This talk will describe the introduction of automated synthetic chemistry into the undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory. An automated platform comprised of a liquid-handling robot and UV-vis absorbance plate-reader spectrometer are used for the synthesis and characterization of silver nanocrystals and their subsequent use in catalyzing an organic reaction. Students interface with the automated system through a Google Sheets template. Students spend one (or more) weeks optimizing the synthesis of silver nanocrystals, following by one (or more) weeks using the nanocrystals to catalyze the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. In addition to the classic physical chemistry topics of kinetics, catalysis, and plasmonics, this experiment introduces students to automated synthesis and provides a taste of high-throughput experimentation. It also presents students with the situation that they obtain more data than can be reasonably analyzed by hand and thus encourages them to consider using additional programming tools for this purpose. Importantly, students are encouraged to consider both the advantages and disadvantages associated with automated chemistry.<br/><br/>This experiment has also been run remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing students to plan, execute, and analyze real experiments during a remote lab course. It can also be run as an extended lab experience as a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE).

Automated synthesis and characterization of metallic nanocrystals in a physical chemistry lab course

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