issues within my current research domain of additive manufacturing (or 3D printing), I

am witnessing a notable paradigm shift from the mere process of 'how to print' to the more substantive emphasis of 'how to effectively utilize' printed materials. This evolution highlights the increasing significance of in-service performance of printed components, driving my latest research endeavours.

What do you think are your most significant research accomplishments?

A notable example of my efforts to align with this transformative trend is reflected in my ground-breaking research featured in the esteemed journal Nature Materials in 2022. This work reports on the development of a commercial titanium alloy through 3D printing, showcasing unprecedented strength surpassing that of nearly all other 3D printed alloys known to date due to the unique nanotwinned precipitates formed from the 3D printing process (left figure).

This achievement assumes heightened significance considering the pivotal role that titanium alloys play in metal 3D printing within the aerospace industry, aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Building upon this milestone, my Future Fellowship project endeavours to delve deeper into the unique microstructure of commercial titanium alloys, aiming to unlock their full potential. By doing so, we seek to guarantee unparalleled in-service performance, particularly in demanding environments. This will pave the way for a considerable boost in the industrial acceptance of 3D-printed products.

How do you feel about translating research outcomes to industry?

As I navigate through the dynamic research terrain, I remain steadfast in my commitment to contribute to this transformative journey. My efforts are dedicated to addressing fundamental challenges and pushing the frontiers of additive manufacturing technology. By bridging the gap between academic inquiry and industrial application,

I aspire to facilitate the seamless integration of additive manufacturing solutions across diverse industrial sectors.

This research methodology builds on the ongoing pursuit of Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing I am working in, which emphasises the critical role of translating research into innovation and harnessing applied research to address pressing societal challenges.

Drawing from our centre's prior successful experience, I am able to collaborate effectively with a diverse spectrum of industrial partners and consistently attract funding from the industry. A fundamental lesson gained from our collaborative ventures is the significance of understanding the authentic needs of the industry and seamlessly integrate them with the capabilities of our research team.

At the core of this success lies the ongoing commitment to research excellence, bolstered by an enhanced ability to meet evolving challenges.

What has been the most productive period in your research career and why?

Reflecting on my research journey, one particularly noteworthy phase of fruitful outcomes occurred during my ARC DECRA (Discovery Early-Career Research Award, 2017-2019). This fellowship afforded me an immersive research environment, allowing me to leverage my accumulated experience to delve deeply into the realm of light metals.

During this period, I successfully authored five papers in the prestigious metallurgical journal of Acta Materialia and collaborated on a paper published in Science. These achievements laid a robust foundation for my subsequent research ventures into the emerging field of metal 3D printing and working with the industrial partners.

If you were starting your project

Dr. Yuman Zhu

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or research again today, what would you do differently?

For an early career researcher, I would place emphasis on embracing the many failures of research activities as an intrinsic aspect of the journey. By encountering setbacks early and learning from them, we can cultivate resilience and foster growth within the research community. This iterative process of learning from failures is pivotal in driving progress and innovation.

How do you balance your time?

In my current position, adept time management is essential as I navigate a multitude of tasks and

responsibilities. As an academic, I believe it is crucial to devote sufficient time and focus to research, collaborative endeavours, and research management. This involves optimising productivity while also ensuring a sustainable work-life equilibrium.

How do you feel about teaching? What is your teaching philosophy?

Engaging in teaching and mentoring students hold profound significance for every academic. From my standpoint, fostering understanding, providing support and encouraging dynamic communications are crucial elements in igniting students'

enthusiasm for learning.

Lastly, I really think passion is the key that drives us to explore new things, work together in different areas, and inspire the upcoming researchers and innovators. When we stick to these principles with full dedication, I'm pretty sure we can shape a brighter and more sustainable future through the transformative power of additive manufacturing.

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Fig. A 3D-printed commercial titanium alloy with the highest specific strength among additive manufactured metals due to a unique nanotwinned precipitation microstructure.

UNSW Sydney

Source: Sally Wood

Out With the Old: UNSW’s Research Delivers for the Future

For 70 years, UNSW has delivered on its promise of teaching programs with a strong emphasis on societal impact.

UNSW is at the forefront of materials science and engineering, which is critical as the world turns towards sustainable practices, fuelled by our desire to protect the planet and future generations.

The School of Materials Science and Engineering is one piece of the puzzle seeking to fill knowledge gaps and sustain Australia’s pipeline of science practitioners.

The School was founded in 1952, in the same year the atom bomb was developed by Britain, and the world witnessed the first successful use of a mechanical heart in the United States.

It was also the dawn of the technology and information age, where silicon microchips changed the way in which people connect, conduct business, and access data.

These microchips, made from semiconductors, brought forward a new era of speed and accuracy. It also transformed computers from room-

sized giants to the devices we have become familiar with.

Today, the School of Materials Science and Engineering offers research programs for postgraduate students based on four societal themes of impact:

1. Energy and Environment: covering structural and functional materials that help produce, store and covert energy, as well as sustainable materials and modern recycling technologies.

2. Biomedical and Health: covering materials designed to assist biological systems for therapeutic and diagnostic medical purposes.

3. Transport and Infrastructure:

focussing on structural materials designed with the future of transportation and large-scale infrastructure projects in mind.

4. Electronics and Communications: developing materials for electrical, electronic and microelectronic applications.

Associate Professor Judy Hart is the Deputy Director of Education, who said the School of Materials Science and Engineering provides students with clear pathways to success.

“We try to make sure that we’re giving students the skills they will need to be able to make their own contributions to the materials field and to society in general.”

It is a formula that seems to be working. Last year, UNSW was recognised as the university with the most employable students by the Australian Financial Review. A UNSW education means graduates are prepared to continue their work at organisations like CSIRO, ANSTO, and Cochlear.

Bracing For Impact

UNSW is not complacent when it comes to delivering impact. Scientists remain focussed in their quest of attracting the brightest minds, and research utilisation across the four societal themes.

In the energy and environment stream, researchers are developing novel hydrogen storage and battery technologies. Hydrogen is a fuel that will play a central role in our future, but challenges remain bringing it to life.

Scientists are pushing through these barriers by working on ways to improve the cost and efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells like platinum. In one study, researchers developed a technique to test the durability and stability of platinum alternatives.

Biomedical and health researchers have their sights set on the development of organic bioelectronic devices. This will create flexible devices with tuneable performances for vulnerable people.

