Nobel Prize in Chemistry Honors 3 Scientists for Pioneering Studies on Framework Materials
The prestigious award in the field of chemistry goes to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M Yaghi for their seminal research on MOFs.
Their studies could be applied to solve numerous major global challenges, for instance capturing carbon dioxide to combat global warming or reducing synthetic debris through innovative scientific methods.
âItâs a profound honor and pleasure, thank you,â remarked the Japanese scientist via a phone call to the media event after receiving the decision.
âHow much time must I spend here? I need to leave for a scheduled meeting,â Professor Kitagawa noted.
The three laureates are splitting award funds totaling 11 mln SEK (ÂŁ872,000).
Structural Design at the Core of the Achievement
Their researchers' studies centers around how chemical compounds are structured collectively into complex frameworks. The selection panel termed it âmolecular designâ.
The scientists developed techniques to build frameworks with considerable voids between the units, permitting various substances to flow through them.
Such compounds are called MOFs.
The reveal was delivered by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences during a news conference in Stockholm.
Professor Kitagawa is based at the University of Kyoto in the Asian nation, Prof. Robson is associated with the University of Melbourne in the Australian continent, and Prof. Yaghi is at the University of California in the US.
Previous Award Recipients in Science Categories
Last year, three other scientists received the award for their research on protein structures, which are essential building blocks of life.
It is the third science award presented this week. On Tuesday, three physicists earned the Physics Nobel for their contributions on quantum mechanics that facilitated the creation of the quantum computer.
Earlier, three scientists studies on how the body's defenses attacks pathogens secured them the award for physiology.
A single winner, Dr Fred Ramsdell, missed the news for nearly a day because he was on an remote trek.
