Research Articles (Chemistry)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/1724

This collection contains some of the full text peer-reviewed/ refereed articles published by researchers from the Department of Chemistry

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 650

Enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of a novel GO/Bi2SO5/AgBr ternary heterojunction for the degradation of tetracycline and rhodamine B
(Elsevier, 2025-06) Oluwole, Adewunmi Olufemi; Yusuf, Tunde Lewis; Tichapondwa, Shepherd Masimba; Daramola, Michael Olawale; Iwarere, Samuel Ayodele; samuel.iwarere@up.ac.za
Please read abstract in the article.
Enhanced piezo-induced photocatalytic activity of BaTiO3/Cd0.5Zn0.5S S-scheme heterojunction for water pollution remediation : performance, degradation pathway, and toxicity evaluation
(Elsevier, 2025-06) Mohlala, Tshepo T.; Yusuf, Tunde Lewis; Masukume, Mike; Ojijo, Vincent; Mabuba, Nonhlangabezo
Please read abstract in the article.
Mesoporous Mn-substituted MnxZn1-xCo2O4 ternary spinel microspheres with enhanced electrochemical performance for supercapacitor applications
(Nature Research, 2024-05-19) Dolla, Tarekegn Heliso; Lawal, Isiaka Ayobamidele; Kifle , Gizachew Wendimu; Jikamo , Samuel Chufamo; Matthews , Thabo; Maxakato , Nobanathi Wendy; Liu , Xinying; Mathe , Mkhulu; Billing, David Gordon; Ndungu, Patrick Gathura
Extensive investigations have been carried out on spinel mixed transition metal oxide-based materials for high-performance electrochemical energy storage applications. In this study, mesoporous Mn-substituted MnxZn1−xCo2O4 (ZMC) ternary oxide microspheres (x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1) were fabricated as electrode materials for supercapacitors through a facile coprecipitation method. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the formation of microspheres comprising interconnected aggregates of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the substitution of Mn into ZnCo2O4 significantly improved the surface area of the synthesized samples. The electrochemical test results demonstrate that the ZMC3 oxide microspheres with an optimal Mn substitution exhibited enhanced performance, displaying the largest specific capacitance of 589.9 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. Additionally, the ZMC3 electrode maintained a capacitance retention of 92.1% after 1000 cycles and exhibited a significant rate capability at a current density of 10 A g−1. This improved performance can be ascribed to the synergistic effects of multiple metals resulting from Mn substitution, along with an increase in the surface area, which tailors the redox behavior of ZnCo2O4 (ZC) and facilitates charge transfer. These findings indicate that the incorporation of Mn into mixed transition metal oxides holds promise as an effective strategy for designing high-performance electrodes for energy storage applications.
Electrocapacitive removal of Na and Cd ions from contaminated aqueous solution using Fe3O4-poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrene sulfonate) modified chitosan nanosheets
(Nature Research, 2024-11-15) Saliu, Oluwaseyi D.; Leping, Omphemetse; Yusuf, Tunde Lewis; Adeniyi, Adewale G.; Ramontja, James
Chitosan nanosheets (NS) stabilized on poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) was functionalized using Fe3O4 to capacitively remove chloride ions and toxic cadmium ions at optimized pH, concentration, and number of charging cycles. The synthesis procedure was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope – Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The analyses confirms increase in surface area of the nanocomposite from 41 to 132 m2/g and a decrease in crystallinity from 75.3 to 66.9% after nanosheet formation. The highest sorption exchange capacity (SEC) for this work, 93% CdCO3 removal is achieved at 100 CDI cycles while 82% NaCl removal was achieved at 80 cycles. The SEC% increased with pH during Na ion deionization and decreased with pH during Cd removal. The works shows that chitosan is able to impart advanced structural properties to Fe3O4 and PEDOT and is able to reduce reverse migration of ions from electrodes to bulk solution, leading to higher SEC performance.
