Scientists Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi have won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing metal–organic frameworks — molecular structures capable of trapping gases and storing them in ways that could help solve some of the world’s toughest environmental challenges.

An expert compared their discovery to Hermione Granger’s enchanted handbag from the “Harry Potter” series — small on the outside but surprisingly spacious inside. These frameworks can capture carbon dioxide from the air or extract water from arid environments, offering new possibilities in combating pollution and resource scarcity.

“The frameworks are small on the outside but very large on the inside,” said Olof Ramström, a member of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry.

Working independently but building on each other’s research since 1989, the three scientists created a new class of materials that can be customized for specific functions. “Metal–organic frameworks have enormous potential, bringing previously unforeseen opportunities for custom-made materials with new functions,” said Heiner Linke, chair of the Nobel Committee.

The committee noted that these frameworks could also be used to remove “forever chemicals” — known as PFAS — from water, which are notoriously persistent pollutants found in soil, air, and waterways.

Hans Ellegren, secretary-general of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, announced the chemistry prize in Stockholm. Robson, 88, is affiliated with the University of Melbourne; Kitagawa, 74, with Kyoto University; and Yaghi, 60, with the University of California, Berkeley.

“I’m deeply honored and delighted that my long-standing research has been recognized,” Kitagawa said in a phone interview. Robson told the Associated Press he was “very pleased and a bit stunned” by the recognition.

The Nobel awards in medicine and physics were announced earlier this week. The award ceremony will be held on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death in 1896.