Nobel Committee Honors Trio for Pioneering Metal-Organic Frameworks Breakthrough

Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded to Pioneers of Metal-Organic Frameworks STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded on October 8 to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for their groundbreaking work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), materials that can store and release gases such as carbon dioxide. According to Heiner Linke, chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, "These materials are like a magic bag, where you can put in gas and take it out again. A small amount of MOF material can store huge amounts of gas in a tiny volume." Linke likened the potential of MOFs to Hermione's handbag from the Harry Potter series, which could store an impressive array of items. The development of MOFs began in the late 1980s when Richard Robson at the University of Melbourne in Australia was inspired by the ordered structure of diamonds. Robson realized that it might be possible to use metal ions as nodes and link them together with carbon-based molecules, creating a new class of materials. Since then, tens of thousands of different MOFs have been created. MOFs have numerous potential applications, from capturing CO2 in chimneys to cleaning up forever chemicals and harvesting water from the air. Their unique properties make them an attractive solution for addressing some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. The Nobel laureates' work has far-reaching implications for global sustainability efforts. "This award recognizes not only their individual contributions but also the potential of MOFs to transform industries and improve lives worldwide," said a spokesperson for the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which awards the Nobel Prizes. As the world grapples with climate change, energy efficiency, and resource scarcity, MOFs offer a promising solution. The development of these materials has sparked international collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore their potential applications. The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry is a testament to the power of scientific innovation and its ability to address global challenges. As Linke noted, "This award is not just a recognition of individual achievement but also a reminder that science has the potential to change the world." In the coming years, researchers and industry leaders will continue to explore the vast potential of MOFs. With their unique properties and versatility, these materials are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of sustainable development. The Nobel Prize ceremony is scheduled for December 10 in Stockholm, Sweden. *Reporting by Newscientist.*