Stockholm, Oct 8 (whatzbuzzing.com/): The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded jointly to Susumu Kitagawa (Kyoto University, Japan), Richard Robson (University of Melbourne, Australia), and Omar M. Yaghi (University of California, Berkeley, USA) for pioneering the discovery and development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) — ultraporous materials that can capture carbon, purify water, and even harvest moisture from desert air.
Why They Won
The Royal Swedish Academy recognized the trio “for the development of metal-organic frameworks” — crystalline networks built from metal ions and organic linkers. These frameworks boast record internal surface areas and tunable pores, enabling precise capture and storage of selected molecules.
- Carbon capture: Trap CO2 from industrial emissions.
- Water purification: Remove pollutants such as PFAS.
- Clean energy: Store hydrogen or methane safely.
- Water-from-air devices: Pull drinkable water from arid air.
The Science in Simple Words
Think of MOFs as molecular sponges. By swapping metals or organic linkers, chemists “program” pores to target specific gases or contaminants. Richard Robson mapped early porous frameworks in 1989; Susumu Kitagawa proved they can be flexible and breathable; Omar Yaghi popularized modular design, leading to tens of thousands of MOF variants used worldwide.
About the Laureates
| Name | Country | Affiliation | Key Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Susumu Kitagawa | Japan | Kyoto University | Flexible, breathing MOFs |
| Richard Robson | Australia | University of Melbourne | First metal-linked porous frameworks |
| Omar M. Yaghi | USA / Jordan | UC Berkeley | Modular MOF design; water-harvesting MOFs |
Why It Matters
From climate solutions to clean water and safer energy storage, MOFs show how atomic-scale engineering can solve planetary-scale challenges.