Molecules on surfaces
Photo: Wolfram Däumel, Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Gerhard Ertl Ertl has laid the foundation of a scientific discipline through his enormously systematic and thorough studies. He has often returned to the same problem in surface chemistry decade after decade in order to use new experimental methods to obtain answers to questions posed earlier. His ability to describe in detail how an experiment is to be designed and interpreted has helped him to provide the methodological platform for an entirely new area of research. |
Chemical reactions on solid surfaces are very important in our everyday lives but difficult to study. Ever since the 1960s Gerhard Ertl has been using advanced vacuum techniques to make systematic studies of surface reactions which have enabled him to demonstrate methods of obtaining reliable results in this important and challenging research field. |
Nobel Prizes and laureates
Six prizes were awarded for achievements that have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind. The 12 laureates' work and discoveries range from proteins' structures and machine learning to fighting for a world free of nuclear weapons.
See them all presented here.
