Nanoparticle synthesis analysis : Program for data visualization and cluster analysis of nanoparticle synthesis protocols

Sammanfattning: As energy demands rise across the globe, new clean energy solutions must be developed. Peafowl Plasmonics is developing a direct solar harvesting device using plasmonic technology. To expand their business and increase manufacturing scalability, nanoparticle synthesis protocols must be made. In this project, manufacturing data was analyzed with the aim of finding synthesis trends to increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process. This was done using cluster analysis methods such as k-means clustering and spectral clustering. A graphical user interface was developed to present the data in an intuitive way, acting as a tool for analysis of the synthesis and cluster data. The graphical user interface was able to display the data and cluster analysis in an informative way, however, it became apparent that a greater understanding of the chemistry behind the data was needed to draw a qualified conclusion about the meaning of the clustering. Therefore this part of the project could not be fulfilled and was left to Peafowl Plasmonics.%The graphical user interface performed well, but it became apparent that prior extensive knowledge in cluster analysis was needed in order to use the data to draw conclusions in regards to the manufacturing process. The project members lacked this prior knowledge and as such, that task was left to Peafowl Plasmonic with the graphical user interface as aid.