Pinkie Ntola | Materials Chemistry | Excellence in Research Award
Dr. Pinkie Ntola, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.
Dr. Pinkie Ntola ๐ is a seasoned chemist and academic professional at Durban University of Technology ๐ซ, currently serving as Interim Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation. With a PhD in Chemistry from UKZN ๐งช, her research specializes in heterogeneous catalysis and environmental analytical chemistry ๐. She has held multiple academic roles, from tutor to senior lecturer, demonstrating unwavering commitment to education and innovation ๐โจ. Dr. Ntola is also a dedicated member of several university committees and has received numerous awards recognizing her excellence in teaching, research, and industry engagement ๐ ๐ฉโ๐ฌ.
Publication Profiles
Scopus
Orcid
Google Scholar
ย Education & Experienceย
๐ Education
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๐ PhD in Chemistry (2021), University of KwaZulu-Natal โ Heterogeneous Catalysis
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๐งช Master of Technology in Chemistry (2011โ2014), Durban University of Technology
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๐งซ Bachelor of Technology in Chemistry (2009), Durban University of Technology
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โ๏ธ Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (2006โ2008), Durban University of Technology
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๐ Certificate in Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods (2017), DUT
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๐ Grade 12 Senior Certificate (2001), Bizana Senior Secondary School
๐งโ๐ฌ Experience
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๐ Interim Director, Technology Transfer and Innovation, DUT (Present)
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๐ฉโ๐ซ Senior Lecturer, Chemistry Dept., DUT (2024โPresent)
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๐ฉโ๐ซ Lecturer, Chemistry Dept., DUT (2015โ2023)
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๐งโ๐ซ Junior Lecturer, Chemistry Dept., DUT (2010โ2014)
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๐งโ๐ซ Inorganic Chemistry Tutor, DUT (2009)
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๐ฌ Trainee Chemist, Anglo American (2008)
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๐ฉโ๐ฌ Lab Demonstrator & Tutor, DUT (2007)
Summary Suitability For The Award
Dr. Pinkie Ntola, Interim Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa, is a highly accomplished academic and researcher whose contributions to materials chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and environmental analytical chemistry exemplify cutting-edge research excellence. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, her innovative work and scholarly impact make her an outstanding candidate for the Excellence in Research Award.
ย Professional Development
Dr. Ntola has actively invested in her professional growth through academic training, research certifications, and leadership roles ๐ฏ๐. She completed a certificate in qualitative and quantitative research methods ๐, equipping her with essential skills for scientific inquiry. Her trajectory from tutor to senior lecturer reflects her dedication to lifelong learning and impactful teaching ๐๐งโ๐ซ. As a DHET National Expert in Chemical Laboratory Technology ๐งช, she contributes to national academic standards. Dr. Ntola’s involvement in university boards and strategic committees highlights her leadership in institutional development and policy formulation โ๏ธ๐, fostering innovation and collaboration across academic and industrial domains ๐๐ผ.
ย Research Focusย
Dr. Ntola’s research revolves around Materials Chemistry, Heterogeneous Catalysis, and Environmental Analytical Chemistry ๐๐ฟ. Her PhD explored oxidative dehydrogenation using metal oxide-supported catalysts, contributing to greener and more efficient chemical processes โ๏ธโป๏ธ. She is passionate about solving real-world environmental challenges through analytical innovation and sustainable chemistry ๐ฑ๐งช. Her work intersects advanced material design and catalytic mechanisms, providing insights into pollution reduction and energy efficiency ๐โ๏ธ. As an emerging researcher, she continuously expands her scientific footprint by engaging in multidisciplinary collaborations and supervising student research, shaping the future of applied chemical sciences ๐งโ๐ฌ๐.
