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Prof. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, (BSc (Mat Eng) KNUST; MSc(Mat Sci &Eng) NTNU), PhD (AUST, Abuja, Nigeria)

Prof. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, (BSc (Mat Eng) KNUST; MSc(Mat Sci &Eng) NTNU), PhD (AUST, Abuja, Nigeria)
Associate Professor
bagyei-tuffour@ug.edu.gh
+233-243-332248

 About Lecturer

Dr. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc-Hons) in Metallurgical Engineering (Minerals Processing and Extractive Metallurgy) from the Institute of Mining and Mineral Engineering, (IMME), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 2004 and a Master's Degree (MSc.) in Materials Science and Engineering (Light Metals, Silicon and Solar Cell Technology) from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim-Norway in 2008. He enrolled as a PhD Student in 2012 in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology (AUST). Dr. Agyei-Tuffour has won several scholarship awards including the Norwegian Government Scholarship in 2006, the University of Ghana-Carnegie Corporation New York scholarship in 2011, World Bank STEP-B scholarship in 2013, the African Capacity Building Foundation Scholarship in 2015 and the African Development Bank-AUST scholarship in 2016.

Dr. Agyei-Tuffour's PhD research was in Energy Materials Development with Professor Winston Wole Soboyejo of AUST, Princeton University and Worcester Polytechnique Institute as his PhD Advisor. Benjamin was also a Carnegie Corporation Visiting Research Scholar at the Institute for Advanced Materials, Devices and Nanotechnology (IAMDN) and Laboratory for Surface Modification (LSM), Rutgers University, New Jersey. He also conducted synchrotron experiments on Grazing Incidence Small and Wide Angle X-ray Scatterings at the X9 Beamline, National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS), Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York. He was a participant in the Integrative Graduate Education Research and Training (IGERT) in Rutgers and Princeton Universities. Benjamin worked with other PhD and Post-Doctoral Fellows including Christopher Eugene Petoukhoff, Zeqing Shen, Binxing Yu and Ryan Thorpe under the coordination and supervision of Dr. Demien Voiry, Dr. Johanna Bernstein, Dr. Kevin Yager, Dr. Kenneth Evans-Lutterodt, Professor Deirdre O’Carroll, Professor Manish Chowolla and Professor Eric Garfunkel during the IGERT programme in the United States.

Dr. Agyei-Tuffour is a great volunteer who led other students to install the first solar street lights on AUST Campus and this brought great relief to life on campus in the evenings and during power outages. He was also the founding president of the African Materials Research Society, AUST Chapter and the President of the University Chapter of the Materials Research Society, USA. He again helped AMRS-AUST Chapter to establish a 24/7 Printing Center to support students’ academic work. During Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes, he coordinated AMRS-AUST members to demonstrate basic science and engineering concepts in solar energy generation, ceramic water purification and controlled drug delivery systems to junior and senior high schools students in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and the Alofos Foundation in Lagos, Nigeria. He was again among the facilitators for the New Jersey Governors School of Engineering and Technology Camp; mentoring high school students in Economic and Environmental Cost of Polymer optoelectronic devices, fabrication and testing. Last but not the least, he was also a facilitator of the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training Outreach programme on After School Science Hands-on projects for basic school pupils in Highland Park, New Jersey, USA.

Dr. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour has many collaborators across industry, scientific and engineering sectors and has produced numerous scientific publications in highly reputable national and international journals. He has been an integral member in the organization of many local and international conferences and has attended same. He is currently the Local Organizing Secretary (LOC) for the Pan African International Conference on Crystallography  and the African Light Source Conference scheduled for January-February, 2019 having served in similar positions in 2015 for the 8th International Conference of the African Materials Research Society held in Accra, Ghana and the 9th edition in Gaborone, Botswana in 2017. In the area of workshops and seminars, he has assisted in the organization of the African Materials Science and Education Network (AMSEN), University of Ghana, 2017 and the UG-BAM-Germany Workshop on Knowledge Exchange for Young Scientists Workshop (KEYS), 2016.

Research Works and Interests

  •  Renewable Energy Materials Research

       o Thin film depositions, Silicon Solar Cells, Perovskite Solar Cells Organic Solar Cells and light emitting Devices (OLEDs) fabrication and Characterization

       o Plasmonic electrodes in optoelectronic devices (Organic Photovoltaics (OPVs) and Organic Light Emitting Devices (OLEDs))

       o Finite Element Simulations (modeling) in Energy Systems(Abaqus, COMSOL, Matlab)

 

  •  Renewable Energy Systems Design (Wind turbines and Solar power systems)

      o Fabrication of wind turbines using fiber glass and epoxy resin

      o Design, fabrication and installation of solar power module systems

 

