Phase change polymer-based structural color photonic films for contactless and inkless writing irreversibly

Thermal-responsive photonic crystals (PCs) have attracted considerable interest due to their triggerable and adjustable optical capabilities, which are promising for various applications. However, developing a mechanism for rapid and irreversible structural color transformation in PCs that enables contactless and inkless writing has significant research value. Herein, phase change polymers are incorporated into functional optical platforms capable of rapid and irreversible structural color transformation in response to thermal stimuli. In crystalline state, phase change polymers used as inverse opal scaffolds in photonic films produce structural color with high saturation. The collapse of the highly ordered inverse opal structure, driven by thermal-mediated transformation during the crystalline/amorphous conversion of phase change polymers, is identified as the primary mechanism for achieving rapid and irreversible structural color transformation. These significant color variations between the inverse opal and collapsed structures provide high color contrast and resolution. The photonic films exhibit excellent hydrophobicity, solvent resistance, and storage stability. Additionally, incorporating the photothermal material carbon black (CB) enhances color saturation and imparts efficient photothermal conversion ability to films. By modulating the photothermal effect via near-infrared (NIR) laser light, phase change polymer-based structural color photonic films can achieve a permanent configuration at 42 degrees C, resulting in high-resolution images. These outstanding features offer a feasible method for next-generation innovative inkless writing and printing.