John B. Goodenough

Date of Birth: July 25, 1922

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: June 25, 2023

Biography

John Bannister Goodenough was a distinguished American scientist widely celebrated for his groundbreaking work in the field of solid-state physics and materials science. Born on July 25, 1922, in Jena, Germany, Goodenough’s family moved to the United States when he was a child. He grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, and later attended Yale University where he earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics in 1944. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Goodenough pursued a Ph.D. in physics at the University of Chicago, which he completed in 1952. Goodenough’s most notable contribution to science was his role in the development of the lithium-ion battery, a revolutionary technology that has become integral to modern electronics, including smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. His research in this area earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019, alongside M. Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino. Throughout his career, Goodenough held prestigious positions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Oxford, and the University of Texas at Austin. His work extended beyond batteries to include magnetic materials and superconductivity, making him a versatile and influential figure in the scientific community. Goodenough continued to contribute to research well into his 90s, demonstrating an unwavering passion for discovery and innovation. His legacy is not only measured by his scientific achievements but also by his mentorship of future generations of scientists.

5 Interesting Facts about John B. Goodenough

1. John B. Goodenough was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry at the age of 97, making him the oldest laureate in history.

2. He played a crucial role in the development of RAM (random-access memory) during his tenure at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory in the 1950s.

3. Goodenough’s work on lithium-ion batteries was initially met with skepticism, but it eventually revolutionized portable electronics and renewable energy storage.

4. He was an avid supporter of renewable energy and continued to advocate for sustainable energy solutions throughout his life.

5. Goodenough held honorary doctorates from several prestigious institutions, including the University of Chicago, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Oxford.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John B. Goodenough

1. “You have to draw on a fair amount of courage to be willing to innovate.”

2. “It’s the batteries that will make the difference in the future of energy and transport.”

3. “Science is not about making predictions or performing experiments. Science is about explaining.”

4. “You have to be willing to fail to make progress.”

5. “The excitement of discovery is the greatest joy in life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, John B. Goodenough’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, primarily from his academic positions, patents, and awards.