Chemistry Nobel Award Celebrates Three Scientists for Pioneering Research on MOF Structures
This year's Nobel Prize in the field of chemistry goes to three distinguished scientists for their seminal work on porous materials.
Their investigations may help solve numerous pressing worldwide issues, including capturing carbon dioxide to fight global warming or minimizing plastic pollution through innovative scientific methods.
“It’s a profound honor and pleasure, thank you,” said the Japanese scientist during a telephone conversation with the news conference subsequent to learning the announcement.
“How much time must I spend here? I need to leave for a scheduled meeting,” he continued.
The three recipients will share prize money of SEK 11 million (equivalent to £872,000).
Structural Design on a Center of their Discovery
Their scientists' studies centers around how chemical compounds are built together into elaborate networks. Award organizers described it as “structural molecular engineering”.
The experts developed approaches to build frameworks with large gaps between the units, enabling various substances to pass via them.
Such compounds are known as metal-organic frameworks.
The announcement was presented by the academic institution at a media briefing in Stockholm, Sweden.
Susumu Kitagawa is affiliated with the University of Kyoto in the Asian nation, Richard Robson is at the Melbourne University in Australia, and Prof. Yaghi resides at the California University in the US.
Earlier Nobel Recipients in Scientific Categories
Last year, Demis Hassabis, John Jumper, and David Baker were granted the award for their work on proteins, which are critical components of life.
It is the third scientific award given this week. On Tuesday, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis won the Physics Nobel for their work on quantum theory that enabled the advancement of the quantum computer.
Earlier, 3 researchers studies on how the immune system combats harmful microbes won them the honor for medical science.
One winner, Fred Ramsdell, was unaware of the notification for a full day because he was on an off-grid trek.
