Omar Yaghi, Moungi G. Bawendi, and Louis E. Brus Awarded 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Stockholm, Sweden – The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded today to Omar Yaghi, Moungi G. Bawendi, and Louis E. Brus for their work developing quantum dots and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences recognized Yaghi, a UC Berkeley professor born to Palestinian refugees, and his co-laureates for innovations that have revolutionized materials science. Brus and Bawendi were honored for their independent discoveries of methods to synthesize quantum dots – nanocrystals with unique optical properties. Yaghi was awarded for his creation of metal-organic frameworks, materials described as having the structure of a “Hermione’s handbag” due to their immense internal surface area.

MOFs, developed by Yaghi, are porous materials with potential applications in gas storage, carbon capture, and catalysis, offering solutions to critical energy and environmental challenges. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient methods for storing renewable energy and mitigating climate change. “It’s a long journey,” Yaghi said, reflecting on his path from a childhood marked by displacement to receiving the world’s most prestigious science prize. Further information on the Nobel Prizes can be found at the official Nobel Prize website.

The Academy stated that the laureates’ discoveries have “created a new toolbox for materials science,” opening doors to advancements in numerous fields, including medicine and electronics. Quantum dots are already used in television displays and biological imaging, and their potential continues to expand. You can learn more about the applications of nanotechnology here.

Officials at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences indicated that the laureates will receive their awards at a formal ceremony in December.