Robert Curl

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Robert Floyd Curl Jr. (August 23, 1933 – July 3, 2022) was an American chemist who, along with Richard Smalley and Harold Kroto, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996 for the discovery of fullerenes. This groundbreaking work significantly advanced the field of nanotechnology and materials science.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Robert Curl was born in Alice, Texas. He attended Rice University where he earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1954. He then went on to obtain his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 1957, where he worked under the supervision of Kenneth Pitzer.

Academic Career[edit | edit source]

After completing his Ph.D., Curl joined the faculty at Rice University in 1958. He became a full professor in 1967 and later held the title of University Professor, Professor of Chemistry, and Professor of Materials Science. His research interests included physical chemistry, spectroscopy, and chemical kinetics.

Discovery of Fullerenes[edit | edit source]

In 1985, Curl, along with Richard Smalley and Harold Kroto, discovered a new form of carbon known as fullerenes, or "buckyballs." This discovery was made during experiments that involved vaporizing graphite with a laser. The resulting carbon clusters were found to have a unique structure, resembling a soccer ball, composed of 60 carbon atoms (C60). This molecule was named buckminsterfullerene in honor of the architect Buckminster Fuller, who designed geodesic domes with a similar structure.

Awards and Honors[edit | edit source]

For their discovery of fullerenes, Curl, Smalley, and Kroto were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996. Curl received numerous other awards and honors throughout his career, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Robert Curl was married to Jonel Whipple Curl, and they had two children. He was known for his humility and dedication to teaching and mentoring students.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Curl's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of chemistry, nanotechnology, and materials science. The discovery of fullerenes opened up new avenues for research and applications in various industries, including electronics, medicine, and materials engineering.