Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: "Konarka Obtains Exclusive License for Polycarbazoles from Université Laval for Renewable Energy Commercialization"

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Abstract:
New Photoactive Polymers Developed by Dr. Mario Leclerc of Université Laval Shows Strong Potential for Increased Efficiency for Renewable Energy

Konarka Obtains Exclusive License for Polycarbazoles from Université Laval for Renewable Energy Commercialization

LOWELL, MA | Posted on September 17th, 2008

Konarka Technologies, Inc., an innovator in development and commercialization of Power Plastic®, a material that converts light to energy, today announced the company has obtained an exclusive license for a new family of photoactive polymers (polycarbazoles - PCZ) developed by Professor Mario Leclerc, director of the Macromolecular Science and Engineering Research Center of Université Laval (CERSIM) and director of the Quebec Center on Functional Materials (CQMF). Konarka and Université Laval have been collaborating for the past four years.

"It is a great achievement for me and my team to see the results of our work with polycarbazoles transferred into a useful product for the community, especially in the field of renewable energy," commented Professor Mario Leclerc. "It is rewarding to know that our work can be part of an answer to environmental and energy issues."

Professor Mario Leclerc is the recipient of a Canada research chair (Tier 1) in Polymer Science. He is author or coauthor of 169 scientific publications and 9 book chapters and has 9 patents. He was awarded a doctorate in chemistry from Université Laval in 1987.

"We recently obtained the exclusive rights to Professor Leclerc's new polymer family that will allow us to investigate and optimize its potential for increased efficiency in converting light to energy in photovoltaic modules," commented Dr. Russell Gaudiana, vice president, research at Konarka. "We expect that this technology will help us maintain our leadership position in organic photovoltaics by accelerating the development, manufacturing and commercialization of our Power Plastic."

About Universite Laval

Université Laval is the oldest francophone university in North America offering over 350 academic programs to 38,000 students. Located in Quebec City, Université Laval is a vital part of its community, continuing to address the great environmental, technological, biomedical, urban and societal issues of the day. With over 130 research teams and institutes, Université Laval is a leading research university in terms of direct funding and direct research contributions. For additional information, visit www.ulaval.ca.

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About Konarka Technologies, Inc.
Konarka builds products that convert light to energy – anywhere. As the leading developer of polymer photovoltaic technology that provide a source of renewable power in a variety of form factors for commercial, industrial, government and consumer applications, Konarka has a broad portfolio of patents, technology licenses and an accomplished technical team. The Company's Power Plastic® technology is focused on delivering lightweight, flexible, scalable and manufacturable products. Konarka Technologies is headquartered in Lowell, Mass., U.S.A., with European headquarters in Nuremberg, Germany, business development offices in Asia and a research and development facility in Austria.

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Contacts:
BroadPR
Tracy Wemett
+1-617-868-5031

or
Université Laval
Mireille Gourde
+1-418-656-2131 ext 4913

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