Embedment of ZnO nanoparticles in the natural photonic crystals within peacock feathers

Inspired by the embedment of emission species in synthetic photonic crystals to display novel optical properties, the natural photonic crystals within peacock feathers are chosen as the matrix to embed ZnO nanoparticles through an in situ approach. Peacock feathers function as the supporting substrate and provide reactive sites for the in situ synthesis of hexagonal ZnO nanoparticles. Herein, ZnO nanoparticles exhibit photoluminescence in the visible range and are supposed to be tailored by the peacock feather, having potential applications in optoelectronics and optical communications.