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A logical continuation of studies of the catalytic properties of metals in the presence of hydrogen was a series of works that formed a new direction in physical chemistry — membrane catalysis. In 1964, Vladimir Mikhailovich theoretically substantiated and experimentally confirmed the thermodynamic, energy and kinetic advantages of carrying out catalytic reactions with the selective introduction or removal of a substance through a membrane. The phenomenon of conjugation of reactions on membrane catalysts was also recorded as discovery by Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov (priority 06/12/1964, diploma No. 97). The terms “membrane catalysis” and “composite membrane catalyst” were first introduced into scientific research by Academician Gryaznov.
Of great practical importance are his studies on the development of theoretical foundations for the creation of materials for the production of membrane catalysts and reactors for their industrial application. In these experiments, composite membranes with an active metal layer on a solid polymer or porous inorganic base were developed.
In 1962, Vladimir Mikhailovich, at the invitation of Sergei Vasilyevich Rumyantsev, the first rector of the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University (now the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, RUDN University) began to create the Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry at the Science Faculty of the University, head of which he was until the end of his life — from 1962 to 2001.
The team of the scientific school “Perspective membrane-catalytic and catalytic systems for the petrochemical industry”, created by Academician Gryaznov at the Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, has developed more than 20,000 new catalysts and catalytic systems, received about 100 copyright certificates and patents, has trained hundreds of professionals in the field of physical and colloid chemistry.
At the Peoples’ Friendship University, Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov prepared course programs and lectured on physical chemistry, the structure of matter, catalysis, the history of chemistry and the methodology of scientific creativity. In 1989, Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov and Natalya Vsevolodovna Orekhova published a book titled “Catalysis by noble metals. Dynamic Features”. His monograph “Methodology of Scientific Creativity” was published in 2000 and recommended by the Ministry of Education as a textbook for higher educational institutions.
During his creative activity, Academician Gryaznov published more than 500 scientific articles and works. Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov was the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Physical Chemistry for almost 20 years, a member of the editorial boards of the international journals Catalysis Letters, Catalysis Today, and chairman of the Council on Petrochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He was repeatedly invited to give lecture courses in the USA, in Europe, Africa and Latin America. Academician V.M. Gryaznov was the author of the script for the popular science film The Secret of Substance, which received an award at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival.
In the memory of Academician Gryaznov, RUDN University approved his nominal scholarship, which is annually awarded to the most deserving students of the chemical direction of the Science Faculty.
Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov was born in Moscow on July 17, 1922 in a family of employees.
1939 — graduated with honors from secondary school № 73 and enrolled in Faculty of Chemistry of Moscow State University.
Since July 1941, after the second year at the university, he took part in the World War II (Eastern Front) as part of the fighter battalion of the Krasnopresnensky district. Participated in the construction of the Northern Defense Sector of Moscow. In December 1941 he was demobilized for health reasons.
From February 1942 he continued his studies at Moscow State University. Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov began his first scientific research under the guidance of Professor Andrei Vladimirovich Frost, who headed the Department of Physical Chemistry at Moscow State University.
In 1944, Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov graduated with honors from the Faculty of Chemistry of Moscow State University, having defended his thesis “The nature of the active centers of aluminosilicate catalysts.” Went to graduate school.
In 1945, the results of his graduation research were published in the journal “Reports of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR”.
Vladimir Mikhailovich began his pedagogical activity in 1945 while still studying in graduate school and continued as an assistant since 1947.
In 1948 he defended his dissertation for the PhD degree in Chemistry.
In 1949 he published jointly with Professor Frost a monograph on statistical calculation methods in thermodynamics — the first such book in the USSR, which for many years was used in institutions of higher education.
In December 1950 he received the academic title of Associate Professor.
In 1962, Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov defended his dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Chemical Sciences on the topic “Study of the kinetics and mechanism of transformations of some hydrocarbons on metals”. In 1962, Vladimir Mikhailovich, at the invitation of the first rector of RUDN University S.V. Rumyantsev began to create the Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry at the Faculty of Sciences of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, the head of which he was until the end of his life from 1962 to 2001.
In 1963 he was approved for the degree of Doctor of Chemical Sciences and the academic title of professor.
In 1964, Vladimir Mikhailovich organized a membrane catalysis laboratory at the Institute of Combustible Fossils of the USSR Academy of Sciences (today A. V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis), which he headed until 2001. Under the leadership of V.M. Gryaznov at RUDN University and at A. V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis were defended about 40 Ph.D. dissertations and 6 doctoral dissertations.
