Self-assembly of colloidal particles into amorphous photonic crystals

Abstract

Colloidal photonic crystals (PCs) have been extensively investigated since they can be prepared in an efficient and low-cost way. Different from the conventional PCs with highly ordered structures, amorphous photonic crystals (APCs) with an isotropic photonic bandgap and non-iridescent structural colors have attracted growing interest especially in pigments, angle-independent displays, and optical coatings. This review focuses on the various strategies used for the fabrication of APCs by spraying, infiltration, layer-by-layer deposition, electrolyte-induced assembly, electrophoretic deposition, phase separation, assembly of bi-disperse-suspension, assembly of particles with a rough surface, assembly of soft particles, and assembly of low-charged particles. Their potential applications are also summarized, such as angle-independent displays, sensors, paintings, anti-counterfeiting labels, information storage, and so on. Finally, we present our perspectives together with the challenges of APCs.