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A Modular Microfluidic Technology for Systematic Studies of Colloidal Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Published on: May 10, 2018
Bioinspired colloidal photonic crystals with controllable wettability.
Jingxia Wang1, Youzhuan Zhang, Shutao Wang
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China.
Accounts of Chemical Research
|March 16, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed tunable colloidal photonic crystals (PCs) with controllable wettability and structural color. These advanced materials offer new possibilities for optical devices and sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Optics
Background:
- Colloidal photonic crystals (PCs) are periodic arrangements of latex spheres with unique light manipulation properties.
- PCs exhibit structural colors due to interference effects, making them attractive for optical applications.
- Biological PCs inspire the development of PCs with tunable wettability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate colloidal PCs with controllable wettability.
- To explore the relationship between surface chemistry, structure, and wettability.
- To demonstrate potential applications of these tunable PCs.
Main Methods:
- Adjusting wettability through intrinsic roughness and tunable latex surface chemistry.
- Utilizing external stimuli (light, electricity, heat) to reversibly control wettability.
- Employing inkjet printing for patterned PC assembly from latex suspensions.
Main Results:
- Achieved controllable wettability by modifying latex surface chemistry and particle structure.
- Demonstrated reversible wettability control using external stimuli.
- Fabricated patterned PCs with varied wettabilities and hierarchical structures.
Conclusions:
- Colloidal PCs can be designed with tunable wettability and structural color.
- These materials show promise as templates, droplet transport indicators, and color-based sensors.
- Findings advance the design and application of novel colloidal photonic crystals.
