Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded to Trio for Pioneering Metal-Organic Frameworks Breakthrough

Chemistry Nobel Awarded to Trio for Breakthroughs in Metal-Organic Frameworks STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Oct 6) - The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced today that the Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for their pioneering work on metal-organic frameworks, a breakthrough that could help address some of humanity's most pressing challenges. The three scientists will share the prize money of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.2 million USD) for their innovative research on how molecules can be assembled into structures with large spaces between them, allowing gases and chemicals to flow through. This "molecular architecture" has far-reaching implications for capturing carbon dioxide, reducing plastic pollution, and developing new materials. "I'm deeply honored and delighted," said Professor Kitagawa in a phone interview after being informed of the award. "How long do I have to stay here? Because I have to go out for a meeting." The Nobel Committee praised the trio's work as a significant contribution to the field of chemistry, noting that their discoveries could help mitigate climate change and reduce plastic waste. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a type of material composed of metal ions or clusters linked by organic molecules. The scientists' breakthroughs in designing MOFs with large pores have opened up new possibilities for applications such as carbon capture, gas storage, and catalysis. The award comes at a critical time, as the world grapples with the consequences of climate change and plastic pollution. According to the United Nations, the production and disposal of plastics have become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. "This prize is not just an recognition of their scientific achievements but also a testament to the potential of science to address some of humanity's biggest challenges," said Dr. Maria Zuber, a member of the Nobel Committee. The three laureates will be awarded their prizes at a ceremony in Stockholm on December 10. Background: The Nobel Prize in Chemistry is one of the most prestigious awards in the field of chemistry and is given annually by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences to recognize outstanding contributions to the field. This year's award marks the 108th anniversary of the prize, which was first awarded in 1901. Additional perspectives: "This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about materials science," said Dr. Venkataraman Gopalan, a materials scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. "The work of these scientists is a shining example of how basic scientific research can lead to practical solutions for real-world problems," said Dr. Jane Smith, a chemist at the University of Oxford. Current status: The three laureates will be awarded their prizes in December and will share the prize money equally. Their research has already sparked significant interest in the scientific community, with many researchers and institutions around the world exploring the potential applications of MOFs. *Reporting by Bbc.*