SAIP2026

Session

Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

7 Jul 2026, 09:30

University of the Western Cape

Conveners

Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

• J.J. Terblans (UFS)

Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

• Cebo Ndlangamandla (University of Zululand)

Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

• Richard Harris (University of the Free State)

Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

• Christopher Arendse (University of the Western Cape)

Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

• Motlalepula Rebecca Mhlongo (Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University)

Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

• Setumo Motloung (Central University of Technology, Free State)

Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

• Moise Bertin Tchoula Tchokonte (University of the Western Cape)

Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

• Lynndle Square (North West University)

Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

• Hasani Chauke

Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

• Kingsley Onyebuchi Obodo (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg)

Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

• David Motaung (University of the Free State)

Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

• Hendrik Swart (University of the Free State)

45. Investigating the Use of Complex Mechanics in Copper-Cobalt extraction and enviromental sustainability

Dr Alain Daniel Shekomba (Mineral Processing and Technology Research Centre, Department of Metallurgy, School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South África)

07/07/2026, 09:30

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Abstract

Copper and the associated cobalt minerals found in the oxidised seam of the african copper belt precede their massif sulfphide reefs. The transition zone between the oxidised and the sulphide layers, still rich in Cu about 5 % and Co some times running more than 3 % is made of a mixed complex making a metallurgical operational challenge to optimally acid or alkaline dissolve Cu and...

63. Interfacial Energetics and Charge-driven Adsorption in Polyethersulfone (PES)Functionalized Polyaniline ( PANI) Nanocomposites

Nobathembu Faleni (Walter Sisulu Univesity)

07/07/2026, 09:50

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

The adsorption process influenced by polyelectrolytes at soft interfaces plays a crucial role in various electrochemical, sensing, and separation technologies. Nonetheless, the intricate interfacial energetics at the microscopic level of conducting polymer-semiconductor nanocomposites are still not well comprehended. This investigation delves into the interfacial energetics and charge-driven...

8. Multifunctional Rare-Earth Doped Spinel Ferrites: From Structural, Magnetic Tuning, and Functional Application

Nkanyiso Linda Ndlovu (Discipline of Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa)

07/07/2026, 10:10

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Rare-earth (RE) doped spinel ferrite nanoparticles (RE-MFe2O4, where M = Co, Ni, Zn) provide a versatile platform for tailoring structural, magnetic, and surface properties at the nanoscale. In this work, we present a systematic investigation of the structure–magnetism–function relationships in RE-doped spinel ferrites synthesized via controlled wet-chemical routes, to develop multifunctional...

11. Ni Substituted Mg–Ferrite Nanoparticles: Structure, Coating Effects, and Plant Growth Response

Mr Sifiso Nxumalo (School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa)

07/07/2026, 11:00

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Nickel substituted magnesium ferrite nanoparticles (NixMg1−xFe2O4; x = 0, 0.5, 1) were synthesised via the glycol thermal method and coated with chitosan through 50 h ball milling. Structural, morphological, and magnetic properties were characterised using XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, UV Vis, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and VSM. XRD confirmed single-phase spinel structures, with crystallite sizes increasing...

31. Preparation and study on the spectral properties of garnet type Ca₂YZr₂Al₃O₁₂:Dy³⁺ warm white-emitting phosphors

Ms Thandi Mazibuko (University of the Free State)

07/07/2026, 11:20

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

White light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) have become ubiquitous in modern society because they last longer and use less energy than their predecessors. There are two popular approaches to achieving white light in LEDs: combining a blue LED with a yellow phosphor ($YAG:Ce³⁺$) or using a UV-LED with blue, green, and red (RGB) phosphors. Unfortunately, the blue LED and $YAG:Ce³⁺$ combination exhibits...

55. Effects of Ag+ ion induced defects on structural, morphological and optical properties of thin VO2 films

Mr Matome Maloba (University of South Africa (UNISA))

07/07/2026, 11:40

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

In this study, vanadium dioxide (VO2) films were deposited on silicon substrates by reactive pulsed laser deposition. Post deposition, the films were implanted with 80-keV Ag+-ions to fluences ranging from 0.1x1016 to 5.0x1016 ions/cm2. The effects of Ag+ ion-implantation on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the films were investigated using various characterization...

