Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson & Omar Yaghi Win Chemistry Nobel 2025 for MOFs

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for their groundbreaking work in developing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These are advanced molecular structures with large cavities that can capture gases, store toxic chemicals, catalyze reactions, and even harvest water from desert air. Their discoveries have opened new possibilities in chemistry and environmental applications.

Nobel Laureates Winners In Chemistry 2025

Key Highlights of Winners

Susumu Kitagawa – Kyoto University, Japan

Research Contribution: Flexible and functional MOFs

• Born in 1951 in Kyoto, Japan.
• PhD from Kyoto University in 1979.
• Developed MOFs that allow gases to flow in and out.
• Predicted the flexibility of MOFs, enabling new chemical applications.

Richard Robson – University of Melbourne, Australia

Research Contribution: First spacious molecular constructions

• Born in 1937 in Glusburn, UK.
• PhD from University of Oxford in 1962.
• Created the first well-ordered MOF using copper ions and organic molecules.
• Demonstrated potential of molecular frameworks for chemical storage and separation.

Omar M. Yaghi – University of California, Berkeley, USA

Research Contribution: Stable and customizable MOFs

• Born in 1965 in Amman, Jordan.
• PhD from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1990.
• Developed very stable MOFs and introduced rational design for new properties.
• Enabled MOFs to be used for diverse applications like carbon capture and water harvesting.

What Are Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)?

MOFs are crystalline structures made by combining metal ions with organic molecules.

Key Features

• Porous with large cavities for gases and chemicals.
• Customizable for specific chemical reactions or storage.
• Can be applied to environmental cleanup, water harvesting, and gas storage.

Applications

• Capturing carbon dioxide to reduce climate impact.
• Filtering toxic chemicals from water.
• Catalyzing chemical reactions efficiently.
• Harvesting water in arid regions.

Importance of This Discovery

• MOFs provide unprecedented control over molecular architecture.
• Chemists can design custom materials for specific industrial and environmental needs.
• The research addresses global challenges like clean water, pollution, and sustainable chemistry.

Historical Background and Significance

• 1989: Richard Robson created the first spacious MOF crystal with copper ions.
• 1992–2003: Kitagawa and Yaghi made critical discoveries enhancing MOF stability and functionality.
• Today, tens of thousands of MOFs have been developed, promising solutions to environmental, industrial, and energy challenges.

Prize Details

• Amount: 11 million Swedish kronor, shared equally.
• Recognizes innovation in chemistry with real-world impact.