A high-throughput workflow for the synthesis of CdSe nanocrystals using a sonochemical materials acceleration platform

Abstract

A sonochemical Materials Acceleration Platform was implemented to synthesize CdSe nanocrystals under 625 unique conditions (in triplicate) in less than 6 weeks. The modularity of the workflow is adaptable to a variety of applications.

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“…New tools can support a host of different experiments. For example, a variety of probes can be immersed in media using the same Jubilee tool as our inoculation loop; a sonicator tool has been elsewhere integrated into high-throughput workflows using Jubilee [ 45 ]. Augmented deck attachments can provide heating, cooling, and stirring capabilities.…”

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“…For example, the Sidekick liquid dispenser 94 was designed around the liquid dispensing requirements associated with automated exploratory synthesis of halide perovskites, 99 and only later used for teaching an introductory chemistry laboratory on automation. 100 Similarly, the Jubilee system 59 was originally demonstrated in the context of nanocrystal synthesis research, 101 and later used for education. 60…”

“…8a). 60 Politi et al 59 have demonstrated the use of this versatile, multi-tool platform configured for automated ultrasound application (Fig. 8c), along with an Opentrons OT-2 liquid-handling robot and a well-plate spectrometer for the synthesis of CdSe nanocrystals.…”

“…There is currently no commercially available solution for automating single-point sonochemical processing, making this example a great demonstration of how SOTA technology can be easily democratized through “maker skills” (3D design and fabrication, electronics, and programming) and cheaper electronics. While successful, the study by Politi et al 59 relied on three different instruments to conduct the workflow. It is however possible to integrate all the synthesis, processing, and characterization tools onto the same Jubilee platform, given its automatic tool-changing capabilities, creating a closed-loop experimental system.…”

“…62,82 The next lowest in cost is the Jubilee system which can be adapted to perform sonochemical synthesis and used with an offline plate reader. 59,60 The automated titrator built from LEGO, one step lower in cost than the Jubilee, can no longer perform synthesis but only multi-batch liquid dispensing, and uses a pH probe for characterization. 48 Lastly, the cheapest SDL is a liquid handler for dye mixing, tasked with obtaining a customized color as characterized by a light sensor.…”