Researchers at the University of Calicut have made a significant breakthrough in light-emitting diode (LED) technology by developing a novel device that utilizes gold-copper alloy nanoclusters.

The research, led by E.S. Shibu and his PhD student Rival Jose, highlights the exceptional photophysical properties of these nanoclusters, including strong light emission, excellent stability, and environmental compatibility.

Notably, the new LED technology employs an eco-friendly and scalable fabrication method that avoids toxic or expensive materials, making it both sustainable and cost-effective.

The resulting nanocluster-based LED (NC-LED) achieves a saturated pure red emission with an impressive external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 12.6%, one of the highest recorded for this type of device.

This EQE represents a significant advancement in LED technology, showcasing the potential for high-performance devices in the future.

The research involved collaborations with prestigious institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras, Tampere University in Finland, and Hokkaido University in Japan.

Funding for this innovative research was provided by the Department of Science and Technology along with other supporting organizations, underscoring the project's significance and collaborative nature.

The findings of this research were published in the prestigious journal Advanced Materials, marking a historic achievement for the University of Calicut, as it is their first publication in a high-impact journal with an impact factor of 27.4.

Dr. Shibu Sidharth emphasized the importance of this work, highlighting its potential to showcase high-impact research emerging from Indian state universities, marking a proud moment for both the University of Calicut and India.

The unique photophysical properties of the gold-copper alloy nanoclusters contribute to the intense light emission and high thermal and photostability of the NC-LED.