A short summary of Gerrit's research:

The transition towards a sustainable energy future is critical in addressing the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. Green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources, has emerged as a promising solution for decarbonizing various sectors, including transportation, industry, and energy storage. At the core lies the electrolyser technology, which harnesses electricity from renewable sources to split water molecules and generate hydrogen.

However, the widespread adoption of green hydrogen faces several challenges, including the high materials and manufacturing costs of electrolysers. This is where my research background in materials engineering comes into play. I am developing smart manufacturing methods, particularly leveraging 3D printing technologies, for the sustainable manufacturing of critical components in water electrolysers. As a key enabler of the 4th industrial revolution, 3D printing allows me to apply novel approaches to water electrolyser components that not only have the potential to increase sustainability but also improve performance and efficiency

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2040. Can you describe the (potential) impact of your research?

My research fits in with the SU Vision 2040 context of Sustainability and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and technology and also addresses SU's aspirations for the realisation of Vision 2040 according to "A systemically sustainable institution in economic, social and environmental terms, as a national asset that serves the diverse needs of our communities".

My research directly contributes to goals in the following core strategic themes by:
1. Developing a research agenda focused on sustainability needs and the sustainability imperative. 2. Conducting interdisciplinary research that addresses grand challenges of society like clean energy production. 3. Creating an embedded culture of innovation through novel 3D printing approaches for electrolyser components.

The outcomes of my research have a direct impact on the environment - by improving the efficiency of hydrogen production, hydrogen becomes a more viable alternative energy carrier making it a more attractive alternative for global adoption. By improving the design and manufacturing of critical components of the device, water electrolysers also become more affordable for local and international adoption.

In the ever-changing environment of academia, what are some of the obstacles postdoctoral researchers are faced with?

One of the biggest challenge to my research is access scare laboratory instruments. For example, due to the instrument reaching its end-of-life, the CAF's CT laboratory no longer have a nano x-ray micro tomography scanner. This instrument is now only available outside of South Africa.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support postdoctoral researchers?

Proving a broader public audience for my research. This will allow for my research to reach potential collaborators who would be willing to share resources such as laboratory equipment.

What excites you about your work? 

Having the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to combatting climate change.
Climate change has a disproportionate impact on different regions and communities across the world. Developing countries are often more vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to their limited resources and capacity to adapt. For example, indigenous communities and those heavily reliant on natural resources for their subsistence are particularly affected by the adverse impacts of climate change on their traditional ways of life.

When you're not in the lab, library or in the field conducting research, what do you do to unwind?

I enjoying the creative arts such as drawing, painting, and poetry. I also play guitar.

How has the postdoctoral researcher programme of SU contributed to your research career?

The programme has allowed me to achieve my goals of conduction novel research by proving critical support.

What advice, if any, would you look to impart to future postdoctoral researchers?

Seek out collaborators who share the vision and passion for conducting research that creates global societal impact.

Connect with Gerrit and his work:

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrit-ter-haar-42b986b0/