Best Researcher Award

Fulufhelo Tshikhudo
University of South Africa, South Africa

Fulufhelo Tshikhudo is a South African chemistry researcher whose documented research focuses on corrosion inhibition, electrochemical analysis, computational chemistry, and the development of organic compounds for corrosion-control applications. Her research record includes experimental and computational investigations of corrosion inhibitors for metallic surfaces in acidic environments.[2]

Abstract

Fulufhelo Tshikhudo’s research profile is centered on corrosion science and corrosion inhibition, combining laboratory experimentation with computational approaches. Documented studies address substituted organic compounds, electrochemical characterization, density functional theory, and molecular adsorption on metallic surfaces. These activities contribute to understanding corrosion-control mechanisms and the evaluation of potential inhibitor systems.[3]

Keywords

• Corrosion science
• Corrosion inhibitors
• Electrochemical analysis
• Density functional theory
• Computational chemistry
• Materials protection

Introduction

Corrosion science examines the chemical and electrochemical degradation of metals and methods for reducing material deterioration. Tshikhudo’s documented work addresses corrosion inhibition using organic molecules and computational methods. Her research includes investigations of metallic surfaces exposed to acidic media, linking experimental measurements with theoretical calculations to examine inhibitor performance and molecular interactions.[1]

Research Profile

Tshikhudo’s research profile is associated with chemistry and corrosion-inhibition studies involving experimental characterization and computational modelling. Her academic work includes substituted organic compounds investigated as corrosion inhibitors, with techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, weight-loss measurements, and density functional theory used to evaluate corrosion-control behavior and molecular interactions.[2]

Research Contributions

Her documented contributions include the investigation of substituted triazines and quinoline-based Schiff bases as potential corrosion inhibitors. These studies combine experimental and computational evidence to examine adsorption, inhibitor effectiveness, molecular interactions, and surface protection. The work demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach connecting synthetic chemistry, electrochemical analysis, quantum calculations, and corrosion science.[3]

Publications

A documented 2025 publication co-authored by Tshikhudo investigated substituted triazines for corrosion inhibition of mild steel in hydrochloric acid using electrochemical, weight-loss, and density functional theory methods.A 2026 publication examined quinoline-based Schiff-base corrosion inhibitors on an Al surface using density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulations.[1]

Research Impact

The potential research impact of Tshikhudo’s work lies in its contribution to corrosion-inhibition research through combined experimental and computational approaches. Studies of organic inhibitor adsorption can provide molecular-level information relevant to materials protection. Her publications also place corrosion research within broader interdisciplinary workflows involving electrochemistry, surface science, computational chemistry, and materials engineering.[2]

Award Suitability

The documented research record provides evidence relevant to recognition in corrosion science, particularly through published work on corrosion inhibitors and computationally supported materials studies. Her research combines established experimental techniques with theoretical analysis, while her publication record demonstrates participation in collaborative investigations of corrosion-control systems. These documented activities provide a factual basis for award consideration.[1]

Conclusion

Fulufhelo Tshikhudo’s documented scholarly work focuses on corrosion science, corrosion inhibition, electrochemical characterization, and computational investigation of molecular interactions. Her research includes studies of triazine and Schiff-base inhibitor systems and demonstrates collaboration across experimental and theoretical chemistry. The available publications establish a focused research profile in corrosion-related materials protection [3]

External Links

• ORCID Profile
• Scopus Author Profile
• International Research Data Analysis Excellence & Awards

References

1. MOLECULAR INSIGHTS INTO THE ADSORPTION BEHAVIOUR OF QUINOLINE-BASED SCHIFF BASE CORROSION INHIBITORS ON AL (111) SURFACE: A DFT AND MONTE CARLO STUDY.
   https://www.researchgate.net/publication/406477045
2. Investigating the Inhibitory Potential of Halogenated Quinoline Derivatives against MAO‑A and MAO-B: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Density Functional Theory, and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
   https://pubs.acs.org/acsodf/article/10/25/26500/3654732/Investigating-the-Inhibitory-Potential-of
3. Synthesis of substituted triazines and evaluation of their corrosion inhibition performance on Fe(100) in 1 M HCl: a combined experimental and DFT study.
   https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2979801