Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa
👨🎓Profiles
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Olakunle Oluwaleye’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in physics and materials science. He completed his Ph.D. in Physics at the University of South Africa, in collaboration with NRF-iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences (iThemba LABS) and the National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials at the CSIR in Pretoria. His doctoral research focused on ion beam modification of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) materials, a cutting-edge area with broad applications in spintronics, optoelectronics, sensors, and energy nanodevices.
🏢 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Oluwaleye has accumulated diverse international research and teaching experiences. He has worked as a research assistant at prestigious institutions such as Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany, and SCK-CEN, Belgium, where he expanded his expertise in nanostructured materials and energy materials. Additionally, he served as a physics lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, further contributing to academic development. His international exposure has provided him with multidisciplinary experience in materials preparation, thin-film synthesis, and semiconductor physics.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
His Ph.D. research played a vital role in advancing ion beam implantation for tailoring the properties of TCO thin films, specifically indium tin oxide (ITO) and zinc oxide (ZnO). He explored the effects of Co+ and V+ ion implantation on these materials, proving their enhanced applicability in spin-based magnetoelectronics, optoelectronics, and energy nanodevices. His thin-film synthesis techniques involved radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering, while his analysis utilized cutting-edge material characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, PIXE, RBS, FTIR, and AFM.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Oluwaleye has presented his research at multiple prestigious international conferences in India, China, Italy, and the USA, receiving the best presentation award at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Italy. His contributions to nanotechnology and materials science have positioned him as a respected figure in energy materials research, with his work cited in international peer-reviewed journals.
📚 Academic Citations and Publications
During his Ph.D. studies, Dr. Oluwaleye published two research articles in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals. His research continues to gain citations, reflecting its significant impact on materials science and nanotechnology.
🛠️ Technical Skills
Dr. Oluwaleye possesses extensive expertise in a range of scientific and computational tools, including:
- Thin-film deposition techniques (RF magnetron sputtering)
- Material characterization methods (VSM, XRD, UV-Vis, SEM, AFM, PIXE, RBS, FTIR, EDX)
- Material simulation software (SRIM/TRIM Monte Carlo Code)
- Programming and computing skills (Linux/UNIX environment)
🎓 Teaching Experience
With a passion for education, Dr. Oluwaleye served as a physics lecturer at the University of Johannesburg. His strong mentorship and research expertise have contributed to shaping the next generation of scientists in materials science and nanotechnology.
🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Oluwaleye’s future research aims to push the boundaries of materials innovation, focusing on energy materials, hydrogen storage, nanostructures, and materials modification. His continued work in thin-film synthesis and semiconductor materials will contribute to advancements in sustainable energy and next-generation nanodevices.
📖Notable Publications
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Effects of Induced Structural Modification on Properties of V+ Ion-Implanted RF—Magnetron Sputtering Deposited ZnO Thin Films of Thickness 120 nm on Borosilicate Glass Substrates
- Authors: Olakunle Oluwaleye, Bonex Mwakikunga, Joseph Asante
- Journal: Nanomaterials
- Year: 2025
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Studies of Lattice Structure, Electrical Properties, Thermal and Chemical Stability of Cobalt Ion Implanted Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) Thin Films on Polymer Substrates
- Authors: Olakunle Oluwaleye
- Journal: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms
- Year: 2019
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Investigation of Structural and Magnetic Properties of Co+ Ion Implanted Indium Tin Oxide Thin Films on Polyethylene Terephthalate (C10H8O4)n Substrates by 100 keV Ions
- Authors: Olakunle Oluwaleye
- Journal: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms
- Year: 2019
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Analysis of the Spatial and Spectral Neutron Distribution of Various Conceptual Core Designs with Aim of Optimizing SAFARI-1 Research Reactor
- Authors: Olakunle Oluwaleye
- Journal: Proceedings of the South African Institute of Physics 2013
- Year: 2014