Tunable Photonic Polyelectrolyte Colorimetric Sensing for Anions, Cations and Zwitterions

Abstract

Inverse-opal strong polyelectrolyte sensors, achieved by using a colloidal crystal templating method, respond sensitively and universally to various anions, cations, and zwitterions with brilliant structural colors that can even be observed by the naked eye. They are very attractive for a range of applications, such as ion detection, separation, ionic conduction, and catalysts.