Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) researcher Dr Vusani Muswa Maphiri has received a Y2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF), recognising his potential to establish himself as a researcher based on the quality and productivity of his research.
Dr Maphiri, a senior lecturer in the Department of Physics in SMU’s School of Science and Technology, specialises in energy storage, materials science and advanced materials characterisation. His research focuses particularly on supercapacitors, microsupercapacitors and nanomaterials, with applications in energy storage and related technologies.
Reflecting on the recognition, Dr Maphiri said the rating represented an important milestone in his academic journey. “This Y2 rating is an important recognition of my research potential and the work I have undertaken in the field of energy storage and materials science.”
The Y2 rating places Dr Maphiri among young researchers recognised for their potential to establish themselves as researchers within five years of evaluation. The NRF category applies to researchers aged 40 or younger who have held a doctorate or equivalent qualification for less than five years at the time of application.
Dr Maphiri earned his PhD in Physics from the University of Pretoria in 2022. His doctoral research investigated thermally reduced graphene oxide using an atmospheric-pressure tube furnace for microsupercapacitor applications. He previously obtained an MSc in Physics, cum laude, from SMU in 2018, following undergraduate studies in physical and mineral science and physics at the university. “This achievement motivates me to continue pursuing research that can contribute to addressing energy-storage challenges while creating opportunities for young scientists,” he said.
His research record reflects a sustained focus on developing and characterising advanced materials for energy storage. His publication portfolio includes studies on graphene oxide, porous carbon, metal oxides, nanophosphors and electrode materials for supercapacitors. His work has appeared in journals including the Journal of Energy Storage, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Carbon and Materials Chemistry and Physics.
One strand of his research examines materials that could improve the performance of supercapacitors, energy-storage devices capable of rapid charging and discharging. His work includes investigations into thermally reduced graphene oxide, activated carbon and metal-based nanostructures.
Beyond publishing research, Dr Maphiri is actively involved in postgraduate supervision and mentorship. He currently supervises doctoral and master’s students working on projects involving supercapacitors, water purification, graphene-based materials and advanced electrode materials. “I believe research should not only generate publications but also develop people and create knowledge that can have a meaningful impact,” Maphiri said.
His professional responsibilities extend to research leadership. Since May 2026, he has served as deputy chairperson of SMU’s School of Science and Technology Research Committee, contributing to research governance, quality assurance and postgraduate research. He also collaborates with the University of Pretoria’s SARChI in Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Water Purification Applications.
Dr Maphiri has accumulated 50 peer-reviewed publications and has an h-index of 17 on Google Scholar, according to his profile.
The Y2 rating highlights SMU’s contribution to the development of emerging researchers whose work addresses contemporary challenges in energy storage and advanced materials. Through research, teaching, postgraduate supervision and collaboration, Dr Maphiri’s work supports the university’s commitment to excellence and innovative research.
By Tumelo Moila
