The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Richard Robson, Susumu Kitagawa, and Omar Yaghi for their work on Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs).

About MOF

• Structure: MOFs are three-dimensional (3D) crystalline structures in which metal ions serve as nodes and organic molecules as connectors. 
• Characteristics: 
  • Ultra High Porosity: MOFs form crystalline structures with a vast amount of empty space, creating numerous holes or pores.
    • This high porosity allows them to absorb liquid and gas.
  • High Surface Area: Due to the millions of small pores, the internal surface area of MOFs is exceptionally high. 
    • This provides ample space for gas or liquid molecules to stick

Key Contributions In the Evolution of MOF

• Richard Robson- Foundation of MOF Design (1980s): The concept of MOFs dates back to the 1980s when Richard Robson of the University of Melbourne established that molecular structures could be purposefully designed using coordination between metal ions and organic molecules.
  • Creation of Porous Structures: His experiment led to the formation of a diamond-like crystal filled with internal cavities, laying the foundation for future MOF research.
  • Limitation: Robson’s structure was highly unstable, easily collapsing when subjected to water or heat. 
    • He established the foundation, which he called the Metal Organic Coordination Network.
• Susumu Kitagawa – Development of Functional Frameworks (1997–1998):
  • Construction of 3D MOFs: In Japan, Susumu Kitagawa built three-dimensional frameworks using cobalt, nickel, or zinc ions connected by bipyridine molecules.
  • Gas Storage and Release: These frameworks remained stable even after being drained of water, allowing gases to be stored and released through their atomic gaps.
  • Concept of “Breathing” Solids: In 1998, Kitagawa proposed that MOFs could be made of soft solids capable of “breathing” as molecules moved in and out of their structure.
• Omar Yaghi (Jordan): Predictability and Industrial Reality:
• • Yaghi sought to make MOF production predictable.
  • He introduced the concept of Reticular Chemistry, where atomic and molecular units are intentionally designed and assembled like a building architect designs a structure.
  • He used precise ratios of metals (like Zinc, Copper, Cobalt) and organic linkers (e.g., Benzene dicarboxylate) to build perfect 3D crystalline structures.
  • Yaghi’s team created a MOF in 1995 that was so stable it remained intact even when heated up to 350°C.
  • This innovation shifted MOFs from mere curiosity to an industrial reality.

Real-World Applications of MOFs

• Water Harvesting: MOFs can be designed to attract and absorb water molecules from humid air at night, releasing the water when heated by the sun during the day, thereby enabling water collection even in arid regions.
• Food Preservation: Special MOF containers can absorb Ethylene gas, which is released by ripening fruit and causes fruits to spoil quickly, thereby extending food freshness.
• Pollution Control (Clean Water): MOFs can be designed as “super sponges” to absorb harmful chemicals and pollutants dissolved in water.
• Climate Change Mitigation: MOFs can be designed to filter factory smoke, selectively capturing and trapping Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) while allowing other gases to pass through.
  • Example: A MOF called CALF-20 can efficiently capture carbon dioxide from factory exhaust and is already being tested in industrial plants.

Challenges of MOFs

• Durability in Real Conditions: There is a need to continuously improve the durability of MOFs so that they can withstand real-world environments such as humidity and temperature fluctuations.
• Economic Scalability: Large-scale and cost-effective production of MOFs remains a major scientific and industrial challenge.
• Integration into Devices: The use of MOFs in batteries and catalytic filters demands engineering precision comparable to their intricate chemical design.

Conclusion

Through their pioneering contributions, the laureates created not just room for molecules, but for imagination itself, reshaping the future of sustainable material science.

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