Lithium-Ion Battery Pioneers Win 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Three scientists receive the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing the lightweight, powerful lithium-ion batteries that power modern electronics and electric vehicles.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awards the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to John B. Goodenough, M. Stanley Whittingham, and Akira Yoshino for their development of lithium-ion batteries. These lightweight, high-capacity power sources replace the bulky lead-acid batteries of the past and make modern portable electronics possible. The three laureates share the nearly $1-million prize for their combined decades of research.
This revolutionary battery technology relies on lithium, which is the smallest and lightest metal on the periodic table. Because of its tiny size, manufacturers pack a massive amount of lithium into a very small space to create highly efficient energy storage. This unique advantage directly enables the creation of pocket-sized mobile phones, lightweight laptops, and long-range electric cars.
At 97 years old, Goodenough becomes the oldest person to ever receive a Nobel Prize, highlighting the multi-generational span of this vital research. Beyond just consumer electronics, these rechargeable batteries play a crucial role in storing power from renewable energy sources like solar panels. Experts note that this widespread technology is an essential tool in the global effort to combat climate change.