Curtin University

About: Curtin University is a education organization based out in Perth, Western Australia, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Zircon. The organization has 14257 authors who have published 48997 publications receiving 1336531 citations. The organization is also known as: WAIT & Western Australian Institute of Technology.

Phosphorus-doped perovskite oxide as highly efficient water oxidation electrocatalyst in alkaline solution

Abstract: Developing cost-effective and efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of paramount importance for the storage of renewable energies Perovskite oxides serve as attractive candidates given their structural and compositional flexibility in addition to high intrinsic catalytic activity In a departure from the conventional doping approach utilizing metal elements only, here it is shown that non-metal element doping provides an another attractive avenue to optimize the structure stability and OER performance of perovskite oxides This is exemplified by a novel tetragonal perovskite developed in this work, ie, SrCo095P005O3-delta (SCP) which features higher electrical conductivity and larger amount of O2(2-)/O-species relative to the non-doped parent SrCoO3-delta (SC), and thus shows improved OER activity Also, the performance of SCP compares favorably to that of well-developed perovskite oxides reported More importantly, an unusual activation process with enhanced activity during accelerated durability test (ADT) is observed for SCP, whereas SC delivers deactivation for the OER Such an activation phenomenon for SCP may be primarily attributed to the in situ formation of active A-site-deficient structure on the surface and the increased electrochemical surface area during ADT The concept presented here bolsters the prospect to develop a viable alternative to precious metal-based catalysts

Effects of tea tree oil on Escherichia coli

Abstract: Tea tree oil (TTO) stimulates autolysis in exponential and stationary phase cells of Escherichia coli. Electron micrographs of cells grown in the presence of TTO showed the loss of electron dense material, coagulation of cell cytoplasm and formation of extracellular blebs. Stationary phase cells demonstrated less TTO-stimulated autolysis and also had greater tolerance to TTO-induced cell death, compared to exponentially grown cells. It was also revealed that a subpopulation of stationary phase cells demonstrated increased tolerance to TTO-bactericidal effects.

A Cross-cultural Study of Classroom Learning Environments in Australia and Taiwan

Abstract: This research is distinctive in that it not only provides an example of one of the few cross-cultural studies in science education, but also it used multiple research methods from different paradigms in exploring classroom learning environments in Taiwan and Australia. This article describes the validation and use of an English and Mandarin version of the What is Happening in this Class? (WIHIC) questionnaire in junior high school science classes in Australia and Taiwan. When the WIHIC was administered to 1,081 students in 50 classes in Australia and to 1,879 students in 50 classes in Taiwan, data analysis supported the reliability and factorial validity of the questionnaire, and revealed differences between Taiwanese and Australian classrooms. Although the study commenced from a more positivistic framework, favouring a more objectivist view, as the study progressed, it employed an interpretative framework and drew on elements of constructivist and critical theory paradigms. This article outlines the researchers' use of multiple research methods including classroom observations, in-depth interviews and narratives. The themes which emerged from the data gathered using these methods helped to make sense of classroom environments that were created in each country.

Advances in oxidation and ablation resistance of high and ultra-high temperature ceramics modified or coated carbon/carbon composites

Abstract: Carbon/carbon (C/C) composites are considered as one of the most promising materials in structural applications owing to their excellent mechanical properties at high temperature. However, C/C composites are susceptible to high-temperature oxidation. Matrix modification and coating technology with ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) have proved to be highly effective to improve the oxidation and ablation resistance of C/C composites. In this paper, recent advances in oxidation and ablation resistance of C/C composites were firstly reviewed, with attention to oxidation and ablation properties of C/C composites coated or modified with UHTCs. Then, several new methods in improving oxidation and ablation resistance were discussed, such as by using nanostructures to toughen UHTCs coatings or carbon matrix and the combination of matrix modification and coating technology. In addition, relevant ablation tests with scaled models were also briefly introduced. Finally, some open problems and future challenges were highlighted in the development and application of these materials.