Conveners
Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials 1
- Emmanuel Igumbor (University of Pretoria)
Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials 1
- Volkmar Nolting (Vaal University of Technology)
Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials 1
- Mahlaga Molepo (University of South Africa)
Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials 1
- peace prince mkhonto (University of Limpopo)
Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials 1
- Daniel Wamwangi (wits university)
Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials 1
- Damilola Momodu (UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA)
Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials 1
- Japie Engelbrecht (NMMU)
Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials 1
- Moise Bertin Tchoula Tchokonte (Department of Physics, University of the Western Cape)
Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials 1
- Japie Engelbrecht (NMMU)
Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials 1
- Thabo Letsoalo (University of Limpopo)
Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials 1
- Setumo Victor Motloung (SMU)
Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials 1
- Joseph Kirui (UNIVERSITY OF VENDA)
Ms
Redrisse Djoumessi Fobasso
(University of Johannesburg)
04/07/2017, 10:00
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The new ternary intermetallic compound Yb13Pd40Sn31 was obtained as part of the investigation of the isothermal section of the Yb-Pd-Sn system at 600°C [1]. The polycrystalline sample was prepared by induction melting method in sealed tantalum crucible under a stream of pure argon gas. The powder x-ray pattern indicated that the sample crystallizes in a...
Mr
Mporome Maboko
(Student)
04/07/2017, 10:20
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The National Metrology Institute of South African (NMISA) has a mandate to implement a primary resistance standard and to upgrade the DC resistance Laboratory. The Quantum Hall Effect (QHE) is the foundation for the implementation of the primary resistance standard. The QHE is a phenomenon that occurs in a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) when subject to a strong magnetic field...
Mr
Itegbeyogene Ezekiel
(University of KwaZulu-Natal)
04/07/2017, 11:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Structural and magnetic properties of sintered and milled La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 was investigated in the temperature range of 300-2 K. The refined X-ray diffraction (XRD) data show that all samples are single phase and crystallize in rhombohedral symmetry with R-3C space group. The as-prepared samples (SK) where milled for 1, 3, 6 and 12 hours (SKM1, SKM3,...
Mr
Abdulmajid A. Mirghni
(UP)
04/07/2017, 11:30
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
This work presents the effect of different contents of graphene foam (GF) on the electrochemical capacitance of nickel phosphate Ni3(PO4)2 nanorods as an electrode material for supercapacitor applications. Ni3(PO4)2 nanorods were synthesized via a hydrothermal method followed by different mass loading of graphene (30, 60, 90 ...
Mr
Michael Olawale Ogunbunmi
(University of Johannesburg)
04/07/2017, 11:50
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
We have investigated the ground state properties of the orthorhombic structure compound PrRu2Ga8 which was first announced by the group of Jeitschko [1]. The compound crystallizes in the CaCo2Al8-type structure, belonging to space group Pbam (No. 55). Specific heat data shows a λ-type anomaly at TN = 3.3 K, indicating a bulk...
Dr
Emmanuel Igumbor
(University of Pretoria)
04/07/2017, 14:00
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
In this work we present ab-initio calculation results for the Tm3+ interstitial, vacancy-interstitial complex (VGe-Tm3+i) and substitutional (Tm3+Ge) defects as determined by using the Heyd, Scuseria, and Ernzerhof (HSE06) hybrid functional. We calculated the formation energies and the charge state transition levels of...
Dr
Volkmar Nolting
(Vaal University of Technology)
04/07/2017, 14:20
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The magnetization M(T,B) of a ferromagnetic material as calculated from standard models of magnetism makes a couple of theoretical assumptions that are not fulfilled in a real lattice. One consequence of this is the Barkhausen effect which experimentally verifies the existence of ferromagnetic domains. From the energy of the domain wall its thickness, the energy per unit area, the restoring...
Dr
Rosinah Modiba
(CSIR)
04/07/2017, 14:40
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Recently, there is a high demand of shape memory alloys that can be used at high temperatures. TiPt is found to be one of the promising alloys with the transformation temperature of 1300 K. Previous studies showed that the alloy is mechanically unstable with the negative C′ modulus at 0 K. In order to enhance the mechanical properties of the alloy, a third element Cu was substituted in the...
