Ocean Tomo Transactions, part of J.S. Held, has announced the sale of Avantama AG’s groundbreaking perovskite quantum dot intellectual property (IP) portfolio and associated manufacturing assets. Avantama, a Swiss technology leader in high-tech materials for electronics, is known for its innovative contributions to optical and electronic coatings.
The sale includes a comprehensive global patent portfolio of over 220 assets, encompassing various innovations in processes, compositions, formulations, films, and devices that are critical to semiconductor nanoparticle and quantum dot inks and films. These technologies are integral to the development of perovskite solar cells, short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensors, and advanced displays, including LCDs, QD-OLED, QD-microLED, and QD-EL displays.
Avantama has demonstrated the potential of these technologies through proven multi-ton scale production capabilities in Switzerland. Its materials have been key in achieving a world-record power efficiency of 25% in perovskite photovoltaic (PV) cells and in the advancement of QD-EL display technology. Having been an audited supplier for the electronics industry since 2016, Avantama’s technological expertise is well established in the market.
The company’s nanoparticle formulations, including cadmium-free quantum dots, have reshaped the display market by offering industry-leading optical performance. These quantum dots provide unmatched Rec.2020 coverage, which is critical for next-generation displays. Additionally, Avantama’s materials are crucial for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells, leveraging semiconductor nanoparticle electron transport layer (ETL) and hole transport layer (HTL) inks. These innovations are also used in the development of organic solar cells, SWIR detectors, and QD-EL displays.
Avantama’s nanoparticle formulations are highly customizable, providing unmatched material flexibility. The formulations are finely tuned for various coating and printing processes, offering options for different nanoparticle sizes, particle functionalizations, and coating methods. The company’s decade-long specialization in nanoparticle and formulation engineering has enabled it to scale production capabilities to multi-ton levels. This valuable know-how will be transferred as part of the sale, giving the new owners access to cutting-edge technology that has been honed for consistent and high-quality production.
The sale of Avantama’s IP portfolio represents a significant step forward for the semiconductor and electronics industries, which are increasingly focused on the commercialization of perovskite solar cells and advanced display technologies. The move highlights the growing importance of perovskite-based materials in driving innovation across the renewable energy and electronics sectors.