The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Richard Robson (Australia), Susumu Kitagawa (Japan), and Omar Yaghi (Jordan/USA) for their pioneering work in developing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)—a class of porous material with novel applications in chemistry and materials science.

The three scientists will share the prize of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately1 crore) equally.

Richard Robson: Laying the Foundations Richard Robson from Melbourne University first envisioned MOFs in the mid-1970s after witnessing a model of chemical bonding made from wooden blocks created by a student.

• He was able to couple positively charged copper ions with a four-armed organic molecule forming a diamond-like crystal structure that had internal voids. Although the initial frameworks were unstable, Robson’s work provided the theoretical underpinnings for the field of MOFs.

 What are Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)/

They are highly porous, crystalline materials made of metal ions linked by organic molecules, forming a vast, three-dimensional network with large surface areas.
Key Characteristics of MOFs:
Porous Structure: They feature a network of interconnected nanopores and channels that contribute to their high surface area.
Modular Design: MOFs are synthesized by combining metal ions or clusters (nodes) with organic molecules (linkers), allowing for fine-tuning of their structure and function.
High Surface Area: Their vast internal spaces make them excellent materials for adsorbing and storing gases.
Tunable Properties: The choice of metal and organic linker influences the MOF’s chemical and physical properties, enabling them to be tailored for specific applications.

Applications:
Gas Storage: Storing hydrogen for fuel and capturing carbon dioxide from industrial emissions.
Catalysis: Acting as catalysts in chemical reactions due to their multiple active sites.
Purification and Separation: Filtering water to remove pollutants and separating gases.
Sensing: Developing sensors for detecting bacteria, heavy metals, and toxins.
Drug Delivery: Using their porous structure to deliver drugs within the body