30年前被评审嫌弃“无用”的材料，为何能赢得诺贝尔化学奖？

Core Points - The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for their contributions to the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) [1][15] - MOFs are molecular structures with large cavities that allow gases and other chemicals to flow through, enabling applications such as extracting moisture from desert air, capturing carbon dioxide, and catalyzing chemical reactions [2][15] - The potential of MOFs lies in their ability to be designed for specific functions, leading to thousands of different types being created since the foundational discoveries of the laureates [2][17] Group 1: MOF Development and Applications - The three laureates developed a new molecular structure where metal ions act as "cornerstones," connecting long-chain organic molecules to form porous crystal structures [2][3] - MOFs can be tailored to capture and store specific substances, driving chemical reactions, or conducting electricity, showcasing their versatility in various fields [2][3] - Applications of MOFs include separating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water, decomposing trace pharmaceutical residues in the environment, and capturing carbon dioxide [2][3][41] Group 2: Individual Contributions - Richard Robson's early work in the 1980s laid the groundwork for MOFs by demonstrating that metal ions could be used to create ordered structures with large cavities [19][22] - Susumu Kitagawa's research in the 1990s focused on the potential of porous molecular structures, leading to the creation of stable MOFs that could absorb and release gases without changing shape [28][29] - Omar Yaghi's contributions included the introduction of the term "metal-organic framework" and the development of MOF-5, which has a remarkable surface area capable of gas absorption [34][35] Group 3: Future Potential and Industry Impact - The unique properties of MOFs suggest they could become representative materials of the 21st century, with ongoing research and investment aimed at scaling their production and commercial applications [41][43] - Companies are exploring the use of MOFs in various industries, including electronics for storing toxic gases, and environmental applications for capturing carbon dioxide from emissions [41][43] - The innovative work of the laureates has opened new avenues for addressing significant global challenges, aligning with Alfred Nobel's vision of benefiting humanity through scientific advancement [43]