Cd-Free Chalcopyrite Quantum Dots for Narrow FWHM Fluorescence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Cd-free quantum dots do not achieve the performance levels of Cd-based quantum dots in terms of fluorescence FWHM and quantum yield, limiting their practical application.

Innovation Solution

Synthesis of Cd-free quantum dots composed of AgIn x Ga 1-x S y Se 1-y or ZnAgIn x Ga 1-x S y with controlled composition and size, achieving fluorescence FWHM of less than 45 nm and quantum yield of greater than 35% in the green to red wavelength range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If Cd-free quantum dots are used to eliminate toxicity, then safety is improved, but fluorescence quantum yield and fluorescence FWHM performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetoxicityVSAvoidfluorescence quantum yield and fluorescence FWHM
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material design by combining multiple elements (Ag, In, Ga, S, Se, Zn) to form AgInxGa1-xSySe1-y or ZnAgInxGa1-xSySe1-y quantum dots. This composite approach allows achieving both non-toxicity (Cd-free) and high performance (quantum yield ≥35%, FWHM ≤45 nm) simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between safety and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying composition ratios (x and y parameters) and particle sizes to optimize optical properties. By adjusting these parameters, the quantum dots achieve desired fluorescence characteristics (quantum yield ≥35%, FWHM ≤45 nm) while maintaining Cd-free composition, thus resolving the performance deterioration issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If quantum dots with narrow fluorescence FWHM and high quantum yield are synthesized, then optical performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluorescence quantum yield and fluorescence FWHMVSAvoidsynthesis process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing precursors with controlled composition ratios before synthesis. This preliminary preparation ensures uniform composition distribution, which directly leads to uniform quantum dot formation with narrow FWHM and high quantum yield, while simplifying the overall synthesis process through one-pot methodology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing synthesis temperature, time, and precursor ratios to achieve mass-producible conditions. By finding the right parameter window, the process balances high optical performance (quantum yield ≥35%, FWHM ≤45 nm) with manufacturing simplicity and scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If quantum dots with controlled composition and size are synthesized, then fluorescence performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluorescence quantum yield and fluorescence FWHMVSAvoidcomposition and size control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-mixing precursors with exact stoichiometric ratios corresponding to desired composition (AgInxGa1-xSySe1-y). This preliminary precision in mixing ensures that the final quantum dots achieve uniform composition and size distribution, meeting the required manufacturing precision for high fluorescence performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by characterizing synthesized quantum dots and adjusting synthesis parameters for subsequent batches. This iterative optimization ensures consistent composition and size control, achieving narrow FWHM and high quantum yield while maintaining manufacturing precision across mass production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The synthesized quantum dots exhibit narrow fluorescence FWHM and high quantum yield, enabling wide color gamut applications and mass production.

Implementation Method 1

A quantum dot can emit light by absorbing light in a specific wavelength range and converting it into light in another specific wavelength range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4632036A1Quantum dot and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 TOPPAN INC
  • EP4632036A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4632036A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4632036A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

To provide Cd-free chalcopyrite-based quantum dots with a narrow fluorescence FWHM and a high fluorescence quantum yield. The quantum dots of the present invention contain AgInxGa1-xSySe1-y or ZnAgInxGa1-xSySe1-y (where 0≤x<1 and 0≤y≤1) and exhibit fluorescence properties including a fluorescence FWHM of less than or equal to 45 nm and a fluorescence quantum yield of greater than or equal to 35% in the green wavelength range to the red wavelength range.