Zoomposium 14: 15 January 2021
Published: 11 January 2021
Dr ANASTASIA IOANNOU: 'Energy system optimisation towards net zero' Dr JOSHUA FRANZ EINSLE: 'Where are the Minerals? Machine Learning tools for multiscale energy critical mineral problems' Dr JOSEPH CAMERON: 'π-conjugated materials for single molecule electronics'
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Dr Anastasia Ioannou, James Watt School of Engineering
‘Energy system optimisation towards net-zero’
Decarbonising the energy system will significantly contribute to meeting net-zero and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This presentation will focus on energy system modelling as a method for planning future energy pathways for a number of policy and technology scenarios. The optimisation model under uncertainty that will be introduced, aims to derive the optimal allocation of energy resources taking into consideration physical limitations, sustainability indicators aligned with SDGs and uncertainty in key parameters, whilst satisfying a number of conditions related to security of supply, availability of resources, renewable energy policy goals, system resilience and environmental impact. Relevant areas of collaboration would be integration of more aspects from the land-water-climate nexus (to achieve horizontal synergies and efficiencies) into energy systems modelling, demand-side management, energy transition in developing countries and role of novel technologies to achieving net-zero.
Dr Joshua Franz Einsle, School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
‘Where are the Minerals? Machine Learning tools for multiscale energy critical mineral problems’
My LKAS Research Fellowship leverages multi-scale microscopy techniques (optical, x-ray and electron) with machine learning tools to connect geophysical processes with nanoscale mineral phases. We are increasingly reliant on nano to micrometre sized grains to produce the raw materials required for advanced green technologies (e.g. wind turbines and rechargeable batteries). Paradoxically, current recovery strategies for these minerals are environmentally unsustainable through large-scale, low-grade mining, and energy-intensive processing, with creation of excessive mine tailings and environmental damage. My research aims to connect multi-scale microscopy data though statistical methods with kilometre scaled geophysical processes to unlock sustainable recovery and utilisation of energy critical mineral systems.
Dr Joseph Cameron, School of Chemistry
‘π-conjugated materials for single molecule electronics’
I am a research associate in the School of Chemistry with experience in organic synthesis and fabrication of devices such as OLEDs, organic solar cells and field-effect transistors. Currently, I am working on single molecule electronics. This research is focussed on two main targets: (i) developing materials that can be used as single molecule switches and (ii) the functionalisation of π-conjugated wires for precise assembly of molecular spintronic devices using DNA origami. I also have an interest in developing chemistry for sustainable energy and I hope to begin an independent career studying organic thermoelectric materials.
First published: 11 January 2021