Optimization of CdSe nanocrystals synthesis with a microfluidic reactor and development of combinatorial synthesis process for industrial production

Abstract A lab scale microfluidic reactor with computer-controlled programmable isocratic pumps and online detectors was employed to syntheses CdSe nanocrystal and operational parameters for lab scale microfluidic reactor were optimized. Three reaction parameters, viz. the reaction time, the [Cd]/[Se] molar concentration ratio, and the precursor concentrations, were optimized for optical characteristics, the particle diameter, and product yield. The average time corresponding to each reaction condition for obtaining the ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorbance and photoluminescence spectra was approximately 10 min. Based on lab scale microfluidic reactor a combinatorial reactor for synthesis CdSe on commercial interest has been redesigned and reproducibility of the CdSe synthesis, diameter size, and product yield were verified at the obtained condition from the lab scale synthesis. Using the data from the combinatorial synthesis system, the effects of the reaction conditions on the synthesized CdSe nanocrystals and their yield were elucidated. Further, the data were used to determine the relationships between the reaction conditions, the CdSe particle diameter, and the product yield. Advantages of reported synthesis are, unlikely, other reported processes instead of batch scale operation, the combinatorial synthesis system can be used for continuous production, if required. Through the process, controlling the precursor concentration, flow rate, and other physical and instrumental parameter, desired sized NCs can be synthesized precisely, which is a remarkable aspect of the combinatorial synthesis reported here. Depending upon the requirement, automation can be done for preciseness, reproducibility and mass production of the NCs.