Figure 1: Operation of a Lithium-ion battery, illustrating the flow of electrons from a higher energy state in the graphite anode to a lower energy state in Li0.5CoO2 cathode, accompanied by a flow of Li+ ions through the electrolyte.
By: Arumugam Manthiram
A half-century-long marriage between solid state science and electrochemistry has led to many wonders, impacting our lifestyle and the well-being of people and the planet. For example, the birth of lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology has touched all of our lives. We are inspired by our heroes, 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry recipients Professors Stanley Whittingham and John Goodenough, and Dr. Akira Yoshino. Their pioneering work brought the global battery community to new heights. A close interaction between solid state chemists/physicists and electrochemists, involving the design and development of new materials, and an in-depth understanding of their electrochemical behavior, made LIB technology possible. (more…)
