South Africa-based Nigerian researcher champions sustainable solutions to cut emissions for green industry initiatives

Introduces Novel Approach and Insights

Dr. Luke Ajuka, a leading expert in environmental sustainability, and a research fellow at the University of South Africa (UNISA) has emphasized that Africa’s industrial development and provision of affordable power must not come at the cost of its environmental well-being.

In his compelling contribution to meet the global clean energy demand and transition for rural and urban sectors, through automotive technology and nanotechnology, Dr. Ajuka published landmark studies on“Decarbonized Automotive fuel: Liquefied petroleum gas biosynthesis, benefits and drawbacks“and“Performance investigation on the heat transfer of composite rGO-SiO₂ Nanofluid in a radiator“,clearly demonstrates viability and practical implementation,and his highlight in other submissions, such as“Ammoniafuel production and application optimization“,further supportsthe roles of nanotechnology in sustainable automotive technology.The researches offers fresh insights into how carbon-based fuel alternatives, nano-materials, and nano-catalyst selection and emulsion techniques via nanotechnology and machine learning can significantly enhance the efficiency, safety, and environmental performance of next-generation fuels. To provide deeper insight into nanotechnology, he synthesized bio-based copper (IV) oxide (CuO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) usingPolyalthia longifoliawaste (leaves) and a modified Hummer’s method, respectively, aiming to enhance the performance of thermal devices. He emphasized that nanoparticles are the foundation of nanotechnology optimization, including the fabrication of next generation semiconductor chips.

Amid increasing global urgency to decarbonize the energy sector, particularly in hard-to-abate industries such as shipping, aviation, and heavy transport, Dr. Ajuka’s study underscores the transformative potential of ammonia as a carbon-free energy carrier. Unlike conventional fuels, ammonia combusts without releasing carbon dioxide, however, it poses challenges such as low flame speed, high ignition temperature, and pollutant emissions such as NOx.

In his research, Dr. Ajuka delves into the role of advanced catalysts,including transition metal oxides and noble metals, in overcoming these combustion inefficiencies. He further investigates emulsion-based strategies, particularly water-in-ammonia and ammonia-oil emulsions, which have shown promising results in moderating flame temperature, suppressing NOx formation, and improving combustion stability.

“Optimizing alternative fuels, including ammonia through catalytic and emulsified approaches not only addresses its combustion limitations but positions it as a viable cornerstone in the global move toward zero-emission fuels,” Dr. Ajuka noted.

The study also evaluates reactor configurations, fuel injection systems, and post-combustion treatments, drawing from both experimental results and numerical simulations. The findings have far-reaching implications for policy, industrial-scale deployment, and research and development across energy, transportation, and manufacturing sectors.

By highlighting scalable solutions to ammonia’s technical barriers, Dr. Ajukareinforces his position at the forefront of sustainable energy innovation, offering practical frameworks for implementing ammonia fuel systems across global markets.

The article is expected to shape researches on clean fuel adoption at national and international levels, particularly as countries seek alternatives to fossil fuels while maintaining industrial competitiveness.