Similarly, engineers in the transport and infrastructure program have worked on the development of high temperature materials that are resistant to corrosion. This will protect the longevity and security of materials across the aerospace, environmental and manufacturing industries. These scientists are the only group conducting this vital research In Australia.

Meanwhile, electronics and communications researchers are learning about nanomaterials, thin films and hybrid heterostructures to power the next chapter in technology innovation.

Listening to Atoms Moving at the Nanoscale

International collaboration is key to the work conducted at UNSW. As researchers seek to solve common problems, it makes sense to join forces with likeminded peers.

Scientists from UNSW Sydney recently partnered with the University of Cambridge to listen to the sounds of atoms moving under pressure.

This phenomenon, known as ‘crackling noise,’ occurs in avalanches. This noise can be observed every day, from crumpling paper and candy wrapping, to the crackling of cereal, as well as in natural occurrences, such as earthquakes.

It was discovered more than 100 years ago by listening to the change of magnetisation in magnets.

However, Professor Jan Seidel and his lab from the School of Material Science and Engineering have taken this further—recording the crackling noise of just a few hundred atoms.

“It is the movement of atoms in materials under external force that generates noise, like a creaking door, as a macroscopic example,” Professor Seidel said. The experiments, which were conducted overnight and lasted over eight hours, provide valuable insights for a range of different fields, from mining to medicine.

“This means that studying atoms in the lab this way could lead to new information about crackling noise in different contexts.”

Professor Seidel took on the challenge of developing a new method to observe crackling noise at the smallest scale.

“We wanted to record the crackling noise of the selected materials, not the crackling of other external elements.”

“We tested this on lots of materials and under slightly different conditions,” he said.

Together, the team were able to record the crackling noise of approximately 30 nanometre deep areas.

Professor Seidel said the noise can be measured at small length scales, which may lead to potential new applications.

“We can now look at different types of nanoscale features in materials and study how they crack or how they deform and that might enable the development of completely new technology. “This is the exciting bit about

This Device Could Help Clean the World’s Drinking Water, One Filter Cartridge at a Time

A newly-developed water filtration device is rolling off the production line thanks to Australian research.

Deakin University scientists developed the cost-effective and sustainable water filter cartridge by using a cutting-edge composite membrane material.

The device can be integrated into water bottles, water purifiers, filters and coffee machines.

Manufacturers are looking for ways to improve filtration of chemicals and bacteria, while reducing their environmental footprint.

Water can contain dirt, minerals, chemicals, bacteria and mould, impacting smell, taste and potentially endanger health, especially when microscopic organisms and bacteria grow and cause serious illness.

Consequently, the need to improve water quality and ensure the safety of drinking water is becoming increasingly urgent. While most water filters on the market remove bacteria, viruses, spores, and cysts through nanofiltration or reverse osmosis membrane technology; those methods require high water pressure and result in a low flow rate.

However, lead researcher Dr Quanxiang Li said the new device efficiently intercepts bacteria and viruses in drinking water using the principle of charge adsorption.

“The current production process for positively charged filters is complex and expensive, and their performance is limited.”

“That’s why I’ve conducted a great deal of research on the preparation of new and more effective material for water filtration and signed a long-term cooperative project with industry partner, the Runner Group’s Xiamen Filtertech Industrial Corporation, to bring it to life,” he said.

The device has begun rolling off the production line in Xiamen, China, and maintains high performance without

Schematic of the proposed mechanism of the ML-niosome treatment. 1) ML-niosomes bind to the surface polysaccharides removing some of the outer layers, 2) Polymyxin B can more freely reach the surface of the outer membrane. 3) Polymyxin and ML-niosomes then breakdown both the outer and inner membranes. Reproduced under Creative commons license CC BY 4.0

Using Antibacterial Lipids in Nanoparticles

Combined with Established Treatment Shows Promise Against Antibiotic

Resistant Bacteria

A large Australian team led by Monash University has devised an approach to killing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Researchers used lipid nanoparticles that target specific layers on the surface of the bacterial cell.

It shows antibacterial lipids can be successfully used in combination with nanocarrier lipids to form nanoparticles that kill gram-negative bacteria.

Instrument scientist and co-author Dr Anton Le Brun contributed to the research with measurements on the neutron reflectometer Platypus and analysis of the data.

“Neutron reflectometry is a useful tool for understanding the structure of cell membranes at the nanometre length scale.”

The Platypus instrument at the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering was used to elucidate the mechanism at work in a combined ML-niosome/polymyxin B treatment at the molecular level.

Niosomes are vesicles with special properties that are used to deliver drugs.

Meanwhile, polymyxin B is an antibiotic of last resort for treating infections from gram-negative bacteria. Some bacteria have started to show signs of resistance even to this antibiotic.

By making artificial membranes that mimic the properties of the gram-negative bacterial cell surface, the team discovered the ML-niosomes target the outer layer of the outer membrane, which is mainly composed of polysaccharides. The binding of the ML-niosomes to the surface of the outer membrane exposes the membrane.

This grants polymyxin B better access to attack and breakdown the protective outer membrane and then the inner membrane, which ultimately kills the bacterial cell.

Future work will investigate how this is achieved in detail at the molecular level and why the combination with polymyxin B is more effective.

Researchers “Bioprint” Living Brain Cell Networks in the Lab

Monash University researchers have successfully used ‘bioinks’ containing living nerve cells to print 3D nerve networks.

These networks can grow in the laboratory and transmit and respond to nerve signals.

The research team used a tissue engineering approach, and bioprinting with two bioinks containing living cells and noncell materials respectively.

Through this, they were able to mimic the arrangement of grey matter and white matter seen in the brain.

Professor John Forsythe is from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, who is leading the research.

He said while two-dimensional nerve cell cultures have previously been used to study the formation of nerve networks and disease mechanisms, those relatively flat structures do not reflect the way neurons grow and interact with their surroundings.

“The networks grown in this research closely replicated the 3D nature of circuits in a living brain, where nerve cells extend processes called neurites to form connections between different layers of the cortex.”

“We found that the projections growing from neurons in the printed ‘grey matter’ or cellular layer readily grew through the ‘white matter’ layer and used it as a ‘highway’ to communicate with neurons in other layers,” Professor Forsythe said.

