Nanoco Group plc of Manchester, UK, which produces cadmium-free quantum dots and other nanomaterials for applications including lighting, LCD displays, solar cells and bio-imaging, has signed a follow-on joint development agreement with Germany-based Osram, one of the world’s largest lighting companies, in connection with the use of Nanoco cadmium-free quantum dots in general lighting.
Founded in 2001, Nanoco has been working with Osram since 2011 with the objective of delivering LED lighting with superior performance characteristics. Considerable technical progress has been made to date in optimizing the method for incorporating Nanoco’s cadmium-free quantum dots with blue LEDs.
Quantum dots are said to open up new potential for LED lighting – which currently lacks the same warmth and color performance of an incandescent bulb – and have the capacity to appeal to a new set of buyers who want the efficiency and economy of the LED together with the ‘effect’ of natural light. To date, the use of quantum dots in lighting has been hindered by the fact that the technology contained cadmium, a highly regulated and toxic heavy metal. Nanoco’s technology, which involves no cadmium or heavy metal, offers a sustainable solution.
“Since signing our initial development agreement with Osram, we’ve made technical progress towards the development of an LED incorporating cadmium-free quantum dots and offering substantially improved color performance,” says Nanoco’s CEO Michael Edelman. The latest, 12-month agreement with Osram aims to further product development.
