John B. Goodenough (25 July 1922 – 25 June 2023) was an American materials scientist and a solid-state physicist. John B. Goodenough was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019.
Life and Career
John B. Goodenough was born on July 25, 1922, in Jena, Germany. He grew up during a tumultuous time in history and faced significant challenges, including leaving Germany with his family due to the rise of the Nazi regime. Later, they moved to the United States, where Goodenough pursued his academic and professional career.
Goodenough attended Yale University and completed his undergraduate studies in Mathematics. He then earned a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Chicago in 1952, where he began his journey into the field of science and technology.
Throughout his illustrious career, John B. Goodenough made significant contributions to the field of materials science and solid-state physics. He held various academic and research positions at institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Oxford, and the University of Texas at Austin.
Goodenough’s groundbreaking work involved the development and improvement of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which revolutionized portable electronic devices and renewable energy storage. His research played a crucial role in making energy storage more efficient and accessible to the general public.
John B. Goodenough passed away on June 25, 2023, in Austin, Texas, U.S.
Award and Legacy
John B. Goodenough was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019. He shared the prestigious award with two other researchers, M. Stanley Whittingham, and Akira Yoshino, for their work in the development of lithium-ion batteries.
His legacy is indelible in the world of science and innovation. His research in battery technology paved the way for the portable electronic revolution and the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources. Goodenough’s work continues to impact various industries, inspiring advancements in energy storage and sustainability.