Mark J. Hintze ’89 PhD

Mark J. Hintze ’89 PhD, of Charlotte, N.C.; Mar. 13, from lung cancer. He spent his entire 28-year career devoted to the lithium industry, working at the Kings Mountain (N.C.) lithium site. He worked for Cyprus Foote Mineral/Chemetall Foote Corp. as manager of organometallic chemistry for six years, then 14 years as director of research and development under Chemetall Foote Corp./Rockwood Lithium Inc., then for the last eight years under Albemarle Inc. as manager of battery materials for three years and as research and development advisor of technical services for lithium for his last five years. As manager of organometallics, he built a new organometallic laboratory, initiated a new research program and brought two new organometallic products from conception to full-scale production. He designed and developed the kilo lab at Kings Mountain that piloted new organometallic products that were ultimately commercialized and provided technical support for the new organolithium product line. As manager of battery materials, he was a key contributor to the development of lithium alloys for next generation rechargeable batteries, improving the purity of lithium metal for the battery and commercial markets. Outside of his profession, he stayed current on everything science-related and was a sci-fi fan. He was a member of the American Chemical Society. He enjoyed a good cigar, had a refined taste for craft beer, and was skilled at grilling and a master of the Big Green Egg smoker. He is survived by his wife, Ammie; a daughter; two grandchildren; and a sister.