Lithium-ion invention

John Goodenough's cathode breakthrough

Akira Yoshino's prototype development

Sony's commercialization efforts

Rachid Yazami's graphite anode contributions

Nobel Prize recognition and controversy

Early safety challenges and solutions

Whittingham's lithium-metal precursor work

Patent disputes and legal battles

Alternative cathode material explorations

Electrolyte formulation breakthroughs

Academic-industrial knowledge transfer

Japanese vs. Western development approaches