Quantum Dot Polymer Composite for LCD Color Filters

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid crystal display (LCD) technologies face limitations in viewing angle and brightness due to the use of absorptive color filters, and existing methods for patterning quantum dot-polymer composites are prone to surface ligand detachment and environmental instability, affecting their performance in color filters.

Innovation Solution

A photosensitive composition comprising a quantum dot complex with a polymeric outer layer, a carboxylic acid group-containing binder, a photopolymerizable monomer, and a photoinitiator, where the polymeric outer layer includes a copolymer with reactive moieties and crosslinking moieties to enhance stability and dispersibility, allowing for pattern formation without organic solvent development.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If quantum dots are dispersed in a polymer host matrix to form a composite for color filters, then color purity and luminous efficiency are improved, but surface ligand detachment and environmental instability occur during patterning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of quantum dotsVSAvoidsurface ligand detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite polymer structure consisting of a core polymer matrix and a shell polymer layer. The core polymer provides structural support while the shell polymer specifically protects the quantum dot surface by coordinating with metal cations, preventing ligand detachment and maintaining quantum dot stability during patterning processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Metal cations (such as Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Pb2+, or Zn2+) are introduced as intermediary substances that coordinate with the shell polymer and quantum dot surface. These metal cations act as mediators that strengthen the interaction between the polymer and quantum dots, preventing surface ligand detachment and improving environmental stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional photosensitive compositions are used for patterning quantum dots, then pattern formation is achieved, but organic solvent development is required and environmental stability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatterning precisionVSAvoidenvironmental instability during patterning
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the photosensitive composition by incorporating carboxylic acid groups and metal cations into the polymer structure. This modification enables the composition to be developed using aqueous alkaline solutions instead of organic solvents, improving environmental stability while maintaining patterning precision through photo-induced crosslinking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional organic solvent-based development mechanism with an aqueous alkaline development mechanism. The carboxylic acid groups in the polymer react with aqueous alkaline developers to enable selective removal of unexposed regions, substituting the harmful organic solvent system with a more environmentally friendly aqueous system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Illumination intensity

If quantum dots are used to replace absorptive color filters, then brightness and viewing angle are enhanced, but patterning stability and ligand retention are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidpatterning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure where quantum dots are embedded in a dual-layer polymer matrix. The shell polymer layer specifically protects the quantum dot surface during patterning, while the core polymer provides structural integrity. This composite structure maintains the high brightness properties of quantum dots while improving patterning stability and ligand retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The shell polymer layer is designed beforehand to provide protective cushioning to the quantum dot surface. This pre-formed protective layer prevents surface ligand detachment and environmental damage before patterning processes occur, ensuring both high brightness performance and patterning stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution improves the stability and dispersibility of quantum dots, maintaining their performance and stability during patterning, leading to enhanced brightness, wider viewing angles, and improved color reproducibility in LCDs.

Implementation Method 1

a photopolymerizable monomer having a carbon-carbon double bond; a photoinitiator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

Quantum dots (QDs), which are dispersed in a polymer host matrix to have a form of a composite, are applicable in the various display devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3163372B1Quantum dot having polymeric outer layer, photosensitive compositions including the same, and quantum dot polymer composite pattern produced therefrom
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3163372B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3163372B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3163372B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A photosensitive composition including a quantum dot complex having a polymeric outer layer, a carboxylic acid group-containing binder, a photopolymerizable monomer having a carbon-carbon double bond, a photoinitiator, and a solvent, wherein the polymeric outer layer includes a copolymer including a first repeating unit having a moiety capable of interacting with a surface of the quantum dot, an organic ligand compound bonded to the surface of the quantum dot, or a combination thereof, and a second repeating unit having a reactive moiety.