Germany-based Merck and Dyesol have signed an agreement to collaborate in the development of electrolytes for use in Dye Solar Cells (DSC). Reportedly, this joint development agreement is the precursor to future commercial arrangements with Merck to manufacture existing and next generation electrolytes for DSC applications like photovoltaic renewable energy sources.
Reportedly, the first phase of the collaboration involves the development of new electrolytes, optimisation of electrolytes for high performance, refinement of material specifications to assure ultra long life, and scale up for volume manufacture.
Dyesol is expected to 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.
Emil Aust, senior manager of Ionic Liquids at Merck, said: “Photovoltaic renewable energy sources are showing increasing potential worldwide. The cooperation with Dyesol, offers us the opportunity to leverage valuable potential in this attractive market. 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.”