Luminophore-containing polymer particles: Synthesis and optical properties of thin films on their basis

Abstract

For the synthesis of monodisperse submicron particles (in which a luminophore is covalently bound to the polymer matrix), methods of emulsifier free emulsion and seeded copolymerizations are applied to introduce the luminophore containing monomer into the bulk or shell of the particles, respec tively. Scanning electron microscopy and optical spectroscopy (reflection and luminescence spectra) showed that the particles obtained by the first method are better able to self assemble into 3D ordered thin film structures displaying photonic crystalline properties.

Photonic Crystal Films Based on Polymer Particles with a Core/Shell Structure Responding to Ethanol

“…PSt particles further used as a core for composite particles were synthesized according to the procedure published elsewhere. 8 The synthesis was carried out under a nitrogen atmosphere in a 100 mL flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a reflux condenser, and a thermometer. A water bath was used to maintain a constant temperature (90 °C).…”

“…Photonic crystals (PCs) are a class of materials that are promising both for studying new fundamental phenomena in quantum and nonlinear optics and for creating hierarchical materials with new physical, physicochemical, or biological properties. − The fundamental property of PCs is a spatially periodic change of its permittivity with a period comparable to the light wavelength. − Since the reflection wavelength of a polymer film based on PCs can be easily varied by changing the diameter of monodisperse polymer particles, − it is possible to create optical sensor materials based on polymeric PCs. Also, the reflection wavelength of the PC-based film can be modulated by changing the lattice spacing due to external influences, such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of volatile organic compounds. − PCs with tunable optical properties have great potential for a wide range of applications such as strain sensors or smart labels. − …”