Dr Nobuhle Ndebele
About me
Dr. Nobuhle Ndebele is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute of Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS), University of South Africa, where her work addresses critical challenges at the intersection of environmental sustainability, energy storage, and advanced nanotechnology. She is an emerging researcher with a strong academic track record, having obtained her Master of Science (MSc) degree cum laude in 2019 and her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 2023 from Rhodes University. Her research centres on the design and development of functional nanomaterials for high-performance electrochemical sensing platforms, enabling sensitive and reliable detection of environmental pollutants and pharmaceutical contaminants. More recently, her research has expanded to the development of high-efficiency electrocatalysts for cathode materials in next-generation energy storage devices, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies. She has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications, reflecting the growing impact of her research.
Beyond research, Dr. Ndebele demonstrates strong leadership and commitment to science engagement, dedicating her time to mentoring Grade 12 learners and nurturing future scientists. She plays an active role in national science outreach initiatives such as the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, where she serves as a mentor and judge, and has recently assumed senior leadership roles as a coordinator and Chief Judge. Through these efforts, she actively contributes to STEM capacity building, youth empowerment, and the development of South Africa’s future scientific workforce.
Dr. Nobuhle Ndebele is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute of Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS), University of South Africa. She is a highly accomplished and emerging researcher in materials chemistry and electrochemistry, whose work addresses pressing challenges in environmental sustainability, water quality monitoring, and clean energy technologies. Dr. Ndebele obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry in 2023 from Rhodes University, following the completion of her Master of Science (MSc) degree cum laude in 2019, as well as Honours and Bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry, all from Rhodes University.
Dr. Ndebele’s research expertise lies in the design, synthesis, and electrochemical evaluation of advanced functional nanomaterials, including carbon-based nanostructures, graphene derivatives, metal phthalocyanines, layered double hydroxides, metal tungstates, and single-atom catalysts. Her work has led to the development of highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensors for the detection of toxic heavy metals (Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺), nitrite, glucose, dopamine, and pharmaceutical contaminants, directly contributing to environmental monitoring, water safety, and public health protection. More recently, her research has expanded into the development of high-performance electrocatalysts and electrode materials for energy storage devices, including supercapacitors and bifunctional oxygen reduction and evolution electrocatalysts, supporting the transition toward sustainable and energy-efficient technologies.
She has established a strong and growing publication record, having authored and co-authored numerous articles in high-impact, peer-reviewed international journals such as Diamond and Related Materials, Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Electrocatalysis, Electroanalysis, Molecules, and Polyhedron. Notable publications include her work on carbon-based nanomaterials conjugated to cobalt phthalocyanines for ultrasensitive nitrite detection, phthalocyanine–graphene quantum dot hybrids for neurotransmitter sensing, and cobalt single-atom-anchored graphene oxide electrodes for the simultaneous electrochemical detection of lead and cadmium. She also has several manuscripts currently under review in leading journals, reflecting her continued research productivity.
Dr. Ndebele has actively disseminated her research through invited and competitive oral presentations at major national and international scientific platforms. She has presented her work at the International Conference on Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines (ICPP-12) in Madrid, Spain; the Catalysis Society of South Africa (CATSA) Conference; the International Symposium on Electrochemistry; and the DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Conference, where she was awarded 1st Prize for Best Oral Presentation for her work on electrochemical glucose sensing. These engagements demonstrate the international relevance and impact of her research contributions.
In addition to her research excellence, Dr. Ndebele has demonstrated strong academic leadership and mentorship, having mentored and co-supervised postgraduate students and coordinated research activities at both the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of South Africa. Her responsibilities have included leading independent research projects, drafting manuscripts and book chapters, organising research seminars and workshops, and supporting laboratory operations. She is a recipient of several prestigious, highly competitive awards and scholarships, including the NRF PhD Innovation Scholarship, the NRF Master's Scarce Skills Scholarship, and the NRF Postdoctoral Fellowship, reflecting sustained recognition of her research potential and leadership capacity.
Beyond academia, Dr. Ndebele is deeply committed to science outreach, mentorship, and community engagement, with a strong focus on STEM capacity building and youth development. She has played a significant leadership role in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, serving as a mentor, regional and international judge, convenor, coordinator, and Chief Judge. In parallel, she has dedicated substantial effort to mentoring Grade 12 learners, supporting literacy initiatives, coordinating mobile science laboratories, and contributing to community engagement programmes. Her leadership and service contributions have been recognised through multiple institutional honours, including the Rhodes–Investec Top 100 Student Leader and Top 100 Community Engagement awards.
Through her combined strengths in innovative research, high-impact scholarly output, academic leadership, and sustained community engagement, Dr. Ndebele continues to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of electrochemical materials science, the development of sustainable environmental and energy solutions, and the cultivation of the next generation of scientists and innovators.