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Photoluminescence and electroluminescence imaging of PV devices
Get PDFLuminescence imaging has become a particularly useful and valuable tool for the characterisation of photovoltaic devices. This study entailed the design, construction, and optimisation of a system for the electroluminescence (EL) and photoluminescence (PL) imaging of various solar cell devices. The system can perform EL and PL imaging of solar cells of different cell technologies and materials systems, including Si, perovskite, and triple-junction concentrator solar cells. This required appropriate electrical power supplies for carrier injection for EL imaging and optical excitation for PL imaging. The different materials systems also required wavelength appropriate filters for PL imaging. In addition, the system utilized a temperature-controlled sample stage and was placed in a chamber for environmental control and isolation of UV radiation from laboratory. In addition to optimization of imaging conditions, luminescence images need to be optimized to facilitate detailed analysis and the application of appropriate algorithms to extract device parameters and hence generate device parameter images of the devices under investigation. For EL imaging, two power supplies were used to inject current into the solar cells. The reason for the two power supplies is that the first power supply had a current range of ± 1 A and an applied voltage capability of ± 21 V. This was used for the smaller solar cells. It was also convenient to use as the power supply could also measure the injected current and applied voltage and digitally store it with the images. For the larger solar cells, a second power supply was utilized, which could inject current into the samples in the range of ± 12 A at an applied voltage of ± 40 V. To measure the current and voltage of the power supply provided, two digital multimeters were utilized. For acquiring images, the same camera was used for EL and PL imaging. The sensor used in the camera is a silicon CMOS sensor. For PL imaging, four light emitting diode (LED) boards, consisting out of sixty-four LED’s, per board, of four different wavelengths, were used to optically excite the solar cells. The four wavelengths emitted by the LED’s were chosen to match the bandgaps of the different solar cell devices investigated. The LEDs were powered with a multi-channel constant voltage power supply, where the current could be varied. The Si solar cell is a 156 x 156 mm commercial solar cell. The perovskite solar module is a 40 x 40 mm module, which consists out of six cells connected in series. The triple-junction concentrator solar cell has a dimension of 10 x 10 mm which consists of three junctions staked on top of one another. These three layers consist of indium gallium phosphate (InGaP), indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) and germanium (Ge). To capture EL and PL images of these various solar cell devices, filters of specific wavelengths were placed in front of the camera to isolate the light generated by the different devices. In addition to isolating the luminescence observed from the solar cells, an image correction procedure was adapted from literature, to be applicable to acquiring luminescence images of these various solar cells. As there are a range of factors which influence the quality and clarity of the luminescence images, i.e., chromatic aberration, diffraction, and absorption depth, to name a few, the wavelength dependency of these factors was investigated. This was done by acquiring a point spread function (PSF) for each of these devices and then using these PSF's together with a deconvolution algorithm to correct the luminescence images. The PSF was acquired by fitting a point source emission image to a function that includes exponential and Gaussian terms. The point source image was obtained by placing a black piece of vinyl with a pinhole in it over the solar cell. To communicate with all the various devices and to acquire images at various intensities a LABVIEW program was written. This was used then used to control the power supplies, digital multimeters, camera, and the LED's. This allowed for the user to specify at what points along the current-voltage (I-V) curve data points needed to be measured together with the luminescence images captured. For PL imaging the intensity of the LED's was then also adjusted according to user specified values. The system was utilised to acquire EL images of the Si solar cell, EL and PL images of the perovskite solar cell and EL images of the InGaP and InGaAs layers in the triple-junction concentrator solar cell. With the correction procedure utilised in this study, it was seen that the image quality and clarity improved, compared to the conventional way of capturing luminescence images. These statements are supported by the results obtained for the series resistance maps of the Si solar cell and the perovskite solar module, as the series resistance maps obtained from the corrected luminescence images have less noise and more detail compared to the results from the raw luminescence images. From the EL images captured for the two layers of the triple junction concentrator, it was clear that the intensity profile of the two layers is different, as the intensity for the InGaP layers was that the device had bright edges and darker intensity on the interior where exactly the opposite was observed for the InGaAs layer, having a bright interior and darker edges. This is most