Gerhard Ertl of Germany has won the Nobel Chemistry Prize
Ertl's work helps explain why Earth's protective ozone layer is damaged through chemical reactions on the surfaces of minute ice crystals in the stratosphere.
Ertl as a forerunner in surface chemistry, a branch that evolved in the 1960s
the modern chemistry industry could not function without catalysts, and surface chemistry itself plays a crucial role in that area.
The advent of fuel cells - a clean substitute to CO2-spewing fossil fuels - will depend on enhanced catalysts
Born on October 10, 1936 in Bad Cannstadt,
He says the honour is a once-in-a-lifetime birthday present.
clipped from: www.abc.net.au