Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 Goes To Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi For MOFs

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for their groundbreaking research on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These innovative materials, known for their porous crystalline structures, are reshaping approaches to chemistry and environmental sustainability.

MOFs are created by connecting metal ions with organic molecules, forming frameworks that can trap, store, and manipulate gases and other molecules. Their ability to handle substances at the molecular level makes them valuable for a range of applications, including capturing carbon dioxide, filtering water, and storing hydrogen fuel.

The concept of MOFs began with Richard Robson, who in 1989 first assembled copper ions with organic molecules to create spacious frameworks. While early versions lacked stability, his experiments laid the foundation for future developments in the field.

Building on this work, Susumu Kitagawa demonstrated that MOFs could flexibly absorb and release gases, highlighting their adaptability and functional potential. Later, Omar Yaghi developed the first stable MOFs and established design principles that allowed scientists to engineer these materials for specific tasks.

"Metal-organic frameworks offer enormous possibilities, opening doors to custom-made materials with entirely new functions," said Heiner Linke, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry.

Since then, thousands of MOFs have been synthesized and applied in diverse fields, including environmental protection, chemical reactions, and water harvesting in arid regions. The work of the laureates is credited with providing new tools for sustainable solutions to global challenges.