The sad news has arrived of the passing of John B. Goodenough, a professor who played a vital role in the development of lithium-ion batteries that are now present in almost all our everyday devices. Goodenough passed away at the remarkable age of 100.

Born in Germany in 1922, Goodenough was an outstanding scientist. He obtained degrees in mathematics and physics from prestigious institutions such as Yale University and the University of Chicago. Throughout his career, he held positions at renowned institutions like the Lincoln Laboratory MIT and the University of Oxford.

Goodenough’s breakthrough came over 40 years ago when he and his team discovered that lithium cobalt oxide was the best cathode material to achieve high energy density for rechargeable Li-ion batteries, alongside lithium metal. This discovery was immensely significant, but what’s truly impressive is that Goodenough never sought royalties for its use.

Today, we can see the impact of Goodenough’s findings everywhere, from smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles to electric vehicles. His remarkable contributions to the field were recognized with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019, making him the oldest recipient in the history of the award.

We cannot underestimate the magnitude of his influence in the world of technology. Current and future innovations and technologies will continue to rely on the energy contributions from Goodenough’s brilliant discovery. May he find a deserving place in our memory as one of the most influential figures in the development of lithium-ion batteries.