Bioprinted 3D neural networks are likely to be a promising platform for studying how nerves and their networks form and grow, investigating how some diseases affect neurotransmission, and screening drugs for their effects on nerve cells and the nervous system.

The study, entitled ‘3D Functional Neuronal Networks in Free-Standing Bioprinted Hydrogel Constructs’, was recently published in Advanced Healthcare Materials.

Bioprinted cortical neurons and astrocytes after in vitro culture at 7DIV. A) Cross-section view of bioprinted structure consisting of cellular (green) and acellular (grey) strands. B) Maximum intensity projection of patterned structure: cellular–acellular–cellular. Neurons (NeuN, green), astrocytes (GFAP, red), and nuclei (DAPI, blue) were colocalized and developed complex structures. Axons (Tuj1, green) originating from the proximal cellular strands projected across the distal cellular strand.

C) Depth-coding of Tuj1/NeuN showed the development of axonal projections across strands. White arrows indicate neurites that belong to different focal planes. D) Depth-coding of DAPI shows localization of cell nuclei. E) Confocal image in 3D. Depth-coding was represented using a color bar: red, closest to the glass substrate, and blue, 135 µm away from the substrate. Scale bar, 100 µm.

Australia’s first lunar rover. Image credit: RMIT University.

Shooting For the Moon with Australia’s First Rover

Australia’s first lunar rover is on the horizon, as RMIT University researchers unveil their first prototype.

RMIT is playing a key role in the Australian Space Agency’s Moon to Mars Trailblazer program, which aims to land the rover on the Moon as part of a future NASA Artemis mission later this decade.

If chosen, the rover will be tasked with transporting lunar regolith, also known as Moon soil, to a NASA-run facility for the extraction of oxygen.

It will autonomously navigate the lunar environment, and locate and collect regolith. It is an essential element to enable NASA’s in-situ resource utilisation facility to operate.

Once complete, oxygen will be extracted from the regolith, which can be used for Artemis astronauts to breathe and for spacecraft fuel.

Engineering A Rover Designed for Space

RMIT University’s Space Industry Hub is supporting the technical design, optimisation and precision manufacturing of the rover.

Professor Ray Kirby, Dean of RMIT’s School of Engineering, said technology will be crucial to launching Australia’s first lunar mission.

“We are excited to help drive technology to support sustainable human life on the Moon and, in doing so, to be part of an accelerating Australian aerospace industry.”

“The ELO2 consortium have unveiled a rover prototype that demonstrates our world-leading skills in engineering and manufacturing robotic technologies, remote operations and autonomous decision-making systems,” he said.

RMIT University is one of 16 partners in ELO2, an experienced consortium that brings Australia’s top talent and expertise across space research and industry.

Dancing Delicacies: Combining Food and Tech for Interactive Dining

Food is able ‘dance’ across platters because of a recent study from Monash University.

Researchers looked at the design of food as a material in which computer programs can be enacted.

The program has offered playful and interactive culinary opportunities for diners and chefs.

Food interaction design researcher and lead author Jialin Deng created a system encompassing a plate fitted with electrodes, which can be programmed to move different food elements like sauces and condiments around on their own.

Ms Deng said the project was about exploring the integration of food’s material properties and ‘computational’ capabilities, and achieving different dining journeys.

“For example, a chef can predefine the locations where they want to put the food droplets and ingredients, and they can programme the dish frame by frame, like you do in animation.”

“We can put solid items and watery items together, we can merge two different flavours, we can transport various things towards the plate, we can play with chemical or physical reactions like in molecular gastronomy,” Ms Deng said.

Interaction, game and play design expert from the Faculty of IT’s Creative Technologies discipline group and co-author of the research, Professor Florian ‘Floyd’ Mueller, said the research is a glimpse into the future of food and computing.

“This will not only change the hospitality industry, who can create much more engaging experiences by being able to tell new and different stories through interactive food, but also computer science education, where students learn about computing by eating food.”

The new technique shows remarkably good agreement with experimental results, essentially perfect at high temperature, with small discrepancies at lower temperatures. Comparison of theoretical (solid dark) and experimental (solid light) photoluminescence spectra at different lattice temperatures. Credit: FLEET

Solving Quantum Mysteries: New Insights into 2D Semiconductor Physics

Researchers from Monash University have unlocked fresh insights into the behaviour of quantum impurities within materials.

The international theoretical study introduces a novel approach known as the ‘quantum virial expansion.’

It offers a powerful tool to uncover the complex quantum interactions in two-dimensional semiconductors.

The breakthrough holds potential to reshape our understanding of complex quantum systems and unlock exciting future applications using novel 2D materials.

The study of quantum impurities has far-reaching applications across physics in systems as diverse as electrons in a crystal lattice to protons in neutron stars.

These impurities can collectively form new quasiparticles with modified properties, but their associated problems are difficult to solve.

"The challenge lies in accurately describing the modified properties of the new quasiparticles," said Dr. Brendan Mulkerin, who led the collaboration with researchers in Spain. However, researchers introduced the ‘quantum virial expansion’ (QVE), a powerful method that has long been indispensable in ultracold quantum gases.

QVE’s integration into the study of quantum impurities meant only the interactions between pairs of quantum particles needed to be considered (rather than large numbers of them).

The innovative approach is remarkably effective at high temperatures, and low doping, where the electrons' thermal wavelength is smaller than their interparticle spacing.

"One of the most intriguing aspects of this research is its potential to unify different theoretical models, with the ongoing debate surrounding the appropriate model for explaining the optical response of 2D semiconductors being resolved through the quantum virial expansion," said corresponding author Jesper Levinsen

The research is published in the journal Physical Review Letters.

Dancing delicacies with chef and diners. Image credit: Monash University. Liquids and dish on the plate. Image credit: Monash University.

2023 Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year

The Australian National University’s Professor Yuerui (Larry) Lu recently received the 2023 Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year.

Professor Lu was recognised for discovering interlayer exciton pairs, which can help to unravel the phenomenon of superfluidity.

His research brings to life a passion for understanding and unlocking new areas of science.

“When I was a child, I was an eager explorer, often taking apart toys to unlock their mysteries,” he said.

His recent discovery is paving the way for new electronic devices, which are more energy efficient and faster.

“My team made the first experimental discovery of interlayer exciton pairs.”

“An interlayer exciton is made by a positive charge and a negative charge sitting in two different layers. Two interlayer excitons combine together to form an interlayer excision pair,” he said.

