Silver Playing a Role in 3D Printing Quantum Dot LEDs

3DPrint.com reported that a Princeton University team has managed to use 3D printing to make “an entire functioning quantum dot LED.” One component of the device is a silver nanoparticle ring.

As quoted in the market news:

For those who are not aware, quantum dot LEDs have incredibly high color purity, as well as durability, efficiency, and flexibility which are unmatched in other more common display and lighting technologies. These LEDs are similar to, but not exactly the same as, LEDs found in common television screens and computer monitors.

The LEDs were created by mixing five different materials together in layers using a custom 3D printer which the team had spent the previous 6 months and $10,000-$20,000 creating. The first layer consists of a silver nanoparticle ring to act as a conductive base. Next comes two polymer layers followed by the quantum dots which consist of cadmium selenide nanoparticles which have been wrapped in a shell made of zinc sulfide. This is all topped off by the fifth and final layer which is made up of an eutentic gallium indium cathode and allows the electrons to leave the LED.

Click here to read the full 3DPrint.com report.
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