Prof MS Dhlamini

College of Science, Engineering and Technology
School of Science
Department: Physics
Professor
Tel:	011 670 9070
E-mail:	dhlamms@unisa.ac.za

Qualifications

PhD (Physics): University of the Free State
MSc. (Physics): University of the Free State
BSc. Hons. (Physics): University of the Free State
BSc. (Physics): University of the North (UNIN)

NRF Rating

C2

Currently teaching

Solid State Physics
Condensed Matter Physics

Fields of academic interests

Experimentalist: Solid State, Condensed Matter

My research focus is on the development and engineering of new improved materials for applications in energy and health sectors to address global warming and finding cure/treatment to life threatening diseases. My projects are aimed at synthesizing and characterizing new inorganic host materials containing lanthanide ions and metal ions to explore their viability as new photonic materials. I develop long persistent phosphors, up-converting phosphors and soli-state supercapacitors with long cylclability.

Journal articles

H.E.A. Mohamed, K. Hkiri, M. Khenfouch, M.S. Dhlamini, M. Henini, and M. Maaza, Optical properties of biosynthesized nanoscaled Eu₂O₃ for red luminescence applications, Journal of the Optical Society of America A, 37(11) (2020) C73-C79.
S.J. Mofokeng, L.L. Noto, M.S. Dhlamini, Photoluminescence properties of ZnTiO₃:Eu³⁺ phosphor with enhanced red emission by Al³⁺ charge compensation, Journal of Luminescence, In press
S.J. Mofokeng, L.L. Noto, K.O. Obodo, O.M. Ntwaeaborwa, R.E. Kroon, M.S. Dhlamini, Synthesis and up-conversion properties of Er³⁺ doped ZnTiO₃-Zn₂TiO₄ composite phosphor, Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B, 38, 052802 (2020)
H.E.A. Mohamed, S. Afridi, A.T. Khalil, D. Zia, Z.K. Shinwari, M.S. Dhlamini, M. Maaza, Structural, Morphological and Biological Features of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Hyphaene thebaica (L.) Mart. Fruits, Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials, 30 (2020) 3241 – 3254.
R. Sigwadi, T. Mokrani, M.S. Dhlamini, The synthesis, characterization and electrochemical study of zirconia oxide nanoparticles for fuel cell application, Physica B: Condensed Matter, 581 (2020) 411842.
S.J. Mofokeng, L.L. Noto, D.V. Mlotswa, V.R. Orante-Barrón, M.S. Dhlamini, Stimulated luminescence properties of MgO:Al³⁺,Li⁺ prepared by microwave assisted solution combustion method, Physica B Condensed Matter, 582 (2020) 412008.
G.E. Nyongombe, G.L. Kabongo, L.L. Noto, M.S. Dhlamini, Facile up-scalable synthesis of highly crystalline electroactive Ni-Co LDH nanosheets for supercapacitor applications, Int. J. Electrochem. Sci., 15 (2020) 4494 – 4502.
O.S. Odutemowo, M.S. Dhlamini, E. Wendler, D.F. Langa, M.Y.A Ismail, J.B. Malherbe, Effect of heat treatment on the migration behaviour of Sr and Ag co-implanted in glassy carbon, Vacuum, 171 109027.
G.L. Kabongo, G.H. Mhlongo, B.M. Mothudi, M.S. Dhlamini, Time-resolved fluorescence decay and gaussian analysis of P3HT derived Ho³⁺ and Tm³⁺ doped ZnO nanostructures, Bulletin of Materials Science, 43(1) (2020) 43:48.
L.E. Mathevula, B.M. Mothudi, M.S. Dhlamini, Effect of Er³⁺ on structural and optical properties of microwave synthesized α-Fe₂O₃nanoparticles, Physica B Condensed Matter, 578 (2020) 411698.
L.L. Noto, S.J. Mofokeng, F.V. Molefe, H.C. Swart, A.S. Tebele, M.S. Dhlamini, Luminescent dynamics of rare earth–doped CaTiO3 phosphors, Spectroscopy of Lanthanide Doped Oxide Materials, 2020, Woodhead Publishing, pp 57 – 86. ISBN: 9780081029350. DOI.10.1016/B978-0-08-102935-0.00003-4.

Professional positions, fellowships & awards

C2 NRF rating (2018 – 2023).
Y2 NRF rating (2012 – 2017).
2019 Chancellor’s Prize for Excellence in Research
2019 Million Rand Club Award
Titans Nation Building 2018/19 award: Education and Training: Continental
Titans Nation Building 2018/19 awards: Education and Training - Country and Regional
Titans Nation Building 2014/15 award: Education and Training: Country
Grant: NRF National Equipment Programme (R11.4m); 2019 – 2023.
Grant: NRF Competitive Programme for Rated Researchers; 2017 – 2019.
Grant: NRF Nanotechnology Flagship; 2014 – 2016.
Grant: Thuthuka 2011 – 2013.
Deputy President of South African Nanoscience Initiative - SANI (2016 – 2018).
2013 Top 200 Mail and Guardian Young South Africans: Science and Technology.
Member of South African Young Academy of Science (2012 – 2017).

Projects

Optical properties of Up-converting nanocomposites co-doped with trivalent lanthanides ions for photovoltaic applications
Photonics properties of green biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles via hyphae thebaica natural extract as a chelating Agent
Enhancement of post-transition metal-based superconductor materials for improved performance
A symmetric supercapacitor device based on Layered Double hydroxides
Up-converting Ln-doped materials for potential application in the treatment of cancerous cells by photodynamic therapy
Microwave synthesis and fabrication of MnO based nanomaterials for supercapacitor energy storage applications
The development and characterization of lanthanide doped glass material for optical refrigeration
Battery-Supercapacitor hybrid devices for energy storage devices
Development and characterization of Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) material for energy storage

Department of Physics