A significant advancement in real-time colour and shape display through nanostructure modifications has been achieved by Professor Kang Hee Ku and her team at the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST. This innovative development has the potential to revolutionize various fields, particularly in the realm of smart polymer particles.
The research team has successfully achieved the self-assembly of photonic crystal structures on a large scale, using block copolymers. This closely resembles natural phenomena observed in butterfly wings and bird feathers. This cutting-edge technology allows for the visualization of vibrant colours and intricate patterns in real-time by reflecting the shape and direction of nanostructures.
By strategically inducing phase separation using a non-mixing liquid droplet, the team has generated hundreds of flawless photonic crystal structures through the autonomous organisation of block copolymers, eliminating the need for external manipulation.
This pioneering technology leverages internal nanostructures to create vivid, long-lasting, and sustainable colours. Its enhanced applicability in display technology is evident through its capability to pattern large areas efficiently.
The key innovation lies in the use of a polymer that can dynamically adjust the size of microstructures within particles in response to changes in the external environment. By harnessing the unique properties of polystyrene-polyvinylpyridine (PS-b-P2VP) block copolymers, the structure, shape, and colour of the particles can be tailored, reverting to their original state despite environmental variations.
Real-time observations of structural changes have revealed that the size and colour of micro-nanostructures adapt to fluctuations in alcohol concentration or pH value. The particles produced through this technology exhibit an innovative ‘Ice Cream Cone’ shape structure, combining aspects of solids and liquids to visualize fluid vibrations and dynamically alter shape and colour in response to external stimuli.
Professor Ku expressed confidence in the potential applications of this research, stating, “This study opens doors to the creation of self-assembling optical particles, streamlining the complex process conditions typically associated with colloidal crystal structure and pattern formation.” She further noted, “The technology’s practical applications in smart paint and polymer particles across various industries are envisioned.”
Published in the February 2024 issue of ACS Nano, the research received support from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), and the Korea Toray Science Foundation, underscoring collaborative efforts driving this groundbreaking innovation.
Journal Reference
Juyoung Lee, Soohyun Ban, Kyuhyung Jo, et al., “Dynamic Photonic Janus Colloids with Axially Stacked Structural Layers,” ACS Nano, (2024).
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