As part of efforts to turn university research and development (R&D) outcomes into industrial reality, Professor Yang Heesun's research team in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering successfully executed technology transfer to a company.  This achievement was made possible with the continuous effort of Professor Yang Heesun's research team and the support of the university.

The research team has completed a total of 5 technology transfers to large and small-medium enterprises related to quantum dot materials. In particular, the quantum dot synthesis technology ('environmentally friendly composition green-emitting quantum dot synthesis') transferred to an SME in 2021 initiated quasi-mass production for commercialization in 2023. Additionally, the large corporation which received the transfer of next-generation display quantum dot technology ('new green-emitting nano-particle synthesis') in 2023, is reportedly planning to establish a quasi-mass production plan by the end of this year.

The technology transferred by the team pertains to the Quantum Dot (QD), a colloidal nanoparticle with a compound semiconductor composition. This technology is one of the research topics of the scientists who won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (including Professor MIT Bawendi and two other winners).  Quantum dots (QDs) exhibit the quantum confinement effect, where their electrical and optical properties change significantly when the particle size decreases to several nanometers. By utilizing this characteristic of quantum dots (QDs), various luminescent colors with high color purity can be achieved through compositional and size variations of the material. This capability makes them promising luminescent materials for next-generation displays, capable of producing more vivid color expressions than conventional light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

In addition, quantum dots, as inorganic materials chemically synthesized through solution processes, have advantages over organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on organic materials, including lower cost and superior lifespan.  Unfortunately, early quantum dots contained cadmium, a heavy metal, which raised environmental concerns.  As an alternative, research on environmentally friendly quantum dots that do not contain cadmium has been actively pursued recently.

Professor Yang HeeSun's research team has been developing high performance devices for next-generation displays and lighting through quantum dot synthesis and control of optical, physical, and chemical properties of compound semiconductor compositions for more than 20 years. As a result, the team has published over 200 SCI(E)-indexed papers and secured more than 30 domestic and international patents. Their work has been highly regarded in academia, having been published in world-renowned international journals such as Nature Photonics, Advanced Materials, ACS Nano, Nano Energy, Materials Today, ACS Energy Letters, and Nano Letters.

Based on innovative research methods and technical expertise, the team has established continuous collaborative relationships with various research institutions including government-funded research institutes and companies. Professor Yang’s research team is devoted to strengthening research and development cooperation between universities and industries, conducting research that meets industrial demands.

The technology transfer achievements of Professor Yang Heesun’s research team can be seen as a model case demonstrating the beneficial effects of industry-academia collaboration. In this case, technologies developed at university research institutions are transferred to the private sector, enhancing practical application and promoting commercialization.  These kinds of activities help the expansion of research capabilities of universities, and also their continued contribution to industrial development. The team led by Professor Yang Heesun is expected to continue to lead the next generation of displays, responding to the needs of industry and academia through continuous research and development. 

Online Communications Reporter, Jeong Hanna