Sakata INX and Sofab Collaborate on Inkjet-Printable Perovskite Solar Cell Ink

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

SAKATA INX CORPORATION is collaborating with Sofab Inks, Inc., a Kentucky-based developer of perovskite solar cell materials, to develop an inkjet-printable electron transport layer (ETL) ink. The ink combines Sofab's tin oxide (SnO₂)-based ETL materials with SAKATA INX's nano-dispersion, ink formulation and thin-film technologies. The ink is designed to reduce damage to the perovskite layer and can be applied to single-junction and tandem perovskite cells. The companies plan to present the product under development at the Sofab booth at the Perovskite Connect Conference in Berlin on October 21 and 22, 2026.

Why it matters

An inkjet-printable ETL ink could enable more precise deposition and less material waste in perovskite solar cell manufacturing, potentially shaping future production processes for next-generation photovoltaics.

Key facts

Companies	SAKATA INX CORPORATION, Sofab Inks, Inc.
Chemicals	tin oxide (SnO₂), electron transport layer (ETL) ink
Location	Kentucky, United States (Sofab Inks headquarters)
Timing	2026.10.19, October 21 and 22, 2026
Partners	Sofab Inks, Inc.
End uses	perovskite solar cells, tandem perovskite solar cells, building materials, windows, automobiles

Market context

Perovskite solar cells are a next-generation photovoltaic technology valued for high light-to-electricity conversion efficiency and the potential for low-cost, solution-based manufacturing. A typical cell stacks several thin functional layers, and the electron transport layer carries negative charge carriers from the light-absorbing perovskite to the electrode. Tin oxide is widely studied for this role because it offers good electron mobility and can be processed at relatively low temperatures. Demand for such materials ties to the broader solar energy market, including utility-scale and rooftop installations, and to tandem designs that pair perovskites with silicon to push efficiency higher. Inkjet printing is attractive to manufacturers because it deposits material only where needed, which can reduce waste and allow patterning over larger areas. Ink suppliers that bring formulation and dispersion expertise can become important partners as producers move from laboratory cells toward commercial lines, though the technology remains at an early stage of industrial adoption.

Source: official release on inx.co.jp. Summary and context written by Market Krystal.

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Sakata INX signs joint research deal with NDFEB on magnet manufacturing

admin — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sakata INX Corporation has signed a joint research agreement with NDFEB Corporation to develop neodymium magnet manufacturing methods. The project aims to cut material losses, improve molding stability, and reach neodymium magnet magnetic characteristics stronger than currently possible, with the companies working toward a next-generation manufacturing process for commercialization. Dr. Masato Sagawa, inventor of neodymium magnets and Representative Director of NDFEB, has been appointed Outside Technology Advisor to Sakata INX for the project.

Key facts

Companies	SAKATA INX CORPORATION, NDFEB Corporation
Chemicals	neodymium magnets
Timing	2026.09.29
Partners	NDFEB Corporation, Dr. Masato Sagawa
End uses	electric vehicles, robots, motors, home electric appliances, medical equipment

Market context

Neodymium magnets are rare-earth permanent magnets based on neodymium, iron and boron, valued for their high magnetic strength relative to their size. They are used in electric motors, generators, sensors and actuators, so demand is driven largely by electric vehicles, industrial and service robots, home appliances and medical equipment. Manufacturing typically involves powder pressing or molding, sintering and machining, and material lost during cutting and shaping adds cost, since rare-earth inputs are expensive and supply is concentrated in a small number of countries. Improvements that reduce scrap, stabilize molding and raise achievable magnetic performance can therefore affect unit costs and the material efficiency of magnet producers. Such process work is usually slow to reach commercial scale, so its near-term effect on supply and pricing tends to be limited, but it can shape competitive positions among magnet makers and their downstream motor suppliers over time.

Source: official release on inx.co.jp. Summary and context written by Market Krystal.

The post Sakata INX signs joint research deal with NDFEB on magnet manufacturing appeared first on Market Krystal.

Sakata INX Archives | Market Krystal

Sakata INX and Sofab Collaborate on Inkjet-Printable Perovskite Solar Cell Ink

Key facts

Market context

Sakata INX signs joint research deal with NDFEB on magnet manufacturing

Key facts

Market context