Sep 24 2014
The Dow Chemical Company announced today it will commence construction of the world’s first, large-scale, cadmium-free quantum dot manufacturing operation at the Company’s Cheonan, South Korea site.
Previously announced in January, 2013, the new facility will enable the manufacture of millions of quantum dot televisions and other display applications to meet growing consumer demand. Production at the new facility is expected to begin in the first half of 2015.
“Today’s announcement signals the display industry’s desire to move toward quantum dots for brilliant color in displays, but without the use of cadmium,” says Dr. C.G. Park, Global Business Director, Dow Electronic Materials’ Display Technologies. “Anytime we can enable our customers to develop extraordinary products for a more sustainable future, it’s a win for our customers, consumers and the environment.”
Dr. Park adds that Dow’s deep experience in scaling up manufacturing for the semiconductor industry means display makers can plan their quantum dot requirements with confidence.
On January 23, 2013, Dow Electronic Materials and Nanoco Group plc entered into a global licensing agreement for Nanoco’s cadmium-free quantum dot technology. Under the terms of the agreement, Dow Electronic Materials has exclusive worldwide rights for the sale, marketing and manufacture of Nanoco’s cadmium-free quantum dots for use in electronic displays. The manufacturing process will utilize Nanoco’s patented, molecular-seeding technology, which enables high-volume manufacturing.
Dow’s TREVISTA™ Quantum Dots can be tuned precisely to meet customer requirements for a wider color palette and improved color saturation. “TREVISTA™ Quantum Dots truly do bring a whole new view on color,” says Andrew Lee, Business Director, Quantum Dot Technologies. “The difference is significant and we are pleased we can bring this stunning, new technology to our customers and the market.”