John B. Goodenough

John B. Goodenough, born on July 25, 1922, was a distinguished American materials scientist and solid-state physicist, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of chemistry. He served as a professor of Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin from 1986, where he inspired countless students and researchers.

Goodenough's innovative work led to the identification of the Goodenough–Kanamori rules, which elucidate the sign of magnetic superexchange in materials. His pioneering efforts in developing materials for computer random-access magnetic memory and inventing cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries have had a profound impact on modern technology.

Throughout his illustrious career, Goodenough received numerous prestigious awards, including the National Medal of Science, the Copley Medal, the Fermi Award, the Draper Prize, and the Japan Prize. In 2019, he was honored with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, making history as the oldest Nobel laureate at the age of ninety-seven.

Goodenough's legacy continues to influence the field of materials science, with the John B. Goodenough Award established in his name to recognize outstanding contributions in this area. Until his passing on August 27, 2021, he held the title of the oldest living Nobel Prize laureate, a testament to his remarkable life and enduring impact on science.