Investigation of the antimycobacterial activity of African medicinal plants combined with chemometric analysis to identify potential leads
(Nature Research, 2024-06-25) Moyo, Phanankosi; Ofori, Michael; Bodede, Olusola S.; Wooding, Madelien; Khorommbi, Ndivhuwo Kevin; McGaw, Lyndy Joy; Danquah, Cynthia A.; Maharaj, Vinesh J.; vinesh.maharaj@up.ac.za
The emergence of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains is a threat to global health necessitating the discovery of novel chemotherapeutic agents. Natural products drug discovery, which previously led to the discovery of rifamycins, is a valuable approach in this endeavor. Against this backdrop, we set out to investigate the in vitro antimycobacterial properties of medicinal plants from Ghana and South Africa, evaluating 36 extracts and their 252 corresponding solid phase extraction (SPE) generated fractions primarily against the non-pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium aurum species. The most potent fraction was further evaluated in vitro against infectious M. tuberculosis strain. Crinum asiaticum (bulb) (Amaryllidaceae) emerged as the most potent plant species with specific fractions showing exceptional, near equipotent activity against the non-pathogenic Mycobacterium species (0.39 µg/ml ≤ MIC ≤ 25 µg/ml) with one fraction being moderately active (MIC = 32.6 µg/ml) against M. tuberculosis. Metabolomic analysis led to the identification of eight compounds predicted to be active against M. smegmatis and M. aurum. In conclusion, from our comprehensive study, we generated data which provided an insight into the antimycobacterial properties of Ghanaian and South African plants. Future work will be focused on the isolation and evaluation of the compounds predicted to be active.
Synthesis of an 8-membered oxygen-containing benzo-fused heterocycle using flow technologies - an exercise in undertaking research with sustainability as a driver
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025-03) Currie, Bernice Mercia; Neyt-Galetti, Nicole C.; Olivier, Tanya; Van der Merwe, Petra; Dibokwane, Lerato Shirley; Reinhardt, Anshe Michelle; Van Wyk, Lorinda T.; Panayides, Jenny-Lee; Riley, Darren Lyall; darren.riley@up.ac.za
Due to their natural abundance and biological properties, benzo-fused heterocycles are attractive targets in the field of drug discovery. Previously, a synthetic strategy for accessing 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-membered oxygen-containing benzo-fused heterocycles with the oxygen atom in the less commonly encountered 2-position was reported, however, the approach was hindered by long reaction times and a reliance on high boiling point solvents such as DMF. Targeting an 8-membered analogue as an exemplar, we highlighted that the adoption of basic green chemistry principles coupled with the use of flow chemistry techniques could be utilised (with limited development time) to improve day-to-day sustainability when performing synthetic research. In the case in hand, several key improvements were noted including (i) a higher overall yield (37% vs. 26%), (ii) a significantly reduced reaction time (110 min vs. 136 h) and (iii) the avoidance of the undesirable solvent DMF.
The synthesis and investigation of novel 3-benzoylbenzofurans and pyrazole derivatives for anti-HIV activity
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025-05) Khuzwayo, Sinothile S.; Selepe, Mamoalosi A.; Meyer, Debra; Gama, Ntombenhle Hlengiwe
Please read abstract in the article.
Enhanced platinum and palladium recovery from aqueous solutions : a comparative study of acylthiourea and amine-modified silica gel adsorbents
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025) Mphahlele, Malehlogonolo R.R.; Mosai, Alseno Kagiso; Tutu, Hlanganani; Kotze, Izak A.
The recovery of precious metals from secondary sources is becoming increasingly important due to their natural scarcity and rising industrial demand. This study introduces a novel adsorbent, N-triethoxysilylpropyl-N′-benzoylthiourea-modified silica gel (TESP-BT-SG), developed for the selective recovery of platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd) from aqueous solutions that simulate refinery wastewater. The extraction capabilities of TESP-BT-SG were compared with those of an amine-bearing adsorbent, (3-aminopropyl)triethoxy-silane-modified silica gel (APTES-SG), previously recognized for Pt and Pd recovery. Under optimal conditions, TESP-BT-SG achieved extraction efficiencies of 97% for Pt and 99% for Pd. Both adsorbents demonstrated rapid adsorption kinetics for Pd relative to Pt, reaching equilibrium within 3 hours for Pd and within 6 hours (TESP-BT-SG) and 24 hours (APTES-SG) for Pt. In solutions with elevated competing ion concentrations (5–100 mg L−1), both adsorbents retained high selectivity (>97%) for Pt and Pd. Adsorption isotherms and kinetic models were applied to elucidate the adsorption mechanisms, with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order models providing the best fits, indicating monolayer coverage and chemisorption, respectively. Notably, the APTES-SG sorbent demonstrated enhanced performance with an increased loading capacity of 2.45 mmol g−1 compared to the previously reported 1.15 mmol g−1, achieved through our improved synthesis method. This modified APTES-SG showed significantly higher affinity for Pd (98%), Pt (97%), and iridium (Ir) (89%) compared to previous values of 8%, 33%, and 42%, respectively. The exceptional efficiency and selectivity of these silica-anchored adsorbents underscore their potential as cost-effective solutions for industries seeking to recover precious metals.
