Fabrication and characterization of stable ultrathin film micropatterns containing DNA and photosensitive polymer diazoresin

Stable, ultrathin DNA micropatterns were fabricated from photosensitive polymer diazoresin (DR) through a self-assembly technique. The micropatterns were achieved on LBL ultrathin film after UV exposure through a photomask. The patterns were characterized systematically with scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. All of the results indicate that the combined LBL self-assembly and photolithography technique is a promising method for constructing stable, well-defined micropatterns with a nanoscale thickness.     

Synthesis and characterization of ultrathin multilayer films based on molybdenum polyoxometalate (Mo(54))

The crown-shaped molybdenum polyoxometalate cluster Na(26)[[Na(H(2)O)(2)](6)[(micro(3) -OH)(4) (Mo(20)(V)), (Mo(34)(VI)(O)(164) (micro-CH(3)COO(4)) x 120H(2)O(Mo(54)) was synthesized and first used as a bulk modifier to fabricate a three-dimensional modified WIGE electrode by the layer-by-layer method. The (Mo(54))/PAH)(n) multilayer films have been characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). UV-vis measurements reveal regular film growth with each Mo(54) adsorption. The electrochemical method was used to characterize the modified WIGE electrode, which is important for practical applications.     

Fabrication of polyelectrolyte multilayer films comprising nanoblended layers

Polyelectrolyte multilayer thin films were prepared via the alternate deposition of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and a blend of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS). When the pH of the blend solution was 3.5, the presence of PAA in this solution significantly increased the total film thickness. With only 10 wt % PAA in the blend adsorption solution, a large increase in film thickness was observed (92 nm cf. 18 nm). It was also demonstrated that the total amount of PSS adsorbed was enhanced by the presence of PAA in the blend solution, showing that the blend solution composition influenced that of the multilayer films. Thin films prepared with nanoblended layers also showed improved pH stability, because they exhibited reduced film rearrangement upon exposure to acidic conditions (pH = 2.5).     

Photoluminescent multilayer film based on polyoxometalate and tris(2,2-bipyridine)ruthenium

A photoluminescent multilayer film based on Keggin-type polyoxometalate PMo₁₂O₄₀³⁻ (PMo₁₂) and transition metal complex tris(2,2-bipyridine) ruthenium [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ (Ru(bpy)) was prepared by using layer-by-layer assembly(LBL). The formation of multilayer film was monitored by ultraviolet absorption spectra. The absorption intensity of characteristic peaks increase with a four-layer cycle, indicating that the LBL assembly film grow linearly and reproducibly from layer to layer. The composition of the film was measured by X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). The data of XPS confirmed the presence of the expected elements. The film exhibited photoluminescence arising from π^*−t_2g ligand-to-metal transition of Ru(bpy) and redox activity attributing to molybdenum-centered redox processes of PMo₁₂. The surface morphology of multilayer film was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The result shows that the film had a smooth surface with root-mean-square (rms) roughness ca. 1.363 nm for {PEI/(PSS/PEI/PMo₁₂/Ru(bpy))₃}. The grains are homogeneously dispersed in the substrate and have a rather narrow diameter size distribution.     

A novel biological active multilayer film based on polyoxometalate with pendant support-ligand

A novel nanosized biological active multilayer film composed of polyoxometalate (POM) anion α-[SiW₁₁O₃₉Co(H₂PO₄)]⁷⁻(abbr. SiW₁₁Co-PO₄) and poly(diallyldi methylammonium chloride) (abbr. PDDA) was fabricated by layer-by-layer self-assembly (LBL). The composition and growth processes of the films have been determined by X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra (UV). The composite film was formed by the alternate adsorption of SiW₁₁Co-PO₄ and PDDA, and the deposition process was quantitative and highly reproducible from layer to layer. The morphology of the film was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM), which showed that the film was relatively uniform and smooth, and POM anions aggregated into nanoclusters distributing on the surface uniformly. The film exhibited favorable electrochemical behavior of POM indicated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The film can immobilize the DNA molecules via Mg²⁺-bridging medium.     

Strengthened graphene oxide/diazoresin multilayer composites from layer-by-layer assembly and cross-linking

The layer-by-layer assembly of graphene oxide and diazoresin is carried out via the electrostatic and hydrogen bond interactions on planar substrates and colloidal templates. The successful planar and spherical growth of multilayer could be investigated by UV-vis spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Subsequent UV irradiation or heating would convert the ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds to covalent bands, which significantly improves the stability of the multilayer composite against solvent etching. For the cross-linked core-shell composites, the template cores could be removed by dissolution and hollow microspheres are obtained.     

