South Africa establishes nano-research centre

South Africa has established a new $15 million electron microscopy centre to facilitate research and the teaching of nanoscience and nanotechnology in the country and Africa in general.

The Centre for High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) is based at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

Nanoscience is the study of atoms, molecules and objects at microscopic scale. Nanotechnology, often referred to as “the science of small things” has numerous applications in the development and manufacture of new products.

“Without a doubt, this new centre for nanoscience and nanotechnology is going to mean big business for South Africa,” says Jan Neethling, head of the centre and one of the country’s foremost electron microscopists.

The hi-tech HRTEM centre was established in collaboration with the National Research Foundation, the Department of Science and Technology, Sasol and the Department of Higher Education and Training.

“To be internationally competitive in materials research and nanoscience, South Africa needed a modern, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy facility,” he said.

Neethling said hitherto South African scientists had to travel overseas to conduct research of this nature.

“For many years, South Africa couldn’t afford or didn’t realise the importance of putting money into a centre like this,” he added.

Now that the new centre is up and running, scientists can conduct world-class research without leaving the country.

The centre is equipped with technology valued at R90-million ($11 million). The suite of instruments includes the Japanese-made high-resolution transmission electron microscope, which can analyse materials at atomic level. It’s one of the world’s highest resolution commercial analytical transmission electron microscopes.

There are also three additional hi-tech electron microscopes, each with different capabilities.

Having such advanced technology in South Africa is of major benefit to the country.

Neethling said it will help South Africa to become a manufacturing-driven nation and improve its international competitiveness.

“With our research and instruments we will be able to assist with the development of new products,” he explains.

Sectors expected to benefit from research conducted at the centre include the aerospace and automotive industries, Sasol’s coal-to-liquids technology, the cutting and drilling tool industry, nuclear energy, minerals beneficiation and sensor technologies such as infra-red.

The new technology will also make it possible to perform important research into national priorities, which include clean water, energy, mineral beneficiation and manufacturing.