Researchers Propose New Technology without Rare Earth Metals for LED Lighting

At the 250th meeting of the American Chemical Society a novel approach to generate white light without using rare earth metals was presented. The reaserachers claim that this approach will lead to cheaper warm white LEDs than the currently used technologies. A press conference on this topic was held on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 9 a.m. Eastern time in the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

Highly efficient, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) could slash the world’s electricity consumption. They are already sold in stores, but more widespread adoption of the technology has been hindered by high costs due to limited availability of raw materials and difficulties in achieving acceptable light quality. But researchers will report today that they have overcome these obstacles and have developed a less expensive, more sustainable white LED.