Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability

Prof EN Nxumalo

College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability
Professor
Tel: 011 670 9498
E-mail: nxumaen@unisa.ac.za

Qualifications

  • PhD Chemistry (Wits, South Africa, 2011)

NRF Rating

C2

Currently teaching

  • Materials Science
  • Water Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Membrane Technology

Fields of academic interests

  • Advanced Nanomaterials: Fabrication and Application
  • Doping of Nanomaterials
  • Production of Diverse (Nano)Membranes
  • Wastewater Treatment
  • Desalination Techniques

Field of Specialisation

  • Materials Science
  • Water Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Membrane Technology

Journal articles

  • N Kunjuzwa, LN Nthunya, EN Nxumalo, SD Mhlanga, The use of nanomaterials in the synthesis of nanofiber membranes and their application in water treatment (In book: Advanced nanomaterials for membrane synthesis and its applications), 101-125, 2019, Elsevier, DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-814503-6.00005-7
  • SA Zikalala, AT Kuvarega, BB Mamba, SD Mhlanga, EN Nxumalo, The effect of synthetic routes on the physicochemical properties and optical response of N-doped titania–oxidized carbon nanotube nanohybrids, Materials Today Chemistry 10, 1-18, 2018     
  • NN Gumbi, M Hu, BB Mamba, J Li, EN Nxumalo, Macrovoid-free PES/SPSf/O-MWCNT ultrafiltration membranes with improved mechanical strength, antifouling and antibacterial properties, Journal of Membrane Science 566, 288-300, 2018                                                          
  • K Yokwana, AT Kuvarega, SD Mhlanga, EN Nxumalo, Mechanistic aspects for the removal of Congo red dye from aqueous media through adsorption over N-doped graphene oxide nanoadsorbents prepared from graphite flakes and powders, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 2018                                                     
  • K Yokwana, SC Ray, M Khenfouch, AT Kuvarega, BB Mamba, SD Mhlanga, EN Nxumalo, Facile Synthesis of Nitrogen Doped Graphene Oxide from Graphite Flakes and Powders: A Comparison of Their Surface Chemistry, Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology 18 (8), 5470-5484, 2018                           
  • BR Vilakati, V Sivasankar, EN Nxumalo, BB Mamba, K Omine, TAM Msagati, Fluoride removal studies using virgin and Ti (IV)-modified Musa paradisiaca (plantain pseudo-stem) carbons Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 1-14, 2018                                                                                                                                                     
  • LN Nthunya, ML Masheane, SP Malinga, EN Nxumalo, SD Mhlanga, Electrospun chitosan-based nanofibres for removal of phenols from drinking water, Water SA 44 (3), 377-386, 2018                                                                                                                                                 
  • ML Masheane, LN Nthunya, SP Malinga, EN Nxumalo, BB Mamba, SD Mhlanga, Synthesis of Fe-Ag/f-MWCNT/PES nanostructured-hybrid membranes for removal of Cr (VI) from water, Separation and Purification Technology 184, 79-87, 2017

Professional positions, fellowships & awards

  • Board Member and Directors of External Relations of the African Membrane Society
  • Board Member and President of the South African Nanotechnology Initiative
  • Best Paper Award - The International Conference in Nanoscience, Engineering and Technology (India)
  • Best Paper Award - The Advances and Applications in Carbon Related Nanomaterials (Spain)
  • Professional Member of the American Chemical Society
  • Professional Member of the Water Institute of Southern Africa
  • Professional Member of the South African Chemical Institute
  • Guest Editor of the Journal of Membrane Science and Research
  • Recognised reviewer of many international and peer-reviewed journals in the fields of materials sciences, nanotechnology and membrane technology
  • External Examiner of many academic institutions
  • NRF Rating (C2)
  • NRF Awards: NRF Rating Incentive Grant, NRF Thuthuka Grant, SA-Oman Bilateral, etc
  • WRC Grant
  • Innovation Support Programme Award
  • Project Leader of the Community Engagement Project at UNISA (Nanotechnology for Water Sustainability for Rural Mpumalanga (South Africa)
  • Chair of the 2nd African Membrane Society International Congress

Projects

RESEARCH PROJECTS

  • Diverse membranes (UF, NF, RO) and mixed matrix membranes i.e. embedded with nanocatalysts, strong nanomaterials and other functional nanoadditives for drinking, sea water and wastewater purification
  • Fabrication and modification strategies for polymer, ceramic, ceramic-polymer and hollow fibre membranes using a wide range of nanomaterials
  • Fabrication, advanced characterization and transport properties of carbon nanomembranes
  • Carbon nanofibers for use in industrial wastewater treatment including textile and oily wastewater.
  • Heteroatomic-doped nanostructures and doped-shaped carbon nanomaterials: fabrication, advanced characterization and use in water and energy applications