The Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions (ICES), together with the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) Deanery, hosted visiting scholars from Yamagata and Kyushu Universities in Japan, as well as Guangdong University in China. The Japanese scholarly visit is part of an ongoing green hydrogen research collaboration funded by NRF SA-Japan bilateral grant project between Dr. Winny K Maboya of ICES and Prof. Bashir Arima Ahmmad from Yamagata University.  Prof. Arima gave a talk on “Synthesis and Evaluation of Visible-Light-Active Photocatalysts for Z-scheme Type Water-Splitting System, while Prof Kwati from Kyushu University shed light on Challenges and Perspectives of Protonic Membranes for Energy Conversion and Storage.

Left: Prof. Bashir Arima Ahmmad from Yamagata University, Japan; Middle: Prof. Shanqing Zhang from Guangdong University, China, Right: Prof Kwati Leonard form Kyushu Universities, Japan.

Prof. Phumlani Msomi of ICES presented the work of the Fuel Cell Energy Research Platform within the Institute. The seminar was further distinguished by the presence of Prof. Shanqing Zhang, a member of the Chinese embassy delegation to UNISA. The delegation was on an official visit to the office of the Executive Dean, Prof. Mamba, at CSET, highlighting the significance of the engagement.

Prof Zhang delivered a talk to the CSET community titled “2D Functional Polymeric Composites for Sustainable Electrochemical Recycling of PFSA from spent Lithium-Ion Batteries”, to provide innovative technical solutions for pollution control in the battery recycling industry, contributing to the green and sustainable development of the new energy sector.

The Executive Dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), Prof. Bhekie Mamba, emphasized the importance of applying for bilateral grants to foster international collaborations and develop emerging researchers within the Institution.

Prof. Mamba also congratulated Dr. Maboya on establishing fruitful collaborations with Japanese universities, highlighted that the college currently needs more collaborations with Japan, and wished them success in their ongoing research endeavors. Prof. Peter Makgwane, Acting ICES Head, also thanked Dr. Maboya for initiating an international collaboration through the NRF SA-Japan bilateral grant.