A trio of scientists named Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi has been awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work on a novel form of molecular architecture. Their innovative materials offer solutions to pressing global issues such as climate change and water scarcity.
These laureates focused on developing molecular structures with large cavities that can facilitate the flow of gases and chemicals. These materials have diverse applications, including extracting water from arid regions, capturing carbon dioxide, and storing hazardous gases.
The Nobel Committee highlighted the exceptional surface area of these materials, emphasizing that a small amount of the porous substance could hold as much surface area as a large football field, akin to the magical properties of Hermione’s handbag in the Harry Potter series.
Olof Ramstrom, a member of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, likened the material’s gas storage capabilities to a magical container, stating that it can store vast amounts of gas in a compact space.
Their collaborative achievements spanned several years, commencing with Robson’s work in 1989 and incorporating contributions from Kitagawa and Yaghi between 1992 and 2003.
Kitagawa, aged 74 and a professor at Kyoto University in Japan, expressed deep gratitude for the award during the Nobel media conference. He shared his aspiration to harness air by converting it into valuable resources like carbon dioxide, oxygen, or water using renewable energy sources.
One promising application of their research is in carbon capture within cement production, a sector notorious for its significant carbon dioxide emissions. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived from their work are already employed in some cement plants to trap carbon emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.
Following their discoveries, chemists have developed numerous MOFs with diverse properties that could potentially address critical global challenges. These materials can aid in separating harmful PFAS substances from water, detoxifying pharmaceutical residues in the environment, and more, as stated by the academy.
Science as an Equalizing Force, as Stated by the Laureate
Yaghi, aged 60 and born to Palestinian refugees in Jordan, reflected on his humble beginnings and the transformative power of science. In an interview published on the Nobel website, he underscored the role of science in leveling the playing field for individuals worldwide.
Currently a professor at the University of California-Berkeley, Yaghi expressed astonishment and joy upon receiving the esteemed award. His lifelong passion for chemistry began at the age of 10 when he stumbled upon a book on molecules in a library.
Robson, now 88, originally from Britain but residing in Australia, received the prestigious call from Stockholm at his home in Victoria shortly before the official announcement.
Recalling the moment, Robson mentioned that he was preparing dinner with his wife, and despite his recent abstinence from alcohol for health reasons, he celebrated with a glass of inexpensive wine.
The Nobel Prizes, awarded for exceptional achievements in physics, chemistry, literature, and peace, carry a monetary prize of 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.6 million Cdn). The literature prize will be announced on Thursday, followed by the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, and the economics prize on October 13.
The laureates will receive their awards during a ceremony on December 10, coinciding with the anniversary of the death of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel.
