Nobel Prize in Chemistry Celebrates 3 Scientists for Pioneering Studies on MOF Structures
This year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry goes to three distinguished scientists for their seminal work on metal-organic frameworks.
Their studies could be applied to address some of the pressing global issues, including trapping greenhouse gases to combat global warming or reducing plastic pollution through sophisticated chemical processes.
“I feel tremendously honored and overjoyed, many thanks,” said the Japanese scientist in a telephone conversation with the press briefing following learning the decision.
“How long do I have to stay here? Because I have to go out for a meeting,” the laureate continued.
These 3 laureates are splitting award funds of 11 mln SEK (equivalent to £872,000).
Structural Design on a Center of their Achievement
The scientists' research centers around how molecular units are structured together into elaborate frameworks. The Nobel committee termed it “structural molecular engineering”.
These experts devised approaches to build assemblies with large gaps among the units, enabling various substances to pass within them.
Such materials are referred to as metal-organic materials.
This declaration was presented by the Swedish scientific body at a media briefing in Stockholm.
Professor Kitagawa is based at the University of Kyoto in Japan, Prof. Robson works for the Melbourne University in the Australian continent, and Prof. Yaghi resides at the University of California in the USA.
Earlier Nobel Laureates in Scientific Fields
In the previous year, Demis Hassabis, John Jumper, and David Baker won the honor for their studies on biological molecules, which are critical elements of life.
This is the third scientific prize presented this week. On Tuesday, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis received the Nobel Prize in Physics for their contributions on quantum mechanics that paved the way for the development of the quantum processor.
At the start of the week, three experts' work on how the immune system combats hostile infections won them the award for medical science.
A single winner, Fred Ramsdell, was unaware of the announcement for 20 hours because he was on an remote hiking trip.
