The discovery of Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) stands as one of the most significant breakthroughs in modern materials science, with vast potential for applications across various fields, including energy, environment, and sensor technology. Three Nobel laureates in chemistry, Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi, were awarded for their pioneering work on metal–organic compounds, which are now recognized for their potential to capture water, store carbon, and control pollution.
Professor Andang Widi Harto, a materials engineering expert from the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FT UGM), explained that MOFs are porous materials with complex structures consisting of metal clusters bonded to organic compounds that form highly ordered crystalline patterns.
“MOFs can be regarded as a monumental discovery following zeolites. The difference is that while zeolites are complex inorganic compounds, MOFs combine metal and organic components, making them far more flexible and customizable,” explained Professor Harto on Monday (Oct. 20).
The crystalline structure of MOFs is tunable, meaning it can be adjusted and modified as needed, enabling their use in various selective chemical processes and advanced technologies.
Their applications range from optoelectronics, photoluminescence, and high-precision sensors to bioimaging, magnetization, gas storage and separation, batteries, and chemical catalysis.
This flexibility makes MOFs one of the most promising materials for the future, offering remarkable potential across multiple industries.
Professor Harto further elaborated that research on MOFs was first initiated in the 1990s by Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi.
Both scientists have consistently explored the structures and properties of MOFs for over two decades, laying the groundwork for extensive research worldwide.
“Their dedication and consistency have produced invaluable knowledge about MOFs. In my view, they truly deserve global recognition and appreciation for their scientific contributions,” he said.
He noted that the discovery of MOFs is revolutionary, comparable to the discoveries of other transformative materials such as zeolites, composites, semiconductors, and superconductors.
“MOFs introduce a new paradigm in material science. Their adaptable properties make them a crucial foundation for future technological innovations,” he added.
In the Indonesian context, Professor Harto sees enormous potential for developing and applying MOF-based technologies in clean energy, gas storage, and waste treatment.
According to him, the ability of MOFs to absorb, filter, and store gases makes them highly relevant for countries facing energy and environmental challenges, such as Indonesia.
“I hope research on MOFs and their applications can be further advanced in Indonesia. The potential is immense, from improving energy efficiency to developing local sensor and catalyst innovations that could strengthen national technological independence,” he concluded.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Photo: X@Nobel Prize and Wikipedia