2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to researchers advancing solutions for carbon capture and clean water.
Stockholm
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for their pioneering work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) — molecular structures capable of trapping gases, purifying water, and enabling technologies that could combat climate change.
The trio’s research, spanning decades, has transformed materials science and opened practical pathways for carbon capture, industrial gas separation, and atmospheric water extraction. Their innovations are particularly relevant as the world grapples with rising greenhouse gas emissions, water scarcity, and environmental pollution.
“These materials allow us to capture carbon dioxide from the air or industrial emissions efficiently,” said Professor Omar Yaghi, during a press briefing. “They can also extract clean water from extremely dry air, offering hope for regions facing severe water shortages.”
How MOFs Work
Metal-organic frameworks are crystalline compounds composed of metal ions connected by organic linkers, creating highly porous structures. This high surface area enables them to store or filter gases and liquids at efficiencies previously unattainable.
Applications include:
Carbon capture: MOFs can trap CO₂ from industrial emissions and power plants, reducing greenhouse gas impact.
Water harvesting: In arid regions, MOFs can extract water from ambient air, potentially supplying fresh water to millions.
Gas purification: Industrial gases like hydrogen or methane can be separated and purified for energy or chemical use.
“This is the kind of chemistry that moves from the lab to global solutions,” noted Dr. Helena Forsberg, a Swedish environmental chemist. “The potential societal impact is enormous.”
Global Relevance
The prize highlights how fundamental chemistry can contribute to tackling global challenges, including climate mitigation and sustainable development. MOF technology is being trialed in carbon capture plants in Europe and North America, as well as in pilot projects for providing potable water in drought-prone areas.
Economists and policymakers are watching closely, as innovations like these could influence climate policy, infrastructure investment, and technological diplomacy. The United Nations has identified clean water access and carbon reduction as critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and MOFs could accelerate progress in both areas.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the excitement, challenges remain: scaling production of MOFs, reducing costs, and ensuring environmental safety are essential before widespread deployment. Commercialization will require collaboration among governments, private sector innovators, and international organizations.
“The science is promising, but practical deployment is complex,” said Dr. Forsberg. “We need multi-sector partnerships to translate these discoveries into impact at scale.”
The Nobel Committee praised the laureates for “groundbreaking contributions that transform our understanding of chemistry and provide tools for addressing urgent global problems.”
