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Multifunctional photonic microobjects with asymmetric response in radial direction and their anticounterfeiting
Xiaoyang Du1, Chengnian Li2, Jianying Wang3
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|May 30, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a simple method to create multifunctional photonic microobjects. These micro-objects combine photonic properties with stimulus-responsive hydrogels for advanced anticounterfeiting applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Photonics
Background:
- Integrating multiple functionalities into single microobjects remains challenging.
- Photonic microobjects offer unique optical properties but often lack responsiveness.
- Controlled fabrication of complex microstructures is crucial for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile and controlled method for creating multifunctional photonic microobjects.
- To integrate stimulus-responsive hydrogel properties with photonic structures.
- To explore the anticounterfeiting potential of these novel microobjects.
Main Methods:
- Utilized droplet-based microfluidics to generate uniform SiO2 nanoparticle (NP) droplets.
- Formed opal-structured photonic microballs via water evaporation.
- Infiltrated hydrogel monomers (acrylamide and acrylic acid) and crosslinked via UV irradiation.
- Applied a wet etching process to create a core-shell structure.
- Functionalized hydrogel carboxylic acid groups with fluorescent polymers.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated core-shell photonic microballs with SiO2 NPs and hydrogel composite.
- Achieved localized stimulus-responsive properties and multi-color emission.
- Demonstrated fivefold enhanced anticounterfeiting capabilities.
- The microobjects exhibited tunable optical and responsive behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The developed method provides a straightforward route to multifunctional photonic microobjects.
- These microobjects possess significant potential for anticounterfeiting and other advanced applications.
- The combination of photonic and responsive hydrogel properties opens new avenues in material design.
