Quantum dot
technology / Source: Greg Herman, 541-737-2496
(August 19, 2015) Advances at Oregon State University in manufacturing
technology for “quantum dots” may soon lead to a new generation of LED lighting
that produces a more user-friendly white light, while using less toxic
materials and low-cost manufacturing processes that take advantage of simple
microwave heating.
The cost, environmental, and performance improvements could
finally produce solid state lighting systems that consumers really like and
help the nation cut its lighting bill almost in half, researchers say, compared
to the cost of incandescent and fluorescent lighting.
The same technology may also be widely incorporated into
improved lighting displays, computer screens, smart phones, televisions and
other systems.
A key to the advances, which have been published in the
Journal of Nanoparticle Research, is use of both a “continuous flow” chemical
reactor, and microwave heating technology that’s conceptually similar to the
ovens that are part of almost every modern kitchen.
The continuous flow system is fast, cheap, energy efficient
and will cut manufacturing costs. And the microwave heating technology will
address a problem that so far has held back wider use of these systems, which
is precise control of heat needed during the process. The microwave approach
will translate into development of nanoparticles that are exactly the right
size, shape and composition.
“There are a variety of products and technologies that
quantum dots can be applied to, but for mass consumer use, possibly the most
important is improved LED lighting,” said Greg Herman, an associate professor
and chemical engineer in the OSU College of Engineering.
“We may finally be able to produce low cost, energy
efficient LED lighting with the soft quality of white light that people really
want,” Herman said. “At the same time, this technology will use nontoxic
materials and dramatically reduce the waste of the materials that are used,
which translates to lower cost and environmental protection.”