Dr Thabo Mathews

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Catalysis Institute, Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Cape Town, I am passionate about advancing the field of fuel cells and material science, with a focus on developing single-atom catalysts (SACs), carbonaceous materials, metal oxides for sustainable and green energy applications. I have over five years of experience in conducting cutting-edge research, teaching, and curriculum development in the areas of electrochemistry, carbon nanomaterials, metal oxides, and water treatment.

In my current role, I use various analytical techniques, such as RAMAN, XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS, to characterize supported electrocatalysts on carbon nanomaterials and metal oxides, and to evaluate their performance in energy conversion and storage devices, such as fuel cells, and supercapacitors. I also collaborate with other researchers, students, and industry partners to disseminate my findings, publish papers, and apply for grants. My goal is to contribute to the development of innovative and cost-effective solutions for global energy and environmental challenges.