Professor Lu’s research team also made the world’s thinnest micro-lens, only 1/2000th the thickness of a human hair.

This can be used to make lightweight optical systems, opening possibilities for space exploration, medical imaging, environmental monitoring and food safety.

“Teamwork and collaboration are crucial for my research. The diversity of scientists and disciplines in my team leads to more robust, inclusive and impactful advancements for science, Professor Lu said.

He has made a significant contribution to educating and developing the next generation of nanoscience and nanotechnology researchers.

Professor Lu said it was an honour to receive the recognition.

“This prize will continue to inspire me and young scientists to think big and address challenges for the future.”

Novel Approach to Advanced Electronics, Data Storage with Ferroelectricity

Australian researchers recently worked on switchable polarisation in a new class of silicon compatible metal oxides.

The research paves the way for the development of advanced devices including high-density data storage, ultra-low energy electronics, and flexible energy harvesting and wearable devices.

Flinders University and UNSW Sydney led the study, which provides the first observation of nanoscale intrinsic ferroelectricity in magnesium-substituted zinc oxide thin films.

Ferroelectrics are similar to magnets, which exhibit a corresponding electrical property known as permanent electric polarisation.

This phenomenon stems from electric dipoles featuring equal but oppositely charged ends or poles.

Corresponding author Dr Pankaj Sharma is from Flinders University, who said the research offers fresh insights into this stream of science.

“The research findings offer significant insights into the switchable polarisation in a new class of much simpler siliconcompatible metal oxides with wurtzite crystal structures and lay a foundation for the development of advanced devices.”

The polarisation can be altered between two or more equivalent states or directions when subjected to an external electric field.

As such, the switchable polar materials are under active consideration for numerous technological applications including fast nano-electronic computer memory and lowenergy electronic devices.

Historically, this technologically important property has been found to exist in complex perovskite oxides that incorporate a range of transition metal cations leading to diverse physical phenomena such as multiferroicity, magnetism, or even superconductivity.

However, the research points to a potential solution, which avoids the stringent processing requirements.

The research was recently published in the American Chemical Society ACS Nano journal.

From left, Prof Jan Seidel (UNSW), Dr Dawei Zhang (UNSW), and Dr Pankaj Sharma (Flinders University)

Australian National University’s Professor Yuerui (Larry) Lu. I mage credit: ANU.

Brothers Produce Excellent Scientific Results with Improvements to Silicon

Two brothers, who work in unrelated disciplines have combined their expertise to tackle a chemical problem.

Dr Tamim Darwish suggested to his brother, Dr Nadim Darwish—a Senior Lecturer with expertise in molecular electronics at Curtin University—that deuterating silicon might improve its properties.

Dr Tamim Darwish is familiar with the unique properties of deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen used to replace hydrogen in molecules.

The pair worked at the National Deuteration Facility (NDF) at ANSTO, which is a world leader in deuteration for research applications.

The pair reported enhancements to the properties of silicon when hydrogen was replaced with deuterium on the surface layer.

In recent years, there has been significant interest in a technology that combines silicon and organic molecules for various applications such as sensors, solar cells, power generation, and molecular electronic devices.

The challenge with this technology has been the surfaces made of silicon and hydrogen (Si H surfaces), which are crucial for building these devices, are prone to oxidation. This oxidation can harm the stability of the devices both mechanically and electronically.

However, the Darwish brothers found if hydrogen is replaced with deuterium, creating Si D surfaces, these surfaces become much more resistant to oxidation when exposed to either positive or negative voltages.

Si D surfaces demonstrated more stability against oxidation, and their electrical characteristics were more consistent compared to Si H surfaces.

The investigators recommended using Si D surfaces instead of Si H surfaces in applications that require non-oxidised silicon surfaces, such as electrochemical biosensors, silicon-based molecular electronic devices, and silicon-based triboelectric generators.

In situ cell construction. Reproduced under creative commons license CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Preventing Catastrophic Failure in Lithium Ion Batteries

A team of ANSTO scientists recently used neutron scattering techniques to understand the formation of harmful lithium structures in rechargeable lithium ion batteries (LIBs).

Despite being found in most portable electronics and electric vehicles, the energy capacity of LIBs falls short of what is required by many next-generation technologies. Although replacing the common electrodes in these batteries with pure lithium metal can help the battery store more energy, lithium microstructures forming at the lithium surface can create short-circuits, and lead to catastrophic battery failure.

There are different types of structures in dismantled batteries:

• Whiskers: resembling tiny needles

• Moss: looking like a porous layer

• Dendrites: long, thin structures.

Professor Vanessa Peterson, who led the study, said the pointy nature of dendrites causes the most trouble. “We used small-angle and ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (SANS and USANS) techniques with our Quokka and Kookaburra instruments at the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering to study these complex lithium structures.”

She explained these methods are insightful because they provide information about the size and shape of the lithium structures inside a battery without taking it apart. The investigators used SANS and USANS to provide a precise and less complicated way to analyse the structure of deposited lithium compared to other methods like X-ray imaging, microscopy, or gas adsorption.

“This research opens the door for future investigations to explore how factors like the amount of electric current, charging time, and the cyclic process of lithium deposition and dissolution impact the surface area and the distances between interfaces within deposited lithium,” Professor Peterson said.

Reproduced under Creative Commons License CCBY 4.0

Capturing Greenhouse Gases with the Help of Light

Slowing global warming relies on drastic cuts to greenhouse gas emissions.

However, researchers believe reducing emissions alone will not be enough to meet current climate targets.

In light of this, researchers at ETH Zurich have worked on a new method of carbon capture using light. This ensures energy required for carbon capture will come from the sun in the future.

Led by Professor Maria Lukatskaya, the scientists are exploiting acidic aqueous liquids, where CO2 is present as CO2, but in alkaline aqueous liquids, it reacts to form salts of carbonic acid, known as carbonates.

It means this chemical reaction is reversible. A liquid's acidity determines whether it contains CO2 or a carbonate. To influence the acidity of their liquid, researchers added molecules, called photoacids, to ensure it reacts to light.

If such liquid is then irradiated with light, the molecules make it acidic. In the dark, they return to the original state that makes the liquid more alkaline.

