Department of Chemistry Project Research
Project Research
Chemistry research is principally focused in the disciplines of physical, applied, organic and inorganic chemistry.
Specifically, the areas of focus within these are:
- Physical Chemistry
This primarily includes the design and electrochemical interrogation of smart materials for application in targeted drug or controlled ion delivery to candidate biological cells. In addition biocompatible nano-materials are integrated and interdigitated to produce nano bio-, immuno- and genosensors.
- Applied Chemistry
Areas of research include nanoscience and the development of nano-catalysts; brine and fly ash treatment together with acid mine drainage; and zeolite catalysts /adsorbents in waste water treatment.
- Organic Chemistry
This centres on natural product chemistry particularly those derived from medicinal plants, marine organisms and fungal sources. In addition, general organic synthesis and development of new methods for herbal drug standardisation and quality control are also undertaken.
- Inorganic Chemistry
Hetero and homogeneous catalysts are prepared and subsequently examined for applications in fine chemicals, energy and environmental applications.
Research interests lie mainly in the field of natural product structural studies, directed particularly at indigenous medicinal plants of South Africa. This involves a broad range of common natural products such as flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids as well as complex carbohydrates, especially those which are implicated in biological or pharmacological activities. These studies generally involve the use of separation techniques such as solvent extraction and chromatography, as well as spectroscopy, including UV, IR, MS and NMR.
Current Projects:
- Structural investigation of the natural products composition of selected South African seaweeds.
- Chemical studies on complex carbohydrates from myrothamnus flabellifolius.
- Studies of chemical constituents on the aerial parts of pelargonium capitatum.
- Isolation and characterisation of natural products from selected species of the rhus genus.
- The impact duration of storage and seasonal harvesting has on biomarker levels for lessertia frutescens.
Research interests lie mainly in the field of natural product structural studies, directed at nano-architecture in the beneficiation of platinum group metals. Novel consolidated core/shell nanomaterials based on noble metals and semiconductors for hybrid photovoltaic membrane processes in water purification Nanotechnology in water treatment.
Ongoing heterogeneous catalysis research includes development of supported metal catalysts for Friedel-Crafts alkylation as well as the synthesis of low cost, high quality fly ash-based beta zeolite, ZSM-5 and MCM-41 from South African fly ash and application in n-hexane cracking, MTO reaction, etc. Copper(1)-doped Zeolite X produced from fly- ash, as a heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of diynes is also being investigated.
Research focused on preventing charge recombination and developing advanced and efficient supported photocatalysts looks at enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of immobilised TiO2 nanocrystal including x-y TiO2 co-doped (x=non metals {S, N, B} and y= metals {Fe, Co, Ni} as well as silver or carbon doped and carbon-nitrogen co-doped nanocrystals supported on porous metal or glass supports for photochemical degradation of organic water pollutants under UV and visible light. Investigating their antimicrobial effects and toxicity on environmental systems is a new direction.
ADVANCED OXIDATION
Studies relating to various advanced oxidation techniques are ongoing for degradation of pharmaceutical compounds in water include dielectric barrier discharge, photo Fenton, cavitations, photocatalysis and combined AOT systems. The generation of free radicals by these AOT systems is being quantified. The degradation of persistent pharmaceuticals in water using free radicals generated by combined advanced oxidation is promising and degradation pathways of Bisphenol A, Nitrophenol, triclocarban, triclosan, various dyes and other persistent compounds are being elucidated. Moreover, new methods for degrading recalcitrant organics are under development and approaches such as dielectric barrier discharges, cavitations, impingement, coupled with nanotechnology are under investigation to provide low cost and scalable techniques to purify contaminated water. Moreover, zero-valent iron nanoparticles are being applied for the removal of nitrates and organics from water. The use of novel antifouling, photocatalytic track-etched nano-filters is also under investigation. Additionally, the research investigates fouling on membranes and regeneration. The ultimate goal is to develop nano structured self regenerating membranes with antifouling properties for the removal of organic pollutants and microbes.
