Dr Teboho S. Motsoeneng Lecturer – Department of Chemistry

Position : Lecturer
Telephone : 035 902
Email : motsoenengt@unizulu.ac.za
Office : Chemistry Department, Science Building, KwaDlangezwa Campus

Biography:

Dr Teboho Motsoeneng is a Lecturer in Chemistry Department in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering at the University of Zululand. Dr Motsoeneng holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of South Africa and serves as a dedicated lecturer and researcher specialising in the fields of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and material science. He is actively involved in undergraduate teaching, currently lecturing on modules such as General Chemistry for Engineers and various Inorganic Chemistry courses. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Motsoeneng supervises postgraduate students at both the honours and master’s levels, providing guidance on research projects that focus on advanced topics in chemistry and materials science. His combined role as an educator and researcher enables him to integrate cutting-edge scientific knowledge into his teaching while fostering a dynamic and innovative learning environment. Through his mentorship, he equips students with the necessary theoretical foundations and practical skills to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.

Lecture ‘s the following modules:

4CHM171
4CHM172
4CHM211
4CHM312
4CHM502

Days of the week	Times	Venues
Monday	13h30 – 15h00	Chemistry – Office 232
Tuesday	13h30 – 15h00	Chemistry – Office 232
Wednesday	14h00 – 16h00	Chemistry – Office 232
Friday	13h00 – 14h00	Chemistry – Office 232
Other Consultation	By appointment only	Chemistry – Office 232 or virtually

Qualifications:

BSc (Chemistry, UFS), BSc Hons (Polymer Science, UFS), MSc (Polymer Science, UFS), PhD (Chemistry, UNISA)

Research interests:

Dr. Motsoeneng’s research interests are primarily centred on the synthesis and development of novel polymer-based composite membranes designed for advanced water treatment applications. His work focuses on integrating inorganic particulates into polymer matrices to enhance the adsorption capacity and overall efficiency of membranes in removing contaminants from wastewater. By combining the unique properties of polymers and inorganic materials, his research aims to produce hybrid membranes with superior performance, durability and selectivity.

Past projects have involved the design and synthesis of new functionalized polymers through free radical polymerisation techniques, which enable precise tailoring of polymer structures to meet specific treatment requirements. These polymers have been successfully evaluated for their potential use in water purification, pollutant removal, and other environmentally relevant applications. Dr. Motsoeneng’s work also explores the relationship between membrane composition, structure, and functionality to optimise performance under varying environmental conditions. His research contributes significantly to addressing the global challenge of water scarcity by developing sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective purification technologies. In addition, his studies seek to advance the understanding of material–contaminant interactions at the molecular level, paving the way for innovative approaches to wastewater treatment. Through continuous experimentation and collaboration, Dr. Motsoeneng aims to produce solutions that balance environmental impact, resource efficiency, and technological advancement. His research stands at the intersection of polymer science, nanotechnology, and environmental engineering, driving progress toward cleaner water systems and improved public health.

Professional membership:

Ordinary South Africa Chemical Institute (SACI) (10455)

Publications

T.C. Mokhena, M.J. Mochane, A Mtibe, S. Sigonya, B. Ntsendwana, E.G. Masibi, L. Sikhwivhilu, T.S. Motsoeneng. Recent advances on nanocellulose-graphene oxide hybrid composites: a review; Cellulose (2024)

GJ Summers, TS Motsoeneng and CA Summers. Synthesis and Characterization of α-Benzhydryl 2-Propanoyl and α-Carboxyl-Functionalized Polymers: RAFT Polymerization of Styrene, mediated by Benzhydryl 2-Propanoyl-Functionalized Trithiocarbonate RAFT Agents; European Polymer Journal xxx (2021) 110719 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2021.110719