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Welcome to ResearchSpace, the institutional repository of the CSIR. ResearchSpace is an open access electronic archive collecting, preserving and distributing scholarly digital materials created by the CSIR.

Recent Submissions

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Evaluating Offline LoRaWAN for Surface-Level Maritime Communication

(2025-07) Manga, Amisha; Govindsamy, Reesen; Giesler, Achmed; Mowzer, Yusuf

The attached item is supplementary material for the FDCR conference (2025) paper titled “Evaluating Offline LoRaWAN for Surface-Level Maritime Communication”.

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Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaptation

(2024) Davies, Sarah J; Ntshotsho, Phumza

Nature-based solutions include ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change. True ecosystem-based adaptation encompasses the following: Helps people adapt to climate change; Uses biodiversity and ecosystems as part of the solution and is part of a broader adaptation strategy.

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The oxidation of pyrites associated with South African coals

(1945) Teichmann, RFJ

The influence of pyrites on the spontaneous heating of coal bas been studied by many investigators, with results that are so conflicting that no general conclusions can be drawn therefrom. Much of the disagreement is probably due to variations in the properties of pyrites from different sources. Great differences in the rate of oxidation of pyrites, marcasite and pyrrhotite have been established .and variations within these categories due to variations within physical structure or to the presence of impurities, which may act as catalysts, are also possible.

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Green Synthesis and Application of Biochar Derived from Alien Vegetation Wood for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

(2025-04) Sobekwa, AG; Mojapelo, NA; Visser, ED; Seroka, Ntalane S; Khotseng, L

Invasive alien vegetation brought about by various human activities has grown to be a significant threat to the ecosystem and its diversity; therefore, control strategies to combat this threat are being explored. This review aims to investigate the prospect of using biochar specifically from alien vegetation as a support material for the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell electrocatalyst, highlighting the need to move to green energy and invest in Eco conservation. The use of biochar derived from alien vegetation as carbon support for the platinum (Pt) electrocatalyst for PEM fuel cells is an interesting field that is slowly gaining momentum. Biochar has the potential to be used as a carbon support due to its high specific surface, area, and intrinsic property needed for an electrocatalyst support. The current widely used electrocatalyst, which is Pt supported on carbon black, has shown to suffer from corrosion which weakens the bond between the support and the Pt nanoparticles, leading to instability and resistance; therefore, alternative supports are needed also to decrease the Pt loading as it is expensive. The focus of this review is on the benefits and prospects of these cheap green resources in increasing efforts to conserve the environment.

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Tailoring the properties of 2D nanomaterial-polymer composites for electromagnetic interference shielding and energy storage by 3D printing—A review

(2025-04) Gebrekrstos, A; Muzata, TS; Elias, A; Ray, Suprakas S

3D-printed 2D nanomaterials-based polymer composites, with their exceptional electrical conductivity and structural functionalities, have become leading-edge engineering materials for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, sensors, and energy storage applications. This review begins with a brief introduction to various types of 2D nanomaterials and their fabrication techniques, specifically different types of 3D printing. The subsequent sections highlight key factors such as rheological properties, surface tension, additives, and binders that influence the printability of 2D nanomaterials-based polymer composites. The advancements in 2D nanomaterials-based polymers, including MXene, graphene, and graphene derivatives, are then presented. The interaction, dispersion, and/oMr network formation of 2D nanomaterials in the polymer matrix is a crucial factor in determining the electrical performance of the composites. This review also discusses surface modification strategies for 2D nanomaterials to enhance their sensing, EMI shielding, and energy storage capabilities. Finally, the impact of various 3D-printed polymer composite geometries, such as rectangular, cylinder, and circular, on shielding performance is thoroughly examined, engaging the reader in the exploration of these materials.