Electrochromic multilayer films of tunable color by combination of copper or iron complex and monolacunary dawson-type polyoxometalate

Electrochromic multilayer films consisting of polyoxometalate (POM) cluster alpha-K(10)[P(2)W(17)O(61)].17H(2)O (P(2)W(17)), copper(II) complex [Cu(II)(phen)(2)](NO(3))(2) (phen = 1,10-phenithroline), and iron complex [Fe(II)(phen)(3)](ClO(4))(2) were fabricated on silicon, quartz and ITO substrates by layer-by-layer self-assembly method. The multilayer films, PSS/Cu(II)(phen)(2)/[(P(2)W(17)/Cu(II)(phen)(2))](n) and PSS/Fe(II)(phen)(3)/[(P(2)W(17)/Fe(II) (phen)(3))](n) were characterized by UV-vis spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectra, cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometric (CA) and in-situ spectral electrochemical measurements. The interesting feature of the electrochromic film is its adjustable color by reduction of both transition metal complex and polyoxometalate at different potentials. The multilayer films also exhibit high optical contrast, suitable response time and low operation potential due to the presence of mono-lacunary-substituted polyoxometalate and transition metal complex. This is the first example that the color of electrochromic film can be adjustable, which gives valuable information for exploring new electrochromic materials with tunable colors.     

Fabrication of micro-lens arrays built in photosensitive hybrid films by UV-cured imprinting technique

Photosensitive TiO₂-contained organic–inorganic hybrid films were prepared by combining a low-temperature sol–gel process with a spin-coating technique. Optical properties and photochemical activities of the as-prepared hybrid sol–gel films were characterized by prism coupling technique, thermal gravimetric analysis, UV–Visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Advantages for fabrication of micro-lens arrays based on the as-prepared photosensitive hybrid films were demonstrated by a direct-contact lithography technique and a reflow technique, followed by an UV-cured imprinting technique. Results indicate that the as-prepared photosensitive hybrid materials have great applicability for the fabrication of photonic components. Micro-sphere lens arrays and micro-ellipsoid lens arrays with the diameter from 20 to 100 μm and built in the as-prepared hybrid films were obtained. Morphological and surface profile properties of the as-fabricated micro-lens arrays were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and surface profiler, respectively. Results indicate that the fabrication process of the micro-lens arrays is a simple, cost-effective and mass production process, and the as-prepared photosensitive hybrid materials have great potential applications for the fabrication of the micro-optical elements.     

Electrochemical study of multilayer films built on glassy carbon electrode with polyoxometalate anions and two multi-charged molecular cationic species

Electrochemical results are reported on complex films built onto glassy carbon electrodes. Each film involves one polyoxometalate and one or two cations : methyl viologen and meso-tetra(4N-methylpyridyl porphyrin). In a given film, layers of polyoxometalate anions alternate with layers made of one of the two cations. Electrochemical studies indicate the effective building of films with polyoxometalate and both cations present. They also demonstrate that, in the film building process, the electrochemical response of every new layer is influenced by coulombic interactions and conducting properties with the immediately underlying layer.     

Photosensitive,self‐assembled ultrathin films based on diazoresin and phosphate‐containing polyanions

Photosensitive ultrathin films with phosphate‐containing polyanions and diazoresin (DR) as a polycation were fabricated with a self‐assembly technique. The phosphate‐containing polyanions were poly(sodium phosphate), phosphorylated poly(vinyl alcohol), and DNA. The fabrication process was monitored by the determination of the absorbance from DR. The surface morphology of the multilayer films was observed with atomic force microscopy. Under ultraviolet irradiation, the linkage between the layers of the films changed from being ionic to being covalent; as a result, the stability of the films toward polar solvents increased. This kind of film may have applications for biosensor devices. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 222–228, 2002     

Preparation and characterization of the nanoporous ultrathin multilayer films based on molybdenum polyoxometalate (Mo38)n

Ultrathin multilayer films of the wheel-shaped molybdenum polyoxometalate cluster (Mo₃₈)_n and poly(allylamine hydrochloride)(PAH) have been prepared by the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method. The ((Mo₃₈)_n/PAH)_m multilayer films have been characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). UV-VIS measurements reveal regular film growth with each (Mo₃₈)_n adsorption. The electrochemistry behavior of the film at room temperature was investigated.     

