The Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology under the Patronage of His Majesty the King, in collaboration with the Thailand Management Association (TMA), organized the Outstanding Technologist Awards & TechInno Forum 2026. At the event, Dr. Bunyarat Rungtaweevoranit, a researcher in the Catalysis Research Team (CAT), Nano Catalysis, Adsorption and Computational Research Group (NCAS), National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), received the 2026 Young Technologist Award for the research work entitled “Integrated Porous Metal-Organic Frameworks Technology for CO₂ and Water Vapor Capture.” Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong and Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, Executive Director of NANOTEC, joined in congratulating the award recipient. The event was held on October 20, 2026, at C asean Ratchada, Bangkok.
The research focuses on the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of highly porous materials whose structures and properties can be precisely tuned to selectively adsorb target molecules. Dr. Bunyarat and the team have built on their expertise in MOF design and synthesis to develop materials for carbon dioxide capture and water vapor removal, with the aim of advancing their practical applications across various industries.
In addition to material development, the research team has developed MOF production processes and shaping techniques suitable for practical applications. These include extrusion, a low-cost shaping technique, for converting MOF powders into mechanically and chemically robust extrudates, and MOF-based inks that enable coating on a wide range of surfaces. Both techniques have been demonstrated at production scales of tens of kilograms per day, supporting the transition from laboratory-scale development toward industrial applications.
From an industrial and environmental perspective, MOF-based materials for carbon dioxide capture offer promising opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes. The development of scalable production and shaping techniques, together with prototype development and testing under actual industrial flue gas conditions, provides a practical pathway for translating advanced materials research into industrial applications. These efforts also contribute to the transition toward a low-carbon society and support Thailand’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The research team is currently developing a prototype technology to capture carbon dioxide from actual industrial flue gas, with plans to conduct testing in collaboration with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in 2027. This initiative aims to advance advanced materials research from the laboratory toward practical industrial applications and support future greenhouse gas management efforts.
