Richard E. Smalley

Richard E. Smalley was an American chemist known for his groundbreaking work in nanotechnology and crystallography, particularly his discovery of fullerene, a molecule composed of carbon atoms arranged in a spherical shape, resembling a soccer ball. This discovery expanded our understanding of molecular structures and opened up new avenues in materials science, chemistry, and physics. Smalley’s research demonstrated how these unique carbon structures could have potential applications in various fields, including electronics and medicine, contributing significantly to the development of nanomaterials. He shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996 for his pioneering discoveries.