Sigma-Aldrich is pleased to
announce the signing of an agreement with Nanoco Technologies, Ltd., a
nano-materials company based in Manchester, UK, to distribute
luminescent quantum dot nanocrystals globally. Under the terms of the
agreement, Sigma-Aldrich will distribute research quantities (less than
1 g) of seven core-shell semiconductor quantum dots through the
Aldrich(R) Materials Science initiative of its Research Specialties
business. The nanocrystals will be marketed and distributed under the
brand name Lumidots(TM).
Lumidot Quantum Dot nanocrystals
Quantum dots (QDs) are nanometer-sized semiconductor
nanoparticles that emit bright, near-monochromatic light (luminesce)
under light or electrical stimulation. Emission color can be tuned by
choosing nanocrystal size, making QDs ideal luminophors for
cutting-edge applications including ultra-thin displays, solid-state
lighting, anti-counterfeit protection, and next-generation solar cells.
Nanoco developed unique manufacturing methods for making multi-gram
quantities of QDs reproducibly and with precise control of size,
structure, and luminescence characteristics. The new core-shell
Lumidots distributed by Sigma-Aldrich have luminescence colors spanning
the entire visible spectrum, in addition to good stability and
batch-to-batch consistency essential for research into high-technology
applications.
"The new Lumidots are an important addition to our line of
nanomaterials products, providing researchers around the world reliable
access to high-quality quantum dot nanocrystals. Using these materials,
scientists and engineers can focus on developing applications that take
advantage of the unique properties of quantum dots. This fits with the
main goal of Aldrich Materials Science -- we focus on materials so that
our customers can focus on results," said Dr. Ilya Koltover, Product
Manager, Aldrich Materials Science.
"This is great for both companies and for global research,"
said Michael Edelman, CEO of Nanoco Technologies. "It brings Nanoco's
manufacturing expertise together with the excellent distribution
network operated by Sigma-Aldrich. We are excited to be working with
them to extend the range of nanomaterials available to the worldwide
research market. We plan to expand this collaboration by offering new
ranges of quantum dots later in 2008."
Nanoco will continue to offer larger quantities of quantum
dots to partners who move beyond research to development of commercial
QD applications.