Professional Profiles:
Tendai Tawonezvi is an Independent Consultant and Chemical & Process Engineer based in Cape Town, South Africa. As a Ph.D. candidate in Chemical Engineering, he specializes in renewable energy and water projects. Tendai holds a Doctor of Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, both from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where he graduated with Summa Cum Laude and Cum Laude, respectively.
With a robust skill set encompassing process development, production design, product development, and research, Tendai has a wealth of experience in high-performance electrochemical technologies, particularly in Li-ion and Ni-Fe batteries. His work extends to various roles, including Research and Development Associate at the Energy Storage Innovation and Effluent Treatment Centre, an apprenticeship at Fraunhofer Umsicht in Germany, and consulting for NES Consult & Associates.
Tendai’s academic achievements include a course certificate in Energy Storage Systems from Stellenbosch University. He has published three articles and is fluent in English. Tendai’s commitment to sustainable energy is evident in his research focus, which includes the recovery of valuable composites from spent Li-ion batteries.
Education:
- Doctor of Engineering: Chemical Engineering
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Topic: Recovery of Valuable Co-Ni Composites from Spent Li-ion Battery Cathode (NMC 532) Leachates using Rotating Mesh Plate Potentiostatic Electrowinning for Closed Loop Recycling.
- Master of Engineering: Chemical Engineering
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology – Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa
- Graduated with Summa Cum Laude.
- Topic: Development of Fe/Cu/C/FeS composite electrodes for Ni-Fe batteries.
- Bachelor of Technology – BTech: Chemical Engineering
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Graduated with Cum Laude.
- Course Certificate, Energy Storage Systems
- Stellenbosch University – Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Research Focus:
- Specialized in the Recovery of Valuable Co-Ni Composites from Spent Li-ion Battery Cathode Leachates.
- Expertise in high-performance electrochemical technologies, including Li-ion, Ni-Fe, Electroplating, and Electrowinning.
- Research and Development in renewable energy storage technologies such as fuel cells and vanadium redox flow batteries.
- Conducted electrochemical performance tests on various battery technologies (Li-ion, Pb-acid & Ni-Fe).
- Focus on water treatment, geo-polymers, and sustainable energy projects.
Professional Journey:
- Current Position: Independent Consultant and PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering.
- Research and Development Associate
- Energy Storage Innovation and Effluent Treatment Centre (ESFTC) – UWC, Bellville, Western Cape
- R&D of high-performance electrochemical technologies, operation of lithium-ion battery assembly plant, design and setup of pilot-scale projects.
- Research Associate (Energy Storage Specialist)
- Fraunhofer Umsicht: Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology, Oberhausen, Germany
- Designing and construction of low-cost battery prototypes, R&D of conventional battery technologies.
- Online STEM Tutor
- Tutor.com, E-Platform
- Tutoring algebra and chemistry.
- Independent Consultant
- NES Consult & Associates, Kuilsriver, Western Cape
- Designing low-cost production processes, construction of pilot-scale setups.
- Lecturing Assistant
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, Western Cape
- Tutoring and mentoring 4th year engineering modules.
- Research Associate
- uYilo Electric Mobility Programme, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
- Conducting electrochemical performance tests on different battery technologies.
- Residence Student Assistant
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, Western Cape
- Everyday management of a university residence.
- Engineering Technician
- Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Systems, Bellville, Western Cape
- Design and construction of pilot-scale process setups, feasibility studies on various projects.
Honors & Awards:
- Graduated with Summa Cum Laude (Master’s Degree).
- Graduated with Cum Laude (Bachelor’s Degree).
Publications & Contributions:
- Number of Publications: 3
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Publication Top Noted:
- Recovery and Recycling of Valuable Metals from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis
- Authors: T. Tawonezvi, M. Nomnqa, L. Petrik, B.J. Bladergroen
- Published in: Energies, 2023, Volume 16, Issue 3, Page 1365
- Type: Review Article
- Access: Open access
- Abstract: The document provides a comprehensive review and analysis of the recovery and recycling of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries. The authors likely discuss various methods, technologies, and challenges associated with the recycling process.
- Citations: 6
- Development of FeCux/FeS/Graphite Composite Electrode Materials for Iron-Based Alkaline Batteries
- Authors: T. Tawonezvi, B.J. Bladergroen, J. John
- Published in: International Journal of Electrochemical Science, 2020, Volume 15, Pages 12428–12446
- Type: Research Article
- Access: Open access
- Abstract: This document focuses on the development of composite electrode materials, specifically FeCux/FeS/Graphite, for iron-based alkaline batteries. The authors likely present their research findings on the properties and performance of these electrode materials.
- Citations: 3
Research Timeline:
- 2014-01 – 2017-12: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.
- 2018-01 – 2019-07: Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.
- 2018-06 – Present: PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering.
- 2018-08 – 2018-09: Research Associate at Fraunhofer Umsicht, Germany.
- 2019-06 – 2019-12: Research Associate at uYilo Electric Mobility Programme, Port Elizabeth.
- 2020-01 – 2020-06: Research Associate at ESFTC, UWC, Bellville.
- 2020-01 – 2023-12: Independent Consultant (Part-Time) at NES Consult & Associates.
- 2020-04 – 2021-04: Master’s Degree Topic: Development of Fe/Cu/C/FeS composite electrodes for Ni-Fe batteries.
- 2020-01 – Present: Doctoral Research Topic: Recovery of Valuable Co-Ni Composites from Spent Li-ion Battery Cathode Leachates.