likely due to the opto-electric coupling of these layers withing the triple junction solar cell. For the series resistance images obtained for the Si solar cell, it is observed that at lower carrier injection, the series resistance is lower compared to higher carrier injection levels. This result can also be influenced by the increase in cell temperature with the increase in injected carriers. The series resistance maps obtained from the perovskite EL images shows an interesting result. As the perovskite solar cell has degraded, three of the six cells have optically inactive regions, showing lower luminescence intensities. The series resistance of the other three cells are much lower compared to these cells that have inactive regions under low injection conditions. As the injection level increases, it is seen that the series resistance values of five of the six cells become comparable to one another. With regards to the PSF, it was found that using a bandpass filter in front of the lens reduced to amount of spreading observed from a single point source across the detector. Furthermore, there is a strong wavelength dependency in the PSF as the severity increased with increase in the emission wavelength of the solar cells under investigation.In this study an opto-electrical characterisation system was constructed to acquire PL and EL images of various solar cell technologies. In addition to this, a range of factors that influence the quality of these images were investigated and used in the image correction procedure to correct the images for all these cell technologies. It was shown that the correction procedure works for all three of the technologies investigated in this study, and all these factors showed a strong wavelength dependency. These corrected luminescence images together with current-voltage (I-V) data was then used to determine characteristic parameters of a one-diode model of the various PV devices. This was not only achieved, but it also clearly indicated that all the correction procedures need to be considered to obtain a clear and accurate representation of the actual PV device. This has a major influence on the understanding and improvement of these PV devices.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 202
Exploring the role of herbivory in Albany Subtropical Thicket restoration
Get PDFThis dissertation attempted to investigate the influence of herbivory on the success of thicket restoration, addressing a critical gap in the current knowledge within the restoration initiative. Despite two decades of thicket restoration practices, the role of herbivory in influencing restoration success has been assumed and not yet quantified. This research aimed to observe and identify herbivore species and their interactions that may affect the survival of Portulacaria afra Jacq. material planted in thicket restoration contexts. This research took place on three game farms serving as case studies within the Albany Subtropical Thicket (Eastern Cape, South Africa). Multiple experiments were conducted to assess how the concept of different “natural refugia” might impact herbivore interactions with planted material, incorporating factors such as planting around rainfall, within open and semi-intact vegetation patches, and in proximity to water sources. Trail cameras were used for real-time monitoring of herbivore interactions within planted sites to understand and quantify herbivore interactions with P. afra cuttings and how they may impact plant survival. Results from the trail camera monitoring (Chapter 2) indicate varied herbivore interactions occurring on planted material, with the primary herbivore responsible for these interactions varying among farms. Species interactions were not consistent across farms, and herbivore interactions exhibited spatial and temporal variability. Notably, interactions declined soon after the start of the wet phase when surrounding vegetation could recover, indicating the influences of alternative forage availability on herbivore foraging choices. Different herbivore interactions were identified and quantified through trail camera images, ranging from minor biomass removal (estimated at <5 cm of stem and leaf material) to more detrimental actions such as uprooting and leaf stripping. Consistently, planted P. afra survival rates (Chapter 3) were significantly higher for protected material than those exposed to herbivores, regardless of whether planted in a dry or wet phase. Moreover, when exposed to herbivores, rooted material had significantly higher survival rates than unrooted material, indicating the potential advantage of a well-developed root system in faster recovery after a herbivory event. This research explored the influence of various factors, including rainfall, rooting state, protection, surrounding vegetation, and proximity to water, on P. afra survival and how some of these factors may affect P. afra survival in relation to herbivore interactions (Chapter 3). Significant differences in cutting survival were observed between dry and wet phases, rooted and unrooted material, and material protected vs exposed to herbivores. While survival was not significantly different in experiments involving surrounding vegetation and proximity to water, potential patterns were identified, warranting further investigation. A clipping and defoliation experiment under simulated seasonal conditions emphasised the significance ofThesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202
