John Goodenough, Inventor of Lithium-ion Battery Technology, Passes Away at 100
Dr. John Goodenough, who is widely recognized as the inventor of the lithium-ion battery and a significant figure in the field of technology, has passed away at the age of 100, according to the University of Texas at Austin. His contributions have made cellphones, laptops, and electric vehicles feasible, and he is regarded as one of the most influential scientists in the industry.
The researchers had studied lithium batteries before. For example, Dr. M. Stanley Whittingham prepared a plan in which lithium was combined with titanium disulfide. However, The New York Times notes that Goodenough had his big breakthrough in 1980 while at Oxford University. He made the cathode with lithium and cobalt oxide layers, which produced a stronger voltage while improving safety. It had a much higher capacity than earlier batteries such as lead-acid (used in cars) and nickel-cadmium (found in many portable electronics).
The technology was not successful until Dr. Akira Yoshino scrapped raw lithium in favor of safer lithium ions. A scientist produced a practical design for Asahi Kasei Corporation, and Sony delivered the first consumer-friendly rechargeable lithium-ion battery in 1991. You know what happened next—improved performance enabled mobile devices that were either more portable or simply weren’t an option before. Cell phones and laptops could become sleeker, faster, and longer-lasting, while electric cars were finally profitable.
However, Goodenough was responsible for much more. While working at MIT in the 1950s and 1960s, he helped pioneer the technology that eventually became the RAM used in many computing products. He routinely distributed patents to his colleagues. He was also an active researcher in the 90’s and until a few years ago developed next-generation battery technology that promised a breakthrough in the field of renewable energy and electric cars.
Although Goodenough was relatively unknown in public circles, he was recognized for his work. Among other things, he received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019 and the US National Medal of Science in 2011.
The industry is slowly transitioning from lithium-ion batteries. Automakers are designing electric cars with solid-state batteries that offer higher density, faster charging, and lower costs. However, it’s safe to say that the modern tech landscape wouldn’t be what it is without Goodenough’s efforts, and his legacy will likely be felt for years to come.