In practice, however, researchers encountered a problem: the photoacids used are unstable in water. As such, the research team analysed the decay of the molecule. They solved the problem by running their reaction in a mixture of water and an organic solvent.

The scientists were then able to determine the optimum ratio of the two liquids by laboratory experiments. In addition, they could explain their findings thanks to model calculations carried out by researchers from the Sorbonne University in Paris.

Their next step on the way to market maturity will be to further increase the stability of the photoacid molecules.

Carbon Revolution has partnered with the Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) to revolutionise the production of carbon fibre wheels. Image credit: Deakin University.

Carbon Revolution Partnership to Revolutionise Carbon Fibre Wheels Production to Meet Demands

Carbon Revolution, a global technology company and Tier 1 OEM (original equipment manufacturer) supplier, has partnered with Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) to revolutionise the production of carbon fibre wheels.

This collaboration is part of the Australian Composites Manufacturing CRC project, which aims to make Australia a leader in composite technologies with an advanced and automated network of designers, manufacturers and service providers.

The CRC’s CEO, Dr Steve Gower praised Carbon Revolution’s capabilities in advanced composites manufacturing.

“Carbon Revolution provides a great example of Australian capabilities in advanced composites manufacturing. ACM CRC is proud to support our partners Carbon Revolution and Deakin University to develop product and process technologies to support the expansion of manufacturing capabilities for Carbon Revolution’s single-piece carbon fibre wheels.”

Carbon Revolution has already established itself as the recognised leader in the production of lightweight carbon fibre wheels for the global automotive industry. The company is a Tier 1 original equipment manufacturer supplier.

Through this research collaboration, Carbon Revolution has progressed from single prototypes to designing and manufacturing wheels at commercial scale for some of the most prestigious brands in the world.

With almost 80,000 Carbon Revolution wheels produced, the company has penetrated the performance and premium end of the automotive market with 18 awarded programs for Ford, Ferrari, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover and Renault.

The wheels offer unsprung weight savings of up to 50% relative to the comparable aluminium wheels.

The CRC program brings industry and researchers together leveraging resources, expertise and funding to advance Australian business and Industry.

Photoacids and differences between dark and light enable a cyclic process for the capture and release of CO2. Credit: ETH Zurich

Metals May Hold the Key to Australia's Clean Energy Transformation

Our planet is warming like never before in recorded history.

Our planet is warming like never before in recorded history.

The World Meteorological Organization found 2023 was the hottest year on record—about 1.40 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures.

Greenhouse gas levels continue to increase, alongside record sea surface temperatures and sea level rise, record low Antarctic Sea ice, and extreme weather events.

Australia is no stranger to natural hazards like bushfires, floods and cyclones, which cause death and devastation to vulnerable communities.

Dr Jaci Brown is the Climate Intelligence Director at CSIRO, who said last year’s record was not a surprise.

“We won’t see even warming each year, instead we will continue to see fluctuations between cool and warm years—like we have with three years of La Niña and now an El Niño.”

“What is clear is that the Earth and Australia are warming, will continue to warm, and subsequent El Niño years will push us into new extremes of heat,” she said.

However, there is a clear path out of this trail of tragedy. The United Nations is pushing for global greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced by almost half before 2030, and net-zero by 2050. Net-zero emissions means a complete transformation in the way we produce, digest, and live our lives.

António Guterres is the GeneralSecretary of the United Nations, who said there is no time for half-measures

when it comes to clean energy solutions.

“Over the next two years, Governments are required to prepare new economywide national climate action plans.”

Climate change inaction goes hand-inhand with economic uncertainty. The cost of damage caused by a changing climate is estimated to be up to $3.1 trillion per annum by 2050, according to the World Economic Forum.

“Many vulnerable countries are drowning in debt and at risk of drowning in rising seas. It is time for a surge in finance, including for adaptation, loss and damage and reform of the international financial architecture,” Guterres said.

Staying with a business-as-usual approach is not sustainable. Yet, there is a solution for a brighter future, and it may lie within materials science.

FEATURE

What Is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy can be a strange concept to grasp because of its highly scientific nature.

For example, wind turbines take the kinetic energy from the wind to provide electricity. These turbines are typically found on wind farms, however offshore plants are also a common practice in some parts of the world.

Wind generation was responsible for 9% of Australia’s energy in 2020–2021, according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. This is an average increase of 15% each year over the past decade.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are another way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike traditional vehicles, these modern alternatives consume around 40% less energy.

EVs accounted for 8.4% of the nation’s new car sales in 2023—an increase of 121% from the year prior. The most popular purchase was the Tesla Model Y. Behyad Jafari is the CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council, who encouraged Australians to explore the growing EV marketplace.

“Australia’s priority should be on boosting the transition to EVs and decarbonising our transport system. There is no need for Australia to be dependent on imported oil today.”

What Role Do Metals Play in This?

Students who studied science in high school will remember the periodic table of elements. This offers a glimpse into some of the metals that could pave the way for a sustainable future.

Australia is the world’s largest producer of lithium and the third largest producer of cobalt, which means the nation has a natural advantage when it comes to using metals for clean energy.

For example, copper is a soft metal, which is critical to powering wind turbines. It boasts thermal and electrical properties, which are unmatched by other materials. It means any device with an on-off switch relies on copper to conduct electricity. As such, it is a highly valuable material for solar energy systems.

A 3-megawatt wind turbine—the industry benchmark—contains up to 4.7 tonnes of copper. The majority (53%) is used for cabling and wiring, while components for power generation, and transformers also rely on this metal.

The South Australian Government is taking advantage of this material for clean energy production under the recently established Copper Taskforce.

“We’ve always known copper is critical to South Australia, but now we’re making it official by showcasing it as we develop our critical minerals strategy,” said Tom Koutsantonis, who is the South Australia’s Minister for Energy and Mining.

As governments shift towards an

electrification model, the demand for metals like copper and energy transition technologies is expected to rise.

One example is the hard, silvery metal neodymium, which is crucial for motors in EVs. When combined with the chemical elements of boron and ion, it creates a magnetic field, which allows for electric charges and currents.

Neodymium is widely used in many devices, including microphones, mobile phones, and loudspeakers.

While China dominates the rare earth elements game, Australia is a hub for neodymium mining, particularly at the Lynas Rare Earth’s Mount Weld mine. The company behind the mine, Arafura Resources, is seeking to expand the facility. This will lead to a 50% increase in neodymium production by 2025.

