Walther Noddack is an incredible figure in the history of chemistry and science. Although he wasn\’t one of the more well-known chemists, he made a remarkable impact on the field of chemistry and was co-discoverer of the rare earth metal, rhenium. In this article, we will explore the life of Walther Noddack, a chemist who made an incredible contribution to science.

Early Life and Education

Walther Noddack was born in Berlin in 1883. He was the son of a prominent industrialist and was raised in a wealthy and privileged home. He was educated in the sciences from an early age and excelled in his studies. He studied physics and chemistry at the University of Berlin and graduated in 1907. He then went on to study in the laboratory of Emil Fischer, a prominent German chemist. He was awarded his Ph.D. in 1910.

Career and Research

After completing his doctorate, Noddack went to work for the chemical company BASF. He worked for the company for the next two decades and made significant contributions to the field of chemistry. He conducted research on a variety of topics, including inorganic chemistry, spectroscopy, and the structure of atoms. His most notable achievement was the co-discovery of rhenium, a rare earth metal, in 1925. He and his colleague, Ida Tacke, made the discovery independently of each other. The element was later named after the Rhine River in Germany.

Legacy and Impact

Noddack\’s discovery of rhenium revolutionized the field of chemistry. It was an important milestone in the history of science and opened the door to further research into other rare earth metals. In addition to his research, Noddack was also a gifted teacher and mentor. He trained numerous students in the field of chemistry and inspired them to pursue their own research. His legacy has been honored by the naming of the Noddack Institute at the University of Berlin.

Later Life and Death

Noddack retired from BASF in 1937 and devoted himself to teaching and lecturing. He continued to lecture and mentor students until his death in 1960. He is remembered as an incredible figure in the history of chemistry and science and his contributions to the field are still felt today. He was a pioneer in the field of inorganic chemistry and his work laid the foundation for future research.

Conclusion

Walther Noddack was an incredible chemist who made an incredible contribution to the field of chemistry and science. His discovery of rhenium revolutionized the field and opened the door to further research. He was also an inspiring teacher and mentor and his legacy is still felt today. His work and dedication to the field of chemistry is an inspiration to all chemists and scientists.