Tunable PhoXonic Band Gap Materials from Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers and Colloidal Nanocrystals (NBIT Phase II)
Abstract
The collaborative efforts were aimed at designing and fabricating tunable phoXonic band gap materials by self assembly of block copolymers \201BCP\202. We also characterized both the structures and the resultant properties and made critical comparisons with simulations. The tunable properties of stimulus-responsive materials currently attract great interest in a variety of technological applications. Photonic gels are a new class of these materials that can be tuned to reflect different wavelengths of light. Controlling this reflected color via temperature-induced and solvent-quality induced changes of self-assembled photonic materials is important for their application in sensors and as displays. We found that the thermochromic behavior of a lamellar block copolymer poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) (PS-P2VP) photonic gel originated from a temperature-induced change in the pKa of the P2VP blocks. Control was obtained through the manipulation of the solution pH. The findings of this work provide the basis for understanding and controlling the properties of thermochromic block copolymers fostering their use in technologically relevant applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 12, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA591353
Entities
People
- Edwin L. Thomas
Organizations
- Rice University