Global collaborations for Catalysis and Climate Action - “The GCRF START grant has been an excellent opportunity to support UK and international computational research, enabling engagement with experimentalists both within and outside of the START community. Membership of the START network enables us all to benefit from the wider networks we partner with globally, bringing scientists and research closer together, no matter where we are based. I hope to continue to build on the research links forged in Europe, Africa, Australasia, and Asia.” – Dr … Read more Global collaborations for Catalysis and Climate Action 
#TogetherForOurPlanet – Organic Solar Cells for smarter, greener energy solutions - “The future of all technologies is ‘smart’ and this is why Organic Solar Cells (OSCs) research is vital. OSCs can act as efficient energy sources in these contexts, given the advantages they offer over current silicon solar cells due to their unique properties – from abundant materials to scalable production processes. The goal is to … Read more #TogetherForOurPlanet – Organic Solar Cells for smarter, greener energy solutions
The application of in situ and operando methods in catalysis – opportunities for UK-Africa collaboration through START - “When I saw the opportunity to be a part of a GCRF START team in the UK, I was very motivated to join the group. My aim is to make connections with people and be the link between researchers in Africa and groups in the UK which brings benefit to both. START has made my … Read more The application of in situ and operando methods in catalysis – opportunities for UK-Africa collaboration through START
Development and optimisation of thin-film photovoltaic devices (solar cells) for sustainable solar energy - Scientists in the UK’s University of Sheffield’s Electronic and Photonic Molecular Materials Group (EPMM) work on the development and optimisation of thin-film photovoltaic devices (solar cells) for sustainable energy solutions. The advantage of these type of devices is that they can convert sunlight to electrical power with high efficiency, with such materials being easy and … Read more Development and optimisation of thin-film photovoltaic devices (solar cells) for sustainable solar energy
Breaking barriers and aiming high! An African woman in Energy Materials Science – Gugulethu Nkala’s story - “Hard work, dedication and endless opportunities, I can now say I am on the path to previously unimaginable goals. A dream come true! We are breaking the barriers that make Science seem unattainable, by being the link between Science and society, made possible by funding bodies like the GCRF START grant.” Gugulethu Nkala, PhD student … Read more Breaking barriers and aiming high! An African woman in Energy Materials Science – Gugulethu Nkala’s story
Computational modelling and experimental science for sustainable energy storage, mineral processing and alloy development - “We have such a lot of potential insight and capacity in Africa which can contribute towards the whole wellbeing of the world and the good of humankind.” Prof. Phuti Ngoepe, GCRF START Co-Investigator, Director Materials Modelling Centre, University of Limpopo, South Africa Computational modelling and experimental science have always gone hand in hand. In the … Read more Computational modelling and experimental science for sustainable energy storage, mineral processing and alloy development
Taking energy materials to the next level - Investigating lithium-ion battery cathode materials for new generation improvements in sustainable energy solutions “Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all will open a new world of opportunities for billions of people through new economic opportunities and jobs, empowered women, children and youth, better education and health, more sustainable, equitable and inclusive … Read more Taking energy materials to the next level
GCRF START funds strategic Energy Materials Workshop - Cape Town, 16-17 December 2019 A warm South African welcome and stunning Cape Town backdrop greeted the 20 participants of the GCRF START Energy Materials Workshop, which was funded by GCRF START. The event took place from the 16-17 December 2019 and was hosted by the Catalysis Institute and c*change (DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in … Read more GCRF START funds strategic Energy Materials Workshop
Investigating Solar Energy – Examining the microstructure of Organic Solar Cells - “It’s been great having Mohamed as part of our team in Oxford. Such exchanges are essential if we want to solve global challenges like climate change. Among other benefits, they foster collaboration, create lasting networks and enrich the perspectives of everyone involved.” Prof. Dr. Moritz Riede, University of Oxford, UK Improving Organic Solar Cell performance for energy production My … Read more Investigating Solar Energy – Examining the microstructure of Organic Solar Cells
