Annual Report 2007 - The Australian Nanotechnology Network

Cntre’s Executive Research Director, Professor Gordon Wallace; with key Centre
Rsearchers also presenting their latest results on topics such as nanostructured
(extremely minute) electronic devices; optimising material properties to enhance cell
growth for bionics, nanocompositematerials for use in lithium rechargeable batteries and
artificial photosynthesis using nanostructured materials for light harvesting.
A key focus for symposium organisers was to highlight the research and impact of young
researchers in the area, achieved through inclusion of a Fellows session in the oral
program, and extensive poster sessions for post-graduate students and post-doctoral
fellows. The oral program was well received, with highly talented and dynamic ACES
Fellows presenting their research work on topics ranging from new techniques for
producing nanostructured materials, and their inclusion into devices for electronics &
energy applications. The poster sessions provided the opportunity to cover a vast range
of topics with two evening sessions facilitating networking and in-depth discussion
amongst delegates.
Poster prizes sponsored by the Australian Research Council Nanotechnology Network were
hard earned, with 2 of a short-listed 5 entries receiving a certificate and cash prize after
defending the poster during the session and subsequently presenting an oral snap-shot of
their poster in a time limit 90 seconds to the entire conference.
The judging panel was comprised of 3 judges, from research institutions outside Australia
that were attending the conference. Award winners were presented with a certificate by
the CEO of the Australian Research Council Professor Ian MacKinnon:
Ms Brianna Thompson, IPRI, UoW ($300) – Release of neurotrophic factor from a
conducting polymer enhances nerve growth
Ms Chonlada Dechakiatkrai, IPRI, UoW ($200) – The growth of carbon nanotubes on TiO2
film
Delegates were saddened to learn of Nobel Laureate, Professor Alan MacDiarmid’s passing
during the symposium, with various tributes to his impact on electromaterials science
added into the program.
Outcomes of the training workshop:
ACES conducted a day long workshop program with a specific focus on the training of
young researchers within the Centre. The workshops were attended by 30 - 40 students
and staff. Training was carried out by a team of eminent researchers who are
international experts in their field – the program and topics are contained within Schedule
1.
There is a continuing need for advances in electromaterials science in order to improve
performance in areas as diverse as electrorefining to nanobionics. The need to do this in a
multidisciplinary environment was emphasized. The workshop was fortunate to draw on
the expertise of two “international gurus” in the area of Electromaterials Science. Prof.
Frank Walsh (University of Southampton, UK) and Prof. Dennis Tallman (North Dakota
State University, USA) highlighted the fundamental principles necessary to design new
electromaterials. Large scale applications (e.g. corrosion) and the challenges that arise
were discussed. The issues confronting optimisation of fuel cell and redox battery
performance were also discussed. Prof. Tallman discussed the use of state of the art
electrochemical mapping (LEIS and SVRET) techniques in helping elucidate factors
determining the electrochemical performance in such areas. Overall participants gained
an understanding of some practical challenges in electromaterials development. They also
were shown through case studies how fundamental theories can/should be used to tackle
these challenges. Finally the participants were exposed to state of the art electrochemical
probes that can be used in new materials development and characterisation. Prof. Peter
Innis (UoW) complemented Prof. Tallman’s presentation reviewing the electrochemical
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