RMIT University launches nanomanufacturing research centre

Melbourne’s RMIT University has launched the Centre for Atomaterials and Nanomanufacturing (CAN) to work with industry to commercialise nanomaterials.

Led by Distinguished Professor Baohua Jia (pictured), CAN will drive the translation of atomaterial research to support industry and Australia’s transition to a circular economy.

Distinguished Professor Jia said: “Atomaterials are microscopic materials about one millionth of a human hair in size and are the building blocks of new functionalities in nanomanufacturing.

“Atomaterials present a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Australian innovation.

“We’re working directly with industry partners to drive applied research in critical sectors from protected cropping and agriculture, to MedTech, and the net-zero transition.”

CAN is focused on the development of prototypes including:

• Radiative cooling film: a flexible film that prevents the absorption of heat and can cool its environment by up to 15°C without consuming electricity, significantly reducing greenhouse emissions
• Graphene supercapacitors: long-lasting energy storage devices that can charge devices in seconds and electric vehicles in minutes offering a safer and more efficient alternative to lithium-ion batteries
• And a solar to hydrogen generator: an all-solar driven floatable device that generates cost-effective and scalable green hydrogen and simultaneously purifies wastewater.

One company working with the researchers is Melbourne manufacturer of laser nanofabrication and holographic imaging equipment, Innofocus Photonics Technology.

Innofocus CEO Frank Yao said: “The application of atomaterials in photonics breaks free of the limitations of silicon-based nanostructured materials, ushering in new opportunities for Australia.

“Our technology is solving challenges across key verticals such as electronics, healthcare, MedTech and agriculture.

“Close collaboration between industry partners like Innofocus and research institutes like CAN, could make Australia a world leader in nanomanufacturing.”

According to the researchers Atomaterials can provide solutions to the frontiers of the clean energy revolution and Australia’s transition to net-zero.

Distinguished Professor Jia said: “We’re not just theorising in a lab, we’re working directly with our partners in our OpenLabs both at RMIT and industry facilities to design solutions that Australian businesses can implement today to better meet the needs of the customers and communities they serve and remain competitive in a fast-changing market.”

CAN was launched at the International Conference of Nanomaterial and Atomaterial Sciences and Applications (ICNASA) 2024.

Picture: RMIT University/Distinguished Professor Baohua Jia