What strategies can be employed to optimize catalyst design for improved energy conversion efficiency in biomass applications and wastewater cycling? earned him high accolades and the deserved recognition. – TOM
Thomas Odey Magu is an early career researcher and currently a Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, University of Calabar, Nigeria. He is highly passionate about the role of science in creating a better world and working in a Development Advisory team that will provide innovative solutions to contemporary development challenges (Sustainable Development Goals). He has a strong commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector – especially through research, mentoring, and educating the youths – to drive social and economic prosperity. He has strong interests in the emerging technological sector in Nigeria and how it intersects with environment protection, education, science, and technology.
Magu and his team recently won a research patent from the Presidential Standing Committee on Inventions and Innovations (PSCII): The PSCII is a committee set up by the Nigerian government to review and evaluate inventions and innovations made within the country. It operates under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and is chaired by the President of Nigeria. The committee’s primary purpose is to recognize and support exceptional inventors and researchers, providing them with opportunities for further development and commercialization of their inventions. This recognition not only safeguards the intellectual property rights of the inventor(s) but also encourages further research and innovation nationally and internationally. It may also open doors to funding opportunities, collaborations, and commercialization possibilities, fostering the growth of the inventor’s career or the research team’s endeavors. Additionally, being recognized by a national committee like the PSCII can enhance the inventor’s reputation and contribute to the overall advancement of science, technology, and innovation in Nigeria.
Magu said he has dedicated his career to studying and examining the fundamental mechanisms underlying catalyst performance in renewable energy and wastewater treatment, emphasizing their role in achieving sustainable development goals. According to him, he is determined to solve some of the environmental problems that causes global warming by developing novel catalysts that will support the advancement of several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG (#3, #4, #6, #7, #13 & #17): Ensure access to good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. His area of focus and interest is the designing, synthesizing, and characterization of an innovative catalytic system with high performance from the point of environmentally greener processes, economic efficiency, and minimum consumption of resources.
Currently, Magu is exploring some new computational tools using density functional theory (DFT) calculations to determine reaction mechanisms and structure-function relationships for the conversion of biomass- and fossil-derived feedstocks into fuels and chemicals through heterogeneous catalysts to further his research. He is also developing a machine-learning model that can study the structural properties of molecules, with the goal of developing cleaner and environmentally friendly sources of energy.
Recently, he and his colleagues introduced a novel method for making important nano catalysts to produce the desired products selectively and cleanly with no harmful waste and impurity generated titled “Physicochemical properties of biodiesel obtained from Jatropha curcas seeds oil using CoMgFe2O4 and MgFe2O4 as Nanocatalyst”. Our method proved to be extremely successful in eliminating an impurity that many scientists who used similar systems in the past failed to eliminate. Further, he developed these catalytic systems – containing nanoparticles – to be reusable over multiple cycles without losing their activity and selectivity, which improves the overall cost-effectiveness of his method for industrial uses.
In addition, with their method, the reaction is very fast and can be completed in two hours as against several hours and days used by other researchers in the field, which shows the high throughput and uniqueness of our catalytic systems. The research investigates using CoMgFe2O4 and MgFe2O4 nanoparticles as catalysts for producing biodiesel from Jatropha curcas seeds oil. These catalysts play a crucial role in the transesterification process, converting the oil into biodiesel. This has potential significance to the Nigerian economy and the world due to its alignment with UN SDGs. Biodiesel production can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to cleaner air, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced energy security. Published in the Journal of Industrial Technology.
In another study titled “Biodiesel Production from Neem Seed (Azadirachtaindica) Oil Using Calcium Oxide as Heterogeneous Catalyst,” they investigated the use of calcium oxide as a catalyst for producing biodiesel from neem seed oil. The goal was to explore an environmentally friendly and economically viable method for biodiesel production. Calcium oxide, a heterogeneous catalyst, was used to convert the triglycerides in neem seed oil into biodiesel through transesterification.
The study highlighted the importance of optimizing reaction conditions such as temperature, catalyst concentration, and reaction time to achieve high biodiesel yields. The results indicated that calcium oxide effectively catalyzed the conversion process, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable catalyst for biodiesel production from neem seed oil. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable energy sources and aligns with goals related to renewable energy and environmental preservation (SDGs #7 and #13). Published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry & Biophysics.
In recognition of his sterling qualities and hard work, during his National Youths Service Corp (NYSC) service year, He was recognized with a Chieftaincy conferment titled “Idoreyin Efut Abasi Uwanse Clan” meaning the (Hope of Efut Abasi Uwanse Kingdom) by the Efik ethnic group. This group are proud and resilient people who have made significant contributions to Nigerian society in many fields, including politics, business, academia, and the arts. The award conferment is due to his outstanding contribution to community development which signifies recognition and honor for his substantial efforts in advancing the well-being of the community.
He has won several awards some of which include; a research patent from the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Presidential Standing Committee on Inventions and Innovations (PSCII), Scholarships from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) for my MSc and PhD respectively and also honored with a Merit Award for his fast-tracking contribution to Yala Student, Youth and Humanity at large by the National Association of Yala Local Government Students, CRUTECH Chapter and another Merit Award for influencing and encouraging Yala youth towards education and for the maintenance of good and quality standard of education in Yala, Presented to him by the Yala Enlightening Youths for Good Governance.
In the future, Mr. Magu is optimistic about his research and technology’s capacity to transform the Nigerian energy sector. His work holds significant promise for both the Nigerian economy and global sustainability efforts. Renewable energy, championed by professionals like Mr. Magu, can diminish reliance on fossil fuels, leading to cleaner air, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved energy security.
