Teaching inverse design of nanoparticles to young students: From target color to synthesis conditions
Authors/Creators
- 1. Institute of Interfaces and Particle Technology (IPT), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
- 2. Interdisciplinary Center for Functional Particle Systems (FPS), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
- 3. Department of Mathematics, Chair of Applied Mathematics (Continuous Optimization), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
- 4. Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
- 5. FAU Competence Center Scientific Computing (FAU CSC), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
Description
This is additional and raw data for the manuscript:
Teaching inverse design of nanoparticles to young students: From target color to synthesis conditions
Abstract:
Inverse design is an emerging strategy for the synthesis of functional materials that uses predictive models to translate targeted properties directly into optimal process conditions, eliminating the need for trial and error. This study presents a novel approach for introducing the abstract concept of inverse design to young students through an engaging live demonstration. We use the synthesis of silver nanorods (Ag NRs) as a model system due to the intuitive correlation between the NRs’ aspect ratio and their plasmonic transmission color, which can be tuned continuously across the visible spectrum. We illustrate how comprehensive property-process relationships based on physical models can be used to predict optimal conditions in the synthesis of such Ag NRs to achieve targeted transmission colors. Together with the participants we first develop a property-process relationship for Ag NRs based on simulated extinction spectra and then use it interactively to inversely determine the necessary synthesis conditions for a targeted property. We investigate didactic strategies for communicating the abstract topics of nanoparticle synthesis and inverse design to children aged 8–12. By adjusting the level of detail and scientific depth, this activity can, however, be adapted to different age groups, making it a versatile tool for introducing the unique, size-dependent properties of nanomaterials, modern synthesis approaches based on inverse design, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between different scientific disciplines to various audiences.
We provide the following data:
- Raw data of the figures from the main manuscript and the ESI
- 3D models of the diffraction grating holder mentioned in the manuscript
- The original survey mentioned in the manuscript in German language
- Technical drawings for the large scale reactor setup
- a functioning web application that can be used interactively within the concept described in the manuscript
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