Fabrication and characterization of multilayer films from amphiphilic poly(p-phenylene)s

Over the past two decades, considerable efforts have been devoted to the development of conjugated polymeric materials for electronic applications due to the tunability of their properties through variation of their chemical structure. The LB technique is one of the most effective and precise methods for controlling the organization and thereby the properties of polymer films at the nanoscale for device fabrication. A detailed study was performed on the Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) monolayer and Langmuir-Blodgett-Kuhn (LBK) multilayer formation of newly designed conjugated poly(p-phenylene)s (C(n)PPPOH), incorporated with alkoxy groups with different chain lengths (C(6)H(13)O-, C(12)H(25)O-, and C(18)H(37)O-) and hydroxyl groups on the polymer backbone. The monolayer formed at the air-water interface was characterized using surface pressure-area isotherms, including hysteresis measurements. The films were then transferred to different hydrophilic solid substrates and analyzed using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and AFM measurements. The results showed that the polymer with a short alkoxy chain (C(6)PPPOH) forms uniform monolayers at the air-water interface and can be transferred as multilayer films compared to C(12)PPPOH and C(18)PPPOH. The observed film thicknesses measured by SPR and AFM studies were similar to the theoretical value obtained in the case of C(6)PPPOH, whereas this was not the case with the other two polymers. The present study shows that the polymer C(n)PPPOH with short alkoxy chain can be transferred onto different solid substrates for device fabrication with molecular level control.     

Amperometric uric acid sensors based on polyelectrolyte multilayer films

Uricase (UOx) and polyelectrolyte were used for preparation of a permselective multilayer film and enzyme multilayer films on a platinum (Pt) electrode, allowing the detection of uric acid amperometrically. The polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) film composed of poly(allylamine) (PAA) and poly(vinyl sulfate) (PVS) were prepared via layer-by-layer assembly on the electrode, functioning as H₂O₂-selective film. After deposition of the permselective film (PAA/PVS)₂PAA, UOx and PAA were deposited via layer-by-layer sequential deposition up to 10 UOx layers to prepare amperometric sensors for uric acid. Current response to uric acid was recorded at +0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl to detect H₂O₂ produced from the enzyme reaction. The response current increased with increasing the number of UOx layers. Even in the presence of ascorbic acid, uric acid can be detected over the concentration range 10⁻⁶-10⁻³ M. The response current and deposited amount of UOx were affected by deposition bath pH and the addition of salt. The deposition of PAA/UOx film prepared in 2 mg ml⁻¹ solution (pH 11) of PAA with NaCl (8 mg ml⁻¹) and 0.1 mg ml⁻¹ solution (pH 8.5) of UOx with borate (100 mM) resulted in an electrode which shows the largest response to uric acid. The response of the sensor to uric acid was decreased by 40% from the original activity after 30 days.     

Fabrication of free-standing multilayer films by using pH-responsive microgels as sacrificial layers

A facile way to prepare free-standing polyelectrolyte multilayer films of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate)(PSS)/poly(diallyldimethylammonium)(PDDA) was developed by applying a new pH-dependent sacrificial system based on cross-linked poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) microgels. The tertiary amine groups of PDMAEMA microgels can be protonated in acidic environment, and the protonated microgels were deposited by layer-by-layer (LbL) technique with PSS. PSS/PDDA multilayer films were constructed on the top of the PSS/microgels sacrificial layers. The LbL assembly process was investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy. Further study shows that the free-standing PSS/PDDA multilayer films can be obtained within 3 min by treating the as-prepared films in alkali aqueous solution with a pH of 12.0. The pH-triggered exfoliation of PSS/PDDA multilayer films provides a simple and facile way to prepare LbL assembled free-standing multilayer films.     

Fabrication of a covalently attached self-assembly multilayer film based on CdTe nanoparticles

A precursor film has been fabricated from TGA (thiolglycolic acid)-stabilized CdTe nanoparticles and NDR (nitro-containing diazoresin) using electrostatic interactions and the standard layer-by-layer assembly method; covalent bonds are formed under ultraviolet irradiation. XPS provided evidence for the presence of CdTe nanoparticles within the polymer ultrathin films. UV-visible spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy provide evidence for the formation of a covalent linkage. Moreover, the UV-visible spectroscopy and AFM measurement support the improvement of the stability of the hybrid organic/inorganic film toward polar solvents when the linkages between the nanoparticles and polymer changed from ionic bonds to covalent bonds.     

