Autonomous System for In-Situ Characterization and Optimization of Polymer Composites' Photoresponse

Accelerated preparation, characterization, and optimization of polymer composites is important for applications in electronics, sensors, and other emerging technologies. We present a low-cost autonomous experimentation system for optimizing the photoresponse of polymeric thin films. The deposition of viscous polymer solutions is conducted using a modified 3D printer on a custom, pre-patterned electrode array board connected to an electrometer. Film morphology, color, and size, and the deposition process, are monitored with an optical microscope camera, while photoconductive analysis is integrated via an illumination module. A computer application controls the instruments and guides the Bayesian optimization process. The search space, initial parameter values, monitoring real-time data visualization are enabled by a graphical user interface. This system allows effective and precise self-driven deposition and characterization of the samples. PEDOT:PSS-graphene oxide films served as a model system. Photoresponse under light exposure was optimized by varying graphene oxide concentration, thickness, and deposition uniformity. Future iterations will incorporate temperature control via the existing heated bed and integrate agentic experimentation to further optimize composite properties.