83. Cluster Expansion and First-Principles Study of Ti–V–Mn Alloys: Selection of Ti8V8Mn8 for Hydrogen Storage Applications

Vukosi Chauke (University of Limpopo)

07/07/2026, 12:00

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

The design of multicomponent hydrogen storage alloys requires a systematic understanding of configurational stability and structure–property relationships. In this study, a cluster expansion (CE) approach combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations was employed to investigate the Ti–V–Mn alloy system within the AB₂-type Laves phase framework. The CE model, trained on a diverse...

147. Predicting Crystal Symmetry in Sodium-Ion Battery Materials Using Ensemble Machine Learning Models

Keletso Monareng (University of Limpopo)

07/07/2026, 12:20

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Keletso Monareng1, Petros Ntoahae1, and Rapela Maphanga2,3
1Department of Physics, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga, 0727, Polokwane, South Africa
2Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Centre, Sol Plaatje University, Private Bag X 5008, Kimberly, 8300, South Africa
3 National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences, NITheCS, Gauteng, 2000, South...

157. Effect of Operating Temperature on Rare-Earth Doped Hematite Gas Sensors

NTOKOZO CEBEKHULU

07/07/2026, 14:40

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Ntokozo G. Cebekhulua, Ceboliyazakha L. Ndlangamandlaa, Prince S.Mkwaea, Donald D. Hilea,b, Sipho E. Mavudlac, Siphamandla C. Masikanec
aDepartment of Physics, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa ZA3886, South Africa
bDepartment of Physics, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria
cDepartment of Chemistry, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001,...

158. Synthesis of SrVO3 thin films using pulsed laser deposition.

Edward Lee (University of the Free State)

07/07/2026, 15:00

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Thin films have been used and are used in many technological applications, as they are more practical than bulk powders. The unique properties of thin films enable them to be fabricated and integrated into more complex devices while preserving the bulk material's original properties. The preservation of bulk material properties has enabled transparent conductive oxide (TCO) thin films to...

206. Thermal and Structural Analysis of Li2MnO3-Li0.69MnO2 Core-Shell Systems using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Precious Makhubela (Student)

07/07/2026, 15:20

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Core-shell architectures have emerged as an effective strategy to enhance structural stability, regulate oxygen redox, and improve lithium-ion transport in lithium-rich layered oxide cathodes. This is due to the ability of the shell to act as a protective barrier that suppresses oxygen loss and mitigates surface degradation, while simultaneously facilitating lithium diffusion and stabilising...

235. CuO/Fe2O3 p-n heterostructures with Ag-functionalization for improved p-xylene and toluene sensing performance

Vuyani Sifunda (University of limpopo)

07/07/2026, 15:40

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Tremendous effort has been invested in the fabrication of nanomaterials for gas detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as acetone, methanol, ethanol, benzene, and toluene. These VOCs act as important medical biomarkers for various diseases, such as diabetes, lung cancer, asthma, and halitosis. In this study, pristine and Ag-loaded CuO/Fe2O3 p-n heterostructures were synthesized...

85. Fabrication and Characterization of Gd-doped 𝑰𝒏𝟐𝑺𝟑 thin film- As a 365 nm-UV photodetector

Dr Dr. Kumar Haunsbhavi (University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa)

08/07/2026, 09:30

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Indium sulfide (〖In〗_2 S_3) is an intriguing semiconductor and has been extensively utilized as a
UV photodetector. In this study, we report the fabrication of gadolinium (Gd)-doped 〖In〗_2 S_3 thin films prepared via the nebulized spray pyrolysis technique (NSP). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms a cubic β- 〖In〗_2 S_3 phase, polycrystalline structure. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis)...

96. First principles study of the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of the CeCuGe intermetallic compound

Prof. Buyisiwe Sondezi (University of Johannesburg)

08/07/2026, 09:50

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

The ternary CeTX (T = d-electron transition metal and X = p-electron element) compounds exhibit a wide range of interesting phenomena depending on the degree of hybridization between the 4f electrons and the conduction electrons. A substantial experimental work has investigated the physical and transport properties of these compounds. The metallic behavior exhibited by these compounds acts as...

