Redox- and mechano-chromic response of metallopolymer-based elastomeric colloidal crystal films

A novel and convenient route for the preparation of monodisperse ferrocene-containing core-interlayer-shell particles using emulsion polymerisation protocols is described. These metallopolymer-based particles can be used to produce highly ordered elastomeric opal films with fascinating distinct reflection colours. The present work additionally describes the combined addressability of both stimuli, redox-chemistry and mechanical stress. The obtained materials are interesting since application of the melt-shear process followed by crosslinking of the matrix provides access to large-area, mechano-responsive elastomeric opal films featuring an additional redox response. Both, basic synthesis aspects and first steps towards application in the field of stimuli-responsive sensing of respective materials are discussed.