On 8 October 2025, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Professors Susumu Kitagawa (Kyoto University, Japan), Richard Robson (University of Melbourne, Australia), and Omar M. Yaghi (University of California, Berkeley, USA) for their pioneering work in developing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).
MOFs are crystalline materials composed of metal ions or clusters and organic linkers, forming complex and highly porous structures with enormous surface areas. These unique architectures have revolutionized chemistry by enabling applications such as carbon capture, water harvesting, and gas storage. Their tunable properties make MOFs particularly promising for hydrogen storage, a critical challenge in advancing clean energy technology. As Heiner Linke, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, noted, MOFs offer “previously unforeseen opportunities for custom-made materials with new functions.” [Press release, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025]
This recognition honors not only three visionary scientists but also the vivid global research community their discoveries have inspired – a dynamic field constantly evolving in remarkable ways. For MOST-H2, this achievement holds special significance: this year’s laureate, Prof. Susumu Kitagawa is a member of our International Cooperation Board, providing invaluable guidance as we work toward efficient and scalable hydrogen storage solutions.
Professor Kitagawa’s pioneering research demonstrated that MOFs can be both stable and flexible, capable of adsorbing and releasing gases without structural collapse. His vision laid the foundation for modern MOF design, which is pivotal for the development of advanced hydrogen storage materials in MOST-H2.
At MOST-H2, MOFs are central to our mission. Our project focuses on the design, synthesis, and scale-up of ultra-porous MOFs optimized for efficient, safe, and sustainable cryo-adsorptive hydrogen storage. By integrating advanced molecular simulation, artificial intelligence, and novel synthesis technologies, MOST-H2 aims to deliver cost-effective MOF-based hydrogen storage solutions that surpass current performance targets, supporting a safer and greener hydrogen economy across Europe.
The recent EuroMOF2025 conference, where Professor Kitagawa shared his experience, highlighted the vibrant scientific exchange driving progress in porous materials chemistry. The event was organized by MOST-H2 partner University of Crete and brought together leading researchers to exchange insights on MOF’s evolving potential across energy, environment, and health applications.
At MOST-H2, we are proud to contribute to this ongoing journey and excited to advance MOF-based technologies for a sustainable energy future. We warmly congratulate Professor Susumu Kitagawa and his fellow laureates on this well-deserved honor.