Materials Innovation for Energy, Water and Health
Research in Energy and Catalytic Transformations (REACT) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) develops catalytic processes and advanced materials that power cleaner energy, protect water, and enable safer therapies, building skills and collaborations that serve society across Africa.
Cleaner production for energy, environment, and health
Rapid societal change is creating urgent pressures across energy, environment, and health: fossil reserves are dwindling. At the same time, emissions rise, emerging pollutants are exposing the limits of water treatment, and toxicity and antimicrobial resistance demand safer therapies. Meeting these intertwined challenges calls for breakthroughs in materials science and catalysis.
Led by Associate Professor Mzamo Shozi at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in the School of Agriculture & Science, REACT applies catalysis and materials science to deliver cleaner energy, safer water, and better chemistries for health, translating research into practical solutions for industry and communities.
Our Approach
We envision a society where materials innovation unlocks sustainable solutions to global challenges. We aim to achieve this through advancing interdisciplinary materials science and catalysis to create valuable products for energy, water remediation, and health.
To achieve this, we focus on three interconnected pillars:
Research & Innovation
Targeted projects that turn carbon dioxide and biomass into value, clean water more efficiently, and enable safer chemistries.
Training & Capacity
Mentoring Honours to Postdoc researchers to grow Africa’s next generation of scientific leaders.
Collaboration & Translation
Partnering with industry and the public sector to turn breakthroughs into real-world cleaner processes.
Our Research
We design catalytic pathways and functional materials that are practical, scalable, and impact-oriented.
Energy
Biomass & carbon dioxide valorisation
Transform plant-derived sugars and captured carbon dioxide into cleaner fuels and feedstocks for a lower-carbon economy.
Environment
Advanced materials for wastewater remediation
Develop porous and catalytic materials that capture, break down, or convert pollutants to protect people and ecosystems.
Health
Metal-based therapeutics & safer processes
Explore organometallic and materials-enabled approaches that support safer, more effective applications in health.
Impact Story
From Biomass to Value: Prof Mzamo Shozi’s Pathway to a Greener Energy Future
From Biomass to Value: Prof Mzamo Shozi’s Pathway to a Greener Energy Future
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Across Africa, plant-based sugars and captured carbon dioxide present both challenges and opportunities. When we transform these streams into valuable chemicals and fuels, we cut emissions, reduce waste, and strengthen local industry. At REACT, catalytic science, materials design, and hands-on training come together to make cleaner production possible here at home.
Prof Shozi’s path mirrors this purpose. He grew up in Umlazi, chose chemistry over medicine, and built a career in catalysis and organometallic chemistry, including a Fulbright research period in the United States. Early work converting plant-derived sugar alcohols into building blocks for the fuel industry set the tone for REACT’s practical approach. Today, he mentors emerging researchers and forges collaborations across South Africa and abroad, guided by a conviction that young African scientists should have the opportunity and the platform to lead.
The result is tangible progress in energy production, environmental remediation, and drug development, more African leadership in materials discovery and application, and a growing pipeline of products and processes for clean industrial production.
