Franz Joseph Emil Fischer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Franz Fischer
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Franz Fischer (1911)
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| Born | 19 March 1877 |
| Died | 1 December 1947 (aged 70) |
| Nationality | German |
| Alma mater | University of Gießen |
| Known for | Fischer–Tropsch process Fischer assay |
| Awards | Melchett Medal (1936) Wilhelm Exner Medal (1936) |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Coal Research |
| Doctoral advisor | Karl Elbs |
Franz Joseph Emil Fischer (born March 19, 1877, died December 1, 1947) was an important German chemist. He is famous for inventing a special way to make liquid fuels from coal. This method is known as the Fischer–Tropsch process. He also helped start and was the first director of a major research center called the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Coal Research.
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Discoveries by Franz Fischer
Franz Fischer made several important discoveries in chemistry. His work helped create new ways to get useful products from coal. He worked with other smart scientists to achieve these breakthroughs.
The Fischer-Tropsch Process
In 1925, Franz Fischer and his colleague Hans Tropsch discovered the Fischer–Tropsch process. This was a very important invention. It allowed scientists to create liquid fuels, like gasoline, from a mix of carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases.
They used special metal substances called catalysts to make this happen. The process worked at temperatures between 150 and 300 degrees Celsius (302 and 572 degrees Fahrenheit). This discovery was very useful for countries that had a lot of coal but not much oil.
The Fischer Assay
Later, in 1930, Franz Fischer worked with Hans Schrader. Together, they developed something called the Fischer assay. This was a standard laboratory test. It helped scientists figure out how much oil could be taken from oil shale. Oil shale is a type of rock that contains oil. The Fischer assay helped predict how much oil could be extracted using normal methods.
Leading a Research Institute
Franz Fischer was not only a great inventor but also a leader in science. He worked with other famous chemists like Wilhelm Ostwald and Hermann Emil Fischer.
In 1913, he became the Director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Coal Research. This institute was located in Mülheim, Germany. He led this important research center for many years. He retired from his position at the institute in 1943.
Awards and Recognition
Franz Fischer received several awards for his important scientific work. These awards recognized his contributions to chemistry and industry.
- Wilhelm Exner Medal, 1936
