High‐density quantum dots composites and its photolithographic patterning applications

With the growing interest in quantum dots (QDs), many applications are emerging recently. In particular, the display industry has shown widespread interest in using QDs as the next generation colorants. One application is to replace conventional color filters with QD‐based color conversion films to significantly improve color purity and luminous efficiency. However, QD blending which is capable of photolithographic patterning is a very challenging problem due to its low dispersion property and aggregations in polar medias. Herein, we report a photo‐patternable QD dispersion that can produce fine patterns through a photolithography process. First, the QDs dispersed in a nonpolar solvent, for example, chloroform or hexane, were separated and dried to obtain a QD powder. And then, the dispersion characteristics of the QD powders were investigated after mixing commercial dispersants and UV curable oligomers. Furthermore, the QD dispersion was investigated up to 30 wt.% of QDs by mixing with various commercial additives. We have studied the optical property changes of QDs during the photocuring process and the heating process prior to actual application. And, we have studied the surface characteristics of the fine QDs patterns after patterning process. As a result, it was confirmed that QDs are able to be well dispersed up to 30 wt.%.