RIP
John Goodenough, Pioneering Creator of the Lithium-Ion Battery, Dies at 100

Goodenough played a key role in the creation of the widely used rechargeable battery.

BY TAYLOR LYLES
Posted June 27, 2023, 

Dr. John B. Goodenough, one of the most influential scientists that have positively impacted technology, passed away on Sunday at the age of 100, The University of Texas at Austin announced today.

Goodenough is most notably known for his work on creating lithium-ion batteries. The lithium-ion is a rechargeable battery and is a common component in tech devices, from gaming consoles to smartphones.

In 2019, Goodenough, along with Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino, were jointly awarded a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their contributions to "the development of lithium-ion batteries." Despite the impact and common usage of the lithium-ion battery, The New York Times notes in their obituary that Goodenough signed away "most of his rights," noting that he cared "little for money."

"John's legacy as a brilliant scientist is immeasurable — his discoveries improved the lives of billions of people around the world," said UT Austin President Jay Hartzell said in an obituary dedicated to Dr. Goodenough. "He was a leader at the cutting edge of scientific research throughout the many decades of his career, and he never ceased searching for innovative energy-storage solutions."