A Rapid and Dual Optical CO2-responsive Polydimethylsiloxane Elastomer with a Fluorinated Cyanine Dye

We found that our optically CO2-responsive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer rapidly and reversibly underwent both visible and fluorescent color changes in the presence of CO2 gas. Unlike conventional optically CO2-responsive polymeric materials, it functions in totally dry gaseous conditions. The visible color and fluorescence of the elastomer sheet change after only 1 min of exposure to CO2, and the sheet exhibits excellent repeatability in terms of color switching that persists for at least 20 times.

Automated summary

Our optically CO2-responsive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer undergoes rapid and reversible color changes in the presence of CO2 gas. Unlike conventional optically CO2-responsive polymeric materials, it functions in totally dry gaseous conditions.