Dr. Truong Hai Bang, a researcher at the Science and Technology Advanced Institute at Van Lang University, is among the 10 young scientists honored with the 2024 Golden Globe Science and Technology Award. His notable contributions to the field of environmental technology include in-depth research into the complex degradation mechanisms of organic compounds in water. 

Throughout his academic and research career, Dr. Truong Hai Bang (born in 1990) has published 58 scientific papers in international journals and 8 papers in national journals. He holds one patent in South Korea and one utility solution in Vietnam, both in the field of environmental science. The young scientist was also awarded a postdoctoral research scholarship by the VinIF fund in 2023. Dr. Truong Hai Bang is currently working at the Science and Technology Advanced Institute at Van Lang University. 

Dedicated to water resources 

Dr. Truong Hai Bang's research focuses primarily on the in-depth analysis of catalytic mechanisms and the properties of materials that influence the degradation mechanisms of organic compounds in water.

He is one of the few scientists to publish in-depth studies on the nature and effectiveness of photocatalytic activation in the visible light range to treat total organic matter (natural organic matter). This is a complex mixture of hundreds of thousands of different organic substances found in nature, which are much harder to decompose compared to a specific organic compound. His work has been published in leading, reputable journals in the field, such as the Chemical Engineering Journal, Chemosphere, Journal of Cleaner Production, and Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 

At the same time, Dr. Truong Hai Bang is the lead author of a series of four significant research papers published in the prestigious Chemical Engineering Journal. These studies focus on the synthesis and application of multi-component photocatalytic composite materials active in the visible light range, effectively treating water polluted by various organic compounds.

In these studies, the material properties, catalytic mechanisms, and pollutant degradation mechanisms are analyzed in-depth. The catalytic system demonstrates a range of advantages, such as excellent applicability in surface water treatment, effective light absorption, and the generation of charged particles that degrade organic pollutants. The system also has high durability, multiple reusability, and can be quickly recovered through magnetism or its ability to float on the water's surface.

Overall, this is a powerful and sustainable solution with the ability to treat a wide range of organic pollutants, pathogens, and even some metals in water. It aligns with the goals of green chemistry and environmental protection, and has the potential to become an essential component of water treatment technologies in the present and future.

These catalytic systems can make use of sunlight, offering an energy-efficient alternative to traditional chemical treatment methods that require large amounts of electricity or harmful chemicals, thus helping to reduce the overall carbon emissions of water treatment facilities.

Additionally, the composite photocatalytic systems are being implemented for water treatment in decentralized systems, making them accessible to both urban and remote areas, especially in regions facing water scarcity.

Apart from studies on photocatalysis, other research has focused on materials with relatively high practical applications in environmental treatment, which have been implemented on a large scale. A notable example is the adsorbent material published in Chemosphere, activated from fly ash and biochar, which was pelletized and packed into a pilot-scale adsorption column. This material demonstrated continuous adsorption efficiency in the treatment of surface water containing total organic matter.

He is also leading a project that utilizes water hyacinth biomass, which is clogging canals in Ho Chi Minh City, to produce activated biochar. This biochar will be used in adsorption applications for treating water contaminated with antibiotic residues discharged from hospitals.

"I am truly happy and honored to receive the 2024 Golden Globe Science and Technology Award. This prestigious award is a recognition from the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and a panel of renowned scientists for my efforts, perseverance in overcoming challenges, and dedication over the past 12 years working in the field of scientific research.
The award is also a motivation for me to continue researching new technologies, materials, and methods for effective, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient environmental applications, contributing in a small way to our nation's journey towards a greener, cleaner, more sustainable, and safer environment," shared Dr. Truong Hai Bang.