  •  Advanced composite materials for aerospace, structural and medical applications

      o Energy improvement mechanisms in local ceramic production technologies

      o Thermal and Environmental Barrier Coatings in Air breathing Engines

 

  • Computational Materials Modeling, Science and Physics

      o Density Functional Theorem (DFT),

      o Quantum Espresso (QE)

      o Abaqus Finite Element Simulations

      o COMSOL Multiphysics

 

  • Recycling and purification of solar grade silicon and Steel Ingots

     o Directional solidification using the accelerated crucible rotation technique.

     o Characterization of inclusions is solar grade silicon to determine the optimum top-cut point

     o Observation of inclusions in continuous cast steel ingots

     o Water Model Experiments for the Removal of dissolved oxygen from water by purging with nitrogen gas.

     o Removal of dissolved oxygen from water by purging gas into a Batch reactor with agitator.

 

  • Environmental Engineering and Waste Management Technologies

     o Purification of industrial waste water using locally treated charcoal.

     o Activated Carbon Production Technologies

     o Recycling of waste plastics into Composite Materials for structural applications

     o Valorization of local Ceramic and biomass resources for low cost building application.

     o Ceramic Materials for Removal of Chemical Contaminants from drinking water.

     o Innovative designs and fabrication technologies for agro-waste charcoal production

 

  • Mining, Minerals Processing and Extractive Metallurgy

     o Precious Minerals extractions (Gold, Silver, Platinum, Diamonds)

     o Industrial Minerals extractions (Bauxite, Limestone, Aluminum, Iron, Manganese, Titania, etc.)

     o Recovery of precious minerals from electronic gadgets-Computers (Gold, Copper, etc)

     o Prebaked Anode Technology in Aluminum Electrolysis

     o Determination of electrical resistivity as a function of temperature in prebaked anodes.

     o Determination of one dimensional heat flow in aluminum electrolysis cell

 

Fellowships & Associations

  • Materials Research Society (MRS)
  • African Materials Research Society, AUST Chapter
  • Pan African Crystallography Association
  • African Light Source Society
  • National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

 

