Infiltration of colloidal crystal with nanoparticles using capillary forces: a simple technique for the fabrication of films with an ordered porous structure

A dipping method has been developed for the infiltration of nanoparticles into an opal template to fabricate high quality inverse opal. Titania and silica inverse opal films, with a uniform color over centimeter dimensions were derived. As there is no need for special substrates or equipment, a widespread application of this method is anticipated.