Patents by Inventor Michael Graetzel

Michael Graetzel 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: 8039124
    Abstract: Electro luminescent metal, e.g. Ir, complexes are disclosed. The metal complexes comprise at least one ligand L1 and at least one ligand L2, wherein ligand L1 is a 2-phenylpyridine ligand (I), comprising a phenyl ring (A) and a pyridine ring (B). The integers 2 to 9 denote positions in which substitutions can be made, and by the use of different substituents, e.g. 2,4-difluoro and 7-N(CH3)2, the emission wavelength of the complex may be tuned. The ligand L2 may e.g. be a compound of the following formula (II).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Rene Theodorus Wegh, Steve Klink, Michael Graetzel, Cedric Nicolas Klein
  • Publication number: 20110215276
    Abstract: The present invention relates to light emitting materials including a novel Ir complex, where the Ir is provided with a primary ligand selected from phenyl pyridine ligands substituted with at least one Cl atom. Such light emitting materials have been found to have a significantly enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield over other Ir complexes with a phenyl pyridine ligand having no Cl atom, or even over those with a phenyl pyridine ligand having a halogen atom other than Cl, such as a Br or F atom, and as a result specifically improve the efficiency of a light emitting device. The present invention further relates to the use of such light emitting materials and an organic light emitting device including such light emitting materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: SOLVAY SA
    Inventors: Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Etienne David Baranoff, Michael Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20110190501
    Abstract: A dye sensitized solar cell, comprising a heteroleptic polypyridil complex of Ru, Os or Fe. The donating ligand has an extended conjugated n-system increasing the light absorbance and keeing the LUMO energy level higher than that of the anchoring ligand. A compacting compound whose molecular structure comprises a terminal group, a hydrophobic part and an anchoring group may be co-adsorbed together with the dye on the semi-conductive metal oxide layer of the photoanode, forming a dense mixed self-assembled monolayer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Cêdric Klein, Peng Wang, Michaêl Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20110121279
    Abstract: Light emitting materials comprising multinuclear metal complexes comprising at least two metal atoms and a metal bridging ligand bound to said at least two metal atoms. It relates more particularly to a multinuclear complex of Formula (I): {-[L]2M-B-}n, wherein L is a bidentate ligand; M represents a transition metal having an atomic number of at least 40, and each M can be the same or different at each occurrence; B is a 2-connecting short metal bridging ligand bound to said at least two metal atoms, where the metal bridging ligand comprises coordinating atoms independently selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorous, carbon, oxygen, sulphur and selenium in 1,2 or 1,3 mutual position.(1,2-? or 1,3-? bonding mode); and n is an integer larger than 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: SOLVAY SA
    Inventors: Etienne David Baranoff, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Patent number: 7932404
    Abstract: A dye sensitized solar cell, comprising a-heteroleptic polypyridil complex of Ru, Os or Fe. The donating ligand has an extended conjugated n-system increasing the light absorbance and keeing the LUMO energy level higher than that of the anchoring ligand. A compacting compound whose molecular structure comprises a terminal group, a hydrophobic part and an anchoring? group may be 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: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Cédric Klein, Peng Wang, Michaël Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20110062541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds that are useful as ligands in organometallic dyes. More particularly, the invention relates to dyes comprising the compounds, said dyes being sensitizing dyes useful in solar cell technology. According to an embodiment, the present invention discloses new ruthenium dyes and their application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC). The referred ruthenium dyes with new structural features can be easily synthesized, show more than 85% light-to-electricity conversion efficiency and a higher than 9% cell efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Feifei Gao, Yuan Wang, Jing Zhang, Peng Wang, shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20110041907
    Abstract: The present invention relates to new organic sensitizer compounds and to photoelectric conversion devices, in particular dye-sensitised solar cells comprising the new sensitizers. The present invention also relates to flexible photoelectric conversion devices, which are based on ionic liquid electrolytes or organic charge transporting materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Mingfei Xu, Hao Qin, Feifei Gao, Peng Wang, Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20110012048
    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 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Jing Zhang, Chengcheng Xi, Yiming Cao, Feifei Gao, Peng Wang, Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20100229950
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrolytes comprising tetracyanoborate and an organic cation as components of electrolytes in electrochemical and/or optoelectronic devices, in particular solar cells. This ionic liquid has low viscosity and can be used as electrolyte in the absence of a solvent. Importantly, the ionic liquid remains stable in solar cells even after prolonged thermal stress at 80° C. for 1000 hours. Photovoltaic conversion efficiency remained stable and keeping more than 90% of the initial value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Daibin Kuang, Peng Wang, Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Michaël Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20100234900
    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: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Pierre Descouts, Björn-Owe Aronsson, Michael Grätzel, Carine Viornery, Peter Péchy
  • Publication number: 20100190984
