Tuning solvent-dependent color changes of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) materials through compositional and geometric modifications

The solvent-filling effects on the colors of three different dielectric materials of different pore spacings were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bragg's approximation was used to predict the spectral minima and the shift in absorbance minima in the presence of different solvents. The analysis of the SEM images showed uniform sized and closely packed voids. The results showed that the addition of the solvents led to remarkable color change of the colloidal particles. The range of wavelengths reflected were tailored by changing either the size of the template or the refractive index of the framework materials.