Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded for Pioneering Metal–Organic Frameworks

On October 8, 2025, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Susumu Kitagawa of Kyoto University, Japan; Richard Robson of the University of Melbourne, Australia; and Omar M. Yaghi of the University of California, Berkeley, USA, for their pioneering development of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs).

MOFs are crystalline materials composed of metal ions coordinated to organic ligands, forming porous structures with large internal surface areas. These frameworks can be tailored to capture and store specific substances, such as gases or liquids. Their applications include carbon dioxide capture, water harvesting from desert air, and storage of toxic gases.

The laureates' contributions span several decades. In 1989, Richard Robson created the first MOF by combining copper ions with organic molecules, resulting in a porous crystal. He recognized the potential of these structures but noted their instability, as they collapsed easily.

Susumu Kitagawa later developed flexible MOFs capable of adsorbing and releasing gases without structural collapse. In 1997, his research group created 3D MOFs intersected by open channels that could adsorb gases like methane, nitrogen, and oxygen reversibly.

Omar M. Yaghi expanded the field by designing stable MOFs with customizable pore sizes and chemical properties. In 1999, he presented MOF-5, an exceptionally spacious and stable molecular construction that could be heated to 300°C without collapsing. He demonstrated that MOFs could be modified to acquire new properties, leading to materials capable of storing large volumes of gases.

The development of MOFs has significant societal implications, particularly in addressing environmental challenges:

• Carbon Dioxide Capture: MOFs can be engineered to capture and store carbon dioxide, aiding in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Water Harvesting: Certain MOFs can extract water from desert air, providing a potential solution for water scarcity in arid regions.
• Environmental Cleanup: MOFs have applications in removing pollutants from water, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals."

Susumu Kitagawa expressed deep honor and delight upon receiving the award, highlighting the recognition of his longstanding research.

Richard Robson acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting his age and the effort required to manage the attention following the award.

Omar M. Yaghi described his astonishment at receiving the honor and emphasized the potential of MOFs in transforming the planet by addressing critical issues like water scarcity and carbon capture.

This recognition underscores the significant impact of MOFs in materials science and their potential in addressing environmental challenges. The award highlights the collaborative and cumulative nature of scientific discovery, spanning several decades and multiple continents.