Department of Physics and Astronomy

Production and evaluation of capacitive deionization electrodes earmarked for the removal of ions from winery wastewater

Theron, Cleeve (University of the Western Cape, 2023)

Membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) is a desalination technology considered to be cost effective specifically for salt bearing solutions with concentrations below 2000 mg‧L-1, which includes general winery wastewater. ...

Impact of different chemical synthesis techniques on the structural and photoluminescence properties of Zn4B6O13: RE3+ (where RE3+ = Sm3+, Eu3+, and Dy3+) nanophosphors

Siyalo, Athenkosi (University of the Western Cape, 2023)

Different chemical synthesizing techniques, such as sol-gel, combustion, and solid-state reaction routes, offer the unique possibility of generating high-purity nanophosphors with different morphologies. In this project, ...

Influence of synthesis method on structural

Noukelag, Sandrine Kamdoum (Springer, 2023)

This contribution reports on the development of two versatile and efcient methods, namely the green and gamma radiolysis for Fe-Ag nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis, characterization, and further their growth inhibition potential ...

Sample selection effects in laduma stacking experiments

Gwebushe, Lwandile (University of the Western Cape, 2023)

This study explores the impact of selection effects introduced by input optical cata-logues on high-redshift stacking experiments. Using the Hi stacking technique, the Hi content of LADUMA synthetic data cubes is analyzed ...

Exploring poly (2, 5) benzimidazole enhanced with carbon nanotubes for space applications

Fourie, Lionel Fabian (University of the Western Cape, 2023)

This work explores using polymeric materials for space radiation shielding in low-earth orbit. Shielding against radiation is essential on any space mission. Low atomic number materials, such as hydrogen, have shown to be ...

Structural features of air-processible methyl ammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) perovskite thin films grown on Al-doped ZnO Nanowire Arrays

Phakoe, Mpho (University of the Western Cape, 2023)

The performance of air stable, mixed halide (MAPbI3-xClx) perovskite based solar cells is highly dependent on the quality and stability of the perovskite thin film, which in turn, is dependent on the substrate on which it ...

Chemical pressure-induced transition of the magnetic ground state from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic order in CeCuGe and DyCuIn alloys

Altayeb, Anas Alamin Hassan (University of the Western Cape, 2023)

Rare-earth intermetallic compounds continue to attract considerable attention, due to their fundamental importance in understanding physical properties and potential applications based on a variety of phenomena. The ternary ...

Accelerating reionization simulations using machine learning

Masipa, Mosima Portia (University of the Western Cape, 2023)

Epoch of Reionization (EoR) refers to the time in the history of the universe when the appearance of the first luminous sources reionized the intergalactic medium (IGM). The EoR carries a wealth of information regarding ...

Physics graduate preparedness for work and society

Audu, Bako Nyikun (University of the Western Cape, 2023)

Both internationally and in South Africa, there have been renewed debates about the purposes of higher education and the attributes that should be developed in graduates. In the field of physics, many studies have reported ...

Machine learning approaches to study star formation and black hole accretion in the Meerkat/MIGHTEE survey

Silima, Walter (University of the Western Cape, 2023)

Galaxy formation and evolution are driven by two main physical processes: star formation and black hole accretion. Both processes can be traced via the synchrotron emission at radio wavelengths. However, a reliable ...

Inclusive (p, α) and (p,³He) cross sections induced by 100 MeV protons on ⁴⁰Ca

Masikhwa, Tshiftriwa Moureen (University of the Western Cape, 2006)

Alpha clusteri ng in nuclei is studied with quasi - free knockout reactions. A beam of 100 MeV polarized protons was used in the quasi-free knockout reaction 40 ~a( p,p' a)36 Arat iThemba LABS. While the scattered protons ...

A case study of university students' experiences of introductory physics drawn from their approaches to problem solving

Alant, Busisiwe Precious (University of the Western Cape, 2001)

This thesis explores the experience of leaming physics through a particular medium: problem-solving, which is seen by many educators as the primary medium in which physics is learnt at university. Situating itself within ...

Study of the use of Electret Ion chambers as radom dosimeters in South Africa

Vuza, Hurnphrey Monwabisi (University of the Western Cape, 2002)

Radon is a naturally occuring radioactive gas which has been shown to be a major contribution to background dose. The underground mines in South Africa present a major occupational hazard. A need for cheap personal monitoring ...

Intense pulsed neutron generation based on the principle of plasma immersion ion implantation technique (PIp3s) technique

Victor, Motloung, Setumo (University of the Western Cape, 2006)

The development of a deuterium deuterium/ tritium-deuterium (D-D/ D-T) pulsed neutron generator based on the principle of the Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation 1Pl) technique is presented, in terms of investigating development ...