Nobel Prize 2025: how scientists' molecular breakthrough could fight climate change

Three scientists — Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi — have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), molecular constructions that can trap, store, and release gases.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the winners on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.

These frameworks could become key to solving some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, including carbon capture, clean energy storage, and water harvesting in arid regions.

Transforming molecular structures into functional materials

Metal–organic frameworks are porous materials made by linking metal ions with organic molecules. The result is a crystalline structure with enormous internal surface area and flexibility.

These properties allow gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, or hydrogen to be absorbed and stored efficiently.

The technology has wide applications — from cleaning industrial emissions and storing toxic gases to producing clean fuels and capturing water from desert air.

The breakthrough came after decades of experimentation. In 1989, Richard Robson tested a new approach by combining copper ions with a four-armed molecule that was attracted to them.

Although his construction showed potential, it was unstable and collapsed easily. The challenge of creating a durable, usable material remained unsolved until Kitagawa and Yaghi advanced the research further.

Building stability and function into frameworks

Susumu Kitagawa’s experiments demonstrated that gases could flow in and out of these frameworks, proving that MOFs were porous and could even be made flexible.

Omar M. Yaghi later designed highly stable MOFs and showed that they could be customised for different purposes using rational design.

This meant scientists could tailor MOFs for specific applications such as carbon dioxide capture or water harvesting.

Their combined work laid the foundation for one of chemistry’s most versatile materials. Today, MOFs are used in clean energy research, catalysis, and gas separation technologies.

With climate change driving the search for greener solutions, these materials are now seen as vital tools for sustainable development.

Nobel week highlights innovation across sciences

The Nobel Prize announcements began earlier in the week.

On Monday, 6 October, the Physiology or Medicine Prize was shared by Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for identifying regulatory T cells — the immune system’s “security guards” that prevent it from attacking the body.

On Tuesday, 7 October, the Physics Prize went to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for their work on quantum tunnelling devices, which are essential for quantum computing research.

The Chemistry announcement followed on Wednesday, with literature, peace, and economic sciences prizes scheduled for 9, 10, and 13 October, respectively.

Each Nobel Prize includes a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor, and will be officially presented on 10 December.

Honouring Alfred Nobel’s vision for human progress

The Nobel Prizes were created in accordance with the will of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who directed that his estate should reward those who have “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.”

Since their inception in 1901, the awards have celebrated discoveries that transform scientific understanding and improve global welfare.

By awarding Kitagawa, Robson, and Yaghi, the Royal Swedish Academy has highlighted the potential of molecular engineering to reshape environmental science.

As the world looks to technologies that can combat pollution, generate clean energy, and conserve water, the 2025 Chemistry laureates’ work marks a significant step toward achieving a more sustainable future.