Achim Müller


Achim Müller was a German inorganic chemist. Mainly as a professor at the University of Bielefeld, he contributed extensively to the chemistry of molybdenum oxides and sulfides. He died on 28 February 2024, at the age of 86.
WWW uni-bielefeld.de/chemie/e...

Research contributions

Oxide clusters

In the area of polyoxometalates, he claimed to have identified the structure of one form of molybdenum blue.
His later research related mainly to the synthesis of spherical porous metal oxide nanocapsules Mo132 Keplerates. He also investigated isopolyoxovanadates has provided some of the most instructive examples of host-guest inorganic chemistry, leading to the recognition that a polyoxometalate is a supramolecular species involving a negatively charged host cage and a negatively charged encapsulated guest, and hence opening a new era in polyoxometalate chemistry. The template self-organization of an ”electronically inverse host” around a negatively charged guest might seem somewhat puzzling: According to theoretical studies, this follows from the fact that electrostatic repulsion is overcome by maximizing the molecular electrostatic potential at the guest.
His later research related mainly to bottom-up pathways towards tailor-made spherical porous metal oxide Mo132 "Keplerates", wheel-shaped cluster Mo154,.

Sulfides

Müller also reported many new types of transition metal sulphur compounds.
He had also strong interest in history and philosophy of science.

Academic career

Achim Müller studied chemistry and physics at the University of Göttingen and received there his PhD degree and the Habilitation. In 1971, he became professor at the University of Dortmund and in 1977 professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Bielefeld. In 2006 he was awarded the Manchot-Forschungsprofessur of the Technische Universität München.

Personal life

Müller enjoyed ancient Greek philosophy, classical music, and mountain hiking. He had a passion for woodland birds from his early childhood, a pastime which his father cherished also. In his professional life, he was attentive to recognition.

Recognition

Honorary degrees: Russian Academy of Sciences, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, National University of La Plata.