UF’s Peng Jiang is working to develop a new type of low-cost, reusable sensor that will change color when exposed to a target chemical, providing immediate feedback without needing a power supply, sophisticated lab, or advanced technical training to use.

The sensors combine a new class of nanoscale shape memory polymers with structural colors triggered by light to produce color changes in response to specific chemicals. “Our research seeks to place chemical sensing capabilities directly into the hands of users through simple visual indicators. For example, we are developing sensors that can detect toxic plasticizers in consumer plastics and hazardous vapors in the environment,” says Jiang.

• Peng Jiang