John B. Goodenough

John Bannister Goodenough was born on July 25, 1922, in Jena, Germany, to American parents. He grew up in the United States and went on to become a renowned physicist and chemist. Goodenough made significant contributions to the development of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which are crucial for modern electronic devices.

In 1952, John B. Goodenough completed his PhD in physics from the University of Chicago under the supervision of Clarence Zener. His doctoral research spanned the fields of magnetism and solid-state physics, laying the foundation for his future groundbreaking work in battery technology, particularly in the study of materials that would later be key to developing lithium-ion batteries.

In the year 1980, John B. Goodenough and his team at Oxford University developed the lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) cathode, which became crucial for the commercial success of lithium-ion batteries. This invention significantly increased the energy density of rechargeable batteries, revolutionizing portable electronics and contributing to the development of everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.

In 1986, John B. Goodenough accepted a professorship at the University of Texas at Austin, where he continued his pioneering research in solid-state chemistry and materials science. His work at the university further established him as a leading figure in the development of battery technology, contributing to advances that improved the performance and efficiency of rechargeable batteries.

In 2014, John B. Goodenough was awarded the National Medal of Science by President Barack Obama. This prestigious award is given to individuals deserving of special recognition for their outstanding contributions in science and engineering. Goodenough's innovations, especially in the field of battery technology, were recognized as transformative and crucial for technological advancement.

In February 2017, John B. Goodenough received the IEEE Medal for Environmental and Safety Technologies. This medal was awarded to Goodenough in recognition of his work on materials critical to the development of batteries, specifically lithium-ion batteries, that have had significant environmental impact by facilitating the use of cleaner energy technologies.

In December 2017, John B. Goodenough was honored with the Welch Award in Chemistry. This award recognized his lifetime achievements and contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly his groundbreaking work on the development of lithium-ion batteries, which have had a profound impact on the portable electronics industry and renewable energy solutions.

On October 9, 2019, John B. Goodenough was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry alongside M. Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino for the development of lithium-ion batteries. At the age of 97, Goodenough became the oldest laureate to receive a Nobel Prize. The award recognized his pioneering work in developing the lithium cobalt oxide cathode, which was key to the commercialization of lithium-ion batteries.

On June 25, 2023, John B. Goodenough passed away at the age of 100. He left behind a profound legacy as a scientist who radically transformed the world with the invention of modern lithium-ion batteries. His contributions laid the foundation for portable devices and renewable energy storage solutions. The scientific community mourned his passing and celebrated his monumental achievements.