Nobel Prize in Chemistry Honors 3 Researchers for Innovative Work on MOF Structures
This year's Nobel Prize in the field of chemistry is given to three distinguished scientists for their seminal work on MOFs.
Their studies could be applied to address some of the pressing global issues, for instance capturing carbon dioxide to address climate change or reducing plastic pollution through innovative chemical processes.
“I feel tremendously honored and overjoyed, many thanks,” stated Professor Kitagawa via a telephone conversation with the press briefing after hearing the news.
“What’s the duration I need to remain? I have an appointment to attend,” the laureate added.
These 3 recipients are splitting award funds amounting to 11 million Swedish kronor (£872,000).
Structural Design at the Core of their Achievement
Their researchers' studies focuses on how molecules are built together into intricate networks. The selection panel referred to it as “molecular design”.
The scientists developed techniques to create assemblies with considerable gaps among the units, enabling different compounds to travel via them.
These compounds are known as metal-organic frameworks.
The declaration was presented by the Swedish scientific body in a press event in the Swedish capital.
Prof. Kitagawa is affiliated with Kyoto University in the Asian nation, Richard Robson is associated with the Melbourne University in the Australian continent, and Omar Yaghi is at the UC in the USA.
Previous Nobel Laureates in Science Categories
In the previous year, three other scientists were granted the prize for their work on proteins, which are fundamental elements of biological systems.
It is the third science prize presented in the current week. Earlier this week, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis won the physics award for their research on quantum theory that facilitated the creation of the quantum computing system.
At the start of the week, three experts' investigations on how the immune system attacks hostile infections won them the honor for medicine.
One winner, Fred Ramsdell, was unaware of the news for nearly a day because he was on an disconnected hiking trip.