Bioinspired Photonic Pigments from Colloidal Self‐Assembly. Issue 28 (7th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goerlitzer, Eric S. A.; Klupp Taylor, Robin N.; Vogel, Nicolas
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials. Volume 30:Issue 28(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-05-07
• Subjects: bioinspired -- colloids -- photonic pigments -- self‐assembly -- structural color; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201706654
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0935-9648

Abstract

Abstract: The natural world is a colorful environment. Stunning displays of coloration have evolved throughout nature to optimize camouflage, warning, and communication. The resulting flamboyant visual effects and remarkable dynamic properties, often caused by an intricate structural design at the nano‐ and microscale, continue to inspire scientists to unravel the underlying physics and to recreate the observed effects. Here, the methodologies to create bioinspired photonic pigments using colloidal self‐assembly approaches are considered. The physics governing the interaction of light with structural features and natural examples of structural coloration are briefly introduced. It is then outlined how the self‐assembly of colloidal particles, acting as wavelength‐scale building blocks, can be particularly useful to replicate coloration from nature. Different coloration effects that result from the defined structure of the self‐assembled colloids are introduced and it is highlighted how these optical properties can be translated into photonic pigments by modifications of the assembly processes. The importance of absorbing elements, as well as the role of surface chemistry and wettability to control structural coloration is discussed. Finally, approaches to integrate dynamic control of coloration into such self‐assembled photonic pigments are outlined. Abstract : Among the most appealing features in the natural world are the stunning displays of coloration. A critical overview of the emerging field of pigments produced by colloidal self‐assembly is provided, and how the optics of biological systems connects with hierarchical fabrication methods to reproduce nature's striking coloration in the form of dispersible pigments is outlined.