Fig. 1. Microfluidic infiltration of PCLC networks. (a) Fabrication of PCLC networks enclosed with microchannel: (i) photoalignment with SD1 coated on glass substrates, (ii) self-assembly of CLCs into helical structures, (iii) UV-induced polymerization, (iv) cholesteric scaffolds after the wash-out procedure, (v) fabrication of microfluidic device, (vi) cholesteric scaffolds after the refill procedure. (b) Solubility test of E7 and BA in glass vial. (c) Stratification of E7 and BA in the serpentine channel of the microfluidic device.

Fig. 2. Reflection spectra of the PCLC network during the “wash-out/refill”’ procedure. The inset shows the corresponding micrographs in reflection mode.

Fig. 3. Characterization of the dynamic coloration of PCLC networks by microfluidics. Reflection spectra of the PCLC network by injecting (a) E7 and (b) BA at a fixed flow velocity of 20 µL/min. The normalized wavelength of the reflection maximum recorded as a function of time at different fluid velocities by injecting (c) E7 and (d) BA and the corresponding Boltzmann fitting curves. The insets show the corresponding relationship between η_max and the flow velocity. Illustration of the microstructure of PCLC network when injecting (e) E7 and (f) BA.

Fig. 4. Characterization of the dynamic coloration of PCLC networks by the diffusion of VOCs. (a)–(d) Four-stage reflection spectra of the PCLC network by the volatilization of alcohol. The corresponding insets show: the dependence of cell thickness on diffusion time, the evolution of reflection spectra of the polymer-poor sample fabricated by UV irradiation for 2 s, the blue-shift of the minor reflection band contributed by the polymer-poor layer, and the blue-shift of the major reflection band contributed by the polymer-rich layer, respectively. (e) Illustration of the microstructure of the PCLC network by the diffusion of alcohol vapor.

Fig. 5. Reflection micrographs of the 100th anniversary logo of XMU fabricated by the PCLC network. (a) Uniform coloration achieved by microfluidics. (b) Gradient coloration induced by the diffusion of alcohol vapor at 35 min, 300 min, and 600 min.