ย Awards & Honorsย
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๐ Emerging Researcher Award, Faculty of Applied Sciences (2019)
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๐ฅ 3rd Prize, Best Oral Presentation, PRIS Conference at UKZN (2020)
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๐ Certificate of Recognition in Research, Dept. of Chemistry (2022)
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๐ฉโ๐ผ Outstanding Female Industry Liaison, STEAMI (2023)
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๐ Certificate of Recognition in Research, Dept. of Chemistry (2023)
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๐ Teaching & Learning Excellence Award, Faculty of Applied Sciences (2023)
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๐งช DHET National Expert, Chemical Laboratory Technology Skill (2024)
Publication Top Noted
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๐ Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using promoted, unsupported, supported, bimetallic and spray-dried iron catalysts: A review โ AS Buthelezi et al., 2024, Cited by: 12 ๐ฌ
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๐ฅ Exploring the role of fuel on the microstructure of VOx/MgO powders prepared using solution combustion synthesis โ P Ntola et al., 2022, Cited by: 8 ๐งช
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๐งโ๐ซ A survey of soft skills expectations: a view from work integrated learning students and the chemical industry โ P Ntola et al., 2024, Cited by: 7 ๐ผ
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โ๏ธ Effect of the fuel on the surface VOx concentration, speciation and physico-chemical characteristics of solution combustion synthesised VOx/MgO catalysts for n-octane activation โ P Ntola et al., 2023, Cited by: 4 ๐
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๐ง Comparison of UV and ELS detectors in HSPEC analysis of natural organic matter in dam water โ KG Moodley et al., 2017, Cited by: 3 ๐ก
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๐ Development of methods for the separation and characterization of natural organic matter in dam water โ P Sobantu, 2015, Cited by: 3 ๐ง
, Computational Materials Science, 2025.
, Chinese Journal of Lasers, 2023.
, Acta Armamentarii, 2024.
, China Mechanical Engineering, 2025.
ย Dr. Rumyana L. Lazarova is a Professor of Materials Science at the Institute of Metal Science, Equipment and Technologies with Hydro- and Aerodynamics Centre (IMSETHAC), Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). She earned her Masterโs degree in Engineering from the Technical University โ Sofia and a Ph.D. from BAS. Since joining IMSETHAC in 1995, she has contributed extensively to materials science research. She was a scholarship holder at UCL Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium (1999-2000). Her current research focuses on graphene-reinforced aluminum nanocomposites. She has authored over 120 scientific publications, making significant contributions to advanced materials science.ย 



















ย 2021-2023ย โ โExcellent Postdoctoral’ honor, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences
ย 2020ย โ โExcellent PhD Graduateโ honor, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)
ย Enhanced electrochemical characteristics of MnO anode induced cobalt dopant for Li-ion batteriesย (2025) โย 0 citationsย 
ย Ca/Li Synergetic-Doped Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 to Realize P2-O2 Phase Transition Suppression for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteriesย (2024) โย 0 citationsย
ย Amino Group-Aided Efficient Regeneration Targeting Structural Defects and Inactive FePO4 Phase for Degraded LiFePO4 Cathodesย (2024) โย 0 citationsย 

ย Regulation of Sulfur Atoms in MoSx by Magneto-Electrodeposition for Hydrogen Evolution Reactionย (2024) โย 1 citationย
ย Two Birds with One Stone: V4C3 MXene Synergistically Promoted VS2 Cathode and Zinc Anode for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteriesย (2024) โย 11 citationsย
ย Recent progress in critical electrode and electrolyte materials for flexible zinc-ion batteriesย (2024) โย 1 citationย
ย Surface Modification Driven Initial Coulombic Efficiency and Rate Performance Enhancement of Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 Cathodeย (2024) โย 1 citationย
ย Mo2N/CoN nanotube with synergistic reaction of intercalation and conversion enables high-performance lithium-ion batteriesย (2023) โย 1 citationย
ย Carbon Foam-Supported VS2 Cathode for High-Performance Flexible Self-Healing Quasi-Solid-State Zinc-Ion Batteriesย (2023) โย 17 citationsย 
ย Magneto-electrochemistry driven ultralong-life Zn-VS2 aqueous zinc-ion batteriesย (2023) โย 12 citationsย
. With a Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology, he has held key roles in academia and industry, including POSCO E&C and Daegu University. A prolific researcher, he leads cutting-edge projects in digital twins, CFRP reinforcements, and AI-driven structural analysisย 
ย Ph.D. in Civil Engineeringย โ Georgia Institute of Technology (2010)
ย Professor & Headย โ Inha University (2024โPresent)
. Committed to innovation, he continues to pioneer advanced construction materials, ensuring structural integrity and sustainability for future generationsย 
ย for predictive maintenance. His work onย carbon fiber reinforcementย
ย aims atย sustainable infrastructureย
ย andย concrete deterioration analysisย
, his research contributes to safer, longer-lasting structures in civil engineering.




