Robert F. Curl Jr.

Explore the significant milestones in the life and career of Robert F. Curl Jr., the renowned chemist and Nobel laureate. Discover his contributions to the discovery of fullerenes, his academic endeavors, and his legacy in the field of chemistry.

Born: August 23, 1933
Chemist

23 augustus 1933

1 januari 1957

1 januari 1967

10 september 1985

10 december 1996

1 januari 2005

3 juli 2022

23augustus
1933
23 August 1933

Birth of Robert F. Curl Jr.

Robert Floyd Curl Jr. was born on August 23, 1933, in Alice, Texas, USA. He is an American chemist who shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996 for the discovery of fullerenes. Curl grew up in the small town of Alice and developed a passion for science from a young age.

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01januari
1957
01 January 1957

Robert F. Curl Jr. Receives Ph.D. in Chemistry

In 1957, Robert F. Curl Jr. earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. His doctoral research focused on microwave spectroscopy. His studies at Berkeley laid the foundation for his future contributions to chemistry and his eventual Nobel Prize-winning research.

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01januari
1967
01 January 1967

Robert F. Curl Joins Rice University Faculty

Robert F. Curl Jr. joined the faculty at Rice University in Houston, Texas, in 1967. Over the years, he became a prominent figure at the university and played a significant role in shaping its research initiatives. His tenure at Rice contributed to his professional growth and recognition in the field of chemistry.

10september
1985
10 September 1985

Discovery of Buckminsterfullerene (C60)

On September 10, 1985, Robert F. Curl Jr., along with Richard Smalley and Harold Kroto, discovered the molecule Buckminsterfullerene (C60). This groundbreaking finding introduced the world to a new class of carbon compounds known as fullerenes, which are spherical molecules consisting of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a structure resembling a soccer ball.

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10december
1996
10 December 1996

Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Robert F. Curl Jr. was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996, alongside Harold Kroto and Richard Smalley, for their discovery of fullerenes. This award recognized their work on the carbon molecules known as fullerenes, which have had a significant impact on materials science and nanotechnology.

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01januari
2005
01 January 2005

Retirement from Rice University

In 2005, Robert F. Curl Jr. retired from Rice University after nearly four decades of service. During his tenure, he made substantial contributions to the field of chemistry and the academic community at Rice. He remained active in various scientific endeavors even after his retirement.

03juli
2022
03 July 2022

Death of Robert F. Curl Jr.

Robert F. Curl Jr. passed away on July 3, 2022, at the age of 88. His death marked the end of a distinguished career in chemistry, renowned for his contributions to the discovery of fullerenes. His legacy continues to influence the field and inspire future generations of chemists.

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