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Rochester-based Intrinsiq Materials Awarded $450,000 by U.S. Department of Energy to Develop Printed Nanometal Contacts for Solar Cells(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 22 -- Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, D-N.Y. (25th CD), issued the following news release: Intrinsiq Materials Inc., a nanotechnology leader in printable electronic ink, announced today it was awarded a $450,000 by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative to develop and commercialize an innovative method of using nickel silicide and copper in solar power cells. Intrinsiq will be working in conjunction with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and SUNYCollege of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, Photovoltaics Manufacturing and Technology Development Facility (Solar Rochester) to demonstrate printed solar cell contacts at fraction of current costs with a greener manufacturing process. The grant was supported by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). "Intrinsiq Materials will combine its ground breaking technology in field of electronic inks with the support from the Energy Department, and the capabilities of the Rochester Institute of Technology and Solar Rochester to pursue fast growing applications for solar cell production. This collaboration will help establish these New York based institutions as premier material suppliers of the solar industry" said Intrinsiq Materials CEO, Robert Cournoyer. "It makes me so proud that Rochester's own Intrinsiq will be doing critical work to make solar power more affordable - an initiative that will create jobs and drive down energy costs for families," Rep. Slaughter said. "Developing alternative energy is not only critical to boosting our economy and creating jobs, but essential for our national security, as it decreases our reliance on foreign oil. Whether it's in the field of solar power or in our optics and photonics industries, Rochester is a worldwide leader in harnessing the power of light and as your representative, I will continue to advocate for these programs." Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells are currently made using circuits with connections made from silver. Intrinsiq, which has been using a form of printable copper in circuit board and other applications for several years, is investigating the use of copper for PV cells as well. Copper ink is as much as 60 percent cheaper than silver ink, and more abundant. In addition, Intrinsiq chooses to utilize an additive lead-free process which is inherently greener, and less wasteful than conventional electronics manufacturing. Intrinsiq will use SunShot's funding support to accelerate product development, and promote integration of nanotechnology into solar cells--reducing costs, promoting greener technology, and providing skilled manufacturing employment in the U.S. Under the terms of the cooperative agreement, Intrinsiq is also contributing $120,000, with help from private investors. The SunShot Initiativeis a collaborative national effort that aggressively drives innovation to make solar energy fully cost-competitive with traditional energy sources before the end of the decade. Through SunShot, the Energy Department supports efforts by private companies, universities, and national laboratories to drive down the cost of solar electricity to $0.06 per kilowatt-hour. Learn more at energy.gov/sunshot. Intrinsiq Inc. is headquartered in Rochester, NY and is currently funded by Trillium International Group, Cayuga Venture Fund, RAND Capital, and several Angel Investment groups. Intrinsiq is currently operating out of a 7,000-square-foot space at the Eastman Business Park, a former Eastman Kodak facility that attracted Intrinsiq leaders because of its solid infrastructure and room for growth. The company currently has ten employees in New York, but expects to create up to 25 new positions as a result of this new project. TNS 30TacordaCheng-141023-4910625 30TacordaCheng (c) 2014 Targeted News Service |