Cracked phone screens could become a thing of the past thanks to breakthrough research The researchers have unlocked the technology to produce next-generation composite glass for lighting LEDs and smartphone, television and computer screens. The findings will enable the manufacture of glass screens that are not only unbreakable but also deliver crystal clear image quality.

The global team of researchers, led by UQ’s Dr Jingwei Hou, Professor Lianzhou Wang and Professor Vicki Chen, have unlocked the technology to produce next-generation composite glass for lighting LEDs and smartphone, television and computer screens.

The findings will enable the manufacture of glass screens that are not only unbreakable but also deliver crystal clear image quality.

Dr Hou said the discovery was a huge step forward in perovskite nanocrystal technology as previously, researchers were only able to produce this technology in the bone-dry atmosphere of a laboratory setting.

«The emitting materials are made from nanocrystals, called lead-halide perovskites,» he said. «They can harvest sunlight and concert it into renewable electricity — playing a vital role in low-cost and high-efficiency new generation solar cells and many promising applications like lighting.

«Unfortunately, these nanocrystals are extremely sensitive to light, heat, air and water — even water vapour in our air would kill the current devices in a matter of minutes.

Story Source: Materials provided by University of Queensland. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.