Traditionally, quantum dots used in high-end OLED TVs have relied on the use of indium phosphide, a compound that includes a rare metal called indium. Indium is primarily produced in China, and as such, companies that rely on this metal for their products are at risk of supply disruption due to geopolitical factors or any other issues that could impact the Chinese indium production.
Nikkei Japan has discovered that Canon has developed new quantum dots replacing the indium component with lead which is available just about everywhere. Lead also has the advantage of being reclaimable from recycled materials making it a more sustainable option. Despite the fact that lead-based compounds are typically less durable than indium-based ones, Canon has managed to create a compound that matches the durability of indium, drawing on its experience with material compounding in other areas such as toner and ink for office equipment.
Canon’s quantum dots could be up to 100 times cheaper than those produced by Samsung, which uses indium. The company plans to commercialize this technology by 2025.
