Deakin
joins the space race
 Nanotechnology
has a huge role to play in future space travel according
to Professor Ying (Ian) Chen, the latest recruit to Deakin
University’s
new Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (ITRI).
The “small” science can
be used to develop new propulsion systems and also to create
effective shields against radiation, an area in which Professor
Chen is a world leader, even a galactic one.
“When astronauts leave the protection
of the Earth, they are exposed to ionising radiation,” Professor
Chen said. “This is in the form of charged atomic particles
travelling at close to the speed of light.”
Long term exposure to this radiation
can lead to cancer and also damage to an astronaut’s
DNA however, research by Professor Chen offers the hope
that shielding materials manufactured boron 10 will in
future provide long-term protection.
“We have known about the ability of boron 10 to capture
neutrons since the early 1930’s,” Professor Chen
said.
“A major issue though has been
the manufacturing of pure boron nanotubes in large quantities.
“My colleagues and I have developed
a ball milling method that can solve this problem.
“I have also been working with
researchers at NASA about the possible applications of
boron nanotubes in space missions.
“Several years ago they asked
me to prepare boron nanotube samples for tests on the space
station.”
Professor Chen says there will also be more earthly uses
for the boron nanotubes, including the production of electrical
power.
“There is a lot of talk about developing fusion energy
to feed an energy-hungry world,” he said.
“One of the challenges to developing fusion energy
on a commercial basis is coming up with materials that can
provide shielding from the high neutron fluxes produced by
the fusion process. Boron nanotubes might just allow
us to do that, too.”
Professor Chen comes to ITRI from the Australian National
University (ANU).
“He really is a prize signing for us,” said
ITRI’s Chief Director, Professor Andrew Parratt. He
comes with an international reputation for research that
is right out there at the cutting edge.
“As with Professor Kevin Nicholas,
he is part of the exciting widening and deepening of our
research capabilities at Deakin.”
Professor Chen gained his BSc at Tsinghua University in
China.
He completed his PhD at the University of Paris-Sud in France.
His most recent appointment was that of Senior Fellow in
Research School of Physical Science and Engineering at ANU.
He is also a program leader for the ARC Centre of Excellence
for Functional Nanomaterials.
Professor Chen’s research at ITRI will also research
into nanomaterials for use in the storage of energy – solar
cells, batteries and capacitators – as well as medical
applications and environmental protection.
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