Bright, noniridescent structural coloration from clay mineral nanosheet suspensions

Abstract

Structural colors originate by constructive interference following reflection and scattering of light from nanostructures with periodicity comparable to visible light wavelengths. Bright and noniridescent structural colorations are highly desirable. Here, we demonstrate that bright noniridescence structural coloration can be easily and rapidly achieved from suspended two-dimensional nanosheets of a clay mineral. We show that brightness is enormously improved by using double clay nanosheets, thus optimizing the clay refractive index that otherwise hampers structural coloration from such systems. Intralayer distances, and thus the structural colors, can be precisely and reproducibly controlled by clay concentration and ionic strength independently, and noniridescence is readily and effortlessly obtained in this system. Embedding such clay-designed nanosheets in recyclable solid matrices could provide tunable vivid coloration and mechanical strength and stability at the same time, thus opening a previously unknown venue for sustainable structural coloration.

Lepidocrocite-Type Layered Titanate Nanoparticles as Photocatalysts for H2 Production

“…To modify the material performances of layered transition metal oxides and their derivatives, the particle size as well as the particle structure and composition are thought to be key factors. Large platy particles with high aspect ratios are sought for some applications, including the development of structural colors. , On the contrary, fine particles with high surface areas could be beneficial for adsorbent applications . In the field of photocatalysis, crystallinity has been regarded in addition to the particle size as an important factor in controlling material performance as the crystallinity has been correlated with undesired charge trapping that inhibits photocatalytic reactions. , Low-temperature synthesis is often suffered because of low crystallinity of the resulting material, although it is a promising way for obtaining small particles with a high surface area.…”

“…Large platy particles with high aspect ratios are sought for some applications, including the development of structural colors. 46,47 On the contrary, fine particles with high surface areas could be beneficial for adsorbent applications. 3 In the field of photocatalysis, crystallinity has been regarded in addition to the particle size as an important factor in controlling material performance as the crystallinity has been correlated with undesired charge trapping that inhibits photocatalytic reactions.…”

Nacre-inspired layered composite gels with broad tunable mechanical strength and structural color for stress visualization

“…The sonamed photonic LCs exhibit structural colors. [24][25][26][27][28][29] However, in contrast to the high fraction of CaCO 3 nanoplates in nacre shells, the fraction of nanosheets in photonic LCs is rather low. 30 Such a low fraction makes the as-prepared structuralcolored gels weak and fragile.…”

Rotary Structural Color Spindles from Droplet Confined Magnetic Self‐Assembly

“…Structural colors, derived from the interaction between light and materials with periodically arranged nanostructures bearing different reflective indices, have been widely identified in natural objects and living creatures, like opals, butterfly wings and feathers of certain birds. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Inspired by these natural phenomena, DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207270 a series of strategies have been developed to produce artificial structural color materials by mimicking specific periodic architectures including template replication, 3D printing, and self-assembly. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Among these methods, self-assembly provides a bottom-up strategy for rapid and easy-prototyping preparation of structural color materials.…”