Esther S. Takeuchi
Born Sep 8 1953
Preparation of Silver Vanadium Oxide Cathodes Using Ag(O) and V2O5 as Starting Materials
Alkali Metal Electrochemical Cell having an Improved Cathode Activated with a Nonaqueous Electrolyte Having an Organic Carbonate Additive
Lithium/Silver Vanadium Oxide Battery
Patent No. 5,389,472; 6,221,534

Inducted 2011

Energy storage expert Esther Takeuchi led efforts to invent and refine the lifesaving lithium/silver vanadium oxide (Li/SVO) battery technology, utilized in the majority of today’s implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

Invention Impact

ICD batteries have high energy density with the ability to support intermittent high-power pulses. In addition, they have a long life, are safe, and durable.

In Takeuchi’s innovation, the cathodes employ two metals, silver and vanadium, rather than just one, allowing for more energy. In addition, the Li/SVO chemistry lets the ICD monitor the level of discharge, allowing it to predict end of service in a reliable manner.

Takeuchi’s work was conducted during 22 years at Greatbatch, Inc., a major supplier of pacemaker and ICD batteries. Today, over 300,000 ICDs are implanted every year.

Inventor Bio

Raised in Ohio, Takeuchi received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and her Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. She joined Greatbatch, Inc. in 1984, and in 2007, she joined the University at Buffalo where she is SUNY Distinguished Professor and the Greatbatch Professor of Advanced Power Sources. She has received over 140 U.S. patents and is the recipient of the 2008 National Medal of Technology and Innovation.