https://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/catalysis-and-synthesis/background-research
Background to the Research
Sasol, one of the largest companies in the South African petrochemical industry, produces a variety of chemicals, including a series of unique, and currently underutilised α-olefins. Most of these α-olefins are exported, beneficiated elsewhere, and re-imported to South Africa. These α-olefins can typically be beneficiated to high value products…https://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/catalysis-and-synthesis/current-research-focus
Current Research Focus
The Catalysis and Synthesis research group has shifted their focus from studying mainly homogeneous catalysis to investigating the utilization and beneficiation of Fischer-Tropsch products to produce high-value surfactants. The group's main objective is to synthesize, characterize, and to find new applications with potential industrial importance…https://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/catalysis-and-synthesis/collaborators
Collaborators
Our collaborators and/or coinvestigators are as follows: Prof A Swarts – Department of Chemsitry, Wits Prof Lyn-Marie Birkholtz - DST/NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Sustainable Malaria Control -University of Pretoria (SA) Proff SF Mapolie, SJ Ojwach, G Smith, NJ Goosen, Dr B Makhubela - DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Catalysis…https://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/catalysis-and-synthesis/funders
Funders
NRF Sasol c*Change DAAD DSThttps://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/hydrometallurgy/history-group
History to the Group
Previously known as the Membrane Technology Group (MT, since 1996) under the leadership of Prof. Henning Krieg, the Hydrometallurgy Research Group was formed with a new focus in 2020. The MT research group had a specific goal to discover environmentally friendly, cost-effective membrane-based separation solutions for industrial and rural…https://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/hydrometallurgy/background-research
Background to the Research
The North-West Province's mining sector is a significant contributor to the region's GDP, employing 150,000 people across 300 active mines. To maintain and strengthen this position, it's crucial to prioritise research and skills development. Innovations in mineral beneficiation are required to meet the challenges of transitioning from fossil…https://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/hydrometallurgy/research-leaders-and-publication-links
Research Leaders and Publication Links
Mr. Derik van der Westhuizen Research scientist, group leader Orcid | Scopus Telephone: +27 18 299 2346 Email: derik.vanderwesthuizen@nwu.ac.za Office: Potchefstroom Campus, Building G8, Room 107 Highest qualification: M.Sc in Chemical Engineering Expertise: solvent extraction, pertraction…https://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/hydrometallurgy/current-research-focus
Current Research Focus
In an effort to create more sustainable outcomes for the mining and energy industries, the Hydrometallurgy research group is teaming up with the NWU Minerals Beneficiation research group at the Faculty of Engineering's Centre of Excellence for Carbon based Fuels (CoE for CbF) to conduct joint research as a cluster. This cluster is well-equipped to…https://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/hydrometallurgy/collaborators
Collaborators
Our collaborators and/or coinvestigators are as follows: Dr. J. Kerres, Team Leader, Membrane Polymer Synthesis, HI-ERN, Erlangen, Germany Dr. V. Atanasov, Group Leader, Stuttgart University, Germany Dr. OSL Bruinsma, Managing Director, Bruinsma Solutions, South Africa Prof. M. Dry, Managing Director, Arithmetek, Canada Mr. P.…https://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/hydrometallurgy/funders
Funders
Tharisa Minerals Arxo Metals RedoxOne Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) National Research Foundation (NRF, South Africa) Technology Innovation Agency (TIA, South Africa) The Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA, South Africa)https://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/laboratory-analytical-services/key-functions-las