Evaluating elephant, Loxodonta africana, space-use and elephant-linked vegetation change in Liwonde National Park, Malawi
Get PDFHeterogeneity, the spatio-temporal variation of abiotic and biotic factors, is a key concept that underpins many ecological phenomena and promotes biodiversity. Ecosystem engineers, such as African savanna elephants (hereafter elephant), Loxodonta africana, are organisms capable of affecting heterogeneity through the creation or modification of habitats. Thus, their impacts can have important consequences for ecosystem biodiversity, both positive and negative. Caughley’s “elephant problem” cautions that confined or compressed, growing elephant populations will inevitably lead to a loss of biodiversity. However, a shift in our understanding of elephants suggests that not all elephant impacts lead to negative biodiversity consequences, as long as there is a heterogeneous spread of elephant impacts that allows for spatio-temporal refuges promoting the persistence of both impact-tolerant and impact-intolerant species. To date, little empirical evidence is available in support of managing elephants under this paradigm and few studies are available that infer the consequences of the distribution of elephant impacts on biodiversity. In addition, most studies use parametric statistics that do not account for scale, spatial autocorrelation, or non-stationarity, leading to a misrepresentation of the underlying processes and patterns of drivers of elephant space-use and the consequences of their impacts on biodiversity. Here, I evaluate spatio-temporal patterns and drivers of elephant space-use, and how the distribution of their impacts affects biodiversity through vegetation changes, using a multi-scaled spatial approach, in Liwonde National Park, Malawi. My study demonstrates that elephant space-use in Liwonde is heterogeneous, leading to spatio-temporal variation in the distribution of their impacts, even in a small, fenced reserve. The importance of the drivers of this heterogeneous space-use varied based on the scale of analysis, water was generally important at larger scales while vegetation quality (indexed by NDVI) was more important at smaller scales. When examined using local models, my results suggest that relationships exhibit non-stationarity, what is important in one area of the park is not necessarily important in other areas. The spatio-temporal variation of the inferred impacts of elephants in Liwonde still allowed for spatio-temporal refuges to be created, no clear linear relationship was found between elephant return intervals and woody species structural and functional diversity (indexed by changes in tree cover and changes in annual regrowth using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index as a measure, respectively) throughout the park. My study provides support for adopting the heterogeneity paradigm for managing elephants and demonstrates that not all elephant impacts result in negative vegetation change. I also demonstrate the crucial implications of accounting for scale, non-stationarity, and spatial autocorrelation to evaluate how animals both respond to, and contribute to, environmental heterogeneity.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202
The role of popular and traditional music during the umgidi initiation ceremonies among the Amampondo: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual
No full textThis study investigates the intricate dynamics of music within the umgidi initiation ceremonies among the amaMpondo, focusing on the interplay between traditional and modern popular music. The study explores the cultural foundation of the umgidi ceremony, emphasising its transformative significance and the evolving influence of modern popular music, particularly among the youth. A comprehensive literature review follows, contextualising the amaMpondo, their cultural practices, and the complex relationship between traditional and popular music in the broader South African music scene. The study adopted a qualitative ethnographic approach, including participant observation and individual interviews, to explore the impact of modern popular music on traditional elements during umgidi initiation ceremonies. Thematic analysis was employed for data interpretation, ensuring a systematic exploration of patterns and meanings. Ethical considerations were meticulously addressed, emphasising protecting participants' rights and cultural sensitivity. The study's findings highlighted the multifaceted roles of music during umgidi initiation ceremonies. Music is a powerful medium for cultural expression, communication, and communal celebration. The call-and-response format, rhythm variations, and the influence of modern genres such as Gqom and Amapiano were explored. Community attitudes toward integrating modern popular music reveal diverse opinions, ranging from full embrace to resistance. In summary, this study contributes to understanding the evolving dynamics of music in umgidi initiation ceremonies among the amaMpondo. The study provides a nuanced exploration and a roadmap for future research, community engagement, and policy considerations by combining cultural insights, literature review, methodological rigour, and community perspectives.Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 202
Towards economic growth through informal economy: a comparative study of South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya
