Mechanochromic response is a key desirable function for designing bionic robot systems. Unfortunately, compared to mimicking motions of natural creatures, we are far from successful in fabricating mechanochromic systems with responsive colorimetric changes. Herein, we report the development of novel mechanochromic films based on hybrid nanorods integrated with magnetic and plasmonic anisotropy. Magnetic-plasmonic hybrid nanorods have first been synthesized through a unique space-confined seed-mediated process, which represents a new platform for fabricating next-generation complex nanostructures. By coupling magnetic and plasmonic anisotropy, the plasmonic excitation of the colloidal hybrid nanorods could be collectively regulated using magnetic fields. Such magnetic manipulation facilitates the convenient incorporation of the hybrid nanorods into solid matrices such as polymer films with a well-controlled orientation to enable colorimetric changes when mimicking linear (rotating and bending) and non-linear (twisting) motions. The potential of these hybrid nanostructures is further demonstrated by configuring the 3D orientation of nanorods and quantifying the localized mechanical distortion by deconvolution of excitation states from space-resolved extinction spectra.

Coupling magnetic and plasmonic anisotropy in hybrid nanorods for mechanochromic films

2019 Fall National Meeting

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