01 · The discovery
The idea, in everyday language
A metal–organic framework, or MOF, is an extended structure made by linking metal centres with carbon-containing molecules. The result can contain many tiny pores: an enormous internal surface tucked inside a small amount of solid.
Robson helped establish the architectural idea. Kitagawa showed that gases could enter and leave these structures and explored flexibility. Yaghi developed stable frameworks whose properties could be deliberately redesigned. The empty spaces could now be tailored for particular guest molecules.
Why it matters
Researchers are developing MOFs for gas storage, separations, carbon capture and water harvesting. Choosing the internal chemistry can be as important as choosing the pore size.