Research Works and Publications

  1. R. B. Asamoah, E. Nyankson, E. Annan, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, J. K. Efavi, K. Kan-Dapaah, V. A. Apalangya, L. N. W. Damoah, D. Dodoo-Arhin, E. K. Tiburu, S. K. Kwofie, B. Onwona-Agyeman and A. Yaya, Industrial Applications of Clay Materials from Ghana (A Review), Oriental Journal of Chemistry, 2018, Vol. 34, No.(4)
  2. E. G. Bediako, E. Nyankson, D. Dodoo-Arhin, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, Dariusz Łukowiec, Błażej Tomiczek, AbuYaya, Johnson K.Efavi, Modified halloysite nanoclay as a vehicle for sustained drug delivery, Heliyon, Science direct, Volume 4, Issue 7, 2018, e00689, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00689
  3. E. Annan, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, Y. D. Bensah, D. S. Konadu, A. Yaya, B. Onwona-Agyeman, E. Nyankson, Application of clay ceramics and nanotechnology in water treatment: a review” Cogent Engineering, 2018, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2018.1476017
  4. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, E. Doumon, E. R. Rwenyagila, J. Asare, O. K. Oyewole, Z. Shen, C.E. Petoukhoff, M. G. Zebaze Kana, D. M. O’Carroll, W. O. Soboyejo, “Pressure effects on Interfacial Surface Contacts and Performance of Organic Solar Cells” Journal of Applied Physics 122, 205501 (2017); https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5001765, http://aip journals.org
  5. J. Asare, E. Turkoz, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, O. K. Oyewole, A. A. Fashina, J. Du, M. G. Zebaze Kana, W. O. Soboyejo, Effect of Pre-Buckling on Bending of Organic Electronic Structures. AIP Advances, 2017, 7(4):045204 • DOI: 10.1063/1.4975396
  6. D. Dodoo-Arhin, R.A Nuamah, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, David O Obada, Abu Yaya, Awaso Bauxite Red Mud-Cement based Composites: Characterization for Pavement Applications, Case Studies in Construction Materials, (Elsevier), 7, 45-55, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2017.05.003
  7. J. K. Efavi, E. Nyankson, A. Yaya, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, Effect of Magnesium and Sodium Salts on the Interfacial Characteristics of Soybean Lecithin Dispersants - Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2017
  8. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, Egidius R. Rwenyagila, Joseph Asare, M.G. Zebaze Kana and Winston O. Soboyejo, Effects of Pressure on Nano- and Micro- scale Morphological Changes in Conjugated Polymer Photovoltaic Cells, Journal Materials Research., 2016, DOI: http//dx.doi.org/10.1557/jmr.2016.344, http://journals.cambridge.org
  9. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, E.R. Rwenyagila, J. Asare, O.K. Oyewole, M.G. Zebaze Kana, D.M. O’carroll And W.O. Soboyejo, “Influence of Pressure on contacts between Layers of hybrid organic/inorganic Photovoltaic Cells”. Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1132 pp 204-216, 2016. doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1132.204.
  10. E. R. Rwenyagila, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, M. G. Zebaze. Kana, O. Akin-Ojo, W. O. Soboyejo.  Structural and Optical Properties of ZnO Film Precursors for Multilayered Transparent Solar Cell Electrodes. Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1132 (2016) pp 217-223, 2016. doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1132.217
  11. J. Asare, S. A. Adeniji, O. K. Oyewole, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, J. Du, E. Arthur, A. A. Fashina, M. G. Zebaze Kana, and W. O. Soboyejo, “Cold welding of organic light emitting diode: Interfacial and contact models”. AIP Advances 6, 065125 (2016); doi: 10.1063/1.4955141
  12. J. Asare, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour , O. K. Oyewole, V. C. Anye, D.Y. Momodu, G. M. Zebaze-Kana, and W. O. Soboyejo. Effects of Deformation on Failure Mechanisms and Optical Properties of Flexible Organic Solar Cell Structures”. Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1132, pp 116-124 2016 doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1132.116.
  13. J. Asare, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, O. K. Oyewole, G. M. Zebaze-Kana,W. O. Soboyejo Deformation and Failure Of Bendable Organic Solar Cell”, Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1132, pp 125-143, 2016. doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1132.125
  14. O. K. Oyewole, D. O. Oyewole, J. Asare, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour,  V. C. Anye, M. G. Zebaze Kana, and W. O. Soboyejo. Failure Mechanisms in Layers Relevant to Stretchable Organic Solar Cells” Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1132 (2016) pp 106-115, 2016. doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1132.89
  15. O. K. Oyewole, J. Asare, D. O. Oyewole, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour,  V. C. Anye, M. G. Zebaze Kana, and W. O. Soboyejo. Effects of Adhesion and Stretching on Failure Mechanisms and Optical Properties of Organic Solar Cells” Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1132 (2016) pp 89-105,  2016 doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1132.89
  16. E. R. Rwenyagila, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, K. O. Onogu, O. Akin-Ojo, M. G. Zebaze Kana, T. L. Alford, and W. O. Soboyejo.  Computational modeling of optical properties in aluminum nanolayers inserted in ZnO for solar cell electrodes. 3914 Vol. 40, No. 16, 2015 / Optics Letters
  17. David Dodoo-Arhin, Sarah Akua Mensah, Abu Yaya, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, Application of Discarded Rubber Car Tyres as Synthetic Coarse Aggregates in Light Weight Pavement Concretes. American Journal of Materials Science 2015, 5(4): 75-83 DOI: 10.5923/j.materials.20150504.01
  18. E. R. Rwenyagila, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, M. G. Zebaze Kana, Omololu Akin-Ojo Winston Oluwole Soboyejo. Optical properties of ZnO/Al/ZnO multilayer films for large area transparent electrodes, Journal Materials Research., 2014, DOI: 10.1557/jmr.2014.298, http://journals.cambridge.org.
  19. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, Y. D. Bensah, L. N. W. Damoah, D. Dodoo-Arhin, E. Annan, J. K. Efavi, E. Sarkodee. (2013) “Synthesis and microstructural characterization of kaolin – polyethylene composites”. Polymer Composites, 35, 1507–1515 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pc.22804/pdf
  20. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, E. Annan, E. R. Rwenyagila, E. Ampaw, E. Arthur,  K. Mustapha, S. Kolawole, W. O. Soboyejo, M. I. Marinov and D. D. Radev. Untraditional Synthesis of Ni-Based Alloys for Medical Application ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Vol 6 No. 4, 2013.
  21. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, E. Annan, E. R. Rwenyagila, E. Ampaw, E. Arthur,  K. Mustapha, S. Kolawole, W. O. Soboyejo, D. D. Radev. Untraditional Synthesis of Boron-Containing Superhard and Refractory Materials - A Review, Global Journal of Engineering Design and Technology, pg 21-26, 2013.
  22. E. K. Arthur, E. Ampaw, S. T. Azeko, Y. Danyuo, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, K. Kan-Dapaah, J. D. Obayemi. Design of Thermally Reliable Environmental Barrier Coating for SiC/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites. International Journal of Composite Materials 2013, 3(6): 191-197 DOI: 10.5923/j.cmaterials.20130306.08
  23. E. Nyankson, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, J. Asare, E. Annan, E. R. Rwenyagila, D. S. Konadu, A. Yaya & D. Dodoo-Arhin. (2013) “Nanostructured TiO2 and their energy Applications-a review”. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 8 [10] 871-886. http://www.arpnjournals.com/jeas/research_papers/rp_2013/jeas_1013_966.pdf
  24. E. Nyankson, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, E. Annan, D. Dodoo-Arhin, A. Yaya, L. D. Brefo, E. S. Okpoti & E. Odai, Characteristics of Stabilized Shrink-Swell Clay Deposits using Eggshell Powder. Global Journal of Engineering Design and Technology, G.J. E.D.T., Vol. 2(3) 2013:1-7.
  25. A. Yaya, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, D. Dodoo-Arhin, E. Nyankson, E. Annan, D. S. Konadu, E. Sinayobye, E. A. Baryeh and C. P. Ewels. (2012). “Layered Nanomaterials - A Review”. Global Journal of Engineering, Design & Technology, 1[1] 32-41. http://www.gifre.org/admin/papers/gjedt/1222 -32-41.pdf
  26. E. Annan, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, L. N.W. Damoah, B. Mensah, and D.S. Konadu, Nyankson, “Physico-mechanical properties of Bayer Residue-Clay bricks”, ARPN Journal of Eng & Applied Sciences Vol. 7, No. 12, 2012.
  27. Yaw Delali Bensah, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, Lucas N. W. Damoah and Johnson K. Efavi, Processing Of Waste Polyethylene Into Polymer-Ceramic Composite Through Lipid Assisted Melt Compounding, ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, VOL. 7, NO. 6, 2012.
  28. Lifeng Zhang, Eivind Øvrelid, Samuel Senanu, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, Adegboyega Nathaniel Femi. Nonmetallic Inclusions in Solar Cell Silicon: Focusing on Recycling of Scraps, TMS (The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society), 2008.