Dr
Ezekiel Omotoso
(University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa)
04/07/2017, 15:00
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
We have characterized the deep level defects present before and after proton irradiation and annealing of n-type, N-doped, 4H-SiC using deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). The bombardment of the sample was carried out at fluence of 1.0 × 1012 cm–2. The suitability of Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) was tested before and after proton irradiation and annealing by current–voltage (I-V) and...
Dr
Ndanduleni Lethole
(University of Limpopo)
04/07/2017, 15:20
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Spinel lithium manganese (II) oxide (IV) (LiMn2O4) has been intensively studied as a positive electrode for rechargeable Li-ion batteries due to its abundance in the earth crust, low toxicity, and high theoretical capacity of 148 mAh/g. However this material has been reported to suffer from severe capacity fading, particularly at high temperatures during the...
Ms
Fortunate Mofao Modiba
(NMISA,UWC)
05/07/2017, 10:00
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The attractive optical, electrical and mechanical properties of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) are promising for applications within photovoltaic devices. The diameter and length of the SiNWs is crucial in the solar cell application and can be controlled by the metal catalyst nanoparticles size. Due to its lower Si eutectic temperature, tin (Sn) has been identified as a suitable, lower cost...
Ms
Mahlatse Manamela
(University of Limpopo)
05/07/2017, 10:20
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The high energy ball milling technique was employed to synthesise the undoped ZnO, 5% Co and In single doped and Co-In double doped ZnO nanoparticles. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to probe the structural properties. It was found that the difraction pattern for In-ZnO nanoparticles display an additional peak which was associated with In+3 dopant. Now, incorparating Co and In into ZnO...
Ms
Christine Mkhonto
(University of Limpopo)
05/07/2017, 11:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Iron aluminides intermetallic compounds are regarded as promising materials for industrial applications because of their low cost, low density, high temperature strength, as well as excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance. The Fe-Al based systems have recently attracted a lot of attention as a potential replacement of steel due to their excellent resistance to oxidation at high...
Mr
Jason Webster
(University of Stellenbosch)
05/07/2017, 11:30
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Structuring matter is typically associated with structuring the particle nature of matter in its physical form. At the micro and nano scales, such matter manipulation is typically achieved through the use of a focused ion beam (FIB) instrument, allowing for applications within transmission electron microscopy (TEM), micromachining, semiconductor ion implantation, and many others. Here, we...
Ms
Blessing N Rikhotso
(University of Limpopo)
05/07/2017, 11:50
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The structural evolution of TiO2 nano-sheet is investigated by molecular dynamics code upon heating up to crystallization. The structural rearrangements during cooling and heating process are analysed as a function of temperature, focusing on shift of the peaks in X-ray diffraction and radial distribution function. Diffusion Coefficients of Li are measured to be increasing with an...
Ms
Raesibe Sylvia Ledwaba
(Physics)
05/07/2017, 14:00
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The fast lithium ion diffusion kinetics and superior high rate capability of 2D (nanosheets) and 3D (nanoporous) nanoarchitectures have ignited interest in their utilization as electrode materials for lithium ion batteries. The exceptional performance properties are mainly due to the large surface area of these small particles leading to the shortened lithium ion and electron diffusion path...
Mrs
Newayemedhin Tegegne
(Stellenbosch University)
05/07/2017, 14:20
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The bulk heterojunction of a donor polymer and fullerene derivatives is common active layer in organic solar cells. The choice of fullerenes plays an important role in the efficiency. The fullerene, [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butylic acid methyl ester (PCBM71) is chosen in many cases over [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butylic acid methyl ester (PCBM61) for its higher absorption in the visible. We investigated the...
