By CrossRiverWatch Admin
An Alumnus of the University of Cross River State (formerly known as Cross River University of Technology), Mr. Henry O. Edet continues to make international waves in the field of computational chemistry, where his cutting-edge research promises new tools in the fight against harmful environmental gases.
Mr. Edet has published over 15 peer-reviewed articles focusing on how engineered nanomaterials can detect, capture, and neutralize toxic gases, a scientific line of research with direct relevance to air-quality concerns across Nigeria and the world.
His latest work, featured in a renowned international chemistry journal, uses quantum-chemical simulations to design doped silicon-carbide nanotubes, graphene/boron nitride hybrids, and other nanoscale structures optimized for gas sensing and remediation. For example, his studies show how modifying these nanomaterials with metals such as Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), or Antimony (Sb) improves their ability to adsorb gases like Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and industrial Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) with high selectivity and stability. Mr. Edet explains:
“By modelling the interaction of gas molecules with nanomaterials at the atomic level, we can predict adsorption energies, electronic response and sensor behaviour, which enables us to select the best materials for real-world monitoring before costly synthesis commences,” the PhD Candidate told CrossRiverWatch.
This work is particularly important to Cross River State’s environmental agenda. The State’s Ministry of Environment has prioritized pollution monitoring, watershed protection, and sustainable urban drainage. Mr. Edet’s research offers the possibility of deploying small, low-cost sensor arrays and remediation filters tailored for tropical climates and regional pollution profiles, an approach aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Dr. Stephen A. Adalikwu says adopting such advanced monitoring tools could enhance the State’s ability to track emissions from industrial zones, control air quality in growing urban areas. As Mr. Edet puts it:
“This work is not just about new materials, it’s about protecting lives and ecosystems, especially where exposures are highest and resources are limited.”
Mr. Henry Edet, currently a doctoral researcher in South America, specializes in Computational and Materials Chemistry, focusing on using advanced quantum chemical methods to design and optimize modified metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for gas sensing and environmental remediation.
His study demonstrates how modified metal-organic frameworks can effectively adsorb and neutralize toxic gases. Through his research, he is driving meaningful changes in how material sciences address environmental challenges, particularly through the design of advanced materials and pollution control. He is also an active member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), and an Associate Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC).
His professional affiliations reflect his commitment to advancing global scientific collaboration and staying connected to international research networks. Henry represents a new generation of African researchers making a measurable global impact while remaining deeply connected to their roots and committed to uplifting others along the way.
Henry O. Edet is a PhD Candidate, an Alumnus of the University of Cross River State, Nigeria.