Get PDFAcross the three countries studied, evidence has shown the importance of the informal economy to economic growth. Informal economic activities employ many people across economies and provide an opportunity for income generation and poverty alleviation. This study sought to explore and gain insight into the informal economy’s contribution to economic growth, specifically focusing on South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. A descriptive qualitative study was adopted, where extensive document analysis was conducted to address the study objectives. The study's main findings are that informal economic activities are similar across countries, and these activities are characterised by not paying taxes and being unregistered. Informal economic activities employ millions of people. Several issues, such as inadequate workspaces, unfavourable working conditions, harassment by law enforcement, and employment uncertainties, also hamper the success of informal business ventures. The study concluded that governments of all African countries work on informal economy policies and recommends that the state needs to implement policies to protect and foster the longevity of informal businesses.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Analysing barriers of lean service implementation In South African Post Office operations
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to investigate and analyse the barriers to the implementation of Lean services in the service industry, with a particular focus on the South African Post Office operations. The researcher intended to identify and describe the barriers that precluded the implementation of Lean principles in service industry and where necessary shared the study's findings with South African Post Office management for decision making. The findings of the study in the South African Post Office were consistent with those of the other authors who conducted studies with the aim of identifying the barriers to Lean implementation in service industry. However most studies focussed on the barriers caused by operational factors while this study focussed on the barriers causing failures in implementing Lean initiatives which are connected with the South African Post Office management and staff perceptions on the importance of Lean principles in the organisation’s value stream. The findings, as presented in Chapter 5 of the study, identified various elements that contributed to managerial failures and those were the barriers the study intended to identify. The study indicated that top management of the South African Post Office was not familiar with the implementation of Lean concept. Management and staff in charge of operations were aware of the Lean concept, but none of them displayed considerable expertise of how to implement it. That was one of the reasons the organisation was unable to properly integrate Lean in its operations. The implementation of Lean required professionals and experts who could implement, drive, and monitor the process. The study’s interpretive framework was interpretivism-constructivism, and the study was a case study. The primary data collection method was face-to-face interviews with reference to archived information and secondary data. Semi-structured questions were asked during interviews. A total of twelve participants completed and signed the consent form, indicating their agreement to participate in the interviews. Out of the twelve participants, interviews were conducted with eleven individuals. Since its inception, Lean Manufacturing system had been viewed as a method that primarily applied to manufacturing-oriented businesses. Lean practices had also been adopted by the service industry, and a number of those businesses had integrated Lean methods in their operations. The postal services around the globe had also gradually implemented Lean successfully in their operations although there had been quite a number of barriers that hindered the implementation of Lean in some postal services around the globe. The South African Post Office exerted efforts to implement Lean but has up to this point not fully implemented Lean practices in its operation and this was what had triggered the researcher to learn more and analyse such barriers. The study aimed at identifying those barriers. The study's goal was to investigate and analyse the Lean implementation barriers in order to provide credible outcomes to both the South African Post Office management and the Nelson Mandela University, as well as other organisations in the service industry in comparable situations as the South African Post Office. The findings of this study related to management’s perception of Lean importance in ensuring optimum operational performance and customer satisfaction.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Effects of supply chain disruptions on alcohol consumption behaviour in a South African township
Get PDFThis study investigated the effect of supply chain disruptions on alcohol consumer consumption behaviour in the Eastern Cape Province, but with the specific reference to Mdantsane Township in the Buffalo City Municipality. A quantitative methodology was employed, and self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. The results of the study revealed that: disruptions increase the risk of the company; disruptions have a significant negative impact on profitability; disruptions have a crippling effect on performance because firms take longer to recover from disruptions; and disruptions have a negative impact on stock price, profitability, and share price volatility across the board. The study recommends diversification of alcohol supply chains to mitigate the impact of disruptions, establish robust monitoring and surveillance systems to track changes in alcohol consumption patterns following supply chain disruptions and consider implementing price regulation and taxation policies to moderate alcohol consumption, particularly during periods of supply chain disruptions.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Criteria for effective short-term rental business venture property selection in Nelson Mandela Bay
