While the world races to decarbonise and South Africa battles crippling load-shedding, one scientist is proving that the solution might lie not in expensive imports or elusive technologies but in our trash. Associate Professor Nobanathi Wendy Maxakato is pioneering a radical path to clean, affordable energy using nanotech to turn everyday waste into high-performance fuel cell materials.

The recipient of the NSTF-TIA Green Economy Award, Maxakato’s research challenges the dominance of existing technologies while reimagining energy innovation as something local, inclusive and deeply sustainable.

Her work at the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Chemical Sciences tackles a key hurdle in fuel cell technology: replacing costly platinum group metals (PGMs) used in direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). By synthesising a unique class of carbon nanomaterials composed of multiple concentric fullerene shells, known as carbon nano-onions, from agricultural and municipal waste through a low-energy flame pyrolysis process, Maxakato is developing affordable electrocatalysts that could power everything from vehicles to rural clinics.

Her journey into electrocatalysis began during her MSc at the University of the Western Cape and deepened during her PhD at the University of Pretoria.

“The technical complexity, societal relevance, and environmental urgency of this field sparked a deep, enduring interest,” she says. “I committed my research career to advancing solutions that support the global shift towards low-carbon energy systems.”

A breakthrough came in 2020, when her team developed a green flame pyrolysis method to synthesise carbon nano-onions from waste. This reduced energy input while maintaining high catalytic performance.

“It wasn’t just a technical achievement,” she explains. “It crystallised the impact of our broader vision — turning local waste challenges into clean energy solutions for the global good.”

With more than 65 peer-reviewed publications and more than 1700 citations, Maxakato believes success isn’t about numbers. “I define success by the real-world applicability of my research and by the success of the students and collaborators I’ve mentored.”

As SA continues to face energy insecurity and climate change, her innovations offer hope. “Fuel cells can help diversify our energy mix, alleviate load shedding, and reduce dependence on coal.”

Crucially, they can be used in decentralised, off-grid settings, essential for rural and under-resourced areas.

“Green energy can’t be for the elite,” she insists. “We must develop technologies that are culturally appropriate, locally relevant, and responsive to actual needs. A just transition must be fair and inclusive, ensuring no community is left behind.”

She’s forging international partnerships in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Latvia and Germany, and incorporating tools such as machine learning, density functional theory and bio-based nanomaterials. Beyond the lab, she runs workshops and public lectures to advocate for clean energy and raise awareness of its environmental and economic benefits.

Despite limited infrastructure and funding, she sees constraints as catalysts: “By leveraging local strengths, embracing creativity and building collaborative networks, it’s possible to generate sustainable, globally relevant solutions.”

Winning the NSTF-TIA Green Economy Award is, for her, a springboard. “It’s recognition for green chemistry and inclusive science — and it gives me a bigger platform to inspire and mentor the next generation.”

Her advice to young researchers? “Be bold. Be interdisciplinary. Prioritise sustainability. And always connect your work to real-world needs. That’s where true impact happens.”

Read the special Mail & Guardian supplement about all the NSTF-South32 Award winners.