Multilayer Thin Films

VOLUME 1

LAYER-BY-LAYER ASSEMBLY (PUTTING MOLECULES TO WORK)
The Whole is More than the Sum of its Parts
From Self-Assembly to Directed Assembly
History and Development of the Layer-by-Layer Assembly Method
LbL-Assembly is the Synthesis of Fuzzy Supramolecular Objects
Reproducibility and Choice of Deposition Conditions
Monitoring Multilayer Build-up
Spray- and Spin-Assisted Multilayer Assembly
Recent Developments
Final Remarks

PART I: Preparation and Characterization

LAYER-BY-LAYER PROCESSED MULTILAYERS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Introduction
Fundamental Challenges and Opportunities
The Path Forward

LAYER-BY-LAYER ASSEMBLY: FROM CONVENTIONAL TO UNCONVENTIONAL METHODS
Introduction
Conventional LbL Methods
Unconventional LbL Methods
Summary and Outlook

NOVEL MULTILAYER THIN FILMS: HIERARCHIC LAYER-BY-LAYER (HI-LBL) ASSEMBLIES
Introduction
Hi-LbL for Multi-Cellular Models
Hi-LbL for Unusual Drug Delivery Modes
Hi-LbL for Sensors
Future Perspectives

LAYER-BY-LAYER ASSEMBLY USING HOST-GUEST INTERACTIONS
Introduction
Supramolecular Layer-by-Layer Assembly
3D Patterned Multilayer Assemblies on Surfaces
3D Supramolecular Nanoparticle Crystal Structures
Porous 3D Supramolecular Assemblies in Solution
Conclusions

LBL ASSEMBLIES USING VAN DER WAALS OR AFFINITY INTERACTIONS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
Introduction
Stereospecific Template Polymerization of Methacrylates by Stereocomplex Formation in Nanoporous LbL Films
Preparation and Properties of Hollow Capsules Composed of Layer-by-Layer Polymer Films Constructed through van der Waals Interactions
Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Cellular Multilayers Using Layer-by-Layer Protein Nanofilms Constructed through Affinity Interaction
Conclusion

LAYER-BY-LAYER ASSEMBLY OF POLYMERIC COMPLEXES
Introduction
Concept of LbL Assembly of Polymeric Complexes
Structural Tailoring of LbL-Assembled Films of Polymeric Complexes
LbL-Assembled Functional Films of Polymeric Complexes
Summary

MAKING AQUEOUS NANOCOLLOIDS FROM LOW SOLUBILITY MATERIALS: LBL SHELLS ON NANOCORES
Introduction
Formation of Nanocores
Ultrasonication-Assisted LbL Assembly
Solvent-Assisted Precipitation Into Preformed LbL-Coated Soft Organic Nanoparticles
Washless (Titration) LbL Technique
Formation of LbL Shells on Nanocores
Drug Release Study
Conclusions

CELLULOSE FIBERS AND FIBRILS AS TEMPLATES FOR THE LAYER-BY-LAYER (LBL) TECHNOLOGY
Background
Formation of LbLs on Cellulose Fibers
The use of LbL to Improve Adhesion between Wood Fibers
The Use of LbL to Prepare Antibacterial Fibers
The use of NFC/CNC to Prepare Interactive Layers Using the LbL Approach
Conclusions

FREELY STANDING LBL FILMS
Introduction
Fabrication of Freely Standing Ultrathin LbL Films
Porous and Patterned Freely Standing LbL Films
Freely Standing LbL Films with Weak Interactions

NEUTRON REFLECTOMETRY AT POLYELECTROLYTE MULTILAYERS
Introduction
Neutron Reflectometry
Preparation Techniques for Polyelectrolyte Multilayers
Types of Polyelectrolytes
Preparation Parameters
Influence of External Fields After PEM Assembly
PEM as a Structural Unit
Conclusion and Outlook

POLYELECTROLYTE CONFORMATION IN AND STRUCTURE OF POLYELECTROLYTE MULTILAYERS
Introduction
Results
Conclusion and Outlook

CHARGE BALANCE AND TRANSPORT IN ION-PAIRED POLYELECTROLYTE MULTILAYERS
Introduction
Association Mechanism: Competitive Ion Pairing
Surface versus Bulk Polymer Charge
Polyelectrolyte Interdiffusion
Ion Transport Through Multilayers: the "Reluctant" Exchange Mechanism
Concluding Remarks

CONDUCTIVITY SPECTRA OF POLYELECTROLYTE MULTILAYERS REVEALING ION TRANSPORT PROCESSES
Introduction to Conductivity Studies of LbL Films
PEM Spectra: Overview
DC Conductivities of PEMs
Modeling of PEM Spectra
Ion Conduction in Polyelectrolyte Complexes
Scaling Principles in Conductivity Spectra: From Time - Temperature to Time - Humidity Superposition

RESPONSIVE LAYER-BY-LAYER ASSEMBLIES: DYNAMICS, STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Introduction
Chain Dynamics and Film Layering
Responsive Swellable LbL Fil