Yaroslav Geyerovskiy Chemist, founder of polarography, Nobel Prize (1959) Date of Birth: 20.12.1890

1. Jaroslav Heyrovský: Pioneer of Polarography and Nobel Laureate
2. Early Life and Education
3. Development of Polarography
4. Invention of the Polarograph
5. Contributions to Polarography
6. Recognition and Legacy

Jaroslav Heyrovský: Pioneer of Polarography and Nobel Laureate

Jaroslav Heyrovský, born on December 20, 1890, in Prague, Czechoslovakia, was a pioneering chemist who revolutionized the field of electrochemistry.

Early Life and Education

Heyrovský completed his studies at the University of Prague in 1918 and pursued further education at the University College London from 1910 to 1913. He worked under the guidance of F. Donnan during his time in London.

Development of Polarography

In 1922, Heyrovský embarked on his groundbreaking research on electrochemistry. His investigation of the process of electrolysis using a mercury drop electrode led to the discovery of a relationship between the reduction and oxidation potentials of substances and their chemical nature. This also revealed a connection between the magnitude of the diffusion current and the concentration of the substance in the electrolyte. These findings laid the foundation for a revolutionary technique known as polarography.

Invention of the Polarograph

Collaborating with his student M. Shikata in 1925, Heyrovský constructed the polarograph, an apparatus that automatically recorded polarization curves, providing a graphical representation of the relationships between voltage and current. This invention revolutionized the field of electrochemistry, enabling scientists to analyze and identify substances in complex solutions.

Contributions to Polarography

Heyrovský's subsequent research focused on developing the theory and techniques of polarography. He established a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles and applications of the technique, including the quantitative determination of substances, the study of reaction mechanisms, and the analysis of trace elements.

Recognition and Legacy

In 1959, Heyrovský's groundbreaking work in polarography earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He became the director of the State Polarographic Institute in Prague in 1950, which was renamed in his honor in 1964. Heyrovský passed away on March 27, 1967, in Prague, leaving a lasting legacy as the father of polarography. His contributions to the field continue to inspire and advance electroanalytical chemistry to this day.