Rhiyaad Mohamed

Biography:

Rhiyaad Mohamed is an Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Cape Town and Key Technology Specialist at the HySA Catalysis Centre of Competence. He leads UCT’s research and technology development activities in polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), with a particular focus on reducing the cost and critical-material intensity of green hydrogen technologies.

His research spans electrocatalyst development, catalyst-coated membrane fabrication, porous transport layers, membrane-electrode assemblies, electrochemical diagnostics and pressurised water electrolysis. A major focus of his group is the development of advanced iridium-based oxygen evolution catalysts and electrode architectures that enable progressively lower iridium loadings while maintaining electrolyser performance and durability.

His work bridges fundamental electrochemistry, materials development and technology scale-up, with research extending from catalyst synthesis and mechanistic understanding through to full-cell testing, prototype development and commercialisation. He leads and contributes to national and international collaborations, aimed at advancing locally developed electrolyser technologies and strengthening South Africa’s capabilities within the emerging green hydrogen economy.