The Dynamic Duo: Pioneers of Reticular Chemistry

From humble beginnings in the labs of ASU to pioneering a new field of reticular chemistry, Professors Michael O'Keeffe and Omar Yaghi's breakthrough discoveries are reshaping our understanding of material science.

The Dawn of a New Age

Throughout history, civilizations have been defined by their mastery of materials - from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, and now the Digital Age. But what if the next chapter in human advancement had its origins at Arizona State University? The emerging field of reticular chemistry, invented in the 1990s at ASU, might just herald the beginning of the "Reticular Age."

A Historic Reunion

The inaugural School of Molecular Sciences Michael O'Keeffe Lecture Series brought together the field's pioneers. Professor Omar Yaghi, now at UC Berkeley, returned to ASU where he and Professor Emeritus Michael O'Keeffe first made their groundbreaking discoveries in a Goldwater Building basement lab.

"This event is important, both for the scientific culture of the school and to recognize the contributions of one of its most important members. Mike is one of the best but most humble scientists I think I've met."

The Future Impact

The implications of their work extend far beyond the laboratory. Reticular chemistry could be key to:

• Transitioning from fossil fuels to a hydrogen economy through improved gas storage
• Developing more efficient water harvesting technologies
• Creating solutions for removing excess carbon from Earth's atmosphere