Design of Experiments for Nanocrystal Syntheses: A How-To Guide for Proper Implementation

The understanding and control of colloidal nanocrystal syntheses are essential for discovery and optimization of desired properties and therefore play a key role in the applications of these materials. Typical one variable at a time (OVAT) methods limit the ability of researchers to achieve such goals by providing one-dimensional insight into a complex, multidimensional experimental domain, wasting precious resources in the process. Design of experiments (DoE) in conjunction with response surface methodology (RSM) offers an accelerated route for multivariate investigation and optimization of nanocrystal syntheses. The method enables systematic analysis and multidimensional modeling of the independent and dependent effects that any number of factors have on chosen responses, resulting in easy optimization of a large synthetic space in a fraction of the experiments. Herein, we will outline the general steps to follow when utilizing DoE and RSM for screening and optimization of nanocrystal syntheses, as well as the background needed to appropriately design an investigation and understand the results.