Koichi Mizushima

Koichi Mizushima (水島公一, Mizushima Kōichi, born January 30, 1941) is a Japanese researcher known for discovering lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) and related materials for the lithium-ion battery (Li-ion battery). He was affiliated with the University of Tokyo, before he went on to work for Toshiba.

Early career

Koichi Mizushima was trained as a physicist in University of Tokyo and got a PhD in Physics from University of Tokyo. He worked for 13 years in Physics Department at University of Tokyo. In 1977, he was invited by Professor John Goodenough in the Inorganic Chemistry Department at Oxford University for a research scientist. During his stay (1977-1979) in Oxford, Dr. Mizushima, along with John B. Goodenough, discovered LiCoO₂ and related compounds now used for the cathode of Li-ion battery. He went on to work for Toshiba.

Recognition

• 1999 - Kato Memorial Prize
• 2007 - Fellow, The Japan Society of Applied Physics
• 2016 - NIMS Award (National Institute for Materials Science)
• 2019 - The University of Tokyo President's Special Award