FOCUS AREA: CHEMICAL SEPARATIONS AND SPECTROMETRY
Leader: Prof Rob McCrindle
Many industries in South Africa, such as analytical laboratories, are limited in research and
consequently focus on the methods that are in existence without investigating other possibilities.
Since industry is geared to “flow-through” figures, they do not have time for researching methods.
This focus area concentrates on developing techniques to improve the level of understanding,
determination, isolation and characterisation of selected materials. Both elemental analysis and
separations techniques will be explored to improve the sensitivity and specificity of the
determination of materials of economic significance. Methods to be applied include atomic
spectroscopy, using electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET-AAS) and inductively
coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy, including both optical emission and mass (ICP-OES and
ICP-MS); molecular spectroscopic techniques (FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy); and techniques
using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and chromatography (HPLC, GC, GC-MS). The
possibilities associated with SF techniques will be fully investigated, comparing the elemental
composition and physical properties of the product with those prepared by more conventional
methods. It is hoped that this focus area will provide industry with an opportunity to improve
analytical procedures and processes associated with those procedures. Analytical methods of
Cr(VI) and V(V) speciation in soil and agricultural products will be applied in studies on the
influence of the Cr and V mining industry on agriculture in the North-West Province/the whole of
South Africa.
Industry is concerned with output and producing results as fast as possible, and has no time to
consider alternative approaches.
Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) has remained a
“Cinderella” in South Africa due, in part, to the reluctance of the engineering community to
consider applications involving elevated pressures. The many applications internationally have
not been sufficient for the South African producers to consider the technique, either for analysis
or for production. The group working on the applications of SFE to South African needs is also
well positioned to make a considerable impact on this type of research. The construction of a pilot
plant has given the group an opportunity to investigate extraction processes, not only on
laboratory scale, but also on a scale large enough to make predictions regarding economic
viability and industrial outputs. The technique holds many possibilities and has not really been
investigated fully in this country and applied to appropriate problems. Research into natural
products is also simplified with the use of all suitable extraction techniques.
The group is also interested in the use of SFE for the removal of non-destructive residual solvents
from synthesised active pharmaceutical compounds. Currently this application of SF fluid
techniques is not being effectively utilised in South Africa and we believe our input in this arena
would bear dividends for the local pharmaceutical industry and also enhance the export capability
of those small South African companies who do custom synthesis for overseas clients. The use of
nanotubes for catalysis is currently only of fundamental importance, but could lead to further
development of an industrial nature.
Contact Information:
 Prof McCrindle
 012 382 6290
 McCrindleRI@tut.ac.za
Niche Areas
Separations/Speciation
Leader: Prof Prince Ngobeni
The research will investigate many different types of separation processes. These could include
researchers that make use of separation techniques including those taking place by means of
adsorption characteristics as is sometimes the case in chromatography, or even electrochemical
separation where separation is the results of electrochemical interaction. Chemical separation is
used for speciation and is researched by Prof Ngobeni and associates.
Contact Information:
 Prof Ngobeni
 012 382 0607
 NgobeniP@tut.ac.za
Spectrometry
Leader: Prof Rob McCrindle
The research will focus on the development of new analytical technologies in instrumental atomic
spectrometry; application of the novelties for trace element determination and speciation in
industrial, medical and environmental research. Spectroscopy is also the fundamental basis for
studying nanostuctured materials like nanocatalysts.
Funded by NRF, THRIP and platinum industries.
Contact Information:
 Prof McCrindle
 012 382 6290
 McCrindleR@tut.ac.za
Extraction process
Leader: Prof Ben Botha
A variety of different extraction processes is used to investigate complex matrices. Techniques
include Soxhlet extraction, steam distillation, supercritical fluid extraction and distillation. The
matrices investigated could be natural products or synthesized new materials. Appropriate
analytical techniques such as liquid or gas chromatography will be used to follow the processes.
Funded by NRF, THRIP and ESCOM.
Contact Information:
 Prof Botha
 012 382 6289
 BothaBM@tut.ac.za