Asahi Kasei Honorary Fellow Dr. Akira Yoshino has been chosen for the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry in recognition of his achievements in the research and development of the lithium-ion battery (LIB).
Dr. Yoshino invented a completely new combination of carbon for the negative electrode and LiCoO2 (lithium cobalt oxide) for the positive electrode, developed the fundamental technology for the LIB which uses aluminum as positive current collector material, and fabricated the world's first LIB cell. He also developed other technologies that were essential for the successful commercialization of the LIB, including technology for fabricating electrodes, technology for assembling batteries, and other technology that made the LIB possible as a small, lightweight rechargeable battery.
Not only has the LIB facilitated widespread adoption of many portable electronic devices such as mobile phones and notebook computers, but it is also increasingly used in electric vehicles as an environmentally friendly means of transportation.
Major patents related to the LIB
(Registration date)
(November 8, 1995)
Kenichi Sanechika
Takayuki Nakajima
(May 2, 1997)
Kenichi Sanechika
(May 2, 1997)
Kazuhiko Nakanishi
Akira Ono
(July 4, 1997)
Masahiko Shikata
(February 25, 2000)
Katsuhiko Inoue
(May 26, 1987)
Kenichi Sanechika
Takayuki Nakajima
- Priority date.