High color stability and reversible thermochromism of polydiacetylene/zinc oxide nanocomposite in various organic solvents and polymer matrices

Tuning chromatic response, sensitivity, and specificity of polydiacetylene-based sensors

In this review, we provide an overview of six major techniques to tune the sensitivity and specificity of polydiacetylene-based sensors.

Flexible electrochromic materials based on CNT/PDA hybrids

Materials that change color in response to external stimuli can cater to diverse applications from sensing to art. If made flexible, stretchable and weavable, they may even be directly integrated with advanced technologies such as smart textiles. A new class of engineered composite based on polydiacetylene (PDA) functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNT) shows tremendous potential in this regard. While the inherent multi stimuli chromatic response of the polymer (blue to red) is retained, the underlying conducting CNTs invoke electrochromism in PDA. Further, the fiber form factor of dry-spun CNT yarns facilitate direct weaving of large scale electrochromic fabrics, where current flow and thus color change can be accurately controlled. This review summarizes the fundamental aspects of CNT yarns and PDAs, focusing especially on their interaction chemistry which results in the scientifically and commercially appealing electrochromic transition in these hybrids.

Colorimetric detection of influenza A (H1N1) virus by a peptide-functionalized polydiacetylene (PEP-PDA) nanosensor

​We developed a peptide-functionalized polydiacetylene nanosensor for pH1N1 virus detection with the naked eye.