NUST is proud to congratulate Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate in the Department of Chemical Engineering at NUST, Ms Hilda Kaitano, who has won two prestigious national awards at the 13th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium, held in Harare yesterday.
Ms Kaitano’s research on microwave purification of graphite for use as an anode component in lithium-ion batteries won the grand prize, Robert Gabriel Award for Outstanding Research. She received a trophy, certificate and USD$15,000. She also won the Presidential Award to a Female Researcher for Outstanding Research and received USD$7,000.
“I feel honoured that my work is getting recognition and making a positive impact in the nation. It also puts our Chemical Engineering department in the limelight.
“This has opened doors for collaboration with other institutes and companies. Though it is still early, I have received calls from several companies who are willing to collaborate with the University,” said Ms Kaitano.
As the world moves towards decarbonisation, electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy technologies offer a path toward a sustainable future.
But, these technologies are mineral-intensive, and the minerals they use are becoming increasingly valuable. Graphite is one such mineral and demand for high-purity graphite has markedly increased in the last decade with forecast to rise by 10% - 12% per year.
Ms Kaitano uses energy-efficient and environmentally friendly microwave irradiation to produce high-quality graphite.
“Using locally available minerals is advantageous as it cuts down on imports and saves on the much-needed foreign currency.
“Our long-term plan is to build a lithium-ion battery plant in Zimbabwe and if we are to use locally produced graphite, it will drastically reduce the cost of the lithium-ion batteries. Also, since the performance of lithium-ion batteries has increased when using microwave-treated graphite, the batteries will last longer and can be used in electric vehicles,” noted Ms Kaitano.
She is part of a team of researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering that is conducting research on producing lithium-ion batteries.
Ms Kaitano is a holder of a Master’s degree in Chemical, Environmental and Process Engineering and an Honours Degree in Chemical Engineering, both obtained from NUST.
Kaitano is serving as a Technician in the Department of Chemical Engineering at NUST.
On behalf of the NUST Council Chairperson, Prof. Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mqhele E. Dlodlo, Council, Management, Staff and students, we wish to congratulate Ms Kaitano for flying the NUST flag high and for taking brand NUST to the global competitions arena. Congratulations, Amhlophe, Makorokoto
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