UCT Energy Research Day 2025: Catalysis Institute Students and Researchers Excel

30 May 2025
Energy Research Day
30 May 2025

On 29 May 2025, the University of Cape Town hosted its annual Energy Research Day, bringing together postgraduate students, faculty, and researchers from across the university to share their latest findings and foster collaboration in energy research.

The Catalysis Institute was strongly represented, with several postgraduate students presenting posters that showcased a wide range of innovative research in catalysis and sustainable energy technologies. Among these, students from the institute won both the First and Second Poster Prizes, reflecting the high calibre and diversity of research within the group.

Dr Rhiyaad Mohamed delivered a presentation on “Electrocatalysis for Green Hydrogen and Power-to-X Technologies,” highlighting the institute’s pioneering work in developing advanced catalysts and electrolyser components essential for South Africa’s growing green hydrogen economy.

Professor Jack Fletcher also contributed with a presentation on renewable clean cooking fuel solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa, showcasing the institute’s diverse research portfolio.

Energy Research Day
A combined photo from the event captures key moments: Professor Patricia Kooyman accepting the Second Poster Prize titled “Zeolite-encapsulated single Pt atoms inside MFI for hydrocracking” on behalf of Thabiso Ntlebi (top left), Dr Rhiyaad Mohamed presenting on electrocatalysis (bottom left), and Noluvuyo Ndila receiving the First Poster Prize titled “Tuning redox activity and selectivity in LaCoO₃ perovskites via B-site Mn for preferential CO oxidation in hydrogen streams” (right). Inset shows Noluvuyo Ndila’s award-winning poster. The First Poster Prize was presented by Professor Jeff Murugan, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation.

The Catalysis Institute congratulates all its students and researchers for their outstanding contributions to Energy Research Day 2025 and thanks the organisers for providing a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.