Force-Controlled Robotic Mechanochemical Synthesis

Abstract

We have successfully demonstrated a mechanochemical synthesis utilizing a robotic powder grinding system capable of applying a precisely controlled and constant mechanical force. Despite its signifi- cance, the application of a controllable constant force in macroscale mechanochemical synthesis re- mains challenging. To address this gap, we compared the reproducibilities of various mechanochem- ical syntheses among conventional manual grinding, ball milling, and our novel robotic synthesis approach using perovskite materials. Our findings indicated that the robotic approach provided sig- nificantly higher reproducibility than conventional methods. This enhanced reproducibility enables the analysis of reaction pathway. We examined the effects on the reaction path by manipulating the grinding force and speed. Our results revealed that robotic force control could alter the reaction rate and influence the reaction pathway. Consequently, robotic mechanochemical synthesis has poten- tial for elucidating the chemical reaction mechanisms and fostering the discovery of new chemical reactions.