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Inverse design of structural colours in polymeric films with crystallization-induced reversible thermochromism

Author

Listed:
  • Dong Yang

    (Sichuan University)

  • Heyi Liang

    (University of Chicago)

  • Chengjie Zhang

    (Sichuan University)

  • Peipei Shao

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Qin Li

    (Sichuan University)

  • Yun Huang

    (Sichuan University)

  • Yi Dan

    (Sichuan University)

  • Cheng Zeng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Rui-Tao Wen

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Long Jiang

    (Sichuan University)

  • Ming Xiao

    (Sichuan University)

Abstract

Precisely controlling structural colours in polymeric materials remains a major challenge, with current approaches often relying on trial-and-error synthesis. Here, we develop a colour design model, enabling inverse design of structural colours in bottlebrush block copolymers (BBCPs). The model can quantitatively link BBCP molecular structures to macroscopic colours through the integration of a strong segregation self-consistent field theory model with a multilayer optical framework. We first validate its predictive capability by synthesising and assembling BBCPs with varied chain architectures to produce a full colour spectrum, and then demonstrate its generalisability to other BBCP chemistries. In addition, we observe reversible, nonlinear thermochromism in systems combining a crystalisable block with a soft, low–glass transition temperature segment, while similar BBCPs lacking this pairing show no such response. Our work establishes a predictive platform for designing structurally coloured, thermoresponsive polymeric materials and advances the rational engineering of photonic soft matter.

Suggested Citation

  • Dong Yang & Heyi Liang & Chengjie Zhang & Peipei Shao & Qin Li & Yun Huang & Yi Dan & Cheng Zeng & Rui-Tao Wen & Long Jiang & Ming Xiao, 2025. "Inverse design of structural colours in polymeric films with crystallization-induced reversible thermochromism," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-66015-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-66015-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wang Zhang & Hao Wang & Hongtao Wang & John You En Chan & Hailong Liu & Biao Zhang & Yuan-Fang Zhang & Komal Agarwal & Xiaolong Yang & Anupama Sargur Ranganath & Hong Yee Low & Qi Ge & Joel K. W. Yang, 2021. "Structural multi-colour invisible inks with submicron 4D printing of shape memory polymers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-8, December.
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