A UNSW SMaRT Centre research study has developed a method of how to recover useful materials from waste face masks and spent batteries to make better new batteries, transforming these wastes into valuable feedstock for remanufacturing
A UNSW SMaRT Centre research study has developed a method of how to waste zinc to make better batteries and transform a waste stream into a high-value battery material
The UNSW SMaRT Centre has made a detailed submission to the Australian Parliament's Environment and Communications Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for Packaging (No Time to Waste) Bill 2026
UNSW SMaRT Centre researcher experiments demonstrate that a widely used plastic for drink and food containers more easily breaks down into microplastics under common household usage and from environmental exposure than previously thought
.A UNSW SMaRT Centre research study has demonstrated The study showed that a simple carbon coating formed from glucose can transform low-cost iron oxide into a significantly more effective supercapacitor electrode.
A UNSW SMaRT Centre researchers have had published a 50-page book chapter on the waste crisis and the technology and changes needed to create a more sustainable circular economy
UNSW SMaRT Centre has been assisting the the Australian Parliament inquiry into the state of the Australian tyre industry in the context of a circular economy
A UNSW SMaRT Centre research study has demonstrated that waste disposable masks can be transformed into a valuable energy-storage material, activated carbon, instead of being sent to landfill or incineration
A UNSW SMaRT Centre research study has found that lithium sulfur batteries (LSBs) could become the next generation of big batteries needed for the electricity energy transition
A UNSW SMaRT Centre research study has found how to recover valuable metals (especially rare earth elements) from liquid waste streams such as mining tailings waste
A UNSW SMaRT Centre research study has found how to more effectively separate valuable rare earth metals from recycled batteries, making recycling cleaner, cheaper, and more practical for real-world usee
A UNSW SMaRT Centre research study published by the Royal Society of Chemistry has found waste coffee powder can be used to recover lithium (Li) and cobalt (Co) from waste batteries
UNSW SMaRT Centre researchers' have demonstrated a new role for waste carbon as a key storage factor for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, not just using carbon for existing sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries
UNSW SMaRT Centre researcher experiments demonstrate that a widely used plastic for drink and food containers more easily breaks down into microplastics under common household usage and from environmental exposure than previously thought
The UNSW SMaRT Centre has made a detailed submission as part of the consultation process for the Australian Parliament's House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water's "Inquiry into solar panel reuse
In an article published by Nature, UNSW SMaRT Centre researchers and international colleagues demonstrate that repurposing waste streams for a new generation of sensors is not only possible but should be prioritorised
