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Integrated 3D-printed reactionware for chemical synthesis and analysis
Mark D Symes1, Philip J Kitson, Jun Yan
1WestCHEM, School of Chemistry, The University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
Nature Chemistry
|April 24, 2012
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) printing enables digital control over chemical reactions by printing reagents and catalysts into custom reactionware. This creates an automated, reconfigurable platform for chemical discovery, making advanced techniques accessible.
Area of Science:
- Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Engineering
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers potential for creating custom, low-cost scientific equipment.
- Traditionally, specialized facilities are required for fabricating reactionware.
- Digital control over reactionware design and operation is an unexplored application of 3D printing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a 3D printing approach for creating reactionware for chemical synthesis and analysis.
- To demonstrate digital control over reactionware design, construction, and operation.
- To establish a cost-effective, automated platform for chemical discovery.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a low-cost 3D printer and open-source software to design and fabricate reactionware.
- Incorporated printed-in catalysts and components for electrochemical and spectroscopic analysis.
- Enabled in situ reaction monitoring and digital feedback for device optimization.
Main Results:
- Successfully produced 3D printed reactionware for organic and inorganic synthesis.
- Demonstrated the ability to screen different reactionware architectures for process efficacy.
- Showcased how modifying reactionware architecture can alter reaction outcomes.
- Integrated components for in situ electrochemical and spectroscopic analysis.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing provides a cheap, automated, and reconfigurable chemical discovery platform.
- This approach makes chemical engineering techniques accessible to standard synthetic laboratories.
- Digital control over reactionware facilitates rapid screening and optimization of chemical processes.
