Improvement of High-Throughput Experimentation Using Synthesis Robots by the Implementation of Tailor-Made Sensors

Abstract

A small, low-cost, self-produced photometer is implemented into a synthesis robot and combined with a modified UV chamber to enable automated sampling and online characterization. In order to show the usability of the new approach, two different reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymers were irradiated with UV light. Automated sampling and subsequent characterization revealed different reaction kinetics depending on polymer type. Thus, a long initiation time (20 min) is required for the end-group degradation of poly(ethylene glycol) ether methyl methacrylate (poly(PEGMEMA)), whereas poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is immediately converted. Lastly, all photometric samples are characterized via size-exclusion chromatography using UV and RI detectors to prove the results of the self-produced sensor and to investigate the molar mass shift during the reaction.

A user-guide for polymer purification using dialysis

“…2a). THF as standard solvent for polymer purification using dialysis 28 results in the fastest purification velocity for every monomer ( D1–D12 ), whereas toluene shows a significantly slower velocity ( D13–D24 ). In chloroform, there is no visible diffusion through the membrane ( D25–D27 ).…”

“…† Moreover, we investigated the influence of the molar mass cut-off of the dialysis tubing, utilizing two different dialysis tubings based on regenerated cellulose with a cut-off of 1 kDa and 8 kDa, respectively. Finally, the effect of three different solvents on the dialysis process was investigated: THF as a polar standard solvent in polymer purification utilizing dialysis, 28 toluene as a non-polar solvent, and chloroform as a halogenated solvent.…”

Systematic copolymer screening for foaming experiments supported by computational methods

“…The RAFT-polymerization was performed in analogy to an established procedure in the Schubert-group. 72 Each small scale reaction was performed in a similar manner. All utilized amounts of the educts (Monomer: Sty, MMA.…”

Machine Learning in Soft Matter: From Simulations to Experiments

“…[329][330][331] Meanwhile, some studies have integrated characterization methods to achieve online characterization. [332] Furthermore, flow-based chemical systems have been also widely applied in soft matter system. [333,334] Their unique characteristic is their ability to enable reactions at smaller scales, thus reducing potential risks.…”