NanoMas Technologies, a startup that is developing inks containing silver nanoparticles for solar and other applications, has caught the attention of Germany’s BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical companies. BASF’s venture capital arm led a $3.2 million round of funding, contributing $1.5 million (hat tip VentureBeat), and BASF said the investment strengthens its development work in nanotechnology and printed electronics.
NanoMas was founded in 2006, and this was its first round of venture funding. Other investors in the round include Earthrise Capital Partners and NanoMaterials Investors. The company’s ink could be used for printable solar cells and flexible and flat panel displays, as well as RFID tags, printed circuit boards and adhesives.
The Vestal, N.Y.-based company plans to use the new cash to expand its nanoparticle production capacity, for research and development, and to support the marketing of its silver inks. The company also makes carbon nanotubes and nanofibers, which it said have potential applications in polymer nanocomposites, biosensors, medical diagnostics and drug delivery.
BASF said that NanoMas’ chemical process allows the silver nanoparticles to be processed at low temperatures, boosting efficiency and lowering the cost of production. According to BASF, the technology is ideal for printing electronics on temperature-sensitive materials, including paper and plastics.
BASF is no stranger to investments in cleantech, with stakes in companies including Germany’s Heliatek, Colorado’s Luca Technologies, and California’s Ultracell.
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