The man behind the development of ruthenium-based dye-sensitised solar cells has received a prestigious award for his work.

Professor Michael Graetzel was named as the 2010 Millennium Technology Prize Laureate, a Finnish award celebrating life-enhancing technological innovation.

The international selection committee decided to honour the Swiss scientist after commending the price/performance ratio of the cells.

Furthermore, the judges noted the major role they can play in renewable, low-cost energy solutions through their application in photovoltaics, batteries and hydrogen production.

"Dyesol is very proud to be associated with this technology and to have been able to work closely with Michael in bringing this technology from laboratory to market place," said Dr Gavin Tulloch, founder of Dyesol, which helped Professor Graetzel to develop the cells.

"We look forward to continuing our collaboration for many years to come, bringing ever newer generations of this technology to society."

Professor Graetzel is certainly in good company, as previous winners of the award include Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, and Professor Shuji Nakamura, who pioneered revolutionary light sources.

The 66-year-old is the author of over 500 publications and two books, while also being the inventor or co-inventor of more than 40 patents.

Source:

Graetzel announced as Millennium Technology Prize Laureate 2010 (10/06/10)

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