Green synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic performance of co-doped CuO nanoparticles for efficient degradation of synthetic dyes and water splitting
(Elsevier, 2025-01) Masekela, Daniel; Kganyakgo, Lovedonia K.; Modibane, Kwena D.; Yusuf, Tunde Lewis; Balogun, Sheriff A.; Seleka, Wilson M.; Makhado, Edwin
Please read abstract in the article.
Occurrence and distribution of selected pharmaceuticals in fresh fish along the Kenyan coast and assessment of potential human health risks
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025-06) Wanjeri, Veronica Wayayi Ogolla; Okuku, Eric; Ngila, Jane Catherine; Waiyaki, Edward; Nyingi, Joseph Kamau; Ndungu, Patrick Gathura; patrick.ndungu@up.ac.za
Please read abstract in the article.
Distribution of pharmaceuticals in marine surface sediment and macroalgae (ulvophyceae) around Mombasa peri-urban creeks and Gazi Bay, Kenya
(Springer, 2025-02) Wanjeri, Veronica Wayayi Ogolla; Okuku, Eric; Ngila, Jane Catherine; Ouma, Josephine; Ndungu, Patrick Gathura; patrick.ndungu@up.ac.za
Pollution in marine creeks has been increasing due to anthropogenic activities and has been a global concern. Limited research has been conducted on pharmaceuticals in marine sediment and macroalgae in African countries. In the present study, the levels of pharmaceuticals were assessed in surface sediment and different species of macroalgae (ulvophyceae; Cladophora sudanensis, Chaetomorpha crassa, Chaetomorpha indica, Enteromorpha kylinii, Ulva reticulate, Ulva lactuca and Cladophora sibugae) in Mombasa peri-urban creeks (Tudor, Makupa and Mtwapa creek) and Gazi bay during dry and wet seasons. The concentration of pharmaceuticals in the surface sediment during dry and wet seasons ranged between 0.04–686.8 ng/g and 0.01–2580.6 ng/g, respectively. The highest concentration of pharmaceuticals was observed in Tudor creek in dry and wet seasons, with a sum concentration of ∑1013 ng/g and ∑3111 ng/g, respectively. Gazi Bay was used as a reference environment for this study, and pharmaceuticals were detected in dry and wet seasons with a concentration of 0.10–686.8 ng/g and 0.18–93.5 ng/g, respectively. There was no seasonal variation in the pharmaceutical concentration during the dry and wet seasons. For macroalgae of ulvophyceae species, pharmaceutical concentration ranged below the detection limit (DL)–11059 ng/g. Compared to surface sediment, macroalgae showed a high concentration of pharmaceuticals in Tudor, Makupa and Mtwapa creeks. Tetracycline was higher in sediment and macroalgae in all the creeks than other pharmaceutical compounds. A high concentration of pharmaceuticals confirms sewage effluent into the marine environment of Mombasa peri-urban creek. Pharmaceuticals (acetaminophen, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, carbamazepine and nevirapine) in sediment posed a medium (− 1 < Log10 RQ < 0) to higher risk (Log10 RQ > 0) to algae, invertebrates and fish in the dry and wet seasons. There is a need to sensitise the residents of coastal cities on the impact of sewage effluent into the marine environment and enact strict measures to limit the discharge of sewage effluents containing these contaminants into the marine environment. Nevertheless, it is recommended to conduct further research on the distribution of pharmaceuticals in the marine environment and the long-term combined impacts of these substances of these compounds on marine biota.
