Grotonian Wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry
John B. Goodenough, a member of Groton School’s Form of 1940, has won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Groundbreaking research by Professor Goodenough led to the development of the lithium-ion battery, which today powers our mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. Professor Goodenough shared the award with Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino.
Dr. Goodenough was recognized in particular for his work on the part of the battery known as the cathode, doubling the energy potential of Whittingham’s earlier version and making the invention viable. “John Goodenough predicted that the cathode would have even greater potential if it was made using a metal oxide instead of a metal sulphide,” according to the Nobel Foundation. “After a systematic search, in 1980 he demonstrated that cobalt oxide with intercalated lithium ions can produce as much as four volts. This was an important breakthrough and would lead to much more powerful batteries.”
His work is having a direct impact at Groton School—in a solar array that will soon begin providing energy on the Circle. “John Goodenough's research inspired the school to implement a lithium-ion battery to store power in the solar array that will be installed this spring,” said Headmaster Temba Maqubela. “His groundbreaking work—and continued efforts to improve our world—are an inspiration to all of us.”
At Roll Call this morning, students in Groton's Organic Chemistry class announced Dr. Goodenough’s award and explained his battery work in down-to-earth, relevant terms. “When you plug in your phone or laptop, it won’t explode,” said Kevin Clark ’20, who has done extensive research on the lithium-ion battery for the class.
An article in the upcoming fall Groton School Quarterly profiles the Nobel Prize–winner, describing what he believes will be the next battery revolution: with a research partner, he has developed a battery that can recharge more quickly and store more power. Dr. Goodenough is optimistic that the new battery eventually will transform the automobile industry, making electric vehicles more efficient and affordable.
The Quarterly article notes that the scientist, now 97, has been nominated for the Nobel for decades. He took it all in stride, but concluded in the article, ““If they wait much longer, I won’t be able to go and collect.”
The Quarterly article notes that the scientist, now 97, has been nominated for the Nobel for decades. He took it all in stride, but concluded in the article, ““If they wait much longer, I won’t be able to go and collect.”
The wait is over—congratulations Professor Goodenough!
Preview the Quarterly profile on John B. Goodenough.
Photo: Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
Preview the Quarterly profile on John B. Goodenough.
Photo: Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
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