Browsing by Author "Bem, Daniel Barasa"

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    Advances in Silicon–Carbon Composites Anodes Derived From Agro Wastes for Applications in Lithium-Ion Battery: A Review
    (Heliyon, 2024-05) Adetomilola, Victoria Fafure; Bem, Daniel Barasa; Kahuthu, Stanley Wambugu; Adediran, Adeolu Adesoji; Bodunrin, Michael Oluwatosin; Abosede, Adefunke Fabuyide; Ajanaku, Christianah
    Recently, the growing demand for high-performing batteries and different environmental challenges (such include global warming and climate change) have increased the requirement and demand for Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) used in advanced technologies (i.e., electric cars and many others). To meet this increasing demand, there is an urgent need for more advanced technologies and materials. In the pursuit of developing anode materials, silicon has emerged as the utmost favourable choice for the next generation of LIBs, aiming to substitute the commonly used graphite. Carbon is commonly used to render silicon (Si) suitable for use since Si cannot be used directly as the electrode in LIBs. One of the recently discovered techniques in the development of high-performance LIBs is the use of inexpensive, sustainable, renewable, and ecofriendly materials. Agro-waste-derived silicon and carbon are often used as long as they don’t negatively affect the LIB anode’s performance. This review paper presents the advances in the development of silicon-carbon (Si/C) composite anodes sourced from agro-waste for applications in LIBs. It provides an overview of agro-waste-derived silicon-based anode materials and techniques for extracting silica from agricultural wastes. Next, the outline explains the preparation technique of Si/C composites obtained from agricultural residues for use in LIBs. Additionally, the paper delves into recent research challenges and the potential prospects of materials derived from agro-waste in the advancement of sophisticated LIBs battery materials.
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    Scientific Research Through Simulation in Africa: Role of HPC in Computational Material Studies
    (Science Publishing Group, 2017) Wabululu, Elicah Nafula; Nyawere, P.W.O.; Bem, Daniel Barasa
    Africa is not investing much in computational materials research. Poor infrastructure in terms of electricity and internet connectivity has made research difficult for computational researchers. High Performing Computers and especially CHPC of South Africa have proven to be a better way of doing research in Africa. It has attracted many researchers in Physics, Chemistry and Biology just to name a few. In these initial studies, LaF3 has been presented as a case study currently being done in CHPC yet miles away from Kenya. With the actual speed achieved and resources used (e.g. twelve times speed and over 20 CPUs). For the lattice parameter for LaF3, the experimental work has given a value of 7.20 Bohr and 7.36 Bohr respectively while our computational results are 7.24 Bohr and 7.37 Bohr respectively. The deviation between experimental and computational proves to be small hence validating our computational research.