Mr
Fokotsa Molefe
(Student at UNISA)
05/07/2017, 14:40
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Poor performance of solar cell devices and low energy conversion brought great concern to researchers from different disciplines worldwide. As a result, various generations of solar cells have been implemented to tackle energy challenges. Within emerging generations of solar cells, layered devices are also gaining much interest due to charge transfer that takes place amongst the layers. In...
Mr
Sfiso khanyile
(University of Western Cape / NMISA)
05/07/2017, 15:00
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Photoactive organic/inorganic hybrid thin films have been fabricated by spin coating a mixture of polymer/fullerene blended with silicon nanowires at different volume ratios. The main challenge faced by organic solar cells is poor stability leading to premature degradation of solar cell morphology and electronic properties which result in poor efficiencies. The incorporation of n type Si NWs...
Mr
Akin Olaleru
(University of Venda)
05/07/2017, 15:20
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Syntheses of gold and silver nanoparticles have gained immense interest in the field of applied chemical research. This is because of the numerous and exciting physical and chemical properties of these nanomaterials. In this paper, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared by citrate reduction method where by trisodium citrate acted as both reducing and capping agent, while silver nanoparticles...
Prof.
David Billing
(University of the Witwatersrand)
06/07/2017, 10:00
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) and Solid Oxide electrolyser cells (SOECs) are exciting electrochemical devices that could provide unique and revolutionary solutions to some of the renewable energy challenges facing society. Central to the design of these devices is the need for a solid electrolyte that is an excellent oxygen ionic conductor whilst simultaneously being and electronic insulator....
Mr
Samuel Wolski
(University of Cape Town)
06/07/2017, 11:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The Nanoelectronics Laboratory at the University of Cape Town has recently obtained the first sets of results from the new ultracold helium dilution fridge. First, the general working principles of the dilution fridge are discussed, including the mechanisms which enable the cooling of samples to temperatures of around 6mK. Following this, the first set of measurements in Africa of the Quantum...
Mr
Ibrahim Abdallah
(chool of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand)
06/07/2017, 11:50
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The thermoelectric properties of organic-inorganic halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 were studied by solving the semiclassical Boltzmann transport equations on top of density functional theory calculations by using maximally-localised Wannier functions (MLWFs). Electronic transport properties were evaluated within the constant relaxation time approximation at four...
Mr
Shandirai Tunhuma
(University of Pretoria)
06/07/2017, 12:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
A review of the progress made on characterization of defects in n-GaAs using Laplace DLTS is presented. The technique offers up to an order of magnitude higher resolution than conventional DLTS. We explored the fine structure and annealing behavior of defects which would otherwise appear as single broad based peaks in conventional DLTS. Defects induced by several processes and incident...
Mr
Cliffton Masedi
(UL/CSIR)
06/07/2017, 12:30
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Li-ion batteries have transformed portable electronics and will play a key role in the electrification of transport. However, the highest energy storage possible for Li-ion batteries is insufficient for the long-term needs of society. Here we consider a study on rechargeable lithium−sulfur (Li−S) batteries which hold great potential for high-performance energy storage systems because they have...
Mr
Jatani Ungula
(University of the Free State)
06/07/2017, 12:50
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
ZnO nanorods (ZRs) were synthesized on glass substrates coated with Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) seed layer by a two-step chemical bath deposition technique (CBD) in an equimolar (50 mM) aqueous solution of zinc nitrate hexahydrate and hexamethylenetetramine at 90 °C. The GZO NPs seeding was done to lower the thermodynamic barrier by providing nucleation sites to improve the aspect ratios and optical...
Ms
Siphephile Ncube
(University of the Witwatersrand)
06/07/2017, 14:40
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
We report on the switching behaviour in Multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) functionalized with a gadolimium (Gd) supramolecular complex. The nanocomposite is synthesized from a modified covalent functionalization method to enhance the strength of interaction between the CNT and the magnetic supramolecules. The structural and magnetic properties of Gd-DPTA functionalized MWNTs are exploited...
