Collaboration between Merck and Nano-C is intended to bring about breakthroughs in nanostructured fullerene derivatives and semiconducting material formulations that overcome performance limitations of existing organic photovoltaics (OPV) materials. Merck’s Chilworth Technical Centre near Southampton, UK, is heading up the research.
“Nano-C’s world-leading expertise and IP in fullerene technology complements our extensive material portfolio in organic electronics and will enable the rapid development of commercially attractive products for the exciting area of organic photovoltaics,” noted Klaus Bofinger, head of advanced technologies at Merck. “Merck already offers a wide range of materials and formulations for the photovoltaic industry and aims to further strengthen its position in this field.”
“This agreement builds on our expertise and intellectual property in fullerene derivative development and manufacture and combines it with Merck’s leading-edge polymer development capabilities, marketing and distribution infrastructure. Our agreement with Merck solidifies our leadership position and will provide our customers with surety of supply of high-performance materials that are vital for the future of the OPV industry,” added Viktor Vejins, president and CEO of Nano-C.
The Chilworth Technical Centre has recently seen investment in new chemistry and OPV application testing laboratories, intended to accelerate new OPV materials.