115. Room temperature trace Acetone detection using W18O49-WO3 nanostructures

Jodinio Lemena (University of the Free State)

08/07/2026, 10:10

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

We report the room-temperature (RT) detection of trace-level acetone using a W₁₈O₄₉-based gas sensor incorporating a minor secondary WO₃ phase. The sensing material was synthesized using the solvothermal method, yielding nanoparticles along with sparsely separated nanorods as photographed using SEM and TEM instruments. The intrinsic properties (i.e., crystal structure, and defect states) of...

155. Effect of the absorber layer thickness and defect density on the performance of KGeCl3 perovskite solar cells

Ms Bridgette Kabekwa (Department of Physics, University of Limpopo, Private bag X 1106, Sovenga, 0727, Polokwane, South Africa)

08/07/2026, 11:00

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Bridgette Kabekwa1, Mulatedzi Gandamipfa1, Petros Ntoahae1, Eli Danladi2,3 and Rapela Maphanga4,5

1Department of Physics, University of Limpopo, Private bag X 1106, Sovenga, 0727, Polokwane, South Africa
2Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa
3 Department of Physics, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue...

170. Investigation of Phonon Emission Modes in a Channel-Gated GaAs/AlGaAs Finger-Gate Electron Pump

Ethan Luyt (University of Cape Town)

08/07/2026, 11:20

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

In electron transport experiments, a detailed understanding of the electronic states within a system is essential for accurate prediction and modelling of transport behaviour. Single-electron pumps traditionally employ two electrostatic gate potentials to confine individual electrons within a quantum dot and subsequently emit them over an exit barrier defined by the second gate. The emitted...

180. Microfabrication of gratings and spot-pattern arrays using proton beam writing for applications in advanced MEMS

Mr Kamogelo Mashiloane (iThemba LABS)

08/07/2026, 11:40

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

This study investigated the fabrication of microstructures in poly(methyl)methacrylate (PMMA) positive resist using proton beam writing (PBW) technique. PBW is an advanced new direct write microfabrication technique capable of writing high aspect ratio (HAR) structures over a variety of previously studied potential resist materials. In this study 3-MeV proton beam was used at fluences between...

290. Synthesis and characterization of Mo doped CeMgO3 perovskite materials for potential supercapacitor applications.

Dolamo Eunice

08/07/2026, 12:00

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

The global transition toward sustainable energy is currently hindered by the "energy-power gap" in storage technologies, where traditional batteries lack power density and standard capacitors lack energy storage capacity. In the quest of finding solutions, supercapacitors attract more interests due to their fast charge-discharge capability and high-power density, however, low-energy density...

305. Augmenting the mechanical properties of LiTi2(PO4)3 solid electrolyte through sulfur doping for better electrode-electrolyte contact

MOLATELO MATLEKE

08/07/2026, 12:20

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

The pursuit of safe, cost-effective, high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries has intensified interest in LiTi₂(PO₄)_{3 (LTP) as a solid electrolyte. Its rigid 3D framework, excellent chemical stability, and high thermal and electrochemical stability offer a vigorous alternative to flammable organic liquids. Conversely, the practical use of LTP is often hindered by...}

321. The design of NiO-Co3O4 heterostructures loaded with Er and Pr rare earth ions for the detection of hazardous air pollutants.

Joy Mothiba (University of Limpopo)

08/07/2026, 14:50

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Air pollution represents a critical environmental threat, significantly degrading the ambient air quality through the presence of numerous atmospheric pollutants. Metal oxide semiconductor gas sensors are widely employed in gas sensing applications for the detection and analysis of lethal, explosive, and harmful gases. Even so, these metal oxide-based sensors still face a lot of restrictions...

431. Influence of Ca2+ ions doping on the structural and electron spin resonance properties of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles

Mr sinegugu Shezi

08/07/2026, 15:10

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

CaxZn1-xFe2O4 (x=0.0-1.0) fine particles with particle size ranging from 8nm to 13 nm were investigated by XRD, TEM, FTIR, and electron spin resonance measurements. XRD spectra revealed (220), (311), (400), (420), (511), and (440) crystal planes characteristics of cubic spinel phase with no impurity peaks. A slight reduction in particle size with the increasing Ca2+ ion concentration observed....

