Solution-processed structural colors and their applications

High-quality and brilliant structural colors have been successfully produced using vacuum-based deposition and patterning technology in recent decades. Nevertheless, the major obstacles of high production costs and limited scalability impede the commercialization of these vibrant color products. Solution-processed structural colors, on the other hand, are renowned for their cost-effectiveness, scalability, and versatility. In this review, we provide an overview of prevalent solution-based techniques for structural color synthesis, along with their potential applications. Emphasizing the versatility of solution-processed structural colors, we discuss their capabilities in both color tuning and new ways of modifying refractive indices of dielectrics.