Monash Engineering is leading a research project focusing on the chemical properties of liquid metals that aims to revolutionise catalyst technology in both industrial and biological sectors.
This work is led by Dr Md. Arifur Rahim from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, who recently secured a prestigious Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship valued at $883,000 to advance this innovative study.
Central to the research is exploring the potential of liquid metal-based artificial nanozymes – nanomaterials designed to mimic the activity of natural enzymes.
The dynamic liquid nanozymes developed by the engineering team could have far-reaching implications, not only enhancing industrial catalytic processes but also improving enzyme stability, activity, and efficiency in medical and environmental applications.
Rahim said this research could potentially create a shift in industrial processes, from converting carbon dioxide and methane into valuable chemicals to breaking biofuels into more usable forms.
Unlike traditional solid-state nanozymes, this new class of “dynamic” liquid nanozymes offers enhanced catalytic efficiency, driven by the liquid nature of gallium, a metallic element that remains liquid at just 30°C.
“Liquid metals, like gallium, are extraordinary in that they provide a versatile platform for catalysis, with the ability to significantly boost reaction rates—sometimes by factors of 1000 or even 10,000,” said Rahim.
The Monash research team envisions broad interdisciplinary collaboration across the university, leveraging expertise from various fields to push the boundaries of what is possible with liquid metal-based catalysts.
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