Nobel Prize in Chemistry Recognizes Three Researchers for Innovative Work on MOF Structures
The prestigious award in Chemistry is given to three distinguished scientists for their foundational contributions on metal-organic frameworks.
Their studies could be applied to tackle some of the pressing global problems, including CO2 capture to fight environmental shifts or curbing plastic waste through advanced scientific methods.
“It’s a profound honor and pleasure, thank you,” remarked Prof. Kitagawa in a phone call to the press briefing following receiving the news.
“How much time must I spend here? I need to leave for a scheduled meeting,” the laureate continued.
The three recipients receive prize money amounting to 11 million Swedish kronor (about £872k).
Molecular Architecture on a Core of the Breakthrough
Their scientists' research involves how molecules are built in unison into elaborate frameworks. The Nobel committee described it as “molecular architecture”.
The experts devised methods to create frameworks with substantial voids between the units, allowing different compounds to flow within them.
These structures are called metal-organic materials.
The reveal was delivered by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences at a news conference in the Swedish capital.
Prof. Kitagawa is affiliated with Kyoto University in Japan, Richard Robson is at the Melbourne University in the Australian continent, and Omar Yaghi is at the UC in the United States.
Previous Award Recipients in Science Fields
During the prior award cycle, three other scientists were granted the honor for their work on biological molecules, which are fundamental building blocks of living organisms.
It is the 3rd science recognition presented this week. On Tuesday, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis received the Physics Nobel for their contributions on subatomic physics that facilitated the development of the quantum processor.
On Monday, 3 scientists investigations on how the body's defenses attacks hostile infections secured them the honor for medicine.
One winner, Dr Fred Ramsdell, did not receive the notification for 20 hours because he was on an remote outing.
