Assoc. Prof. Huỳnh Lê Thanh Nguyên as the project leader presenting the summary report to the evaluation board.

On 28 March, at VNUHCM-University of Science campus, a VNUHCM-level scientific and technological project led by Assoc. Prof. Huỳnh Lê Thanh Nguyên, Lecturer at the Faculty of Physics – Engineering Physics, was reviewed by the evaluation board. The project, titled “Synthesis of Nanocomposite Material Systems from Metal Oxides (MnO₂ and TiO₂) and Nano Carbon (CNTs, Graphene) for Hybrid Cathode Electrodes in High-Performance Desalination Technology Using HCDI”, was recognised for academic value and potential applications in clean water treatment, particularly in Hybrid Capacitive Deionization (HCDI) desalination technology.

The project, implemented from February 2023 to February 2025 with a total funding of 820 million VND, aims to develop advanced electrode materials for high-performance desalination, contributing to addressing the issue of clean water scarcity.

Research Direction and Methodology

The research group focused on developing advanced nanocomposite material systems, synthesised from metal oxides (MnO₂, TiO₂) in combination with various nano carbon forms (CNTs, graphene). These materials form the foundation for developing hybrid cathode electrodes for HCDI desalination devices.

These materials were optimised by selecting MnO₂@C and TiO₂@C systems for electrode synthesis. Methods such as hydrothermal synthesis, sol-gel processes, and ultrasonic carbon coating were applied to control the microstructure and optimise ion adsorption efficiency. A prototype HCDI device was constructed and operated in the laboratory.

Research Findings and Academic Contributions

A key outcome of the research is the development of the α-MnO₂/CNT electrode material, which achieved a salt adsorption capacity of approximately 40 mg/g, matching or exceeding recent published results. The team also successfully synthesised MnO₂@C and TiO₂@C materials, integrating them into desalination electrodes for HCDI devices.

The results have been published in several reputable international scientific journals, including one Q1 article in Desalination, two Q2 articles in the Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry and Adsorption, along with other publications both in Viet Nam and abroad. These achievements have reinforced the academic value of the project and enhanced the position of VNUHCM-University of Science in the fields of natural sciences, technology, and engineering.

In addition to academic contributions, the project contributed to training and developing young research personnel by supervising one master’s thesis and guiding five undergraduate students in their final-year theses based on the research direction.

Application Prospects and Future Development

The research opens up practical application prospects, particularly in areas affected by saltwater intrusion, coastal regions, and high-tech agriculture. The HCDI technology, using the newly developed electrode materials, offers advantages such as energy efficiency, cost reduction, environmental friendliness, and scalability.

This research forms an important basis for technology transfer and fosters collaboration between the university, businesses, and local communities in the fields of resources and the environment. It also provides a reference for water treatment programs in water-scarce regions or areas affected by climate change, contributing to the national strategy for water resource security and sustainable development.

VNUHCM-University of Science, under the strategic direction of VNUHCM, continues to strengthen research, innovation, and technology transfer capabilities for practical application.