Dr Jerad Ford is the former lead of CSIRO’s Critical Energy Metals Mission, who said Australia has the world’s sixthlargest reserves of rare-earth minerals.

“Neodymium is the element most commonly used, but other rare earth minerals also play a role—and their ability to never lose their magnetic field makes them essential in things like EV motors and in spinning wind turbines, where very powerful magnets drive the generator to make as much electricity as possible.”

Is Mining Metals the Only Solution?

Extracting metals for clean energy production comes at a cost to the environment.

In fact, the International Energy Agency (IEA) found an onshore wind farm needs nine times more mineral resources than a traditional gas-fired plant.

Metals are infinitely recyclable, and material scientists are working towards preservation strategies.

As such, the metals used to build wind turbines offer a long-term solution of zero emissions and unlimited capacity.

Similarly, EV batteries rely on metals like copper, lithium and cobalt. Unlike automobiles using internal combustion engines, EVs require six times more mineral inputs.

However, material scientists are working towards sustainable solutions, like recycling, to reduce the strain on the sector and the environmental impacts.

It means products like EV batteries may be repurposed for a second life.

The European Union has set the goldstandard by mandating a proportion of recycled materials in all batteries.

“Demand will grow for circular economy to be built into manufacturing processes,” Dr Ford said.

Recycling also reduces stress on primary supply and enhances resilience in the supply chain.

The IEA estimates the number of EV batteries reaching the end of their first lifecycle will rapidly increase in the next six years.

However, a steady increase in the recycling of critical elements could reduce the need for primary supplies by 10%.

“Much of the hydrometallurgy and other techniques and capabilities we use to produce the chemicals for battery and other energy technologies, can also be deployed at the other end of the process, to extract these important minerals out of products at their end of life,” Dr Ford explained.

Market pressures for recycled materials are likely to push manufacturers into a new suite of products, which can be built in a more sustainable manner.

“We just need to be smart about how we deploy the skills we already have in this area,” Dr Ford said.

Seizing The Opportunities for Australia's Critical Minerals

It’s no secret Australia is rich with resources. However, growing the nation’s minerals in a sustainable manner requires research and science.

The Federal Government’s ‘Critical Minerals Strategy’ focuses on strengthening global clean energy supply chains, and supporting Australia’s role in helping the world to achieve net zero emissions.

Minister for Resources Madeleine King said the plan seeks to position Australia as a globally significant producer of raw and processed critical minerals.

“The new Critical Minerals Strategy outlines the enormous opportunity to develop the sector and new downstream industries which will support Australia’s economy and global efforts to lower emissions for decades to come.”

The Government will pour $500 million of new investment into critical minerals projects.

Minister King said Australia can play a crucial role in delivering processed minerals for a clean energy future.

“While the potential is great, so too are the challenges. The Strategy makes it clear our natural minerals endowment provides a foot in the door, but we must do more to create Australian jobs and capitalise on this unique opportunity,” Minister King said.

Modelling suggests exports of critical and energy-transition minerals could create more than 262,600 jobs, and strengthen GDP to $133.5 billion by 2040, if Australia builds downstream refining and processing capability and secures a greater share of trade and investment.

Australia also produces significant amounts of metals such as aluminium, nickel and copper, which combined with critical minerals, are crucial for low-emissions technology such as electric vehicles, batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines.

International competition in critical minerals is intense, as governments cast their eyes on boosting investment to diversify supply chains and to decarbonise their economies.

The Australian Government is working with industry and international partners in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, India, and the European Union.

Machine Learning Fast-Forwards Solar Cell Design

Australian researchers have harnessed artificial intelligence to produce solar cells from the mineral perovskite in just a matter of weeks.

The breakthrough bypasses years of human labour and error to optimise the cells.

Study lead author Dr Nastaran Meftahi, from RMIT University’s School of Science, said a worldwide team of researchers were racing to make perovskite cells.

These cells are cheaper than silicon, and thanks to recent advances, have become stable enough for long-term commercial use.

“Until now, the process of creating perovskite cells has been more like alchemy than science—record efficiencies have been reached, but positive results are notoriously difficult to reproduce,” Dr Meftahi said. “What we have achieved is the development of a method for rapidly and reproducibly making and testing new solar cells, where each generation learns from and improves upon the previous.”

Members of the Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science based at RMIT, Monash University and Australia’s

national science agency, CSIRO have removed human error from the equation in rapidly innovating solar cells with artificial intelligence.

Using data generated by the team’s system, Dr Meftahi, and her RMIT colleagues Dr Andrew Christofferson and Professor Salvy Russo developed a new model of machine learning.

The research team will use a multimillion-dollar automated system for solar cell manufacturing built by Dr Adam Surmiak at Monash University to progress this research.

Their model will be capable of predicting huge volumes of promising chemical recipes for new perovskite solar cells.

Dr Surmiak and Professor Udo Bach at the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics and CSIRO will lead this new facility, which is currently under construction.

The team’s combined work has resulted in reproducible perovskite solar cells with power-conversion efficiencies of 16.9%.

This is the best-known result manufactured without human intervention.

“A reproducible 16.9% power-

conversion efficiency is better than an irreproducible 30%,” Dr Meftahi said.

Reproducibility has been a major challenge for human-led and other reported artificial intelligencedriven perovskite cell design and development processes.

“Critically, our machine learning model represents the starting point for further optimisation, both in terms of powerconversion efficiency and stability.”

Dr Surmiak’s team designed and characterised 16 new solar cells never seen before using this novel setup, and Dr Meftahi used these cells to predict the properties of 256 new solar cell recipes.

“Then Adam, with the help of his group, developed 100 new solar cells and that let me predict the properties of 16,000,” Dr Meftahi said.

“At Monash, they'll soon be able to make 2,000 unique solar cells per day. We're quickly getting to the stage where we’ll be able to predict the properties of millions of different cells.”

“And you can't do that with anybody else's machine learning model, because you'd need additional information before you've made the cell.”

Dr Meftahi boasts a wealth of knowledge with computational methods including machine-learning techniques and molecular dynamic simulations.

Building An Impressive Body of Research

This research builds on an impressive feat of knowledge harnessed at the Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science.

It follows the recent introduction of a direct method for forming perovskite nanocrystal assemblies developed by RMIT, Monash and CSIRO researchers.

