$250,000
Project to refine nano-phosphors for White LED and
General Lighting Applications
WATERVLIET,
NY -- (06/14/2005; 0900)(EIS) -- Applied NanoWorks,
Inc. and New York State Energy Research & Development
Agency (NYSERDA) today announced the funding of a
$250,000 project aimed at improving the brightness
of the company's line of non-toxic nano-phosphors
for the white LED and general lighting markets.
Nearly
all nano-phosphors and many traditional phosphors
contain heavy metals that are toxic and present a
hazardous waste-stream risk to manufacturers. "Eliminating
the heavy metals while keeping all colors of our
nano-phosphors bright is a significant advancement
in phosphor technology and the NYSERDA funding will
help accelerate our ability to bring this material
to market in commercial volumes." said Eric Burnett,
President& CEO of Applied NanoWorks. "Based on
US Department of Energy data, use of white LEDs could
save New York State 29% of its energy consumption
which would be the equivalent of nearly $1B in annual
energy related savings."
Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, use about 90% less
energy than traditional incandescent and fluorescent
lighting and last many times longer, making the promise
of LED lighting very attractive. White LEDs have
been lagging behind other colors due to the complexity
and cost of achieving reliable white light from an
LED. A nano-phosphor that is bright, comes in all
colors of the rainbow, lasts long and eliminates
the toxic materials, such as heavy metals is the
ideal phosphor for bringing white LEDs closer to
market acceptance.
"We see potential in the performance already achieved
by the Applied NanoWorks non-toxic nano-phosphors
and see tremendous potential for New York State from
both an energy conservation perspective as well as
the potential for building a new industry right here
in New York," said NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith. "Our
funding of this innovative material will help address
toxicity and performance issues that have been roadblocks
to large scale adoption of white LEDs in the past
and bring a promising technology closer to market."
According to Lux Research, the nano-phosphor market
was $3-5M in 2004. Targeted white LED markets where
better phosphors will make a significant impact are
much larger -- $350M according to Strategies Unlimited.
The general lighting market was a $16B market in
2002 according to the US Department of Commerce.
The New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority is a public benefit corporation created
by the State Legislature in 1975. The Authority's
mission is to help solve some of New York's most
difficult energy and environmental problems in ways
that improve the State's economy. In addition to
helping develop and commercialize new and innovative
technologies and products, it also invests in energy
efficiency and clean renewable energy technologies
to help provide the State with safe and affordable
energy.
Applied NanoWorks manufactures high quality semiconductor
and metal-oxide nanomaterials to meet both industrial
research and manufacturing needs. Their proprietary
technologies offers nanomaterials that deliver superior
performance in applications ranging from ultra-violet
(UV) light blocking to phosphors and ultra-fine abrasives.
Materials are available in volumes ranging from grams
to metric tons.
For
more information: Eric Burnett, President & CEO,
518-266-5445; www.appliednanoworks.com
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