Photochromic inorganic-organic multilayer films based on polyoxometalates and poly(ethylenimine)

Novel photochromic inorganic-organic multilayers composed of polyoxometalates and poly(ethylenimine) have been prepared by the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method. The growth process, composition, surface topography, and photochromic properties of the multilayer films were investigated by UV-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, electrospin resonance (ESR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Irradiated with ultraviolet light, the transparent films changed from colorless to blue. Moreover, the blue films showed good reversibility of photochromism and could recover the colorless state gradually in air, where oxygen plays an important role in the bleaching process. On account of the ESR and XPS results, parts of W6+ in multilayers were reduced to W5+, which exhibited a characteristic blue; a possible photochromic mechanism can be speculated. This work provides basic guideline for the assembly of multilayers with photochromic properties.     

Multilayer films of cationic surfactants incorporating polyoxometalate on electrodes

A new kind of multilayer of didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) and 1:12 phosphomolybdic anions (PMo₁₂) was achieved on the surface of a wax-impregnated graphite (WIG) electrode by ion exchange and electrostatic interaction. The characterization and electrochemical behavior of the multilayer films of DDAB/PMo₁₂ is described in detail. The chemically modified electrode was shown to exhibit an excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of BrO₃ ^– anion in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ and possesses several attractive features, such as simple preparation, fast response, good stability, etc. Electronic Publication     

Fabrication and photoluminescence of hybrid organized molecular films of a series of gemini amphiphiles and europium(III)-containing polyoxometalate

Organic/inorganic hybrid monolayers, consisting of an oval decatungstoeuropate (EuW10) with photoluminescence and a series of gemini-type amphiphiles with various lengths of the flexible hydrophobic spacers, were formed through electrostatic interaction at the air/water interface. The ultrathin hybrid multilayer films could be fabricated through the horizontal transfer of the monolayers onto the solid substrates. The characteristic absorption band of EuW10 in the UV spectra of the hybrid films showed a slight red shift in comparison with that in solution, indicating the ordered arrangement of EuW10 in the hybrid films. FT-IR spectra of the hybrid films presented characteristic bands of EuW10, indicating that the structure of the cluster was kept in the films. X-ray diffraction measurements of the films revealed that the well-defined layer structures were formed in these multilayer films and the EuW10 cluster ions were orientated with their short axis parallel to the film surface. Typical photoluminescence of the 5D0 --> 7F2 and 5D0 --> 7F1 transitions of EuW10 was observed in the hybrid films. Interestingly, the relative intensity of the two emission bands varied with the spacer length of the gemini amphiphiles in the films. A size matching between EuW10 and the gemini amphiphile with a hexamethylene spacer was observed, which showed the lowest ratio of the emission intensity of 5D0 --> 7F2 to that of 5D0 --> 7F1. Circular nanoparticles were observed in the AFM images for all these hybrid films. In addition, the size of the formed nanoparticles showed a dependence on the spacer length.     

Loading and release of small hydrophobic molecules in multilayer films based on amphiphilic polysaccharides

We report on the loading and release behaviors of polyelectrolyte multilayers based on hydrophobically modified carboxymethylpullulan (CMP) derivatives and poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) toward hydrophobic dye. The dye-loaded films are obtained according to two different protocols: (i) the postdiffusion approach, which involves the diffusion of the dye within preassembled self-assemblies, and (ii) the precomplexation method, which requires the formation of a water-soluble amphiphilic CMP derivative-dye complex before the multilayer buildup. In both cases, we provide clear evidence for the entrapment of the dye in hydrophobic nanoreservoirs resulting from the aggregation of decyl pendent groups grafted on CMP chains. We show that the loading capacity of the multilayers, as well as their release behavior, can be tuned by varying the grafting degree of CMP chains. Moreover, we demonstrate the possibility to trigger the subsequent release of the loaded dye molecules by varying the composition of the surrounding solution.     

Electrochemistry of ITO electrode modified by multilayer ultrathin films based on crown-shaped polyoxomolybdate

The electrochemical multilayer films of crown-shaped polyoxomolybdate Na21{[Na5(H2O)14] intersection[Mo(V)(20)Mo(VI)(26)O134(OH)10(mu-CH3COO)4]}.CH3COONa.90H2O (Mo46) and polyelectrolytes by layer-by-layer assembly were investigated. The stable multilayer films were assembled by alternate adsorption of negatively charged POM and positively charged polyelectrolytes is from their aqueous dispersions. UV-vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were used to monitor the regular growth of the multilayer films. The multilayer films-modified ITO electrode was used for the detection of electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of nitrite, bromate, and hydrogen peroxide. The proposed novel immobilized method exhibited good stability, reproducibility and high sensitivity for the determination of electrocatalytic, which is important for practical application.