In 1978, Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov became the “Honored Worker of Science and Technology of the RSFSR” for his work in the field of industrial catalysis.
In 1981 he was elected a corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences (now the Russian Academy of Sciences, RAS).
In 1990, Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov was elected an academician of the USSR Academy of Sciences.
May 19, 2001 — the last day of the life of Academician Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov.
1978
1981
1995
1998
MEMORIES ABOUT ACADEMICIAN GRYAZNOV
In 1969, Reports of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR published an article by Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov “Catalysis on membranes with selective permeability”, which marked the emergence of a new scientific direction in chemistry, “membrane catalysis”. Conducted by V.M. Gryaznov and his collaborators, the studies have shown that the obtained catalysts and the proposed technologies for their application are significantly superior to the results of foreign scientists. Among the received titles of protection were not only USSR author’s certificates, but also patents from Great Britain, Germany, Italy, the USA, France and Japan. And discoveries made by Vladimir Mikhailovich and his collaborators of the phenomenon of conjugation of reactions on membrane catalysts and the properties of two-dimensional metal vapor to catalyze the reactions of organic compounds finally confirmed the leading role of Soviet and Russian science in this field of knowledge.
Scientific achievements, the brilliant talent of a scientist, and a huge capacity for work earned Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov a well-deserved authority in international scientific circles. In 1993, in France, Vladimir Mikhailovich opened the work of the First European Congress on Catalysis with a plenary report “Catalysis on membranes”, and in 1996 in Italy he made a report for the UN Economic Commission on the catalysts developed at RUDN University, which allow solving problems of ecology and climate change. In 1994, I had the opportunity to speak in The Hague with the widow of a prominent chemist, Jan Hendrik de Boer. In the bookcase I saw his book “The Dynamic Character of Adsorption” in Russian, edited by Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov. After reviewing it, I found Vladimir Mikhailovich’s signature as a keepsake for the author.
In the biography of Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov there was a place for a feat when he went to war as a volunteer, and for great scientific achievements, discoveries made, and success in pedagogical activity. He never wasted time on trifles and therefore managed to do a lot. The work begun by academician Gryaznov is continued today by his numerous students.
In the life of Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov there were a lot of important events that influenced the formation of his personality as a scientist and a person. Member of the World War II, excellent student of the Faculty of Chemistry of Moscow State University, who is interested in science, teacher and recognized world-class scientist, who has gone from assistant to professor, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, head of department and academician. It talks about the great diligence, attention to people and the highest professionalism of Vladimir Mikhailovich. It was precisely these qualities that Vladimir Mikhailovich brought up in his numerous students. Everyone who comes to study or work at the Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, RUDN University, founded by him, invisibly feels his attention and support.
Remembering Academician Gryaznov, it must be noted that he was not only a well-known scientist and teacher, but also very educated, sensitive and attentive person. Despite his high status, every time he came to the department he, first of all, went around all the laboratories and asked each employee, teacher, graduate student and student if there were any problems, if his help was needed. After listening to the interlocutor, Vladimir Mikhailovich always found the right words and helped in solving work and personal problems. He had the ability to see the essence of even the most confusing situation and immediately determine what actions are needed to be taken to solve it. At a difficult, turning point in my life, he believed in me, my abilities and strengths, helped me get the necessary knowledge, become a professor and Doctor of Science.
For me, Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov is not only a Great Scientist, Academician, but, above all, a Teacher! A teacher in science, a teacher in a profession, a teacher in life. He surprisingly combined a variety of virtues: strength of character with worldly wisdom, unusual approaches to making global decisions with the ability to find an approach to each interlocutor, high demands and organization with benevolence and warmth. I am grateful to Vladimir Mikhailovich for wise advice, for the knowledge gained, for my small and big achievements. It is a great honor for me to be a student of Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov!
The reason for my acquaintance with Vladimir Mikhailovich Gryaznov was the proposed trip to Italy to study the results obtained at D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia catalytic membranes. However, there were problems during the travel arrangements. Then Vladimir Mikhailovich suggested that we can conduct experiments at the facilities of the Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry of RUDN University. It was the joint work with Academician Gryaznov that determined the direction of our research for many years. The then-established research group at D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia continues to work successfully at the present time.