Xu Guangxian - Life

Life

He studied in several schools in Zhejiang (now known as Zhejiang University and Zhejiang University of Technology), then he entered Jiaotong University in Shanghai (now known as Shanghai Jiaotong University), and received B.S in 1944. 1944-1946, he was a technician in a chemical company in Shanghai.

Xu went to USA in 1948, studied in the graduate school of the Washington University in St. Louis from Jan to Jun. 1948-1951, he studied at the Columbia University in New York, and received M.S. in 1949 and PhD in 1951 (under C. D. Beckmann). 1949 Feb, he became a member of Phi Lamda Upsilon. 1950 Oct, he became a member of Sigma Xi.

1951, he went back to China with his wife Gao Xiaoxia - also a chemist. In the same year, he became the associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, Peking University. Soon later he was promoted to be a full professor. He became a dean of the department in 1956, and especially directed the department of radiation chemistry. Xu also was involved in the Chinese nuclear weapon development program, within which he played a role in separating and extracting the nuclear elements, especially Uranium-235.

In 1969 Xu and his wife were accused of being spies for the former Kuomintang government and sent to a labor camp until 1972.

Xu played an important role in the chemistry of rare earths in China. He systematically studied the chemical and physical properties of the rare earths found in China and developed several methods to separate and extract them. Xu also has an important career in Chinese chemical industry.

Jan 2009, Xu received the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award from the President Hu Jintao.

In September, Science News Focus on China's rare earth industry and its worldwide influence, and Xu's significant contributions.