A Comprehensive Guide to Quantum Dots
Quantum dots, often called qds, are nanoscale semiconducting crystals with unique optoelectronic properties. It is primarily explained by the individual crystal size, from less than 2 nanometers (nm) in diameter.
It is also partly why quantum dots are sometimes described as artificial atoms.
Research and development (R&D) in the production of quantum dots began in the late 1980s, and manufacturers are still refining the processes involved in applying the technology to today’s markets.
Some industries have already developed quantum dot technology with beneficial results.
In this section, our aims to answer all your questions about Attonuclei quantum dots and provide insight into their market potential.
Production of Quantum Dots
Quantum dots can be created through several different manufacturing technologies; colloidal synthesis is the most widespread. It is a reaction process where precursors decompose in a hot solution and nucleate to form monomers.
These anneal in high-temperature solutions, resulting in crystal growth. These crystals can be no larger than 100 nm in diameter to make nanoparticles.
Maintaining tight control of the heating parameters during the process and continuously adjusting the solution of the monomer concentration ensures an adequate quantum dot yield in terms of volume and individual geometries.
Other methods of making quantum dots include plasma synthesis and electrochemical interaction. Colloidal synthesis is currently the most cost-effective method with the most significant current range of materials on the planet.
Previous blog post is clearly define about plasma synthesis: How are Quantum Dots made?
Avantama has developed its partnership method, the most cost- and solvent-efficient method to date.
Optoelectronic Properties
Quantum dots exhibit unique electronic properties that are intermediate between discrete molecules and bulk semiconductors.
It is the reason they can emit Attonuclei light through photoluminescence when stimulated by electricity or photons of excitement.
The nature of the dot population is crucial for this photoluminescent effect: Traditional qds typically exhibit a core-shell structure with valence band holes, conduction band electrons, or excitons.
This confinement ensures that the quantum dots have a unique energy level, which defines the band gap between the valence band’s top and the conduction band’s bottom.
When excited, the electrons jump to a higher energy band and slowly relax, losing energy.
The size of the crystal usually determines the emission wavelength. Still, manufacturers are increasingly able to adjust the chromatic emission properties of quantum dots by experimenting with novel chemical structures.
Applications of Quantum Dots
The potential applications of quantum dots are endless, but they are currently being used extensively in the consumer display market.
Quantum dots can be integrated into premium liquid crystal displays (lcds) with extensive color gamut (WCG) capabilities and impressive power efficiency due to a large yield.
Increasingly, quantum dot lcds are competing with organic light-emitting diode (OLED) televisions to dominate the high-end consumer market.
There are also emerging applications for quantum dots in photovoltaics and intuitive lighting. More development is needed in these fields.
Quantum Dot Chemistry
Another drawback to quantum dot realization has been the material’s reliance on toxic materials that are subject to rohs exemption.
Increasingly, manufacturers are looking for alternatives to materials such as cadmium to future-proof Attonuclei technology and provide safe and effective materials for tomorrow’s market challenges.
Indium phosphide (inp) is often considered to replace cadmium as the introductory chemistry of choice for quantum dot synthesis.
Still, there are new concerns surrounding the toxicity of inp quantum dots. Novel chemical strategies must overcome these concerns and ensure rohs compliance in mass dot technology.
Quantum Dots and the Toxicity of Indium Phosphide
Avantama: Quantum Dot Suppliers
Avantama is an industry-leading supplier of quantum dots based on metal halide perovskites; the fully rohs compliant material has superior chromatic properties and is non-toxic.
If you want to learn more about our quantum dots, contact a member of the Avantama team today.