- Nobel Prize-winning co-creator of the lithium battery

June 26, 2023

Early life and education

Goodenough was born in Evanston, Illinois, in 1922. He attended the University of Chicago, where he earned his B.S. in chemistry in 1943 and his Ph.D. in 1952.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Goodenough worked as a research chemist at the General Electric Research Laboratory. In 1956, he joined the faculty at the University of Oxford as a research fellow. He returned to the United States in 1962 to join the faculty at the University of Texas at Austin, where he remained for the rest of his career.

Research

Goodenough's research interests focused on the structure and properties of materials. He is best known for his work on lithium-ion batteries. In the 1970s, Goodenough and his colleagues developed the first lithium-ion battery, which revolutionized the way we store energy. Lithium-ion batteries are now used in everything from laptops to smartphones to electric cars. Goodenough's work has also had a major impact on the development of medical devices, such as pacemakers and insulin pumps.

Awards and honors

Goodenough was awarded numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2019, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on lithium-ion batteries. He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Royal Society of London.

Legacy

Goodenough's work has had a profound impact on our lives. His research has led to the development of new technologies that have changed the way we live and work. His legacy will continue to inspire innovation for years to come.

John Goodenough's Notable Achievements

  • Developed the first lithium-ion battery
  • Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry
  • Member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Royal Society of London
  • Discovered new methods for synthesizing and characterizing materials
  • Discovered new materials with unique properties
  • Tireless advocate for STEM education
  • Inspired many people to pursue careers in science

John Goodenough was a brilliant scientist and a true pioneer in the field of materials science. His work has had a profound impact on our lives, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.