展现广阔应用前景 “热门”方向终于不负众望

Core Viewpoint - The awarding of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2025 to three scientists for their work on Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is seen as timely, despite being slightly delayed, due to the significant scientific breakthroughs and broad application prospects associated with MOFs [1][2]. Group 1: Research and Development of MOFs - Over the past two decades, research on MOFs has been one of the most active and fruitful areas in chemistry and materials science, with the awarded scientists previously receiving the "Citation Laureates" award, often considered a precursor to the Nobel Prize [2]. - The core breakthrough in MOF technology was achieved in the late 20th century, and its academic influence has been widely recognized. Recent applications of MOFs have progressed from laboratory settings to demonstration phases, allowing for clearer assessments of their potential societal value [2]. - MOFs are crystalline porous materials formed by the self-assembly of inorganic metal centers and organic ligands, characterized by high surface area and pore volume, which enable various unique functions such as gas adsorption and separation, energy storage, and drug delivery [2]. Group 2: Overcoming Challenges - Despite being a popular research direction, MOFs have faced skepticism regarding their high costs and short lifespans, which have hindered their transition from laboratory to practical applications [3]. - Richard Robson, a foundational figure in MOF research, theoretically validated the feasibility of these materials, while North River Jin overcame early criticisms by synthesizing the first stable three-dimensional MOF that could reversibly adsorb gases [3]. - Omar Yaghi, inspired by water scarcity in his childhood, successfully synthesized a stable two-dimensional structure and coined the term "Metal-Organic Framework," contributing significantly to the theoretical framework of MOF research [3]. Group 3: China's Position in MOF Research - China has emerged as one of the most active countries in the global MOF research field, ranking among the world's leaders in terms of publication volume, citation frequency, and high-level original contributions [4]. - Research teams, such as those at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, are focusing on the large-scale preparation and electrochemical applications of MOFs. Addressing the technical challenges in scaling up and cost-effective industrial applications could unlock even greater value for these materials [4].