The prestigious Millennium Technology Prize was given today to Swiss solar researcher Michael Grätzel, who has dedicated more than 30 years to the development of dye-sensitized solar cells.
The EUR 800,000 prize is awarded by the Technology Academy Finland for innovative applied science that "contributes
directly to the well-being of all."
Grätzel is a chemist and professor at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and among the ten most-cited scientists in the world.
Dye-sensitized solar cells, also known as Grätzel cells, were inspired by photosynthesis. Rather than using conventional silica-based cells, the new technology uses a photo-sensitized anode and an electrolyte to create what is called a photoelectrochemical system. The new cells are promising, because they employ low-cost materials and have the potential to be more versatile in use.
Dye-sensitized solar cells have recenlty entered commercialization. Austrian Australian company Dyesol Limited (ASX: DYE) has research and manufacturing agreements with Merck KGaA and Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing. The company G24 Innovations is integrating dye-sensitized solar cells into a line of consumer bags that will be capable of recharging electronic devices. And in the US, Konarka is developing the technology licensed from EPFL.
Michaël Grätzel also has worked on solar energy storage using hydrogen extraction, and he has worked to improve the safety and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries.
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