The Nanotechnology for Energy research group, based at Deakin’s Waurn Ponds campus, develops cutting-edge nanomaterials and next-generation energy storage devices with a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and circular energy solutions.
Advanced materials for future energy systems
Led by Deakin Distinguished Professor Ying (Ian) Chen, the group brings together experts in chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science, and modelling, to translate research into commercial technologies.
Our research capabilities
Key research strengths include:
- Energy storage: Development of high-performance battery using nanomaterials and nanotechnology; Safe all-solid-state lithium batteries using advanced solid electrolytes, 3D printing and artificial intelligence (AI) design;
- Clean energy technology: Hydrogen, ammonia and CO2 storage and conversion;
- Circular economy: Solutions for end-of-life solar panels and battery recycling;
- Mechanochemistry: Exploration of this new clean chemistry for environmentally friendly and energy-saving chemical processes without the use of water and waste products;
- Advanced functional nanomaterials: developing a range of novel nanomaterials for a new generation of heat spreaders and cooling technology, paving the way for faster, more reliable electronic devices and reduced energy consumption, creating more sensitive sensors as well as target materials for clean cold fusion reactions;
- Commercialisation: generating patented technologies and commercialising BN nanomaterials production, nano Si and Li–S batteries.
The group is also pioneering new manufacturing approaches to enable scalable, high-performance energy storage:
- 3D printing: Creating complex battery architectures using custom inks and printing technologies;
- Magnetic sputtering deposition: Producing thin-film batteries for integration into electronic devices;
- Prototype production line: Includes ball-milling, thermal spray drying, and a continuous rotary kiln for kg-scale material synthesis.
What makes us different
Next generation batteries
Our team is a global leader in the development of advanced nanomaterials for next-generation clean energy technologies. We specialise in mechanochemistry and nanomaterial synthesis, creating innovative materials such as graphene and nano-silicon. Leveraging this expertise, our research is driving breakthroughs in advanced energy storage solutions, including Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) and solid-state lithium metal batteries. We are also pioneering sustainable approaches to nano-silicon upcycling, transforming materials into high-performance battery components that support the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Self-cooling thermal management
The Nanotechnology for energy group is leading research that explores energy-efficient technologies to prevent electronics from overheating. Led by ARC Discovery Early Career Award Fellow Dr Qiran Cai, the project is investigating how strained two-dimensional materials transfer heat for self-cooling. The project aims to deliver significant economic and environmental benefits, including lower costs, reduced energy use, and decreased carbon emissions in thermal management technologies.
Dr Cai is also leading a project developing a new generation of heat spreaders using high-quality diamond films, paving the way for faster, more reliable devices and reduced energy consumption. The project is funded through Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite program.
Hydrogen Research
Our hydrogen research function is led by Dr Srikanth Mateti, who specializes in mechanochemistry and nanotechnology. Dr Mateti undertakes work using a novel, energy-efficient ball-milling technique harnessing boron nitride powder to store and separate hydrogen without high pressure or cryogenic temperatures. The aim of this research is to improve the safe transport and storage of hydrogen energy.
As the world transitions toward decarbonisation, this research plays a critical role in securing its place within the future net zero-emissions fuel landscape.
Funded by Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA), Dr Mateti is currently leading a project titled, ‘From Lab to Prototype: Advancing Solid-State Hydrogen Storage – Safe, Compact, High-Density’.
Research translation and industry impact
Prof Chen also leads the ARC Research Hub for Safe and Reliable Energy (SafeREnergy), which strives to address safety and reliability issues, and the environmental impact of current energy storage and conversion technologies.
The Hub is a collaboration between Deakin University, University of Queensland, University of Wollongong, University of Sydney, University of Adelaide, the University of Southern Queensland and the University of Western Australia, alongside 10 industry partners.
At Deakin, the SafeREnergy team partnered with ASX-listed Li-S Energy Ltd, a start-up company based on Deakin patented technology that is now used to develop solid-state lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries.
Related
ARC Research Hub for Safe and Reliable Energy
