Vivid Structural Coloration in Transparent MXene-Cellulose Nanocrystals Composite Films

Abstract

We demonstrate shear-printed layered photonic films with vivid structural coloration from bio-derived cellulose nanocrystals and highly aligned Ti3C2Tx MXene nanoflakes. These ultrathin films (700–1500 nm) show high light transmittance above 40% in the visible range. In reflectance mode, however, the films appear vividly colored and iridescent due to the multiple distinct photonic bandgaps in the visible and near-infrared ranges, which are rarely observed in CNC composites. The structural coloration is controlled by the stacking of MXene nanoscale-thin layers separated by the thicker cellulose nanocrystals matrix, as confirmed by photonic simulations. The unique combination of distinctly different optical appearances in transmittance and reflectance modes occurs in films printed with just a few layers. This is because of the molecularly smooth interfaces and the high refractive contrast between bio-based and inorganic phases, which result in a concurrence of constructive and destructive interference. These lamellar biophotonic films open the possibilities for advanced radiative cooling, camouflaging, multifunctional capacitors, and optical filtration applications, while the cellulose nanocrystals matrix strengthens their flexibility, robustness, and facilitates sustainability.