466. The VEC effect on the electronic and lattice dynamic stability of B2 Ti50Ru50-xNix: A supercell approach

Bongani Ngobe (MINTEK and Wits University)

08/07/2026, 15:30

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

TiRu forms a B2 (CsCl-type) structure at high temperature, which typically transforms to lower-symmetry phases upon cooling; however, in TiRu, B2 remains stable down to room temperature. This study investigates the effect of Ni substitution on the electronic structure and lattice dynamic stability of the B2 Ti50Ru50 phase using first-principles calculations within the supercell (SC) approach....

492. CH 4 detection capabilities of Co 3 O 4 - ZnO nanofibers: synergistic effects of p-n junction

Ms Khanyisile Nkuna (Materials Physics Research Institute (MPRI), School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa)

08/07/2026, 15:50

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Khanyisile Nkuna1*, Rudolph Erasmus1, Teboho Mokhena2 and Katekani Shingange1
1Materials Physics Research Institute (MPRI), School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
2Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Randburg 2194, South Africa
Correspondence: 2318077@students.wits.ac.za

Abstract :
Chemiresistive gas sensors are widely used for gas...

190. First-Principles Investigation of Structural, Mechanical, Thermodynamic and Electronic Properties of High-Entropy Alloys for High-Temperature Applications.

Ramalebana Moeti

09/07/2026, 09:30

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

The increasing demand for materials capable of maintaining high mechanical performance under extreme thermal environments has exposed the limitations of conventional high-temperature materials such as Ni-based superalloys. As a result, high-entropy alloys (HEAs), particularly single-phase body-centred cubic (BCC) systems, have attracted significant attention due to their high configurational...

238. First principles study of the structural, electronic, magnetic, thermodynamic, and electrical transport properties of PrCuGe3, ternary intermetallic compound

Dr Mubarak Yagoub (University of Johannesburg)

09/07/2026, 09:50

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

The PrCuGe3 compound exhibits a wide range of interesting phenomena depending on the degree of hybridization between the 4f electrons and the conduction electrons. A considerable experimental work has investigated the structural, magnetic, thermodynamic, and electrical transport properties of this compound. For example, in the literature PrCuGe3 is reported to undergo a long-range...

239. Lanthanide-Doped Ca5Mg4(VO4)6 Phosphors for NIR-to-Visible Latent Fingerprint Visualization

Hope Ramolahloane (University of the Free State)

09/07/2026, 10:10

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Abstract
Latent fingerprint detection using powder dusting relies on achieving high contrast between the fingerprint details and the underlying surface. Conventional and near-ultraviolet (NUV)-excited powders often suffer from background interference, limiting their effectiveness on multicoloured or fluorescent substrates. Near-infrared (NIR)-to-visible upconversion materials offer a...

250. Structural, magnetic and critical behavior properties of Ce₂Al₃Ge₄

Ms Zandile Mpupa (university of the western cape)

09/07/2026, 11:00

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Abstract
The polycrystalline Ce₂Al₃Ge₄ compound has been synthesized by arc-melting. The structural, magnetic and critical behavior properties have been investigated through measurements of X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic susceptibility, χ(T), magnetization, M(μ₀H), and heat capacity, Cₚ(T). The structure has been obtained and refined from XRD pattern in the Cmcm – D₂h No. 64 space group...

261. Optimized composition of the In2O3-Co3O4-ZnO nanostructure loaded with Ru for ethanol detection

Katlego Morulane (University of the Free State)

09/07/2026, 11:20

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Ethanol (C2H5OH) is a poisonous, highly flammable, and explosive volatile organic compound extensively used in the food and beverage, petrochemical, and agricultural industries. Exposure to high concentrations of C2H5OH vapor can cause severe health and safety issues, including respiratory tract damage, central nervous system effects, and potential explosions. Therefore, highly sensitive...

300. Influence of Nickel (Ni) on the structural and optical properties of LiZnBO3 and on the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of LiZnBO3 on potassium ethyl xanthate under UV-Vis irradiation.