WATER QUALITY
Water quality monitoring is ongoing and the research includes studying radionuclides, toxic metals and organic contaminants in Karoo Aquifers, and from mining or in effluents from waste water treatment plants in the Western Cape.
SEPARATIONS
Apart from the extensive metal adsorption work already performed using zeolites and nano Iron, research is ongoing on fictionalisation of electrospun polymer nanofibers for removal or recovery of metals from aqueous solution including lanthanide ion adsorption. The fibres are also being used for treatment of brine for enhanced evaporation, for radionuclide removal from mining effluents, and rare earth element extractions in hydrometallurgical applications
WASTE REUSE
Electrospinning and functionalisation of chitosan isolated from biomass is ongoing. The fundamental science and technology in the management, application and reuse of coal fly ash has been elucidated. The outputs over the last ten years in this topic have been significant and are ongoing. In the studies undertaken, the topics of waste fly ash from coal combustion and its disposal, management, reuse and beneficial applications have made a significant contribution towards industrial waste management locally and internationally, and the work is cited widely. Treatment of acid mine drainage with fly ash has been shown feasible up to large pilot scale and industry has taken note of the process for low cost mine water purification. A patent has been granted in this topic and large scale pilot trials are in progress.
Many different high purity zeolites have been made from South African fly ash and application of hierarchical zeolites for bio fuel production, for instance offers a green route that saves scarce water resources and lowers the cost of fuel production. Moreover, new hydrothermal synthesis routes and monitoring methods by ultrasound were developed and two patents have been granted in this field.
Apart from the large body of work on reuse of South African coal fly ash waste, recovery of rare earth elements concentrates from fly ash is being studied. The reduction of the level of major components in fly ash by suitable extraction techniques allows preconcentration of more valuable trace elements. Furthermore, the detection and qualification of short-lived and other radionuclides in transformed fly ash products is most necessary. Determination of the leaching of toxic metals and contaminants of emerging concern from repurposed waste products needs elucidation.
Current and ongoing areas of research include:
CATALYSIS:Ongoing heterogeneous catalysis research includes development of supported metal catalysts for Friedel-Crafts alkylation as well as the synthesis of low cost, high quality fly ash-based beta zeolite, ZSM-5 and MCM-41 from South African fly ash and application in n-hexane cracking, MTO reaction, etc. Copper(1)-doped Zeolite X produced from fly- ash, as a heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of diynes is also being investigated.
Research focused on preventing charge recombination and developing advanced and efficient supported photocatalysts looks at enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of immobilised TiO2 nanocrystal including x-y TiO2 co-doped (x=non metals {S, N, B} and y= metals {Fe, Co, Ni} as well as silver or carbon doped and carbon-nitrogen co-doped nanocrystals supported on porous metal or glass supports for photochemical degradation of organic water pollutants under UV and visible light. Investigating their antimicrobial effects and toxicity on environmental systems is a new direction.
ADVANCED OXIDATION
Studies relating to various advanced oxidation techniques are ongoing for degradation of pharmaceutical compounds in water include dielectric barrier discharge, photo Fenton, cavitations, photocatalysis and combined AOT systems. The generation of free radicals by these AOT systems is being quantified. The degradation of persistent pharmaceuticals in water using free radicals generated by combined advanced oxidation is promising and degradation pathways of Bisphenol A, Nitrophenol, triclocarban, triclosan, various dyes and other persistent compounds are being elucidated. Moreover, new methods for degrading recalcitrant organics are under development and approaches such as dielectric barrier discharges, cavitations, impingement, coupled with nanotechnology are under investigation to provide low cost and scalable techniques to purify contaminated water. Moreover, zero-valent iron nanoparticles are being applied for the removal of nitrates and organics from water. The use of novel antifouling, photocatalytic track-etched nano-filters is also under investigation. Additionally, the research investigates fouling on membranes and regeneration. The ultimate goal is to develop nano structured self regenerating membranes with antifouling properties for the removal of organic pollutants and microbes.