Antimalarial potential, LC-MS secondary metabolite profiling and computational studies of Zingiber officinale
(Taylor and Francis, 2024) Faloye, Kolade O.; Tripathi, Manish K.; Adesida, Stephen A.; Oguntimehin, Samuel A.; Oyetunde, Yemisi M.; Adewole, Adetola Henry; Ogunlowo, Ifeoluwa I.; Idowu, Esther A.; Olayemi, Uduak I.; Dosumu, Olamide D.
Malaria is among the top-ranked parasitic diseases that pose a threat to the existence of the human race. This study evaluated the antimalarial effect of the rhizome of Zingiber officinale in infected mice, performed secondary metabolite profiling and detailed computational antimalarial evaluation through molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and density functional theory methods. The antimalarial potential of Z. officinale was performed using the in vivo chemosuppressive model; secondary metabolite profiling was carried out using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Molecular docking was performed with Autodock Vina while the MD simulation was performed with Schrodinger desmond suite for 100 ns and DFT calculations with B3LYP (6-31G) basis set. The extract showed 64% parasitaemia suppression, with a dose-dependent increase in activity up to 200 mg/kg. The chemical profiling of the extract tentatively identified eight phytochemicals. The molecular docking studies with plasmepsin II and Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (PfDHFR-TS) identified gingerenone A as the hit molecule, and MMGBSA values corroborate the binding energies obtained. The electronic parameters of gingerenone A revealed its significant antimalarial potential. The antimalarial activity elicited by the extract of Z. officinale and the bioactive chemical constituent supports its usage in ethnomedicine.
In vitro nitric oxide inhibition of selected south African medicinal plants : a bio-guided purification of anti-inflammatory compounds from Conyza scabrida
(Elsevier, 2025-07) Rali, Sibusiso; Mshengu, Bongiwe P.; Van De Venter, Maryna; Maharaj, Vinesh J.
This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of plant species by in vitro screening of extracts, fractions, and pure compounds on LPS-activated RAW 246.7 mouse macrophages. Plants were sourced from the plant repository in the Biodiscovery Centre, at the University of Pretoria. The plant materials were ground into fine powdered and extracted with dichloromethane: methanol (DCM:MeOH) (1:1) followed by 100 % MeOH, filtered, concentrated, and dried to generate extracts. Twelve extracts were fractionated using positive pressure solid phase extraction (ppSPE) Gilson liquid hander workstation, resulting in seven fractions per plant extract. The observed anti-inflammatory activity was mainly attributed to specific ppSPE fractions of the plant extracts rather than the entire crude extract.The most active plants species identified with 90 % inhibition at 25 μg/mL, were Dodonaea. viscosa, Buxus natalensis, Flacourtia. indica, and Conyza scabrida. The crude extract and ppSPE fractions (6 and 7) of C. scabrida demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity at 50 μg/mL with 97.8 % and 97.0 % inhibition, respectively. The Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) analysis of the active ppSPE fractions was used to tentatively identify two major compounds 5,3′,4′-trihydroxy-3,6,7,8-tetramethoxyflavone (C1) and hautriwaic acid (C2) and were subsequently purified using preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (prep-HPLC-MS) and confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). At a concentration of 100 μM, they inhibited NO production by 96.6 % and 59.2 %, respectively. We have provided scientific preliminary evidence supporting ethnopharmacological claims of twelve South African medicinal plant species traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases.
Characterization of selected solid fuels and their calorific values in Kenya : a case Study of Bomet, Narok, Taita-Taveta, and Mombasa counties
(Springer, 2024-04) Bosire, Josephate O.; Osano, Aloys M.; Oyaro, Nathan; Maghanga, Justin K.; Forbes, Patricia B.C.
