Untitled - ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science

107 Pages·2013·3.05 MB·English

01
Contents
Welcome to ACES 02
Message from the Director 03
IAB Chair Report 05
Research Overview 08
Materials Program 10
Energy Program 15
Bionics Program 19
Ethics Program 22
Industry/End-User Interactions 23
Education and Training 27
International Profile 32
National Collaborations 2012 33
Prizes & Awards 2012 36
Communications 38
Outreach 41
Publications 47
Governance 56
Performance Indicators 58
Other Research Developments 64
Supplementary Information
Appendix 1: Visitors 67
Appendix 2: ACES End-User Events 73
Appendix 3: International Symposia hosted/co-hosted by ACES 79
Appendix 4: International Collaborations by Country in 2012 83
Appendix 5: Invited Talks in 2012 93
Appendix 6: Summary of National Engagement 98
Appendix 7: ACES Media Summary 101
Appendix 8: ACES Staff Membership 111
Appendix 9: ACES PhD Student Roll 113
02
Welcome to ACES
The Australian Research Council Centre These organisations draw together Bionics: The Bionics program exploits new
of Excellence for Electromaterials researchers from a range of disciplines; electromaterials in the areas of stimulation
Science (ACES) brings together eminent including biologists, clinicians, chemists, and neuromuscular repair and in the
scientists to develop the nanoscience and physicists and engineers. Each of the nodes design and development of an advanced
nanotechnology related to the movement possesses key research strengths, which, cochlear electrode implant.
of charge within and between materials. when combined places ACES in a powerful Ethics: The Ethics program drives the
position to design, discover and develop
The approach provides an alternative to development of a social and ethical
new electromaterials.
varying the composition of a material to response to the emerging science and its
alter physical and biological properties – applications, particularly in Bionics.
Research Programs
instead we alter dimensions and shape
in the nanodomain. These processes are Funding
fundamentally important to a diverse array The core research programs supported
of phenomena important in medicine and by the ARC Centre of Excellence are: ACES was established in 2005 with
industry. Electromaterials, Energy, Bionics and $12 million in federal funding from the
Ethics. The integrated research projects
We have now achieved international Australian Research Council (ARC) over
within each program provide the capability
recognition and consolidated links around five years.
to design, synthesise and characterise new
the world. ACES is well placed to assure a From July 2010 until December 2013 ACES
electromaterials.
global leadership role in electromaterials receives a further $7.7 million in federal
science. Electromaterials: The key is the funding from the ARC.
development of innovative routes to
ACES also receives support from the
The Partners functionalised nanomaterials that enhance
NSW Department of State & Regional
both the chemical and physical properties
Development to achieve technology
required for the targeted areas of
The Centre currently comprises of six
transfer to NSW and Australian industry
application. This program continues to
organisations: University of Wollongong
via a SLF grant 2010-2013: $360k.
encompass materials synthesis, fabrication
(including the Intelligent Polymer
and characterisation.
Research Institute and the Institute for
Superconducting & Electronic Materials), Energy: The Energy program utilises
Monash University (Clayton), St Vincents advances in our design, synthesis and
Health (Melbourne), La Trobe University fabrication of new light harvesting and
(Melbourne), University of Tasmania and electrocatalytic materials as well as organic
Deakin University (Clayton). nanostructured electrodes for applications
such as solar hydrogen generation and
metal/air batteries.
03
Message from the Director
It has been a privilege to serve as the I am also proud of the engagement
Executive Research Director of ACES network we have put in place and the
since we commenced operations in spirit of communication that has been
2005. Together, our researchers continue instilled in all of our researchers, from
to deliver high impact outputs to build undergraduate interns to the most
the body of knowledge in fundamental seasoned researchers. This has enabled
electromaterials science. Through the profitable engagements with other
growth of multidisciplinary research teams research institutions and industry, resulting
we are able to apply this knowledge in in ACES involvement in a number of ARC
areas critical to today’s society, namely, linkage grants, Australian Co-operative
Energy and Medical Bionics. Research Centre (CRC) projects and
other end-user projects.
