– Could you explain what metal@MOS core-shell nanoparticle photocatalysts are and how solar water splitting contributes to advancing clean and sustainable energy solutions?

Prof. Yeon-Tae Yu: Metal@MOS core-shell nanoparticles are composite nanoparticles in which a metal nanoparticle is located on the inner side and the shell layer is composed of metal oxide, i.e. MOS. Such composite nanoparticles can exhibit bifunctionality. Generally, the inner metal nanoparticles act as catalysts and the metal oxide layer exhibits semiconductor properties.

In particular, the metal nanoparticle core located inside is protected by the shell layer, so that the catalytic properties of the metal nanoparticle can be maintained for a long time. Additionally, the metal oxide shell can form a heterojunction with another metal oxide to create a powerful water-splitting catalyst. This is why metal@MOS core-shell nanoparticles are highly promising water-splitting catalysts.

The significance of this technology lies in its potential to produce hydrogen through water splitting using solar energy, which is a key step in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

– What specific advantages do these Metal@MOS nanoparticle photocatalysts offer compared to traditional photocatalytic materials used for water splitting?

Prof. Yu: One of the key advantages is that we can use precious metals like gold and silver as the core. These metals absorb visible light and transfer electrons to the metal oxide shell, triggering a stronger water-splitting reaction compared to conventional photocatalysts.

In addition, since the precious metal catalyst is located inside the metal oxide shell layer, there is no concern about the precious metal catalyst falling off from the metal oxide photocatalyst during the photocatalytic reaction, and therefore the metal@MOS core-shell nanoparticle photocatalyst has the advantage of superior durability than the photocatalyst in which the precious metal catalyst is loaded on the metal oxide surface.

The core-shell structure essentially addresses two key challenges in photocatalysis: enhancing reaction efficiency through precious metal catalysts while ensuring long-term stability by protecting these catalysts from degradation.

– How close are we to realizing large-scale or industrial implementation of these materials, and what are the primary challenges that still need to be addressed to make this technology accessible and affordable for both developed and developing countries?

Prof. Yu: This material remains in the research stage, so it has more academic significance than industrial applications. I think this material is a photocatalyst for water splitting with high potential for development in the future.

For industrial applications, it is necessary to first develop a metal@MOS-based material that can further increase photo hydrogen conversion efficiency, and the development of mass synthesis technology for this material is essential. Without addressing these two critical aspects – improved efficiency and scalable manufacturing – the transition from laboratory research to practical industrial application cannot be achieved effectively.

The challenge of accessibility for different economic contexts requires not only technical advancement but also cost-effective production methods that can make the technology viable across various markets and applications.

– Looking beyond the laboratory setting, what potential real-world applications do you envision for your metal@MOS photocatalyst technology in the near future, and where might we see integration of these systems?

Prof. Yu: This composite nanomaterial is a photocatalyst for producing hydrogen through water splitting. Therefore, this material can be applied to a photoelectrochemical hydrogen production system and ultimately to a hydrogen power plant.

The potential for integration spans from smaller-scale photoelectrochemical systems to large-scale hydrogen power generation facilities. The scalability of this technology means it could serve various applications depending on energy demands and infrastructure requirements, contributing to the broader development of hydrogen-based energy systems.

– As Vietnam and many countries set ambitious net-zero goals, what kind of cross-sector collaborations between academia, government, and industry do you believe are most critical to accelerate the adoption of green technologies such as nanoparticle photocatalysts for sustainable solar water splitting?

Prof. Yu: I believe that the development and application of green technology is the area where the government plays the most important role. This is because systematic investment of R&D funds is necessary for the development of photocatalytic materials for water splitting, mass production facilities, and commercialization of hydrogen production facilities using these materials.

Government involvement is crucial because the scale and complexity of developing green technologies require sustained, systematic investment that goes beyond what individual academic institutions or private companies can typically provide. The coordination of research and development funding, manufacturing infrastructure, and commercialization support requires government-level planning and resource allocation.

– In your opinion, what is the most important thing the global scientific community should be doing differently or more of when it comes to solving environmental and energy challenges?

Prof. Yu: The sun is an infinite energy resource. It is estimated that the Sun provides the Earth with energy equivalent to 8,000 times its annual energy consumption. I believe that the only way to solve the earth’s environmental and energy problems is to utilize solar energy.

This perspective emphasizes the fundamental importance of focusing research and development efforts on solar energy technologies. Given the enormous potential of solar energy – far exceeding current global energy needs – the scientific community should prioritize developing efficient methods to capture and convert this abundant resource into usable forms of energy.

Research into photocatalytic materials and solar-driven processes like water splitting represents a direct approach to harnessing this infinite energy source for practical applications in clean energy production.

– With InnovaConnect designed to facilitate cross-border scientific collaboration, could you share details about potential research partnerships and their impact on advancing sustainable technologies?

Prof. Yu: I am very grateful to the VinFuture Foundation for giving me this opportunity to interact with renowned experts and professors and researchers in the Department of Physics and Chemistry of University of Science and Education at the University of Da Nang through this program. I will continue to have academic exchanges with them in the future. I also plan to further develop student or researcher exchanges if possible.

As a researcher in the same field, it is very interesting to hear the latest research trends and research results from two prominent speakers based on hydrogen. In particular, since both ammonia and hydrogen are very important future energy resources, I expect to be able to understand the latest research trends on them at this event.

These collaborations are valuable because they connect researchers working on complementary aspects of clean energy technology, potentially leading to more comprehensive approaches to solving energy and environmental challenges.

– How important do you think initiatives like VinFuture are in promoting international collaboration and visibility for scientific work, and what makes VinFuture’s approach distinct on the global stage?

Prof. Yu: Introducing the research fields that are currently issues in the science and technology field to students and researchers in Vietnam will greatly contribute to the development of science and technology in Vietnam. It will also provide opportunities to activate international joint research. Therefore, I think the role of initiative organizations such as VinFuture is very important.

I did not know about the VinFuture Foundation and VinFuture Prize before this event. Through this opportunity, I realized that the InnovaConnect series has greatly contributed to the development of science and technology in Vietnam. I was also impressed by the VinFuture Foundation’s efforts to open this program to not only students and researchers who directly participated in the event, but also all researchers who are interested in the lecture topic.

This inclusive approach – making scientific knowledge accessible beyond direct participants – represents a meaningful contribution to global scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing. Such initiatives play a crucial role in connecting international research communities and facilitating the exchange of knowledge necessary for addressing global challenges like sustainable energy development.