Quantum Dots

Swedish thin film solar cell manufacturer Midsummer has been chosen by the Italian Ministry of University and Research to participate in a consortium with the aim to develop "Quantum Dot CIGS/Perovskite Tandem" solar cells.

The "Quantum Dot Enhanced Lightweight Solar Cells" (QDELS) project aims to develop and validate a new production process for CIGS (Cu In Ga Se) solar cells with a tandem perovskite structure enhanced with quantum dots (QD). The ultimate objective is to develop and validate a new process to enhance the efficiency of CIGS cells, surpassing conventional silicon cells in all parameters.

The ability to control the color, or emission wavelength, of light from quantum sources is central to the development of secure quantum communication networks and photonic-based computing. However, most systems capable of tuning quantum light require extreme conditions, for example, high voltages, strong magnetic fields, and even cryogenic environments. Now, researchers from Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore University of Technology and Design, National University of Singapore, University of Macao and University of Southern Denmark found a way to achieve substantial wavelength tuning at ambient conditions using tiny, tunable nanostructures and low-voltage electrical control. 

The team relied on a hybrid system made of perovskite quantum dots (QDs) and nanostructured antimony telluride (Sb₂Te₃), a phase-change material with unusual optical and electronic properties. The scientists were able to achieve a remarkable shift in light emission energy of over 570 meV, significantly surpassing previous reports where only minor adjustments were possible.

Researchers from China's Bohai University, Harbin Institute of Technology, Yanshan University and Xi’an Jiaotong University have developed a composite catalytic material based on CsPbBr₃ halide perovskite quantum dots for use as the sulfur host for lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs), which are seen as promising energy storage devices that face some challenges like low conductivity of the sulfur cathode and shuttle effect of polysulfides.

The team explained that CsPbBr₃ perovskite quantum dots, as nanoscale perovskite materials, combine the inherent excellent charge transport properties and structural stability of perovskite with the unique size and surface effects of quantum dots.

An international collaboration that includes researchers from China, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia, made progress in the field of perovskite ultra-high-definition (UHD) display technology.  

In order to crack the problem of phase instability in pure red CsPbI₃ perovskite quantum dots in perovskite UHD display technology, the team examined the strategy of “stress manipulation of epitaxial heterojunction interface”. For the first time, the team used the total solution method to realize large-area in-situ controllable preparation of perovskite vdW epitaxial heterojunctions. This discovery yielded, according to the team, a 'breakthrough in material stability and device performance'. It resulted in a high-efficiency, stable pure red perovskite electroluminescent device (LED). Thus, it provides key technical support for the development of next-generation UHD technology.

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Northwestern University recently addressed light emission problems prevalent in quantum applications. Quantum light sources can flicker like stars and fade out like, but the team's recent research proves that adding a covering to one of these light sources, called a colloidal quantum dot, can cause them to shine without faltering, opening the door to new, affordable quantum possibilities.

Sythensized QDs suspended in solvents under laser irradiation. Image credit: Eurekalert and Jonathan Kyncl

The study, led by OU Assistant Professor Yitong Dong, demonstrates that adding a crystalized molecular layer to QDs made of perovskite neutralizes surface defects and stabilizes the surface lattices. Doing so prevents them from darkening or blinking.

UbiQD, a developer and manufacturer of quantum dot technology, has acquired BlueDot Photonics. The deal includes perovskite-based quantum cutting technology and exclusive rights to BlueDot’s associated intellectual property, initially developed (and licensed from) the University of Washington.

Seattle-based BlueDot Photonics develops solutions to improve solar panel performance. BlueDot's doped perovskite materials convert high-energy photons into nearly twice as many lower-energy photons, according to the company, and the technology could increase silicon solar panel efficiency by up to 16%. The technology has the potential to reduce the cost of solar energy generation and push photovoltaic performance beyond the theoretical limits of traditional silicon-based cells.

 North Carolina State University researchers have demonstrated a new technique that uses light to tune the optical properties of quantum dots – making the process faster, more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable – without compromising material quality.

“The discovery of quantum dots earned the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2023 because they are used in so many applications,” says Milad Abolhasani, corresponding author of a paper on the work and ALCOA Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State. “We use them in LEDs, solar cells, displays, quantum technologies and so on. To tune their optical properties, you need to tune the bandgap of quantum dots – the minimum energy required to excite an electron from a bound state to a free-moving state – since this directly determines the color of light they emit. Existing methods for bandgap tuning of perovskite quantum dots rely on chemical modifications or high-temperature reactions, both of which are energy-intensive and can introduce inconsistencies in the final material properties. Our new approach uses light to drive the reaction, which requires less energy and allows us to be incredibly precise.”

Perovskite-Info is proud to announce an update to our Perovskite for the Display Industry Market Report. This market report, brought to you by the world's leading perovskite and OLED industry experts, is a comprehensive guide to next-generation perovskite-based solutions for the display industry that enable efficient, low cost and high-quality display devices. The report is now updated to February 2025, with all the latest commercial and research activities.

Reading this report, you'll learn all about:

• Perovskite materials and their properties
• Perovskite applications in the display industry
• Perovskite QDs for color conversion
• Prominent perovskite display related research activities

The report also provides a list of perovskite display companies, datasheets and brochures of pQD film solutions, an introduction to perovskite materials and processes, an introduction to emerging display technologies and more.

Researchers from China's Beihang University, Beijing Institute of Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Zhijing Nanotech (Beijing) have reported the spray-drying fabrication of perovskite quantum dot (PQD) microspheres from a precursor solution at a scale of 2000 kg∙a⁻¹. 

The obtained PQDs were embedded in polymer microspheres, resulting in a high photoluminescence quantum yield and enhanced stability. By controlling the precursor concentration, the average size of the polymer microspheres can be tuned from 41 to 0.44 μm. The as-prepared PQD-embedded polymer microspheres were mixed with ultraviolet adhesive to fabricate PQD-enhanced optical films for liquid crystal display (LCD) backlights. 

When it comes to innovation in advanced materials, Solaveni GmbH stands out as a company with a bold mission. Founded in 2021 as a subsidiary of Saule Technologies, Solaveni was created with a vision to revolutionize the world of perovskite-based materials by focusing on sustainable chemistry and environmental responsibility. Today, the company is carving out a space in fields like printed electronics, energy harvesting, storage, and solid-state lighting, all while ensuring its processes remain green and future-ready.

At the heart of Solaveni’s journey is its CEO, Dr. Senol Öz, whose expertise and passion for perovskite technology have been key to the company’s progress. Senol’s career spans over a decade of research and hands-on experience in solution-processing and chemical engineering of perovskite solar cells. From his doctoral work in Germany, to his postdoctoral research in Japan, and eventually joining Saule Technologies, his path has been defined by a deep commitment to advancing perovskite materials.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Senol for an insightful Q&A, where he shared his thoughts on Solaveni’s vision, the challenges of perovskite technology, and the future of sustainable material production. Let’s dive into the conversation!

Solaveni was established in 2021 as a subsidiary of Saule Technologies, one of the pioneers in the perovskite solar industry. Why did Saule decide to establish a materials subsidiary?

Saule Technologies, a trailblazer in the perovskite solar industry, founded Solaveni in 2021 to address the burgeoning demand for high-quality, innovative materials critical to advancing solar technology. The establishment of Solaveni reflects Saule’s strategic vision to enhance and diversify its capabilities within the renewable energy sector. By creating a specialized subsidiary, Saule aims to streamline the development and production of materials relevant for the perovskite ecosystem, ensuring consistent quality and fostering innovation.