Covalent layer-by-layer assemblies of polyelectrolytes and homobifunctional spacers.

The step-by-step buildup of organic films through physical or covalent bonds is usually performed by the alternating adsorption of two types of polymeric chains. Overcompensation of the interacting groups after each deposition step (e.g.

Polymer multilayer films obtained by electrochemically catalyzed click chemistry.

We report the covalent layer-by-layer construction of polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films by using an efficient electrochemically triggered Sharpless click reaction. The click reaction is catalyzed by Cu(I) which is generated in situ from Cu(II) (originating from the dissolution of CuSO(4)) at the electrode constituting the substrate of the film. The film buildup can be controlled by the application of a mild potential inducing the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) in the absence of any reducing agent or any ligand.

Tunable synthesis of Prussian Blue in exponentially growing polyelectrolyte multilayer films.

Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films have become very popular for surface functionalization and the design of functional architectures such as hollow polyelectrolyte capsules. It is known that properties such as permeability to small ionic solutes are strongly dependent on the buildup regime of the PEM films. This permeability can be modified by tuning the ionization degree of the polycations or polyanions, provided the film is made from weak polyelectrolytes.

Effect of the supporting electrolyte anion on the thickness of PSS/PAH multilayer films and on their permeability to an electroactive probe.

Quartz crystal microbalance and cyclic voltammetry are used to investigate the influence of the supporting salt of polyelectrolyte solutions on the buildup and the structure of PSS/PAH polyelectrolyte multilayers (PSS: poly(4-styrene sulfonate); PAH: poly(allylamine hydrochloride)). This film constitutes a model polyelectrolyte multilayer system. The supporting electrolytes were sodium salts where the nature of the anion was changed by following the Hofmeister series from cosmotropic to chaotropic anions (F-, Cl-, NO3-, ClO4-).