Get PDFShort-term rental (STR) accommodations thrive in the online sharing economy and are influenced by market trends and regulations and vary in location. Success hinges on careful planning, continuous management and fulfilling guest expectations. There is limited research on the types of properties that succeed in the STR business. Additionally, STR’s are regulated, competitive and entail financial planning which can offer both lucrative income potential and high expenses. This treatise is an effort to evaluate the criteria for property selection for STR’s as a business in Nelson Mandela Bay. The research approach for this study is positivistic. A literature review has been conducted to determine the existing status of STR studies relating to the business industry. The literature review allowed the formation of criteria which was tested with quantitative methods consisting of data collection, a questionnaire and an analysis of the statistics. This assessment clearly supported STR as a viable business venture. Based on the research study, criteria were created to help STR owners select the right property for STR. The four main considerations in STR accommodation business in this criteria framework included location, type and size of the property, features and amenities and safety and security. The research confirmed that in the STR market, these variables are proposed as key focal point for business owners to focus on and to positively affect the types of property that are purchased to grow the STR business. As a result, create favourable bottom line returns. In agreement with the literature that is reviewed and the outcomes of this treatise, by effectively addressing the criteria, the business owners of STR’s will create a criteria model that is helpful to purchase the most suitable property for a STR business. Certain key findings from the research found it to be true that you can improve property selection decision making through the identification of relevant criteria that can assist STR business investors and managers. It is proposed that the criteria is examined to provide further advancement to the STR industry. The recommendations include further improving the criteria by providing additional information about the STR business behaviours connected to each variable and increasing the scope of the study to more than just one sample from mainly the Eastern Cape in South Africa.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Exploring cultural context and masculine ideals: implications for male mental health help-seeking in South Africa
Get PDFThe pervasive underdiagnosis and undertreatment of mental health issues among males, exacerbated by societal expectations of masculinity, represent a significant public health concern. This study addresses the critical gap in understanding how sociocultural constructs of masculinity influence mental health help-seeking behaviours among males in South Africa, a context marked by high rates of crime, violence, substance abuse, and male suicides. Adopting a qualitative research approach, this study conducted in-depth interviews with 12 participants, employing convenience and snowball sampling techniques to achieve data saturation. Thematic analysis was utilised to systematically identify and interpret patterns of meaning within the data, focusing on participants' understandings of mental health, the impact of sociocultural constructions of masculinity on their help-seeking behaviours, and the barriers they encounter. The findings illuminate the profound impact of sociocultural constructs of masculinity on male mental health help-seeking behaviours, revealing significant barriers rooted in societal stigma, traditional masculinity norms, and a lack of tailored mental health services. The study also introduces a conceptual model illustrating the influences on mental health acknowledgement and help-seeking behaviour among males in South Africa, underscored by a reflective analysis of exploring male emotional well-being. This study highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive mental health care interventions that address the unique challenges faced by men in South African communities. By challenging societal norms and advocating for improved mental health awareness and services tailored to men, this research contributes to the broader discourse on gender, mental health, and social change, offering insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners aiming to enhance male mental health outcomes.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
Synthesis of two tartaric acid-derived host compounds and their behaviour in mixed pyridines and mixed heterocyclic guest compounds
