Nobel Prize in Chemistry Honors 3 Researchers for Groundbreaking Studies on Metal-Organic Frameworks
This year's prestigious award in Chemistry is given to three distinguished scientists for their seminal research on metal-organic frameworks.
The scientists' investigations has potential to address some of the significant worldwide issues, such as capturing carbon dioxide to combat environmental shifts or reducing plastic waste through innovative chemistry.
“I'm deeply honoured and delighted, thank you very much,” said Prof. Kitagawa via a telephone conversation to the press briefing following receiving the news.
“What’s the duration I need to remain? I have an appointment to attend,” he added.
These three laureates receive award funds totaling SEK 11 million (£872,000).
Molecular Architecture on a Heart of their Discovery
The researchers' studies centers around how molecular units can be assembled in unison into intricate frameworks. Award organizers described it as “molecular architecture”.
The scientists developed approaches to create assemblies with large spaces among the molecules, enabling gases and other chemicals to travel via them.
Such materials are known as MOFs.
This reveal was made by the Swedish scientific body during a press event in the Swedish capital.
Prof. Kitagawa is based at the University of Kyoto in the Asian nation, Professor Richard Robson works for the Melbourne University in the Australian continent, and Prof. Yaghi resides at the University of California in the US.
Earlier Nobel Recipients in Science Fields
During the prior award cycle, three other scientists won the prize for their research on protein structures, which are critical components of biological systems.
It is the third scientific prize given this week. Previously, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis won the Nobel Prize in Physics for their contributions on quantum mechanics that enabled the creation of the quantum processor.
At the start of the week, three scientists work on how the immune system targets harmful microbes won them the award for medical science.
A single recipient, Dr. Ramsdell, did not receive the news for 20 hours because he was on an off-grid hiking trip.