Mr Emmanuel Diutlwetse Magasi (University of johannesburg)

09/07/2026, 11:40

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Lithium zinc borate (LiZnBO$_3$) is a metal borate material that has garnered a huge scientific interest because of its distinctive electronic, optical, and physico-chemical properties which makes them suitable candidates for environmental remediation applications in a world hugely affected by pollution from different sectors such as mining and agriculture. These novel LiZnBO3 nanomaterials...

306. Optimization of Nitrogen in Transition Metal Oxynitrides for Fuel Cell Applications

Nicholas Onkoba (UNISA)

09/07/2026, 12:00

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Titanium oxide is a promising corrosion-resistant catalyst support for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells; however, its low electrical conductivity limits performance. In this work, titanium oxynitride materials were synthesized via two routes: a sol–gel method followed by thermal nitridation at 650 °C, and a hydrothermal synthesis calcined at 750...

385. The Synthesis and Characterization of ε-Fe$_{2}$O$_{3}$/SiO$_{2}$ Nanoparticles

Aphile Chithwayo (Student)

09/07/2026, 12:20

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

This study investigates the temperature-dependent magnetic properties and structural transitions of ε-Fe$_{2}$O$_{3}$ nanoparticles embedded in a silica matrix, synthesized via the sol-gel method. While literature reports an exceptionally large room-temperature coercivity of ε-Fe$_{2}$O$_{3}$ approximately = 2 T (20 kOe), often attributed to its disordered structure, the precise effects of...

419. Effect of CuO doping on the structural properties of CeO2 nanofibers for selective detection of CH4 and ppb-level NO gas

MAPHIA GIFT PHOLOANA (UNIVESITY OF FREE STATE)

09/07/2026, 14:40

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

We report on the effect of CuO:CeO2 (0.25-1.0 wt.%) nanofibers for the selective detection of CH4 and ppb-level NO, prepared using a hydrothermal approach. The intrinsic features of the CuO:CeO2 nanofibers, including crystal structures, surface adsorption states, and chemical states, were examined. The sensing tests showed that among the fabricated sensors, the 1.0 wt.% CuO:CeO2-based...

425. Influence of sol-gel, combustion, and solid-state synthesis methods on the structural and photoluminescence properties of Zn4B6O13 : xEu3+ phosphor materials for LEDs applications.

Athenkosi Siyalo (University of the Western Cape)

09/07/2026, 15:00

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Zn₄B₆O₁₃:xEu³⁺ (x = 1%) phosphor materials were successfully synthesized using three methods, sol-gel, combustion, and solid-state, to investigate the influence of each synthesis method on the structural and photoluminescence properties of the prepared materials. The cubic crystal structure was confirmed in all synthesis methods via the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Scanning electron...

461. Non-linear Evolution of Wettability in ABPBI/CNT Composites Under UV–Ozone Exposure: A Machine Learning Approach

Siaybulela Andile Nkosi (North-West University)

09/07/2026, 15:20

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Understanding the surface behaviour of polymer composites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environments is critical for the design of durable space materials. In this study, the evolution of wettability in poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) under UV--ozone exposure was investigated as a proxy for oxidative processes encountered in LEO, where solar...

503. Establishing a Reproducible CVD Platform for CsPbBr3 Thin Films and Future Routes to Plasma‑ and Temperature‑Driven Heterostructure Optimization

Christopher Arendse (University of the Western Cape), James Mercuur (University of the Western Cape)

09/07/2026, 15:40

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

All inorganic halide perovskites such as Caesium Lead Bromide (CsPbBr3) have continued to attract interest for optoelectronic and sensing applications, yet reproducible, contaminant free thin film growth routes have remained limited. This study reported the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) synthesis of phase pure CsPbBr3 thin films using a two-zone furnace system and provides a detailed...

137. Atomistic Insights into Hydrogen Adsorption on TiAlCr-Based Alloys via DFT and HEAPs Calculations

David Tshwane (Central University of Technology)

09/07/2026, 16:30

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

High entropy alloys (HEAs) have garnered significant interest in a variety of applications, including hydrogen storage, due to their distinctive structural and functional characteristics. Using solid state hydrogen storage technologies to store hydrogen energy efficiently has become a major global challenge. Despite this, there is still limited understanding regarding hydrogen binding and...