Get PDFThe host compounds (4R,5R)-bis(diphenylhydroxymethyl)-2-spiro-1’-cyclopentane-1,3-dioxolane (TADDOL5) and (4R,5R)-bis(diphenylhydroxymethyl)-2-spiro-1’-cyclohexane-1,3-dioxolane (TADDOL6) were successfully synthesized after initially reacting diethyl tartrate with either 1,1-dimethoxycyclopentane or 1,1-dimethoxycyclohexane to afford the intermediates diethyl 2-spiro-1’-cyclopentane-1,3-dioxolan-4,5-dicarboxylate or diethyl 2-spiro-1’-cyclohexane-1,3-dioxolan-4,5-dicarboxylate. These were then each subjected to a Grignard addition reaction with PhMgBr to furnish TADDOL5 and TADDOL6 in reasonably high yields (77 and 80%, respectively). Computational calculations were performed on TADDOL5 and TADDOL6 using the software programs Avogadro and ORCA. The optimised geometries of these host molecules were obtained using the MMFF94 force field in Avogadro, while ORCA was used to perform the computational modelling at the BLYP level using the 6-31G*, 6-31G**, 6-311G* and 6-311G** basis sets and, also, the B3LYP functional (with the same basis sets) to obtain the three lowest energy conformers. The final geometries of each conformer for both TADDOL5 and TADDOL6 at the B3LYP 6-311G* level were overlaid with the molecules obtained from their crystal structures. Significantly different geometries were thus noted for the calculated conformers compared with the guest-free TADDOL5 and TADDOL6 structures obtained from the SCXRD experiments. When TADDOL5 was crystallized independently from each of PYR, 2MP, 3MP and 4MP, 1:1 H:G inclusion complexes formed in each instance. This host compound was then investigated for its host separation ability of mixed pyridines through supramolecular chemistry protocols. These mixed guest experiments revealed that TADDOL5 possessed a notable selectivity towards 3MP and PYR (in the absence of 3MP) followed by 4MP and 2MP, and it was shown that TADDOL5 is a suitable host candidate for the separation of many of the mixed pyridines employed here. The results of the SCXRD analyses indicated that the only significant (host)π···π(guest) stacking interaction present was between TADDOL5 and the most favoured guest species PYR and 3MP. Furthermore, significantly shorter (host)O‒H···N(guest) hydrogen bonds were also observed in the complexes formed between this host compound and 3MP and PYR compared with these bonds involving disfavoured 4MP and 2MP. Hirshfeld surface considerations provided an explanation for the affinity of TADDOL5 for PYR (but not 3MP), while thermal analyses successfully explained this affinity: the 3MP-containing complex with the most preferred guest species was the most thermally stable one, followed by TADDOL5·PYR, as obtained through a consideration of the Ton values (the temperature at which the guest release event initiated) of the four complexes. As with TADDOL5, TADDOL6 formed 1:1 H:G inclusion compounds with each of the four pyridines. TADDOL6 was, furthermore, also assessed for its separation ability for mixed pyridines, and these guest competition experiments showed that the selectivity of TADDOL6 was for PYR and 3MP (in the absence of PYR), followed by 4MP and 2MP. (Interestingly, TADDOL5 preferred 3MP and then PYR, while both host compounds disfavoured 4MP and 2MP.) The results obtained in this work indicated that TADDOL6 may also serve as an efficient host candidate for the separation of many of these pyridyl solutions. SCXRD experiments demonstrated that the only significant (host)π···π(guest) stacking interactions were those between TADDOL6 and preferred PYR and 3MP, as was the case for TADDOL5. These experiments also revealed that the strongest (host)O‒H···N(guest) hydrogen bonds were between TADDOL6 and these favoured guest species. A consideration of Hirshfeld surfaces and quantification of the (guest)N···H(host) intermolecular interactions correlated with the host selectivity order, as did thermal analyses, where the Ton values confirmed that the thermal stabilities of these complexes decreased in the guest order PYR > 3MP > 4MP > 2MP. The behaviour of TADDOL5 was further investigated in guest compounds DIO, PYR, PIP and MOR. Each guest solvent formed 1:1 H:G inclusion complexes with the host species, with the exception of DIO, which formed a 2:1 H:G complex. Mixed guest experiments revealed a clear preference for PIP and MOR, while PYR and DIO were less favoured. The host selectivity was demonstrated to be in the order PIP > MOR > PYR > DIO. SCXRD experiments showed that TADDOL5 formed a much shorter (and more linear) (host)O‒H···N(guest) hydrogen bond with the most favoured guest, PIP, compared to those involving MOR and PYR. A (host)O‒H···O(guest) hydrogen bond was also observed in the DIO-containing inclusion complex. A consideration of the Hirshfeld surface interactions was not useful in explaining the host selectivity order for these heterocyclic guests, but thermal analyses confirmed that the most stable complex was the one with favoured PIP, followed by those with PYR, MOR and DIO. TADDOL6, on the other hand, formed 1:1 H:G inclusion compounds with all four of the heterocyclic guest solvents. Experiments in mixed guests showed that the selectivity of this host compound for these guests was in the order PYR > PIP > MOR > DIO, which differed from the TADDOL5 (which favoured PIP and then MOR). Interestingly, the strongest classical hydrogen bond was not formed with the most favoured guest PYR, but with PIP instead (this bond with TADDOL5 was also strongest with PIP, but PIP was favoured in that work). Hirshfeld surface investigations again were not useful in understanding the host selectivity behaviour. However, thermal analyses agreed with the observations made in the mixed guest experiments: the most stable complex was with PYR (favoured) and the least stable one was with DIO (least preferred).Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 202