Lithium-Ion Battery
The lithium-ion battery stores a large amount of energy in a light, rechargeable cell by shuttling lithium ions between electrodes. It powers portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid storage.
Attribution — A defined team or small group developed it together.
The lithium-ion battery is the work of three scientists honored with the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Stanley Whittingham created the first lithium battery concept, John Goodenough greatly increased its voltage with an oxide cathode, and Akira Yoshino built the first safe, commercial cell. Sony's commercialization (1991) followed.
What counts as the invention: The research breakthroughs (Whittingham, Goodenough, Yoshino) are distinct from the commercial product launch (industry, 1991).
Contributors
Historical impact
Portable, high-density storage enabled laptops, smartphones, and the shift to electric transport.
Modern relevance
Li-ion is central to electrification and renewable-energy storage today.
Sources & further reading
Each citation names the publisher and the exact reference title.
- The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2019 — Goodenough, Whittingham & Yoshino (lithium-ion)The Nobel Prize · Professional body
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