In the energy area this has been
exemplified in 2012 by the establishment As we have grown as a Centre, we have
of the spin-out company Aquahydrex. This gathered the experience and resources to
venture is built on fundamental findings be able to develop exciting new training
that have been applied in innovative ways. opportunities for our student researchers
Equally important the venture is built on as well as attracting the next generation of
the enthusiasm and team spirit that the electromaterials researchers. Funding is fuel
ACES research culture has fostered. The
Consequently, this year we initiated a pilot-
science, combined with these personal scale program - the Transition Project - that Supporting
attributes, has attracted significant
enables our research students to engage f Training
investment from an American Venture
directly with industry. This unique program
Capital company. f Research
creates opportunities for our students to
f Communications
It is most satisfying to see that our highly ‘interview’ industry executives to ascertain
talented individuals, working within our what industry needs in respect to the skills Leading to
extraordinary facilities, are able to produce and attributes of researchers. The impact f Global credibility
globally competitive research that attracts on the individual researchers involved has f Global footprint
such attention. Indeed, as detailed in these been profound and they have disseminated
f Global leadership
pages, across our research programs there the findings of the project to others in
have been some amazing results, with ACES.
outputs in 2012 exceeding all expectations.
04
Exciting young students about We are very proud of the individual I would like to thank all of the individuals
research and electromaterials through achievements of our researchers, many who have made all of these achievements
undergraduate internships this year has being acknowledged with important possible. A special thanks to our
also proved highly beneficial to both Fellowships during 2012. Special International Advisory Board (IAB) and to
ACES and the students themselves. Highly congratulations to Prof Doug MacFarlane Dame Bridget Ogilvie (chair of the IAB).
talented (second year undergraduate) on the receipt of an Australian Laureate
I look forward to working with you all
students were selected to undertake Fellowship.
during 2013 and beyond, should the
science communication projects
As we enter 2013, we begin the final year privilege be extended.
throughout the university term, followed
of the current ARC funding for ACES.
by summer research projects in the
Through the assembly of an extraordinary
ACES laboratories. The enthusiasm and Best wishes
team of individuals we have achieved
excitement of these students has already
amazing things. Our innovative research,
affected those of us that have been
research training and engagement
associated with them. These students will
programs have established not just our
continue to have an active engagement
national but also our global reputation.
with ACES through 2013, developing skills
ACES continues to expand its global
in project planning, with the internship
presence through the Marie Curie
culminating in a final summer research
International Research Staff Exchange
project.
Scheme (IRSES) program; where
In 2012, we also expanded our efforts to
collaborative activities in Ireland, France
convey the excitement of electromaterials
and Finland have been consolidated.
research and applications to the general
Highly successful collaborative research
public through:
workshops were held in China, Korea and
f The launch of the ACES- University of Taiwan in 2012.
Wollongong (UOW) Science Centre
Through these tremendous efforts and
Technology Exhibition
much patience our centre staff, research
f PhD Scholars Awards for Science
staff and research students have laid the
Communication to undertake projects
foundations for a truly global engagement
with the UOW Science Centre
program.
f Several public engagement workshops
in the area of Bionics
f Community tours of the ACES
Professor Gordon Wallace
facilities.
Executive Director ACES.
05
IAB Chair Report
The International Advisory Board The overall message from all the research The research team should be commended
reviewed the 2012 progress of the ARC programs was that during the lifetime of on their forethought and aptitude in having
Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials this current centre the team has developed been able to build up such an impressive
Science (ACES) on 15 February 2013 chemistries and physical processes to array of research tools for synthesis and
and received updates on the next ACES isolate nanomaterials and study their characterisation of nanomaterials (some
Centre of Excellence bid. Those in amazing properties and behaviour but still courtesy of ARC LIEF grants) as well as
attendance were: Dr (Dame) Bridget have work left to do so as to enable them a suite of fabrication equipment (often
Ogilvie (Chair), Prof Richard Kaner, Prof to elegantly reassemble those different custom developed to allow for processing
Ray Baughman, Prof Dermot Diamond, Mr nano and microcomponents into functional of the new materials developed) in
Greg Smith, Prof Dirk Guldi, Dr Anita Hill, macrostructures. association with Australian National
Prof Judy Raper, Prof Lee Astheimer and Fabrication Facility (ANFF).
The ability to control the dimensional
Prof Patrick Nixon.
structure of the individual components and The ACES Bionics program continued
The Board congratulated Prof Gordon understand the fundamental, yet complex to use polymer platforms (both non-
Wallace and the ACES team on the quality processes, to enable this to occur will be conducting and conducting) to promote
and range of outcomes achieved by the crucial to the next set of developments. controlled growth of nerve and muscle
Centre in 2012. cells in vitro. With NHMRC support this
In 2012, the centre produced and
work can be undertaken in vivo. The
optimised a wide range of materials,
Research Progress in 2012 development of ‘bioinks’ that enables
electrolytes and electromaterials (e.g.