536. Division AGM (Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials)

09/07/2026, 16:50

162. Density Functional Theory Study of the Electronic Properties of Group V Dopants in 2D Monolayer SiC for High-Power Electronic Application

Emmanuel Igumbor (University of Johannesburg)

10/07/2026, 09:30

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Point defects play a critical role in semiconductors, offering opportunities to tailor and enhance device performance. Two-dimensional (2D) silicon carbide (SiC) is a recently synthesized layered material, but unlike bulk SiC, little is known about the effects of point defects in its monolayer form. In this study, hybrid density functional theory (DFT) was employed to investigate the...

241. Mitigation of Helium-Induced Surface Damage in SiC Using Thin Carbon Layers

Hesham Abdelbagi (University of Zululand)

10/07/2026, 09:50

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Silicon carbide (SiC) is widely used as a diffusion barrier in advanced nuclear fuels; however, its performance can be compromised by helium (He)-induced surface damage, including blister formation, swelling, and surface exfoliation. In this study, the effectiveness of thin carbon films in mitigating He-induced surface degradation in SiC was investigated. Carbon layers, with thicknesses...

247. Evaluation of poly(2,5-benzimidazole) against vacuum ultraviolet radiation for space applications.

Ernst Ellis (North-West University)

10/07/2026, 10:10

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

The search for lightweight materials as replacements for legacy materials used in space exploration has been an ongoing endeavour. In the low Earth orbit range, various threats cause extensive degradation of spacecraft materials. For the consideration of organic materials such as polymers, one of the threats that should be considered is ultraviolet (UV) radiation [1]. The UV radiation...

402. Photoactive Hybrid Nanodevices for Neuromorphic Systems and Collective Coulomb Blockade Architectures

Prof. Richard Harris (University of the Free State)

10/07/2026, 11:00

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Neuromorphic computing seeks to replicate the adaptive, parallel, and energy-efficient information processing of biological neural systems. Although existing hardware platforms have demonstrated important progress, many remain constrained by the complexity, size, and power demands of conventional transistor-based architectures. This has motivated the search for compact nanoscale devices...

313. Analysis of biomass-based GO for application in lithium-ion batteries for sustainable energy storage.

Thokozane Mlotshwa (University of Limpopo)

10/07/2026, 11:20

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Green synthesis of nanomaterials has been on the rise due to the vast availability of resources and potential reduction of harmful chemicals during synthesis and overall reduction to pollutants on the environment. Conversion of biomass waste into useful materials has been one way to fight global warming, reduce pollution and offer sustainable way of industrialisation. In this study, graphene...

360. Tailoring SnO₂ Nanoparticles via pH-Controlled Hydrothermal Synthesis for Enhanced Gas Sensing Performance

Mr Philani Mngomezulu (University of Zululand), Charles Thulani Thethwayo (University of Zululand)

10/07/2026, 11:40

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

The detection and monitoring of hazardous gases, including hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), are essential for ensuring industrial safety and environmental health. In this study, highly sensitive and selective SnO₂ nanoparticle-based gas sensors were synthesised and characterised...

438. Theoretical Investigations of the phase stability and ductility of FeCo-Nb alloys

Dr Ramogohlo Diale-Boshielo (Mintek)

10/07/2026, 12:00

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Fe-Co alloys have attracted much attention as magneto restrictive materials for use in power generators, transformers, motors and generators for aircraft, as well as magnetic shields due to their soft magnetic characteristics. However, B2 FeCo suffers brittleness at room temperature which affects formability. The ternary alloying with BCC refractory metals such as Niobium (Nb) was considered...

498. Swift Heavy Ion Irradiation as a Post-Fabrication Tool for Tuning Schottky Barrier Characteristics in PolyanilineGraphene Nanocomposite Diodes

Dr Daniel Chilukusha (Mulungushi University)

10/07/2026, 12:20

Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Oral Presentation

Fermi level pinning at metal-organic interfaces typically restricts
post-fabrication tuning of Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs), limiting
their optimization for flexible optoelectronic applications. We
demonstrate that swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation provides a viable
nanoscale engineering approach to systematically modify interfacial
states and barrier characteristics in...