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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.