(individual) living cells to be spatially
porphyrins, metal complexes and oxides,
ACES produced high impact research conducting polymers, nanostructured distributed using ink-jet printing is an
outputs. The ACES level of research is carbons, ionic liquids and plastic crystals) exciting advance. This takes ACES closer
among the highest in the world! In 2012, as well as functionalised post fabricated to a range of practical devices.
47% of the 138 ACES research articles structures; for both their research and for New improved conducting electrodes,
published were published in peer reviewed international collaborators. using materials developed within
journals with an impact factor >4. ACES, are being tested for stability and
The facilities provided within the centre
There was impressive progress in all are certainly world class and built around reproducibility as well as electrochemical
three interconnected research programs, cutting edge technologies; a sentiment felt and electrophysiological properties. New
especially with respect to the fundamental by politicians (both federal, state and local) testing protocols have been developed
research outcomes. as well as other visitors who have had the to evaluate the use of these electrodes
with respect to developing new imaging
opportunity to tour the facilities.
techniques as well as surgical approaches
for insertion.
Participants at the International Advisory
Board meeting held 15 February 2013.
06
Although ACES has developed there is a greater possibility to be able to ACES members also undertook 63 visits
encapsulation methods to extend the get most of the energy put into the system to leading international laboratories (in 17
operating lifetime of actuators in liquids, back out of the system again. The oxygen countries).
their translation as a mechanism to reduction reaction is highly electrolyte
In addition ACES hosted 5 international
improve guidance for the insertion of the dependent, so ACES has also been looking
workshops in Australia and 2 international
cochlear electrode, has not been successful at novel ionic liquids to act as electrolytes.
delegation workshops; in Taiwan and
to date.
Towards the development of metal/air China.
Meanwhile the Ethics team worked batteries (focussing mainly on zinc and
National engagement was also impressive.
alongside the Bionics team looking at magnesium metals) researchers looked at
In addition to the invited talks above,
the impact that these new technologies, controlling (protecting) the morphology/
another 32 ACES members presented
involving nanotechnologies or nanoscience, integrity of the metal using overlayers of
ACES research at 36 separate national
may have on related regulatory and social materials in association with non-aqueous
conferences or events.
aspects. Three main areas studied in electrolytes to get improved cycling;
Furthermore, students and staff of ACES
2012 were related to: when bionics may investigated the use of the bi-functional
were given as much opportunity, as
shift the person’s sense of self, health and nature of some oxygen reduction catalysts
finances allowed, to travel between the
wellness; issues related to clinical trials for to improve efficiencies and to gain an
domestic nodes as well as visiting other
these proposed technologies /devices and improved understanding of the oxygen
laboratories within Australia, to undertake
public democratic deliberation about what reduction reaction in ionic liquids as
multidisciplinary research tasks or to talk
the impact those devices may have. opposed to aqueous solutions.
and work with domestic collaborators.
The IAB acknowledged that having this Other battery work involved looking at
In 2012 ACES and associated project
perspective raised now during device new materials for use in lithium batteries;
members undertook 37 trips for this
development was important as it may designing flexible/bendable polymer
purpose. This domestic travel was in
assist in directing the research efforts; batteries and looking to produce an all
addition to monthly trips to Melbourne
depending if the results considered a polymer battery system suitable for bionic
and/or Tasmania by Prof Gordon Wallace,
potential device either favourable or applications.
the Executive Director of ACES.
unfavourable, as well as assisting with
To view the batteries whilst they are
the community and regulatory bodies’
working is difficult. ACES showed that MRI End-User Engagement
understanding on potential impacts these
technology can be used to give information
technologies may have once available.
about the battery as it charges and The fundamental knowledge accrued is
Much of the research on water-splitting discharges- a first! being effectively disseminated through the
in the Energy Program was focussed Thermoelectrochemical cells based in ionic highly effective ACES end-user network,
on developing high efficiency oxygen- liquid electrolytes are also being studied. which to date has 900 members.
generating anodes that are amenable to
The IAB was pleased to see ACES
‘wireless’ coupling to hydrogen-generating
International & National
reporting a high level of activity in
cathodes, with the ultimate aim to split
Collaborations developing the end-user network during
water at zero bias using light illumination
2012, with 96 government, industry or
only.
