Monodisperse poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-silica microspheres: Synthesis and assembly into crystalline colloidal arrays

Monodisperse poly(3 4-ethvlenedioxythiophene)-silica microparticles (PEDOT-silica) are prepared (see figure). The composite materials are ordered by the vertical deposition technique, yielding well-formed opal films of 15 mu m thickness. The silica hosts can be selectively removed by etching with HF, leaving behind an intact PEDOT microparticle.