Hans Tropsch facts for kids
Hans Tropsch (October 7, 1889 – October 8, 1935) was a clever chemist. He is famous for working with another scientist named Franz Fischer. Together, they developed a very important method called the Fischer–Tropsch process. This process helps turn materials like coal into useful liquid fuels.
Quick facts for kids
Hans Tropsch
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| Born | October 7, 1889 Plan, Austria-Hungary (now Czech Republic)
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| Died | October 8, 1935 (aged 46) |
| Alma mater | German Charles-Ferdinand University in Prague |
| Known for | Fischer–Tropsch process |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Organic chemistry |
| Institutions | Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Coal Research Institute for Coal Research Prague Armour Institute of Technology |
| Doctoral advisor | Hans Meyer |
A Young Chemist's Journey
Hans Tropsch was born in a town called Plan. At that time, it was part of Austria-Hungary, but today it is in the Czech Republic. He began his studies at universities in Prague in 1907. He continued learning there until 1913.
He earned his Ph.D., which is a very high university degree. He achieved this by working with a professor named Hans Meyer.
Working with Coal
After finishing his studies, Hans Tropsch worked in different places. For a short time, he worked at a factory that made dyes. Then, he joined the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Coal Research. This institute was a special place where scientists studied coal.
From 1917 to 1920, Tropsch worked for a company that processed tar. But he soon returned to the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Coal Research in 1920. He stayed there for eight years, until 1928.
While at the institute, he worked closely with Franz Fischer. He also worked with another scientist named Otto Roelen. It was during this time that they made their amazing discoveries. They patented the ideas for the Fischer–Tropsch process.
Moving to New Places
In 1928, Tropsch became a professor. He taught at a new Institute for Coal Research in Prague. Later, in 1931, he moved to the United States. There, he took a job at the Laboratories of Universal Oil Products. He also worked at the Armour Institute of Technology in Chicago.
Sadly, Hans Tropsch became very ill. He returned to Germany in 1935. He passed away shortly after arriving, in a hospital in Essen.
