Merck and Nano-C announced their development and launch of C₆₀ based fullerene derivatives to be used in organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. According to the companies, their development points the way to a cost effective C₆₀ based electron acceptor for use with low band-gap systems, offering comparable stability to C₇₀ based fullerene derivatives in OPV. The joint development brings together Merck’s experience with organic semiconducting materials and Nano-C’s know-how in fullerene derivatives.

The companies report that the fullerene derivatives have an improved lifetime and thermal stability, an increased open circuit voltage, use environmentally friendly non-halogenated solvent systems, and solve critical thermal degradation issues. They have been placed into active layer formulations ready for deposition.

• Nano-C, Inc., Westwood, Massachusetts, USA.
• Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany