# Richard Smalley

> American chemist (1943–2005)

**Wikidata**: [Q106746](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106746)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Smalley)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/richard-smalley

## Summary
Richard Smalley was an American chemist (1943–2005) who made groundbreaking contributions to nanotechnology, particularly in the discovery and study of fullerenes, including buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀). His work laid the foundation for modern nanoscientific research and earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996.

## Biography
- Born: June 6, 1943
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Hope College (1965)
  - Master of Science in Chemistry, University of Michigan (1966)
  - Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, Princeton University (1969)
- Known for: Pioneering research on fullerenes and advancing nanotechnology
- Employer(s):
  - Rice University (1969–2005)
  - Princeton University (1969)
  - University of Chicago (1969)
- Field(s): Organic chemistry, nanotechnology, materials science

## Contributions
- **Discovery of Fullerenes**: Co-discovered buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀) in 1985, a form of carbon that revolutionized nanotechnology and materials science.
- **Nobel Prize in Chemistry**: Awarded in 1996 for his work on fullerenes, shared with Robert Curl and Harold Kroto.
- **Founding of the Smalley Institute**: Established at Rice University to advance nanoscientific research.
- **Development of Nanotube Research**: Contributed to the study of carbon nanotubes, which have applications in electronics, medicine, and materials engineering.
- **Publications**: Authored numerous papers on fullerenes, including key works in *Nature* and *Science*.

## FAQs
**What was Richard Smalley known for?**
Smalley is best known for co-discovering buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀) in 1985, a form of carbon that laid the foundation for nanotechnology. His research earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996.

**Where did Richard Smalley work?**
He held academic positions at Princeton University, the University of Chicago, and Rice University, where he founded the Smalley Institute to advance nanoscientific research.

**What awards did Richard Smalley receive?**
He won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1996), the John Scott Award, the Franklin Medal, and the Welch Award in Chemistry, among others.

**What was his educational background?**
Smalley earned his Bachelor of Science from Hope College, his Master of Science from the University of Michigan, and his Doctor of Philosophy from Princeton University.

**How did his work impact nanotechnology?**
His discovery of fullerenes and subsequent research on carbon nanotubes opened new avenues for materials science, electronics, and medical applications, shaping modern nanotechnology.

## Why They Matter
Richard Smalley's discovery of fullerenes and his subsequent work on carbon nanotubes transformed nanotechnology, leading to breakthroughs in materials science, electronics, and medicine. His research at Rice University established a global hub for nanoscientific innovation, influencing generations of scientists. His Nobel Prize recognition solidified his legacy as a pioneer in the field, driving further advancements in nanotechnology and materials engineering. Without his contributions, the rapid development of nanoscale materials and their applications would have been significantly delayed.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1996)**: Awarded for the discovery of fullerenes, shared with Robert Curl and Harold Kroto.
- **Discovery of Buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀)**: Revolutionized nanotechnology and materials science.
- **Founder of the Smalley Institute**: Advanced nanoscientific research at Rice University.
- **Pioneer in Carbon Nanotubes**: Contributed to the study of nanotubes, which have applications in electronics, medicine, and materials engineering.
- **John Scott Award (1996)**: Recognized for his contributions to science and medicine.
- **Franklin Medal (1996)**: Awarded for his work in chemistry and physics.
- **Welch Award in Chemistry (1996)**: Honored for his research in organic chemistry and materials science.
- **Honorary Doctorate from University of Montpellier-II**: Recognized for his international contributions to carbon science.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Richard Smalley was born on June 6, 1943, in Akron, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Hope College in 1965, followed by a Master of Science from the University of Michigan in 1966. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy at Princeton University in 1969, where he began his academic career.

### Academic Career
Smalley held faculty positions at Princeton University, the University of Chicago, and Rice University. At Rice, he founded the Smalley Institute in 1997 to advance nanoscientific research, which became a leading center for fullerene and nanotube studies.

### Scientific Contributions
Smalley's most significant contribution was the co-discovery of buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀) in 1985, alongside Robert Curl and Harold Kroto. This discovery, published in *Nature*, introduced a new form of carbon that revolutionized materials science and nanotechnology. His subsequent work on carbon nanotubes further expanded the field, leading to applications in electronics, medicine, and materials engineering.

### Awards and Recognition
Smalley received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1996), the John Scott Award, the Franklin Medal, and the Welch Award in Chemistry. He also held honorary doctorates from institutions such as the University of Montpellier-II.

### Legacy
Smalley's work laid the foundation for modern nanotechnology, influencing research in materials science, electronics, and medicine. His discoveries and leadership at Rice University established a global benchmark for nanoscientific innovation, shaping the trajectory of the field for decades. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and engineers working at the intersection of chemistry and nanotechnology.

## References

1. [Richard Smalley. American Institute of Physics](http://www.aip.org/history/acap/biographies/bio.jsp?smalleyr)
2. [Twenty Somethings. 1997](http://www.texasmonthly.com/content/twenty-somethings)
3. [U.S. Senate honors Rice’s Smalley with resolution. Rice University. 2005](http://news.rice.edu/2005/12/08/u-s-senate-honors-rices-smalley-with-resolution/)
4. [Nanotech Pioneer, Nobel laureate Richard Smalley dead at 62. Baylor University. 2006](http://www.baylor.edu/casper/doc.php/173707.pdf)
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10. [Appreciation of Nanotech Pioneer Richard Smalley. National Science Foundation. 2005](http://nsf.gov/news/news_images.jsp?cntn_id=104563&org=NSF)
11. [Rice engineers make first pure nanotube fibers. 2003](http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/materials_science/report-24113.html)
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34. [Richard Smalley. 2005](http://www.theguardian.com/science/2005/nov/09/highereducation.education)
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