RAS question
Which of the following is NOT an application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) recognised in the 2025 Nobel Chemistry Prize?
Correct answer: (C) Nuclear fission energy generation.
Nuclear fission energy generation is not an application of metal-organic frameworks in the 2025 Nobel Chemistry Prize context.
Explanation
The 2025 Nobel Chemistry material describes metal-organic frameworks as porous molecular architectures with large cavities through which molecules can move in and out. That structure supports practical uses: researchers have used MOFs to harvest water from desert air, capture carbon dioxide, manage extremely toxic gases and catalyse chemical reactions. NobelPrize.org also notes examples such as MOF materials containing toxic gases used in semiconductor production and companies testing MOFs for carbon dioxide capture from factories and power stations. Nuclear fission energy generation does not fit this context: it is not a recognised MOF application, and MOFs are porous molecular structures, not nuclear materials.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Harvesting water from desert air is a recognised MOF application because NobelPrize.org says researchers have used MOFs to capture water vapour from desert air and release potable water when heated.
- (B) Capturing carbon dioxide from emissions is a recognised MOF application because NobelPrize.org says MOF materials are being tested to capture carbon dioxide from factories and power stations.
- (D) Safe storage of toxic gases is a recognised MOF application because NobelPrize.org links MOFs with managing extremely toxic gases and containing toxic gases used in semiconductor production.
Concept
RAS science and technology preparation often requires application-based awareness: matching a new material's structure to its plausible uses. Nobel-linked material-science examples recur in RAS because they connect current science with environmental and industrial applications.