Elsevier

HardwareX

Volume 14, June 2023, e00422
HardwareX

Hardware Article
Robust Arduino controlled spin coater using a novel and simple gravity chuck design

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00422Get rights and content
Under a Creative Commons license
open access

Abstract

Spin coaters offer an invaluable method of thin film fabrication. Various implementations, both proprietary and open-source exist, offering vacuum and gravity samples chucks. These implementations vary in their reliability, ease-of-use, cost, and versatility. Here we present a novel easy-to-use open-source gravity-chuck type spin coater with minimal points of failure at a material cost of around 100 USD (1500 ZAR). The unique chuck design makes use of interchangeable brass plate sample masks, each specific to a sample size, these can be made with basic skills and common hand tools. In comparison, replacement chucks for commercial alternatives can cost as much as the entire spin coater we present. Open-source hardware such as this provides an example for individuals in the field on the design and development of hardware where reliability, cost, and flexibility are most important, as is the case for many institutions in developing countries.

Keyword

Spin coater
Arduino
Gravity chuck
Thin film
Low cost

Cited by (0)

Mr. Adam Shnier is a part-time PhD student at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa where he also completed an Honours degree (with distinction) in Chemistry and a BSc in Chemistry and Material Science. His research focuses on hybrid-perovskites for photovoltaic applications. This work involves thin-film fabrication and the use of advanced X-ray diffraction techniques to characterise thin films as well as bulk materials. He is also interested in developing viable cost-effective alternatives to commercial equipment for emerging regions. He received the South African Chemical Institute Post-Graduate Award in 2020 for his versatile approach to his research work.

Dr. Francis Otieno is currently a full-time lecturer at the department of Physics and Materials science, Maseno University, Kenya. He holds an Msc and PhD in Physics and recently completed a 3-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa funded by the Synchrotron Techniques for Africa Research and Technology-Global Challenge Research Fund (START-GCRF). He is a recipient of several funding including the British Council - South Africa, under the Newton Fund in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) South Africa and recently the ARUA/Carnegie Early Career Research Fellowship. His research interest includes fabrication and characterization of thin films solar cell devices including organic solar cells, dye sensitized solar cell and perovskites with a view to enhance performance using plasmonics, spectral conversion, varied device structure and probing into the morphology using Synchrotron Soft X-Rays. His focus is on thin film growth and characterization via physical deposition techniques such as sputtering, thermal evaporation, pulse laser deposition etc.

Caren Billing is currently an Associate Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, in the field of electrochemistry. Her research currently includes investigating energy materials with a focus on solid electrolytes for fuel cell and battery applications, through electrochemical techniques and a range of structural characterisation techniques. Other research areas include electroanalysis, studying of metal-ligand equilibria using voltammetry, and investigating mineral leaching and corrosion inhibition.

Daniel Wamwangi is currently an associate professor at the School of Physics, at the University of the Witwatersrand where he has been based since 2010. His research interests include the development of novel materials for energy conversion and information storage using advanced characterization tools. He is a Member of the Center of Excellence in Strong Materials, Materials Physics Research Institute (MPRI) and the defunct “Materials for Energy Research group” (MERG).

David Billing is currently a professor at the School of Chemistry, at the University of the Witwatersrand. His research currently focusses on structure-property relationships in solid eletrolyte materials typically for energy applications, using advanced X-ray and Neutron diffraction and total scattering techniques. Of particular interest is the use of in situ and in operando studies, as well as the use of synchrotron based techniques to gain a better understanding of the real structure and performance of the materials under investigation.