Quantum Dot Materials

Quantum dots represent one of the most transformative classes of engineered nanomaterials to emerge from the convergence of semiconductor physics and colloidal chemistry. These crystalline nanoparticles, typically measuring 2 to 12 nanometers in diameter, exhibit a remarkable property: their optical emission wavelength is governed not by their chemical composition alone, but by their physical size. This quantum confinement effect enables unprecedented control over light emission, producing colors of extraordinary purity and saturation that exceed the capabilities of conventional organic dyes and phosphor materials.

The applications leveraging quantum dot technology have expanded rapidly across multiple industries. In display technology, quantum dots enable wide color gamut televisions and monitors with vivid, true-to-life colors. In photovoltaics, their tunable absorption spectra and multiple exciton generation capability push solar cell efficiency beyond conventional limits. In biomedicine, their photostability and narrow emission profiles support long-duration imaging and multiplexed diagnostics. At Eata Electronic, we supply a comprehensive range of colloidal quantum dot materials spanning multiple compositions, emission wavelengths, and surface functionalizations to address these diverse application requirements.

Figure 1: Colloidal quantum dot solutions exhibiting red, green, and blue photoluminescence under ultraviolet excitation

Quantum Dot Material Systems

The optical properties of quantum dots are fundamentally determined by their core composition and shell architecture. Different material systems offer distinct advantages in terms of emission range, quantum yield, photostability, and regulatory compliance. Our portfolio encompasses the principal quantum dot compositions used in research and commercial applications.

Cadmium Selenide Core-Shell Quantum Dots (CdSe/ZnS)

Cadmium selenide quantum dots with zinc sulfide shells represent the most mature and extensively characterized quantum dot system. The CdSe core provides strong, tunable emission across the visible spectrum from approximately 480 to 680 nanometers, while the ZnS shell passivates surface defects, dramatically improving photoluminescence quantum yield and long-term stability. These materials routinely achieve quantum yields exceeding 70 percent and full-width-at-half-maximum values below 35 nanometers, delivering the color purity essential for display and imaging applications. We supply CdSe/ZnS quantum dots in organic solvents including toluene and hexane, as well as water-dispersible variants functionalized with carboxyl, amine, or PEG surface ligands for biological applications.

Indium Phosphide Core-Shell Quantum Dots (InP/ZnS)

As the display industry moves toward cadmium-free materials to satisfy RoHS and REACH regulatory requirements, InP-based quantum dots have emerged as the leading heavy-metal alternative. Emitting across 520 to 750 nanometers, InP/ZnS quantum dots span the green to deep-red spectral region with continuously improving performance. Recent advances in aminophosphine synthesis have pushed photoluminescence quantum yields for red-emitting InP QDs above 95 percent, while new shell engineering strategies have narrowed emission linewidths to approach those of CdSe systems. Our InP/ZnS products are offered at high purity with consistent batch-to-batch performance, supporting both display development and optoelectronic device research.

Figure 2: Transmission electron micrograph showing monodisperse spherical quantum dots distributed on a carbon support film

Perovskite Quantum Dots

Halide perovskite quantum dots have attracted intense research interest due to their defect tolerance, enabling high photoluminescence quantum yields near unity with relatively straightforward synthesis. Cesium lead halide perovskites emit across 450 to 530 nanometers with exceptionally narrow FWHM values between 12 and 42 nanometers, making them particularly attractive for blue and green color conversion applications. The facile synthesis through hot-injection or room-temperature methods further enhances their appeal for rapid prototyping and scale-up. We supply perovskite quantum dots as stable colloidal dispersions, with formulations optimized for specific emission wavelengths and enhanced environmental stability.

Near-Infrared Quantum Dots

Extending quantum dot emission into the near-infrared opens applications in biomedical imaging, night vision, telecommunications, and quantum information processing. CdSeTe/ZnS alloyed quantum dots achieve emission from 700 to 880 nanometers, providing deep-tissue imaging penetration while maintaining good quantum yield and aqueous processability. For longer-wavelength applications, PbS and PbS/CdS core-shell quantum dots deliver tunable emission from 900 to 1600 nanometers, spanning both NIR-I and NIR-II biological windows as well as short-wave infrared photodetection bands. These materials are available as oleic acid-capped organic dispersions or with hydrophilic surface modification for biological integration.

Cadmium-Free Alternatives

Beyond InP-based systems, several entirely cadmium-free quantum dot compositions address applications where heavy metal content must be eliminated. Copper indium zinc sulfide (CuInZnS/ZnS) quantum dots emit across 540 to 660 nanometers with RoHS-compliant compositions suitable for consumer electronics. Carbon quantum dots offer water-soluble, biocompatible emission across the visible spectrum with demonstrated photostability exceeding that of organic fluorophores. Our cadmium-free product line continues to expand as synthesis methods mature and performance approaches that of cadmium-based materials.

Figure 3: A QLED display panel under test showing pure red, green, and blue emission with wide color gamut capability

Surface Functionalization and Solvent Compatibility

The surface chemistry of quantum dots governs their dispersibility, biocompatibility, and integration into devices. We offer quantum dots with a range of surface ligands tailored to specific application environments.

Hydrophobic quantum dots capped with oleic acid, oleylamine, or trioctylphosphine oxide ligands disperse readily in nonpolar organic solvents including toluene, hexane, and chloroform. These formulations are ideal for integration into polymer matrices, spin-coating of thin films, and device fabrication processes where organic solvent compatibility is required. For aqueous applications, hydrophilic surface functionalizations including carboxyl groups enable EDC/NHS bioconjugation chemistry for antibody labeling and immunoassay development. Amine-functionalized surfaces support covalent protein coupling and intracellular delivery. PEGylation reduces protein adsorption and opsonization, extending circulation time in vivo for live-animal imaging applications. Streptavidin-coated quantum dots provide direct compatibility with biotinylated antibodies for streamlined assay construction.

Figure 4: A spin-coater depositing quantum dot photoresist onto a glass substrate in a semiconductor cleanroom

Applications and Recommended Quantum Dot Materials

The following table guides material selection by matching common application requirements to appropriate quantum dot compositions.

Figure 5: Schematic representation of a core-shell quantum dot nanocrystal with surface ligands

Representative Product Portfolio

The selection below illustrates the breadth of our quantum dot materials offering. Custom wavelengths, concentrations, and surface chemistries are available upon inquiry.

Custom Quantum Dot Synthesis and Formulation

Beyond our catalog offerings, Eata Electronic provides custom quantum dot synthesis services for customers with specific material requirements. Our capabilities span emission wavelength tuning with plus-or-minus 2 nanometer precision, core-shell engineering for enhanced stability and quantum yield, alloyed composition development for extended spectral coverage, and surface ligand exchange for compatibility with specific solvents and matrices.

We also support formulation of quantum dot inks optimized for specific deposition processes including inkjet printing, spin-coating, spray-coating, and nanoimprint lithography. Encapsulation in silica or polymer shells is available for applications demanding enhanced environmental stability or biocompatibility. Scale-up from milligram research quantities to kilogram production lots is supported through our manufacturing partners.

To discuss custom quantum dot material development, please contact our technical team with your target emission wavelength, solvent requirements, surface functionalization needs, and intended application.

For Research or Industrial Raw Materials, Not For Personal Medical Use!