UJ Researchers Develop Sunlight-Powered Nanomaterial for Future Water Treatment
University of Johannesburg (UJ), with Stellenbosch University collaboration
Research & Innovation Spotlight
Researchers at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), working with a Stellenbosch University collaborator, have developed a three-layer photosensitive nanocomposite designed to use sunlight more efficiently in photoelectrochemical processes. The material has potential future applications in water treatment and hydrogen production.
The problem
Photocatalytic materials can use light to drive chemical reactions that break down pollutants or support hydrogen-related processes, but conventional materials can be limited by inefficient charge separation, resistance and restricted light response.
The innovation
The research team designed and tested a multijunction material incorporating a Ti1.33N MXene component with BiVO4 and GdIn2Se3. The architecture combines mechanisms intended to improve the movement and lifetime of light-generated electrical charges.
Reported performance
UJ reports that the three-layer material showed substantially greater electrical conductivity than individual comparison components, lower charge-transfer resistance and longer-lived light-generated charge activity in testing. These laboratory results indicate improved photoelectrochemical performance, but they should not be interpreted as proof of full-scale water-treatment deployment.
Research team
The study’s lead author is Professor Langelihle (Nsika) Dlamini of UJ’s Photocatalytic Nanomaterials Research Group. Collaborators named by UJ include Associate Professor Bonginkosi Thango, Dr Thulane Paepae, Associate Professor Nkosinathi Gule of Stellenbosch University, and UJ PhD candidate Majahekupheleni Malati.
What comes next?
The researchers are designing a light-driven reactor using the material for laboratory-scale water purification. The longer-term possibility is solar-driven treatment of polluted water, with hydrogen-production applications also under consideration.
Source: University of Johannesburg official report
AfScholar editorial summary, source checked 9 August 2026.
The Problem
Photocatalytic systems for water treatment and solar chemical processes can be limited by charge recombination, resistance and insufficient light-response efficiency.
The Research / Innovation
Three-layer Ti1.33N@BiVO4/GdIn2Se3 MXene-based photosensitive nanocomposite using multijunction charge-transfer mechanisms.
Key Findings / Outcomes
UJ reports improved conductivity, lower resistance and longer-lived photo-generated charge behaviour compared with individual benchmark components in laboratory testing.
Research Impact
Potential future low-energy, solar-driven water purification and hydrogen-generation applications, subject to further reactor development and scale-up validation.
What’s Next?
The research team is designing a light-driven reactor using the material for laboratory-scale water purification.