 Three volt lithium primary cells such as the CR123A type and three volt button cells are still widely used, especially in cameras and very small devices.Three important developments regarding lithium batteries occurred in the 1980s.In 1980, an American chemist, John B. Goodenough, discovered the LiCoO2 cathode (positive lead) and a Moroccan research scientist, Rachid Yazami, discovered the graphite anode (negative lead) with the solid electrolyte.