J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2023, Vol. 141: 78-99.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2022.08.044

• Research Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Recent advances in photonic crystal with unique structural colors: A review

Keming Zhua, Changqing Fanga,b,*, Mengyuan Pub, Jing Songb, Dong Wanga,b, Xing Zhoua,b,*   

  1. aSchool of Mechanical and Precision Instrument Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China;
    bFaculty of Printing, Packaging Engineering and Digital Media Technology, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China
  • Received:2022-06-14 Revised:2022-07-29 Accepted:2022-08-15 Published:2023-04-01 Online:2022-10-28
  • Contact: *E-mail addresses: fcqxaut@163.com (C. Fang), zdxnlxaut@163.com (X. Zhou)

Abstract: Inspired by special color-forming organisms in nature, photonic crystal materials with structural color function have been developed significantly with great potential applications for displays, sensors, anti-counterfeiting inks, etc. This review aims to summarize the functions, self-assembly modes, and applications of different kinds of photonic crystal materials. The preparation methods and characteristics of monodisperse inorganic nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, inorganic/organic core-shell nanoparticles, and MOFs are discussed. Subsequently, we summarize the method of assembling colloidal particles into photonic crystals, which is a template induction method, inkjet printing method, drop coating method, etc. Moreover, the potential application of structural color is presented including humidity response and magnetic field response in sensors fields, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of anti-counterfeiting, fabric coloring, displays, smart windows, and Biomedical Applications. Finally, we present the development prospects and key problems of photonic crystals.

Key words: Photonic crystal, Structural color, Self-assembly, Monodisperse nanoparticles, Patterned nanostructures