SARChI

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION:  

To address the future global carbon emissions reduction and its net zero target, the development of renewable energy like hydrogen has become imperative. However, the storage of hydrogen in a safe, solid, compact, cost-effective and technically sustainable form is a critical factor. The aim of this project is to exploit computational thermodynamic/empirical methods to anticipate the expected pressure-composition temperature, PCT at 25oC suitable for room temperature multi-principal entropy alloys, MPEAs-based hydrogen storage systems made from transition metal elements (TMs) and thus reduce the number of experimental tests required (through laser-deposited additive manufacturing technique). The approaches used are based on thermophysical parameters, with computational tools to speed up the exploration of MPEA phase diagrams.

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Dr Adedotun holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Johannesburg. His research interests include Automation, Robotics, and Additive manufacturing.

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Dr. Valantine Takwa Lukong obtained his Masters and PhD from the University of Johannesburg in 2022 and 2024, respectively. He received the Dean’s Award in Recognition of Exceptional Performance in Doctoral Studies and The SARChi Chair Award for best Graduating PhD student. His area of Study is material synthesis and characterization, Self-cleaning technologies, Solar Cells and anti-fogging thin films. His research interests include Renewable Energy Generation, Energy Efficiency, Green Economy and Just Energy Transition.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION:  

Area of specialization: Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Solar Cells, Sustainable Materials Science.

George holds a master’s degree from the University of Johannesburg, Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, Currently a PhD candidate working on investigating alternative metal oxide for solar cell applications as cheaper alternatives for silicon wafers, with the aim to improve its efficiency and investigate its availability and environmentally friendliness towards a more sustainable energy generation. Currently working on the synthesis and characterization of metal oxides for photovoltaic applications.

His research interests include; renewable energy sources and efficiency, Solar energy, Solar cells, Computational fluid dynamics.

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Machine learning-based modeling of process parameters for performance prediction on ZirfonTM diaphragm separator-based alkaline water electrolysis.

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Loanne is currently pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Johannesburg. Her research is centered on the synthesis and analysis of novel materials with multifunctional properties, specifically focusing on antifogging and self-cleaning capabilities

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Mr. John MAKAMBO obtained his Master’s degree in Mechanical engineering from University of Johannesburg and is currently studying for his PhD degree in the same department and institution. His area of study includes Renewable Energy, Thin films, Atomic Layer Deposition and Solar cell development, with a special interest in establishing optimal physical parameters for cost-effective organic polymer and transparent solar cell.

In his PhD project, Mr. John aim to investigate and optimize key solar cells parameters such as, the doping density, the bandgap, optical transmittance and absorption, electronic properties and to fabricate the optimized device using the Atomic Layer Deposition techniques.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION:  

“Optimisation of membrane-free hydrogen generation  catalyst using  Atomic Layer  Deposition  Technology”. Hydrogen production via electrolysis faces significant challenges due to its reliance on expensive precious-metal catalysts and membrane-based systems. Membranes introduce complexity, durability issues, and cost inefficiencies, while the dependency on rare metals limits scalability and sustainability. This research aims to address these challenges by leveraging Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technology to design and optimize membrane-free hydrogen generation systems.

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My research focuses on the experimental investigation of semiconductor material for photocatalytic hydrogen generation. The aim is to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 under visible light by modifying its surface and electronic properties. This involves the synthesis of the material, detailed material characterization, and evaluating its performance for sustainable hydrogen generation.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION:  

I am a nanotechnology researcher specializing in green energy production, advanced materials for sustainable applications, and industrial asset reliability. My research focuses on solar cell fabrication and efficiency enhancement, as well as smart materials for membrane filtration to improve water treatment processes.

Additionally, I have extensive expertise in the mining sector, where I work on improving asset reliability and maintaining operational integrity. My research in Asset Integrity Management (AIM) focuses on predictive maintenance strategies, condition monitoring, and optimizing industrial equipment performance to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime in mining operations.

Currently, I am in the final year of my PhD, where my research is centered on fabricating enhanced membrane filters using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). This work aims to develop high-

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION:  

Brief detail of your research: Working on investigating through simulation, the doping of MN, Co, and Zn to see how it affects  MoS2 for hydrogen production via DFT