The IAB thought the integration of business briefings; along with running 6
In 2012, ACES work was still very focussed ACES with national and international specific end-user targeted engagement
on the materials and understanding collaborators was exceptional and the events (composed of AdFab, AdBioFab
the electrode reactions in both water research is at a high standard which is workshops and industry breakfasts).
splitting and for metal/air battery recognised globally. In addition to the work directed into
applications. ACES work has used several developing strategies for selected
Testimony of this was that, in 2012, ACES
different combinations of catalysts, projects in both the Energy and Bionics
hosted 41 international researchers from
electrode materials (including breathable programs, the IAB was excited to note the
17 countries to access the world class
membranes made from Goretex), and cell successful start-up of a spin-out company
ACES facilities at the various nodes.
configurations to investigate the processes ‘Aquahydrex’ with True North Venture
involved in the generation of hydrogen and 16 ACES members were invited to give 59 Partners in the area of water-splitting.
oxygen from water. Some light assisted lectures at international conferences (45 This spin-out will be the first step towards
processes have already been shown held abroad and 14 held within Australia) commercialisation of some of the ACES
to facilitate oxidation in near- neutral and another 11 members travelled technology that seeks to identify disruptive
conditions; including seawater. worldwide to present 38 invited talks at innovations and work with management
ACES aims to produce highly efficient Universities and Research Organisations teams to build companies for the long-
catalysts that can handle both oxygen (25 abroad and 13 within Australia). term in the areas of energy and medical
reduction and oxygen evolution; so that bionics.
07
AquaHydrex is a great example of a as well as to introduce the work from The facilities created are world-class
university technology that has been ACES to a wider end-user network via this and central to the team approach that
developed to become an investable project. has been cultivated to provide a unique
opportunity. The education for the environment in which to carry out
researchers in just bringing to fruition Communication & Outreach research.
such a company is invaluable towards “Once again the IAB was most impressed
understanding the difficulties and pitfalls The communications strategy has begun to find that ACES has excelled in its work,
that can be encountered in such ventures. to enhance the reputation of ACES and is increasing its impact even more than in
Evidence that other fundamental research helping ACES to become recognised as an previous years.
has been moving towards translation is authority on electromaterials science. The highly successful cross nodal working
that the ACES solar cell work has been ACES should continue to disseminate the nationally and also internationally is, as
further developed by the CRC-Polymers; ACES message on current technology always, an excellent indication of the success
some Bionics research by the Hearing and communication platforms; especially of this group.
CRC and successful funding from the ARC building their online presence. ACES has
The work on nanomaterial synthesis,
for linkage projects with industry partners shown they are keen to create content
characterisation and fabrication to new
(3 in 2012; 2 in 2011 as well as in 2010). ranging from videos to generating and
materials has received a huge boost with new
producing their own news stories on its
research tools and equipment in association
Education & Training
website, digital newsletters and more
with ANFF.
general articles that reach wider audiences
The IAB expects to see even greater
ACES continued to develop intensive, than just their academic peers.
success in the coming year.”
efficient and effective education and
training programs for both staff members Key Performance Measures
and students of all the nodes. The depth
and breadth of education and training The performance of the Centre has
in ACES for students and early career exceeded the 2012 targets.
researchers in 2012 was encouraging.
Publications included 2 books, 6 book
There were numerous scientific chapters and 136 journal articles published
workshops, seminars, and research (62 or 46% with impact factor >4;
program meetings that were 103 or 76% with impact factor >2); 6
complemented by training programs on postgraduate students were recruited,
career development, leadership, and 10 postgraduate completions, 118 media
commercialisation. The technical and interest stories published (40 print,
scientific programs of the many symposia 51 online/web, 19 radio and 8 TV)
and seminars were varied and topical. and 12 patent updates. In 2012, ACES
Inter-nodal visits are being encouraged as continued to hold much larger numbers
much as finances allow. of government, industry and business
Teaching students and staff the value of briefings; 95 in total. ACES also hosted 88
fundamental research and the application/ international visitors.
translation to the next phase is being The ACES entity enabled success in the
tackled well by ACES with the resources following initiatives in 2012 that were in
available. The IAB particularly appreciated addition to the core funded activities
the benefits of the introduction of the reported: 1 ARC laureate fellowship; 1
‘transition project’. ARC DORA fellowship, 2 ARC DECRA
In this new initiative, the two students fellowships; 1 ASI fellowship; 2 UOW Vice-
Dr (Dame) Bridget Ogilvie (AC, DBE,
chosen to participate, were able to Chancellor Fellowships and 3 ARC linkage
FAA, FRS, FMedSci).
interview a number of company executives grants.
