Merck and Nano-C Team Up to Kick A**, Build Better Organic Solar Cells

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Merck KGaA has teamed up with the global Massachusetts-based company Nano-C, Inc. in the material development sector.  Specifically, the two companies are working in the field of energy electronics to develop nanocarbon materials for organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells.

Merck brings its semi-conductor materials widely used in the OPV industry.  Nano-C has an exclusive license to sell its fullerene derivative PCBM.  The position of both companies in the field of organic thin-film solar cells stands to be strengthened with this alliance.

Merck and Nano-C both believe that Merck’s cutting-edge polymer technology development and marketing, as well as its distribution infrastructure, will combine with Nano-C’s industry-leading fullerene derivative to surpass the current performance of organic semi-conductor materials.  The alliance is aiming to develop the next generation of organic photovoltaic cell materials.

The new materials, which have been produced with an emphasis on rational design, are expected to improve power conversion efficiency by 10%.

Merck is a German-based international company producing pharmaceuticals and chemicals.  Its chemical research center is in the United Kingdom, where the research to develop the new organic semi-conductor materials for electronic equipment and solar cells is taking place. Recently, additional test facilities have been included to focus specifically on developing materials for the photovoltaic industry.  Merck established a Japanese subsidiary in 1968.

Nano-C acquired its exclusive license for PCBM from Unidym/Siemens two years ago.  It has obtained a manufacturing license from the EPA to produce and sell the fullerene-based PCBM on a commercial scale.

Translated from: Kankyo Business.


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