Linus Labik, Ph.D.

Linus Kweku Labik is a materials scientist and faculty member at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology whose work seeks to bridge cutting-edge science with sustainable solutions. His research focuses on lithium-ion battery recycling, eco-friendly mudbrick construction materials and the transformative potential of zeolites. His early research with the Zeolite Research Group of the Department of Physics was fueled by a commitment to tackling pressing local challenges. He mastered the synthesis of zeolites from abundant local materials like bauxite and kaolin, replacing chemical reagents with sustainable, cost-effective alternatives. These synthesized zeolites were applied to treat mine wastewater and in thermal energy storage systems by coupling a heat pump with a heat engine, enabling electricity generation. Labik’s expertise in analytical tools such as X-ray diffraction, microscopy and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy has allowed him to explore the microstructural properties of materials in detail, contributing to pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with locally sourced resources. He champions practical applications of his research that can reshape communities, driving efforts to recycle electronic waste, develop durable, low-cost building materials and create a zero-waste future.

As a materials scientist with a strong background in physics, Labik has found a natural connection to astronomy, particularly radio astronomy — a growing field in Africa. During his Simons Foundation Pivot Fellowship, he will focus on the processes that govern grain coagulation in protoplanetary disks (PPDs). His goal for the fellowship year is to advance our understanding of how these grains interact, aggregate and evolve within PPDs, contributing to the broader knowledge of planet formation. By integrating my materials science expertise with cutting-edge astronomy research, he aims to foster innovative perspectives that can enhance our comprehension of the early stages of planetary systems.