Two research teams from the University of Sydney have been given over $1 million to collaborate with industry on urban rewilding and hydrogen embrittlement projects.
The projects were awarded under the Linkage Projects initiative of the Australian Research Council (ARC), which encourages national and international research partnerships between scholars and business, industry, community organizations, and government supported research bodies. Projects are sponsored for a period of five years.
Professor Emma Johnston AO, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), commended the grant recipients on their success.
“Congratulations to our successful recipients, whose research is addressing issues of vital importance to Australia, including making urban areas wildlife-friendly, and developing materials for the hydrogen industry.
“The successful grants also recognize the University of Sydney’s commitment to working with industry and government partners toward solutions to some of the world’s most complex problems.”
Professor Julie Cairney, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research – Enterprise and Engagement), was given $519,346 to research hydrogen embrittlement in steels in partnership with CITIC Metal, Microscopy Solutions, and various universities in South Korea and China.
Hydrogen embrittlement in steels is a process that occurs when metals become brittle owing to the entry and diffusion of hydrogen. It is a significant barrier to the development of a safe hydrogen economy.
Hydrogen fuel that can be stored is inexpensive, clean, storable, and emission-free, producing only water when burned. This research intends to study hydrogen embrittlement in steels in order to facilitate the design of safe, hydrogen-compatible future gas infrastructure in Australia.
The research team intends to investigate how hydrogen influences the deformation behavior of steel in order to produce alloys that can carry and store hydrogen in a safe manner.
The researchers anticipate that a comprehensive examination of the impacts of hydrogen on the micro components of steel will pave the way for the production of novel alloys.
