Why Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) Pioneers Won the 2025 Chemistry Nobel

Context:

• The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi.

• They were honoured for the development of Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) — a new class of highly porous crystalline materials that transformed approaches to gas storage, catalysis, pollution control, and clean energy.

• MOFs are now seen as a foundational breakthrough in materials chemistry with direct sustainability applications.

Key Highlights:

What are Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs)?

• MOFs are crystalline networks formed by:

  • Metal ions/clusters (nodes)

  • Linked by organic molecules (linkers)

• This creates regular, cage-like porous structures.

• Their internal surface area can reach thousands of square metres per gram, making them behave like molecular sponges.

Unique Properties of MOFs

• Extreme porosity → efficient trapping and separation of gases.

• Tunable pore size and chemistry → selectivity for specific molecules.

• Structural flexibility → ability to expand or contract with temperature and pressure.

• High surface area-to-mass ratio → unmatched efficiency in adsorption and catalysis.

Scientific Journey of the Laureates

• Richard Robson (1970s–80s):

  • First demonstrated that metal ions and organic linkers can self-assemble into ordered, lattice-like frameworks.

• Susumu Kitagawa (1990s):

  • Stabilised fragile MOF crystals using metals like cobalt and zinc.

  • Proved MOFs could reversibly adsorb and release gases, establishing functional utility.

• Omar Yaghi (1990s–2000s):

  • Introduced reproducibility, robustness, and design principles.

  • Developed durable MOFs such as MOF-5, capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures.

  • Enabled creation of entire families of MOFs with predictable, tunable properties.

Transformative Applications

• Carbon Capture:

  • CALF-20 efficiently captures CO₂ from industrial exhaust, already under industrial testing.

• Water Harvesting:

  • MOF-303 extracts potable water directly from dry air, useful for arid regions.

• Pollution Control:

  • MOFs like UiO-67 and ZIF-8 remove PFAS (persistent “forever chemicals”) and recover rare-earth elements from wastewater.

• Energy Storage:

  • MOFs such as NU-1501 store hydrogen and methane, aiding clean-fuel technologies.

• Healthcare:

  • Used in drug-delivery systems for controlled and targeted release.

Why This Discovery is Nobel-Worthy

• Created an entirely new materials platform, comparable to polymers or semiconductors.

• Bridged fundamental chemistry and real-world sustainability solutions.

• Enabled scalable technologies addressing climate change, water scarcity, and pollution.

• Demonstrated how structure–function design can revolutionise materials science.

Scientific Significance

• MOFs represent one of the highest surface-area materials ever created.

• They combine precision at the molecular level with macroscopic usability.

• Their modular nature ensures continued innovation across chemistry, physics, and engineering.

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology

  • Prelims:

    • Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs), adsorption, catalysis, surface area-to-mass ratio.

  • Mains:

    • Role of advanced materials in clean energy and climate mitigation.

    • Scientific innovations addressing environmental sustainability.

    • Translational research linking basic chemistry with industrial applications.