Merck, Nano-C Launch Fullerene Derivatives for Photovoltaics

Merck KGaA and Nano-C Inc. of Westwood, Mass., have announced the development and launch of fullerene derivatives for the organic photovoltaics (OPV) field.

The new chemistries improve lifetime and thermal stability while increasing open circuit voltage through environmentally friendly, nonhalogenated solvent systems. Solving critical thermal degradation issues, the derivatives allow Merck to develop active-layer formulations ready for deposition, deploying a range of industrial coating techniques.

“The results of our collaborative development program point the way to a cost-effective C60-based acceptor for use with low band-gap systems, offering comparable stability to C70-based fullerene derivatives in OPV,” said Viktor Vejins, president and CEO of Nano-C. The company develops nanostructured carbon materials and chemicals, including fullerenes, nanotubes and their chemical derivatives. Merck is a chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences company.

For more information, visit: www.nano-c.com.