On February 17, 2025, the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) officially launched its first International Research Project (IRP) in collaboration with Institute of Materials Science (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) and two leading laboratories in France: the Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Metals (LCBM UMR 5249 CNRS/CEA/Université Grenoble Alpes) and the Coordination Chemistry Laboratory (LCC UPR8241 CNRS/Université de Toulouse).
During a recent working visit to France, Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest, Rector of USTH, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Dinh Phong, Vice-Rector, met with Prof. Vincent Artero, Director of the Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Metals, to officially kick off the project. This research aims to optimize hybrid systems for hydrogen production through photo-electrolysis of water, utilizing molecular engineering and nanostructuring techniques. The project, a scientific collaboration between Vietnam and France, is funded by the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS).
The USTH delegation at the meeting in France
Bringing together 26 researchers from both countries, the project focuses on solar hydrogen production – a strategically significant area for Vietnam in its pursuit of sustainable and clean energy solutions, supporting a green economic transition.
The project aims to develop a robust and efficient photo-electrochemical cell capable of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using solar energy. Green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis, is considered a key driver of the global energy transition. As part of this IRP, the research team has set several critical technical objectives:
- Designing new catalysts for hydrogen and oxygen production, utilizing naturally abundant materials such as molybdenum sulfide, iron oxide, and nickel oxide.
- Developing advanced semiconductor materials, such as BiVO4, to enhance solar light absorption efficiency.
- Assembling hybrid photo-electrodes, integrating semiconductors and catalysts to optimize photo-induced hydrogen and oxygen production reactions.
The project is expected to develop a sustainable photo-electrochemical cell, composed entirely of earth-abundant elements, that can efficiently generate hydrogen from water using solar energy. Key scientific challenges to be addressed include:
- Enhancing catalytic activity and improving the stability of catalysts and semiconductor materials.
- Evaluating the impact of operational conditions (such as pH levels, light intensity, and system configuration) on the performance and longevity of photo-electrochemical systems.
This initiative is anticipated to bring groundbreaking advancements in sustainable hydrogen production technology, significantly contributing to the global clean energy transition.
The official launch of this international research project is the result of close collaboration between leading scientists and experts from Vietnam and France. Notably, it reflects the significant contributions of Prof. Vincent Artero and his research team, Prof. Dominique Baillargeat, CNRS Regional Delegate for ASEAN, and Mr. Luc le Calvez, Chief Representative of the French Research Institute for Development (IRD) in Cambodia.
This project marks an important milestone in bilateral research cooperation and further solidifies USTH’s position as a leading institution in scientific research and innovation. It reinforces the university’s commitment to high-quality education, cutting-edge research, and its role in driving sustainable development in Vietnam and beyond.
