Young scientist leads research into new materials

TP - At the age of 30, young scientist Nguyen Ba Manh (Institute of Chemistry - Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) has an impressive research portfolio with 39 international articles. Head of the project that won the VIFOTEC 2024 award, he and his colleagues have revolutionized the technology of producing metal-organic framework materials, shortening the time from 3 days to 30 minutes, opening an era of wide application from national defense, clean energy to environmental pollution treatment for Vietnam.

Mr. Nguyen Ba Manh (3rd from right) received the VIFOTEC 2024 award

Born in Quynh Luu, Nghe An, Nguyen Ba Manh showed his love for chemical experiments early on, winning second prize twice in the National Chemistry Olympiad (in 2016 and 2018). He graduated from the Faculty of Petroleum, University of Mining and Geology at the age of 23 - one year ahead of schedule. In 2022, he successfully defended his Master's thesis at Hanoi University of Science and Technology with a near-perfect score (3.94/4, equivalent to 9.38/10) and continued to study as a doctoral student at the Academy of Science and Technology.

In 2018, Mr. Manh became a researcher at the Institute of Chemistry, from here, the young man's journey to conquer science really opened up. After 8 years of pursuing scientific research, he owns a "fortune" of scientific works and publications that are larger than his age, with 39 international articles in the SCIE category, including 22 Q1 articles - the world's leading prestigious journal group, as the main author. He has also been continuously honored with many major awards: Vietnam Science and Technology Innovation Award VIFOTEC 2024, Ho Chi Minh City Science Award 2025, Creative Labor Badge of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor. Notably, in 2024, he became one of 200 intellectual delegates and outstanding scientists attending the meeting chaired by General Secretary To Lam.

Overcoming worries about food and clothing, nurturing passion for science

To achieve such an impressive record, Mr. Manh had to go through challenging early days, struggling between making a living and his passion for scientific research. “With a salary of 3 million VND/month in the initial stage of scientific research, life in an expensive city and a new working environment made me discouraged many times, even intending to move to companies with better benefits. However, my passion for science and the support of the late Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, former Deputy Director of the Institute of Chemistry, helped me overcome that difficult period and gradually adapt to the job,” he shared.

A major incident occurred when Mr. Vu Anh Tuan, the leader and “leader” of the research group, suddenly passed away. Overcoming that pain, with the support of colleagues, Manh made efforts to complete the unfinished tasks of his teacher, and at the same time learned to be independent from the stages of idea generation, experimentation, writing articles to collaborating with research groups at home and abroad.

Young scientist Nguyen Ba Manh

Leading research in new materials technology

The research field that Mr. Manh pursues is the synthesis technology of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). This is an advanced material with wide application potential, from national defense, security, clean energy, biomedicine to environmental treatment. In particular, the project "Research on technology for producing metal-organic frameworks applied in the fields of national defense, security, clean energy production, environmental treatment and food preservation", which he is the head of, won the Vietnam Science and Technology Innovation Award VIFOTEC 2024, and is considered a breakthrough by experts. This topic is not only of national importance but also opens up opportunities for Vietnam to master technology that has long been dependent on imports.

The research team led by Mr. Manh pioneered the use of microwave technology to synthesize MOFs - a revolutionary improvement. While previously the synthesis required 24-72 hours at high temperatures, now the time is reduced to only 2-30 minutes, the temperature is reduced to 80-100 degrees Celsius and the solvent is replaced by water, safe and environmentally friendly. This improvement not only saves energy but also significantly reduces costs, paving the way for replication in many domestic laboratories.

From that foundation, the team has synthesized 14 new material systems with impressive features: Adsorption and rapid decomposition of toxic pollutants such as microplastics in water, toxic gases H2S and CO2. In particular, the research team has developed a synthetic product on a pilot scale applied as a highly effective catalyst to process nerve agent-simulating compounds 10-120 times faster than imported materials, helping the Ministry of National Defense move towards technological autonomy, replacing imported disinfectants from developed countries, opening a breakthrough in mastering domestic material synthesis technology.

“The technology is being perfected for trial production at the Chemical Corps (Ministry of National Defense), aiming to serve combat units, contributing to improving technological autonomy in the defense sector. This is a research direction with high practical value, scientific significance, creating conditions for developing and mastering core technology in the country,” said Mr. Manh.

Not only stopping at national defense, Mr. Manh's research opens up a series of other applications: Adsorbing H2S and CO2 in natural gas to reduce emissions, treating sulfur compounds in fuels that meet Euro-6 standards; treating microplastics, dyes, and antibiotics in wastewater; manufacturing sensors to detect heavy metals and toxic gases with high sensitivity; developing antibacterial MOF/chitosan/cellulose membranes, extending fruit preservation time and being biodegradable.

With those breakthrough and superior features, up to now, the project "Research on technology for manufacturing metal-organic framework materials applied in the fields of defense, security, clean energy production, environmental treatment and food preservation" has published 19 Q1 articles in the world's leading journals... and is being completed for intellectual property protection, promising to bring Vietnam a big step forward in the field of synthesizing and applying advanced MOF materials.

Mr. Nguyen Ba Manh shared that science does not stop at dry formulas or projects, but is also a way for young people to make practical contributions to the community, so that knowledge becomes a spreading value. “Only when we devote ourselves can we turn knowledge into value for the community,” he said.

The working group of the Ministry of National Defense inspected and evaluated the quality of MOF advanced material products.

Create practical value for the community

Besides science, young man Nguyen Ba Manh also has a great love for actively spreading the spirit of green living and dedication. As Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union of the Institute of Chemistry, he initiated many youth activities such as "Planting trees - exchanging scrap for trees", "Journey to the source", summer volunteering in Quang Binh (2022) and Tuyen Quang (2024). He also participated in supporting the organization of major events of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, from the Tran Dai Nghia Award Ceremony 2025 to welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron and Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan to visit and work at the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi.

His comprehensive contributions have brought Mr. Manh many titles and scholarships: Certificate of Merit from the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Creative Labor Badge 2025, Typical Face in Patriotic Emulation...; VINIF, Odon Vallet, Novatech scholarships and excellent student scholarships awarded to students, trainees and postgraduates with excellent achievements in study and research.

At the age of 30, Mr. Manh has begun to affirm his name in the field of advanced materials research. He not only inspires through his extensive list of achievements, but also through the aspiration of Vietnamese intelligence to master core technology, serve national defense, protect the environment, and create a green future...

Source: https://tienphong.vn/nha-khoa-hoc-tre-dan-dau-nghien-cuu-vat-lieu-moi-post1778474.tpo