Functional Materials for Clean Energy Application
Dr Chang , Wei Sea Senior Lecturer PhD
Research expertise : Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric ; Epitaxial Thin Film and Nanostructure ; Scanning probe microscopy
E : chang . wei . sea @ monash . edu T : + 603 5514 5677
Understanding and Improving Human Motion Complex for a Better Quality of Life
Dr Darwin Gouwanda Senior Lecturer PhD
Research expertise : Human Motion Analysis , Biomedical Instrumentation and Device , Signal Processing and Artificial Intelligence
E : darwin . gouwanda @ monash . edu T : + 603 5514 5655
Functional materials are of growing interest for application in clean energy and future electronics . We fabricate epitaxial thin films and nanostructures to research on piezoelectric and ferroelectric functionalities for sensors and photoconversion application . We use scanning probe microscopy for nanoscale characterizations . See figures on the right . We also explore charge transport across solid-liquid interface in hetero- and nanostructures system , in particularly the effect of ferroelectric polarization in electrolytic water splitting .
Human motion is a combination of complex tasks executed by the neural system , proprioceptors , and musculoskeletal system . Even though an activity such as reaching and grasping a cup of water may seem trivial to most of us , it requires the activation of our senses to perceive the location of the cup and the coordination of our hand and arm , and proprioceptors to reach , sense , and grasp the cup firmly , making sure the water does not spill . This research involves the understanding of the human motion complex from an engineering perspective and designing assistive and rehabilitative devices to better coordinate human limbs in performing activities of daily living .
We have close collaboration with local and international universities , as well as industries in Malaysia supported by CREST .
We fabricate heteroepitaxial thin films , nanostructures and interfaces to create new functionalities for photoconversion applications , photoelectrochemical water splitting and power harvesting . Figures ( right ) show the coupling between optoelectronic and electromechancial properties for wireless remote control applications .
Existing research projects include :
1 . Determination of human gait spatio-temporal gait parameters using wireless inertial measurement unit ( IMU ).
2 . Investigating the coordination of human lower extremity in asymmetrical gait .
3 . Design and development of ankle rehabilitation robot . 4 . Development of hand and arm assistive robotic device .
Schematic of GaN-based material measured using piezoresponse force microscopy ( PFM )
Piezo-phototronic effect causes enhancement in strain by 50 % under illumination
Determination of gait parameters using wireless Inertial Measurement Unit ( IMU )
Design of Ankle Rehabilitation Robot
27MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
R E S E A R C H E R P R O F I L E 2022 / 2023