The German scientist Gerhard Ertl was chosen as the chemist for this task. He is the head of the Fritz Haber Institute and was rewarded with the 2007 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Furthermore, he studied at many educational institutions throughout Europe, such as the University of Stuttgart, the University of Paris, the University of Munich, and others (Ertl 2008). His fundamental scientific work on chemistry formed the basis of many studies on the reactions of molecules and carbons at Solid Surfaces. Gerhard Ertl was chosen because of the significance of his research, as seems to be evidenced by his Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
One of his famous works is the article from a Nobel lecture, “Reactions at Surfaces: From Atoms to Complexity”. Ertl was one of the first researchers to assess the potential of surface chemistry. Step by step, he developed a methodology for surface chemistry, demonstrating how various experimental techniques provide a comprehensive picture of surface response. The importance of this research to modern society lies in the fact that chemical reactions on the surface of catalysts play a decisive role in many industries.
The article “Reactions at Surfaces: From Atoms to Complexity” by Ertl, which is the base of his Nobel lecture, might be considered. The reactions of particles on the surface are discussed in the article. According to Ertl (2008), “particles are reduced into metallic iron covered by a submonolayer of K(+O)” (p. 3525). The goal of the research considered in the article can be described as a cause-and-effect relationship. As Ertl (2008) states, “a chemical reaction involves breaking of bonds between atoms and the formation of new ones.” (p. 3525). In this article, Ertl shows the study’s depth and the practical application of the conclusions obtained (Ertl et al. 2008).
As research methods of Reactions at Surfaces, it is essential to emphasize increasing the temperature or lowering the activation energy E* to increase the reaction probability (Ertl 2010). Ertl describes how to conduct research to achieve certain results. According to Norden (2014), “This can be done either locally be heating a small spot on the surface by laser light…” (p. 3533). In conclusion, Ertl emphasizes the accessibility of the article to a broad audience and the possibility of applying it in practice.
Many chemists are interested in continuing research on reactions on surfaces. The reason for this is the significance of the conclusions about the reaction in the everyday life of people. As stated earlier in the essay, surface reactions can be observed at manufacturing facilities where chemistry plays an essential role in creating materials. As possible questions for this study, there may be such as what conditions should be to minimize possible reactions and thus reduce the risk to humans.
Chemistry is vital in the everyday life of people, although many do not attach much importance to it. One of the most important spheres of human life is food. In this case, chemistry and chemical reactions are crucial in ensuring humanity’s safety. Concepts such as science in action and science as an ongoing process define science and, in particular, chemistry as a constant need to learn something new. The term science in action means research that is taking place now in the modern world. Therefore, it should be emphasized that it is moving forward and not standing still.
Bibliography
Ertl G, Knözinger H, Weitkamp J. 2008. Preparation of solid catalysts. John Wiley & Sons. 639 p.
Ertl G. 2008. Reactions at surfaces: From atoms to complexity (nobel lecture). Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 47(19): 3524-3535. Web.
Ertl G. 2010. Reactions at solid surfaces. John Wiley & Sons. 224 p.
Norden B. 2014. Nobel lectures in chemistry (2006-2010). World Scientific. 444 p.