Merck and Dyesol collaborate in Dye Solar Cells
Darmstadt, Germany / Queanbeyan, Australia, October 15, 2009 - Merck KGaA and Dyesol Limited have signed an agreement to collaborate
in the development of electrolytes for use in Dye Solar Cells (DSC). This joint development agreement is the precursor to
potential future commercial arrangements with Merck to manufacture existing and next generation electrolytes for DSC applications
like photovoltaic renewable energy sources.
Merck is one of the world leaders in the development and production of ionic liquids which are key raw materials used in DSC
electrolytes. Merck has patented intellectual property and vast know-how in the field of ionic liquids. Dyesol, located in
Queanbeyan in New South Wales (Australia), is the leading developer of DSC materials and solutions, having a broad portfolio
covering DSC materials, product designs and manufacturing equipments.
The first phase of the collaboration involves the development of new electrolytes, optimization of electrolytes for high performance, refinement of material specifications to assure ultra long life, and scale up for volume manufacture. Dyesol will contribute the results of the past 12 years of testing on over 400 different proprietary electrolytes that has resulted in DSC with proven stability of well over 25 years in European conditions.
"Photovoltaic renewable energy sources are showing increasing potential worldwide. The cooperation with Dyesol, the world leader in the Dye Solar Cell sector, offers us the opportunity to leverage valuable potential in this attractive market," says Dr. Emil Aust, Senior Manager of Ionic Liquids at Merck KGaA. "When used as the main components of DSC electrolytes, Merck's task-specific Ionic Liquids, make it possible to use both solid and flexible DSCs, thus enabling outstanding new applications in the future."
Dr. Gavin Tulloch, Global Managing Director of Dyesol, said, "This collaboration arises from two years of planning and discussions. During this period each of Dyesol and Merck has recognized the great technical and commercial potential that collaboration can bring. Combining Merck’s capabilities as a major player in chemical production and supply, and the technology leader in Ionic Liquids, together with Dyesol adds exceptional potential to the commercialization of the unique photovoltaic technology."
About Dye Solar Cell Technology
Dye Solar Cell (DSC) technology can best be described as "artificial photosynthesis" using an electrolyte, a layer of titania (a pigment used in white paints and tooth paste) and ruthenium dye deposited on glass, metal or polymer substrates. Light striking the dye excites electrons which are absorbed by the titania to become an electric current many times stronger than that found in natural photosynthesis in plants. Compared to conventional silicon based photovoltaic technology, Dyesol’s DSC technology has lower cost and embodied energy in manufacture. It produces electricity more efficiently even in low light conditions.
About Dyesol Ltd.
Dyesol Ltd. is located in Queanbeyan near Canberra in New South Wales, Australia. The company was listed in August 2005 on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX Code DYE). Dyesol manufactures and supplies a wide range of Dye Solar Cell products comprising equipment, chemicals, materials, components and related services to researchers and manufacturers of DSC. Dyesol has subsidiaries in UK, Italy, Switzerland, USA, Korea and Singapore plus representatives and agents in Turkey, Germany, Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, Taiwan and Japan. The Company is playing a key role in taking the third generation solar technology from development into commercial production. More detail about the company and the technology can be found at: http://www.dyesol.com
The first phase of the collaboration involves the development of new electrolytes, optimization of electrolytes for high performance, refinement of material specifications to assure ultra long life, and scale up for volume manufacture. Dyesol will contribute the results of the past 12 years of testing on over 400 different proprietary electrolytes that has resulted in DSC with proven stability of well over 25 years in European conditions.
"Photovoltaic renewable energy sources are showing increasing potential worldwide. The cooperation with Dyesol, the world leader in the Dye Solar Cell sector, offers us the opportunity to leverage valuable potential in this attractive market," says Dr. Emil Aust, Senior Manager of Ionic Liquids at Merck KGaA. "When used as the main components of DSC electrolytes, Merck's task-specific Ionic Liquids, make it possible to use both solid and flexible DSCs, thus enabling outstanding new applications in the future."
Dr. Gavin Tulloch, Global Managing Director of Dyesol, said, "This collaboration arises from two years of planning and discussions. During this period each of Dyesol and Merck has recognized the great technical and commercial potential that collaboration can bring. Combining Merck’s capabilities as a major player in chemical production and supply, and the technology leader in Ionic Liquids, together with Dyesol adds exceptional potential to the commercialization of the unique photovoltaic technology."
About Dye Solar Cell Technology
Dye Solar Cell (DSC) technology can best be described as "artificial photosynthesis" using an electrolyte, a layer of titania (a pigment used in white paints and tooth paste) and ruthenium dye deposited on glass, metal or polymer substrates. Light striking the dye excites electrons which are absorbed by the titania to become an electric current many times stronger than that found in natural photosynthesis in plants. Compared to conventional silicon based photovoltaic technology, Dyesol’s DSC technology has lower cost and embodied energy in manufacture. It produces electricity more efficiently even in low light conditions.
About Dyesol Ltd.
Dyesol Ltd. is located in Queanbeyan near Canberra in New South Wales, Australia. The company was listed in August 2005 on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX Code DYE). Dyesol manufactures and supplies a wide range of Dye Solar Cell products comprising equipment, chemicals, materials, components and related services to researchers and manufacturers of DSC. Dyesol has subsidiaries in UK, Italy, Switzerland, USA, Korea and Singapore plus representatives and agents in Turkey, Germany, Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, Taiwan and Japan. The Company is playing a key role in taking the third generation solar technology from development into commercial production. More detail about the company and the technology can be found at: http://www.dyesol.com
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Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues of € 7.7 billion in 2009, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by approximately 40,000 (including Merck Millipore) employees in 64 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck's operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and free shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues of € 7.7 billion in 2009, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by approximately 40,000 (including Merck Millipore) employees in 64 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck's operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and free shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.
