Quantum Dots Global Market and Patent Landscape Report by Technology (Colloidal Synthesis, Fabrication Method, Viral Assembly, Plasma Synthesis, Electrochemical Assembly) by Applications (Displays, Solar Cell, Photodetectors / Sensors, Batteries and Energy Storage, Quantum computing) By Patent Activities (Patent Categories and Classification, Leading Patent Players, Technical Analysis of Patent Landscape, Patent Licensing And Litigation) – Global Forecast, 2022

Executive Summary

Quantum Dots (QDs) are tiny particles or nanocrystals of a semiconducting material with diameters in the range of 2-10 nanometers (10-50 atoms). As a result, these nanocrystals can produce distinctive colors determined by the size of the particles. High volume applications of QDs are display devices, solid-state lighting, diagnostic probes, smartphone camera sensors, biosensors, drug delivery, fluorescent reporters, infrared imaging, photovoltaics and counterfeit detection. Some other low volume applications benefitting from these unique optoelectronic properties include QD lasers, photoelectrochemical sensors, image sensors, transistors, ultrafast all-optical switches, logic gates, defense applications, and quantum computing. Applications such as imaging and biosensors require minute size particles for easy passage inside the body and QDs are the most appropriate candidates for such applications.

In the first years of the technology, utilization of QDs unique optoelectronic properties was restricted to semiconductor fabrication, and synthesis was carried out through either molecular beam epitaxy or vapor deposition techniques. However, recent methods of wet colloidal QDs (CQDs) synthesis are more cost-effective and have boosted production scales. These versatile CQDs have opened further commercial prospects. Manufacturers have shifted from batch synthesis to continuous production methods to meet the exponential growth in demand. QDs used in display devices are typically cadmium selenide (CdSe)/ Zinc sulphide (ZnS) core/shell nanocrystals. With the strict implementation of the regulatory ban on the use of heavy metals in consumer display and lighting products in the European market and with prospects of similar restrictions in other global markets, manufacturers and OEMs are shifting to cadmium-free QDs (CFQDs). Further research on the use of less toxic materials such as indium, silicon and graphene, and advent of green chemistry is expected to provide significant impetus to a reduction in production cost. CQDs are currently priced at close to $250 per kg and are expected to fall to $75 per kg in few years.

QDs enabled product market is expected to reach $5.69 billion by 2022. The top QDs producers in the market including Nanoco, Nanosys, NN Labs and Quantum Materials Corporation (QMC) have developed mass scale production processes and have entered into various joint development agreements with multinational OEMs. Such agreements are promoting incorporation of QDs in LED-based devices including displays, lighting products and lasers. Increasing disposable incomes and improving lifestyle standards of people is boosting the market for TVs, smartphones and tablet industry.

Geographically, Americas led the QDs market in 2014 with 56.83 percent of market revenue share emerging from this region, followed by Europe and then APAC. However, in 2017 APAC’s contribution to the market revenue rose to 27.99 percent which makes it the second biggest geographical region regarding QDs dynamics. APAC is forecasted to assume the top position in revenue generation by 2022. Substantial research efforts have been made around LED-based devices with a focus on improving wide color gamut, production cost, and energy efficiency.

Patent landscape analysis confirms the market interest with increase in patenting activity at a CAGR of 10.08 percent over the period from 2007 to 2016. Samsung and LG are the pioneers in research and development. TCL group and BOE Technology Group are the new entrants in QDs technology with significant patenting activity after 2014. R&D in the application of QDs in biomedical devices like probes and sensors is providing a boost to patent applications in this segment. Majority activity in R&D is taking place in APAC with China leading the way. One of the critical emerging geographies from technology innovation perspective is India which is showing trends of active patent fillings at a CAGR of 43 percent. United States has the second largest QDs patent portfolio but is showing a decline in interest over the years with patent CAGR being negative.

Further penetration of the technology in other segments such as defense, quantum computing and memory will provide the essential future growth thrust to the market. QDs defense market is expected to contribute modest revenues initially but is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 52 percent by 2022. There is also a growing need for a clean and green source of energy to reduce the carbon footprint. As a result, QDs based photovoltaics are gaining huge interests. QDs technology in healthcare is expected to become a one-billion-dollar industry by 2022. Market for QDs is continuously growing both at industry as well as application level. Today’s market is focusing on QD displays, but tomorrow may bring in new era of medical, laser and photovoltaics. QDs will keep on evolving with newer innovations in production and application aspects.

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