Hydrogen activity tuning of Pt-doped WO3 photonic crystal

A photonic crystal responsive to H2 has been fabricated by replicating polystyrene colloidal crystal template with WO3 sol–gel, followed with subsequent Pt sputter-deposition. Under H2 stimulation, the reflection peak of the photonic crystal rapidly shifted to short wavelength and its intensity declined accordingly. The reflection peak returned to its original location after exposure to oxygen atmosphere. The Pt-WO3 photonic crystal also exhibited excellent, tunable optical performance with high sensitivity to hydrogen in the range of 100% to 0.1%.

► We construct a H2 responded platinum-doped tungsten trioxide photonic crystal. ► Under H2 stimulation, the photonic crystal displays rapid reflection peak changes. ► The reflection peak can be rapidly recovered after exposure to oxygen atmosphere. ► The photonic crystal exhibited high sensitivity and good repeatability.