Dr. Thabo Matthews

Results-driven researcher specializing in electrochemistry and materials science with proven expertise in developing innovative electrocatalysts and optimizing laboratory practices. Skilled in supervising graduate students, conducting comprehensive data analysis, and managing complex projects. Committed to advancing scientific knowledge and delivering impactful research outcomes. Passionate about driving innovation through technical excellence and academic rigor, bringing a strong background in mentoring and fostering institutional excellence to every endeavor.

• Fuel Cells (Anodic, Cathode, MEA & CCMs)
• Water Splitting/ electrolyzer (PEM, AWE & CCMs)
• Electrochem Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilization
• Nitrates/Nitrogen reduction to ammonia
• Material Science (catalysts: design, optimization, characterization)testing
• Electrochemistry (protocol design, optimization & testing)

• University of Cape Town 2024-2025 URC Postdoctoral Fellowship, 01/01/24
• Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), through the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Catalysis Centre of Competence Programme PostDoc Funding, 01/01/24 - 01/01/26
• University Research Council International Postgraduate Scholarships, 03/01/20 - 01/01/23
• University of Johannesburg Merit bursaries, 04/01/18 - 04/01/23
• National Research Foundation Grant Holder Linked Bursary for Research In South Africa, 01/01/19
• 7th position in the International Society of Electrochemistry-Metrohm quiz competition, 08/01/19
• Best chemistry student award, 11/01/09

• CATSA
• South African Chemical Society (SACI)
• International Younger Chemists Network (IYCN)
• International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE)
• Center of Nanotechnology University of Johannesburg
• Golden Key

Training on Gamry Instruments, Dropsense potentiostat by Metrohm and Aoutolab. Demonstrating 1st and 2nd-year chemistry practicals. Guiding grade 10-12 pupils.

• Paulina Chabalala, PhD, University of Johannesburg, 2025, Ongoing, Synthesis and Characterization of Binary Metal-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks electrocatalyst in Alkaline Fuel Cell.
• Zoxolo Ayanda Zungu, MSc, University of Johannesburg, 2025, Ongoing, Synergistic effect between Pt and Metal-Organic Frameworks for enhanced electro-oxidation of alcohol in fuel cells.
• Memory Zikhali, PhD, University of Johannesburg, 2023, Ongoing, Synthesis of nano-spinel-based electrocatalysts towards methanol oxidation in direct alkaline media.
• Paulina Chabalala, MSc, University of Johannesburg, 2024, Completed, Synthesis and Characterization of Binary Metal-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks electrocatalyst in Alkaline Fuel Cell.
• Zoxolo Ayanda Zungu, Honors, University of Johannesburg, 2023, Graduated, Synergistic effect between Pt and nano-MoS2 supported on carbon black for enhanced electro-oxidation of glycerol in direct glycerol fuel cell.
• Palesa Diako, Honors, University of Johannesburg, 2023, Graduated, Electronic Coupling Interaction between Pd and nano-TiO2 supported on Carbon Black for Enhanced and Stable Electrooxidation of Ethanol.
• Paulina Chabalala, Honors, University of Johannesburg, 2022, Graduated, Promoting Electro-Catalytic Performance of Palladium Supported on Iron Oxide and Carbon Black towards Ethylene Glycol Oxidation. (Distinction).
• Nomalanga Maseko, Honors, University of Johannesburg, 2021, Graduated, Synthesis and characterization of spinel-based electrocatalysts towards methanol oxidation in direct alkaline media. (Distinction).

• Multi-dimensional PtRu/C0304-Activated carbon Nano-Electrocatalyst: Metal-Support Interaction, and electronic contributions towards methanol electrooxidation in alkaline fuel cells. The 34th Catalysis Society of South Africa (CATSA) international conference/Oral presentation / Oct 2024
• Unveiling the Collaborative Strategy and Synergistic effects of Pd/V205-fCB towards glycerol electrooxidation: Experimental and Computational Analysis The 32nd Catalysis Society of South Africa (CATSA) international conference/Oral presentation / Nov 2022 Synergistic and Cooperation Induced Electrocatalysis: NiO Stabilization and Promotional effect on PdfMC towards ethylene glycol electrooxidation. The 44th South African Chemical Institute's National Convention/Oral presentation / Oct 2022
• Spinel Oxide as Electro-catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Direct Alcohol Alkaline Fuel Cells Oral presentation at NYRS-2020/21 / Dec 2021
• Mn-Ni-Co spinel oxides towards Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Medium: Mn0.5Ni0.5C0204/C synergism and cooperation Oral presentation at SACI virtual 2020 / Nov 2020
• Emerging ZnNixC02-xO4 Spinel Oxide Nanorods as Electro-catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Direct Alcohol Alkaline Fuel Cells Oral presentation at NYRS 2019 / Nov 2019
• Mn-Ni-Co spinel oxides towards Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Medium Poster at ISE Durban 2019 / Aug 2019 Mn doped NiC0204 supported on carbon towards oxygen reduction reaction Poster at SACI Conference 2018 / Dec 2018

• Applied Chemistry faculty representative, National University of Science and Technology, Conveying the students' concerns between the student board and the faculty board.
• Quality and Laboratory leader, Delta Beverages, 01/01/13, Organise, attend group meetings, and ensure implementations of quality at source in the plant.

‪Thabo Matthews‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬

( h-index = 11 and i10 index = 12 )

1. Prof. Nobanathi W. Maxakato, University of Johannesburg, T: +27672275668, E: nmaxakato@uj.ac.za 

2. Prof. Patrick Ndungu, University of Pretoria, T: +27722679480, E: patrick.ndungu@up.ac.za 

3. Prof. Saheed Adekunle, Obafemi Awolowo University, T: +2348105352062, E: sadekpreto@gmail.com