Herein we present a series of self-standing, flexible, and biocompatible optical interference filters obtained through infiltration and polymerization of an elastomer (polydimethylsiloxane) in a porous Bragg mirror prepared by alternating deposition of layers of TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles. The method proposed yields the uniform filling of the nanopores of the multilayer by the polymer, which allows lifting off the hybrid structure as long as the ensemble is cooled to temperatures below the glass transition of the polymer. This multifunctional material combines the optical properties of the periodic nanoporous multilayer and the structural and physicochemical characteristics of polydimethylsiloxane. Experimental demonstrations of their potential use as flexible and adhesive UV-protecting filters, as well as of light, highlyefficient conformal back reflectors to enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic devices are provided. © 2010 American Chemical Society.

We thank the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation for funding provided under Grants MAT2008-02166 and CONSOLIDER HOPE CSD2007-00007, as well as Junta de Andalucía for Grants FQM3579 and FQM 5247. M.E.C. thanks the Spanish Research Council for funding of his contract under the JAE program and Junta de Andalucia. The methods and materials herein presented are protected under Patent ES P200900275.

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