I am currently working at the University of Limpopo (UL) as an associate professor, DSI-NRF SARChI Chair in Photoelectrocatalytic Hydrogen Production and leader of the Nanotechnology Research Centre (NanoReC). My interest in research started in 2012 July where I visited Dublin City University, Ireland, for two weeks on research visit to be trained on Electrochemistry. On completion of my doctoral studies in 2013, I continued my research career as a lecturer and researcher fellow at the University of Limpopo, working on preparation of different metal organic framework for electrochemical hydrogen production. This followed by the research visit to the Dublin City University, Ireland, in 2014 and 2015 July for structural characterization of metal organic frameworks. The focus is to develop a green hydrogen production plant at Limpopo Province/South Africa.
Topic 1. Enhancement of water circularity in industries
Topic 4. Economic, environmental and social implications of water reuse and recovered products
Green Hydrogen Production The project objective is in the development and demonstration of tailored green hydrogen production and storage pilot plant concept using nanotechnology, which utilises renewable primary energy sources and energy storage for delivering clean public utility services for South Africa hydrogen valley. The “hydrogen valley” is a planned integrated hydrogen ecosystem stretching from Mokopane – where platinum group metals are mined – to Johannesburg, ending in Durban. This will result in clean energy, new business opportunities and improved living conditions. The focus is on the green technology hybrid concept (primary sources – solar, wind and biogas synthesized from organic wastes; energy storage medium – supercapacitors and batteries) that is sustainable and that has foreseeable impact on economic growth thus addressing the highly expressed problem of depopulation caused by the lack of job opportunities and poor living conditions in South Africa. Along with commercially available parts, the pilot plant will include water treatment for clean water, renewable energy, electrolyser, hydrogen production (photocatalysis/electrocatalysis) and storage, electricity storage and management unit. I am looking for the partner in the area of water treatment and hydrogen production.