A Modular Self-Driving Laboratory for Automated Synthesis of CsPb(Cl/Br/I)₃ Perovskite Nanocrystals

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Self-driving laboratories (SDLs) are advancing materials synthesis through automation and data-driven control.
• Current SDLs often struggle with hardware integration and maintaining stable fluid flow.
• Perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) are crucial for optoelectronic applications but require precise synthesis control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modular fluidic-microwave SDL for automated PNC synthesis.
• To enable programmable thermal profiles and inline photoluminescence (PL) monitoring.
• To address challenges in hardware integration and flow stability in existing SDLs.

Main Methods:

• A modular fluidic-microwave system was designed with constant-pressure fluidics and batch microwave heating.
• The system integrated inline photoluminescence monitoring for real-time characterization.
• Automated parameter screening was employed to identify optimal synthesis conditions.

Main Results:

• The SDL achieved high reproducibility in PNC synthesis, with low relative standard deviations in full width at half maximum (fwhm), peak wavelength, and PL intensity.
• Programmable thermal profiles and decoupled reaction temperature from residence time ensured stable flow and suppressed pulsation.
• An optimal synthesis window was identified, yielding phase-pure PNCs with narrow emission line widths (∼18-19 nm).

Conclusions:

• The developed SDL offers a reproducible and programmable platform for nanomaterials synthesis.
• It facilitates closed-loop optimization and AI-guided discovery of new materials.
• This system advances the automation of complex chemical synthesis processes.