Ms
zeldah sentsho
(necsa)
06/07/2017, 15:00
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Creep strength enhanced ferritic steels [1] are used in the manufacture of critical pressure components and vessels in modern power industry due to high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion, high strength and resistance to creep at elevated temperatures. 9%Cr steel [2] is of technological relevance since it contains elements which provide precipitation strengthening by forming M23C6...
Dr
Mahlaga Molepo
(University of South Africa)
06/07/2017, 16:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Recently, it has been established that the electronic properties of a graphane (hydrogenated graphene) sheet can be well tuned by foreign atom substitutions. This suggests that incorporating magnetic elements into its semiconducting environment could make graphane a good base for creating low dimensional dilute magnetic semiconductors for spintronic devices desirable for...
Prof.
Moise Tchoula Tchokonte
(University of the Western Cape)
06/07/2017, 16:30
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The critical behaviour at the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition in Nd2Pt2In compound has been investigated by means of magnetization measurements using various techniques such as the modified Arrott – plot, the Kouvel – Fisher plot and the critical isotherm analysis. Still the nature of the ferromagnetic transition is found to be of the second – order, the obtained values of the...
Dr
Peace Mkhonto
(University of Limpopo)
06/07/2017, 16:50
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
In this study ab-initio computational and microcalorimetry methods were used to study the interaction of xanthate collectors of different chain lengths on pyrite (100) and (111) surfaces. The (100) surface was found to be more stable than the (111) surface as such more dominant during ore grinding. This is also confirmed by the surface morphologies of pyrite in both approaches. Four...
Dr
Joseph Kirui
(University of Venda)
07/07/2017, 10:00
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The main aim of the study was to enhance the overall performance of the photovoltaic device through incorporation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Eight glass plates coated with indium tin oxide (ITO) on one side were used; two of them were etched by reacting hydrochloric acid with zinc powder. Silver nanoparticles of varying concentrations were then deposited on the ITO-glass substrates...
Dr
Thabo Letsoalo
(University of Limpopo)
07/07/2017, 10:20
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Density functional based tight-binding method (DFTB+) is code which can calculate the small atoms electronic properties and molecular dynamics of large structures. We used parameterization techniques to study pentlandite minerals and large structure using a density functional based tight-binding (DFTB+) method. Pentlandite structures are the transitional-metal sulfides of the Fe, Ni group...
Dr
Daniel Wamwangi
(wits university)
07/07/2017, 11:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Chalcogenide based alloys continue to be intensively investigated as suitable candidates for universal memory applications. This is driven by their fast and reversible phase transitions (ns) and their scalability potential. Phase In this work the acoustic hardening of chalcogenide thin films on (100) Si is investigated to establish the changes in the bulk and shear modulus in the amorphous...
Dr
Rapela Maphanga
(University of Limpopo)
, Mr
kemeridge Tumelo Malatji
(University of Limpopo)
07/07/2017, 11:30
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The demand for lithium-ion batteries with higher specific energy and higher power capacity for application in electric vehicles and portable electronics has led to a search for electrode materials with much higher electrochemical performance than conventional materials. Spinel LiMn2 O4 is a low-cost, environmentally friendly, and highly abundant material and is used as a...
Dr
Setumo Victor Motloung
(SMU)
07/07/2017, 11:50
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
The un-doped zinc magnesium aluminate (Zn0.5Mg0.5Al2O4) and Tb3+ doped nanophosphor were prepared by the citrate sol-gel method at low temperature (⁓ 80 ℃) and thermally treated at 1000 ℃ for 3 hrs. The effect of varying the x% Tb3+ in the range of (0 < x ≤ 1) on the structure, morphology and optical properties of the Zn0.5Mg0.5Al2O4 nanophosphors were investigated. The Energy dispersive x-ray...
Dr
Damilola Momodu
(UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA)
07/07/2017, 12:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Oral Presentation
Activated carbon (AC) was obtained from three different plant biomass wastes sources (coconut shell, pine cones and rice husk) via hydrothermal treatment followed by carbonization at 800 °C. The morphological and structural characteristics of the transformed carbon material revealed a porous network suitable for energy storage application. The asymmetric cells fabricated exhibited EDLC...
