Conformal functional thin films are obtained from self-limiting electrodeposition of a dual-functional molecule with tailorable control over film thickness, permeability, and dielectric properties only by variation of the deposition conditions.
We introduce the polymer analysis and discovery array (PANDA), an automated system for high-throughput electrodeposition and functional characterization of polymer films. The PANDA is a custom, modular, and low-cost system based on a CNC gantry that we have modified to include a syringe pump, potentiostat, and camera with a telecentric lens. This system can perform fluid handling, electrochemistry, and transmission optical measurements on samples in custom 96-well plates that feature transparent and conducting bottoms. We begin by validating this platform through a series of control fluid handling and electrochemistry experiments to quantify the repeatability, lack of cross-contamination, and accuracy of the system. As a proof-of-concept experimental campaign to study the functional properties of a model polymer film, we optimize the electrochromic switching of electrodeposited poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films. In particular, we explore the monomer concentration, deposition time, and deposition voltage using an array of experiments selected by Latin hypercube sampling. Subsequently, we run an active learning campaign based upon Bayesian optimization to find the processing conditions that lead to the highest electrochromic switching of PEDOT:PSS. This self-driving lab integrates optical and electrochemical characterization to constitute a novel, automated approach for studying functional polymer films.
Liquid Metal Oxide Liquid metals spontaneously form protective oxide skins on their surfaces when exposed to oxygen. In article number 2309177, John William Boley and co-workers leverage this mechanism to produce electrochemical energy from the re-growth of liquid metal oxide after being damaged by mechanical disturbances. This discovery enables the design of strain-activated stretchable batteries and self-powered soft devices.
We report the PANDA, a self-driving lab that handles fluids, electrodeposits polymers, and then functionally characterizes the result using optics or electrochemistry. As an example application, we perform a closed-loop study of electrochromic films.
Conformal sub-micron coatings of an ion-conducting polymer network are obtained on porous micron-scaled architectures using surface-confined electrochemistry.
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