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Dr Walid Daoud
Dr Walid Daoud is a lecturer in Organic Chemistry in the School of Applied Sciences and Engineering at Monash University.
He specialises in work on nanomaterials and nanotechnology. His investigation into self-cleaning natural fibres using nanotechnology was a first in the materials community and was recognised internationally, with features in both Nature and Science magazines.
His current area of research is exploring the effects of materials at simple and low temperature processes. The large surface area of nanomaterials produces greater catalytic efficiency and greater surface reactivity towards the host material. In particular, Dr Daoud is developing nanostructured photo catalysts for use in self-cleaning surfaces (see image below). These nanomaterials have other applications, for instance, in water treatment and air cleaning.
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Above: Atom Force microscopy of anatase nanocrystals.
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This research has important implications for the textile industry currently seeking more efficient and ‘greener’ alternatives in the laundry process of conventional fabrics. Their aim is to conserve energy and water, to avoid the use of detergents derived from petrochemicals and to reduce the cost and the effort required. This could be realised by Dr Daoud’s development of the self-cleaning nanotechnology treatment to cotton, wool and synthetic fibres.
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| Above:The self-cleaning action mechanism. |
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Dr Daoud is very excited, as the technology has been trialled, and samples are being analysed. The nanocoating is non toxic, and is permanently bonded to the fibre without altering its texture or feel.
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“Cleaning a garment would be as easy as hanging it in direct sunlight and the stains would disappear with time.”
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| Above: Red-wine stains do not leave pristine wool fibres even after 20 hours of light exposure (top right). The stain is gone in self-cleaning modified after 20 hours fibres because of the firmly attached nanocrystals (bottom right). |
The success of this research ha s been enhanced by close collaboration with a variety of textile manufacturers both nationally and internationally.
In addition, Dr Daoud has collaborated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the development of polyimide-based nanocomposites for use in aerospace applications. His investigations demonstrate improved cryogenic properties which could be used in superconductive insulating and other cryogenic applications.
Further areas where Dr Daoud is applying his research into nanomaterials are in water treatment, biosensors, solar cells and green energy generation.
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Selected Publications
Daoud W.A. & Turner M.L. (2006) Effect of Interfacial Properties and Film Thickness on Device Performance of Bilayer TiO2-poly(1,4-phenylenevinylene) Solar Cells Prepared by Spin Coating. Reactive and Functional Polymers 66,13-20.
Daoud W.A., Leung S., Tung W., Xin J.H., Cheuk, K. & Qi K. (2008) Self-cleaning Keratins. Chemistry of Materials 20,1242-1244.
Daoud W.A. & Pang G.K.H. (2006) Direct Synthesis of Nanowires with Anatase and TiO2-B Structures at near Ambient Conditions. Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 110, 25746-25750 .
Daoud W.A. & Xin J.H. (2005)Synthesis of Single-Phase Anatase Nanocrystallites at Near Room Temperatures. Chemical Communications 16, 2110-2112.
Zhang Y., Li Y., Li G., Huang H., Chan H.L., Daoud W.A., Xin J.H. & Li L. (2007)Polyimide-Surface-Modified Silica Tubes: Preparation and Cryogenic Properties.Chemistry of Materials 19,1939-4519 .
Patents
Daoud W.A., Xin J.H. & Qi K.H. Method for Making Single-Phase Anatase Titanium Oxide. US Patent Number US7255847, issued on 14 Aug 2007.
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