RE: Cadmium Free..delays and exemptions5 May 2024 13:24
Some positive changes have taken place recently. On 19th March 2024 the European Commission adopted changes to the exemption for cadmium in quantum dots for LED applications (see links below).
https://www.useforesight.io/news/eu-amends-cadmium-exemption-in-electronics-tightening-use-in-quantum-dot-leds#:~:text=EU%20Amends%20Cadmium%20Exemption%20in%20Electronics%2C%20Tightening%20Use%20in%20Quantum%20Dot%20LEDs,-RoHS&text=The%20new%20directive%20specifies%20that,directly%20deposited%20on%20LED%20chips.
https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/13468-Hazardous-substances-in-electrical-and-electronic-equipment-exemption-for-cadmium-in-quantum-dots-for-LED-applications_en
“Previously, certain applications utilizing cadmium-based quantum dots were exempted from RoHS restrictions to accommodate for the lack of viable alternatives that matched their performance. However, the European Commission's latest action narrows the scope of these exemptions, reflecting advancements in alternative technologies and a commitment to minimizing hazardous substances in EEE.
1.Limited Exemption for Display and Projection Applications: The new directive specifies that cadmium can be used in downshifting semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots directly deposited on LED chips for display and projection applications, but now with a stricter limit of less than 5 μg of cadmium per mm² of LED chip surface and a maximum amount of 1 mg per device. This exemption is set to expire on 31 December 2027, signalling a clear timeline for the industry to transition to cadmium-free alternatives.
2.Expiry of Previous Exemptions: The existing exemption, which allowed for broader use of cadmium in downshifting cadmium-based semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots for use in display lighting applications, will expire 18 months after the publication of the new directive. This change underscores the Commission's intention to gradually phase out the use of cadmium in EEE, aligning with broader environmental protection and public health goals.”
So, things are moving in the right direction regarding RoHS restrictions on the use of Cadmium in QDs. We should expect anyone using Cadmium Quantum Dots in their products are on notice and will already be planning to move away from Cadmium - in advance of - the current exemptions being removed.
If we trust in our upheld IP for the mass production of CFQD’s then maybe we will end up producing some of those dots ourselves, or selling a licence to allow others to produce them.