Energy for household use is expensive and is thus less available to communities, especially in developing countries. In Kenyan rural households, the primary source of domestic cooking fuel is either locally available firewood, charcoal produced through gradual pyrolysis of these firewood, or biomass briquettes. Nonetheless, there have been minimal investigations that characterize and compare typical firewood species and the associated charcoal fuels in terms of moisture content, calorific values, and their relationships. Consequently, this study sought to ascertain the moisture content, ultimate analysis, and calorific values of Grevillea robusta, Arundinaria alpina, Eucalyptus globulus, Azadirachta indica, Gliricidia sepium, Adansonia digitata L., Cyprus, and Acacia auriculiformis wood fuels, and the corresponding charcoal and briquettes in Bomet, Narok, Taita Taveta, and Mombasa Counties. The bomb calorimeter method was used to determine the calorific values while the elemental analyzer was used to determine carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen levels in the fuel. Moisture content of the wood fuels ranged from 2.36 ± 0.01% to 4.93 ± 0.02%, briquettes from 2.57 ± 0.02–3.22 ± 0.07%, and charcoal, from 2.02 ± 0.01–2.73 ± 0.05%. Briquette samples had the highest carbon composition of 74.69% and 75.77%, followed by charcoal and firewood, respectively. It was found that firewood fuels had a higher oxygen content (39.47–49.96%) than the other fuels (21.71–36.54%). In elemental analysis, the majority of the samples had sulfur and nitrogen content of less than 1% while the hydrogen content ranged from 1.26% to 6.04%. The calorific values of the solid fuels ranged between 13.13 ± 0.11 MJ/kg and 32.71 ± 0.19 MJ/kg. The findings suggest a relationship between moisture content and calorific values since low moisture content fuels had high calorific values which could be attributed to the increased value of the carbon-to-oxygen (C/O) proportion (ranging from 0.94 to 3.36). Based on the calorific value analysis, the order of fuel strength was found to be; charcoal > firewood > briquettes. As a result, the study's findings demonstrate that the proximate, ultimate, and calorific values analyses of solid fuel play a vital role in determining the best fuel with higher energy values in accordance with the International Energy Agency's (IEA) requirements.
Preliminary mechanistic insights into the detection of ethanol vapour using MnO2 NRs-CNPs-poly-4-(vinylpyridine) based solid-state sensor operating at room temperature
(Elsevier, 2025-01) Malepe, Lesego; Ndinteh, Derek Tantoh; Ndungu, Patrick Gathura; Mamo, Messai Adenew
Please read abstract in the article.
Fabrication of BiVO4/Ag2CrO4 heterojunction composites modified with graphene oxide for enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performance
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2024-11) Oluwole, Adewunmi Olufemi; Yusuf, Tunde Lewis; Tichapondwa, Shepherd Masimba; Daramola, Michael Olawale; Iwarere, Samuel Ayodele; samuel.iwarere@up.ac.za
Please read abstract in the article.
Exploring anticancer activity and DNA binding of metal (II) salicylaldehyde Schiff base complexes : a convergence of experimental and computational perspectives
(Wiley, 2025-05) Waziri, Ibrahim; Sookai, Sheldon; Yusuf, Tunde Lewis; Olofinsan, Kolawole A.; Muller, Alfred J.
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Quorum sensing inhibition by South African medicinal plants species : an in vitro and an untargeted metabolomics study
(BioMed Central, 2025-04) Moyo, Phanankosi; Bodede, Olusola; Wooding, Madelien; Famuyide, Ibukun Michael; Makhubu, Fikile Nelly; Khorommbi, Ndivhuwo Kevin; Ofori, Michael; Danquah, Cynthia A.; McGaw, Lyndy Joy; Maharaj, Vinesh J.
BACKGROUND : The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is imperiling global health, hence, the need to remedy this challenge by discovering new therapeutic strategies and agents. Quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) is opined as a potential novel strategic approach in the fight against AMR by abrogation of bacterial virulence and pathogenicity. Currently, there are no clinically approved QSI drugs. Based on this, this study evaluated the QSI properties of South African plant species. METHODS : Twenty-nine extracts and their corresponding 203 fractions generated using solid phase extraction were screened for QSI activity in vitro against Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472. Active and inactive fractions of the most potent plant species were analysed using UPLC-HRMS. The acquired mass spectral data was subjected to chemometric analysis. RESULTS : From the QSI assays, three plant species showed remarkable QSI activity, measured by dose-dependent inhibition of violacein production (IVP), at sublethal concentrations. Terminalia phanerophlebia emerged as the most active species, with the extract and five of its fractions showing good activity in IVP (IVP IC50 ≤ 0.1 mg/mL). This was closely followed by Momordica cardiospermoides whose crude extract and two of its corresponding fractions showed good activity (IVP IC50 ≤ 0.1 mg/mL). Three fractions of Helichrysum odoratissimum also had good activity (IVP IC50 ≤ 0.1 mg/mL) marking it one of the most potent selected species. Chemometric analysis identified five compounds including olivetol and hydroxytyrosol as chemical markers positively associated with the QSI activity of T. phanerophlebia. CONCLUSION : In conclusion, the findings of our study provided insight into the QSI properties of South African plant species. Further studies will focus on the isolation of the putative active compounds and the in vitro evaluation of their QSI activity.
