ZnO inverse opals by chemical vapor deposition

Inverted opals are of great interest as photonic materials. Here, an inexpensive chemical vapor deposition method of synthesis of ZnO and ZnS inverse opals (see Figure) is described, based on infiltration and calcination of ZnO in synthetic polystyrene opals. Excellent control of the degree of infiltration, i.e., the layer thickness of ZnO, and thus the properties of the material, is reported.