REsilience through Synchrotron Techniques for African Research & Technology (RESTART)

New materials for renewable energy capture and storage, such as photovoltaic devices and novel electrochemical battery cell devices, can potentially enable sustainable sources of energy while eliminating negative effects on the environment that are inherent when non-renewable sources of energy are utilised and meet sustainable development goals.
Synchrotron x-ray facilities are uniquely placed to enable complex, advanced studies and to provide essential understanding of problems and potential solutions related to energy materials research.
In this project, we will seek to expand the knowledge base and build capacity in synchrotron science and the energy materials & technologies scientific communities within the partner African research institutions. This will be achieved through knowledge exchange and by working collaboratively with African partner research institutions to utilise synchrotron facilities to study and further develop energy technologies. In addition, the research team will host a number of scientific meetings in Africa during the lifetime of the project to provide a platform for local experts to present their research and network with delegates ranging from early career scientists to government policy makers. This will facilitate to develop further exchange and collaborative opportunities.
Our research team consists of UK and African scientists with a broad range of expertise in (1) synchrotron accelerator science and; (2) the synthesis, characteristion and modelling of energy materials and their technologies. Our research team is therefore well positioned to complete the objectives of this project. In addition, we aim to develop a sustainable partnership that will extend beyond the lifetime of the project and will set African countries on the road to equitable access to energy resources and capacity in synchrotron-based materials characterisation.