Chair International Advisory Board for
and identify if ‘gaps’ exist after completing The ACES team has excelled in
ACES.
a PhD and being highly placed to gain an developing all aspects of the Centre’s
industry placement. Their success and operation. In research, end-user
enjoyment of this project was evident and engagement, outreach and research
will have secondary effects for ACES. It will training the outcomes have been
encourage other PhD students to expand impressive – the impact has been
their skill set if looking for work in industry, widespread.
08
Overview
ACES core funded projects from 2010- This includes significant advances in: next
2013 are set to enable development of: generation solar cells; fuel cells; energy
f a knowledge base in electromaterials storage technologies; platform for epilepsy
science that is utilised in Energy and detection and control; development
Medical Bionics of ‘bio-inks’ and composite materials
f an efficient, easily manufactured water to enable creation of 3D structures;
splitting device development of nanoscale characterisation
f a high capacity printable metal-air tools and techniques for probing cell
battery and material interactions as well as the
development of stronger hydrogels (soft
f an effective nerve repair conduit
materials) for bionic applications.
(proven) in an animal model
f an advanced cochlear implant In addition and in partnership with the
electrode Australian National Fabrication Facility
(ANFF) we have developed leading edge
Advances in materials synthesis and
fabrication capabilities. The $40 million
assembly in 2012 have enabled the
facility opened in 2012, housed with
realisation of enhanced performance
state-of-the-art customised fabrication
systems for water splitting (Energy
and characterisation tools; some that have
program) and for nerve regeneration
been developed in house. This facility now
conduits (Bionics program) as well as
provides an unprecedented capability
advanced cochlear electrode studies
enabling assembly of highly functional
(Bionics program) in 2012.
materials.
The experimental advances, the materials
Consequently, we are now well placed to
developed and the knowledge accrued by
tackle the 2013 milestones as outlined in
the core funded ACES research team also
the table below.
continues to have a significant impact on a
range of other areas separately funded but
carried out under the centre umbrella.
09
The ACES research milestones for 2011 to 2013.
END 2011 END 2012 END 2013
Supplied 1st Generation porphyrin Refined and supplied optimal materials Supplied optimal materials to Energy
monomers, porphyrin dimers, solid to Energy and Bionics programs. and Bionics programs.
electrolytes, polythiophenes and
Supplied selected printed devices to
graphenes for the electromaterials,
Energy and Bionics programs.
energy and bionics programs.
Supplied printed electrodes using 1st
Generation materials.
Developed and supplied 2nd
S Generation Electromaterials to Energy
L
A and Bionics programs.
RI
E
T Refined and applied new
A
M characterisation methods.
Completed metal air battery using 2nd Incorporated optimised 2nd Generation Developed printed metal air battery
Generation materials. materials and printed components into prototype using optimised materials.
metal air battery.
Refined water splitting device Developed printed water splitting device
Y
G characteristics using 2nd Generation Incorporated optimised 2nd Generation prototype using optimised materials.
R
E materials. materials and printed components into
N
E water splitting devices.
Completed evaluation of appropriate Established in vivo work with 3D Established in vivo functional nerve
2nd Generation Electromaterials structures. repair studies (with NHMRC support).
for neuromuscular regeneration and
Established work on functional nerve Completed design and fabrication
advanced cochlear electrode.
repair (with NHMRC support). of 3D bionic structures with spatial
Optimised control and sensing control over the location of bioactive
Completed studies using optimal
mechanisms for steerable electrode molecules, stem cells, biodegradable and
Electromaterials for advanced cochlear
using polymer actuators. electronically conductive elements.
S electrode.
C
NI Developed actuator technologies for Completed in vivo testing of advanced
Applied steering – sensing system to
O
BI steerable cochlea implant. advanced cochlear electrode. cochlear electrode.
Evaluated current research ethics Designed and conducted public Evaluated public engagement processes
guidelines (e.g. National Statement) to engagement event(s) on bionic devices. on nano-medicine.
assess appropriateness for clinical trials
of bionic devices and other nano-
medical treatments.
S Identified and analysed range of
C
HI approaches to public engagement in
T
E development of nano-medicine.