Local and International Conferences Attended

1. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour  Egidius Rwenyagila, Joseph Asare, Christopher E. Petoukhoff, Deirdre M. O’Carroll, M. G. Zebaze Kana and Winston O. Soboyejo, Effects of Annealing and Pressure on the Grazing Incidence X-ray Scatterings of Conjugated Polymer blends used in Organic Solar Cells, 9th International Conference of the African Materials Research Society, Gaborone, Botswana, 11th - 14th December, 2017.

2. Kwame Marfo, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour. “Sustainable Cement and Concrete Construction, Improving solid waste management at African Concrete Products Company, UG- BAM Germany Workshop on Knowledge Exchange for Young Scientists (KEYS), University of Ghana, 6th - 10th  June, 2016.

3. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, C.E. Petoukhoff, Z. Shen , E. R. Rwenyagila , J. Asare , D.M. O’Carroll and W.O. Soboyejo. Pressure-induced microstructural changes in conjugated polymer photovoltaic cells.” MRS-Africa 2015, University of Ghana, Accra-Ghana, 7th – 10th December, 2015

4. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, Peter Spattocco, Christopher E. Petoukhoff, Winston O. Soboyejo, Deidre M. O’Carroll “The effects of surface modification of Thin Ag electrodes on hole injection/collection for conjugated polymer optoelectronics, MRS Fall Meeting, Boston 29th November-4th December, 2014 .

5. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour,  E. R. Rwenyagila, J. Asare, O. K. Oyewole, K. O. Onogu, M. G. Z. Kana, A. A. Oberafo, W. O. Soboyejo. “Effects of pressure on contacts between layers of organic solar cells”. Organic Photovoltaics XIV Conference 25 - 29 August 2013, San Diego Convention Center, California United States.

6. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, J. Asare, W.O. Soboyejo; “AUST-NASENI workshop on Advanced Manufacturing and Nanotechnology”, Facilitators for Green Design Technology, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), 5-10th  February, 2013.

7. Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, E. Doumon, E. R. Rwenyagila, J. Asare, O. K. Oyewole, M. G. Zebaze Kana, K.O. Onogu, W. O. Soboyejo, “ Pressure on contacts between Layers in Organic Photovoltaic Cells, Nigerian Materials Congress (NIMACON 2012), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), 21-24th  November 2012.

8. J. Asare, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, O. K. Oyewole, D.Y. Momodu, G. M. Zebaze-Kana, and W. O. Soboyejo, “Effects of Deformation on Failure Mechanisms and Optical Properties of Flexible Organic Solar Cell Structures”. African Materials Research Society Conference; Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), December 2013.

9. O.K. Oyewole, D.O. Oyewole, J. Asare, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, M.G. Zebaze Kana, W.O. Soboyejo. Failure Mechanisms in Layers Relevant to Stretchable Organic Solar Cells. African Materials Research Society Conference; Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), December 2013.

10. Eivind Øvrelid, Mari Juel, Martin Bellmann, Benjamin Agyei-Tuffour, “Refining of solar grade silicon by directional solidification, Silicon for the Chemical and Solar Industry IX Conference, Oslo, Norway, June 23-26, 2008.