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Three Scientists Awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry for Groundbreaking Molecular Architecture
Three scientists hailing from Australia, Japan, and the United States have been jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their pioneering advancements in molecular architecture. The Nobel Foundation announced Wednesday that their work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has opened new avenues in material science.
The prestigious award, along with a prize of $1.17 million to be shared equally, was bestowed upon Susumu Kitagawa of Japan’s Kyoto University; Richard Robson, a British scientist affiliated with the University of Melbourne in Australia; and Omar M. Yaghi, a Jordanian native working at the University of California, Berkeley.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences recognized the trio for developing a novel form of molecular architecture. These structures feature intricate spaces designed to allow gases and various chemicals to pass through them.
Known as metal-organic frameworks, these innovative constructions demonstrate significant utility in capturing and storing specific substances. Practical applications include extracting water from arid desert air or sequestering carbon dioxide. Furthermore, these structures have shown potential to serve as catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions.
Heiner Linke, chairman of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, highlighted the profound impact of this research, stating, “Metal-organic frameworks have enormous potential, bringing previously unforeseen opportunities for custom-made materials with new functions.”
Following the groundbreaking discoveries by Kitagawa, Robson, and Yaghi, scientists worldwide have been able to create tens of thousands of additional metal-organic frameworks. These subsequent developments have been applied to various critical environmental challenges, including the removal of “forever chemicals” (PFAS) from water sources and the degradation of trace pharmaceuticals found in the environment.