Józef Zawadzki (chemist)

Józef Zawadzki (born November 23, 1886, Warsaw, died June 19, 1951, Warsaw) was a Polish chemist, chemical engineer, and professor at the Warsaw University of Technology (Politechnika Warszawska). He specialized in technical electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, and catalysis.

Zawadzki studied at the Saint Petersburg State Institute of Technology, graduating in 1914. He then returned to Poland and became involved in the establishment of the Warsaw University of Technology after World War I. He held various positions at the university, including Professor of Physical Chemistry.

His research focused on the kinetics and mechanisms of chemical reactions, particularly in the gas phase. He made significant contributions to the understanding of the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis, studying the kinetics of nitrogen fixation and the influence of catalysts. He also conducted research on the electrolytic production of hydrogen and oxygen.

During World War II, Zawadzki remained in Warsaw and continued his scientific work under difficult circumstances. He was actively involved in underground education, teaching chemistry to students in secret. After the war, he resumed his position at the Warsaw University of Technology and played a key role in rebuilding the university's chemistry department.

Zawadzki was a member of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Letters (Polska Akademia Umiejętności) and the Warsaw Scientific Society (Towarzystwo Naukowe Warszawskie). He authored numerous scientific publications and textbooks. His work had a lasting impact on the development of chemical engineering and industrial chemistry in Poland.