BINGHAMTON, N.Y.— Binghamton University professor M. Stanley Whittingham, a member of the United University Professions/New York State United Teachers, was one of the three winners of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, announced Oct. 9. Whittingham, a distinguished professor of chemistry and materials science, shared the award for his work that led to the development of lithium-ion batteries, the rechargeable power sources used in laptop computers, cell phones, and electric cars. “Professor Whittingham is an outstanding, groundbreaking chemist and a strong unionist who understands and reflects the importance of being a union member in word and deed,” UUP President Fred Kowal said in a statement. “Professor Whittingham exemplifies the hard work of our higher education faculty across the state and their dedication to pioneering new ideas and research that will advance our society as a whole,” NYSUT President Andy Pallotta said. Whittingham shared the award with John B. Goodenough of the University of Texas at Austin and Akira Yoshino of Meijo University in Japan and Ashai Kasei Corporation. The three—Whittingham making the initial discovery and Goodenough and Yoshino refining the technology—developed the cathodes that led to lithium-ion batteries becoming commercially available in 1991. Read more
