ZA – TechConnect Briefs

Carbon nanotubes as a reinforcement material for sustainable construction composites

Makgabutlane B., Coville N., Mhlanga S., Maubane-Nkadimeng M., University of the Witwatersrand, ZA

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have gained considerable attention for various applications because of their distinct inherent properties. They are characterized by high surface area, aspect ratio, thermal stability, and excellent mechanical strength. There are different synthesis [...]

Super-porous PVDF nanofibre membranes for efficient desalination of brackish water in membrane distillation applications

Mhlanga S.D., Nthunya L.N., Khumalo N.P., Verliefde A.R., University of South Africa, ZA

Water scarcity is becoming a serious problem in Southern Africa. Recent draughts have called for exploitation of alternative sources of drinking water such as brackish and seawater. Membrane distillation is an efficient desalination process that [...]

Metals disinfection of E. coli in synthetic groundwater and effects of varying water chemistry

Edokpayi J.N., Singh R., Odiyo J.O., Smith J.A., University of Venda, ZA

The sustainable access to clean and safe drinking water remains as global challenge as large numbers of people still consume water that is not safe. Diarrhea; a preventable waterborne disease remains the major cause of [...]

Novel electrospun PVA/Fe-MOF nanofibres as a super adsorbing material of lead ions in aqueous solution

Shooto N.D., Dikio E.D., Sikhwivhilu L., Wankasi D., VUT, ZA

In this study electrospun PVA nanofibres were functionalized with Fe-MOFs to synthesise a novel super adsorbing material. The synthesized material was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). [...]

Voltammetric and Impedance studies of Phenols and Its Derivatives at Carbon Nanotubes/Prussian Blue Films Platinum Modified Electrode

Adekunle A.S., Arotiba O.A., Agboola B.O., Maxakato N.W., Mamba B.B., Ebenso E.E., North-West University, ZA

Phenols and the chlorinated and alkylated derivatives are classified as priority pollutants due to the health risk associated with their toxicity. Due to their constant presence in industrial waste and consequently their carcinogenic risk for [...]

MWCNTs/metal oxide nanocomposite as potential material for supercapacitors application in acidic and neutral media

Adekunle A.S., Ozoemena K.I., Agboola B.O., Ebenso E.E., North-West University, ZA

Carbon based supercapacitor electrodes have been attractive due to their high surface area and porous nature. Studies have shown that the carbon nanotube-metal oxide (CNT-MO) nanocomposite modified electrodes exhibited huge capacitive current in some electrolytes. [...]

MWCNTs/metal oxide nanocomposite as potential material for supercapacitors application in acidic and neutral media

Adekunle A.S., Ozoemena K.I., Agboola B.O., Ebenso E.E., North-West University, ZA

Carbon based supercapacitor electrodes have been attractive due to their high surface area and porous nature. Studies have shown that the carbon nanotube-metal oxide (CNT-MO) nanocomposite modified electrodes exhibited huge capacitive current in some electrolytes. [...]

Voltammetric and Impedance studies of Phenols and Its Derivatives at Carbon Nanotubes/Prussian Blue Films Platinum Modified Electrode

Adekunle A.S., Arotiba O.A., Agboola B.O., Maxakato N.W., Mamba B.B., Ebenso E.E., North-West University, ZA

Phenols and the chlorinated and alkylated derivatives are classified as priority pollutants due to the health risk associated with their toxicity. Due to their constant presence in industrial waste and consequently their carcinogenic risk for [...]

Synthesis and Study of Novel Nanostructured Membranes Incorporating N-doped CNTs for Water Treatment

Mhlanga S.D., Phao N., Nxumalo E.N., Mamba B.B., University of Johannesburg, ZA

The presentation presents blend membranes of polyethersulfone containing Ag nanoparticles dispersed on N-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs). The blend membranes were checked for any improved properties and tested for their efficacy in removing model pollutants from [...]

A Generalized Model for Global Solar Radiation in South Africa Using Multiple Weather Elements as Predictors

Enweremadu C.C., Adeala A.A., Huan Z., University of South Africa, ZA

In this study a generalized model for predicting global solar radiation was developed for South Africa. This was achieved by employing easily measured weather elements like sunshine hour, ambient temperature, relative humidity and wind speed [...]