Block copolymers (BCPs) can self-assemble into well-ordered microstructures by tuning the molecular weight and copolymer composition. One-dimensional photonic crystals can be formed from lamellar structure of self-assembly of block copolymers. The domain spacing of the lamellar structure needs to be high enough (d &gt;150nm) to reflect visible light. Herein we report a photonic crystal nanocomposite film formed by gelation of one domain of block copolymer, poly(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate)-block-poly(stearyl methacrylate) (PTEPM-b-PSMA). The PTEPM-b-PSMA film was responsive to alcohol with blue color while dry film is colorless. After gelation of the PTEPM domain to form SiO2, the PSMA-g-SiO2 film showed a bright orange color in THF with long term stability.

Tunable photonic nanocomposite film formed by gelation of self-assembled block copolymer

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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