Inkjet printing of quantum dots in photopolymer for use in additive manufacturing of nanocomposites

Much work has been done in the area of micro-patterning nanoparticles toward the fabrication of polymer electronics, micro-optical components, and complex nanocomposites. Methods for micro-patterning include direct write, etching, lithography, microcontact printing, and inkjet. Quantum dots (QD) are of particular interest in microscale patterning because of their size-dependent photoluminescence, narrow band of emission, and nonlinear optical properties. A UV light, which is integrated into the print block, cures the polymer into a solid. Subsequent layers are printed on top of the previously deposited layers and cured. In this fashion, an object is built layer-by-layer. The advantage of the PolyJet process is that the individual banks of inkjet nozzles can process different materials, which allows for the creation of multi-material objects.