MEWES Research Groups
Materials Research Group
Purpose of the group
The purpose of the materials research group is to establish research programs in the field of materials science to address real human challenges, according to the NM-AIST motto, “Academia for Society and Industry”
Research themes
Fabrication of materials with advanced properties, eg. Nanomaterials /Nanotechnology
Utilization of innovative approaches to develop materials which are cost-effective, more efficient, and environmentally friendly
Development of materials suitable for real life applications, eg. for water purification
Projects
Transfer of Nanofilter from Tanzania to Zambia – sponsored by the Southern Africa Innovation Support (SAIS)
Nanofilter – A typical case for the outreach activities This project is taking unconventional approach. It is very unique because, unlike many other purely academic programs, it is focused on hands-on /practical training on how to develop and implement Nanotechnology based inventions. The project will replicate the success stories of Nanotechnology-based low-cost sustainable water purification system (Trademarked as Nanofilter: ) invented at NM-AIST / the lead applicant of this project. Nanofilter has won 17 awards, including the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation – funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering-UK and the World Health Organization (WHO) award this two links : 1 and 2 . Nanofilter increases access to clean and safe water to reduce water bone diseases; and its inventor is determined to impact millions of lives, as demonstrated in this video. The filters are directly sold to households and to institutions but also hosted in kiosks that become water stations that create jobs for local entrepreneurs. Nanofilter has created jobs to hundreds of people and is now impacting hundreds of thousands of people is Tanzania, Kenya, and Zambia. Nanofilter is unique because it can “target” and “selectively” remove any contaminant found in water (bacteria, chemical-contaminants, turbidity, organic-matter) and produces 20 liters/hour of clean and safe water. It also removes chemicals like Fluoride which cause teeth and bone fluorosis. Nanofilter’s cost is lower – it does not use electricity (it simply depends on gravity). Rapid adoption of Nanofilter and similar Nanotechnology-based inventions will positively impact millions of lives around the world and make Africa’s contribution valuable. Internship placement at the associate partner / Gongali Model Co.Ltd (www.gongalimodel.com) (manufacturer of Nanofilter) directly inspire and empower students and staff to imitate the Nanofilter initiative as they develop their own Nanotechnology-based innovations / inventions. More about the Nanofilter innovation is found online (a simple search on Google will give hundreds of links), eg. WIPO Magazine
Clean Energy Technologies Research Group
Purpose of the group
Development of alternative and sustainable energy sources for domestic and industrial use
Research themes
Biogas production, clean up technologies and optimization of feedstock and bio-rectors
Solar energy application – solar dryers and cookers, micro-grid, smart micro-grids, standalone solar systems, fuel cells, solar mapping etc.
Biofuels – biodiesel, bio-ethanol and briquettes production and characterization, catalysts synthesis and characterization, engine tests, gasification, pyrolysis etc.
Energy auditing and management
Wind energy – optimization of turbine’s aerodynamic systems of small wind turbines
Resources