WATER QUALITY
Water quality monitoring is ongoing and the research includes studying radionuclides, toxic metals and organic contaminants in Karoo Aquifers, and from mining or in effluents from waste water treatment plants in the Western Cape.
SEPARATIONS
Apart from the extensive metal adsorption work already performed using zeolites and nano Iron, research is ongoing on fictionalisation of electrospun polymer nanofibers for removal or recovery of metals from aqueous solution including lanthanide ion adsorption. The fibres are also being used for treatment of brine for enhanced evaporation, for radionuclide removal from mining effluents, and rare earth element extractions in hydrometallurgical applications
WASTE REUSE
Electrospinning and functionalisation of chitosan isolated from biomass is ongoing. The fundamental science and technology in the management, application and reuse of coal fly ash has been elucidated. The outputs over the last ten years in this topic have been significant and are ongoing. In the studies undertaken, the topics of waste fly ash from coal combustion and its disposal, management, reuse and beneficial applications have made a significant contribution towards industrial waste management locally and internationally, and the work is cited widely. Treatment of acid mine drainage with fly ash has been shown feasible up to large pilot scale and industry has taken note of the process for low cost mine water purification. A patent has been granted in this topic and large scale pilot trials are in progress.
Many different high purity zeolites have been made from South African fly ash and application of hierarchical zeolites for bio fuel production, for instance offers a green route that saves scarce water resources and lowers the cost of fuel production. Moreover, new hydrothermal synthesis routes and monitoring methods by ultrasound were developed and two patents have been granted in this field.
Apart from the large body of work on reuse of South African coal fly ash waste, recovery of rare earth elements concentrates from fly ash is being studied. The reduction of the level of major components in fly ash by suitable extraction techniques allows preconcentration of more valuable trace elements. Furthermore, the detection and qualification of short-lived and other radionuclides in transformed fly ash products is most necessary. Determination of the leaching of toxic metals and contaminants of emerging concern from repurposed waste products needs elucidation.
Our research interests involve materials and catalyst preparation. Specific emphases are placed on catalytic materials for fine chemical, energy and environment applications. The current research lies with heterogeneous catalysis and coordination chemistry and entails designs for the synthesis of inorganic and hybrid, organic-inorganic materials for catalysis.
Scientific Reports 2026
Recent Advances in Quantum Dots‐Based Sensors for the Detection of Tuberculosis: A Review, A Mtotywa, S Booysen, MP Radebe, FO Okumu, BO Owaga, MO Onani
ChemistrySelect 11 (6), e02435, 2026
Molecular modeling and simulation studies of SELEX-derived high-affinity DNA aptamers to the Ebola virus nucleoprotein, DR Martin, AT Mutombwera, AM Madiehe, MO Onani, M Meyer, R Cloete
Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics 43 (9), 4405-4422, 2025
Biomolecular Affinities and Cytotoxicity of Copper (I) and Silver (I) Phosphine–Pyridinyl Complexes Against CACO‐2 and CASKI Cell Lines, AA Adeleke, MD Meyer, NRS Sibuyi, MO Onani, B Omondi, European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 28 (15), e202500123, 2025
Wound healing effects of biogenic gold nanoparticles synthesized using red wine extracts
T Mgijima, NRS Sibuyi, AO Fadaka, S Meyer, AM Madiehe, M Meyer, ..., Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology 52 (1), 399-410, 2024
The biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Synadenium grantii latex: characterisation and evaluation of their antimicrobial activities, D Tirop, L Njenga, A Kiplagat, G Lagat, M Onani
Natural and Applied Sciences International Journal (NASIJ) 5 (2), 56-67, 2024
Addressing the gaps in homeostatic mechanisms of copper and copper dithiocarbamate complexes in cancer therapy: a shift from classical platinum-drug mechanisms, LW Njenga, SN Mbugua, RA Odhiambo, MO Onani, Dalton Transactions 53 (29), 12391-12394, 2024
Effects of Reaction Temperature and Cadmium Source on the Optical, Morphological and Cytotoxic Properties of CdSe/ZnSe Quantum Dots, AN Nkaule, S Kiprotich, LB Brandt, T Gerber, AM Madiehe, NL Botha, ..., ChemistrySelect 8 (47), e202301962, 2023
Some members of genus Cassia (Senna): Their ethnobotany, potency and prospects of drug discovery, S Osunga, O Amuka, A Machocho, A Getabu, M Onani, Indian Journal of Pharmacy & Drug Studies 2 (2), 41-62, 2023
New thiosemicarbazones and their palladium (II) complexes: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, X-ray structure and anticancer evaluation, WO Misigo, LW Njenga, RA Odhiambo, M Meyer, L Julius, N Sibuyi, ..., Inorganica Chimica Acta 558, 121746, 2023
Optimizing Cr(VI) adsorption parameters on magnetite (Fe3O4) and manganese doped magnetite (MnxFe(3-x)O4) nanoparticles, L Ouma, A Pholosi, M Onani, Physical Sciences Reviews 8 (11), 3885-3895, 2023
Review on nanogels and their applications on dermal therapy, NL Botha, P Mushonga, MO Onani
Polymers and Polymer Composites 31, 09673911231192816, 2023
Anticancer, antioxidant, and catalytic activities of green synthesized gold nanoparticles using avocado seed aqueous extract, Y Ngungeni, J A. Aboyewa, KL Moabelo, NRS Sibuyi, S Meyer, MO Onani, ..., ACS omega 8 (29), 26088-26101, 2023
Carbon dots in drug delivery, NRS Sibuyi, A Mbengashe, ZB Nqakala, AA Ajmal, T Mgijima, ...
Carbon dots in biology, 283-312, 2023
Anti-bacterial activities of green synthesized ZnO and CuO nanoparticles from leaf extracts of Warburgia ugandensis, L Njenga, American Journal of Nano Research and Applications, 2023
An international journal of inorganic chemistry incorporating Acta Chemica Scandinavica
LW Njenga, SN Mbugua, RA Odhiambo, MO Onani, X Xu, Y Li, C Liu, .., Dalton Trans 52, 5811-5822, 2023
Addressing the gaps in homeostatic mechanisms of copper and copper dithiocarbamate complexes in cancer therapy: a shift from classical platinum-drug mechanisms
LW Njenga, SN Mbugua, RA Odhiambo, MO Onani, Dalton Transactions 52 (18), 5823-5847, 2023
Biomedical applications of plant extract-synthesized silver nanoparticles
S Simon, NRS Sibuyi, AO Fadaka, S Meyer, J Josephs, MO Onani, ..,Biomedicines 10 (11), 2792, 2022
Nanotechnology-based strategies for treatment of obesity, cancer and anti-microbial resistance: highlights of the Department of Science and Innovation/Mintek Nanotechnology …, NRS Sibuyi, KL Moabelo, S Meyer, A Skepu, MO Onani, AM Madiehe, ...
Applied Sciences 12 (20), 10512, 2022
Catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and methylene blue by biogenic gold nanoparticles synthesized using Carpobrotus edulis fruit (sour fig) extract, AM Madiehe, KL Moabelo, K Modise, NRS Sibuyi, S Meyer, A Dube, ..., Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology 12, 18479804221108254, 2022
Biogenically Synthesized Silver/Gold Nanoparticles, Mechanism and their Applications: A Review, SA Odongo, SO Lugasi, MO Onani, SG Agong, SC Lagat, Asian Journal of Chemical Sciences, 2022
Effects of growth time on the material properties of CdTe/CdSe core/shell nanoparticles prepared by a facile wet chemical route, S Kiprotich, FB Dejene, MO Onani, Materials Research Express 9 (2), 025008, 2022
Biogenic Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles from Physalis peruviana and Application in Wound Healing, S Adongo Odongo, F Oluoch Okumu, S Omwoma Lugasi, M Opiyo Onani, ...
