A Rapid and Dual Optical CO₂‐responsive Polydimethylsiloxane Elastomer with a Fluorinated Cyanine Dye

Abstract

We found that our optically CO2‐responsive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer rapidly and reversibly underwent both visible and fluorescent color changes in the presence of CO2 gas. Unlike conventional optically CO2‐responsive polymeric materials, it functions in totally dry gaseous conditions. The visible color and fluorescence of the elastomer sheet change after only 1 min of exposure to CO2, and the sheet exhibits excellent repeatability in terms of color switching that persists for at least 20 times.