Trio Wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry for Innovative Molecular Materials

Scientists Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work in developing advanced molecular architectures. Their research focuses on creating metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which have the potential to address critical global challenges such as climate change and water scarcity.

The announcement was made at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, where the award committee highlighted the unique properties of these materials. MOFs feature extensive porous structures that allow for efficient gas and chemical flow. They can be used for various applications, including water extraction from arid environments, carbon dioxide capture, and the storage of hazardous gases.

Innovative Applications of MOFs

The Nobel Committee described the materials as having “unheard of properties.” For example, a MOF with the volume of a small sugar cube can possess a surface area equivalent to that of a large football pitch. Olof Ramstrom, a member of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, likened the materials to Hermione Granger’s handbag from the Harry Potter series, capable of containing vast quantities of gas in a compact form.

In addition to their impressive storage capabilities, these materials show promise in separating toxic chemicals, such as PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” from water, and decomposing pharmaceutical residues in the environment. The Academy noted that numerous MOFs have been developed by chemists since the initial discoveries, potentially contributing to solutions for humanity’s most pressing issues.

Kitagawa, who is a professor at Kyoto University in Japan, expressed his gratitude during the Nobel press conference. He articulated his vision of harnessing renewable energy to separate air into useful materials, including carbon dioxide and water.

A Journey of Scientific Discovery

Omar Yaghi, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, shared his personal journey, emphasizing the transformative power of science. Born to Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Yaghi grew up in modest circumstances, which shaped his perspective on education. “Science is the greatest equalising force in the world,” he remarked, reflecting on how his early fascination with molecules ignited a lifelong passion for chemistry.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, along with a prize of 11 million Swedish crowns (approximately $1.2 million), to the three laureates. This prestigious accolade recognizes their pivotal contributions to the field of chemistry, continuing a tradition established in the will of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel over a century ago.

The Chemistry Prize is the third award announced this year, following the prizes for medicine and physics. The Nobel Prizes have been awarded since 1901, celebrating exceptional achievements in science, literature, and peace, with the economics prize added later. The chemistry awards have recognized significant milestones, including discoveries in nuclear fission and DNA sequencing techniques.

Last year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker, John Jumper, and Demis Hassabis for their contributions to understanding protein structures and advancing drug development.

As the world increasingly faces environmental challenges, the innovations presented by Kitagawa, Robson, and Yaghi are timely and vital. Their work with metal-organic frameworks opens new avenues for addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time, demonstrating the profound impact of chemistry on society.