Journal of Chemistry 2022 (1), 9034840, 2022
Recent publications:
1. Alechine E. Ameh, Shabnam Feyziyeva, Jean-Luc Mukaba, Keagan Pokpas, Baylar Zarbaliyev, Ojo O. Fatoba, Benoit Louis, Leslie F. Petrik, Oluwaseun O. Oyekola. (2026). Synthesis of BEA zeolite from coal fly ash nano-silica extract: application in CO2 adsorption, Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, Volume 412, 2026, 114249, ISSN 1387-1811, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2026.114249.
2. Alegbe Monday John, Moronkola Bridget Adekemi, Fatoba Oolanrewaju Ojo, Adekolurejo Ezekiel, Agboola Olugbenga Ayodeji Oyesomi Aisha, Petrik Leslie Felicia. (2026). Chemical Removal of Toxic Heavy Metals in Acid Mine Drainage Using Hydrazine as ReductantAmerican Journal of Applied Chemistry, 2026, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 30–41, https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajac.20261402.12.
3. Wu X, Xu S, Luo J, Petrik L, Bladergroen B, Xiang N, Zhang C, Shao T, Chen W, Ding L. (2026). Non-Thermal Plasma-Activated Ammonia Decomposition for Hydrogen Production: Tuning CeO2 Catalyst Nanomorphology to Enhance Performance. Plasma Processes and Polymers23: e70182, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.70182.
4. Mukaba, J.-L., Mouéle, E.S.M., Ameh, A.E., Eze, C.P., Petrik, L. and Tshentu, Z. (2026) ‘Adsorption of REEs from aqueous solutions using modified polystyrene-di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid electrospun nanofibers’, Surfaces and Interfaces, 88, p. 109090. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfin.2026.109090
5. Amaechi, J.M., Chow, R., Petrik, L. and Jovanovic, N. (2026) ‘Pesticide and pharmaceutical pollution in South Africa: a review of sources, impacts, and policy gaps’, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 198, p. 331. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-026-15137-z
Current Projects:
- Catalysis by supported nano-clusters: zeolite synthesis and surface modifications metal complexes and metal nano-clusters in zeolite cages (ship-in-a-bottle syntheses).
- Catalysis by zeolites and porous silica materials: materials for greenhouse gases removal such as adsorbents for CO2 capture and catalysts for NO removal.
- Catalysis for water treatment using functionalized magnetic nano-particles.
Scientific Reports 2026
Recent Advances in Quantum Dots‐Based Sensors for the Detection of Tuberculosis: A Review, A Mtotywa, S Booysen, MP Radebe, FO Okumu, BO Owaga, MO Onani
ChemistrySelect 11 (6), e02435, 2026
Molecular modeling and simulation studies of SELEX-derived high-affinity DNA aptamers to the Ebola virus nucleoprotein, DR Martin, AT Mutombwera, AM Madiehe, MO Onani, M Meyer, R Cloete
Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics 43 (9), 4405-4422, 2025
Biomolecular Affinities and Cytotoxicity of Copper (I) and Silver (I) Phosphine–Pyridinyl Complexes Against CACO‐2 and CASKI Cell Lines, AA Adeleke, MD Meyer, NRS Sibuyi, MO Onani, B Omondi, European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 28 (15), e202500123, 2025
Wound healing effects of biogenic gold nanoparticles synthesized using red wine extracts
T Mgijima, NRS Sibuyi, AO Fadaka, S Meyer, AM Madiehe, M Meyer, ..., Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology 52 (1), 399-410, 2024
The biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Synadenium grantii latex: characterisation and evaluation of their antimicrobial activities, D Tirop, L Njenga, A Kiplagat, G Lagat, M Onani
Natural and Applied Sciences International Journal (NASIJ) 5 (2), 56-67, 2024
