Accelerated Discovery of Perovskite Nanomaterials Using Distributed Self-Driving Labs

Project Personnel

Milad Abolhasani

Principal Investigator

North Carolina State University

Ou Chen

Co-PI

Brown University

Kristofer G. Reyes

Co-PI

University at Buffalo

Funding Divisions

Division Of Materials Research (DMR)

The development of solution-processable semiconductor materials has the potential to revolutionize emerging technologies in electronics and quantum engineering technologies by enabling scalable, cost-effective manufacturing methods. Among these materials, metal halide perovskite nanocrystals exhibit exceptional properties suited for advanced technological applications. However, their widespread adoption faces significant limitations due to presence of heavy metals, such as lead.

This project aims to accelerate the discovery of high-performance, lead-free perovskite nanocrystals through the integration of high-throughput experimentation, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data-sharing strategies across multiple institutions. By establishing networked "self-driving laboratories" (SDLs) capable of autonomously exploring extensive materials synthesis parameter spaces, this research is expected to drastically shorten discovery timelines from years to weeks or months.

The project's broader impacts include the development of new educational programs designed to train a skilled workforce proficient in AI-driven and autonomous scientific research methodologies, thereby promoting broad participation in innovative STEM careers.

Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future (DMREF)