Sustainability in Chemistry: Australian Innovations

Chemistry plays a pivotal role in addressing the pressing challenges of a carbon-constrained world, particularly through sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact while maximising resource efficiency. The 2026 RACI National Congress, themed "Enabling Innovation in a Carbon-Constrained World," features seven key sessions that mirror these priorities: Water Security, Earth History, Climate and Environment, Future Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Transforming Food and Health, Quantum, Modelling and Machine Learning, and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage. Australian researchers are at the forefront of this endeavour, developing innovative chemical solutions that align directly with these themes. This article highlights selected case studies, demonstrating how their work advances sustainability.

Stream #1: Water Security

Australian chemistry contributes to water security by developing advanced materials and processes for purification and contaminant removal. Professor Mainak Majumder at Monash University leads research on graphene-based membranes that enhance desalination efficiency while minimising energy use. These nanomaterial filters selectively remove salts and pollutants, offering scalable solutions for drought-prone regions (Monash University, 2025). In parallel, Dr. Anahita Motamedisade from Flinders University, along with colleagues Amir Heydari, Yanting Yin, Abdulrahman S. Alotabi, and Gunther G. Andersson, has developed nitrogen-functionalised mesoporous TiO₂ decorated with Au₉ nanoclusters for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange, a model organic pollutant in wastewater. This catalyst achieves complete dye degradation within 20 minutes under UV light due to improved charge separation and reduced nanocluster agglomeration (Motamedisade et al., 2024). These advancements address Australia's variable water availability, supporting resilient supply systems.

Such innovations reduce reliance on energy-intensive methods, aligning with sustainable resource management. Mahofa and colleagues have demonstrated real-world potential through their β-cyclodextrin-modified graphene oxide (GO-βCD) membrane, which achieves over 90% retention of short-chain PFAS (such as PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, and PFOA) from mixtures while maintaining a permeance of 21.7 L m⁻² h⁻¹ bar⁻¹ and upconcentrating the feed by approximately 300%, significantly outperforming polyamide membranes that retain only about 35% of short-chain PFAS (Mahofa et al., 2025). This work exemplifies chemistry's capacity to bolster water security amid climate variability.

Dr Sally El Meragawi, Professor Mainak Majumder and Eubert Mahofa (Monash University, 2025b)

Stream #2: Earth History, Climate and Environment

Understanding Earth's climate history informs sustainable chemistry strategies for environmental restoration. A collaborative Australian study led by Luke Brosnan, Stephen F. Poropat, William D.A. Rickard, David A. Elliott, and Kliti Grice from Curtin University analysed biomarkers in invertebrate fossils preserved within carbonate concretions from the Lower Cretaceous Allaru Mudstone (Albian, ~104–102 Ma) of Queensland's Eromanga Basin. This research, published in Lethaia (2024), examined a heteromorph labeceratid ammonite (Myloceras sp.) and a torynommid crab (Torynomma quadrata), revealing preserved palaeoenvironmental signatures including algal biomarkers despite low extractable organics and weathering. 

The team's geochemical analyses, using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and GC–multiple reaction monitoring–mass spectrometry (GC–MRM–MS), demonstrated selective microbial degradation facilitating rapid calcite precipitation around fossils, minimising sediment infill and preserving molecular fossils from both the local Eromanga Sea environment and the organisms themselves. Thermal maturity parameters indicated early maturity in matrices transitioning to immature fossil sections, with increased calcite and reduced clay/quartz in fossil regions. These findings elucidate concretion formation mechanisms and soft tissue preservation, providing baselines for modern geochemical models of environmental stress and informing chemical strategies for fossil-inspired remediation in Australia's diverse sedimentary basins (Brosnan et al., 2024).

Stream #3: Future Energy

Sustainable energy transitions rely on advanced catalysts for hydrogen production and storage. Professor Yao Zheng at the University of Adelaide has developed an anomalous ruthenium (Ru) nanocatalyst exhibiting exceptionally high electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. This face-centered cubic (fcc) structured Ru catalyst demonstrates 2.5 times higher hydrogen generation rates than platinum, the benchmark, as reported in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (2016). 

Zheng's collaborative team, including Yan Jiao, Yihan Zhu, and Shi-Zhang Qiao, revealed through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and density functional theory that the unique fcc crystal structure optimises adsorption energies for key HER intermediates, enhancing reaction kinetics under alkaline conditions. This innovation supports Australia's ambitions in green hydrogen production, enabling efficient electrolysis paired with renewables to reduce fossil fuel dependence and advance a sustainable energy economy (Zheng et al., 2016).

