{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260101887"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260101887","attributes":{"code":"DE260101887","administering-organisation":"Curtin University","announcement-administering-organisation":"Curtin University","scheme-name":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2026,"years-funded":3,"project-start-date":"2026-01-01","anticipated-end-date":"2028-12-31","grant-summary":"Carbon nanoparticles: a blessing and a curse for hydrogen production. This project investigates the fundamental mechanism of carbon nanoparticle formation during methane pyrolysis, a promising route to clean hydrogen. While these nanoparticles are a potential source of valuable carbon materials, their uncontrolled growth and deposition inside reactors hinders hydrogen production. This research will elucidate the mechanisms governing nanoparticle inception and growth, focusing on the gas-to-nanoparticle transition. The key transient intermediates will be identified, deposits characterised and a detailed mechanism generated. Success will provide fundamental insights into high-temperature carbon materials, enabling the rational design of catalysts and reactor conditions for optimised hydrogen production.","funding-current":528756.00,"funding-at-announcement":524518,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Jacob","familyName":"Martin","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-7514-4549 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Jacob","familyName":"Martin","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-7514-4549 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"Curtin University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"WA"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"Curtin University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"WA"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":true,"code":"4018","name":"Nanotechnology","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"401807","name":"Nanomaterials","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"280105","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Chemical Sciences","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280120","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Physical Sciences","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["Canada","France","Italy","Switzerland","United States of America"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"This project tackles a critical challenge for Australia's clean energy future: clean hydrogen production. Hydrogen is a promising clean fuel, but current production methods either produce significant carbon dioxide emissions or are energy intensive. Methane pyrolysis is a process that thermally releases hydrogen from methane, producing a solid carbon product. This research will investigate the fundamental mechanism of how unwanted carbon nanoparticles form during methane conversion, hindering hydrogen yields from clogging. By understanding this process at the atomic level, we aim to develop strategies to control nanoparticle formation, maximising hydrogen output. This will improve the economic viability and sustainability of hydrogen production, contributing to Australia's energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The knowledge gained will also have significant applications in advanced materials synthesis, benefiting various Australian industries. Controlled synthesis of carbon nanomaterials could lead to advancements in battery technology, composite materials, and electronics. Furthermore, insights into high-temperature carbon materials will contribute to cleaner combustion technologies. Research findings will be disseminated through high-impact scientific publications, industry-focused workshops, and public outreach programs. This ensures that the benefits of this research are widely accessible, fostering understanding and support for clean energy initiatives."}}}