The School of Natural and Applied Sciences (NAS) Research Committee at Sol Plaatje University (SPU) hosted their Third Talk in the NAS Seminar Series 2023 titled “Advanced Materials – Development, Synthesis, Characterization, and Application”, on 3 August 2023 at Auditorium 1, Central Campus. The talk comprised of five speakers, namely Prof Nhamo Chaukura, Dr Themba Tshabalala, Dr Puseletso Mokoena, Dr Abimbola Oluwalana, and Ms Danielle Speek.
In addition to the key speakers, a multi-disciplinary research group, Advanced Materials Research Group (AMatG), also delivered presentations at the seminar. This research group supports emerging researchers and students on their research journeys. Prof Nhamo Chaukura, introduced the AMatG and encouraged third-year students to apply for an honours degree at the university.
Dr Mokoena’s presentation focused on characterization techniques for materials, while Dr Tshabalala addressed the “Oligomerization of 1-Hexene over La-Nanocomposites Modified HZSM-5 Zeolite Catalysts”. Dr Oluwalana-Sanusi presented on the rapid flow of ceramic filters for the removal of azo dyes and pathogens in aqueous solutions, and Ms Speek zoned in on her research proposal titled “The environmental geochemistry and public health risks of heavy metals in roadway dust in Kimberley, South Africa”. The presenters emphasized the need to acquire analytical equipment to produce research of a high impact. Their overall goal is to develop functional materials and devices that will find application in water treatment, solar energy harvesting and storage, hydrogen storage, synthesis of olefinic fuels, and medical applications.
Their overall research project aims to improve the well-being of local communities and contribute to the generation of scientific knowledge globally. This is aligned with SPU’s goal of developing a research culture and talent to improve the university’s research standing. SPU’s School of NAS has established collaborations with reputable researchers from the University of Johannesburg, University of the Free State, Central University of Technology, and Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation with the aim of achieving this goal.
