Inverse opals with reactive surface chemistry as sensors for aqueous pollutants.

Inverse opal colorimetric sensors operating on wetting transitions usually rely on physical differences of the infiltrating liquid. Here, we exploit a reactive surface chemistry that changes wettability upon binding of an analyte. Upon binding of Fe to a Schiff base immobilized on the porous structure, the surface becomes more hydrophilic, triggering the infiltration of the structure and causing the structural color to disappear.

Efficient removal of nanoplastics from industrial wastewater through synergetic electrophoretic deposition and particle-stabilized foam formation.

Microplastic particles have been discovered in virtually all ecosystems worldwide, yet they may only represent the surface of a much larger issue. Nanoplastics, with dimensions well below 1 µm, pose an even greater environmental concern. Due to their size, they can infiltrate and disrupt individual cells within organisms, potentially exacerbating ecological impacts.