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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > November  >
In the Laboratory
Fabrication and Analysis of Photonic Crystals
Dean J. Campbell and Kylee E. Korte
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625

Younan Xia
Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195

Cover
November 2007
Vol. 84 No. 11
p. 1824

Abstract
These laboratory experiments are designed to explore aspects of nanoscale chemistry by constructing and spectroscopically analyzing thin films of photonic crystals. Films comprised of colloidal spheres and polydimethylsiloxane exhibit diffraction-based stop bands that shift reversibly upon exposure to some common solvents. Topics covered in these experiments include crystallization and diffraction. This lab is most suitable for undergraduate physical or materials chemistry, though the techniques involved are sufficiently simple for use in introductory chemistry classes.
Supplement
The student laboratory experiment, the associated instructor notes, and a spreadsheet are available.
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Citation
Campbell, Dean J.; Korte, Kylee E.; Xia, Younan. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 1824.
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Keywords
Analogies / Transfer; Crystals / Crystallography; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Inorganic Chemistry; Laboratory Instruction; Physical Chemistry; X-ray Crystallography
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
9/19/2007
9/27/2007
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Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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