Stream #4: Advanced Manufacturing 

Recent advances in advanced manufacturing highlight the role of biodegradable polymers and their composites as key enablers of sustainable production. Dananjaya, Chevali, Dear, Potluri, and Abeykoon (2024) present a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art in 3D printing of biodegradable polymers, mapping the relationships between material chemistry, printing process parameters, and end-use performance across multiple additive manufacturing platforms. The authors systematically examine polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoates and related biopolyesters, emphasising how their rheology, crystallisation behaviour and degradation kinetics govern print fidelity, mechanical integrity and long-term durability in service (Dananjaya et al., 2024). Particular attention is given to composite formulations that incorporate natural fibres, ceramic fillers or nanomaterials to overcome traditional limitations such as low strength, poor thermal stability and uncontrolled degradation, thereby expanding the applicability of biodegradable systems in engineering contexts.

Crucially, the review frames biodegradable polymer 3D printing within a circular economy paradigm, arguing that tailored composite design and informed process optimisation can reduce waste streams, enable repair or remanufacture, and minimise life-cycle environmental impacts (Dananjaya et al., 2024). The authors also identify machine learning as a powerful tool for predicting printability, optimising process windows and forecasting in-service performance from limited experimental data, outlining how data-driven models can accelerate the discovery of new bio-based formulations with targeted property profiles. Through case studies spanning biomedical implants, sustainable packaging and lightweight structural components, the work demonstrates that the integration of biodegradable polymers, additive manufacturing and AI-enabled design provides a credible pathway towards low-carbon, resource-efficient manufacturings.

Stream #5: Transforming Food and Health 

Australian chemical research advances food security and health through targeted antimicrobial coatings, probiotic delivery systems, and preservation of native superfoods. Dr. Sivakumar from The University of Queensland collaborated with Lebogang T. C. Maswanganye and Dr. Pillai (2025) developed chitosan coatings loaded with spearmint essential oil nanoemulsions, demonstrating significant antifungal efficacy against Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum on soft citrus (Citrus reticulata) fruits, extending post-harvest shelf life by inhibiting mycelial growth and spore germination without compromising fruit quality (Lebogang T. C. Maswanganye et al., 2025). The nanoemulsion enhances bioavailability and adhesion of the active compounds, reducing reliance on synthetic fungicides and supporting sustainable horticultural practices.

Impact of spearmint EO nanoemulsion-loaded chitosan coating on the (A) blue mold (P. italicum) and (B) green mold (P. digitatum) incidence after inoculation in Citrus reticulata ‘Tango’ after storage at 10 °C and 85 % RH for 14 days and, after that, at 18 °C for up to 5 days. 1—control; 2—Imazalil; 3—chitosan (0.8%); 4—CH + 1% (chitosan (0.8%) + 1% spearmint EO nanoemulsion); 5—CH + 1.5% (CH (0.8%) + 1.5% spearmint EO nanoemulsion); 6—CH + 2% (CH (0.8%) + 2% spearmint EO nanoemulsion) (Lebogang T. C. Maswanganye et al., 2025)

Complementary work by Kailasapathy (2014) explores microencapsulation strategies for probiotic bacteria, employing polysaccharide-protein matrices to achieve high gastrointestinal survival rates and controlled release in the gut, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy for digestive health (Kailasapathy, 2014). In parallel, Phan et al. (2021) optimised spray drying of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) fruit using maltodextrin, retaining over 80% of vitamin C content while preserving antioxidant capacity, positioning this native Australian ingredient as a viable functional food powder (Phan et al., 2021). These innovations collectively minimise food waste, enhance nutritional delivery, and promote precision health solutions.

Stream #6: Quantum, Modelling and Machine Learning 

Computational chemistry methodologies integrating machine learning with stochastic embedding techniques are transforming the prediction of nanomaterial properties for sustainable applications. Barnard and Opletal (2019) developed t-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding (t-SNE) algorithms coupled with machine learning to map multi-dimensional nanoparticle datasets, revealing non-linear structure-property relationships that conventional linear methods fail to capture (Barnard & Opletal, 2019). Applied to diverse nanoparticle libraries, their approach clusters morphologies by size, shape, and surface characteristics, enabling accurate forecasts of stability, reactivity, and environmental persistence without exhaustive quantum calculations. This methodology excels in identifying outliers and hidden correlations, such as facet-dependent catalytic performance or defect-driven solubility, critical for designing remediation nanomaterials.

