Biography
Gerhard Ertl is a famous German physicist and a professor. He was born on October 10, 1936. He is well known for surface chemistry. He started his early education in his hometown. Ertl has a great fond of playing the piano and playing with his cats during experiments. From 1955-1957 he studied only physics at the Technical University of Stuttgart. In 1961, he completed his Diploma in physics. Ertl married to Barbara. He is the father of 2 children. He received numerous awards during his lifetime including EPS Europhysics Prize (1992), Japan Prize (1992), Wolf Prize in Chemistry (1998), Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2007), Otto Hahn Prize (2007), and Faraday Lectureship Prize (2007).
Quick Facts
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 October 1936 |
| Place of Birth | Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, Baden-Württemberg, Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Alma Mater | University of Stuttgart; Technical University of Munich |
| Known For | Pioneering work in surface chemistry |
| Awards | – EPS Europhysics Prize (1992) – Japan Prize (1992) – Wolf Prize in Chemistry (1998) – Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2007) – Otto Hahn Prize (2007) – Faraday Lectureship Prize (2007) |
| Academic Career | – Assistant and lecturer at Technical University of Munich (1965–1968) – Professor and Director at Technical University of Hannover (1968–1973) – Professor at Institute for Physical Chemistry, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (1973–1986) – Director at the Fritz Haber Institute of the MPG (1986–2004) |
| Research Contributions | – Detailed molecular mechanisms of catalytic synthesis of ammonia over iron – Catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide over platinum – Discovery of oscillatory reactions on platinum surfaces – Utilization of new observation techniques such as low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and scanning tunneling microscope (STM) |
| Honors | – Honorary Professor at the Free University of Berlin, Technical University of Berlin, and Humboldt University of Berlin |
| Nobel Prize Citation | Awarded for studies of chemical processes on solid surfaces, providing a detailed description of surface chemical reactions with applications in academic studies and industrial development |
| Personal Life | – Married to Barbara with two children and several grandchildren – Hobbies include playing the piano and playing with his cats – Identifies as Christian |
Gerhard Ertl Books
| Book Title | Publication Year |
|---|---|
| Reactions at Solid Surfaces | 2009 |
| Chemical Complexity: Self-Organization Processes in Molecular Systems | 2017 |
| Low Energy Electrons and Surface Chemistry | 1974 |
| My Life with Science: Extended English Edition | 2023 |
FAQs about Gerhard Ertl Biography
What is the full name of Gerhard Ertl?
Gerhard Ertl’s full name is Gerhard Ertl.
What is the Profession of Gerhard Ertl?
Gerhard Ertl is a German physicist and a Professor emeritus at the Department of Physical Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft in Berlin, Germany.
What is the age of Gerhard Ertl?
Gerhard Ertl was born on October 10, 1936, making him 87 years old.
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Who is Gerhard Ertl’s wife?
Gerhard Ertl’s wife is Barbara.
Who are Gerhard Ertl’s Parents?
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Who are Gerhard Ertl’s siblings?
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What is the net worth of Gerhard Ertl?
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What is the education of Gerhard Ertl?
Gerhard Ertl studied at the University of Stuttgart and Technical University of Munich.
What are the major awards Gerhard Ertl received?
Gerhard Ertl received several major awards, including the EPS Europhysics Prize (1992), Japan Prize (1992), Wolf Prize in Chemistry (1998), Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2007), Otto Hahn Prize (2007), and Faraday Lectureship Prize (2007).