Addressing the gaps in homeostatic mechanisms of copper and copper dithiocarbamate complexes in cancer therapy: a shift from classical platinum-drug mechanisms, LW Njenga, SN Mbugua, RA Odhiambo, MO Onani, Dalton Transactions 53 (29), 12391-12394, 2024
Effects of Reaction Temperature and Cadmium Source on the Optical, Morphological and Cytotoxic Properties of CdSe/ZnSe Quantum Dots, AN Nkaule, S Kiprotich, LB Brandt, T Gerber, AM Madiehe, NL Botha, ..., ChemistrySelect 8 (47), e202301962, 2023
Some members of genus Cassia (Senna): Their ethnobotany, potency and prospects of drug discovery, S Osunga, O Amuka, A Machocho, A Getabu, M Onani, Indian Journal of Pharmacy & Drug Studies 2 (2), 41-62, 2023
New thiosemicarbazones and their palladium (II) complexes: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, X-ray structure and anticancer evaluation, WO Misigo, LW Njenga, RA Odhiambo, M Meyer, L Julius, N Sibuyi, ..., Inorganica Chimica Acta 558, 121746, 2023
Optimizing Cr(VI) adsorption parameters on magnetite (Fe3O4) and manganese doped magnetite (MnxFe(3-x)O4) nanoparticles, L Ouma, A Pholosi, M Onani, Physical Sciences Reviews 8 (11), 3885-3895, 2023
Review on nanogels and their applications on dermal therapy, NL Botha, P Mushonga, MO Onani
Polymers and Polymer Composites 31, 09673911231192816, 2023
Anticancer, antioxidant, and catalytic activities of green synthesized gold nanoparticles using avocado seed aqueous extract, Y Ngungeni, J A. Aboyewa, KL Moabelo, NRS Sibuyi, S Meyer, MO Onani, ..., ACS omega 8 (29), 26088-26101, 2023
Carbon dots in drug delivery, NRS Sibuyi, A Mbengashe, ZB Nqakala, AA Ajmal, T Mgijima, ...
Carbon dots in biology, 283-312, 2023
Anti-bacterial activities of green synthesized ZnO and CuO nanoparticles from leaf extracts of Warburgia ugandensis, L Njenga, American Journal of Nano Research and Applications, 2023
An international journal of inorganic chemistry incorporating Acta Chemica Scandinavica
LW Njenga, SN Mbugua, RA Odhiambo, MO Onani, X Xu, Y Li, C Liu, .., Dalton Trans 52, 5811-5822, 2023
Addressing the gaps in homeostatic mechanisms of copper and copper dithiocarbamate complexes in cancer therapy: a shift from classical platinum-drug mechanisms
LW Njenga, SN Mbugua, RA Odhiambo, MO Onani, Dalton Transactions 52 (18), 5823-5847, 2023
Biomedical applications of plant extract-synthesized silver nanoparticles
S Simon, NRS Sibuyi, AO Fadaka, S Meyer, J Josephs, MO Onani, ..,Biomedicines 10 (11), 2792, 2022
Nanotechnology-based strategies for treatment of obesity, cancer and anti-microbial resistance: highlights of the Department of Science and Innovation/Mintek Nanotechnology …, NRS Sibuyi, KL Moabelo, S Meyer, A Skepu, MO Onani, AM Madiehe, ...
Applied Sciences 12 (20), 10512, 2022
Catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and methylene blue by biogenic gold nanoparticles synthesized using Carpobrotus edulis fruit (sour fig) extract, AM Madiehe, KL Moabelo, K Modise, NRS Sibuyi, S Meyer, A Dube, ..., Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology 12, 18479804221108254, 2022
Biogenically Synthesized Silver/Gold Nanoparticles, Mechanism and their Applications: A Review, SA Odongo, SO Lugasi, MO Onani, SG Agong, SC Lagat, Asian Journal of Chemical Sciences, 2022
Effects of growth time on the material properties of CdTe/CdSe core/shell nanoparticles prepared by a facile wet chemical route, S Kiprotich, FB Dejene, MO Onani, Materials Research Express 9 (2), 025008, 2022
Biogenic Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles from Physalis peruviana and Application in Wound Healing, S Adongo Odongo, F Oluoch Okumu, S Omwoma Lugasi, M Opiyo Onani, ...
