Patents by Inventor Michael Grätzel

Michael Grätzel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9396882
    Abstract: The present invention refers to using the principal of a room temperature molten ionic liquid, to an electrolyte, to devices comprising the ionic liquid co-melting, and to the preparation of a room temperature ionic liquid via various physical and chemical methods. The room temperature molten ionic liquid comprises at least two component salts, at least one of which is not molten at room temperature, but, if combined with another salt, is in the molten state at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Zing Zhang, Chengcheng Xi, Yiming Cao, Feifei Gao, Peng Wang, Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Patent number: 9359334
    Abstract: The present invention provides new bi- and polypyridine ligands of ruthenium dyes. The invention also provides solar cells, in particular dye-sensitized solar cells comprising the dyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Michael Graetzel, Alessandro Abbotto, Chiara Marinzi, Norberto Manfredi, Filippo De Angelis
  • Publication number: 20160141112
    Abstract: The present invention relates to photoanodes, solar cells and methods and processes for producing the same. In some embodiments, the solar cells of the invention can do without a sintered nanoporous scaffold layer, making it possible to produce the solar cells in low-temperature procedures. In some embodiments, the invention encompasses organic-inorganic perovskite sensitizers, deposited on a smooth metal oxide layer. In some embodiments, the organic-inorganic perovskite sensitizers are deposited in a two-step sequential process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Yella Aswani, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Patent number: 9337435
    Abstract: A dye sensitized solar cell, wherein a compacting compound whose molecular structure comprises a terminal group, a hydrophobic part and an anchoring group is co-adsorbed together with the dye on the semi-conductive metal oxide layer of the photoanode, forming a dense mixed self-assembled monolayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Peng Wang, Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Patent number: 9324505
    Abstract: The invention relates to substituted ullazine and analogs of ullazine as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and other photoelectrochemical and/or optoelectronic devices. The sensitizers may comprise donor substituents and/or acceptor substituents, besides an anchoring group suitable for attaching the sensitizer on a semiconductor surface. DSSCs based on this type of sensitizers exhibit high power conversion efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) EPFL-TTO
    Inventors: Jared Delcamp, Michael Graetzel, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin
  • Publication number: 20160086739
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing sensitized solar cells using organic-inorganic perovskites as sensitizers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: Abengoa Research S.L.
    Inventors: Julian Alexander Burschka, Norman Pellet, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Michael Graetzel, Shahzada Ahmad
  • Patent number: 9269912
    Abstract: Disclosed is a metal complex having a partial structure represented by the following Formula (I-0) or a tautomer thereof: formula (I-0) Cy is a 5 to 7 membered heterocyclic ring, preferably a 6-membered ring, which may be aromatic, non aromatic or partially aromatic and which coordinates to the metal atom through a carbon atom; A is a nitrogen atom a is an integer equal or superior to 1; D is an electron donor group; and b is an integer equal or superior to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: SOLVAY SA
    Inventors: Michael Graetzel, Etienne David Baranoff, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin
  • Publication number: 20150213966
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) based on DPP moiety being useful as metal-free organic sensitizers or dyes of type D-?-A in electrochemical or optoelectronic devices, their use as sensitizer or dye and an electrochemical or optoelectronic device comprising a compound of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Wesley Holcombe, Jun Ho Yum, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20150200377
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solid state heterojunction solar cell comprising a transparent conducting support layer (2,3), on which a nanostructured, surface-increasing scaffold structure is provided, wherein an organic-inorganic perovskite layer (4) is provided on said scaffold structure, and wherein a counter electrode and/or metal layer (5) is provided in electric contact with said perovskite layer (4). According to an embodiment, the solar cell lacks an electrolyte or any hole conducting material. The invention also relates to a solid state ' heterojunction and to a method of preparing the solar cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Lioz Etgar, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Patent number: 8980440
    Abstract: This invention pertains to light emitting materials comprising novel ortho-metalated transition metal complexes [C^N]2M(T)(L), comprising chelate dialkylamino-substituted C^N ligands, monodentate neutral ligand (L) having sp2 hybridized N atom and a monodentate anionic ligand (T) chosen among CN?, CNO?, CNS?. It has been surprisingly found that when the metal has bound thereto in addition to substituted orthometalated ligands, both an anion chosen among cyanide, thiocyanate, cyanate, possessing strong C donor and ? acceptor properties, and a monodentate neutral ligand L, as above defined, said ligands advantageously participate in the emission process, significantly shifting emission towards higher energies (blue-shift) and enabling appreciable improvement of the emission efficiency of complexes [C^N]2M(T)(L). Still objects of the invention are the use of said light emitting materials and organic light emitting device comprising said light emitting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Cedric Klein, Michael Graetzel
  • Patent number: 8962977
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel dyes for dye sensitized photovoltaic conversion devices. The dyes contain novel anchoring ligands, which have a vinyl or phenylethenyl moiety incorporated in the anchoring bipyridine. Such dyes exhibit an increased molar extinction coefficient and enhanced red response in the visible regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Mohammad Nazeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20140332079
