New Alternative For CFL And LED Light

Wake Forest University researchers are developing a flicker-free, shatterproof alternative for CFL and LED lighting. They claim that the new technology is twice as efficient as CFL and much cheaper than LEDs. It is based on field-induced polymer electroluminescent (FIPEL) technology.

The new material is made of three layers of moldable white-emitting polymer blended with a small amount of nanomaterials. When electricity passes through the device it will glow into a bright white light similar to that of sunlight. The new material can be made in any color and shape, and it is nearly indestructible and long-lasting.

David Carroll, Director of Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials, Wake Forest University, and his team will first make a large-scale natural white-light FIPEL to replace current office and home lighting. Beyond office and home applications, Carroll also sees potential uses in commercial sign display. They are currently working with a company to manufacture the lighting technology and plans to have it in market as early as next year.