ZA – Page 2 – TechConnect Briefs

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 [...]

Effects of ZnO buffer layer and depth profiling analysis of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells

Mbule P.S., Kim B.S., Kim T-H., Kim B.S., Kim T-H., Swart H.C., Ntwaeaborwa O.M., University of the Free State, ZA

Bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (BHJs) with ZnO nanoparticles buffer layer between the active layer and the aluminum (Al) top electrode were fabricated. The BHJs comprised of successive layers of poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), a blend of [...]

Synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotubes by catalytic decomposition of acetylene with Fe/Co/MgO, Co/Zn/Al and (C5H7O2)3Mn/Al as catalysts

Dikio E.D., Vaal University of Technology, ZA

We report our studies on the effect of various catalysts in the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials. The as-prepared carbon nanomaterials were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The catalysts [...]

Preparation and Characterization of nZnO/fly ash Composite

Ayanda O.S., Fatoki O.S., Adekola F.A., Ximba B.J., Cape Peninsula Univerty of Technology, ZA

Composite material involving fly ash and nZnO was prepared by dispersion technique. The nature, morphology and the properties of the precursors and the composite were determined and compared by scanning electron microscopy, surface area determination [...]

Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Thin Films via Hummer’s Method

Thema F.T., Moloto M.J., Nyangiwe N.N., Khenfouch M., Maaza M., Kotsedi L, Dikio E.D., Vaal University of Technology, ZA

Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were synthesized by Hummer’s method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Attenuated total reflectance (ATR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Atomic Force Microscopy [...]

Overview of four energy storage techniques

Chukwubuikem C., University of Cape Town, ZA

Abstract: Renewable Energy has gained a significant attention in recent years due to high energy cost and adverse environmental impacts of conventional fossil fuels. One of the major challenges for the renewable energy systems remains [...]

Overview of four energy storage techniques

Chukwubuikem C., University of Cape Town, ZA

Abstract: Renewable Energy has gained a significant attention in recent years due to high energy cost and adverse environmental impacts of conventional fossil fuels. One of the major challenges for the renewable energy systems remains [...]

Environmentally benign catalytic hydroxylation of benzene using metal-coordination polymers

Abbo H.S., Titinchi S.J.J., University of the Western Cape, ZA

Environmentally benign synthetic processes of phenol from benzene via single step by using new two metal-Schiff-base coordination polymer were synthesized and characterized. These catalysts are derived from the ligand bis-bidentate 5,5’-methylene-bis(N-methylsalicyliden-1,2-diaminopropane) (MBSP) and metal ions [...]

Green and efficient hydroxylation of phenol using H2O2 catalyzed by coordination polymers

Titinchi S.J.J., Abbo H.S., University of the Western Cape, ZA

New two coordination polymers, viz. [-CH2{Cu(bis-salan)}-]n and [-CH2{Mn(bis-salan).2H2O}-]n, where salan = 5,5’-methylene bis-salicylideneaniline.synthesis were synthesized and characterized. These coordination polymers were evaluated as heterogeneous catalysts for the liquid-phase hydroxylation of phenol using a green oxidant [...]