Postdoctoral Researcher | Mintek | South Africa
Dr. Siphelo Ngqoloda is an emerging leader in advanced energy materials, electrocatalysis, and perovskite solar cell research, with a strong academic foundation and impactful research portfolio. He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of the Western Cape, where his doctoral work focused on hybrid lead-halide perovskite thin films fabricated through sequential chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for high-efficiency solar cells. His research systematically explored thin-film formation mechanisms, device architecture engineering, and optoelectronic performance characterization using XRD, SEM, UV–Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and J–V analysis. Building on this expertise, Dr. Ngqoloda’s current postdoctoral research at Mintek centers on synthesizing and tailoring platinum-based alloy nanocrystals for the oxygen reduction reaction in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, addressing catalytic activity, durability, and structural optimization via controlled nanostructuring and rotating-disk electrode electrochemical analysis. He has authored and co-authored nearly 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters, reflecting active dissemination of research across materials science, nanotechnology, and renewable energy systems. His contributions have earned 197 citations across 21 publications, with an h-index of 7, demonstrating growing scientific influence in the fields of perovskite photovoltaics and nanocatalysis. In addition to research, Dr. Ngqoloda has five years of undergraduate lecturing experience and has supervised Master’s students, showcasing strong academic leadership and mentorship. He also managed a thin-film deposition laboratory, gaining practical expertise in thermal CVD, thermal evaporation, wet-chemical synthesis, and lab safety systems. Dr. Ngqoloda’s technical strengths include programming (Python, MATLAB), spectroscopy, microscopy, thin-film fabrication, and device physics. With strong communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills, combined with achievements such as best poster recognition in materials science, he exemplifies a dynamic, multidisciplinary researcher dedicated to advancing clean-energy technologies and sustainable materials innovation.
Featured Publications
Ngqoloda, S., Ngwenya, T., Madima, N., Chauke, N., Stevenson, M., Barron, O., & Raphulu, M. (2025). Hot-injection synthesis of Pt–Ni rhombic dodecahedral nanoframes for oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysis. Catalysis Letters, 155, 358.
Madima, N., Chauke, N., Ngqoloda, S., Mmelesi, O., & Raphulu, M. (2025). Recent advances in the development of defective black TiO₂ nanomaterials for application in energy and environmental sustainability: A review. Results in Engineering, 26, 104868.
Ngqoloda, S., Chauke, N., Ngwenya, T., & Raphulu, M. (2024). Shaped and structured Pt–3d transition metal alloy nanocrystals as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. Results in Chemistry, 11, 101831.
Chauke, N. M., Mohlala, R. L., Ngqoloda, S., & Raphulu, M. C. (2024). Harnessing visible light: Enhancing TiO₂ photocatalysis with photosensitizers for sustainable and efficient environmental solutions. Frontiers in Chemical Engineering, 6, 1356021.
Magubane, S., Burns, R., Ngqoloda, S., Oliphant, C., Miceli, P., & Arendse, C. (2023). Sequential chemical vapor deposition of two-dimensional Sn–Pb compound perovskite thin films and its exciton transport. ACS Applied Electronic Materials, 5, 5352.