Dow starts Building Large-Scale Quantum Dot factory in Korea
Facility plans to make millions of quantum dot televisions and displays
The Dow Chemical Company is starting construction of what it says is the world's first, large-scale, cadmium-free quantum dot manufacturing operation at the company's Cheonan, South Korea site. The plant will use the British company Nanoco's patented, molecular-seeding technology, which enables high-volume manufacturing.
Production at the new facility is expected to begin in the first half of 2015, enabling the manufacture of millions of quantum dot televisions and other displays.
Dow signed an exclusive worldwide rights agreement for the sale, marketing and manufacture of Nanoco's cadmium-free quantum dots for use in electronic displays in January 2013. Preparatory work for construction of the plant is well advanced, according to Nanoco. The start of construction triggers a milestone payment from Dow to Nanoco.
Michael Edelman, Nanoco's CEO, said: "We are delighted that demand for Nanoco's cadmium-free quantum dots is at a point where Dow will begin construction of a large-scale manufacturing plant in South Korea based on our novel manufacturing process. Under Dow's brand name Trevista Quantum Dots, Nanoco's technology will offer an outstanding quality of colour reproduction and set the standard for quantum dots globally."
"Today's announcement signals the display industry's desire to move toward quantum dots for brilliant colour in displays, but without the use of cadmium," says 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."
Park adds that Dow's experience in scaling up manufacturing for the semiconductor industry means display makers can plan their quantum dot requirements with confidence.
Dow's Trevista Quantum Dots can be tuned to meet customer requirements for a wider colour palette and improved colour saturation. "Trevista quantum dots truly do bring a whole new view on colour," 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."
