Pyrolysis techniques are used to increase a material's physical qualities, while chemical properties are improved by chemical processing such as grafting, immobilization, impregnation, and composite fabrication. Among others, simple chemicals, synthetic or natural polymers, nanoparticles, or inorganic substances are explored as activating agents to improve the materials’ affinity for the target analyte. The applications of materials include remediation of toxic organic and inorganic contaminants from water, food and soil amelioration. In addition to the above, we have a strong interest in the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers and sample preparation methods. These involve extraction of major elements from South African coal fly ash, using solid-state thermochemical reactions, solid-liquid conversions by utilising environmentally friendly, cost-effective methods for extraction of major elements from mineral wastes. Members of this research focus area are mentioned hereunder:
1. Dr ME Aphane
- Extraction of elements from South African Coal Fly Ash.
- Utilization of Coal Fly Ash for beneficiations.
- Synthesis and applications of Silica nanoparticles and Alumina nanoparticles derived from coal fly ash.
Aphanme@unisa.ac.za
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2. Prof S Dube
- Target and non-targeted emerging contaminant analysis in aquatic environment
- Fabrication of nanomaterials from natural blends for applications including environmental, sample preparation and health
- Development of miniaturized and microextraction sample preparation techniques in response to green analytical chemistry
- Food safety in food of animal origin
- Development of GCxGC HRT and LC-MSMS methods for various applications
dubes@unisa.ac.za
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3. Dr ED Moema
- Development of environmentally sustainable sample preparation methods for the determination of pollutants in complex matrices
- Food safety
moemaed@unisa.ac.za
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4. Dr N Mketo
- Development of greener microwave and micro-extraction sample preparation methods for pre-concentration and extraction of inorganic and organic pollutants in various samples (water, food, petrochemicals, coal, soil, sediments, etc).
- Synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials generated from waste for adsorptive removal, degradation and recovery of valuable elements from complex matrices.
mketon@unisa.ac.za
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5. Mr KG Lesenyeho
- Synthesis of various antioxidant derivatives
- Development of GC-MS methods for BD oxidation
lesenlg@unisa.ac.za
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6. Dr HK Kgomo
- Water and wastewater pollution.
- Fabricating and characterization of bio-based materials for the removal of various pollutants in water.
kgomohk@unisa.ac.za
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7. Prof VE Pakade
- Surface modification of biowaste for improved properties and their use in environmental remediation and food safety
- Soil ameriolation by biowaste to improve food quality and immobilize pollutants.
- Synthesis, characterization, and application of polymer composites in aqueous adsorption of pollutants from different matrices
- Development and optimization of sample preparation methods for use in water and food
pakadve@unisa.ac.za
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