Stable sensor layers self-assembled onto surfaces using azobenzene-containing polyelectrolytes

Polyelectrolytes functionalized with photoisomerizable azobenzene chromophores were multi-layered onto inorganic and metal surfaces, by the repeated adsorption from dilute aqueous solution, alternating between oppositely charged polymers. These layer-by-layer ionically self-assembled thin films were investigated for their suitability as sensor host materials with respect to the criteria of control over physical layer properties, versatility to different substrates and adsorption geometries, and stability of the formed layers to heat, solvent, and sonication. Layer thickness was found to be controllable between 5 A and 500 nm by varying the total number of layers deposited, from a single monolayer to 1000 layers. Control over individual layer thickness was achieved by varying the pH of the adsorption solutions. This multi-layer self-assembly was demonstrated to be suitable for a wide range of metal and inorganic substrates, and achievable with surfaces of high curvature (r = 50 nm), and confined geometry. The deposited layers exhibited good stability to desorption in a range of organic solvents, aqueous temperatures to 100 degrees C, and cleaning protocols such as sonication. The laser-induced geometric isomerization of the azobenzene chromophores was shown to be strongly dependent on aqueous solution properties, demonstrating an application as a hydroxide ion sensor in highly alkaline media.