Microwave technology, a new direction for clean material production

The research project on the technology of producing metal-organic framework materials by the hydrothermal method using microwaves by Master Nguyen Ba Manh and a group of authors from the Institute of Chemistry (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) in collaboration with the Institute of Chemistry and Thermal Technology, Chemical Corps (Ministry of National Defense) was awarded the Third Prize at the Vietnam Science and Technology Innovation Award 2024.

Tạp chí Doanh Nghiệp•16/06/2025

This is a highly applicable scientific project, contributing to improving the capacity to localize new materials in many key fields such as national defense, environmental protection and food preservation.

Photo caption — Master Nguyen Ba Manh (third from right) and his colleagues at the 2024 Vietnam Science and Technology Innovation Award Ceremony. Photo: Dieu Thuy/VNA

Technological innovation - expanding applications

According to Master Nguyen Ba Manh, Head of the research project, with the new technology using the microwave hydrothermal method, the research team has significantly shortened the synthesis time to only 5-30 minutes, reduced the reaction temperature to about 80-100 degrees Celsius, and used environmentally friendly water solvent.

Master Nguyen Ba Manh said that the microwave reactor has a simple structure, compact size, easy to operate and does not require large investment costs. Thanks to this advantage, the technology can be flexibly deployed at many domestic research and production facilities. Based on that technology, the group has successfully synthesized 14 material systems from raw materials available in Vietnam. The new materials have the ability to absorb and quickly decompose many toxic pollutants such as microplastics in the water environment, toxic gases hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), carbon dioxide (CO₂), as well as compounds simulating nerve agents, which are among the most dangerous pollutants in chemical and biological warfare.

The results of practical tests at To Lich River, West Lake, Red River and Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi) show that the new material can absorb almost all microplastics in just 45 minutes. In the defense sector, this material has a speed of processing nerve agent simulants 10 to 120 times faster than imported materials. Currently, the technology is being deployed for the first batch of trial production at the Chemical Corps ( Ministry of National Defense ), aiming to serve combat units, contributing to improving technological autonomy in the defense sector.

In addition, the new material has also been proven effective in treating industrial emissions, helping to eliminate toxic sulfur compounds that are often generated at thermal power plants and chemical facilities. Thanks to that, this technology not only contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving urban air quality, but also opens up a direction for green, sustainable, and environmentally friendly industrial development.

Resolution 57 - a lever for technology transfer

According to Master Nguyen Ba Manh, one of the key factors that helped the project to be implemented smoothly and quickly step out of the research framework is thanks to the support from major policies of the Party and State in recent times, especially Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation.

Master Nguyen Ba Manh affirmed that after the issuance of Resolution No. 57, many specific policies have been implemented to synchronize orientation and create more favorable conditions for scientists, especially young scientists. In particular, the Ministry of Science and Technology issued Circular No. 10 dated December 30, 2024, increasing support for talented scientists to register research topics under the National Science and Technology Development Fund. In addition, Decree No. 193/2025/ND-CP dated February 19, 2025 of the National Assembly also provides specific policies to promote the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

Master Nguyen Ba Manh shared: It can be seen that the state is showing a very clear priority for science and technology development, not only through strategic orientation but also through strong investment sources and specific, practical policies. An important point in the new policies is to encourage and promote the connection between the three subjects: the state, scientists, and businesses. This is the foundation to help research projects have the conditions to transfer applications to life early.

From those foundations, Master Nguyen Ba Manh believes that Resolution No. 57 and its accompanying policies not only expand the development space for scientists, but also create a great opportunity especially for young researchers, creating a strong motivation for innovation associated with practical application.