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Conducts research and development of next-generation energy sources specifically directed towards materials science and chemistry, in order to improve performance and reduce costs. The group focuses on hydrogen and fuel cells research in addition to clean coal technologies.
Research areas
Fuel cells
This multi-disciplinary field requires expertise in chemistry, engineering and material science. The CSIR conducts fuel cell R&D focused on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) that have probably the largest range of potential for further development and early market applications compared to all existing fuel cell systems.
Renewables and nano-structured materials
The CSIR focuses on R&D and demonstration of photovoltaics (PVs), including dye solar cells (DSC) that are based on nano-sized titanium dioxide material. Research is also directed at the synthesis and characterisation of nano-structured materials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and aerogels, to be used in various nanomaterial applications, such as fuel cells and PVs.
Industrial processes (including clean coal technology)
The focus is on enhancing the global competitiveness of clients through process efficiency, novel design and the development of clean manufacturing processes. Extensive experience exists in process development, design, modelling, piloting and optimisation. The group has a track-record of more than two decades in fluidised bed technology, particularly for the combustion and incineration of biomass, conversion of wastes to energy and in minerals treatment.
Another focus is on the cleaner use of coal. The group has capability in clean coal technology through a focus on closed-loop combustion coal gasification and CO2 sequestration.
Research projects
Fabrication of MEAs for H2FC and direct-methanol fuel cell (DMFC)
Experiments are conducted with different MEA architectures, including the electrocatalyst deposition on nafion membranes and the electrocatalyst deposition on the carbon cloth and carbon papers. These studies aim to optimise the hot-pressing conditions and fabrication of three-layered MEAs. The MEAs will be characterised for morphology scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscopy observation), structure X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical active area (cyclic voltammetry). The ultimate aim of the project is to produce MEAs that give power outputs in the range of 5-100W, that would be assembled into stacks of 500W to 1kW.
Dye solar cells
The group conducts research into the nanocrystalline titanium dioxide (TiO2) dye solar cell (DSC).The basic working principle of the DSC is that of a regenerative photo-electrochemical process similar to the photosynthesis in plants. The DSC allows for a more flexible use of materials and are manufactured by screen printing, resulting in cost advantages over the more expensive manufacturing techniques used for traditional PV cells, and significantly less embodied energy. The eventual aim of this project is to produce stable nano-TiO2 DSCs with comparable efficiencies to that of its inorganic counterparts at a reduced cost.
Carbon nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are synthesised using the thermal and hot-wire chemical vapour deposition processes. These deposition systems were specifically designed and constructed for CNT synthesis, but due to its versatility it can also be used for the synthesis of other materials, like nanocrystalline silicon, silicon carbide, silicon nitride and others. The primary objective of this project is to optimise the thermal and hot-wire chemical vapour deposition (CVD) systems for the deposition of CNTs and to exploit the exceptional chemical and physical properties of the CNTs for use in power devices, such as fuel cells and photovoltaic devices.
Contact details
Dr Mkhulu Mathe
mmathe@csir.co.za
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