Journal of Chemistry 2022 (1), 9034840, 2022
Recent publications:
1. Alechine E. Ameh, Shabnam Feyziyeva, Jean-Luc Mukaba, Keagan Pokpas, Baylar Zarbaliyev, Ojo O. Fatoba, Benoit Louis, Leslie F. Petrik, Oluwaseun O. Oyekola. (2026). Synthesis of BEA zeolite from coal fly ash nano-silica extract: application in CO2 adsorption, Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, Volume 412, 2026, 114249, ISSN 1387-1811, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2026.114249.
2. Alegbe Monday John, Moronkola Bridget Adekemi, Fatoba Oolanrewaju Ojo, Adekolurejo Ezekiel, Agboola Olugbenga Ayodeji Oyesomi Aisha, Petrik Leslie Felicia. (2026). Chemical Removal of Toxic Heavy Metals in Acid Mine Drainage Using Hydrazine as ReductantAmerican Journal of Applied Chemistry, 2026, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 30–41, https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajac.20261402.12.
3. Wu X, Xu S, Luo J, Petrik L, Bladergroen B, Xiang N, Zhang C, Shao T, Chen W, Ding L. (2026). Non-Thermal Plasma-Activated Ammonia Decomposition for Hydrogen Production: Tuning CeO2 Catalyst Nanomorphology to Enhance Performance. Plasma Processes and Polymers23: e70182, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.70182.
4. Mukaba, J.-L., Mouéle, E.S.M., Ameh, A.E., Eze, C.P., Petrik, L. and Tshentu, Z. (2026) ‘Adsorption of REEs from aqueous solutions using modified polystyrene-di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid electrospun nanofibers’, Surfaces and Interfaces, 88, p. 109090. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfin.2026.109090
5. Amaechi, J.M., Chow, R., Petrik, L. and Jovanovic, N. (2026) ‘Pesticide and pharmaceutical pollution in South Africa: a review of sources, impacts, and policy gaps’, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 198, p. 331. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-026-15137-z
The project involves design, synthesis of inorganic and organometalllic complexes. We also design and prepare nanomaterials. These novel materials are either singly or multiply applied in catalysis and biological studies.
Current Projects:
- Oxidative cleavage of long chain alkenes using ruthenium and rhenium dendrimeric catalysts.
- Fabrication of type I indium-based near-infrared emitting quantum dots for biological imaging applications.
- Synthesis, optical and morphological characterisation of doped PbX/PbS (X = Se, Te) quantum dots for diagnostic studies: a model Study.
- Synthesis, optical and structural characterisation of transition metal-doped-InP/ZnSe quantum dots for diagnostic studies.
- Synthesis and characterisation of yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ) hollow fibre supports for palladium based membranes.
An increase in the number of fatalities has been observed in South Africa in the past ten years due to the epidemics of tuberculosis and HIV/Aids. The main contributing factor is genetic polymorphism, resulting in drug toxicity, drug overdose and drug resistance. To eradicate this problem, the SensorLab is intensively involved in the development of sensitive detection methods in the form of nano-biosensors. My interests include the development of drug metabolism biosensors and the synthesis of various conducting polymeric and metallic nanomaterials to facilitate optimum functioning of these sensors.
Current Projects:
- Frequency-modulated haemolytic biosensor for nevirapine.
- Telluric quantum dots biosensor chips for monitoring the metabolism of anti-tuberculosis drugs.
- Palladium selenide and telluride quantum dots electrochemical bio-transducers for the determination of indinavir - a protease inhibitor anti-retroviral drug.
My research interest is in electro-analytical chemistry. We use electrochemical stripping analysis for determining trace amounts of heavy metals, and explore and develop new electrode materials for the electrochemical sensing of organic compounds. In addition, we modify electrodes with molecularly imprinted conducting polymers to improve the selectivity of electrochemical sensors.
Current Projects:
- Investigation of a lead pencil electrode for determination of folic acid by stripping voltammetry.
- Graphene modified metal film electrodes for the determination of trace metals by anodic stripping voltammetry/]
- Pencil-lead electrodes modified with graphene for the determination of trace metals by anodic stripping voltammetry.
- A sensor for detecting ascorbic acid using a glassy carbon electrode modified with molecularly imprinted polypyrrole.
