Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded for Groundbreaking Molecular Frameworks

On October 4, 2023, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to scientists Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for their pioneering work on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). This innovative molecular architecture is noted for its potential to address significant global challenges, including carbon capture and water extraction from arid climates.

Innovative Frameworks with Enormous Potential

The Nobel Committee highlighted the unique properties of MOFs, which can absorb and contain various gases within stable metal-organic structures. This ability has been likened to the enchanted handbag of Hermione Granger from the “Harry Potter” series, as described by Olof Ramström, a member of the committee. He explained that, much like the handbag, these frameworks are compact on the outside yet vast on the inside.

According to Heiner Linke, chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, MOFs present immense potential for the creation of customized materials with novel functionalities. The committee specifically noted their ability to separate harmful “forever chemicals,” such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), from water, an issue that has gained increasing attention due to the widespread contamination of air, water, and soil.

Research on these frameworks began in 1989 with Robson, who is now 88 years old and affiliated with the University of Melbourne. Kitagawa, aged 74, is associated with Kyoto University, while Yaghi, aged 60, is from the University of California, Berkeley. Their collaborative efforts across decades have resulted in this revolutionary advancement in chemistry.

Acknowledging Groundbreaking Achievements

Following the announcement of the award, Kitagawa expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m deeply honored and delighted that my long-standing research has been recognized.” This recognition comes as part of a broader series of Nobel announcements, with the Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their research in quantum tunneling.

The Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded earlier in the week to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi for their discoveries related to peripheral immune tolerance. Upcoming prizes include literature on October 5, 2023, and the Nobel Peace Prize on October 6, 2023. The Nobel Prize in Economics will be announced on October 9, 2023, with the award ceremony scheduled for December 10, 2023, the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, the founder of the prestigious awards.

These awards not only celebrate individual achievements in their respective fields but also underscore the ongoing importance of scientific innovation in tackling pressing global issues.