Larvicidal and antiplasmodial studies of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtaceae) leaf
(Springer, 2024-12) Adesida, Stephen A.; Oguntimehin, Samuel A.; Famuyiwa, Funmilayo G.; Faloye, Kolade O.; Ogundele, Seun B.; Bello, Oyenike I.; Oladiran, Oluyemi J.; Olusola, Ayobami J.; Adewole, Adetola Henry; Adebayo, Praise A.; Oredola, Maryam O.
Eucalyptus camaldulensis is a medicinal plant used as insect repellant and antimalarial agent in ethnomedicine. This study examined the antiplasmodial and larvicidal potential of E. camaldulensis leaf extract and also identified the plant extract's most active fraction(s). The acute oral toxicity test of the methanol extract was evaluated using Lorke’s method. The larvicidal assay was performed on the extract and partitioned fractions according to the 2005 World Health Organization guidelines, while the 4-day chemosuppressive and curative antimalarial assays were carried out against Plasmodium bergei bergei. Endosulphan and chloroquine (10 mg/kg) was used as the positive controls for the larvicidal and antiplasmodial assays, respectively, while tween 80 in normal saline (1%) was the negative control. The methanol leaf extract of EC showed good larvicidal activity across all tested concentrations (LC50 3.79 ± 0.64 mg/mL), while the aqueous fraction with LC50 of 2.80 ± 0.14 mg/mL was the most active. Its acute toxicity test showed it was safe up to 5000 mg/kg. The extract significantly increased dose-dependent antiplasmodial activity for the chemosuppressive and curative models (p < 0.05) than the negative control. At 800 mg/kg, EC gave chemosuppressive (53.69 ± 1.62%) and curative (81.26 ± 1.87%) activities, which was significantly lower than that of 10 mg/kg chloroquine (82.00 ± 0.57% and 92.51 ± 0.22% respectively). The aqueous partitioned fraction gave the highest chemosuppression (73.84 ± 2.73%) at 80 mg/kg, which was comparable to the positive control. The methanol extract of E. camaldulensis leaf is a promising larvicidal and antimalarial agent that could proffer a solution to vector control and the prevalence of malaria.
A conceptual framework for costing perovskite solar cells through material flow cost accounting
(MDPI, 2025-04) Van der Poll, Hendrik Johannes; Van der Poll, Huibrecht Margaretha; Van der Poll, John Andrew; hendrik.vanderpoll@up.ac.za
There is a global demand for alternative energy sources away from unsustainable fossil fuels. The Conference of Parties (COP) 26 agreed that fossil fuels should be phased down; at COP27, anxiety about the cost and availability of energy was raised, and COP28 reiterated the phasedown of coal power. Solar technology in the form of perovskite solar cells is one such alternative energy source. This article considers the fabrication of the perovskite layer in a solar cell and postulates the extent to which material flow cost accounting (MFCA) could be used as a feasible costing method, among other things, to address material flows and waste reduction. Through MFCA, the monetary and physical flows of materials are identified and can be applied throughout the supply chain to facilitate affordability, from the extraction of the ore to the transportation and fabrication of the chemicals, manufacturing and distribution of the solar cell and panels, and, finally, the recycling of the panel. Informed by these observations, a conceptual framework for applying MFCA in fabricating the perovskite layer in the supply chain is developed based on sets of qualitative propositions. Future work will involve researching the processes involved in manufacturing solar cells, costing raw materials, energy flows, and solar cell manufacturing emissions.

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