Outline of the aqueous RAFT PISA process and resulting phase diagrams (Lu et al., 2023)

Complementing this, Lu et al. (2023) advanced interpretable machine learning models for phase prediction in polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA), a process central to sustainable nanomaterial synthesis. Their gradient boosting frameworks achieve high fidelity in forecasting nanoscale phase behaviour from molecular descriptors, elucidating how monomer composition, chain length, and solvent interactions dictate morphology evolution (Lu et al., 2023). By providing mechanistic insights through feature importance analysis, these models guide rational design of block copolymer nanoparticles for controlled release, pollutant sequestration, and self-healing materials. Both studies exemplify Australian leadership in nanoinformatics, accelerating low-waste discovery of functional materials for environmental challenges while aligning with the session's focus on quantum-enhanced computational innovation.

Stream #7: Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage 

Direct air capture (DAC) technologies advance through the development of energy-efficient sorbents tailored for low-concentration CO₂ environments. Professor Deanna M. D'Alessandro at the University of Sydney has pioneered metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for efficient CO₂ capture, with her foundational work demonstrating their prospects as new materials for carbon dioxide separation from flue gases and ambient air (D'Alessandro et al., 2010). These frameworks offer high capacity and selectivity under humid conditions, addressing key barriers to scalable deployment such as stability and energy-efficient regeneration.

EndoAxiom cofounders Nicholas Hunt and Victoria Coggan. Photo: Stefanie Zingsheim/University of Sydney

D'Alessandro's research group has further advanced amine-appended MOFs, exemplified by the incorporation of N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine into Cu-BTTri, which achieves enhanced CO₂ uptake at low partial pressures relevant to DAC (McDonald et al., 2011). Recent innovations include redox-modulated MOF-74 frameworks that enable tuneable CO₂ binding enthalpies through electrochemical control, facilitating selective capture and conversion into value-added products (Doheny et al., 2021). Her group's spinout initiative, DAC Labs, supported by University of Sydney pre-seed funding, scales these materials via 3D printing and electrochemical processes to reduce energy use and costs, closing the carbon loop for fuels and chemicals in line with Australia's net-zero goals (The University of Sydney, 2025).

📖 Explore These Trends in RACI National Congress 2026

The 2026 RACI National Congress provides a unique platform to experience these and other innovations first-hand. With over 1,000 expected domestic and international attendees representing academia, industry, and government, the Congress will feature world-class plenary speakers, targeted technical sessions, and cross-disciplinary Grand Challenge streams focusing on key themes such as Water Security, Future Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, and Carbon Capture. Attendees will engage with the latest research, network with influential peers, and translate chemistry innovations into real-world impact. Whether you are an early-career researcher, an industry leader, or an academic, this event offers unparalleled opportunities for learning, collaboration, and career advancement.

Benefits of Sponsoring the 2026 RACI National Congress 

Sponsoring the RACI National Congress 2026 offers organisations a powerful way to connect with the Australian and global chemistry community, boost brand visibility, and contribute meaningfully to the future of sustainable science.

• Reach over 1,000 highly engaged professionals from academia, industry, government, and emerging talent, including students and early-career chemists.
• Gain exclusive access to networking and recruitment opportunities through tailored sponsorship packages, including participation in the Congress Career Fair designed to match employers with top scientific talent.
• Position your organisation as a leader in innovation and sustainability, supporting key themes such as carbon management, climate solutions, and advanced manufacturing.
• Enhance your brand’s impact with digital promotion, on-site visibility, and thought leadership through sessions and workshops.
• Engage in long-term partnerships with Australia’s premier chemistry community, driving collaborative research and commercialisation. 

Sponsorship offers a strategic avenue to align your organisation with critical industry developments, attract elite talent, and demonstrate corporate responsibility in addressing global environmental challenges.

• Network with leading minds who are shaping the future of chemistry
• Dive deeper into the latest research with those who wrote it
• Find collaborators, mentors, and new career pathways
• Be inspired by the community’s collective drive to enable innovation in a carbon constrained world

Find out more about Sponsorship Opportunities ➡️ https://raci.org.au/events/event-description?CalendarEventKey=6b680e56-e2c8-4c73-8be4-019495e68a3b&CommunityKey=6b2feee6-248f-4d8e-9d01-018bb2f43d6c&Home=%2Fevents%2Fcalendar&utm_source=Congress+Blog+Post+1&utm_medium=Congress+Blog+Post+1&utm_campaign=Congress+Blog+Post+1

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