This alleviates some of the complex multi-step processes, which have typically been part of creating these structures.

Professor Jacek Jasieniak, who is a senior author on the paper, said the breakthrough is a notable shift in the synthesis of perovskite assemblies.

Dr Nastaran Meftahi. Image Credit: ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science.

“Our work demonstrates that, by carefully controlling reaction conditions these assemblies can form directly within the reaction vessel."

Achieving such assemblies involves several processing steps. However, this development offers a new suite of opportunities in potentially making it more accessible for industrial applications.

By adjusting variables such as solvent types, ligands, and the stoichiometry of the reaction, the researchers managed to enhance the hydrophobic interactions between the nanocrystals, prompting them to assemble into supercrystals.

These supercrystals boast a redshifted photoluminescence, which allows them to emit a wider spectrum of colours. This property holds promise for the development of more vibrant and efficient light-emitting devices, from LEDs to advanced display technologies.

This work, which was recently published in the journal Nanoscale, paves the way for the Exciton Science team to represent a promising contribution to the field of optoelectronics.

Researchers are confident this will assist with the development of a more colourful and efficient future for lightbased technologies.

The Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science is a key player in researching energy solutions across Australia.

There has never been a more consequential time for research and innovation in the clean energy sector. As such, sustainable solutions to combat the impacts of climate change is front of mind for researchers.

The Centre for Excellence in Exciton

Science works with end-users to develop solutions to real-world challenges, including:

• solar energy conversion

• energy-efficient lighting and displays

• security labelling and optical sensor platforms for defence.

The ARC Centres of Excellence program unlocks important collaborations between universities, and research organisations and their associated bodies.

It also brings governments and the private sector in Australia and overseas together to support end-user driven research.

Where to from Here?

Dr Meftahi believes the machinelearning model and automated system can also potentially be used to crunch the numbers and run tests on other types of solar cells, including those made with silicon or organic materials.

“We are keen to work with partners in industry to further test and prototype our work so that it can be possibly commercialised in a range of applications,” she said.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) and the Australian Research Council (ARC) through the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science supported this body of work.

The researchers also acknowledge the support of the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, and the Monash X-Ray Platform and Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy.

‘Machine learning enhanced high-throughput fabrication and optimisation of quasi-2D RuddlesdenPopper perovskite solar cells’ was recently published in Advanced Energy Materials.

Dr Adam Surmiak working with automatic device characterisation equipment at Monash University. Image Credit: ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science.

Energy Storage Technology Firm in Scientist’s Sights

The ARC Training Centre for Future Energy Storage Technologies (storEnergy) is known for bringing together new knowledge in advanced energy materials.

The program was secured with $4.4 million of funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC), and a further $6.7 million from local industry and university partners to train and skill the next generation of workers within the energy industry.

Professor Jenny Pringle, who leads the storEnergy initiative, specialises in the development of new ionic electrolytes for sodium and lithium batteries.

“I am very fortunate to be in an environment that supports the translation of new materials from concept through to application. I believe that this is one of the unique features of storEnergy that allows us to make a significant contribution to research and workforce training in the energy field in Australia,” she said.

Professor Pringle completed her PhD at Edinburgh University, where she studied ionic liquids at a time when there were less than 100 papers on the topic.

At storEnergy, her team conducts training and research in line with industry objectives and challenges.

To address these challenges, storEnergy works with 11 organisations across government and industry, and five Australian universities.

Researchers work with small to medium-sized organisations to empower a global leadership role in advancing and producing new age energy storage technologies.

Together, they use flagship facilities to advance their research interests. For example, the Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation allows practitioners to investigate smart grid and technology systems.

It boasts a solar generation farm and an industrial-scale 7.25MW smart microgrid energy system.

Likewise, storEnergy works with Deakin University’s Advanced

Characterisation Facility. This allows the development of applied research in energy storage capabilities.

By harnessing the expertise of researchers and industry partners, the storEnergy centre is delivering benefit to our economy, the community and the environment.

The research for energy storage and clean energy materials is split into three platforms.

New Energy Materials

Researchers are working with industry representatives to conduct a synthesis of new ionic liquids and organic ionic plastic crystals.

Once the first phase of research has been completed, researchers will assess the thermal, transport and ion dynamic properties to determine the most beneficial process for additional electrochemical studies.

The research team has worked with industry partners like Boron Molecular to develop new electrolyte materials.

Dr Joshua Boyle, who is Boron Molecular’s former Business Development Manager, said the development of these electrolytes is

an excellent opportunity.

“This collaboration is a win-win situation for both partners, as Boron Molecular gets access to the extensive battery expertise that is present at Deakin University.”

PhD student Anna Warrington was integral during the synthesisation process.

“Anna and her colleagues get to experience the fast-paced nature of working in an industrial lab and the benefits and challenges that go with that,” Dr Boyle said.

Synthetic chemists at Boron Molecular were crucial to helping Ms Warrington undertake her research.

“I think trying to be creative when designing these cations is important and can help change their properties a lot,” she said.

The storEnergy research program supports a range of student placements and workshops. It allows students to make significant contributions to Australia’s understanding of energy storage.

Deakin University’s BatTRI-Hub.

Energy Storage Device and Systems

This research platform looks into the design and manufacturing process of new energy storage devices and components.

Researchers are looking at supercapacitors and solid state Li and Na batteries, with improved rate capability, capacity and safety.

New technologies play a crucial role in the exploration of robotic battery assemblers and printable electrolytes for flexible and conformal devices.

For example, metals play a crucial role in the road towards a more sustainable future. As such, researchers are working on lithium metal batteries as future energy storage devices.

Batteries are often exposed to a range of factors which impact their longevity. However, there is increasing market demand for batteries that operate for a long period of time.

Researchers are seeking to bridge this gap by identifying degradation mechanisms to avoid premature failure of these devices.

Lithium ion batteries will typically last

between 300 and 500 charge cycles, which is around three years.

In addition, another project ‘Understanding the critical steps in the manufacture of advanced high energy density lithium-metal batteries’, is seeking to better understand the performance of lithium-metal batteries in ionic liquid electrolytes.

Professor Pringle said industry connections are essential for bringing this research to life.

“We have expert investigators and industry partners across the supply chain, and valuable national and international collaborations, that has allowed the Centre to offer a strong, diverse training programme to-date.”

