NSW/South Korea joint technology program

Researchers at the University of Wollongong’s Intelligent Polymer Research Institute have been chosen as the first funding recipients of a joint technology program between the NSW government and the South Korean province of Gangwon.

When announcing the $100,000 joint research grant, the Minister for Science and Medical and Research, Jodi McKay, said the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute and Korean researchers will use nanotechnology to develop a new high-performance energy storage device.

“This is cutting-edge research that is capable of making improvements to products that we use every day,” McKay said.

“High-performance energy devices can mean longer lasting mobile phone and digital camera batteries.

“The research could also improve the performance of electric vehicles and enhance the state’s ability to harness wind and solar power technologies.”

Member for Wollongong Noreen Hay said it was great to see further potential groundbreaking research based in Wollongong.

“The University of Wollongong team will be led by Professor Gordon Wallace, a leading Australian nanotechnology researcher, who won the Chemistry category of the inaugural NSW Scientist of the Year Awards in September of last year,” Hay said. 

NSW Chief Scientist and Scientific Engineer Mary O’Kane said a new hybrid energy storage device can combine the advantages of both lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors.

"Lithium-ion batteries store large amounts of energy but they don’t deliver that energy quickly. On the other hand, supercapacitors deliver energy quickly but can only store modest amounts,” Professor O’Kane said.

“Such technology could have a major impact in the multibillion-dollar market for energy storage devices for mobile phones, personal digital assistants and digital cameras.”

The NSW government is supporting this research project through its Department of State and Regional Development to help drive innovation and develop high technology links with Gangwon.

“South Korea is an important partner in the Asia–Pacific and there is strong potential for NSW and Gangwon to work together through this grants program to explore future business and economic opportunities,” McKay said.

An independent assessment panel selected the University of Wollongong and Kangnung University (Gangwon) project based on its commercial potential, technical merit, applicant capability and overall benefit for NSW and Gangwon.