2014 Quantum dot developments and QMC Thick she
Post# of 22456
Thick shell (giant) quantum dots - Improvement almost completely suppresses blinking.
“Commercial product lifetimes can be increased in QD-LCD backplane displays, solid state lighting films and projection lighting because the thick-shell technology has demonstrated the ability to extend the service life of quantum dots exposed to higher temperatures and/or high intensity light. Further, non-blinking quantum dots that can produce higher light output with less heat generation will spur new product development and optimized design.”
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quant...23151.html
New Los Alamos approach may be key to quantum dot solar cells with real gains in efficiency (4 times gain to carrier multiplication)
http://www.lanl.gov/discover/news-release-arc...-cells.php
Improving Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes: One Step Closer to Lighting Up Your Room (reduced recombination which allows for better electron transport)
http://science.energy.gov/bes/highlights/2014/bes-2014-05-a/
Improving a new breed of solar cells: Quantum-dot photovoltaics set new record for efficiency in such devices, could unlock new uses. (MIT sets new record of 9% conversion efficiency for a quantum dot solar cell.)
http://newsoffice.mit.edu/2014/improving-new-...cells-0527
Summary and application to solar cells (based on my understanding of nuclear physics):
With the LANL thick shell technology, gains of up to 4 times have been realized. When combining that with reduced auger recombination and the 9% conversion efficiency from MIT (assuming non-shelled quantum dot was used), my theoretical quantum dot solar cell efficiency is between 18 and 36%. Hybrid cells using quantum dots and other materials may see large gains by absorbing more of the solar spectrum.
Display sector developments:
Samsung, LG turn to quantum dots as OLED still too pricey (big display makers are going to produce Qdot TVs in 2015. Various articles are declaring they will be heavy metal free quantum dots, no cadmium.)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/30/us-...LV20141030
Quantum Materials Acquires Bayer Technology Services Quantum Dot Manufacturing and Quantum Dot Solar Cell Patents (included heavy metal free, high yield InP/ZnS nanocrystals)
http://www.qmcdots.com/press/press31.php
In/P (non-heavy metal quantum dot) improvement info (Chess provided a good summary in this post):