Three scientists received the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, for developing advanced molecular structures known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The award was presented to Susumu Kitagawa of Kyoto University in Japan, Richard Robson of the University of Melbourne in Australia, and Omar M. Yaghi of the University of California, Berkeley, in the United States. Their pioneering research began in the 1980s and transformed the field of chemistry by creating porous materials capable of storing vast quantities of gas or liquid. The Nobel Committee stated that these discoveries could help address global challenges such as air pollution and water scarcity. According to reports, the structures can trap molecules like carbon dioxide or water, offering potential solutions for climate change and clean water production. Experts emphasized that the development represents a significant scientific milestone in sustainable technology and environmental preservation.

The scientists designed frameworks composed of metal atoms connected by organic linkers, forming a structure with numerous microscopic cavities. These spaces can hold or release substances depending on size and composition, making the materials useful for carbon capture, gas storage, and even medical applications such as targeted drug delivery. Chemists have noted that a few grams of these frameworks may contain a surface area as large as a soccer field, making them remarkably efficient. However, specialists also cautioned that large-scale use remains difficult because the structures often require low temperatures and high pressures to operate effectively. Despite these limitations, researchers described the invention as transformative and predicted that further advancements could lead to cleaner energy systems and sustainable industrial practices.