Investigating energy materials for efficient and cost effective conversion of sunlight into electricity - “Focusing on universal access to energy, increased energy efficiency and the increased use of renewable energy through new economic and job opportunities is crucial to creating more sustainable and inclusive communities and resilience to environmental issues like climate change” UN Sustainable Development Goal 7: Energy The case for localised energy generation The rising global demand … Read more Investigating energy materials for efficient and cost effective conversion of sunlight into electricity
Sustainable solutions to the energy challenge – Fast oxide ion conductors for solid oxide fuel cells - “Our vision one day is to see such fuel cells commercialised and distributed around Africa and the rest of the world, and we are excited about playing our part in developing these solutions.” Sikhumbuzo Masina, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Sustainable solutions to the energy challenge Globally and locally in Africa, we need sustainable … Read more Sustainable solutions to the energy challenge – Fast oxide ion conductors for solid oxide fuel cells
Computational modelling of catalysts for CO2 recycling and renewable fuel synthesis - “Efficient conversion of CO2 to methanol is one of the grand challenges of contemporary catalytic sciences to which Michael Higham’s work through START is making a key contribution,” Professor Richard Catlow FRS Addressing the global CO2 emissions and energy challenges Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels attributed to burning fossil fuels is a major economic and environmental issue for Africa and globally, in … Read more Computational modelling of catalysts for CO2 recycling and renewable fuel synthesis
Catalysis for the Climate Change Challenge: Iron-based alloys as catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation - “Climate change is a global challenge that does not respect national borders. It is an issue that requires solutions that need to be coordinated at the international level to help developing countries move toward a low-carbon economy.” UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 The UN Climate Panel (IPCC) calls for the elimination and reversal of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere as a … Read more Catalysis for the Climate Change Challenge: Iron-based alloys as catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation
Developing sustainable energy in Africa - There are unique challenges to developing sustainable energy in Africa. Large swathes of the population live off-grid with little access to conventional energy sources. The degradation of energy devices in an environment of heat and dust, and the high initial capital costs of traditional energy production installations or storage systems causes problems for the wider dissemination of conventional energy services. Prof. Dave Billing from the University of … Read more Developing sustainable energy in Africa
Photovoltaics at the University of Sheffield - The Electronic and Photonic Molecular Materials group at the University of Sheffield develops novel photovoltaic materials and processes to enable a new era of low-cost solar energy. Our work centres around the development of organic-inorganic metal-halide perovskites and related materials. These perovskites have shown the potential for low-temperature processed, high efficiency, printable and spray-coatable layers which could … Read more Photovoltaics at the University of Sheffield
New collaboration opportunities for computational insights into catalysis - A successful secondment by GCRF START computational scientist, Dr Michael Higham, has led to exciting new computational modelling collaborations involving leading catalysis institutes in South Africa and the UK. These opportunities range from investigating adsorption induced magnetisation changes in nickel catalysts, to research into bimetallic catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation of environmental and industrial importance in … Read more New collaboration opportunities for computational insights into catalysis
Cardiff University: Computational studies of Cu-based Catalysts for CO2 Conversion to Methanol - Image: Bent activated CO2 molecule adsorbed on two different Cu facets Methanol (CH3OH) is an attractive target molecule for carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas pollutant and contributes to global warming. With these pressures putting strain on the earth’s resources, research is needed to understand how CO2 can be removed from … Read more Cardiff University: Computational studies of Cu-based Catalysts for CO2 Conversion to Methanol
Sharing solar cell research - Together as a society we face many challenges in improving our society in a sustainable way. One such challenge is linked to our ability to develop and maintain our quality of life whilst reducing our impact on the Earth. For this, renewable energy is fundamental and its demand is ever increasing. Considering the importance of … Read more Sharing solar cell research
Synchrotron Techniques for African Research and Technology