Ntalane Sello Seroka | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ntalane Sello Seroka, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa.

Ntalane Sello Seroka is a passionate PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. With a keen interest in green synthesis and nanomaterials, he focuses on developing innovative solutions for energy storage and bioenergy conversion. Ntalane is an active contributor to scientific research, with numerous publications and ongoing projects that aim to harness biomass for sustainable applications. His work reflects a commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies and addressing environmental challenges.

Publication profile

Scopus

Googlescholar

Education and Experience

BSc in Physical Sciences
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, GaRankuwa, South Africa (2015)
BSc Hons in Chemistry
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, GaRankuwa, South Africa (2016)
MSc in Chemistry
University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa (2018)
Advisor: Prof. M.A Mamo
Ph.D. in Chemistry (in view)
University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa (2019-2022)
Thesis: “Green synthesis of novel polycrystalline silicon semiconductor thin film material from sugarcane bagasse ash for solar application”
Advisor: Prof. L. Khotseng

Suitability For The Award

Dr. Ntalane Sello Seroka is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award, currently pursuing her PhD in the Department of Chemistry at the University of the Western Cape. Her research focuses on the innovative use of biomass for sustainable energy solutions, making significant contributions to the field of nanomaterials and energy storage. Notably, her work in synthesizing silicon-based materials from agricultural waste demonstrates her commitment to advancing green technology and addressing critical environmental challenges.

Professional Development

Ntalane has made significant strides in his professional development as a researcher and educator. He has served as a reviewer for academic journals, including Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, and has participated as an invited speaker at international conferences. Ntalane has also engaged with the community through radio interviews and guest editing for various publications. Currently, he is a postdoctoral fellow at the CSIR, focusing on battery research in South Africa. His accolades include winning a prize in an international youth innovation competition and being nominated for various prestigious awards.

Research Focus

Ntalane’s research is primarily centered on the development of nanomaterials for energy applications. He explores innovative methods for synthesizing nanostructures from biomass, aiming to improve energy storage solutions in batteries and fuel cells. His work also delves into catalytic nanomaterials for biomass conversion to bioenergy and the electrochemical properties of these materials. By focusing on sustainable practices, Ntalane seeks to address environmental challenges and contribute to the advancement of renewable energy technologies.

Awards and Honors

First Prize in “Beautiful China, Dynamic HUZHOU” Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (African Division)
Nominated for the Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN) Prize 2024
Nominated for online viewer at Global Young Scientist Singapore 2023

Publications

Green synthesis of silica and silicon from agricultural residue sugarcane bagasse ash – a mini review | LA September, N Kheswa, NS Seroka, L Khotseng | RSC Advances 13 (2), 1370-1380 | Cited by: 42 | Year: 2023
Extraction and synthesis of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) from sugarcane bagasse ash: a mini-review | NS Seroka, RT Taziwa, L Khotseng | Applied Sciences 12 (5), 2310 | Cited by: 26 | Year: 2022
Hydrogen production, storage, and transportation: recent advances | MM Rampai, CB Mtshali, NS Seroka, L Khotseng | RSC Advances 14 (10), 6699-6718 | Cited by: 24 | Year: 2024
Solar energy materials-evolution and niche applications: a literature review | NS Seroka, R Taziwa, L Khotseng | Materials 15 (15), 5338 | Cited by: 23 | Year: 2022
Application of functionalised MXene-carbon nanoparticle-polymer composites in resistive hydrostatic pressure sensors | NS Seroka, MA Mamo | SN Applied Sciences 2 (3), 413 | Cited by: 23 | Year: 2020
Green synthesis of crystalline silica from sugarcane bagasse ash: physico-chemical properties | NS Seroka, R Taziwa, L Khotseng | Nanomaterials 12 (13), 2184 | Cited by: 18 | Year: 2022
Catalytic Properties of Biochar as Support Material Potential for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell: A Review | ED Visser, NS Seroka, L Khotseng | ACS Omega 8 (44), 40972-40981 | Cited by: 7 | Year: 2023

Jing Xu | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jing Xu , Guizhou University, China.

Dr. Jing Xu is an Associate Professor at the College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, specializing in carbon materials, nanotechnology, and electrochemical applications. With a Ph.D. from the University of Siegen, Germany, he leads a research team exploring functional carbon materials for energy storage, sensing, and water treatment. Dr. Xu’s work also focuses on environmental technologies like large-scale functional conductive diamond (FCD) for industrial water treatment. He has co-founded Super DiaCoat GmbH to pursue the commercialization of this technology.

Education and Experience

Ph.D. in Materials Science (2019) – University of Siegen, Germany

Associate Professor (2020-present) – Guizhou University, China

Researcher (2015-2020) – University of Siegen, Germany

Researcher (2014) – Fraunhofer ISE, Germany

Researcher (2013-2014) – Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany

Suitability For The Award

Dr. Jing Xu is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to the fields of materials science and nanotechnology, particularly in carbon-based materials and their applications in energy storage and environmental technology. Currently serving as an associate professor at Guizhou University, his academic journey spans prestigious institutions in Germany, including the University of Siegen, Fraunhofer ISE, and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, reflecting his international expertise and dedication to advancing material and surface technology.

Professional Development

Dr. Jing Xu has been an active contributor to advanced materials research, focusing on carbon nanomaterials, supercapacitors, and environmental water treatment. His academic journey through Germany and China has equipped him with cutting-edge skills in nanotechnology, thin films, and electrochemical analysis. Beyond academia, his startup Super DiaCoat GmbH is paving the way for innovative industrial applications of functional conductive diamond (FCD), offering promising new methods for water treatment and environmental sustainability.

Research Focus

Dr. Xu’s research centers on carbon nanomaterials, supercapacitors, and electrochemical devices. His innovative work explores the synthesis of nanomaterials for high-performance energy storage and their application in environmental technologies. Notably, his research on functional conductive diamond (FCD) opens up new avenues for industrial water treatment, disinfection, and energy storage solutions. Dr. Xu’s interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between nanotechnology and environmental science, creating impactful solutions for real-world challenges.

Awards and Honors

Outstanding Research Award – University of Siegen
Best Paper Award – Advanced Energy Materials (2019)
Innovation in Water Treatment Award – Super DiaCoat GmbH
Recognition for Excellence in Supercapacitor Research – ChemElectroChem
Top Innovator Award – Fraunhofer ISE

Publications

Cauliflower-like Ni/NiCoP@Boron-doped diamond composite electrodes for high-performance symmetric supercapacitors | Diamond and Related Materials, 2024 | 0 citations
Hierarchical nickel phosphide/carbon nanofibers for high performance pseudocapacitors | Diamond and Related Materials, 2024 | 0 citations
Boron-doped diamond decorated with metal-organic framework-derived compounds for high-voltage aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors | Carbon, 2024 | 0 citations
A low-temperature-tolerant gel polymer electrolyte for long-lasting Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors and Zn-I2 batteries | Journal of Energy Storage, 2024 | 0 citations
Synthesis of long-chain aliphatic poly(β-thioester)s via thiol-Michael polyaddition and their applications in noble metal recovery and information encryption | European Polymer Journal, 2024 | 0 citations
Construction of strengthened crosslinked polymer coating using liquid-like nanoparticle on polyphenylene sulfide nonwoven as separator: Improved cycling performance in lithium-ion battery | Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2024 | 0 citations
Eutectogel with (NH4)2SO4-Based Deep Eutectic Solvent for Ammonium-Ion Supercapacitors | ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, 2024 | 6 citations
Gel Polymer Electrolytes Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol for Zinc-Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors | Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering, 2024 | 0 citations