Operations And Users

In this research platform, researchers work with end-users to select new technologies and bring them to life for applications in renewable energy. End-users play a central role in developing storEnergy’s research program, and partnering with likeminded organisations to achieve results.

At Deakin University’s BatTRI-Hub,

researchers have worked on a storEnergy project seeking to develop tailored solutions to extend battery life, improve costs and size.

The research is led by Suleyman Yildiz, who is a PhD candidate at Deakin’s Institute for Frontier Materials.

His project is developing solutions for M. Brodribb Pty Ltd, who build and service battery chargers.

Mr Yildiz has strong experience working with anode, cathode active materials for Na, Li-ion batteries.

Professor Pringle said student researchers partnering with industry is the key to unlocking a better future.

“The students and postdocs will use the skills they have learnt in the centre as they take up new positions in academia and industries around the world, further growing our storEnergy network.”

This approach empowers students to find gaps in knowledge and challenge existing norms and practices. It also unlocks a suite of industry connections and experience, which is paramount to their professional development.

Deakin University’s BatTRI-Hub.

FLEET Leads an International Research Feat

The ARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies, otherwise known as FLEET, seeks to solve some of Australia’s most complex scientific challenges.

Twenty investigators from seven organisations have partnered with an international consortium to navigate the complexities of the 21st Century, and create a more sustainable future.

FLEET is supported by a $40 million investment from the Australian Research Council and other organisations including the NSW Department of Industry, Skills and Regional Development.

Researchers bring their skills from a variety of areas, including:

• Atomic physics

• Condensed matter physics

• Materials science

• Electronics

• Nanofabrication

• Atomically thin materials

FLEET’s main areas of research are in the fields of electronics and energy.

Australia has a legislated plan to achieve an emissions reduction target of 43% by 2030, and net-zero emissions

by 2050. A net-zero economy requires changes to the way we live, produce material, and consume goods. It is the responsibility of government, the private sector, researchers, and everyday Australians to make changes to meet these targets.

Australian researchers are at the forefront of developing practical solutions towards a net-zero future.

Cleaning Up the Environment

Solving environmental problems relies on researchers working towards sustainable solutions.

A recent UNSW study found there are certain substances helping to tackle these issues by capturing carbon dioxide, decontaminating water and cleaning up pollutants.

UNSW chemical engineers shone a light on the mysterious world of liquid metals and their role as catalysts to speed up chemical processes using low amounts of energy.

Professor Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh works within UNSW’s School of Chemical Engineering.

“Anyone with a shaker and a cooktop

Rapid nano-filter can clean dirty water over 100 times faster than current technology. Image credit:

at home in their kitchen can make catalysts that can be used for CO2 conversion, cleaning water and other pollutants,” he said.

“They can do this by using a combination of liquid metals like gallium, indium, bismuth and tin in alloys that can be melted under 300ºC on a cooktop or in an oven.”

Professor Kalantar-Zadeh explained the specific mix ratio of eutectic substances produces the maximum natural chaos at the nano-level, which in turn brings the melting point down.

The process can also work the other way in which eutectic metal substances already in liquid form can solidify at a single temperature below the usual freezing point of each metal.

Liquid metals can be used as catalysts to speed up chemical processes using low amounts of energy. Image credit: FLEET.

FLEET.

A diagram showing the process of producing liquid metal droplets which can then be used to capture carbon (left) or remove pollutants (right). Image credit: FLEET.

“This maximum chaos helps, when we solidify the liquid metals, to naturally produce so many defects in the material that the ‘catalytic’ activity is significantly enhanced,” Professor Kalantar-Zadeh said.

Liquid metal alloys can be used to remove or neutralise pollutants in the environment as well as capturing the carbon in CO2 emissions.

For example, tin, gallium and bismuth can be used as electrodes to convert carbon dioxide into useful byproducts when in liquid form.

After heating the liquid metals to make oxides, the substances can also be used to absorb energy from light, which enables them to break down contaminants in water.

Liquid metals are an attractive option in solving environmental problems because they can be cheaply produced using low energy and in a low-tech environment.

“Metals such as tin and bismuth are accessible to many people around the world.”

“People should just consider how easily, cheaply and with so little need for advanced technology that they can be processed and transformed into useful materials such as catalysts,” Professor Kalantar-Zadeh explained.

Excellence In Research and Science Outreach

FLEET’s Dr Julie Karel from Monash University is researching the unsustainable energy consumed by information technology and communication devices, which is estimated to consume 8% of global electricity, and double every decade.

“Although the past 5–8 years have seen rapid progress in this area. Many of the new materials developed use expensive rare elements that decompose in air and are not compatible with current manufacturing methods,” Dr Karel said.

Her research focuses on materials that are abundant and compatible with existing fabrication technology.

As such, not only do they reduce the energy consumption of electronic devices, but they make the devices inexpensive and sustainable to produce.

This could substantially reduce the large environmental and economic footprint of information technology devices like the mobile phones commonly used today.

“I have shown that the magnetic and electronic properties of the material can be as good, if not better than, the crystalline analogue, making the

device more efficient,” Dr Karel said. The key advantages of using amorphous over crystalline materials include the reduced cost, ease of fabrication, and a wider range of tunability in the magnetic and electronic properties.

Dr Karel’s research is focussed on demonstrating a particular quantum effect, which has been predicted theoretically in amorphous materials but never observed experimentally. Outreach also remains a core focus for Dr Karel. Since volunteering to teach rural Nicaraguans how to build their own wind turbines, she has been passionate about helping people to lower their energy footprint.

She regularly speaks to students, leads hands-on science experiments at schools, and shares her knowledge with the community through industrywide networking events.

“I believe outreach is a critical part of our job as academics to ensure that the public good of our work is broadly understood,” she said.

Dr Karel has also made scientific literacy one of the key goals of the FLEET’s outreach objectives.

“As FLEET’s Outreach Chair I am responsible for overseeing the Centre’s outreach activities aimed primarily at school students and the general public.”

“Each FLEET member is expected to complete 20 hours of outreach per year, and these activities are facilitated and organised by the Outreach Committee. They include, for instance, participation in public outreach events such as National Science Quiz, Melbourne Knowledge Week (MKW),

In the STM labs with collaborators from MacDiarmid Institute (NZ) and Monash School of Physics and Astronomy. Image credit: FLEET.

Dr Julie Karel. Image credit: FLEET.

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