Major Milestones
The Industrialization of Nanotechnology
One nanometer is one billionth of a meter. A material at such tiny level enables its physical properties to be significantly altered, allowing for novel applications. Many sectors including electronic information, consumer goods, and chemical engineering have progressed due to nanotechnology. In response to the government’s “National Science and Technology Program for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology,” ITRI has been assisting industries in transformation and upgrade by offering support in nanotechnology R&D and applications.
ITRI entered the electronic information sector in 2001 and leveraged nanotechnology to develop the 4-inch carbon nanotube (CNT) field emission display (FED) for vehicle, CNT field-effect transistor (FET), and the 20-inch CNT field emission backlight unit (FE-BLU). In the consumer goods and chemical engineering areas, ITRI developed a nano-photothermal powder that can be used to manufacture thermal underwear. This breakthrough greatly enhanced photothermal efficiency and lowered costs, kicking off a new growth momentum for Taiwan’s textile industry. ITRI also developed the water-based, antifouling transparent coating material for glass. The coating is applied to the carriages of trains, high-speed rail trains, and the Taipei Metro to significantly cut cleaning expenses.
In 2002, ITRI established several industry alliances to expand the development and application of nanotechnology. These include the 65 nm Research Alliance (semiconductor industry), the Carbon Nanocapsule Research Alliance and Industrial Nanotechnology Application Promotion Association (material industry), and the Nanotechnology Biomedical Research Alliance (biomedical industry). Furthermore, ITRI introduced the nanoMark, a certification to help consumers identify nanotechnology products. Nowadays, nanotechnology is an essential part of our lives and there is an increasing number of new products that are produced by transforming existing materials with nanotechnology.
ITRI developed Taiwan’s first vehicle-use 4-inch CNT-FED that has low drive voltage, high luminous efficacy, and low-cost features.
ITRI set up the Carbon Nanocapsule Research Alliance. Manufacturers involved included Foxconn, Formosa Plastics Group, TECO Nanotech, Continental Carbon, TSRC, and Yuen Foong Yu. Nanocapsules have unique structures as well as special light, electric, and magnetic properties and can be applied in areas such as heat dissipation and mechanical lubrication.
ITRI established the 65 nm Research Alliance to promote technology integration of next-gen semiconductor industry materials. Founding members included TSMC, Nissan Chemical Industries, Eternal Chemical, Everlight Chemical, and the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center.
ITRI developed Taiwan’s first p-type and n-type CNT-FET which are 100% compatible with existing IC production lines. ITRI also developed large-area CNT positioning technology and completed the production of CNT circuits.
ITRI established the Industrial Nanotechnology Application Promotion Association to promote the application of nanoparticles in traditional industries. One hundred organizations, including Formosa Plastics Group, Nanya, Eternal Group, and Chang Chun Group, are part of the Association.
ITRI established a world-class nanotechnology joint testing lab for developing advanced nanotechnology as well as application platforms for industries, academia, and research institutions. This can speed up the verification and certification process in Taiwan’s nanotechnology industrialization.
ITRI developed the world’s largest 20-inch CNT FE-BLU. It is used as the backlight source for large LCD monitors.
ITRI established the Taiwan Nanotechnology Industry Development Association (TANIDA).
ITRI set up the Nanotechnology Biomedical Research Alliance. Participants from the biotechnology and medical care industries as well as pharmaceutical companies can jointly develop and promote nano-biomedical technologies in different aspects, including technology, market, regulations, capital, and international collaborations.
ITRI completed the nano-gold catalyst that can be used on protective masks and water heaters to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
ITRI set up the world's first nanotechnology certification scheme—nanoMark—to help consumers identify nanotechnology products.
ITRI developed the water-based, antifouling transparent coating material for glass. The coating is applied to the carriages of trains, high-speed rail trains, and the Taipei Metro to save large amounts of cleaning expenses.
ITRI’s heat-resistant anti-glare light-control membrane won awards at the INPEX held in Geneva and Pittsburg.
ITRI’s PolyE Membrane Technology won the R&D 100 Awards. It can be applied in recycling reclaimed water, softening hard water, and desalinating seawater. The new technology led to the founding of the startup New Micropore.
ITRI developed the nano-photothermal powder to manufacture thermal garments, opening up new possibilities for Taiwan’s textile industry.
