The gluing of a Langmuir-Blodgett bilayer

Poly(4-styrenesulfonate) has been used to ionically cross-link (glue together) a single Langmuir-Blodgett bilayer derived from an amphiphilic calix6]arene bearing six hexadecyl and six methylene-trimethylammonium groups. The resulting film is of high quality and robustness, as judged by its He/N2 permeation selectivity and by its ability to withstand exposure to chloroform solvent. The creation of a stable organic membrane, having a thickness that is less than 6 nm and a He/N2 permeation selectivity of ca. 305, represents a milestone for LB technology.