Chalcopyrite semiconductor nanocrystal phosphors with composition tunable emisison

The fact that lighting represents a significant share of all globally consumed electrical energy (20%) drives the current transition from incandescent light bulbs to less energy-consuming alternatives such as solid state lighting. Their high efficiency (lm/W) and long lifetime make white light emitting diodes (LEDs) a viable alternative(1). However, there has not yet been a true breakthrough of white LEDs in daily life, especially in lighting applications. An important reason is the observation that cold, unpleasant light is emitted by typical commercially available white LEDs. There is a great need to improve their light color (too high color temperature) and poor color rendering properties. Using quantum dots (QDs) as – red – phosphors can make the light emitted by white LEDs more pleasant while also increasing its efficiency. Chalcopyrite nanocrystals provide a solution to the toxicity of Cd in commonly used visibly emitting QDs