Applications of Stepper Motors for Thin Film Synthesis Through Programmable Dip-Coater

POSTER

Abstract

The dip-coating process for thin film synthesis is a widely used technique for developing even layers of a Sol-Gel polymer. This research investigated the development of a dip-coater utilizing a NEMA stepper motor attached to a linear rail guide with a simple relay circuit. A comprehensive breakdown and modern mode of the operation of stepper motors was studied. The polarization of the stator poles and subsequent alignment within the stepper motor were determined and visually represented with a single-step assembly. The stepper motor was programmed by a Raspberry Pi 5 through C code. The developed C code was compatible with any four-wire stepper motor for open-source usage. The thickness of the layers of the thin film after each dip was calculated through gravimetric analysis. The Sol-Gel thin films were then doped with tetra-hydroxyphenyl porphyrin (H2THPP) and characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy to determine optimum concentration.

*Dr. Catrena H. Lisse’s Research Group​ Dr. Ken McGill's Research Group​ Georgia College & State University​, Department of Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy​ Georgia College & State University​, Science Education Center​ Georgia College & State University​, MURACE NSF S-STEM Grant No. 2030804​​ American Chemical Society ​ Franklin Foundation Grant​ Chemistry Scholars Program​

Presenters

  • Morgan Collins

    • Georgia College & State University

Authors

  • Morgan Collins

    • Georgia College & State University
  • Marisa Williams

    • Georgia College & State University
  • Catrena H Lisse

    • Georgia College & State University
  • Kenneth C McGill

    • American Chemical Society (ACS)