Nanoscale easy tear process for ultra-fast responsive colloidal crystal-PDMS composite VOCs sensors

In this study, we propose an ultra-fast responsive PC based volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sensor using a nanoscale easy tear process inspired by commercially available ‘easy tear package’. Colloidal crystal-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite can be realized through nanoscale tear propagation along the interface between the outer surface of crystallized nanoparticles and bulk PDMS. Not only cuboid but also dome shaped colloidal crystal-PDMS composite is successfully obtained using the assembled nanoparticles constructed by wettability contrast patterning or inkjet printing. The response time for VOCs detection is dramatically improved by allowing the direct contact with VOCs because of removing the residual on colloidal crystals perfectly.