Chemistry Nobel Award Recognizes 3 Scientists for Innovative Studies on Framework Materials
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to three distinguished scientists for their influential work on porous materials.
Their studies could be applied to address some of the major planetary problems, including capturing carbon dioxide to address environmental shifts or curbing synthetic debris through sophisticated chemistry.
“I feel tremendously honored and overjoyed, many thanks,” said Professor Kitagawa via a telephone conversation with the news conference following hearing the decision.
“What’s the duration I need to remain? I have an appointment to attend,” the laureate noted.
The three recipients are splitting monetary reward amounting to 11 mln SEK (£872,000).
Molecular Architecture at the Center of their Discovery
Their researchers' studies centers around how molecular units are structured collectively into elaborate structures. The Nobel committee referred to it as “molecular architecture”.
The professors developed techniques to construct frameworks with considerable gaps between the units, enabling various substances to pass through them.
Such structures are referred to as metal-organic frameworks.
The announcement was delivered by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in a news conference in Stockholm, Sweden.
Susumu Kitagawa works at the University of Kyoto in the Asian nation, Richard Robson is at the Melbourne University in the Australian continent, and Omar Yaghi is connected to the UC in the USA.
Earlier Award Recipients in Science Fields
Last year, three other scientists won the honor for their research on protein structures, which are essential components of biological systems.
It is the 3rd scientific recognition awarded in the current week. Earlier this week, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis won the Physics Nobel for their contributions on quantum theory that paved the way for the advancement of the quantum computer.
At the start of the week, three scientists investigations on how the immune system attacks hostile infections won them the prize for physiology.
One laureate, Dr Fred Ramsdell, was unaware of the news for nearly a day because he was on an off-grid outing.
