Materials, Advanced Design
&
Manufacturing
104
Keywords
High-throughput techniques, robotics, automation,
polymers, formulation, organic materials, porous
materials, nanomaterials
Expertise
High-throughput (HT) techniques involving automation
and advanced robotics can revolutionise the discovery
and exploitation of new multifunctional materials.
Liverpool’s Centre for Materials Discovery (CMD) is the
only UK centre dedicated to helping businesses
understand and reap the benefits of HT techniques.
HT materials discovery uses experimental design
methodologies to assess a hypothesis, using parallel
synthesis and formulation protocols to map the relevant
area. The results of the experiments are analysed using
dedicated design of experiments (DoE) software;
enabling a predictive model to be produced which can
be used to the original hypothesis – for instance,
elucidating structure-property relationships or the
effect of a particular variable on a reaction.
This approach makes it possible to run through
experiments much more quickly than with traditional
experimental methods. It fosters real scientific
understanding, advances an organisation’s knowledge
of a material’s properties; and could enable it to acquire
broader patent coverage. Since it also facilitates speedier
decision making, it helps get a ‘no’ much faster and saves
significant time and money on unnecessary research.
The CMD employs a multidisciplinary team of scientists
with the skills required to facilitate the discovery and
optimisation of new materials for commercial exploitation.
Our facilities provide a broad base of chemical synthesis
and characterisation technologies, each focused on
increasing throughput over and above that available in
traditional laboratories.
We work with clients from the private sector and with
academics across a range of application areas. Our
work has encompassed new products, new material
applications and fundamental developments in
materials synthesis.
Researchers can benefit from the capabilities at CMD
in a number of ways, from accessing a particular
measurement or technique to solve a research problem,
to conducting full HT discovery or optimisation projects.
Capabilities and facilities
•
Robotic synthesis, formulation and liquid handling
platforms
•
More than 800m
2
laboratory space
•
Wide range of chemical synthesis and
characterisation technologies and systems.
Relevant centres and groups
•
Centre for Materials Discovery.
4.4
High-throughput materials discovery
For further information
on all our specialist
centres, facilities and
laboratories
go to page
179