    Abstract: The present invention provides a porous semiconductor electrode passivated by way of a layer applied by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The semiconductor electrode can be advantageously used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) having increase open current voltages (Voc). By selecting the thickness and the material of the passivating or blocking layer, high Voc without substantial reduction of short circuit current (JSC) is achieved, thereby resulting in devices exhibiting excellent power conversion efficiencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Aravind Kumar Chandiran, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20140316533
    Abstract: Endosseous implant to be applied to a human or animal bone, wherein the surface of the implant is made from titanium or a titanium alloy, said implant having a smooth or rough surface texture, which is characterized in that said surface has been treated with at least one selected organic phosphonate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or an amide thereof; process for producing said implants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Pierre DESCOUTS, Björn-Owe ARONSSON, Michael GRÄTZEL, Carine VIORNERY, Peter PÉCHY
  • Publication number: 20140311575
    Abstract: The present invention relates to modified surfaces. The surfaces comprise an inorganic material on which a phosphinic acid derivative is adsorbed. The phosphinic acid thus turns out to be a new anchoring group useful for surface derivatisation. The invention has many applications for photoelectric conversion devices, batteries, capacitors, electrochromic displays, chemical sensors, biological sensors, light emitting diodes, electrodes, semiconductors, separation membranes, selective adsorbents, adsorbents for HPLC, catalysts, implants, nanoparticles, antiadhesives, and anticorrosion coatings, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Peter Pechy, Michael Graetzel
  • Patent number: 8847065
    Abstract: The present invention relates to modified surfaces. The surfaces comprise an inorganic material on which a phosphinic acid derivative is adsorbed. The phosphinic acid thus turns out to be a new anchoring group useful for surface derivatization. The invention has many applications for photoelectric conversion devices, batteries, capacitors, electrochromic displays, chemical sensors, biological sensors, light emitting diodes, electrodes, semiconductors, separation membranes, selective adsorbents, adsorbents for HPLC, catalysts, implants, nanoparticles, antiadhesives, and anticorrosion coatings, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Péter Péchy, Michael Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20140239288
    Abstract: The invention relates to substituted ullazine and analogs of ullazine as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and other photoelectrochemical and/or optoelectronic devices. The sensitizers may comprise donor substituents and/or acceptor substituents, besides an anchoring group suitable for attaching the sensitizer on a semiconductor surface. DSSCs based on this type of sensitizers exhibit high power conversion efficiencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Ecole Polytechnique Féderale de Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Jared Delcamp, Michael Graetzel, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin
  • Patent number: 8802123
    Abstract: Endosseous implant to be applied to a human or animal bone, wherein the surface of the implant is made from titanium or a titanium alloy, said implant having a smooth or rough surface texture, which is characterized in that said surface has been treated with at least one selected organic phosphonate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or an amide thereof; process for producing said implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: Universite de Geneve, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne
    Inventors: Pierre Descouts, Björn-Owe Aronsson, Michael Grätzel, Carine Viornery, Peter Péchy
  • Publication number: 20140097376
    Abstract: The present invention refers to using the principal of a room temperature molten ionic liquid, to an electrolyte, to devices comprising the ionic liquid co-melting, and to the preparation of a room temperature ionic liquid via various physical and chemical methods. The room temperature molten ionic liquid comprises at least two component salts, at least one of which is not molten at room temperature, but, if combined with another salt, is in the molten state at room temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Jing Zhang, Chengcheng Xi, Yiming Cao, Feifei Gao, Peng Wang, Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Patent number: 8686285
    Abstract: The present invention refers to using the principal of a room temperature molten ionic liquid, to an electrolyte, to devices comprising the ionic liquid co-melting, and to the preparation of a room temperature ionic liquid via various physical and chemical methods. The room temperature molten ionic liquid comprises at least two component salts, at least one of which is not molten at room temperature, but, if combined with another salt, is in the molten state at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Jing Zhang, Chengcheng Xi, Yiming Cao, Feifei Gao, Peng Wang, Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20140060641
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved redox couple for electrochemical and optoelectronic devices. The redox couple is based on a complex of a first row transition metal, said complex containing at least one mono-, bi-, or tridentate ligand comprising a substituted or unsubstituted ring or ring system comprising a five-membered N-containing heteroring and/or a six-membered ring comprising at least two heteroatoms, at least one of which being a nitrogen atom, said five- or six-membered heteroring, respectively, comprising at least one double bond. The invention also relates to electrolytes and to the devices containing the complex, and to the use of the complex as a redox couple. The invention further provides electrochemical and/or optoelectronic devices comprising a first and a second electrode and, between said first and second electrode, a charge transport layer, said a charge transport layer comprising tetracyanoborate ([B(CN)4]?) and a cationic metal complex functioning as redox-couple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne
    Inventors: Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Michael Graetzel, Etienne Baranoff, Florian Kessler, Jun-Ho Yum, Aswani Yella, Hoi Nok Tsao, Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin