Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025: Pioneers of Metalorganic Frameworks Recognized for Innovative Molecular Structures

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has announced the winners of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarding Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for their groundbreaking development of metalorganic frameworks (MOFs). This prestigious acknowledgment highlights their work in creating molecular structures characterized by vast spaces that facilitate the flow of gases and other chemical substances. The Academy emphasizes that these metalorganic structures have the potential to transform various environmental and industrial processes, such as extracting water from desert air, capturing carbon dioxide, storing toxic gases, and catalyzing chemical reactions. Described by the Nobel Prize committee as a new form of molecular architecture, the researchers crafted an innovative design where metal ions serve as pillars, connected by lengthy organic carbon molecules, which aggregate to form crystals housing large cavities. These porous materials, known as MOFs, are versatile. By altering their fundamental components, chemists can engineer them to capture and retain specific substances, thereby tailoring their properties for various applications. They can even facilitate chemical reactions or conduct electricity, presenting unprecedented opportunities for creating custom-made materials with unique functionalities. Heiner Linke, the chairman of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry Committee, expressed that the development of MOFs opens a new realm in chemistry with the potential to address pressing global challenges. The inception of this research can be traced back to 1989 when Richard Robson embarked on experiments exploring the properties of atoms in an unprecedented manner. By merging positively charged copper ions with a four-armed molecule from a chemical group attracted to those ions, Robson successfully formed a broad and orderly crystal reminiscent of a diamond filled with myriad cavities. Despite recognizing the potential of this construction, the initial molecular design was unstable. Susumu Kitagawa and Omar Yaghi later significantly advanced this line of research. Between 1992 and 2003, both scientists independently discovered novel aspects of MOFs. Kitagawa illustrated the ability of gases to permeate these structures and theorized their potential flexibility. Simultaneously, Yaghi developed a more stable MOF and introduced methods for rational design that allowed for the modification of the material, enhancing its properties for practical use. Their collective discoveries have paved the way for the development of thousands of various MOFs, some of which hold critical promise for applications such as removing PFAS contaminants from water, degrading environmental drug residues, capturing carbon emissions, and obtaining water from arid atmospheres. In addition to the Chemistry award, the Nobel Week shines a spotlight on intellectual and humanitarian excellence. This year’s announcement series began with the Medicine or Physiology prize, awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for their groundbreaking work identifying regulatory T cells, known as the guardians of the immune system. Following this, the Physics prize went to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their discoveries surrounding macroscopic quantum mechanical tunneling and energy quantization in electrical circuits. As the week unfolds, anticipation builds for the upcoming Literature and Peace prizes, set to be announced on October 9 and 10, respectively. These two categories are often the most eagerly awaited, drawing speculation and betting odds regarding potential winners. Concluding the celebrations will be the Economics prize, announced on October 13, which, unlike the other awards, was not established by Alfred Nobel but by the Bank of Sweden to commemorate its 300th anniversary. Each Nobel Prize is endowed with 11 million Swedish crowns, approximately 934,243 euros, in accordance with the guidelines set forth by Alfred Nobel in his will written in 1895, a year before his death. The awards will be presented in Stockholm, while the Peace prize ceremony takes place in Oslo, with the decision resting on Nobel’s choice due to Norway’s historical ties with Sweden. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2