Calicut University:
Malappuram: Researchers at the University of Calicut have developed a next-generation light-emitting diode (LED) device that uses a gold-copper alloy nanocluster to reach an incredible 12.6% external quantum efficiency (EQE). This is the highest EQE ever attained by any LED technology built around nanoclusters worldwide. This is an important scientific discovery.
The team, headed by Dr Shibu Siddharth and his PhD student Dr Rival Jose from the Department of Nanoscience and Technology, created a new nanocluster-based LED (NC-LED) that performs exceptionally well and emits a pure, saturated red light. Calicut University
With an impact rating of 27.4, Advanced Materials (Wiley), a world-renowned journal in materials science, published this groundbreaking study. It is a proud milestone that raises the University of Calicut’s profile on the international scientific map, as it is the first time a research piece from the university has been published in such a prestigious international publication.
In particular, a gold-copper (Au-Cu) alloy is used to create atomically accurate nanoclusters from a limited amount of metal atoms. These clusters have remarkable photophysical characteristics, including strong light emission, high thermal and photostability, and good environmental compatibility, despite being undetectable to the human eye.
Unlike conventional LEDs, which typically use costly or hazardous ingredients, this innovative technology is scalable and sustainable since it is made utilising a straightforward, environmentally friendly solution-processing procedure.
The lead researcher, Dr Shibu Siddharth, underlined the work’s double importance:
Calicut University In addition to pushing the limits of nanocluster-based LED efficiency, we have demonstrated that Indian state institutions are capable of producing high-impact innovation. This achievement is a proud milestone for Indian scientists and the University of Calicut
This accomplishment is further strengthened by Dr Shibu’s illustrious academic background. A graduate of St. Thomas College in Thrissur, he earned distinguished fellowships in Japan and France after completing his PhD at IIT Madras under Padma Shri awardee Prof. T. Pradeep. He received the Ramanujan Fellowship from SERB while working at CSIR-CECRI before starting as an assistant professor at Calicut University in 2021.
With participation from esteemed universities including Hokkaido University (Japan), Tampere University (Finland), IISc Bangalore, and IIT Madras, the study also demonstrates strong national and international collaborations.
This breakthrough has the potential to make a big impact. Thanks to its impressive performance and environmentally friendly design, it could lead to greener lighting options, energy-saving display tech, and even new tools in biomedical imaging. Looking ahead, researchers plan to boost the efficiency of these nanocluster LEDs and expand their colour capabilities — a move that could redefine the future of LED technology on a global scale. Calicut University