A strong desire to contribute 

To achieve success on his research path, Dr. Truong Hai Bang has had a deep passion for environmental technology ever since he was still a child. This passion stems from his love for nature and the environment, as well as his upbringing in a family that emphasized the importance of being a tidy and organized person.
In contrast to the movies I used to watch as a child, the roads I walked to school were scattered with untreated trash, polluted air, dust, and a lack of green spaces... This motivated me to pursue a career in environmental technology research, to find methods for addressing environmental pollution, aiming for ecological balance, and understanding the processes of natural phenomena,' shared Dr. Truong Hai Bang

However, during the university admission period, despite being accepted into the Environmental Technology major at the University of Science, VNUHCM, “by some twist of fate”, he chose to study Petrochemical Technology at the University of Danang - University of Science and Technology.
After graduating in 2012, he joined the Nha Trang Institute of Applied Technology, participating in research projects in the field of natural compound chemistry. He also completed his Master's degree in Chemical Technology at Ton Duc Thang University.

Although he spent nearly 10 years working in a different field, his passion for contributing to the Environmental Technology field never wavered. The turning point came at the end of 2017 when he received a full scholarship for a PhD in Environmental Technology at Sejong University, South Korea, after a long time searching for a scholarship in this field.
“It took me more than 10 years to return to the field I love. I dedicated all my effort and focus to learning specialized knowledge, gradually training and enhancing my research skills, conducting projects, and publishing scientific papers,' said Dr. Truong Hai Bang.
In 2022, Dr. Truong Hai Bang returned to Vietnam and began working at the Science and Technology Advanced Institute, Van Lang University. Looking back at this choice, he shared, “I feel that the mission of the university aligns perfectly with my personal development goals. I want to inspire society, build a rich and strong academic community, and foster an eagerness for knowledge that drives innovation and creative breakthroughs.”
 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Thanh Phong, Director of the Science and Technology Advanced Institute at Van Lang University, shared that Dr. Truong Hai Bang is a talented researcher with a strong passion for his profession. He has always proactively collaborated with colleagues both domestically and internationally. In addition, he actively mentors students in scientific research and participates in community activities. Dr. Bang is a young talent with promises for even greater success in the future.

"Dr. Bang receiving the Golden Globe Award is an important milestone that not only marks his personal growth but also the growth of the entire research team at the Institute. I believe this award will inspire the researchers in our Institute to produce many more outstanding studies in the near future," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thanh Phong.

Research needs to be innovative and in-depth 

In the early years of studying and researching in a brand new field to him, Dr. Truong Hai Bang faced many challenges due to limited research conditions and lack of experience in environmental science. During his first year of research at the DOM lab, Sejong University, he spent over seven months conducting experiments incorrectly. It wasn't until he sent the samples for analysis that he realized the entire batch of water had been treated incorrectly and was no longer usable. "It was during a cold winter, and I vividly remember making my way back through the snow at around 3 in the morning, tears falling from my eyes because of the disappointment," he recalled.

Learning from this experience, the young scientist emphasized the importance of having a solid understanding of theory and experimental skills. He believes researchers must consult relevant materials and seek advice from more experienced colleagues to ensure accurate research, avoiding wasting time and effort in the process.

Additionally, students and researchers need to nurture a strong passion for learning and critical thinking skills. A passion for learning drives researchers to continuously deepen their knowledge, stay updated on research trends, actively read journals, attend conferences, and listen to the perspectives and opinions of experts, scientists, and students.
Meanwhile, developing critical thinking skills helps scientists think systematically, make accurate and rational decisions, and analyze information, verify, and evaluate data objectively.

Right from their undergraduate studies, students can start conducting research with the guidance of their professors. This helps them refine their scientific research knowledge and skills, as well as develop humility, a passion for learning, and openness to diverse perspectives.
“Scientists also need to be meticulous and careful when conducting experiments to ensure consistency in research results. They should also spend time choosing a narrow, specialized research direction and focus on studies that shed light on new or unresolved issues. Doing so will make their work significant in contributing to science and help young researchers become experts in their field”, Dr. Truong Hai Bang emphasized.

According to Khoa hoc Pho Thong Journal