    Abstract: This invention pertains to light emitting materials comprising novel ortho-metalated transition metal complexes [C?N]2M[P?O] comprising two orthometalated chelate C?N ligands and an ancillary ligand of bidentate phosphinocarboxylate type. It has been surprisingly found that when the metal has bound thereto both orthometalated chelate C?N ligands and an ancillary ligand of bidentate phosphinocarboxylate type (P?O), these ligands advantageously participate in the emission process, enabling appreciable improvement of the blue emission efficiency of complexes [C?N]2M[P?O]. Still objects of the invention are the use of such light emitting materials and organic light emitting device comprising such light emitting material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: SOLVAY (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Nicholas Evans, Michael Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20100174078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to light emitting materials comprising novel ortho-metalated transition metal complexes [C?N]2M[N?N] comprising two orthometalated ligands (C?N ligands) and a neutral bidentate bipyridine ligand (N?N). Surprisingly, it has been found that when the metal binds both orthometalated chelate C?N ligands and a neutral bidentate bipyridine ligand (N?N), these ligands participate in the emission process, thus greatly improving the red emission efficiency of complexes [C?N]2M[N?N]. The present invention further relates to the use of such light emitting materials and an organic light emitting device comprising such light emitting material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: SOLVAY (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Etienne David Baranoff, Michael Graetzel
  • Patent number: 7727540
    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: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Universite de Geneve, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne
    Inventors: Pierre Descouts, Björn-Owe Aronsson, Michael Grätzel, Carine Viornery, Peter Péchy
  • Publication number: 20100102711
    Abstract: This invention pertains to light emitting materials comprising novel ortho-metalated transition metal complexes [C?N]2ML comprising two orthometalated ligands having imidazole moieties and an ancillary ligand of ?-diketonate type. It has been surprisingly found that when the metal has bound thereto both ortho-metalated ligands comprising imidazole moieties and an ancillary ligand of ?-diketonate type, said ligands advantageously participate in the emission process, significantly broadening emission in the visible region and enabling appreciable improvement of the white emission efficiency of complexes [C?N]2ML. Still objects of the invention are the use of said light emitting materials and organic light emitting device comprising said light emitting material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: SOLVAY (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Cédric Klein, Michael Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20100051908
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optoelectronic and/or electrochemical devices comprising an organic charge transporting material which is liquid at a temperature of ?180° C. In particular in dye-sensitised solar cells, quantum efficiency higher than with prior art solid organic hole-transporters is reported. The melting point of a large quantity of organic charge transporting materials may be adjusted to a desired value by selecting suitable substituents. Accordingly, general advantages of the liquid state may be associated with the properties of organic charge transporting materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Henry J. Snaith, Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Michael Graetzel
  • Publication number: 20100044637
    Abstract: Electro luminescent metal, e.g. Ir, complexes are disclosed. The metal complexes comprise at least one ligand L1 and at least one ligand L2, wherein ligand L1 is a 2-phenylpyridine ligand (I), comprising a phenyl ring (A) and a pyridine ring (B). The integers 2 to 9 denote positions in which substitutions can be made, and by the use of different substituents, e.g. 2,4-difluoro and 7-N(CH3)2, the emission wavelength of the complex may be tuned. The ligand L2 may e.g. be a compound of the following formula (II).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Rene Theodorus Wegh, Steve Klink, Michael Graetzel, Cedric Nicolas Klein
  • Publication number: 20090294890
    Abstract: A sensor element (1, 20, 21, 22) capable of sensing more than one spectral band of electromagnetic radiation with the same (x-y) spatial location, especially where the dimensions x-y-z form a set of Cartesian coordinates with z parallel to the direction of incident electromagnetic radiation, is characterized in that the element consists of a stack of sub-elements (3, 5, 7) each capable of sensing different spectral bands of electromagnetic radiation. These sub-elements (3, 5, 7) each contain a non-silicon semiconductor where the non-silicon semiconductor in each sub-element (3, 5, 7) is sensitive to and/or has been sensitized to be sensitive to different spectral bands of electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: ETeCH AG
    Inventors: Michael Graetzel, Gordon Edge, Richard John Artley, Udo Bach
  • Publication number: 20090200920
    Abstract: This invention pertains to light emitting materials comprising novel ortho-metalated transition metal complexes [C?N]2ML, comprising chelate monoionic ligands (L), also called ancillary ligands. It has been surprisingly found that when the ancillary ligand comprises a substituted aromatic ring bearing a substituent possessing adequate electron-donating properties, said ligand (L) advantageously participates in the emission process, significantly shifting emission towards higher energies (blue-shift) and enabling appreciable improvement of the emission efficiency of complexes [C?N]2ML. Still objects of the invention are the use of said light emitting materials and organic light emitting device comprising said light emitting material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Solvay SA
    Inventors: Sung Ho Jin, Ok-Sang Jung, Young In Kim, Muyung Ho Hyun, Jae Wook Lee, Ung Chun Yoon, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Cedric Klein, Michael Graetzel
  • Patent number: 7547490
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing a spinel compound of formula Li4Ti5O12, comprising a step of preparing a mixture of an organo-lithium compound selected from lithium alcoholates with an organo-titanium compound selected from titanic acid esters, in a liquid medium, and a step of hydrolyzing the mixture of said compounds. The invention also concerns a Li4Ti5O12 particulate material which may be produced according to the previous cited process and which has a BET surface area of at least 10 m2/g. The material is particularly useful in the manufacture of Lithium Ion batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Altairnano Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Spitler, Jan Prochazka, Ladislav Kavan, Michael Graetzel, François Sugnaux
  • Publication number: 20090115327
    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: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: SOLVAY (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Cedric Klein, Michael Graetzel